Every year it seems that Garmin tosses out some great products and it looks like 2008 is no exception as we have compiled a list of some of their noteworthy issues and some background information about them to help you better decide if you should purchase any of them. I will admit it is an impressive lineup, but that is one keeps this giant of the GPS industry at the top all the time. Read further to discover their newest gems.

Garmin has announced three new product lines and four new models as part of the 2008 model lineup. Let us take a look what they have waiting for consumers to add to their collection. Topping the new 800 series is the Garmin Nuvi 880, which comes with advanced voice recognition. This advanced voice recognition can be attached to the steering wheel and is wireless where you will be able to input commands to the unit without ever touching the unit. We find this very interesting and if it works as well as it, sounds this could be very big. Just like others in the 800 series, this model also can be equipped with the MSN receiver to provide traffic info, fuel prices, weather and much more at your fingertips.

Screens get wider with Garmin Nuvi 5000. Most companies have from 3.5 inch to 4.3-inch screens but the Nuvi 5000 will have a 5.2-inch diagonal measuring screen that will let you seem more. This unit will also let you display a video signal from an analog source such as a back-up camera right on the screen as well. This one should be available now and is on the high-end price wise, but looks like it could be another winner from the Garmin line. I for one love a bigger screen and when this hits the market, I am sure many others will to. It will not be long for others step up to the plate and add bigger screen models to their lineups as well I will bet.

The company has introduced four new handheld models for those who love the outdoors. It seems more and more companies are making products for the outdoors and Garmin is no different with their new Colorado series. The big advantage of this series is the have a control that will let you operate it with just one thumb, which is something I like. All in the series have high-sensitivity GPS receivers, shaded relief and satellite imagery mapping and a 3-inch high-resolution screen to boot. It also will allow wireless exchanges between units, which is a very important especially if you’re exploring and your group is separated. These all have different uses and in the series is a 400t model for hikers, 400i for anglers, and a 400c for coastal use as well. These all have various retail prices, but this series looks very promising for the outdoor use.

The Forerunner series of GPS watches have been very successful for Garmin, but the Forerunner 405 will break new ground. The biggest drawback to the 405′s predecessors were how bulky and not very pleasing to the eyes. That has all been taken care of with this new series and you will be able to ear this one all day long without any worries. It is billed as a sports watch that you can wear all day that has some great options. It can track your speed, distance, heart rate and location as well. It still has the virtual partner function on it as well as a wireless data transfer to your personal computer. This new design should take this GPS watch to the next level.

The one thing that you can say about Garmin GPS products is they never stand still. They always seem working on making their products better by listening to what the customer has to say and looking at the competition and see, what they are offering as well. You do not get to be the biggest GPS technology company around by sitting on your hands and this new lineup is an indication of that. They added some new things and added some things to existing lines, which should make many people happy. All in the entire new lineup for 2008 looks very good and should be with us for a while. I cannot wait until 2009 gets here to see what Garmin GPS has in store for the consumer. It should be different and innovating as most of their releases is.