There’s been a huge debate running for a while now in regards to stand alone sat-nav devices, as more and more consumers are opting to use map apps on their smartphones. However, this will still not deter the big GPS makers from bringing out new models, and the latest 2013 Garmin nüvi GPS line-up is proof that there is no slowdown. Garmin don’t seem to be put off, and if you don’t believe us then maybe the 16 new models will help persuade you?

The 16 new Garmin nüvi GPS devices are spread over three series’s, the Essential, Advanced and Prestige. The ESSENTIAL Series consist of the 42 and 52 with 8 models in the range and has the most basic of features. However, they still offer more than enough to get you where you need to go, such as a bright display, driver-friendly features, points of interest and two display sizes, 4.3 inches and 5 inches.

The ADVANCED series has three versions, the 2497, 2597 and the 2797, with a total of 7 models in the range. There are three size variants, 4.3 inches, 5 inches and the larger 7 inches, which certainly comes in handy. The Advanced Series from the Garmin nüvi range does offer intuitive guidance, traffic alerts, voice recognition, and also directions spoken to you with a more life-like voice system.

Finally there’s the top of the range PRESTIGE series, which consist of just one model, the 3597. This version comes in the one size, 5 inches, but is packed with some of the best GPS technology. There’s not only voice activated navigation, but also all of the features from above and also lifetime maps for North America, HD Digital traffic, and the ability to link the nüvi 3597LMTHD to your smartphone.

For more details about each model and 2013 Garmin nüvi GPS line-up pricing then please visit their official website.

We know that the majority of smartphones offer GPS and turn-by-turn navigation, but the signals sometimes leave a little to be desired and the screen sizes are too small when compared to a dedicated GPS receiver. This is certainly not the case with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, especially considering it delivers a 5-5 inch display that is bigger than some dedicated GPS devices, but with that said the majority of mobile phones feature a screen too small and some people just want a separate gadget.

Meet the Garmin nuvi 50LM 5-inch GPS receiver – one option you might want to consider this holiday shopping season is the Garmin nuvi 50LM GPS, which features a 5-inch LCD display, speed limit indicator, can act as a mass storage USB device, also supports expansion cards thanks to the microSD card slot. The touchscreen might not be be as clear as you’ll find on some smartphones, especially the Retina iPhone 5, but the 5-inch screen is much easier to see when driving when compared to smaller smartphones like the iPhone.

We’ve heard from an insider that the Garmin nuvi 50LM 5-inch GPS receiver could be one of the products to feature at Walmart this Black Friday, so if you have been saving your money up for the discounts expected next week and want a dedicated GPS device, then the Garmin nuvi 50LM could be for you. Currently you’ll find around a 3rd off on Amazon and other retail stores, but expect something more special in the day after thanksgiving sales.

Are you happy with GPS turn-by-turn on your smartphone, or do you prefer a dedicated GPS device? This is an ideal gift as well for Christmas, so take a look at the first video below to understand a little more about the Garmin Nuvi 50LM specs, or if you own this GPS system and want to know how to replace the battery then see the second video. You should expect to pay no more than $120 at the time of writing for this dedicated GPS, but we hear you could see the device up for under $100 during Black Friday 2012.

From phrases such as “Right you should turn, then sharp left…control, control, if a Jedi, you wish to be,” Yoda will use the force to show you the way to go on your journeys throughout the galaxy far far and away. Yoda will also sometimes pair dialogue with that of Obi-Wan Kenobi from the classic Star Wars films too.

LucasFilms and Locutio Voice Technologies announced the addition today, which also includes a voice set from Darth Vader. Both will cost $12.95 and this will entitle you to purely randomised voiced phrases from both characters depending on which one you decide to purchase, meaning that not every-one journey will be the same.

Obviously, you can choose if you wish to be guided by the good or dark side of the force, although we recommend keeping your hands on the wheel whilst driving as the Garmin GPS voice packs do not come with hands-free driving skills too.

So how do you get the opportunity to be guided by the force? Well, you can get the Yoda or Darth Vader Garmiin GPS voice packs from Spot It Out’s GPS App Shop via Garmin.com, and in Best Buy stores across the US in the form of pre-paid gift cards says George Filley, Founder and General Partner at Spot It Out.

If you think that the voices are all you get, you can also relive parts of the magic of Star Wars with included TIE fighter and lightsaber sound effects, aswell as the unforgettable Imperial March music that is iconic in every Star Wars epic.

If you are interested in the Star Wars Garmin GPS collection, you can check out a sample of Yoda’s GPS navigation techniques via the YouTube video below. Also remember to check the official Garmin website or SpotItOut website for more information.

As noted over on the businessiwre.com website, the eTrek handheld GPS device has been given an improved interface, enhanced ergonomics and paperless geocaching. Some models even have a 65k color screen and expanded mapping capabilities.

The eTrek GPS devices store and display key information, including difficulty, terrain and location. If you are looking for a basic GPS device, then the Garmin eTrek 10 may be the model for you. The eTrek 10 comes with a worldwide basemap and a sunlight-readable monochrome display.

Meanwhile, the eTrek 20 and 30 models enable users to view a wide range of detailed topographic, road and marine maps, thanks to their 2.2-inch 65k color, sunlight-readable screens. The eTrek 30 also includes a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and a barometric altimeter.

The redesigned and upgraded eTrek devices are expected to become available sometime in the third quarter of 2011. The eTrek 10 will cost you $119.99, while the eTrek 20 and 30 models will set you back $199.99 and $299.99 respectively. You can read more via the businesswire.com website.

Would you buy any of the Garmin eTrek handheld GPS devices?

This unique feature is a camcorder, so the nuvi not only tells you where to go but also shoots videos of where you go as you’re driving. It’s a 5” display and the camera is a GDR-10 capable of recording 720p HD, which can also be saved to microSD.

As with other Sat Nav systems the device attaches to the windscreen alongside its camera which has a central view of the journey. The video shot is streamed to the actual PND whilst being recorded as well.

Unfortunately the device is only available in Taiwan as of yet, with plans of other Asian countries getting a taste such as South Korea and Japan. Success in these countries could mean a release for Europe and US. If you would like to know more about the device check out Garmin.com.

Would this device be of use to you?

The Garmin priced at $99 at Walmart comes with a host of features including Wi-Fi connectivity. You can navigate anywhere in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico with six million points of interest. With the devices dual-orientation screen you can view in portrait or landscape.

Users can click and view directions from their email contacts, address book and local search results with one touch. Emails can be checked and sent, and the HTML browser gives users a desktop web experience. There is even a 3.0 megapixel camera and MPS playback available with the GPS, and the unit is powered by a removable lithium-ion battery.

Its display shows real-time data regarding your heart rate, distance and pace. When you are at home after the workout, you have the option for it to synch and automatically upload data to Garmin Connect via a USB dongle and ANT+.

Furthermore, the 410 is said to be around $325 while the 210 at $300 offering a less complex display. Both the new Forerunner models are suited for all types of users, and feature the latest Hotfix technology from Garmin.

With the 210 you also get information on time, distance and pace in real-time. The battery life for both devices lasts for about 3-weeks in power-saving mode, and when needed you can charge it via USB and upload your data to Garmin Connect at the same time. If you own a fitness watch, which one will you buy next?

U.S. road trips used to be a huge deal a few years back, as it would often takes weeks if not months of planning – but technology has made things much easier. Not only can you rely on GPS instead of paper maps to get you where you need to go, you can also research your stop-offs and book your rooms in advance on the Internet.

There are those who refuse to use such technology and do things the old fashioned way – but those people are certainly a dying breed. I used to always use maps to plan my route or use an online route planner, it was only a couple of years ago that I decided to start using a GPS.

OK I know what you are thinking, but I just liked the idea of making most of the decisions myself. However, now I wonder what I ever did without my sat-nav, it has certainly helped me out on a number of occasions.

Are the best US road trips made with or without GPS?

Garmin knows that keeping a GPS signal is very important, so has incorporated HotFix technology into the design. The release date will be some time in October and will cost from $449 – $649, the price difference is due to a choice of different bundles.

The new Garmin Edge 800 comes with a host of cool support features such as: cadence sensors, heart rate monitors and a range of other ANT+ devices. Donald Melanson from Engadget tells us that early reviews are good for the new GPS device, but the true test comes once it comes to market.

Garmin looks as though they will back the Touchscreen Edge 800 heavily, you will know just what I mean once you read their preview of the device. Visit the Garmin website now for extensive details.

The recall involves 1.25 million units, 800,000 of which were sold in the U.S. The battery – made by a third-party can overheat and cause a fire hazard, this only happens when mated to a certain circuit board.

We also gave you details yesterday of the model numbers affected, but the best place for you to check is on the Garmin website itself. Just look on the rear of the case at the bottom of the Nuvi device for the serial number and use their checker to see if your GPS is part of the recall.

Although this is a huge blow for Garmin they will not have to foot the entire bill, as the unnamed battery maker is to share the costs of the recall. Yahoo News informs us that owners will not get a new Nuvi GPS; instead they will have certain parts replaced and then returned to them.