August 12, 1999

Garmin® Puts an Electronic Map Right at Your Fingertips

Garmin eMap® combines mapping detail and user-friendly operations in a palm-size package

OLATHE, Kan. – Garmin International, the world's leading manufacturer of GPS, is giving you yet another reason to put away your paper map for good. New from Garmin is the eMap -- a handheld electronic map/GPS with an extra-large display for showing even more map data. Designed with everyone in mind, this unit will take you from the car, to the hiking trail, to the beach without missing a beat.

The size of a small flat calculator, the eMap is a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver that weighs a mere six ounces. But don't let its small size fool you, the eMap boasts the same power you've come to expect from Garmin handhelds, even while operating on fewer batteries. Remarkably, the eMap will run for up to 14 hours on just two AA batteries.

"Imagine having the technology to know where you are at all times, in a package that will easily fit into a briefcase, purse, even a shirt pocket," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "You turn on the unit and with little effort you can identify where you are on the map and where you are headed. Whether you are a weekend warrior, a soccer mom, a frequent business traveler or an avid outdoorsman, the eMap is for you."

The eMap features an internal basemap containing information on North and South America including state and country boundaries, lakes, rivers, streams, airports, cities, towns, coastlines, U.S., state and interstate highways. In addition, the eMap provides exit information for the federal interstate highway system. With the eMap, you will know when you are near services such as food, lodging, and service stations.

The eMap takes mapping detail one step further with a feature that allows you to download additional cartography. The eMap is compatible with Garmin's complete line of MapSource® CD-ROMs including U.S. Roads and Recreation, WorldMap, U.S. Topo and MetroGuide® U.S. When paired with the MetroGuide U.S. CD-ROM, the eMap has the ability to look up address and telephone number information for nearby services and points-of-interest. The eMap will store eight or 16 megabytes of downloaded CD-ROM information at a time depending on the size of the cartridge you use in the unit. In order to take advantage of the CD-ROM feature, eMap owners must purchase a PC interface cable and either an eight or 16-megabyte cartridge.

Specific eMap features include:

• Built-in basemap for North and South America including towns, cities, lakes, rivers, streams, airports, coastlines, U.S., state, and interstate highways
• Ability to download detailed map data from optional MapSource CD-ROMs including U.S. Roads and Recreation, WorldMap, U.S. Topo, and MetroGuide U.S.
• Up to 14 hours of power on just two AA batteries
• 12 parallel channel GPS receiver
• Large 1.65" W x 2.2" H four level gray scale display, with 120x160 pixels
• Stores 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol
• Water resistant to IPX2 standards
• TracBack® feature quickly navigates your way home

The eMap will be sold standard with a lanyard, owner's manual and quick reference guide. In addition, an eMap Deluxe package will include an eight megabyte data card and a PC interface cable. The eMap will be available in December 1999 at a suggested retail price of $242.84.