RemoteThere have been some pretty legitimate questions regarding Garmin's decision to use touchscreen on the 5000 series and how it will hold up on the water. No doubt the screen could get pretty gross, but moreover, I question the useability in choppy seas.

The interface itself is great and, Garmin being Garmin, I have no doubt they will continue to improve it. So I was playing with ours on our bench today and came across a configuration screen for "Wireless" connectivity.

I was hoping it was a Bluetooth interface like on their NUVI personal assistants, because having the ability to call and answer your cell phone through the 5212 would be pretty cool. But it's actually for a wireless remote control to be used in lieu of the touch screen interface.

This solution answers the critics pretty well. I've used a similar wireless remote with Nobeltec software quite a bit and it works great. Garmin also has an RF mouse that you can use for the same purpose. Both run about $70.00.

I'm telling you, just keep talking about what you want from Garmin and they will continue to come up with a solution. They are that commited.

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Jeff McLaren is the National Sales Manager for Seawide Marine Distribution, a wholesaler distributor based in Southern California that works with all major electronics manufacturers. He has produced a series of instructional DVDs on how to use Raymarine navigation gear.