Filed under: GPS

While not packing nearly the pizazz offered in the AURA, Motorola’s two freshest navigators don’t look half bad. Up first is the dead-simple MOTONAV TN20, which provides spoken street names and turn-by-turn directions, NAVTEQ 2D / 3D maps of the continental US and a 3.5-inch touch panel. The slightly more sophisticated MOTONAV TN30 picks up where the TN20 left off and adds in maps of Puerto Rico and Canada, four million searchable points of interest, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth handsfree support. Both systems include a SD slot for updating maps, a mini USB port for charging, speed limit display with warnings and the obligatory on-screen speed, distance, arrival time, elevation, and distance traveled tidbits. If you’re into either, you’ll have to scoot over to the RadioShack most convenient to you and plop down $199.99 / $299.99, respectively.

Motorola introduces MOTONAV TN20 / TN30 GPS devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Handhelds

When it was introduced two years ago, the premise of the Hybrid Dual Portable Computer was simple: mobile OS up front, Windows XP below, and ugly all over. The most recent refresh was a big visual improvement, but MIU apparently isn’t done, teasing another new version that looks far sleeker and packs an Intel Atom processor inside, though exactly which hasn’t been revealed. Beyond that, this pocket-wunderkind offers the same bevy of features as before, obviating the need for a separate nav system, PMP, e-book reader, netbook, and even in-car rear-view camera monitor. It’ll make phone calls too, and with GSM, GPRS, and CDMA connectivity, you’re pretty well guaranteed to be able to check your mail anywhere. No information on price or availability just yet, but hopefully the former stays close to the current version’s $500 and the latter extends to somewhere in North America.

[Via Pocketables]

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Filed under: GPS

As with Jeep’s lackluster RT-300, Panasonic’s portable Strada CN-GP50U GPS is probably better left on the shelf. We know, it’ll be awfully tough to resist that magnificent 5-inch panel and the sleek black frame, but according to PC Mag, this thing is just so-so on its best day. For starters, the price premium over rivaling 4.3-inch units was tough for critics to justify, and coupled with a small POI database, sluggish performance and awkward destination / POI input, hope for success was pretty much extinguished. As if that weren’t enough to frighten you off, reviewers also noted that data fields in the map view were “small and difficult to read,” which probably should not ever be the case on — you know — a navigation system. We appreciate the effort, Panny, but we’d suggest nailing the basics next time before turning to pizazz.

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Filed under: GPS, Wireless

Just under a year ago, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced his hopes that one day he could pinpoint the location of his black Labrador, Koni, at any time of the day. Today, a dream has been realized. Mr. Putin has finally procured a satellite collar that will enable him to track the lab regardless of which of the eleven times zones she may be in while waltzing through Russia. Once the collar was slipped on, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov immediately said “she looks sad, her free life is over.” Putin didn’t miss a beat when snapping back: “In Soviet Russia, GLONASS track you!”

[Image courtesy of Picasa, thanks MJ]

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Filed under: GPS

It’s been a solid tick since we’ve seen a new Maestro, but the latest and greatest from Magellan is here to help navigate you into the nearest body of water, bridge or narrow lane. The unit offers up a 4.3-inch WVGA display, Bluetooth (and thus, handsfree calling), a built-in AAA TourBook, QuickSpell, rechargeable battery, integrated MP3 player, live traffic support and an FM transmitter. We don’t really see anything super special here, but Magellan is mighty proud of this thing — or, at least that’s the impression we get from the $599.99 MSRP.

[Via GPSTracklog]

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Filed under: GPS

Hmm, maybe Jeep should stick to scaling mountains and whatnot. To be totally frank, we had all but forgotten that a Jeep-branded navigator was even in the works, let alone closing in on release — of course, maybe that’s because we last heard of this thing in December of 2007. At any rate, the ruggedized RT-300 has finally found its way to the review bench, and unfortunately for those holding out for this critter, it didn’t fare too well. At all. For starters, $249.99 is a lot of scratch for a lowly 320 x 240 resolution screen, and the fact that it’s not even waterproof didn’t help matters either. Worst of all, testers had issues with route calculation (read: its main function), with a certain Cincy-to-Jersey query causing a total freeze three times in a row (and even on a second unit). Bottom line? Steer clear of this one, hard though that may be for the Jeep faithful.

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Filed under: GPS

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Filed under: GPS

Details are understandably scarce at the moment, but Navigon is apparently taking its 1+ year old 5100 navigation unit to the max. The predictably titled 5100 max has reportedly just seen its way into the FCC’s lair, and we’re told that it’ll feature a 4.3-inch display, Bluetooth, text-to-speech and lifetime traffic / Zagat ratings. As for price and availability? We’ll have to wait for the official word from Navigon on those bits. In the meanwhile… Rockford or Chicago?

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Filed under: GPS, Laptops

Word is that Dell’s Mini 9 is a modder’s paradise, rife with precious little alcoves in which to squeeze teeny-tiny new stuff. The confirmation: MyDellMini forum user Tom Beauchamp bought a USB GPS receiver (not much larger than a quarter) and snugly fit it inside his Mini’s case. He’s provided images and instructions so you, too, can illegally navigate with your notebook computer in the passenger’s seat of your car. We can’t recommend that sort of irresponsibility, but if you want to mod it just because you can, hit the read link for the instructions and images. Beware, of course, that a minimum amount of technical savvy is required to avoid breaking a perfectly good little laptop. Like that was ever going to stop you.

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Filed under: GPS

We get plenty of emails from big-time drug smugglers in Miami who want to know: “When will Garmin provide a comprehensive, affordable GPS solution, at home both on the road and the water?” Looks like we’re one step closer to an answer with the GPSMAP 600 series. These rugged, portable touchscreen nav units feature a 5.2-inch display (800 x 480) and come with two mounts: when placed in either the marine or auto mount, the device will start up in the appropriate mode. On the road, the domestic GPSMAP 640 ($1,199 MSRP) provides the maps, turn-by-turn directions, custom POIs and proximity alerts you expect. On the water you get aerial POI views and optional BlueChart g2 Vision for underwater 3D perspective. Rounding things out, XM WX Satellite Weather data, XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic are available with the optional GXM 40 antenna and subscription. The international GPSMAP 620 ($999 MSRP) is a bit scaled down, with street maps and marine chart data available through the SD card slot. There you have it, kids — and keep an eye out for Crockett and Tubbs!

[Thanks, Rich]

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Filed under: GPS

Best Buy sure looks to be aiming high with its first Insignia-branded GPS units, which will apparently not only pack all the expected run-of-the-mill specs but two-way, Dash-like communication as well. That desirable feature will be included on both the 4.3-inch NS-CNV20 and 3.5-inch NS-CNV10 models, each of which make use of that cellular connectivity to provide real-time traffic information and access to Google Local Search, among other things, all of which will be free for the first year (no word on pricing after that). In addition to a larger screen, the $499 NS-CNV20 will also give you some built-in Bluetooth, but if that’s more than you need, you can save a $100 and opt for the $399 NS-CNV10. Look for both to go on sale October 19th.

[Via GPS Tracklog, thanks Rich]

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Filed under: GPS, Wireless

Skyhook’s WiFi positioning service hasn’t really appeared in many devices despite its high-profile usage in the iPhone, but now it looks like it’s set to become downright ubiquitous — Broadcom is planning on building it directly into its extremely popular WiFi chipsets. Just like Skyhook’s deal with SiRF, the idea is to use WiFi positioning to supplement GPS in mobile devices, allowing location-based services to function indoors and in densely-built cities where GPS doesn’t always work well. No word on when we might see any devices with Skyhook-enabled chips in them, but given Broadcom’s reach in the market, we’d guess it won’t be too long.

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Safe mode, huh? While we had previously assumed only our clearly cursed PCs could fall into such a dark, dark place, apparently we were badly mistaken. The recently launched Giove-B satellite, which is the second bird launched for Europe’s next-gen satnav network, was recently sent into some sort of “safe mode” after being “rocked by a surge of space radiation.” Reportedly, said mode halts the satellite’s mission activities and forces it to “concentrate on keeping its batteries topped up by ensuring its solar panels are properly aligned with the sun.” Thankfully, the poor Giove-B was able to resume its frolicking in outer space around a fortnight after being blasted, though we hear if it had been just a tad worse, ground control would’ve had a real mess on their hands with the Blue Screen of Death.

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Filed under: GPS, Transportation

Though one may assume Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would have, um, more pressing matters on his hands these days, the man has somehow found time to address a complaint put forth by a-many travelin’ Californians. Just this week Mr. Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill that was put forth earlier this year that will legalize windshield GPS mounting once more. Granted, stipulations are present, but at least you won’t be forced to point your retinas down at the cup holders in order to see your navigation system after January 1, 2009. In the new year, drivers in the Golden State will be able to suction their GPS unit in the “lower 7-inch corner farthest away from the driver or in the lower 5-inch corner closest to the driver.” If you go pressing your luck and throw it smack dab in the middle, be prepared for whatever fine you’re due.

[Via Gadling, image courtesy of GPS Tracklog]

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Filed under: GPS, Transportation

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Filed under: Gaming, GPS

You love free things, right? Well, we love giving away things — so that’s kind of a match made in virtual heaven — and let’s be honest, in these dire economic times, you probably need all the free stuff you can get. Right now, we’re in the extremely delightful position of being able to hand over a Magellan Roadmate 1400 GPS unit and a copy of the new Xbox 360 game Baja: Edge of Control, and all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. That’s right — so little effort for so much reward! Interested? Read the rules below!

The rules:

• Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, though we’d love to hear how you plan to put this GPS unit and game into play (we’re hoping not at the same time, of course).
• You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you’ll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
• If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you’ll be fine.
  
• Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
• Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Magellan Roadmate 1400 GPS unit and one (1) copy of the Xbox 360 game Baja: Edge of Control. Approximate value is $310.
• Entries can be submitted until Monday, October 6th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
• Full rules can be found here.

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Filed under: GPS

Anybody can say they’re going to shell out for a Knight Rider GPS pre-order, but when the house party dies down and everyone peaces out, who actually keeps that order alive? For you, dedicated K.I.T.T. fan, your moment in the sun has arrived, as Mio’s legendary Knight Rider GPS is finally shipping within one to two business days. William Daniels is calling — are you tuned in?

[Via CNET]

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

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Filed under: GPS, Transportation

Comically enough, we already knew that Geek Squad employees took a few liberties with their company car, but this is a debacle. Can you imagine how enraged the poor sap is who was expecting this fool? They probably took a vacation day just to stay home and overpay for some potentially dodgy PC fixer to remove a virus. For shame.

Chris: “Late at night — well after their shifts end — testosterone-crazed Geek Squad and Firedog employees meet in alleyways across the nation for dangerous games of chicken that all too often end in tragedy.”
Paul: “Did you unplug it and then plug it back in? Look mom, I’m a little busy right now…”
Joe: “Geez… it’s called multi-tasking!”
Darren: “Hey there Brad from Circuit City! About that job ad on Craigslist…”
Don: “But sir, the GPS said I was going the right way.”
Sean: “Naw, really, I just scuffed up the paint on the bumper and lost the hubcap, the MRI disk is still secure.”
Nilay: “Hello… is it possible to retroactively buy that $29.95 PRP plan?”
Josh F.: “So I think we figured out the problem with your laptop. Looks like someone dropped it.”

[Thanks, DS]

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Filed under: GPS

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