14 DAY TRIAL // Panasonic seems to be quite active these days, rolling out quite a large number of products, especially for the US market. And that's exactly the case with the device you're about to see as follows, namely the Strada CN-GP50U, the first PND from the Japanese company to hit the US shelves.
The Strada CN-GP50U provides quick and easy access to maps and 1.8 million searchable Points of Interest in 51 categories, such as gas stations, airports, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, ATMs and historic landmarks. Its large 5-inch (diagonal) touch panel LCD screen is easy to read but compact, slim and easy to carry, and the device also features an easy-to-use Graphic User Interface (GUI) with contrasting icon colors and textures for extra clarity. The pre-loaded NAVTEQ mapping software provides map data for the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, plus detailed maps of 86 U.S. cities.
Furthermore, users can easily upgrade their software using an SD Memory Card or USB port. There's even a voice guidance feature, which can be activated in several languages. Moreover, the display, which automatically adjusts for day or night viewing, also serves as a handy digital camera photo viewer or slide show viewer. The Picture Viewer function can also be used to customize the opening screen image to a favorite snapshot (jpg or bmp) stored on an SD Memory Card.
"On the heels of a successful debut of our in-dash navigation system in Spring 2007, we are proud to bring to market our first portable device," said Rob Lopez, national marketing manager for Panasonic's Mobile Electronics Division. "The Strada CN-GP50U PND delivers everything consumers are looking for in a cutting-edge portable device - one of the widest screens on the market, sleek styling for added portability, an SD Memory Card port for swift downloading and a highly friendly user interface."
The CN-GP50U also offers important safety and convenience features, such as Bluetooth capability for hands-free cell phone conversation, a Voice Command function that allows drivers to set a destination verbally while keeping both hands on the wheel and automatic dialing that can be easily achieved by simply downloading one's cell phone address book. When driving a route for the first time, Lane Assist helps avoid last-minute lane changes using voice guidance and by highlighting the correct lane in orange. There's even an icon and warning tone to alert the driver when the speed limit is exceeded.
"Strada is already a best-seller in Japan," added Lopez. "Based upon its overseas success, we are looking to the U.S. debut of our portable device to further solidify Panasonic's place as a major force in the mobile navigation industry."
The device will retail for around 500 US dollars, which is an average price to pay for a mid-range/high-end navigation system like the one presented by Panasonic.
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