14 DAY TRIAL // The US GPS navigation market is pretty crowded with units coming from TomTom, Garmin and Navigon. That didn't stop Panasonic announce their first in-car GPS for the US though: the Strada CN-NVD905U.
The Strada is actually an in-dash GPS unit that requires a double DIN slot for installation. The "in-dash" tag is pretty good considering it comes with a big 7-inch LCD touch panel. You wouldn't want a 7-inch screen blocking your view, eh?
The multimedia system allows DVD, MP3, CD playback, iPod video connectivity and XM or Sirius Radio (if you get the optional tuners and antennas that is). Other features include Bluetooth hands-free calling functionality and inputs for Panasonic's rear-mounted camera (model CY-RC50OKU).
The software navigation system comes with preloaded NAVTEQ maps that cover the entire US, Canada and Puerto Rico plus detailed map data of 86 U.S. Cities. The intelligent GPS navigation system comes with a customizable destination menu, multiple search, real-time traffic updates (by Sirius Traffic) and voice guidance in three languages (English, Spanish and French). Moreover, icons can automatically show traffic flow or tie-ups on the screen, allowing you to take an alternate route. You'll also get 12 million Points of Interests such as gas stations, airports, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, ATMs and historic landmarks. The maps can be easily updated using a future DVD map database.
The Strada will be available next month for (cough) 1800$. Oh, and there's also the installation cost.
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