NaviGadget

new Sanyo Gorilla GPS navigation system

Sep 17, 2009 gps navigation Leave a comment

Not to be left out of the Japanese GPS navigation system race, Sanyo – just like Panasonic – also added three new devices to their Gorilla series.

Their new models are the NV-SB531DT, NV-SB541DT, NV-SD630DT.

By default they all have 8GB of internal storage, 1Seg TV tuner but differ when it comes to screen size, and a few other features. Here is how the new GPS devices measure up:

• NV-SB531DT: 5.2″ screen
• NV-SB541DT: 5.2″ screen and VICS for live traffic information
• NV-SD630DT: 6.2″ screen and VICS for live traffic information

No word on pricing or availability from Sanyo of Japan just yet… Read More …

new Panasonic Strada GPS navigation systems

Sep 17, 2009 gps navigation 2 Comments

Panasonic of Japan just announced three new GPS navigation systems for their Strada series. The new models are CN-MP150D/DL, CN-MP180D, and the CN-MP250D.

All the new sat nav systems have a 5″ screen and come with a faster processor – not sure how that affects the battery life though. There’s a slot for microSD cards which can support cards up to 8GB. That’s plenty of room for media.

Here is how the three GPS navigation devices differ:

• CN-MP150D/DL: entry level, no 1Seg TV tuner
• CN-MP180D: adds TV tuner
• CN-MP250D: adds TV tuner and a VICS receiver for traffic updates

All the new Panasonic devices will be available in Japan next month… via

Panasonic CN-MP200 and CN-MP100

Apr 22, 2009 gps navigation 2 Comments

Panasonic CN-MP200 and CN-MP100 are two new portable GPS navigation systems for the Japanese market. As with everything in Japan, CN-MP200 can show digital TV channels thanks to its 1Seg TV tuner.

There isn’t anything too exciting about these GPS navigation systems other than the fact that they allow two way communication between the device and Google Maps for sharing POIs.

Some hardware specs and features include 5″ touchscreen, SD card slot, VICS, JPEG, and DIGA support… Read More …

six GPS navigation systems no longer with us

Apr 11, 2009 gps navigation 6 Comments

GPS navigation system market is very dynamic and fast moving. New features come out monthly, prices keep going down. Small brand names can’t just compete or the big ones (HP, Sony) just take a quick stab at the market and realize people just won’t give up their Garmin’s :)

Here are a few names that are either out of the GPS navigation market or about to be gone.

• Magellan


Magellan was one of the big shots here in the U.S. but recently was bought by Mitac Mio. Even though Mio said they’d keep the brand going we think it is a matter of time until the Magellan name completely disappears.

• HP


HP had a decent looking device called iPAQ 310 for a while but it turns out they’ll be discontinuing their stand alone GPS navigation systems and a few others such as iPAQ 312, 314, 316, and 318.

• Dash


These were the guys to first come out with a decent two way connected system. We really loved it. But they didn’t last long. When they quit they promised they’d keep their awesome user collected traffic information platform alive.

• Harman/Kardon


Harman did come out with a few models that really looked promising such as the GPS-810. But due to continued price cutting they’re out as well.

• Sony


Sony never really got traction in the PND market. They officially quit the European market. Even though SonyStyle for U.S. still offers the NVU series the fact that they haven’t offered anything new makes us wonder…

• Panasonic


Panasonic is also out but only for standalone GPS navigation systems like the Strada CN-GP50N, and CN-GP50U. They’re keeping their in-dash systems.

UPDATE (May 6th):

• Navigon


We’re sorry to now add Navigon to this list. They really had some decent devices but the aggressive pricing was too aggressive for them. They’ll continue business in Europe.

panasonic toughbooks include GPS but cost over $3000

Jan 28, 2009 gps navigation 3 Comments

So, yes, the new Panasonic Toughbook laptops include GPS receiver but cost over $3000; and probably weighs a ton (OK we just checked it. It weighs 8.4 lbs., including battery and handle). The two new models introduced yesterday are the Toughbook 30 and Toughbook 19 which you can read more on their fully rugged computers page. Don’t forget to check out the digital camera installed on the bottom of Toughbook 19, complete with dual flash. (see image after break).

The Toughbook 30 is available at an estimated street price starting at $3,649. The Toughbook 19 is available at an estimated street price starting at $3,749.

Here are the specs for Toughbook 30:

• Full magnesium alloy case with an integrated handle
• Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ processor Technology with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor
• 13.3” sunlight-viewable display with optional 1,000 nit touchscreen
• 3-foot drop approved
• Sealed all-weather design
• 160GB shock-mounted, quick-release hard drive
• MIL-STD-810F and IP54- compliant
• Mobile broadband ready design
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® with optional integrated Gobi™ 3G Global Mobile Internet
• Optional built-in GPS, 32GB SSD, SmartCard and fingerprint readers

Read More …

Panasonic CN-HW830D

Aug 29, 2008 gps navigation 1 Comment

Panasonic and Kenwood seem to be in an arms race when it comes to 2DIN car entertainment navigation systems. Just the other day we heard of Kenwood DNX 8220BT and today we have Panasonic CN-HW830D which combines various useful features right to your dash.

It has an optical drive to support CD, MP3, and DVD playback. You can watch digital TV on the 7″ touchscreen with 800×480 resolution, or transfer files via high capacity SD cards or access your files on the hard disk drive. Speaking of HDD, that’s where navigation maps are stored so you’ll have your optical drive free for other stuff. You can also control your iPod with Panasonic CN-HW830D.

It looks like this device will stay in Japan (do let us know if you see it elsewhere) and will be available on September 12th for about $2500… Read More …

Panasonic GPS Strada CN-HX1000D and CN-HW1000D

May 15, 2008 gps navigation Leave a comment

CN-HX1000D and CN-HW1000D are the two additions to Panasonic’s Strada GPS navigation system lineup.

What’s special about these two new Strada’s is that they can be setup to control various things around the house. However as an intermediary device you’ll need your Bluetooth capable phone with a data plan with SoftBank, Docomo, and Au, so you can access all your devices from the internet – which will give you control over your door lock, DVR and TV, and many other things.

Strada CN-HX1000D and CN-HW1000D does provide other functions in addition GPS navigation and home control of course; such as the TV receiver, optical drive, hard disk drive, support for numerous media files, all on a sharp 7″ screen.

Expect to see this in Japan soon… Read More …

Strada CN-GP50U

Oct 31, 2007 gps navigation 8 Comments

Panasonic’s CN-GP50 model which we talked about here at Navigadget before got the official word from the manufacturer today. The only difference is the last letter in the model name which now changed to CN-GP50U, instead of the CN-GP50N. Possibly CN-GP50U is the model they’re introducing in the U.S. with maps from Navteq covering U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Strada CN-GP50 will be available in December for $500. You should look into CN-GP50 if the mainstream 4.3″ screen is not big enough for you since Panasonic put a huge 5″ screen on this GPS navigation system. The device also has some high end features making up for that 1/2 grand price tag; offering voice recognition to set your destination which learns your vocal characteristics for enhanced accuracy, regardless of language or dialect, an electronic compass to keep you on track while GPS signals are weak, and bluetooth phone connectivity to take calls hands free… via

Strada CN-GP50N GPS navigation from Panasonic

Aug 31, 2007 gps navigation 16 Comments

Panasonic introduced a new GPS navigation system at IFA 2007 for the European market called Strada CN-GP50N. The device has a huge screen and a good price at 400€.

As opposed to its strong competition in the field, such as TomTom and Garmin, Panasonic decided to focus its experience on the video and audio features of CN-GP50N which made this device more of an entertainment center rather than just plain old GPS navigation.

The display on CN-GP50N measures 5″ – leaving their competition 0.7″ behind – hoping to attract consumers who are looking into watching videos in their vehicle.

Panasonic incorporates maps of 37 European countries, including 1.3 million points of interest and even 3D city maps of certain locations and landmarks. For upgrades to the maps Strada CN-GP50N supports SD cards, but it can also be connected to using the USB port on the device.

Some other high-end features of the device also include Smart Assist which comes into to play GPS signals are weak, the bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling, and the ability to enter destination address by voice commands.

Just like most other high end GPS navigators Strada CN-GP50N also has the ability to download radar and speed camera warnings off of Panasonic’s website and warn the drive when approaching these locations… via

Panasonic Strada F class

May 17, 2007 gps navigation 2 Comments

Panasonic Strada just added the high-end F series to its lineup. When we say high end we really mean it this time. Take for example the CN-HDS965TD which costs somewhere around $2800 to $3000 and an extra $175 for added bluetooth functionality.

However the F class does really offer a lot of nice features. It comes with a 7″ VGA touch screen, TV tuner, high GPS sensitivity, integrated video accelerator, HDD, and memory card reader for various formats. It also lets you plan your trip online and carry it to your vehicle on an SD card… via