NaviGadget

Dutch Route 66 enters GPS navigation arena with 4 models

Sep 25, 2006 gps navigation

Dutch company Route 66 today announced their entrance into the GPS navigation market with the advent of four ultra slim design portable car navigation systems. The four models are from the Chicago series and they’re simply named 6000, 7000, 8000, and 9000 from cheapest to most expensive.

The Chicago 6000 and 7000 are for the local travelers who are not likely to travel to far away countries – so they only contain regional maps. The 7000’s difference is that it can receive live traffic information. The 6000 will cost € 300 ($380) and the 7000 will cost € 350 (€ 400 ($510) in Ireland, United Kingdom and France).

The more expensive models are the 8000 and 9000. Their only difference will be the amount of map data – both units will have full coverage of almost all western European countries. 8000 will be sold for € 400 and 9000 -which can receive live traffic updates – will have a price tag of € 450 ($570) in most of Europe, but € 50 more expensive in Ireland, UK, and France.

Other than what we just mentioned all four devices seem very similar, coming with an MP3 player, 3D map viewing (as well as day and night mode) capabilities, uninterrupted navigation in tunnels and urban areas thanks to extrapolation of GPS signals.

Route 66 Chicago hardware specs

• 400 MHz CPU
• 64 MB RAM / 64 MB ROM
• 4.3 inch wide screen / 480 x 272 pixels
• 65K colours
• SiRF Star III GPS
• MP3 player
• Speaker
• Battery life: at least 4.5 hours
• SD/MMC slot
• USB 1.1
• WinCE 5.0
• Weight: 210 grams
• Dimensions: 132 x 91 x 24 mm
• TMC: optional

In the box

• ROUTE 66 Chicago
• Memory card (SD)
• Car mount
• Mini USB cable
• Car charger
• Earphones
• Back-up CD/DVD-ROM
• Carry case

Ironically the company which took its name from the famous Route 66 freeway in the US does not seem to offer these “Chicago” models in America.