Panasonic Unveils Two New Additions To Its GPS System Series
Panasonic has decided to infiltrate the GPS system market with two new units from its Strada line of GPS systems. The models are codenamed the CN-DS120D and the CN-D050D. While they won’t win any awards for their names, the devices achieve the most important task of a gadget: getting the job done. As is quite often the case with a dual release, one unit is definitely better than the other. In this pair, the CN-DS120D clearly reigns supreme simply because it has expanded features that its “colleague” just can’t compete with.
Both of the systems are portable, as well as able to function when connected to a car. The 7 inch screen is a real highlight for both of the models. Unfortunately, GPS technology is where the fun stops for the CN-D050D. The device can display maps and directions, and has a DVD drive which is used to provide some of the data. The screen is sort of a waste in this model, as it can’t do anything beyond these simple features. The CN-DS120D on the other hand, takes full advantage of the crisp display. This model has a DVD drive that’s actually able to play DVD movies, and also has an SD card slot. Using an SD card, the user will be able to put map data on the unit, and use the DVD drive solely for movies. The CN-DS120D also has a built in TV Tuner which currently supports terrestrial digital TV in Japan. No exact word on pricing as of yet.
The new additions to Panasonics Strada lineup aren’t revolutionary or eye catching in any particular way. However, they are able to display everything that you could possibly want on a GPS system, while throwing out features that other GPS systems have, that you’d never use. It’s like these systems were filtered, and everything that the target consumer wouldn’t find useful isn’t implemented in the systems. Hopefully, this will lead to a lower-than-average asking price. If you’re interested in picking one of the models up, ask yourself a question. Are you looking for a system that purely spits out directions at you, or one that can also provide some quality entertainment? Personally, I’d have to go with the latter. You never know when you’ll end up on a road trip with someone who just doesn’t stay quiet. A nice movie or TV show on a 7” screen ought to do the trick.
