GPS, Lowrance iWay 500C GPS reviewed by PC Mag
By Marc Perton 
posted May 24th 2005 6:30AM
posted May 24th 2005 6:30AM
The market for automotive GPS systems with all the bells and whistles (full-color maps, audible prompts, decent screen size) has pretty much been a three-way fight among the Garmin StreetPilot, Magellan RoadMate and the TomTom Go. Now marine equipment company Lowrance has added its name to the field, with its $799 iWAY 500C. PC Magazine took a look at the unit, and ranked it an Editor's Choice, for features that include a built-in 10GB MP3 player, 20GB for maps, a bright 5-inch display and good mapping software. It also includes an AC power supply, so you can hook it up at home to download your music files.
These are pretty cool with the convergence of the Mp3p layer and GPS, but you wonder if such a combo is needed. Take this product for example: http://tinyurl.com/cwgtv - now thats a replcement for most things you may want in a car. Engadget posted on this in March - I wanted it then, and I want it now! :)
Why exactly do car companies still charge $1500 - $3500 for built-in GPS systems?
#2-Because if you want it that bad, you will pay for it (plus most cars that have the option cost more on average).
What's 2grand stacked on 25 grand? Not too much to the person looking at all the bells and whistles of the GPS at the dealer.
My Garmin StreetPilot 2610 puts the data for the US & Canada onto a 2GB CF card. That's routable data, and Points-of-Interest. Everything. With room to spare.
So why does this thing need 20GB for maps?
PC magazine also 'forgot' to review anything from Garmin. Just like the last time they 'reviewed' GPS units; why ignore the excellent products of such a successful company?