Navman's iCN 550 talking GPS

We just got hit with another high capacity handheld GPS unit: the Navman iCN 550. This one's a 4 gigger but doesn't go in for the whole multimedia bit like the Magellan, instead the iCN aims for ease of use with a new and improved interface including dedicated buttons for viewing nearby gas stations and parking areas. The device can give you directions out loud along with displaying them in 3D or 2D on it's 3.5-inch touchscreen, and you can also get an optional traffic module for overlaying related information based on FM traffic warnings (that is, if you're a UK user, anyway). Maps for the United States and Canada are included with the device and you can sync with your PC for more via USB, otherwise there doesn't seem to be much use for a 4GB hard drive out of the box. Maybe it's loaded up with WAV files to fancy up those turn by turn directions—"I fully recommend a swift turn to the starboard side my good man, though that is just one GPS' opinion and I really think you should give the matter considerable thought before coming to any rash conclusions. Well crap, now you've missed it."—But we really don't have much cause to complain, the iCN 550 will be hitting the streets for the not-too-shabby price of $699.

[ITGuy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

How bout someone comes out with a GPS attachment for the PSP, that would be news.

[Nobuyuki Idei @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

All GPS systems, for cars, talk.

[Brandon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

The question then is, how many accents will it have?

Think of the possibilities. It has the English accent down pretty well, but what about Brooklyn and southern?

Maybe you could even download more accent packages later.

Imagine having a pirate barking out directions or even a Jamaican style "Hey mon".