FineDigital's FineDrive 500 GPS unit boasts 5.1-inch LCD, lofty price

We've got no qualms with FineDigital adding yet another perfectly average portable GPS device to the fray, but the inexplicably high $699 pricetag practically prices this bad boy right out of consideration. Focusing more intently on navigating its users than the M300, the FineDrive 500 rocks a 5.1-inch touchscreen, SD slot, 128MB of built-in memory, NAVTEQ maps of the US and Canada, and "millions" of POIs. It also touts automatic redirecting and the obligatory robotic announcer belting out turn-by-turn guidance to go along with the Day / Night views and 2D / 3D displays. While this unit hasn't gone on sale just yet, we just don't see any reason to mark this one down considering the more equipped (and lower priced) alternatives.

[Via NaviGadget]

[jack @ Dec 3rd 2006 7:02AM]

$699?! With no bluetooth, no serious media playback and a laughable 128mb of built in memory. Talk about DOA. I guess FineDigital hasnt been looking around lately. Gps units are coming in at such a furious rate that I see a $99 price point as early as mid next year. And, oh yeah, Fred, grow up.

[spil @ Dec 3rd 2006 10:29AM]

How ironic, the very product that had previously not supported a 5.1 inch display now does.

[josh @ Dec 3rd 2006 11:54AM]

spil, is that your new word for the day "ironic"? It is like you are listening to the song Isnt it Ironic or something.