Plenio set to release VXA-5000, VXA-4300 GPS / PMP units

There doesn't appear to have been much in the way of an official announcement, but it looks like Plenio's VXA-5000 GPS/PMP unit is rapidly heading stateside, recently passing through the FCC and already finding its way to "in stock soon" status on Amazon. While there isn't a whole lot to distinguish it from the vast array of other GPS/PMP combos out there, the device certainly looks to be decent enough in and of itself, with a 4.3-inch widescreen display, built-in Bluetooth, an FM transmitter, the usual SiRF Star III GPS chipset, an unspecified puzzle game, DivX support, and an SD slot for expansion. It's also roughly in line with other similar units when it comes to price, demanding $430. Those willing to give up on the Bluetooth, FM transmitter, and black casing can save a few bucks, however, with Plenio's otherwise similar VXA-4300 device also shipping soon for $300.

[Via Navigadget, thanks Colin]

[Steve @ May 8th 2007 6:06PM]

Judging from the screenshot it uses the same navigation system software as the similarly sized Thompson GPS device. The software was absolutely horrid. In the two months that I owned it I could add navigation favorites, but not delete any. (Via windows and activesync I had to manually navigate the devices file structure to find the favorite's database and delete them all.) It also liked to send you down every minor side street as opposed to keeping to the more major city streets. After 2 months of use I have purchased a different one (Navigon 7000t which is wonderful) and thrown this one in my basement, too kind to pawn it off to another unsuspecting consumer.

My advice, if the screenshots don't reflect a different navigation software before it comes out, avoid it like the plague. Anything from TomTom, Garmin, or Navigon is bound to be better.