JVC exits handheld GPS market you didn't know they were in
By Peter Rojas 
posted May 18th 2007 4:21PM
posted May 18th 2007 4:21PM
We confirmed JVC's announcement that they're exiting the market for portable GPS devices, something which is notable mainly because hardly anyone even noticed they were in the market in the first place (the $800 KV-PX9 they announced at CES back in January didn't exactly get us -- or anyone else -- too excited). They'll still keep making in-dash units for cars, but JVC mobile entertainment VP says that consumers are too focused on price (as opposed to features) as the primary factor in purchasing decisions -- there are definitely a ton of manufacturers pumping out low-end handheld GPS units these days -- but that they might get back in the game if the market settles down a bit. [Via GPS Lodge]
Contrary to the JVC VP's view, I purchased my Nuvi for features, not price. I know several others who did the same. Is the VP out of touch?
I wanted the KV-PX70 that they have not brought to the states yet. It has the features that I am looking for and the widescreen approach. It is a classy looking unit. I would be interested in this...it appears I will need to go with the Garmin 660.
I bought a KV-PX9 several months back and really enjoy it. It was never worth $800, but definitely worth the $200 I paid for it. It does a decent job at the MP3s and pictures also. I actually just used it on business travel an hour ago to get me around a freeway closure. Not a bad unit, but no surprise it got discontinued.