Jeep readies rugged GPS RT 300 for January release

It's a Jeep-branded GPS -- did you really expect it to look any less barbaric? 'Course, we're pretty sure those infatuated with the brand won't find anything to kvetch about, and after all, this uber-rugged navigator will withstand more dirt, dust and bumps that your average Garmin. The GPS RT 300 is slated to launch sometime next month for $399, and in exchange for payment you can expect a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen, an integrated media / text viewer, one million POIs, turn-by-turn voice guidance and loads of off-road credibility. Okay, so that last feature isn't guaranteed, but we feel tougher just looking at it.

[widis @ Dec 8th 2007 4:03AM]

Hello its my first visit to this blog, nice blog, thank you

[Mark Richardson @ Dec 8th 2007 6:17PM]

Thanks for the announcement.

[Johan S @ Dec 8th 2007 4:16AM]

Since everyone and their mother is manufacturing a GPS, why hasn't the cost dropped below $50 .. or even $100.

Thank Sirf Star III for that one?

[Carbonize @ Dec 8th 2007 4:36AM]

"Turn right at the next boulder" ?

[Wwhat @ Dec 8th 2007 4:52AM]

How rugged can something with a touchscreen be really?

[Wodheila @ Dec 8th 2007 8:06AM]

So what's this tough guy doing driving around in SF?

[Mike @ Dec 8th 2007 8:59AM]

I just bought a late-model used Jeep, and yeah, I've been looking into buying a navigation system. A ruggedized Jeep-branded unit would be high on my list, but the styling here is too much. It's too over the top. I don't know of any current member of the Jeep brand that has an interior that is styled that aggressively. Go ahead - visit Jeep.com for yourself. Even the new Wrangler, which has a fairly rugged interior design, is more appropriate than this mess. They need to at least reduce the depth of the grooves, unless they're part of a clever mounting system. How sure is Engadget that this isn't just a generic GPS with an unlicensed Jeep logo?

[nikster @ Dec 10th 2007 3:42AM]

Agreed. What bugs me about the Jeep design on this unit is that there is no utility to these huge tyre threads running all around. And if there is no utility to something made to look tough, it ends up being ridiculous.
Jeep design came out of military need - be as tough as it can be, and as utilitarian as well. A feature that is only eye candy and nothing else has no place the design. It's Kitsch.

[Eric @ Dec 8th 2007 9:52AM]

Dumb. Just like everything else that Jeep licenses their name to (A 2WD bicycle?). So much potential just pissed away with a stupid looking case.

To me, a Jeep navigation system should include topographic maps, a way for all your jeeper friends to upload favorite trails to your unit, and one of those satellite rescue beacons. And I doubt it is that much more rugged than my trusty Garmin Vista.

[superfresh @ Dec 8th 2007 10:12AM]

corny

[George Kirkaldie @ Dec 8th 2007 10:15AM]

Eric, that's exactly right. I've got GPS in my vehicle now (Alpine Blackbird) and it's just useless off-road. It's also useless if I plan a trip from my work, it's about 5Km from security to where I work, and the Alpine doesn't have the on-site roads in it's database (others do), it just keeps re-routing.. I've tried a TomTom 910, it just planned it from the nearest road. So again, useless for off-roading

And how does it mount? When I'm going off-roading, I don't think a windshield mount will cut it. That's what I like about my Blackbird, it's mounted in my trunk, displayed on my Head Unit.

[sageimac @ Dec 8th 2007 12:01PM]

So it's a Jeep-P-S?

Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

[Duder @ Dec 8th 2007 1:17PM]

Ironic, isn't it, that the display shows a part of SF where you're least likely to get a usable GPS signal?

[Pretol @ Dec 8th 2007 3:26PM]

" ... more dirt, dust and bumps that your average Garmin"

typo "that" isntead of "than".

On a different note. I agree with many people that have already stated this, but it's way too corny.

[Jon Graft @ Dec 8th 2007 3:51PM]

Dude, whatever the hell you drive is probably a P.O.S. compared to my Jeep. I could run your little shit over any day!

[Reid Conti @ Dec 8th 2007 4:37PM]

I love how the "big tough men" who drive SUVs are so proud of saying that their vehicle could drive over yours. So what? You'd never do it. It's the most impotent statement an SUV driver could ever make, when they've got nothing intelligent to say. My car could make a crater in your Jeep by hitting it at 150mph, but that doesn't make it a good idea.

Meanwhile, my car is fun to drive on the ROAD, where you and I both actually drive. I can get thru traffic faster than you, my ride is more comfortable, and I don't look like a tool. Wait, strike that. My vehicle doesn't make me look like a tool :)

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Dec 8th 2007 7:01PM]

How can an inanimate piece of metal and plastic be gay? Doesn't seem possible..

On a side note. I like the design, then again I am a Jeep fan. Love the vehicles, hate the gas mileage.

[G William Norris, III @ Dec 9th 2007 12:01PM]

Yes, Johnathan you are correct Jeep's themselves are not gay, but the majority of their owners are!