Best Buy launching cellular modem-equipped GPS units

Best Buy sure looks to be aiming high with its first Insignia-branded GPS units, which will apparently not only pack all the expected run-of-the-mill specs but two-way, Dash-like communication as well. That desirable feature will be included on both the 4.3-inch NS-CNV20 and 3.5-inch NS-CNV10 models, each of which make use of that cellular connectivity to provide real-time traffic information and access to Google Local Search, among other things, all of which will be free for the first year (no word on pricing after that). In addition to a larger screen, the $499 NS-CNV20 will also give you some built-in Bluetooth, but if that's more than you need, you can save a $100 and opt for the $399 NS-CNV10. Look for both to go on sale October 19th.

[Via GPS Tracklog, thanks Rich]

[Jack Storm @ Oct 3rd 2008 3:26PM]

Pricing is right, will wait for reviews on this before buying though.

[SuperJason @ Oct 3rd 2008 3:44PM]

Please use the data accumulated from the units to get traffic data in smaller cities. That's the appeal of the "Dash".

[Tinu @ Oct 3rd 2008 3:47PM]

The lanes are so small, 1 car takes up both lanes in the displayed picture :-P.

[Paris @ Oct 5th 2008 2:02PM]

where do you see a car in the displayed picture?

[Michael @ Oct 3rd 2008 3:53PM]

A bit of local trivia: Twin Cities locals will recognize that the map displayed here gives directions on how to get to Best Buy's HQ building in Richfield, MN. (Or, it's a map on how to escape from Best Buy's corporate HQ -- Can't quite follow the icons on this one...)

[Samuel @ Oct 3rd 2008 4:51PM]

As a Twin Cities local who work at the corporate offices, I can tell you that it is certainly the latter. In honor of Paul Newman, think "Cool Hand Luke".

[imacmatt09 @ Oct 3rd 2008 3:59PM]

Does it include a virus like their picture frames?

[lanoitarus @ Oct 3rd 2008 4:11PM]

This smells of either a DASH software rebranding or a soon-to-be patent infringement case. Not only does it have the two-way traffic idea from dash, but the picture also clearly shows dash's three route options, and theyre even shown in the same relatively strange colors (magenta, navy, teal).

[Valicore @ Oct 3rd 2008 4:28PM]

"Cellular modem" - that's vague, does that mean HSDPA or EDGE or GPRS or EV-DO or 1X? With my luck it'll probably be CSP. Oh, and that link should be considered an advertisement.

[kastonie @ Oct 3rd 2008 6:24PM]

i dont wanna sound negative or anytihng but....anything insignia=fail to me....

[swegs @ Oct 3rd 2008 7:24PM]

interesting im an employee and all i do is sell gps/car audio all day and i had no idea they were making this. also insignia is almost always something that has been rebranded, ie tv's actually made by LG etc. ill have to look into this.

[LJKelley @ Oct 3rd 2008 8:38PM]

So this product will work what 9 months? and then Best Buy's warranty department will be all confused since you don't have an extended warranty but they somehow have to cover it. I urge everyone to not shop at Best Buy, but please don't buy Insignia... what a nightmare that TV was.

[Churma @ Oct 3rd 2008 9:37PM]

I beta tested the device from development and now can speak! For the price, the unit is pretty cool with Google maps search integrated into the device. I found that quite handy, I wish Tom Tom had that in their 930's. As for cellular radio built into it, it runs off gprs/edge. In the SF bay area they are using T-mobile network.

Cheers,

Churma

[Chris Are @ Oct 3rd 2008 10:26PM]

Dude that's Mount Evans!

[Sam @ Mar 17th 2009 4:41PM]

I had my sim card taken out by my kids now best buy or insignia says i cant get anotherone unless i buy a new unit.
Thats crazzy can anyone tell me what sim card will work in this thing????????

sam
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