Medion intros three new fingerprint-scanning GPS units

Medion has been cramming fingerprint scanners into its GPS units for a little while now, but it looks like it's now firmly committed to the technology, with its latest batch of models each packing the extra level of security. Those include the GoPal P5235, P5435 and X5535, which each boast a 5-inch touchscreen display, voice recognition, and live traffic updates, plus a nearly identical appearance. The P5435 one-ups things slightly over the P5235 with some handsfree Bluetooth calling, while the X5535 goes all out with a built-in gyrometer that promises to pick up some of the slack when the GPS signals drop out. No word on a price or release date for any of 'em just yet, unfortunately, but we wouldn't expect the base model to be too far off the $269 that the nearly identical model that just hit Europe demands.

[Via Electronista]

[nd @ Dec 1st 2008 3:33PM]

uh, I give a big fat "so what?" to this.

Sure if a thief takes it, they won't be able to use it. That's great, but they still stole it! Let's think of a way to not actually allow it to be stole, m'kay?

[magnetik @ Dec 1st 2008 4:25PM]

I care more about the theif knowing where I live then what it costs for a new GPS. Good idea.. I wonder if you can turn it off if you don't want the feature.

[PGP-Protector @ Dec 1st 2008 3:36PM]

Why are they installing fingerprint Scanners in GPS units ?

[Alpinerover @ Dec 1st 2008 3:47PM]

I think the fingerprint scan is overkill for a GPS, it's not that hard to just take it with you when you get out of your car. (Or at least stick it in the center console)

[GingerFox @ Dec 1st 2008 3:54PM]

its an ok idea, but i'd be sticking with the cheap units anyway, dont need all this fancy stuff, got it in my phone aswell(Y)

[brian @ Dec 1st 2008 4:15PM]

A rather important reason for the fingerprint feature is so that it the crook can't immediately call up your 'Home' route and finish robbing you (or worse) there as well.

[rick @ Dec 1st 2008 4:30PM]

they should secretly tie it into the FBI fingerprint database.

[bandigolo @ Dec 1st 2008 8:39PM]

ugh, no. Bad idea.

that'd be great though if your not-so-well-acquainted passenger unknowingly activated the scanner and 10 minutes later you were being flanked by 12 black Suburbans. Guess he forgot to mention that whole "I used to run munitions for Al Qaeda" thing.

[rick @ Dec 1st 2008 10:13PM]

I guess I was the oly one who rooted for Big Brother in 1984.

[Shinigami @ Dec 1st 2008 8:18PM]

Medion GPS - extra level of security against wifes' fingers!

[Joe H @ Dec 1st 2008 10:22PM]

I think Dexter could've used this last year.

[bouk @ Dec 1st 2008 11:17PM]

LOL

[Heineken77 @ Dec 2nd 2008 12:40AM]

Great, another useless feature that can break and cause the unit to become a paper weight.
good thinking guys