Medion intros three new fingerprint-scanning GPS units
By Donald Melanson 
posted Dec 1st 2008 3:16PM
posted Dec 1st 2008 3:16PM
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]
[Via Electronista]
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?
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.
Why are they installing fingerprint Scanners in GPS units ?
they should secretly tie it into the FBI fingerprint database.
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.
I guess I was the oly one who rooted for Big Brother in 1984.
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)
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)
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.
Medion GPS - extra level of security against wifes' fingers!
I think Dexter could've used this last year.
LOL
Great, another useless feature that can break and cause the unit to become a paper weight.
good thinking guys