TomTom DUB1 navigator works in-dash or on-the-go

They're far from common, but we've definitely seen modular GPS concepts before. If this leaked FCC documentation is any gauge of reality, however, TomTom will be making those wild, wild dreams into something entirely more tangible. The DUB1 is an up and coming navigator which is designed to operate in a snap-in portal located in your nearest dashboard or in the palm of your nearest hand. It's likely that said portal will be a double-DIN aftermarket accessory, but we suppose TomTom could nail down contracts with automakers to provide it from the factory. There's little left to do but wait and see, but given just how nuts Garmin went at CES 2008, don't be shocked to see this as one of the many coming from its main rival in just under a month.

[Via NaviGadget]

[john @ Dec 13th 2008 6:03AM]

LAWL im first

[Salman R @ Dec 13th 2008 8:24AM]

L A W L - YOU are First.




/s

[KilgoreTrout @ Dec 13th 2008 10:58AM]

LAWL , you're a prat too.

[Chase @ Dec 13th 2008 9:37AM]

LAWL! None of you even know what TomTom is or what they do! LAWL at that!!

[austin @ Dec 13th 2008 10:48AM]

i think most people have a pretty good idea at what tomtom does...

[Jinto @ Dec 13th 2008 11:14AM]

The FCC always has the coolest rulers.

[grabbydad @ Dec 13th 2008 12:39PM]

The whole point of a PND is that you can carry it around with you. A double DIN sized nav device is too big for the pocket. I for one use a smaller Nuvi which is great for on the go, but a little on the small size for in-car-navigation. The real sweet spot is when they introduce flexible displays in these devices. Then it has the benefits of a large screen for in-car-nav, but a small form factor when on the go.
The above Tom-Tom reminds me of car stereos with removable faceplates. I had one, and never took the thing out of my car, just stashed it under the seat. It was too big (long) to put in my pocket.
Guess it would be okay if you were a woman with a purse.

[BigDave @ Dec 13th 2008 2:37PM]

Eclipse and Alpine already both have in dash double din units with detachable GPS units, this is far from a concept or news. In fact both have been available for over a year!
In fact, a quick search shows that you "Darren Murph" reviewed the eclipse unit june 20th 2007!

[Rick @ Dec 13th 2008 9:36PM]

I already have an in-dash TomTom in my car, the Eclipse one. Works fantastic. Double-din sized, removable, portable. Stereo, satellite radio push their info through the TomTom and work without the TomTom too.

[TIMMAH! @ Dec 14th 2008 12:34AM]

1) Surprised no one has done this yet.
2) Surprised that GPS is not a standard feature in cars yet instead of still being a multi-thousand dollar option.

[Information Central @ Dec 14th 2008 2:30AM]

You expect way too much common sense. iPods have been huge for years, yet the manufacturers REMOVED the auxiliary inputs that were fairly common on car stereos in the early '90s and didn't bring this 25-cent part back until, oh LAST YEAR or so.

[Information Central @ Dec 14th 2008 2:33AM]

Hopefully TomTom didn't screw up its screens like Garmin has on the Nuvi line. Garmin's screens are polarized at the wrong angle, making them incompatible (partially blacked out) with polarized sunglasses.

DUH, Garmin. Nice job.

[busterman @ Dec 16th 2008 12:32PM]

Toyota and TomTom already have an agreement to do this in the 2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition, Urban Runner option. It's not this TomTom model but one that already exists, i.e.: smaller version.

Look for details on Toyota's website under the 4Runner/Urban Runner option. I hope I can have one installed on my 2006 model. I've been wanting this for years.