GpsCradle
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Dual Electronics iPod touch GPS cradle review
The notion of an iPod touch GPS cradle has two big factors working against it from the start. For one, dedicated navigation units are readily available for as little as $100 (or less) and, in general, get the job done quite well. Secondly, more and more cellphones are becoming more and more capable as navigation devices and, again, are relatively inexpensive (phone contracts aside). On the other hand, a lot of people have iPod touches, and most of them really like their iPod touches. So, in that respect, there is a potentially big market for something like Dual Electronics new iPod touch GPS cradle. Will it actually help carve out a new niche in the crowded navigation market? Read on to find out.%Gallery-88736%
Dual Electronics iPod touch GPS dock ships at long last
It took a little longer than expected, but the first major docking solution to transform ones iPod touch into a full fledged navigating machine is now shipping directly from Apple. Dual Electronics' XGPS300 was originally announced way back in November of last year, and after a minor hiccup in January, we're finally able to plop down $199.95 to snag a window-sucking cradle with an inbuilt GPS receiver, rechargeable battery, amplified speaker and NavAtlas US / Canada map app. So, what'll it be? This, or one of those perfectly acceptable $99 PNDs? If you're smart, you'll tune in next week for our review before making any rash decisions. [Thanks, Bridget]
Dual Electronics' iPod touch GPS cradle now shipping in late February
Well, it's quite a ways off the November 2009 launch date the company initially promised, but Dual Electronics is now saying that its XGPS300 navigation cradle for the iPod touch will really, honestly be available sometime in "late February." The price presumably remains at the same $179.99 as before, which also includes a bundled NavAtlas navigation app and, of course, an adjustable windshield mount. Not exactly the easiest sell, to be sure, especially considering how much the GPS market has changed in just those few short months.
Magellan's GPS Car Kit for iPhone and iPod Touch: $130, coming next month
We heard earlier this month that Magellan was looking to one-up TomTom by outing an iPod touch / iPhone GPS car kit of its very own, but a few critical details were missing: namely, a price and a release date. Thanks to a new product listing on Amazon (capped after the break), we at least have a clue as to when this thing will be shipping stateside and for how much. If you'll recall, this one's compatible with the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod touch as well as the iPhone 3G and 3GS, and aside from providing a built-in speaker, charging capabilities and a noise-canceling handsfree speakerphone, it'll also work with any navigation or location-based app -- not just Magellan's own $79.99 RoadMate program. The unfortunate part here is that Magellan has somehow managed to produce a cradle that's actually more expensive that the ludicrously overpriced TomTom variant, but those willing to part with $129.99 can place their order now and look for a December 11th ship date. [Thanks, Mark]
Magellan debuts GPS app / car kit for iPhone and iPod touch
Magellan's new iPhone navigation app won't do much for the iPod touch on its own, but it looks like the company's forthcoming Premium Car Kit will in fact work just fine with the handheld out of the box, unlike TomTom's similar Car Kit. Otherwise, there aren't exactly a ton of surprises, but the cradle is fully adjustable to accommodate a range of sleeves or cases, and it'll of course also charge your iPhone or iPod touch, and give it some amplified sound courtesy of the built-in speaker. The navigation app itself also seems to be more than ready to challenge the competition, with it boasting spoken street names, NAVTEQ maps, 3D landmarks, in-app music control, a pedestrian mode, and a price tag of $79.99. No word on a price or release date for the cradle just yet, but Magellan says it is "coming soon" -- iPhone users can get the app from the App Store right now. [Thanks, djphatjive]
Dual Electronics announces XGPS300 navigation cradle for iPod touch
Well, it looks like iPod touch users pondering the somewhat pricey (and still unfulfilled) proposition offered by TomTom's Car Kit now finally have another option to consider, as Dual Electronics has announced a navigation cradle of its own that's aimed solely at Apple's GPS-less handheld. While it's not quite as sleek as TomTom's unit, Dual's new XGPS300 rig does boast a few decided advantages, including a cradle that also doubles as a rechargeable battery for some added juice when you're out and about and, most importantly, a free NavAtlas navigation app, which will apparently only work with Dual's cradle (sorry, no mix-and-matching here). You'll also get a built-in speaker, a mini USB port for charging and, of course, an adjustable windshield mount for in-car use. Still no firm word on a release date just yet, but it looks like this one should be available sometime this month for $179.99. Head on past the break for a video. [Thanks, Ryan]
