As with Jeep's lackluster RT-300, Panasonic's portable Strada CN-GP50U GPS is probably better left on the shelf. We know, it'll be awfully tough to resist that magnificent 5-inch panel and the sleek black frame, but according to PC Mag, this thing is just so-so on its best day. For starters, the price premium over rivaling 4.3-inch units was tough for critics to justify, and coupled with a small POI database, sluggish performance and awkward destination / POI input, hope for success was pretty much extinguished. As if that weren't enough to frighten you off, reviewers also noted that data fields in the map view were "small and difficult to read," which probably should not ever be the case on -- you know -- a navigation system. We appreciate the effort, Panny, but we'd suggest nailing the basics next time before turning to pizazz.

Just two days shy of their one-year birthday, Panasonic is introducing a couple of successors in the Strada F-Class line. Announced in Japan, the June-bound CN-HX1000D and CN-HW1000D are both destined for gaping holes in dashes and possess a 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, built-in Bluetooth, iPod compatibility, AM / FM tuners, digital terrestrial TV tuner, DVD / CD player and an internal hard drive for storing map data and Sade jams. The only noticeable difference is the physical size; the former is a single-DIN unit while the latter touts a double-DIN frame. These two also allow for home control, so you can lock your doors, turn the heat down and flip off the porch light from the driver's seat. Sure sounds pleasant, if only they weren't ¥354,900 ($3,388) apiece.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Just when you thought that no company in its right mind would bother entering the (way) over-saturated portable navigation market in the US now, along comes Panasonic to prove you wrong. The Strada CN-GP50U has already completed a European tour of duty, and now it's officially heading stateside and bringing along a five-inch touchscreen, 1.8 million POIs, NAVTEQ maps of the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, USB connectivity, an SD expansion slot and an integrated photo viewer. Furthermore, the device will support handsfree calling via Bluetooth, and the Voice Command / speed limit warning functions should thoroughly please, too. We sincerely hope you weren't banking on Panny just giving these away, though, as folks opting to snap one up this December will be laying down a hefty $499.95 for the privilege.

We've spent some quality time with Panasonic's previously-Europe only Strada CN-GP50N GPS unit at IFA, but a quick peek in the FCC's secret-ruining database shows that Panny's about to bring the 5-inch QVGA unit Stateside as the CN-GP50U, with all the same features and "kinda fugly" interface we talked ourselves into getting with in Berlin: text-to-speech, voice commands, speed camera information, and Bluetooth handsfree calling. No big reveals in the FCC docs, but we're certain those of you who get hot for RF interference specs are already well past the read link by now.

Panasonic's just announced a new mid-range, Strada-brand, in-dash GPS unit for the hometown crowd, the CN-HDS710TD. Following the European-spec'ed CN-GP50N we just spotted at IFA, this rolling entertainment center offers almost all of the functionality you could ask for, with a 40GB HDD, DVD / CD player, SD slot, MiniDisc deck, and digital TV tuner all feeding a 480 x 234 pixel 7-inch LCD. In fact, the only things really missing here (besides a cassette player for your old mix tapes) are Bluetooth support and iPod connectivity, which can both be added on for an extra fee. The double-DIN 710TD will retail for 270,900 yen ($2,358) when it hits Japan a month from today, with two other models also available minus MD slots (700TD) and / or TV tuners (700D) for 249,900 yen ($2,176) and 189,000 yen ($1,645), respectively.

Shortly after launching its first US in-car navigation system, Panasonic is doing it big yet again across the seas with its "highest-end" F-Class lineup. This well-spec'd trifecta sports a seven-inch VGA touchscreen, a PEAKS processor, an integrated TV tuner, boosted sensitivity compared to prior models, a built-in graphics processor, hard drive, SD card slot, and the ability to map your route online via the Odekake Strada website and transfer the guidance via SD. Additionally, you'll find an SD Link function that nicely interfaces with your iPod, CD / DVD playback abilities, and the flagship CN-HDS965TD can even handle the ill-fated MD format. Users interested in adding Bluetooth streaming abilities can snap up the CY-BT200D module for a stiff ¥21,000 ($175), which actually pales in comparison to the ¥344,400 ($2,861) to ¥354,900 ($2,949) pricetags that you'll find on these luxurious devices.

[Via Nikkei]

Looking to establish itself as a "leader in the U.S. mobile navigation market," Panasonic has finally launched its Strada CN-NVD905U, the company's first in-car GPS receiver for American consumers. Besides getting you from here to there using NAVTEQ maps on a 7-inch touchscreen, the 905U -- first introduced almost six months ago -- also offers an impressive suite of entertainment options, including DVD and MP3 CD playback, a 30GB hard drive, iPod video compatibility, and either Sirius or XM satellite stations through the use of optional tuners and antennas. Other nice features include Sirius Traffic capability, Bluetooth support, and inputs for a rear-mounted camera, but since this $1,800 package requires a double DIN slot, Panasonic's gonna have to work a little harder if it really wants to replace our TomToms, Garmins, and Pioneers.

Panasonic just uveiled the TU-DTX300 in-car tuner, a world's first to pack 4 tuners and 4 antennas for maximizing digital terrestrial television reception while scootin' through Japan. According to Panny, reception along the 12 segments of each channel used to broadcast HDTV is improved by 1.8 times while reception of that 13th segment dedicated to mobile TV -- 1Seg, get it? -- is twice as good. The device switches automatically from terrestrial digital broadcasts to mobile 1Seg reception when the signal deteriorates with the car's increasing speed. The TU-DTX300 works with Panasonic's Strada F class car navigation/entertainment system with support for an EPG and alerts from Japan's EWS (emergency warning system). It measures just 178×130×27-mm (7×5.1×1.1-inches) and costs ¥94,290 (about $780) when this pup hits February 23rd.

[Via Impress]

With Sharp throwing down a svelte in-car LCD ready to display nearly any automotive statistic (or roadtrip route) you'd ever need, and Chrysler planning to offer the MyGIG do-it-all device on upcoming vehicles, Panasonic is tossing in its own rendition to keep the competition on their heels. The Strada CN-NVD905U is an in-car navigation / head unit that boasts a 7-inch touchscreen, 30GB hard drive, built-in DVD / CD player, NAVTEQ mapping software, and support for Bluetooth handsfree operations. The trilingual GUI also touts automatic rerouting, and if you're not already tuned into XM Radio, you can access Sirius' real-time traffic data to avoid those crowded freeways on your commute back home. Additionally, it sports "iPod video connectivity" for rear seat and front passenger entertainment, but we're sure all those snazzy movie functions are kept under wraps until you throw it in park. While there's no telling how much dealers will end up charging for this in-dash machine, the Strada CN-NVD905U should start making noise (and keeping us on track) next Spring.

[Via Slashphone]