Crave

This past weekend word leaked out that Mio Technology had a Knight Rider-themed GPS in the works, and now we can officially say that it's real. Since we were bound by NDA (nondisclosure agreement) till now, we couldn't really spill the full details when the news broke (please don't get me started on this) on Friday afternoon, but the floodgates are open now.

The Knight Rider GPS will indeed feature the voice of William Daniels (aka KITT), and there will be a database of names so you can customize the device to have KITT personally greet and talk to you (provided that your name is included). As far as navigation features, the specs will be similar to the Mio Moov 310/300, minus the real-time traffic. The portable navigation system is expected to ship on August 8 for $269.

Mio actually stopped by our office with a prototype of the Knight Rider GPS and was brave enough to leave it with us for a couple of hours. The video to the right shows what ensued. For the record, this is quite possibly the most embarrassing video I have ever shot (also they didn't have "Bonnie" in the name database, so we used "Katherine" for our lovely First Look shooter and editor. On another note, how do you not have Bonnie when one of the main characters of the Knight Rider TV show was named Bonnie? Sorry, I digress.), but we were just trying to capture the fun of the device. The voice of KITT and the flashing LEDs are certainly gimmicky, but it's still a blast to use and hopefully, it'll deliver on the performance front when we get a final unit in for a road test.

Dash Express

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

It's been almost two years since Dash Navigation first announced its Dash Express portable navigation system, and we're happy to say that you can now finally get your hands on this device. The Dash Express is unlike any other portable navigation system on the market today because it offers two-way connectivity (cellular and Wi-Fi), giving drivers access to a whole new world of information via the Internet and the network of other Dash-connected users. You can conduct live (and more relevant) Web searches via Yahoo Local search; get real-time traffic data; wirelessly send addresses to the system; and much more. It really adds value to portable navigation devices, and it's the type of innovation that we think will take GPS to the next level--so much so that we even gave it a Best of CES 2007 award. So did it deliver? Was it worth the wait? Well now, you'll just have to read our full review to find out, won't ya?

(Credit: TomTom)

Today, TomTom added two new models to its GO series of portable navigation systems: the TomTom GO 930 and the TomTom GO 730. Both GPS devices feature enhanced user interfaces with new icons and a technology called Alfa Blending that claims to deliver smoother graphics. Beyond the aesthetics, the GO 930 and 730 offer more navigation functions to help drivers get to their destination faster and safely.

First, there's TomTom IQ Routes, which provides more "intelligent" routing based on the historical average speeds of a road during the weekday and weekends. In other words, it gives you a more accurate idea of driving and arrival time, and it also gives you the opportunity to find an alternate route--perhaps a little rush hour relief? Both GPS devices also have advanced lane guidance functions, more specifically lane separation and 3D renderings of complex junctions. Lane separation displays onscreen the number of lanes and which lane you should be in for your upcoming turn, among other things. And for particularly complicated intersections, you'll get a 3D image of what the area looks like as well as sign post information to give you a better idea of what's ahead. Having tested some portable navigation systems that just tell you to "Take the next exit" on a multiexit highway, this is a welcome and useful addition (though not new, see Navigon 7100 review) in my opinion.

Other highlights of the TomTom GO 930 and 730 are voice command functionality, including address entry, text-to-speech directions, integrated Bluetooth, and TomTom Map Share. The difference between the two models is the GO 930 comes preloaded with maps of North America and Europe, while the GO 730 is North America only. The expected ship date of the devices is April 29, but pricing was not available at press time.

Today, Sony announced the immediate retail and online availability of its Sony NV-U73T and Sony NV-U83T portable navigation systems. Announced back at CES 2008, both models focus on safety and have text-to-speech technology, nearly 5 million points of interest with branded icons and preloaded maps of the United States and Canada. They're equipped with SiRF StarIII GPS chips, but the units also have a feature called Position Plus that includes pressure, gyro, and acceleration sensors, which should provide for more accurate positioning even when driving through tunnels and in between tall buildings. In addition, you can perform certain functions with just the swipe of your finger, and there's a dual-view mode that will show a 3D rendition of complicated intersections.

As the flagship model, the Sony NV-U83T also has integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and a 4.8-inch, 16:9 ratio touch screen, while the NV-U73T has a 4.3-inch screen. They can be had for $400 and $300, respectively.

Garmin Nuvi 760

(Credit: Garmin)

Far be it from Garmin to let TomTom have all the spotlight today. Yes, Garmin had some news of its own as it introduced the Garmin Nuvi 700 series of portable navigation systems. The family includes three models--the Garmin Nuvi 750, Nuvi 760, and Nuvi 770--and features an enhanced user interface that makes these systems simpler to use. For example, you can now choose between a QWERTY or alphabetical keyboard. I know, it may not seem like such a huge deal but after struggling to enter addresses on an alphabetical keyboard, I'm pretty excited about this new functionality. Each model also has Bluetooth for hands-free calling, a built-in FM transmitter so you can hear directions, phone calls and MP3s though your car's stereo, and up-to-date traffic alerts (with a lifetime subscription to traffic services!). In addition, they have nice 4.3-inch wide-screen displays and text-to-speech functionality. The bad news is that you're going to pay for all these goodies. The Nuvi 750 will cost $624.85, while the 760 and 770 will go for $857.13 and $1071.42, respectively. All three will be available in Q4, so start saving your pennies now.

Intellinav 3

(Credit: Netropa)

This is the second time in about a week that a relatively unknown GPS manufacturer has made us stop in our tracks and take notice of their product. Last time it was Navigon, and now it's Netropa. The company's Intellinav 2 and 3 portable navigation systems caught our eye not so much for their design (though compact and shiny) but rather for their pricing and safety features. The Intellinav 2 retails for just $279.99, and unlike some similarly priced systems, it includes text-to-speech functionality, so it will speak actual street names instead of giving you generic directions. Other features include Navteq maps of the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, 2D and 2D views, a detour function, a trip computer, and MP3 playback. Its sibling, the Intellinav 3, costs $329.99 and adds myriad safety features, such as a fatigue alarm, fog assist, and a car locator, and Canadian maps. Of course, this all looks great on paper, but the real test will come once we hit the road. Stay tuned for our full review of the Intellinav 3. The Intellinav 2 will be available starting in August, while the Intellinav 3 will ship in September.

Navigon 7100

(Credit: Navigon)

Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking: "Great, just another company joining the GPS fray." But hold up; you might be interested in hearing about the Navigon 7100 and Navigon 5100. First unveiled at CeBit in March, these two portable navigation systems will both come to the United States and offer subscription-free real-time traffic data, Zagat Survey ratings, and reviews for points of interest, the company announced today. Other features include Reality View and Lane Assistant. The former gives you a 3D, virtual-reality view of complicated highway interchanges, while Lane Assistant will tell you which is the best lane for the selected route. Sounds pretty cool to me. The Navigon 7100 also has integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and text-to-speech functionality; it's expected to ship later this month for $649. Meanwhile, the Navigon 5100 offers many of the same features minus the Bluetooth and goes for around $500. I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel with these GPS devices, so check back soon for our full review.

LG LN730

(Credit: LG)

You can now add LG Electronics to the growing list of consumer electronic companies entering the U.S. GPS market. First previewed at CES 2007, three portable navigation systems from LG are making their U.S. debut: the LG LN730, the LG LN735, and the LG LN740. Here's a quick breakdown of each device; they're all available now for purchase.

LG LN730: An entry-level system with North American maps and 1.7 million points of interest preloaded on the device. The unit is equipped with a SiRFstarIII GPS receiver and offers voice-guided directions, MP3 playback, and a photo viewer--all for an affordable $299.95.

LG LN735: Very similar to the LN730 but adds text-to-speech functionality so it will actually speak street names when giving voice directions. The LN735, which costs $349.95, also has a 3.5-inch, 260,000-color touch screen and up to four hours of battery life.

LG LN740

(Credit: LG)

LG LN740: Finally, the flagship LN740 ($449.95) features a 4-inch touch screen and is traffic-ready (comes with 90-day free trial to Navteq's traffic service). You get all the other goodies too, including text-to-speech capabilities, 2D and 3D maps, multimedia functionality, and up to six hours of battery life.

So what makes them any different from the other in-car GPS units out there? Not much, although we have to say the price points are pretty darn attractive. We're due to receive some review units next week, so we'll let you know if they're worth the money.