Panasonic jumps into portable GPS with in-car unit

Panasonic today ventured beyond its in-dash Strada GPS with the new CN-GP50U, the Japanese firm's first semi-portable GPS in the US. The device has one of the largest screens in the class at 5 inches and starts out with higher-end features inside, including Bluetooth hands-free calling through cellphones and the choice of Clear Channel's real-time traffic service. Free space on the memory card can be used to store and view photos, the company says.

A 2GB SD card comes bundled with the device, which runs for up to four hours on battery when not tethered to a car's 12-volt accessory port. It comes preloaded with maps of North America (including Mexico and Puerto Rico) and should be available in the US by December at a price of $500.