Alpine preps PND-K3 GPS navigators

In addition to its iPod- and iTunes-enabled stereos, Alpine has laid bare its new PND-K3 GPS units, which will be shown off at CES 2008. Each has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, and comes pre-loaded with maps of Canada and the US including Alaska, Hawaii, and territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Over six million points of interest are featured, and music can be played back through the navigators' SD slots. Menus are animated and can be given custom colors.

The units are also said to boast voice guidance, fast automatic map zooming, and Bluetooth support for hands-free calling. Two versions of the K3 are being produced: the basic model is limited to the essential functions, while the K3msn has access -- through a cradle -- to MSN Direct, a Microsoft service that delivers information on traffic, weather, gas prices and movie times. No particular prices or release dates have been mentioned. [via NaviGadget]