- Ray Bernard
Cheaper navigation by GSM?
13 June 2003: An off-board satellite navigation system that uses constantly-updated maps on the satellite system may well be the answer to countries like Ireland which don't yet have full digitised CD maps of the country available.
The system has been developed by radio manufacturer Blaupunkt, a division of automotive electronics giant Bosch. It uses the integrated global system for mobile communications (GSM) and has data capability through the GPRS systems now increasingly common on mobile phone networks.
Blaupunkt says the system is cheaper than the CD-based onboard systems and is always up to date.
The system is being offered on the revised Fiat Punto under the brand name Connect OBN. It is not yet known if it will be offered when the car comes to market in Ireland.
Meanwhile, with on-board CD GPS systems typically costing upwards of E2,500, the increasing availability of portable units costing less than E1,000 and working more than satisfactorily, is changing the shape of the market. The New Zealand made Navman is one such. It doesn't require external aerials, and is powered by the 12v socket in the dash. It can be fixed by suction cup to the windscreen, or by screws to a suitable location on the fascia.
©2003 irishcar.com