Dell plans to help turn netbooks into navigational devices after announcing it will introduce a GPS and Wi-Fi card into the company’s line of netbooks.
Consumers interested in purchasing a Dell Mini 10 netbook will now be offered the option of purchasing a $69 Dell Wireless 700 card, though exact pricing of the GPS hasn’t been released.
Mini 10 owners will be able to power on their netbooks and get turn-by-turn directions, along with other functions expected from GPS units, and will also be able to make their netbook aware of where it is.
CoPilot navigation software, which is what helps power the turn-by-turn directions, also provides 2D and 3D maps that can be updated during travel.
It’s an interesting move for Dell, but I’ll be curious to see if it will be able to properly compete against the likes of Garmin or TomTom. TomTom announced earlier in the year that the company will release a new iPhone app, including turn-by-turn directions, route planning and voice prompts.
Furthermore, I know netbooks are smaller and obviously much more portable than regular laptops, but they’re still too big to use while out and about or in the car. I’m much more inclined to use my mobile phone for turn-by-turn GPS directions while out of the house, and it’s likely most of you share the same idea.
Is this the type of technology you’d be interested in trying out if you’re a netbook owner?
1 Comments
And most cars are still too compact to stick a small laptop anywhere
IMO: Useless except for the most diehard fan, or someone on a super-tight budget.
About this category
Netbooks
Very popular small-sized, low-cost, light weight, lean function subnotebooks. Usually optimized for Internet access on-the-go and basic computing functions like word processing, netbooks are ideally for users who require mobility.
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