e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

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Matsushita to market car-nav with detachable screen

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. said Monday it will launch a portable car-navigation system with a detachable display on July 1.
The Panasonic KX-GP1, priced at 148,000 yen, features a detachable 14.7-cm display, a rechargeable battery and a global positioning system antenna. It can be used both for driving and walking.

Weighing 410 grams, the display shows map information and other selected data downloaded from the main unit and stored in memory. The built-in rechargeable battery can last 1 1/2 hours, or up to four hours when used with an optional rechargeable battery pack.

"Text can be easily input with a stylus and keyboard, a more user-friendly approach than conventional models that require a remote control key pad for input," the release said.

The firm will also launch an advanced model, the KX-GP1Z, that can be used as a portable TV.


The Japan Times: June 5, 2001
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