When Panasonic CN-GP50U was released last year, we were a bit disappointed with the price. It was set at a high $500 price range, which deterred most consumers away. Almost a year later, the price has dropped significantly, allowing it enter the mainstream market at under $400.Display
The great thing about the CN-GP50U is its large 5" wide touchscreen LCD monitor. Most portable GPS navigation units today measures at 3.5" or 4.3". The 5" screen is definitely a nice advantage, allowing you to see much more of the map and much easier street names to read. Only one portable navigation unit has a larger screen than the CN-GP50U, which is the recently released AVIC-F500BT.

Unique Technologies
The Panasonic CN-GP50U features some cutting edge technology only unique to the CN-GP50U itself. There is a voice-command feature that allows a user to simply speak a preset destination rather than trying to type it out or reach forward for the screen. There is also a built-in intelligent "GPS Assist" technology that would continue to guide the driver despite signal loss.

Do you live in busy metropolitan areas? The CN-GP50U also features a Lane Assistance feature that notifies the driver exactly which lane to be in for the right on ramp or off ramp. This is an incredibly valuable technology if you live in places like New York or Los Angeles!

Navigation Features
This portable GPS navigation device is capable of receiving 20 different orbital GPS signals, allowing for maximum coverage and accuracy. The unit also features the latest SiRF Star III chipset, capable of fast routing calculation and user response. The CN-GP50U is capable of text to speech technology, allowing drivers to be notified of upcoming street names instead of general turn instructions. Unfortunately, the Panasonic CN-GP50U only features a small database of 1.2 million points of interest, significantly small when compared to Garmin's 6 million, TomTom's 6-11 million, and Harman Kardon's more than 12 million points of interest.Other Key Features
The CN-GP50U features an SD Card reader and Bluetooth hands-free technology, making hands-free calling safe and simple while driving. Unfortunately the map database is primarily stored with the included 2GB SD Card. You will not be able to use both the navigation and picture slide show simultaneously.

Overall
The Panasonic CN-GP50U is a premium GPS unit with an above average price. Its large 5" screen is a nice change to have, but sacrifices compact-design with visibility. It does feature key technologies such as Bluetooth, Lane Assistance, Voice Command, multiple mounting options, and a fast chipset. It does however lack audio and video support as well the inability to put out its audio through auxiliary outputs.
The lacking features may be overshadowed by its great clear and large screen, excellent GPS navigation technology, and unique cutting edge features-- all for less than $400.