The rapidly expanding and developing portable GPS navigation market showed no signs of slowing its frantic pace at the SEMA show, the POI for all things automotive aftermarket. As we saw at the Vegas show last week, more manufacturers are entering the marketplace and existing companies continue to crank out new models and features. Even better news for consumers: the industry representatives we met with expect prices to continue to drop.

We've covered the new models from Mio, Panasonic, and TomTom and touched on the latest Garmin devices. In our travels, we discovered other developments a GPS shopper should be aware of:

Nokia showed a new portable unit, the N500. The unit features a 4.3-inch-wide screen, an extensive point of interest menu, simple controls, and Bluetooth compatibility. Plus, it is traffic reporting capable, and it can play both music and videos. Scheduled to be available in early 2008, pricing for the N500 has been set at $499.

Lowrance brought the XOG Crossover, introduced this week. Designed to be used on-road, off-road or on the water, the Crossover is weatherproof, and can provide topographical and marine depth contours in addition to on-road navigation. Aerial photographs can also be combined with navigation guidance. The Crossover is priced at $299.

Garmin's new 750 and 760 are already in stores, and they offer a new feature that shows posted speed limits on major roads. The 760 adds Bluetooth, and a "Where am I" feature to show current position and allow users with a Bluetooth-enabled phone to press a button for police help or roadside assistance. Optional MSN Direct capability provides local gas price, traffic, weather, and movie info for a fee. The units both can play music files and offer turn-by turn direction. The 750 is priced at $599, and the 760 retails for $799.

Motorola displayed the T815, a system to add navigation to capable cell phones. The T815 includes navigation software and a windshield mount for the phone, text-to speech capability, and free traffic reporting for six months. Priced at $249, it hits stores in mid-November 2007.

—Jim Travers

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