Sure, I had to sit through a few presentations on LG's washer/dryers and refrigerators, but then I got my grubby hands on LG's upcoming LN790:

LG's new LN790 is the company's first 4.3" wide-screen GPS system. Overall, the LN790 looks very similar to the LN740, minus the wide-screen.

Stats on the LN790 look good, filling in some key features that were conspicuously missing from the previous model, LG's LN740. The LN790 features:

• 4.3" Wide Touch Screen LCD (brightness is the same as as the LN740)
• Turn by Turn Voice Guidance with Street name announcements
• Bluetooth hands free calling (and the ability to stream audio/music via Bluetooth!)
• Access to Traffic Information Services (90 day free trial included with purchase)
• Movie file playback (supports DivX and Xvid formats!!)
• 6 hour battery life
• 4 million POIs (unconfirmed)

The LN790 uses the same suction-cup windshield mount as the LN740, but the LN790 has a slightly different bracket that connects the GPS to the mount.

Well well well, what have we here! Looks like the LN790 includes a wireless remote designed to fit on the steering wheel. Note that the remote includes buttons for zooming in and out on the map, volume rocker switch, and power, navi, and mute buttons - very nice.

Important buttons are back-lit for easy visibility at night.

LN790's Main Menu

LN790's built-in photo viewer

Bluetooth / Phone menu - notice that the LN790 supports audio streaming via Bluetooth. So if you've got a Bluetooth headset, speakers, or your car already has Bluetooth, you can wirelessly stream audio from the LN790.

Music List Menu

LN790's Music Player

The main map screen on the LN790 looks identical to the LN740, but has more room to breathe thanks to the larger 4.3" display. Ahh, good ol' "Unnamed street"...

Navigation Main Menu on the LN790.

On-screen keyboard. The LN790's on-screen keyboard looks slightly easier to see than the LN740's keyboard, thanks to larger alphabet keys.

LN790 Setup Menu

LN790 Extra's Menu

LN790's GPS Status Screen

LN790's Map Screen in 2D mode.

All in all the LN790 looks like a solid upgrade from the LN740. A wider, 4.3" display, good Bluetooth integration, and a steering wheel mounted remote control are welcome additions to an already solid GPS that's easy to use.

Another important feature that pirates video enthusiasts will love is the LN790's support of DivX and Xvid for video playback. Coupled with the LN790's music player, this GPS could be the single navigation/entertainment device you want to travel with, watching movies on the place, listening to music, and navigation when needed.

In the minus column, the LN790 still uses an unsightly traffic antenna, can't route to coordinates, and the text entry system could use some work.

Still, when I tested LG's LN740 back in May 2007, I was impressed at LG's solid routing engine and overall ease of use -- especially for a company's first effort at a GPS. The LN740 competes with the big boys (Garmin, TomTom, Magellan), and the LN790 will no doubt turn up the heat in the increasingly competitive GPS market. Expect to see the LN790 on sale in September for $699 list (street price will be around $600).