Panasonic Strada CN-GP50 Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: Not Recommended

Panasonic's CN-GP50 Strada is a 5" Widescreen GPS that boasts GPS Assist, Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling, and support for optional traffic services. Given the CN-GP50's relatively hefty $500 suggested retail price, the feature set is lacking, and performance just isn't up to snuff.

Panasonic's Strada CN-GP50 is a surprisingly uninspired GPS that servers as further proof that it takes more than slapping 3rd party software on generic hardware to make a GPS anyone will want to buy.

1. Specifications

Screen:	5-inch, widescreen 16:9 TFT Active Matrix touch screen
Battery:	Approx 4 hours of continuous use. Takes 6 hours to fully charge via the 12v adapter
GPS Chipset:	SiRF StarIII
Bluetooth:	Yes. Supports Bluetooth version 1.2
Languages Supported:	US English, Canadian French, Mexican Spanish
Dimensions (H x W x D):	3.43'' x 5.08'' x 1.22''
Weight:	0.7 oz
Operating Conditions:	-10°C to +60°C (main power on) +10°C to +35°C (battery charging)
GPS Antenna:	Internal patch
Maps:	North America & Mexico (including Puerto Rico, Alaska, & Hawaii)
POI Database	1.8 million

2. Features

Large, 5-inch display
Voice Command
GPS Assist (electronic compass and "Smart Assist" function compensates for interrupted GPS signals, such as when driving in a parking structure or through a tunnel)
Photo viewer
Bluetooth hands-free calling
SD Memory Card Slot (for map updates and viewing photos)

3. What's in the Box?

Figure 1: What's in the Box

The Panasonic Strada CN-GP50 ships with the following items included in the box:

Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Mounting Bracket
Adapter Plate
Dash Mounting Plate
USB cable
2GB SD Memory Card
DVD-ROM (Operating Instruction Included)

Figure 2: Panasonic Strada CN-GP50, Front

The Strada CN-GP50 vaguely resembles Panasonic's television sets. The glossy black finish frames the large, 5-inch color touchscreen LCD display.

Figure 3: Panasonic Strada CN-GP50, Front

Except for the power button on the left side of the device, there are no physical controls on the CN-GP50. All operations are performed via the touchscreen display.

Figure 4: Panasonic Strada CN-GP50, Rear

A single speaker is located on the rear of the device.

The CN-GP50's speaker is very good. During testing the speaker provided clear, undistorted instructions that could easily be heard in the car, even when driving at highway speeds.

Figure 5: Panasonic Strada CN-GP50, Right Side

An SD Memory Card slot and microphone are located on the right side of the device. Maps are stored on an included 2GB SD Memory Card, and the microphone is used for voice commands and hands-free speakerphone.

Figure 6: Map Memory Card

Strada's maps are stored on the included 3GB SD memory card.

Figure 7: Panasonic Strada CN-GP50, Top

Figure 8: Panasonic Strada CN-GP50, Bottom

The main power switch and mini-USB port are located on the underside of the Strada CN-GP50. The USB port is used both for charging the internal battery as well as data transfer between the GPS and a PC.

Figure 9: Panasonic Strada CN-GP50, Bottom

The power button, accessory connector, and power plug are located on the left side of the Strada.

Figure 10: Protective Flaps

Power and traffic receiver connectors are protected by plastic flaps that swivel open.

Figure 11: Windshield Mount & Cradle

The docking cradle snaps on to the windshield mount, as shown below. Connecting the cradle requires a fair amount of force, so you'll want to connect the cradle to the windshield mount before installing the mount in the car.

Windshiled Mount, Assembled
Figure 12: Windshield Mount, Assembled

Once the cradle is attached, the mount is ready to receive the GPS.

Figure 13: Panasonic Strada, Docked on the Windshield Mount

Figure 14: Included 12v Power Adapter

The included 12v cigarette lighter power adapter feels sturdy and well made, and the cable is a decent length.

Figure 15: Included AC Power Adapter

Panasonic includes an AC power adapter - a nice addition that lets you charge the Strada outside the car.

Figure 16: Included Mini-USB Data Cable

A USB cable is included in the box, and used for connecting the Strada to a Mac or PC. You'll only need to connect the GPS to a computer if you want to load photos onto the unit, or update the unit's firmware.

Note: There's no mp3 or video playback capability on the Strada.