Insignia has two new GPS devices, the 4.3-inch NS-CNV20 and the 3.5-inch NS-CNV10. Though they have all the trimmings you’d expect from an in-car GPS device, including large, bright screens and a slim profile to fit unobtrusively on a car dashboard or in your pocket, these devices have much more to offer. The Skinny For starters, the NS-CNV20 offers Bluetooth functionality, and both models are Internet-connected via a cellular modem, which grants you instant access to a number of services, such as real-time traffic updates and Google Local Search. The former keeps you apprised of any changes in traffic patterns so you can reroute your course to the PTA meeting and still make it on time. The latter is a tool that is especially helpful when you’re driving around trying to find the little hole-in-the-wall restaurant where you’re supposed to meet friends for dinner. You can keep your maps updated with a little help from Geek Squad. In addition to subscribing to Geek Squad’s Map Update Service, which keeps your device flush with the latest updates, you can visit the Geek Squad counter in person for a free quarterly map update. The first year’s map service subscription is free when you purchase either unit. Another handy function is a tie-in to Google Maps (also free for the first year). You can look up any route or address on Google Maps while using your PC and forward the information to your GPS device; when you get in the car, your GPS will know how to get there. Flexible & Practical The NS-CNV20 and NS-CNV10 are a pair of GPS devices ideal for people who need to get where they’re going in an expeditious manner and don’t have time to be waylaid by getting lost or running into traffic. These devices are great for the car, but their slim footprints make them ideal for those who need to take a GPS with them upon arriving at a destination; they fit easily into a coat pocket or purse. If you’re a diligent planner of driving vacations or just an efficient errand-runner, you can look up all your destinations and email them to the GPS ahead of time. Peace of mind will be yours before you even start the engine. Conversely, if you’re a last-minute or spontaneous person, you can look up directions on the fly with traffic update and Google Local Search services (both free for the first year). Traffic updates will keep you from getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and Google Local Search will help you pinpoint that hard-to-find antique rug shop as you’re driving around the neighborhood it’s in. Whatever your route-planning habits, the NS-CNV20 and NS-CNV10 can get you where you need to be. by Seth Colaner
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