Gsm cellular phone

Garmin Corp., a unit of Garmin Ltd., a manufacturing of navigation, communication, and information electronics, has unveiled a new GSM cellular telephone for Europe -- the NavTalk II GSM.

This product combines a European GSM cellular telephone with the proven ability of Garmin's 12 parallel channel GPS receiver. The GPS component of this product will allow users to see their location on a detailed basemap. In 1999, Garmin introduced the world's first GPS-equipped cellular telephone, the original NavTalk, for the analog AMPS market.

The NavTalk II GSM has wireless application protocol (WAP) capability, which allows users to obtain information via the Internet. In addition, the product features a built-in international basemap complete with cities, major roads, lakes, rivers, airports, coastlines, and highways. The unit will also accept downloadable map detail from Garmin's extensive line of MapSource CD-ROMs, including points of interest information like hotels, restaurants, and entertainment. The NavTalk II GSM boasts a small portable size that is no bigger than most conventional cell phones.

Specific features of the NavTalk II CSM include:

- Built-in modem;

- Text messaging;

- Wireless application protocol (WAP) capability; ability to loop up information via the Internet;

- Ability to transmit location from one NavTalk II GSM user to another and to location-based service companies;

- 12 parallel channel GPS receiver with built-in international basemap of cities, major roads, lakes, rivers, airports, coastlines, and highways;

- Accepts downloadable map detail from MapSource CD-ROMs; includes address and points of interests like restaurants and hotels; and

- Stores up to 500 personal way points.

The NavTalk II GSM will be available in the fourth quarter of 2001. It will ship standard with a travel charger, user's manual, and quick reference guide.