Topic: Technology
Your master plan worked. While those around you were dropping mad cash on big-ticket GPS systems, you kept your cool. You navigated by your gut, your gumption, and your grainy MapQuest printouts, just waiting for GPS prices to fall below the point at which buying one made more sense than stopping to ask for directions. And now you’ve reached your destination – or, rather, it’s reached you.
The Cobra 1000 DLX is the cheapy-ass GPS you’ve been dreaming of. It packs 12 mean channels of GPS reception, and can store up to 50 routes and 500 waypoints. The 1000 DLX comes pre-programmed with continental U.S. highways, and the included Rand McNally StreetFinder software lets you load more detailed maps from your PC. (Alas, it uses a serial connector instead of a USB connector, but we pass the savings on to you. It’s not like USB-serial adapters are expensive anyway, Mr. Pinchpenny.) This package even comes with its own 32MB SD card, the better to load maps onto, my dear.
And boy, will the 1000 DLX ever annoy those Diamond Jims who shelled out for overpriced on-board navigation systems in their cars. All it takes is the included mounting bracket and lighter adapter, and hey presto, it’s a car-based system. On the off chance some mapmaker’s error leads you into a stream or over a cliff, no prob – it’s made of durable, high-impact ABS plastic and it’s water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Now, a careful spender like you will understand that the Cobra 1000 DLX is heavy on the function and light on the frills. That means no touchscreen. That means no voice recognition or voice guidance. That means no color. And, of course, that means no big price tag.