Although connected PNDs were seen as the next big thing in portable navigation, the recession kind of put a stop to this trend, or at least it postponed it from going mainstream, since the manufacturers of GPS navigation devices prefer rolling out affordable, mid-range solutions rather than pushing the high-end segment. For this reason, any development in this field is quite noteworthy, and that's also the case with the G5W PND from dmedia, which, apparently, will feature a built-in WiMax module.

As NaviGadget reports, the new G5W should theoretically be available either now or in the near future. However, there's no mention about it for the time being, the company only providing information regarding the G5 model. Presumably, the G5W will be built on the G5's platform, but will also feature the extra WiMax module.

While the reason why dmedia has equipped the fresh G5W with WiMAX capabilities is still unknown, especially given the fact that the deployment of WiMAX networks is still not particularly impressive, the only things that come to mind are either the possibility of receiving real-time traffic information and POI updates or maybe even the ability to browse the Internet (which would kind of push the PND into the UMPC or MID area).

Leaving these considerations aside, we can get a pretty good idea of just what the G5W is going to offer by taking a look at the photo provided by NaviGadget (no idea where they got it from), which lists such features as GPRS, EDGE and Bluetooth, plus a 5-inch touchscreen display and an FM transmitter, capable of broadcasting the voice instructions through the vehicle's own audio system.

Unfortunately, that's about every piece of info available for the time being, so there's no clue on just how much this thing is going to cost and exactly when it becomes available on the market. However, if the price is right, and if you happen to live in an area where WiMAX is up and running, this might be quite a sweet deal.

 
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