(Click here for a larger view of Nextar's Q4-MD)

Nextar is shy when it comes to sharing technical information about the Q4-MD -- details such as the PND's screen resolution or how much memory it includes aren't listed even in the device's hardware manual. Thanks to SiRF, however, we know that the Q4-MD runs Windows CE using the SiRFatlasIV SoC that was announced last month. According to SiRF, its SoC includes a 500MHz ARM11 application processor, a 64-channel, multi-satellite system "location engine" with high sensitivity and rapid TTFF (time to first fix), and an integrated video post processing accelerator.

MSN Direct as displayed on the Q4-MD

Nextar does allow that the Q4-MD has a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, and an SD slot. A bundled 2GB SD card is said to include preloaded maps of the fifty U.S. states and Canada, plus 1.6 million POIs (points of interest). In addition to 2D and 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice prompts, the company says, the device also has a built-in FM receiver that downloads information from Microsoft's MSN Direct service (right).

According to Nextar, the receiver automatically connects to whichever local radio station is broadcasting MSN Direct information. At that point, the company says, it can retrieve updated traffic information, plus some or all of the following:

• Flight information
  
• Gas prices
  
• Group messages
  
• Local events
  
• Movie times
  
• News headlines
  
• Stock quotes
  
• Traffic
  
• User locations
  
• Weather

MSN Direct is a subscription-based service that costs $50 per year, according to Microsoft. However, the Q4-MD comes with a 12-month free trial, according to Nextar.

Hardware specifications listed by Nextar or SiRF for the Q4-MD include the following:

• Processor -- 500MHz SiRFatlasIV, with ARM11 applications processor and GPS receiver
  
• Memory -- n/s, but bundled with 2GB SD card
  
• Display -- 4.3-inch touchscreen
  
• Storage -- microSD expansion slot
  
• Other I/O -- n/s, but presumably includes USB port
  
• Battery -- lithium-ion battery; capacity n/s
  
• Dimensions -- 3.93 x 2.99 x 0.9 inches
  
• Weight -- n/s

Further information

Nextar did not release pricing for the Q4-MD, but the device appears to be available now. More information can be found on the company's website, here.

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