Altina's A850 follows in the footsteps of the Navigon's recently introduced Navigon
2100max and 2120max. While none of these is the first PND to offer a "3D" view, the devices flesh out their maps by including buildings, road signs, and -- in the case of the new A850 -- even details such as street lamps and trees.
Clearly, the device cannot provide this level of data for everywhere a driver might go. But the A850, apparently aimed at the Taiwanese market, is said to have 3D art for more then 4,300 intersections.
Altina's A850 can provide simultaneous 2D and 3D nav displaysIt also offers a split-screen view (above) where one half of the display shows 3D and one shows a traditional 2D map. And in case all this becomes too overwhelming, the A850 can presumably be used in 2D mode entirely. The device can render videos, show still photos, and play music, though Altina provided no information on compatible formats.
CPU power is provided by Samsung's S3C2440, clocked at 400MHz, and controlling a 480 x 272 pixel touchscreen display. The A850 includes 64MB of RAM and 64MB of flash. As usual, it has an SD slot that can be used to store maps, and the GPS chipset is SiRF's
starIII.
Finally, the A850 has a 1350mAh lithium-ion battery that is said to power the device for approximately four hours of operation. It measures 5.2 x 3 x 0.9 inches and weighs 6.4 ounces.
Altina provided no pricing or availability information.
Related stories:
