Next up from Nextar GPS: Free traffic

Nextar is the latest maker of portable GPS navigation devices to announce free lifetime traffic information, coming with the launch of their new Q4-LT in the third quarter of 2009.

The Q4-LT will join devices from Garmin and Navigon already available with free real-time traffic. Like the Garmin Nuvi 265WT, Nextar’s traffic info will be advertising supported, with what the company describes as discreet ads and special promotions based on the user’s location. (The recently tested Navigon 2200T and 7200T, have free lifetime traffic without ads, as does the 8100T now being evaluated.)

Other Q4-LT features include a 4.3-inch screen, spoken street names, maps of the full United States and Canada, an MP3 player, and a photo viewer. Suggested retail price has been set at $249.99, though as we have seen on Nextar units heavily marketed during the holiday season, lower prices will likely be available.

—Jim Travers

Comments

[Bob]

Can anyone tell me what GPS unit would be the very best for mountainous areas or areas that are very hilly. Thanks so much.