While 3.5-inch GPS (global positioning system) PNDs (portable navigation devices) launched by international vendors in the Taiwan market sell at above NT$5,000 (US$164), a few second-tier local brands have lowered prices for their 3.5-inch GPS PNDs, with GoNav and Altina cutting prices to NT$2,990 and dmedia to NT$1,990, according to sources in the local retail channel.
White-box 3.5-inch GPS PNDs made in China also sell at NT$1,990, but their built-in maps may be pirated and the quality is not guaranteed whereas dmedia's 3.5-inch model is equipped with copyrighted maps and value-added functions of a digital photo frame and MP3 playback, the sources indicated. A main reason behind dmedia's low price is the adoption of Centrality GPS chipsets, the sources noted.
Retail prices of 4.3-inch GPS PNDs have also dropped, with the price of TomTom ONE XL lowered to NT$5,990 and those of models offered by second-tier local brands reduced to below NT$5,000, the sources pointed out. Ergotech, a second-tier local brand, has launched its GP430A, a 4.3-inch GPS PND plus an external TV box, for sale at NT$8,499, the sources indicated.
Article translated by Adam Hwang
