At first glance, the Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U personal navigation device looks like a cross between the company's plasma televisions and digital picture frames. Its slim frame, huge five-inch screen, and wide aspect ratio all contribute to the illusion. Inside the slick package is a PND with several standard high-end features and full map set. Key features include:

Initial impressions. The Panasonic GP50U stands out with its crisp display on a five-inch LCD screen. But beyond the unusually large screen size, the Panasonic is slim on features for its $440 as-tested price point and does not have much to distinguish it from its competitors. Some entertainment features expected from a brand such as Panasonic, though not central to navigation, are absent: video viewer, MP3 player, and FM transmitter. All three features are common in other mid-priced and high-end units.

The Panasonic Strada does a good job of providing adequate information and guiding the driver along the route. Its large maps are easy to read, particularly with elements such as street names and local landmarks. Further, the extra display space aids the user in touching the screen buttons. But information such as next-turn direction, speed, and remaining distance to destination are small especially given the abundant screen real estate.

The spoken street address feature, called text to speech, is welcomed, enabling the system to give detailed audible instructions rather than just "left" or "right" directions. Once an address is entered, how to begin the route calculation using the GP50U is less intuitive than it is with most units.

A nice feature, the Panasonic device can provide speed alerts on major roadways, informing the driver when the vehicle is traveling a user-defined amount (5, 10, or 15 mph) above the current road's speed limit. It is traffic capable but it requires a separate traffic receiver for traffic updates.

CR's take. The Panasonic gives good navigating instructions but there are better competing units with easier-to-use interfaces for entering addresses and for conducting point-of-interest (POI) searches. The Panasonic uses some software from PND-maker Navigon, and we have also found that programming and function use can be frustrating on those units. The voice-command ability does not make up for the user interface challenges. We consider it to be a decent feature, although as seen on other portable devices, it is simple and limited. We hope to see voice recognition abilities continue to improve in future generations of PNDs.

The Panasonic Strada is a good navigator that could be friendlier to use, particularly for a first-time GPS owner. The high-end features and large screen make the Panasonic GP50U desirable but at its premium price, there are better, less expensive models in our Ratings chart.

For more information on portable navigation systems see our GPS Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.