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Navigon today is introducing its 8100T GPS model, sporting the capability to tap into NASA technology and 3D hardware acceleration to show a 3D representation of surrounding terrain such as rolling hills or valleys. The 8100T also features a large 4.8-inch touchscreen to take advantage of the 3D terrain detail.

While other GPS devices also feature 3D maps, Navigon claims the 8100T is the first to feature "true 3D" by implementing NASA terrain elevation data in conjunction with a built-in 3D accelerator. Of course, high technology comes at a cost, and in this case that's $599 when the 8100T becomes available in stores later this month. While I rely on my GPS to compensate for my terrible sense of direction, that price seems a bit high to pay for a 3D map of Chicago and its mostly flat surrounding areas. It's an impressive novelty, but it is still just a novelty.

I might be more inclined to favor the recently unveiled TeleNav GPS. It's a bit bare bones on presentation by comparison, but it's cheaper and will still get me where I need to go just as well. It also features the cellular connectivity feature (for a monthly fee) that Navigon's 3D device is lacking.

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