VDO Dayton PN2050: extremely flat PND

After the MS 2000 and the MS 2010, VDO Dayton released a new, compact and above all extremely flat PND to the market. By the end of November the 24 mm (1 inch) thick PN2050 will be released. Without a doubt this will be one of the thinnest PND's on the market. The device is also said to be very convenient and easy to use. The menu structure of the PN2050 has deliberately been kept as simple as possible. The software of this new model is still based on the software of VDO Dayton's build-in PND models.

The designers of the PN2050 have understood that design and aesthetics are very important aspects for customers these days. The device certainly looks nice! But of course, what is most important is the way it helps users get from point A to point B. Entering destinations can be done by means of entering an address or postal code. The calculated routes are shown on the screen, of which the lay-out is user-configurable. Extras include an MP3 player and photo viewer. Files are stored on SD cards which may not exceed 2GB capacity. This card should also have a high reading speed.

Options

The PN2050 is shipped with regional maps pre-installed on SD card. Major roads of Europe are shipped with the unit, only separately. An SD card with all the European maps in detail is available as an option. Other options are the steering wheel remote control, a special cradle containing a TMC antenna, a Bluetooth module which enable hands-free phoning and a special cable which allows the user to connect his or her device to the car's head unit.

Games

This new PND has a limited amount of special options, and is thus positioned in the mid-range of the market. A handy, and standard component, is the built-in light sensor. This enables the unit to reduce it's screen brightness when it becomes darker. The PN2050 comes with a suggested retail price of 399,- €, which is rather pricey in our opinion. But that money will also buy you two built-in games: the immensely popular Sudoku and Blockcracker.