We have seen the iPad, the mTab, the 3G tab and now get ready for the CarPad. Yes you heard it right; MapmyIndia the leader in car navigation has now launched the MapmyIndia CarPad. When just about every manufacturer in India is launching their own branded tablets, MapmyIndia in collaboration with Qualcomm has unveiled the CarPad, a tablet with built in car navigation.
Now before you get confused with the word car in front of the pad, let me assure you that this CarPad is just like the other tablet devices available in the market except that more emphasis has been given to car-navigation part. With the MapmyIndia CarPad you will be able to watch movies, listen to MP3, work, stay connected with 3G and use it as an in-car GPS device with all India maps.
MapmyIndia CarPad features
There are few things common in all the tablets that we have seen emerging in the Indian markets, the most common being the Snapdragon processor by Qualcomm and Android OS.
MapmyIndia CarPad too comes powered by the S1 Snapdragon processor (MSM7227-1) running at 800 MHz along with Adreno 200 GPU. The operating system used is Android 2.2 also called Froyo. This CarPad comes loaded with the latest MapmyIndia GPS navigation system called Aura which makes use of the built in GPS.
The all India maps that comes pre-installed covers 1200 cities, 3D landmarks in major cities, house level maps for 18 cities, maps of 579000 villages and towns and over 5 million places. The CarPad comes bundled with car kit like windshield mount, head rest etc which can be used to fix the CarPad in front or back seats. You can easily remove the CarPad and then carry it with you.
The capacitive touch screen (TFT-HD) is 7 inches supporting resolution of 800 x 480. This is a perfect in-car tab that could become a new trend. Instead of installing the car audio and video systems why not get the MapmyIndia CarPad which can do an even better job, plus you get GPS navigation too.
The CarPad supports 3G, GPRS and EDGE networks. You need to use a SIM card. There is a built in radio for entertainment on the move, not to mention that this tab can play MP3 and Videos.
Other features are Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, Wi-Fi, mini USB, 3.5 mm audio jack, DC-in charger and GPS. The CarPad dimensions are 198 x 122 x 13.2 mm. This tab also comes with sensors like the G-sensor, light sensor and E-compass.
There is a 2 megapixel camera which can record video. The press release however does not mention if there are two cameras which will make video calls possible. With this tab you can surf, work, watch online videos on YouTube, connect to the internet, message, call, check emails and even stay connected with friends on social networks.
The Android 2.2 OS also opens door to thousands of applications that you can download and get more productive or just for entertainment purpose, you can also play games.
The MapmyIndia CarPad comes with a 3400 mAh battery that gives a standby time of 420 hours and talktime of around 7 hours. With GPS the CarPad will drain the battery power much faster. When using the GPS navigation system you should connect it with the car charger. It takes less than 5 hours to fully charge the battery.
MapmyIndia CarPad price in India
MRP: Rs. 22, 990 with 8GB SD card memory.
If you compare it with other recently launched tablets in the Indian market like the Reliance 3G Tab, Mercury mTab, Beetel Magiq tablet etc, the CarPad is costly almost double the price, however the other low cost tabs do not come with built in GPS. Moreover with CarPad you get Aura the latest MapmyIndia software worth Rs. 6,990 for free along with Car-Kit.
Where to buy MapmyIndia CarPad?
The CarPad will be available from 15th September in all leading stores, car shops and showrooms in India. You can also buy CarPad online or call MapmyIndia customer care at 011 46009999 / 91 9999333223/4 or simply visit mapmyindia.com.
MapmyIndia CarPad Box Pack
The box pack contains CarPad, 8GB SD card memory, MapmyIndia Navigator Aura software pre-installed, USB cable for charging and for data transfer, head set with microphone, quick start guide and warranty card.
You get the Car-Kit absolutely free which include car charger, windshield mount, holder and headrest mount.