Just nine months after entering the portable GPS fray, Hitachi have announced that its two model line-up will be refreshed in mid-August.
Amid the glitz and glamour of Hitachi's unveiling of its updated flat panel TV range -- 50-inch plasmas with frame rate conversion anyone? -- Hitachi told the gathered throng of journos that its line-up of GPSes would be replaced in mid-August. There are two "new" models -- the 4-inch MMP-401B which replaces the MMP-401 and, you guessed it, the 5-inch MMP-501B to replace the MMP-501.
Both models now come with text-to-speech, meaning that generic instructions, like "turn left in 50 metres", are replaced with more helpful ones, such as "turn left onto Parramatta Road in 50 metres". When they land on our shores they'll be fitted with the latest Sensis R14 maps. Externally they're almost dead ringers for last year's models, except that they sport the so-2007 matte black finish instead of grey.
The MMP-401B and MMP-501B
The MMP-501B retains the older model's Bluetooth support -- allowing it to act as an in-car hands-free kit -- and its AV input suitable for MP3 players and reversing cameras.
The big news, though, wasn't trumpeted quite loudly as it should've been: price cuts for the new models. The AU$549 MMP-401B undercuts its predecessor by AU$60, while the AU$799 MMP-501B is AU$150 cheaper than the soon-to-be-retired MMP-501.
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andrewhuynh
25/07/2007 06:18 PM
you made a mistake. "while the AU$799 MMP-501B is AU$150 cheaper than the soon-to-be-retired MMP-501B." I'm sure you meant "cheaper than the soon-to-be-retired MMP-501". Thought i'd let you know =] Cool. I might get one.
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fuhan_au
25/10/2007 10:01 PM
Hitachi GPS is terrible, I bought MMP401 a month ago just before MMP 401B has been released. It has no way to upgrade. So the map and sofware are old now, it is really bad
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hotdog
02/11/2007 05:48 PM
Good thanks a lot
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tonyedward
07/12/2007 05:19 PM
I disagree, Hitachi GPS is about the best I have reviewed. fuhan_au should be releived to know that I have been informed by reliable sources that the 401b is the same internally as the 401 and that the updates available as from the 7th December 2007 will make it the same as a 401b. Not only that, US, EUK and European mapping is available for both the 401 and 501 series.
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DENIS SCANLON
29/12/2007 01:48 PM
Comment: Saturday, 29th December 2007 Having purchased my Hitachi GPS Navigator MMP-401 I can say I have found it very helpful indeed, voice messaging is clear and concise. For the most part it has been accurate only failing where road changes on freeway exits and new or recent work, particularly at Melbourne airport and surrounding link roads. Another feature of the Hitachi GPS Navigator MMP-401 is you are not being bombarded with useless voice comments while travelling, you are advised at 3 kilometres, 500 metres, 200 metres before turn points. I've noted with many other GPS systems the voice comments are generally unclear and complicated which of course the Hitachi is not, about the only real disparaging aspect about the system is the speed warning and camera warnings seem inaccurate. Obviously, as with most computer generated programs they become outdated in a very short space of time and therefore need to be replaced or upgraded. It is my intention to travel Australia and not always on main roads, I would like to ask if I can buy an upgrade? My rating 8/10
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tonyedward
03/01/2008 10:53 PM
Denis Scanlon, Yes you can upgrade the unit. go to www.destinator.com.au and go to the upgrade link. details are there that will allow this. What you get for $179.00 is a 1 gig sd card with the entire destinator 7 and sensis v14 mapping. It upgrades it to be the same as the later model MMP-401B. I have done this and am extremely happy with the result. I agree, the Hitachi is a great device. BTW it is also identical to the invion series available elsewere in the world. The only thing hitachi about it is actually the words hitachi. But then, Who are we to complain.
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diveroz
04/01/2008 03:45 PM
I just bought my MMP-401B. I had to go 3 times! back to store to change it for one that works or is brand new but eventualy they found one. (Once i got factory second in a brand new box) I think it's the one of the best budget GPS. I said budget 'cos Bing Lee sells them for $299 minus $50 from Hitachi. And it has everything that you would expect from $500-$600 units.Lots of usefull settings, user friendly, clear directions, no "make U-turn" commands and fast recalculations. Plus mp3 and avi. There is already the latest Destinator with Sensis v14 so the map is pretty detailed.
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eransena
29/04/2008 12:45 PM
Any one with idea how to install destinator 7 on hitachi 401?
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leamac
25/05/2008 04:52 PM
How do you upgrade maps??? I have searched the web! I have the MMP-501, with 06 software i think. thanks
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sco77k
15/06/2008 02:54 PM
are there any other maps available for the 401b? i'm going to Europe and can't find maps anywhere on the net?
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j
17/06/2008 04:24 PM
how about adding differnt voices and skins to the 501b anyone got a website that u can get them from?? thanks
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Hawks
26/07/2008 01:51 AM
I would like to know if i have 2 ofthe mmp401 units must i purchase 2 of the upgrades or will one cover both units, seems destinator seels the upgrade for $179.00 per card and if i require 2 thats a whooping 359.00 not too far off the purchase price of a new one. Can any one advise on this matter. Thanks
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