ViaMichelin ships X-970 portable GPS navigator

Remember the cutesy X-970 from way back in March? If not, there's no need to panic, as ViaMichelin is just now getting around to releasing this thing en masse. Available now, the 3.5-inch X-970 features Bluetooth, text-to-speech, real-time traffic capability, a three-watt internal speaker and Michelin Green Guide content, which describes "thousands of attractions across the US and Canada." If this sounds like your kind of navigator, you can grab one now for $399. Click on through for a few more looks.

[CaptCaveman @ Oct 4th 2007 3:24PM]

I just bought a Nuvi 350 for a bit under that price. Well, with the language guide at about the same price. I can't say that I regret it but the x-970 does like ok.

[Tony @ Oct 7th 2007 11:02AM]

I've been waiting for one of their more advanced units (e.g.: X970T) to come to the US, especially if they are compatible with both US and european maps. The transatlantic functionality is a big deal for me because I travel to europe and I value the Michelin red and Green Guides. (Those maps and guides can consume a lot of my baggage weight allowance.) The 930 did not have transatlantic capability.

In addition to the v7 operating system now available in europe, I note a couple of additional differences: 1) the TMC antennae is not included in the US X970, but will be available as an accessory ; 2) the warrantee is 1 year not the usual 2 that they have in europe; and 3) the "ViaMichelin Advantage" program does not appear to be included.

I am cautiously optimistic about this unit, but would like to read some "on the road" reviews and get more detailed info from US ViaMichelin. They have shared only very basic info so far, at least compared to the european ViaMichelin site's info on the X970T. I will be especially interested to know how this X970 (no "T") unit integrates internationally with ViaMichelin's services and mapping