Portable navigation devices with MP3 players and Bluetooth may be the best-sellers of the present and future. That's because the typical driver uses his or her PND for navigation about once a week; having additional uses adds value to the owners. So says a report released by ABI Research based on a survey of 750 users of portable navigation devices. ABI Research director Dominique Bonte says, "With 42% of the respondents using their navigation device less often than once a week in emergency situations or while travelling, non-navigation use cases will contribute to a more intensive use of PNDs, and greater perceived benefits." Other highlights from the report, "US Navigation Survey Highlights":

-- A third (31%) of respondents have PNDs with traffic information. 70% have lifetime or introductory free traffic info. Of those who don't have it forever, 67% said they'd definitely or probably renew their subscriptions.
-- Garmin dominates in the PND segment with 45% of the market.
-- Verizon's VZ Navigator leads in the cellphone (handset-based off-board navigation) segment with 45% of the market.
-- The average price paid for a PND in the past six months was $250.

Others (not the ABI report) have questioned the usefulness of MP3 and Bluetooth features since there are plenty of other ways to play MP3s in cars and because the quality of Bluetooth on anything other than an integrated car device, or a good earpiece, is mediocre.