HANDS ON: SmartCradle Boosts GPS, Charges iPhone [PICS]

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Pioneer says it can boost GPS signals, and its amplification works not only on navigation apps; it's said to enhance the performance of any location-based app that uses the GPS function.

In addition, it has an audio/video output jack; and its built-in amplified speaker and microphone make it easy to place a hands-free call.

We took a close gander at this $129 cradle at CES, and it feels like a solid piece of gear. Getting its power from a car's cigarette lighter, it rotates easily from portrait to landscape mode and locks down tight enough onto an iPhone to keep it from tumbling into your lap.

We also like the way it'll charge the iPhone while it's in use, an important consideration considering the intense power-hungriness of every GPS app we've used. Look for it in April.