Cobra Electronics Packs More Power and Features Into 2003 Product Lines

Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- With the introduction of Cobra Electronics Corporation's 2003 product lines at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) today, consumers get an exceptional combination of increased performance and superior user-friendliness. Designed for everyone from electronics novices to sophisticated electronics enthusiasts, Cobra's new product lines include easy-to-use handheld GPS receivers, extended-range two-way radios, and radar detectors that set a new standard for detection capability.

"One of the hallmarks of our company's success is that consumer needs drive our product development, and this year is no exception," said James Bazet, president and CEO of Cobra Electronics. "In the world of consumer electronics, companies that aren't continually developing new products will ultimately die. We take our 'develop or die' philosophy very seriously, and we will continue to push the envelope to develop innovative features and advanced technology that deliver desired benefits and value to consumers."

Cobra's 2003 line continues the company's tradition of delivering consumer-driven technological "firsts" to the consumer electronics market. Innovative features and products unveiled today at CES in Cobra's booth, #29013 LVCC South Hall, include:

Handheld GPS Revolutionized By User-Friendly Features: Cobra's handheld GPS products feature the exclusive Accelerated Satellite Acquisition Protocol (ASAP) technology that uses 18 channels, as opposed to the category standard of 12, to locate a user's position up to twice as fast as any handheld GPS technology on the consumer market. The ASAP technology is one of a number of breakthrough features that make Cobra's new GPS products the most user-friendly line available, addressing what has traditionally been the primary barrier to consumer acceptance. In addition, all three handheld GPS units-the GPS 100, the GPS 500 and the GPS 1000-incorporate a unique user-friendly interface that enables users to input information and change screens much the way they do when using personal computers.

Cobra's GPS 500 and GPS 1000 models also include Rand McNally mapping software, with worldwide city and state coordinates and Canadian province and European national boundaries. Both models allow users to download points of interest from a personal computer using optional Rand McNally software. In addition, the GPS 1000 incorporates a U.S. highway map featuring all interstate highways, and users can download street-level maps from a personal computer using optional Rand McNally software. The GPS 100 retails for a suggested price of $149.95, the GPS 500 for $199.95 and the GPS 1000 for $249.95. Retail availability will be the first quarter of 2003 for the GPS 100, the second quarter for the GPS 500 and the third quarter for the GPS 1000.

Powerful GMRS/FRS Products Extend Range and Value: Each of the five models in Cobra's user-friendly 2003 microTALK two-way radio line features 22 channels with 38 privacy codes, Selectable Roger Beep and Key Lock. These radios provide anywhere from a 2 mile range to a 7 mile range (depending on terrain and conditions), providing a professional grade of power that can penetrate trees, buildings and other obstacles. All models are available in various configurations, including value packs featuring rechargeable batteries and chargers.

Designed for sophisticated consumers looking to take their communications to the next level, Cobra's PR 4000 WX features X(3) Power technology that delivers up to a 7 mile range, while the PR 3000 DX has X(3) Power technology for up to a 6 mile range. Both sleek models sport convenient features such as VibrAlert silent incoming call alert, VOX hands-free communication, Water Resistance, and 10 Call Tones allowing people to differentiate between up to 10 different parties on incoming calls. In addition, the PR 4000 WX also features a 10- channel NOAA All Hazards Alert Radio, Digital Compass, and Clock/Stopwatch/Alarm. The PR 4000 WX (single radio with rechargeable battery, charger and earbud speaker/ microphone) and PR 4000-2 WX (two radios) will be available in April 2003 for suggested retail prices of $79.95 and $119.95, respectively. The PR 3000-2 DX (two radios) and PR 3000-2 DX VP (two-radio value pack) will be sold at major retail outlets in April for suggested retail prices of $89.95 and $109.95, respectively.

Cobra's 2003 line also includes two models with X1Power technology delivering up to a 5-mile range, the PR 350 WX and PR 240 WX. Both models are water-resistant, and the PR 350 WX includes a 10- channel NOAA All Hazards Alert Radio. The PR 350-2 WX (two radios) and PR 350-2 WX VP (two-radio value pack) will be available in April for suggested retail prices of $69.95 and $89.95, respectively. The PR 240- 2 (two radios) and PR 240-2 VP (two-radio value pack) will be available in April for suggested retail prices of $59.95 and $79.95, respectively. Finally, Cobra's new entry-level model, the PR 135, features an ultra-compact design that delivers up to a 2-mile range. The PR 135-2 (two radios) and PR 135-2 VP (two-radio value pack) will be available in April for suggested prices of $49.95 and $69.95, respectively.

Radar Detector Line's Industry-First Features Add Protection and Convenience: Cobra, the industry leader in radar detectors, adds two cutting-edge radar detectors to its product line in 2003. The two new models, the ESD-9570 and the ESD-9870, both feature increased immunity and advanced consumer-driven features. The new products add an 11th band-the Spectre Alert system-that gives an audio and a visual alert when it senses the Spectre technology used to detect vehicles using radar detectors. In addition, both models are undetectable by Spectre devices, as are all current Cobra models. The ESD-9570 and ESD- 9870 also feature SmartPower technology, which senses the RPM or pulse noise from a vehicle's engine to determine engine activity. If the ignition has been turned off for 30 minutes and the radar detector has been left on, the detector puts itself into sleep mode to avoid draining the vehicle's battery. Additionally, the new 3-Level City Mode feature offers two more sensitivity options, as opposed to the industry standard of only one. The two new modes reduce the frequency of false alerts in densely populated urban areas. In addition, the detectors include an 8-point digital compass and Cobra's exclusive SmartMute system, a technology that automatically mutes unwanted alerts below user-set engine revolution (RPM) in order to further eliminate false alerts. In addition, the ESD-9870 features Voice Alert technology for the ultimate in driver communications. The new products will be available at retailers nationwide by June 2003 for suggested prices of $169.95 for the ESD-9570 and $189.95 for the ESD-9870.

To learn more about Cobra Electronics, please visit the Cobra site at http://www.cobra.com/.

Source: Cobra Electronics Corporation