At a time when navigation devices makers are planning to expand beyond the conventional standalone GPS gadgets, Dell is marking its foray into the arena by making its netbooks – particularly the Dell Mini 10 – ‘navigation capable.’

According to Dell, the $69 Wireless 700 Card, which can be bought alongside the order for Dell Mini 10, will help users navigate in a way similar to the smartphone or any other navigation device.

The Wireless 700 card’s integrated navigation software - a combination of Broadcom’s GPS technology and Skyhook Wireless’ Wi-Fi positioning solutions – will provide users with a 2D and 3D map viewing, along with helping them save addresses for trip and route optimization. It would also allow users to geo-tag photos to flickr, and get weather updates for a particular place.

Talking about the new Dell proposal pertaining to navigation-capable netbooks, Alan Sicher – Dell’s Senior Wireless Product Manager – said: “Smartphones already have GPS capabilities. We are now bringing it to netbooks so the devices know where you are and can help you where you want to go.”

Sicher added that the GPS-capable netbooks from Dell will be extremely convenient for international travelers – as the Wireless 700 card will help them avoid heavy roaming charges on a cellphone.

However, though the navigation software will be free for the card and netbook buyers, they will be charged for annual map updates!