Archive for the ‘Garmin’ Category

Garmin is not a household name in PDAs but is a very well known company providing GPS-based navigational system.

Garmin’s iQue 3000 is a special purpose device combining GPS-guided navigation and Palm OS organizer functions into a single device
This Palm OS 5.2 powered PDA is designed for automotive navigation, the iQue 3000 comes with a suction-cup windshield mount for holding the device while you drive. No full cradle to set the device into, just a basic clip-on design with a short flexible mount. You have an adhesive panel in the box if you want to mount it on a dashboard though.

Processor
The iQue 3000 comes with a 200 MHz processor, the same chip that drove its Palm-powered predecessors, the 3600 and 3200. It’s more than capable of handling the GPS navigation software and other organizer functions.

Display
The iQue’s 320 x 320 pixel display isn’t the best in the world but it does produce colors quite well. However the tendency to produce a bit of a yellowish tint might be a concern if you wanted to view photos. This doesn’t however affect navigational use.

Memory
The iQue comes with 32 MB of memory, sufficient for everyday needs. Interestingly, the device also comes with a memory card, saving you some time trying to track down a compatible card yourselves. The U.S. version comes with a 128 MB card, while the European iQue ships with a 256 MB card.

Size & Weight
There is not much say in this area except that the IQue is not really a PDA you want to carry in your pocket. Durability is the the game here and Garmin really excels in this department

Expansion
Garmin used to offer a standard SDIO slot but this unit comes with microSD slot instead which buffles a lot of people. It is just too small for some people to handle. Furthermore \it doesn’t make sense to force customers to use a more expensive format with less capacity.

Communication
Zilch. It has no built-in communications channels except for infrared and USB, and with only a microSD slot you’re never going to be able to add any either. If you primary use of this PDA is for navigation only, this shouldn’t be of too much concern. But without any active communication the iQue 3000 is limited to only what you can download from a synced PC.

Audio
Very basic audio functions offered here. A 3.5 mm headphone jack and an internal amplified speaker come as standard feature. The speaker is loud enough to make spoken directions or audio alerts heard in even a busy automotive environment, which is very good for its navigation tasks.

Battery
The iQue’s battery life isn’t stellar. With the GPS receiver running it only averages about 3-4 hours. But then it is designed to be used while plugged in most of the time. If you plug it in while driving, chances are that you don’t really care about the battery life after all.

Conclusion
iQue 3000 is a decent GPS-based PDA which is the main purpose of the device. The iQue 3000 is also simple and durable. If you require GPS on hand all the time, plus basic organization and PDA functions, this might make sense.

Read more about Garmin products at Garmin

Speifications
Processor: 200 MHz ARM9
Operating System: Palm OS Garnet 5.2.1
Display: 3.0 inch, 320 x 320 pixel transmissive/reflective LCD
Memory: 32 MB RAM; 32 MB ROM; included 128 or 256 MB expansion card
Size & Weight: 4.7 inches long x 2.8 inches wide x 0.7 inches thick (antenna retracted); 5.2 ounces
Expansion: Single microSD/Transflash slot
Docking USB cable; Automotive mounting bracket
Communication:
Serial infrared port
Audio: Internal speaker; 3.5 mm headphone jack
Battery: Internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Input: Up/down key; 4 remappable application buttons; touchscreen
Other: Internal 12-channel GPS receiver with WAAS; MCX connector for external antenna (optional)