Motorola DragonBall MXL 200MHz - 32MB RAM - 3.8" Active Matrix TFT Color LCD - 65536 Colors 16-bit - MPN: 0100026400
Strengths: Integration of PDA & GPS functions
Weakness: Lack of wireless technogolgy
Other than a few very intermittent system hangups, the Garmin iQue3600 has greatly exceeded my expectations. I use it at work for PDA functionality, during my off hours for travel guidance and many other things I never I thought I would use this unit for. I've discovered there are even fun things to do such as going GeoCaching (a hobby of finding treasures hidden by other GPS users - see www.geocaching.com... for more info). The iQue3600 has been a very solid performer for me. I could have sold many of them based solely on what my friends have seen me do with the unit!
I can't say enough good things about this unit. I use it in my car, at work and at home.
No other unit that I am aware of gives me the ability to do arm-chair route programming, as well as the ability to use the unit in any vehicle I choose. Perhaps the audio quality isn't what you find in the built-in GPS/guidance units in automobiles, but they can't hold a candle to the versatility offered with this unit.
Garmin Service - I lost a thumb screw from the Autonavigation unit and made a simple email request to Garmin for a replacement unit and fully expected to pay for the replacement screw since I could hardly blame Garmin for my loss. But, Garmin sent me not just one, but two replacement thumbscrews free of charge. Not only that, they responded to my email in less that 24 hours and I had the part in my hands less than 4 days later. Now that is what I call SUPERB CUSTOMER SERVICE - A BIG Thank you to Garmin Customer Service!!!
I anxiously await an announcement for a new model of the iQue3600 and can only hope it has wireless and San Disk i/o capabilities.
I would highly recommend this unit, without any reservations, to anyone wanting an integrated PDA/GPS unit.
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TopStrengths: GPS functionality, turn-by-turn voice directions, PDA functions, voice recorder -- all in one device.
Weakness: Some reliability issues and initial programming problems.
I love this device as both a Palm PDA (my first Palm OS system) and a GPS navigation system. I can now travel without printing all kinds of maps or renting a car with navigation option. The maps are excellent and, once you understand the system, fairly easy to load [but you must have an optional SD card, the larger the better, to store detailed maps]. The car kit is essential. I'm still finding new features and uses for it. Last week I was delighted to find the unit easily recorded a 3-hour meeting with excellent sound quality!
My initial set-up was problematic, as I couldn't get the unit to sync with MS Outlook. I finally had to purchase Intellisync software [the full version, not the "lite" that comes with the iQue] to get the unit to sync properly.
I also had two major glitches: (1) a complete software crash - early on -- that dumped all my data in the middle of a road trip [arrgggghh!]; and (2) a dead GPS antenna after 4 months of use -- quickly repaired/replaced by Garmin. It sounds from other reviews like these problems may have plagued early units/software.
In general, I love the unit, have been pleased with Garmin service, and would buy it again.
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TopStrengths: -Screen size and clarity. -Mapping has been flawless. -Huge database has everything in it, including phone numbers -Half the price of most other navigation systems -It's a PDA too!!
Weakness: -Application Interface is a bit tricky at first -A decent car mount will run you $70. -Need to buy additional memory card
I was skeptical when I puchased this from Buy.com. I had used a GPS system from Magellan in a rental car and was hoping it would be almost as good. I initially figured it would be not so good at either being a PDA or a navigation system. I was proven wrong.
Where do I start? It's a nice Palm Pilot PDA. Colors and screen clarity are excellent.
In addition, the mapping database in this unit is amazing. It has every restaurant, bank, ATM, karate studio, church, school, you name it.. Including all phone numbers. The navigation system has been flawless, except where you find new construction.
We took 2 trips since we bought it, had no idea where we were going, and didn't need our maps (we took them just in case). I'm not sure why some people didn't get this to work for them but in my opinion this PDA rocks!!
Get a nice car mount, like the Seidio brand on ebay.
In conclusion, this PDA was as even better than the navigation system I've used in rental cars. The database was better, and it is portable.
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TopStrengths: Excellent all-in-one system. Perfect for those people looking for a PDA with GPS capabilities.
Weakness: Occ. soft resets, but they do not disrupt any data.
Reading the prior reviews, I was compelled to write one also. This unit is designed as a PDA with GPA capabilities. And Garmin did at tremenidous job jumping into the PDA arena. This unit is not designed for the outdoors, it is a PDA. With the on-dash mount that Garmin sells, it charges the battery while you drive and includes an external speaker that has plenty of volume (I have no problem hearing it over my diesel). Also, I have been unable to get the on-dash mount to move on the dashboard while driving (the mount is a few bean bags filled in lead shot with a rubber-type bottom). This is a must for anyone looking for GPS capabilities in a PDA!!!
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TopStrengths: map software is excellent; large, bright display; Operating system is bullet-proof
Weakness: You will have to wait for a 2gb SD card before all the maps of US will fit in at once.
I have owned several other GPS devices, including Street Pilot, Garmin GPS 3+, and the NavTech system that comes standard in the Mercedes S-500. The I-que 3600 is the best GPS I could imagine. Small, lightweight, fits anywhere and has strong sattelite reception even when not directly under the windshield. Palm OS is more fault-tolerant than PocketPC, and the I-Que is more tolerant than even a typical Palm Tungsten T. I accidently reset the GPS on a trip, and when it came back on, it was still navigating to my desination with all the tracking and trip data intact. As you drive along any typical city or rural streets, this device shows you the addresses of the places you are passing by! Recommendation: always use the 12v power cord when traveling in the car.
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TopStrengths: PDA size which slips into pocket or purse. Take unit into home or hotel and plan and enter next day's destinations. Entry can be by name, address, intersection, city, etc.
Weakness: Not designed to be used for long periods of time as "stand alone" GPS. Requires external power for extended GPS use, but battery life ok for general PDA use.
Probably best there is in Market Place. Garmin has upgraded software in Release 3 which can be downloaded at Garmin site. Now can be loaded with waterway navigation software. Also, product specific PDA chat room directs you to great freeware that allows automatic brightness control, tide chart and graphs, and speed warnings (this unit measures your travel speed and adjusts arrival time based on distance to go and speed being traveled) so that you can set a maximum speed and unit will "beep" when that is exceeded. Have traveled to various parts of country since owning and a 256MB SD card is more than sufficient to store home area and routes to and area destinations. You simply load new areas while erasing old areas when performing a Hot-Sync and you are ready to go. Even has streets that auto navigation units are yet to include in their upgrades.
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TopStrengths: Just one word - WOW! Exellent Voice Guidance, maps. Good price. Easy to use.
Weakness: Screen glare at day time, so I have to buy "screen protection/anti-glare film".
I love it! With this unit I don't have to go to yahoo maps any more and not just this, I don't have to look and afraid to miss road exits, i.e. perfect Voice Guidance. You have to buy optional AUTO nav kit ($54) + extra CD memory 256MB - $25. My total cost for UNIT + Auto NAV kit + 256 Memory = $509.00
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Topwhere do you buy "screen protection/anti-glare film" Is this screen protection for the car or for the unit ?
Strengths: Compatible with Palm OS and easily loaded with my Palm personal data Excellent GPS routing, with clear color-vibrant screen, super mapping & menu options, clear voice and display instructions
Weakness: Very unstable SW, will lock up frequently when routing. Short battery life for PDA use.
Beta level software, untested, will lock up frequently, requiring full initialization. Finally, after several days, the unit locked up for good and will not turn on again. This product is prototype level, unworthy of the GARMIN name. Should not have been shippped without much more testing. Taking mine back and waiting for improved version. After 1hr 45 min wait on the phone with GARMIN tech support (a record waiting time!), GARMIN said units with serial# greater than 9027XXXX have significant HARDWARE and SOFTWARE improvements. You can downloaded version 2 of the software, but also need the critical hardware upgrades. You can send it to GARMIN for rework.
Stay away from the early versions of this product. Maybe the later versions solve the severe reliability problems I encountered. I have owned four previous GARMIN GPS's for offshore sailing, and 5 Palm PDA's. This is my dream product, but it has to work!!
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TopStrengths: Small, easy to use, full set of travel and PC accessories available. Very detailed routing, normal PDA functions, and plays audio files.
Weakness: Battery life and as yet I have trouble using the word processing and accounting software. Would like to have expense software for taking down info on travel.
Very powerful PDA/GPS device, my first! Bright screen for maps and routing. Audio directions are what I use the most. I will never get lost again! All my geeky friends want one when I bragg and demo it for them. Buy accessories direct from GARMIN recommended.
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TopStrengths: Excellent navigation system. Voice guidance. Screen.
Weakness: Screen glare when used on dash board. Menu complicated.
Used it in the USA and Germany ($300 extra) with no complaints. Voice guidance is perfect. Have used a navigation system in BMW 528i for 3 years, but this one is better. Have not found a way to export addresses from ACT! to navigation system.
512 MB memory recommended, it will cover a wide area.
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TopStrengths: Great combination of PDA and navigation system. Excellent integration. Slick design.
Weakness: Battery life is too short
I am extremely satisfied with this product. The mapping and navigation system is great, the screen is bright and the colors are crisp. The GPS hardware is on par with the usual Garmin quality and the navigation software is remarkable.As a PDA, it is a pretty good Palm 5 device and the integration between PDA and GPS functionality is well done.
On the down side, the battery life could use some improvement, it lasts only about 2-3 hours with full time GPS and backlight usage. Some people complained about some hardware and software problems but I haven't encountered any of them (probably because my unit is a fairly new revision).
Please note that this device is not intended for regular outdoor usage such as hiking, if you plan to do that there are other dedicated GPS devices that will serve you better. On the other hand, if you drive a lot, you will be very satisfied.
If you are considering buying it, you should know that there are a few accessories that are highly recommended, the Auto Mount kit and a large capacity SD card being among them.
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TopStrengths: 1) Big screen with high resolution. 2) PDA functionality. 3) Map are very detailed.
Weakness: 1) Very week battery life. 2) Takes several minutes to sync up with satellites. I am extremely unsatisfied with this. 3) The friction auto kit sold separately and slips off dash board often.
The satellite reception of this unit is really weak. It takes quite a while to sync up. In the car, if you hold it and enter something, it will lose the signal and need to start over again. I have talked to Garmin tech support, and went nowhere. Otherwise, it will be a very nice unit even with the above-mentioned weaknesses. Anyway, this is common verion 1 problem (If you check the softare on this this unit, most of them are v1.0 too). Hopefully, when I get Garmin M5, it will not let me dows.
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TopStrengths: GPS function
Weakness: Battery
This is one of the best GPS. Both the receiver and the software are fantastic. MP3 function makes the trips fun. However, the battery has a very short life.
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TopStrengths: Easy to use, big screen, see it anywhere, good programs included, GPS works as well or better than Garmin 2600.
Weakness: Speaker is weak, need better ears than mine.
I love this unit. The turn by turn instructions work perfectly. It saved me from getting all screwed up when I missed a turn, it recalculated quickly. The GPS function is quick and accurate. I put know addresses in address book, then, used the goto function to perform routing tasks on the go. Loaded most of the US on a 512mb card and use the unit for entertainment on commercial jet flights. Put an external antenna under the window shade, it finds sats in 10 seconds, see the map move.
I also have the Garmin Etrek Vista, and also the 176c, this unit is better than both. It equals my friend's 2600 for navigation functions, and it also performs the functions of a palm pilot, which makes it better at half the price.
Tip, get a 256 memory card if you do alot of cross country travel.
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TopStrengths: Small size, Palm OS 5, plays Audible.com books, syncs with your favorite PIM and a GREAT GPS to boot!
Weakness: I wish the battery life were better. It's too easy to forget to leave the GPS in the "ON" position, thus further diminishing battery life.
This is my favorite gadget...hands down! Had a StreetPilot III, which I liked, but was pretty bulky to be bringing on business trips. Had this unit stolen from the glove box of a rental car and I immediately went out and bought another.
The price is great for what you get:
GPS with available maps galore (including fishing spots),
Plays Audible.com books,
Acts as a memo recorder,
Syncs with your favorite PIM (Outlook, etc)...
Give me this and a cell phone and look out!
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TopStrengths: Small. Light weight. Multi-funtional.
Weakness: Battery doesn't last long.
I love this product! I feel really surprised about all its funtionalities. The GPS positioning is fast and precise. The map and database contain almost everything you need for traveling. And the best of all, it is also a PDA!! cons: Its signal reception is a bit weaker than other models (ex. Garmin GPS V), but I never have a problem with the signal acquisition so far. The only thing I concern is its battery. You need to purchase an additional car power adapter if you really want to travel with it.
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TopStrengths: GPS is fantastic
Weakness: Battery life
The Garmin iQue 3600 has the best GPS software I have seen. It is easy to use, accurate and quick. It will find a route in several seconds. The color screen is large, clear and easy to read in the brightest sunlight. The palm software is great.
The only reason I don't give it five stars is the battery life. I can't use it for hiking because after a hour or two the battery is drained.
All in all though a great value.
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TopStrengths: user friendly, great at doing what it meant for- GPS, very quick re-routing, Address book link to GPS, portability.
Weakness: some minor ones, like with everything else in life
This is my first GPS, bought primarily due to frustrations of getting lost in New Jersey and suburbs of New York.
It is fairly user friendly and easy to begin start using it. One gets better with time and also following the great tips on message boards like www.pdastreet.com/foru....
The first tough lesson I learnt was that the GPS did not work inside my minivan ! It appears that in the cars made by GM and affiliates, there is a coating on the wind screen that stops radio signals. So, I had to get an antenna and it has been a smooth sailing since then. In my other car, a Suzuki, there has not been any problems.
A car kit is essential- it keeps the GPS nicely in place as well as charging the battery and having a large speaker for audio.
The problems have been minor- occasional freezing requiring a reset, not finding the address but OK on manual search on the map, occasionaaly crazy re-routing. It does take a couple of minutes to acquire the satellites the first time but then re-routing is quick. I still some times lose satellites in New Jersey but elsewhere has been fine.
Overall a great buy for the money unlike the $2000 option on the cars. Great 'find' feature that searches for anything under the sun- shops, gas stations, restaurants (by cusine) wherever you are.
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TopStrengths: Beautiful screen; intuitive buttons
Weakness: GPS quit working after 7 days!
Relatively easy to set up PC software & then hotlink to PDA to download programs & maps. Map data was not too obsolete in terms of locating nearby attractions, however, the route and directions provided were often not correct, even sending you in the opposite direction from where you want to go. I was looking forward to purchasing National Parks topo maps but the unit's GPS failed for no apparent reason and had to be sent back to Garmin. I wouldn't recommend purchasing anything from Garmin as a result of this experience.
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TopStrengths: Great GPS functionality.
Weakness: Slow, proprietary, mapping software. No MacOS support.
I recieved my iQue 3600 a couple of days ago and I just was able to load detailed maps onto the device. I don't know whether it is a VPC problem or a iQue problem but I could not get VPC to do the initial sync (required to load maps onto the SD cvard) with the provided USB cradle. I thankfully have an older powerbook with infared which I was able to sync with. After getting the device synced I tried to generate some maps. The maps included all of New Mexico, Arizona and SoCal and it took 3 hours to generate the gmapsupp.img file (which is the only file the iQue software will read maps from it appears, so when you want to add more maps and keep the old you have to start from scratch!). Again, this may be a VPC problem but a top showed that it was utilizing very little of my cpu. IMHO this is unaccepatable (but then again, so is the refusal to create a Mac version)!
Other than the PeeCee software and the map limitations of the iQue map software this is a great product.
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TopStrengths: World wide maps available, voice turn-by-turn directions, even when on foot. great zoom-in or out feature on screen program generally picks the best routes
Weakness: Points of interest, especially restaurants, become dated, but can be updated. I can't be bothered. Warning about distance to turns sometimes a little optimistic, but you learn to adapt very quickly.
I've used the GPS feature in the UK, Germany, and all over Canada and parts of the USA. The maps are excellent, the guidance great. Considering this is half the price of a GPS built into the car, and far more functional, I recommend this unit highly.
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TopStrengths: the PDA / GPS functionality "looks" catchy but very very problematic
Weakness: The entire system.
Used a 3200 bet Dec05 - Jan06 - returned it becos it did not acquire satellite. Returned within 30 days ( fortunately). 3600 bet Jun06-Aug06, resetted every 2 secs, called Support for help, RMAing it for repair. Support is friendly, but product is so unstable. Put ur money to use elsewhere.
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Navigation is Average according to 18 GPS Device experts. -- "Gaming performance is very good"-mobiletechreview.com -- "you can adjust the antenna to get the best reception"-reviews.cnet.com -- "strong performance"-mobiletechreview.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Display, Maps, Usability, etc.
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GPS accessories for PDAs have been quite popular for the past few years. Now Garmin, a well known GPS manufacturer has introduced the first PDA with an integrated GPS. The iQue 3600 runs Palm OS 5, has a high res + 320 x 480 color display, an SD slot and 32 megs of RAM. Not a bad PDA to say the least, and at $589 list price, it's no more expensive than what you'd spend for a similar high end PDA...
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Garmin iQUE 3600
Strengths: Great GPS at a very low price. I was able to link with my Goldmine Contact management software with no problems.
Weakness: The travel navigation sand bag tends to slide around on the dashboard. Dislpay could be a little brighter in day light.
Regarding the Travel Kit for the car, I have attached velcro to the inside of my vents on top of the dash. Doing it this way, you do not see any velcro pieces attached to your dashboard. I have then run a strap to help hold the Travel kit in place. I don't know if you can develope a cradle to attach to either vents or the rear view mirror.
All in all great device. The 32 meg of memory is not nearly enough to do anything.I purchased a 512 SD Ultra card which has plenty of room.
I would love to see a built in GSM phone similiar to the Blackberry. That and WIFI would make this Garmin unbeatable.
The built in GPS is much better than the add on cradle versions that I have tried.
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