Intel PXA272 416MHz - 64MB RAM/ - 64MB ROM - 3.5" Active Matrix TFT Color LCD - 65536 Colors 16-bit - Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition - MPN: 0100034400
Strengths: Great GPS! Decent Maps. Very portable. Great handwriting recognition. The ability to have a GPS, computer, Internet connection, camera all in one unit. (wi-fi and camera were purchased separately.)
Weakness: Browser is not Java enabled. Calculator not scientific. A bit of a steep learning curve and patience is required to learn all the ways to operate the GPS and PDA. Only 64MB internal memory.
I've had no problems with syncing up with satellites. Living in the wide-open southwest probably makes the difference. The GPS is why I bought this and I haven't been disappointed. The windshield mounting unit works very well. I added a 4GB SD card ($35) to store all of the North America maps and they took up 1.6GB of the card. I bought a spectec 802.11b/g wireless card ($35) and it works great. I bought a spectec miniature camera ($14) that works well also. I don't expect to do photo quality pictures, but I bought the camera for its convenience, e.g., What if I was in a wreck and need to take pictures, etc. The PDA, extra card(s), and camera fit easily in my purse. I like the Instant Messenger to chat with my family. What I don't like is that the browser that comes with the operating system (Windows Mobile PC 2003) is not Java enabled. So I guess I'll have to hunt (and pay) for a browser somewhere. I don't really play games so I can't comment on those. Pocket Excel and Word are nice! I write (rather well) in cursive and have had very little problems with the handwriting recognition software. The key is writing as you were taught in grade school. I have decent battery life, i.e., I can use it most all day before I need to charge it up. The calculator is not scientific. I haven't used the blue tooth so I can't comment on that. But e-mail is no problem. The maps don't have the latest changes to my city, i.e., new suburbs and streets, and I don't know if I'll be able to buy new maps yet. But Garmin has some maps I'm interested in (hiking, water); they're just expensive. For the price of this PDA ($350), it's worth it if only for the great GPS. The fact that I can get my Internet e-mail is the cream on the cake. I don't need it to be a phone especially since I can't take a cell phone into work. I would have liked a built-in wi-fi card as I need to take the maps on my 4GB card out to use the wi-fi, but..., I won't be needing to use both features simultaneously anyway. I love it and use it daily. I use it on trips to get me where I need to go, prior to trips to plan my routes, and from bed when I'm sending e-mails or chatting with my family. The GPS recalculation is great!! I often go off-route to avoid areas and the GPS quickly recalculates the new route. The external speaker is quite adequate in the car. The internal speakers aren't very loud if you're listening to music and wearing ear buds, but they are loud enough (unless you like very-high volume.) Don't buy this for the MP3 player -- you will be disappointed if you do. Also, don't buy it if you want high-quality pictures or video recording. The pictures are stored initially in the internal 64MB memory and you need to off-load them or you'll quickly run out of space.
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TopStrengths: Quick Processor, Good Interface, Lots of Features, Slim Design, Bluetooth
Weakness: Map Update Load Time, No Built-in Wifi, ActiveSync over bluetooth tough to setup, Usual GPS Acquisition Issues
Although some friends warned me about the instability of PocketPC, I've been happily surprised--it has a good interface (although I prefer old school palm grafiti pads to on-screen writing) and has only crashed twice, but I did not loose any data, nor did I need to use the included backup program (Sprite backup comes with it, and automatically does nightly backups to SafeStorage or an SD Card)
Built-in memory decent for small maps (ie NYC metro area took up 11MB) but get a 512MB or bigger card to load several states (a 170MB file holds much of lower NY, NJ, Massachusetts, Maryland & Connecticut) Which is good, but the problem, is if I wanted to add something, I have not yet found a quick update, the new portion plus the old 170mb would have to be updated, which is slow (even over usb 2.0)--takes about 15-20 min. Bluetooth file transfer is cool, but I have not yet gotten activesync to work (there's some sites/magazines I found on google which give info, but I have not done it yet). I bought an Ambicom SD-WL11 Wifi Card, works great, quick downloads, easy install (I reviewed that too--search Pricegrabber.com for it). Navigation system is good--there are a few applications that you can cycle through via the hardware Q button, one is to find stuff--works great with GPS on or off--and if you know current place + destination you can "simulate route" even with GPS off to know how to get there. Push Q to see map, then odometer/speed, turns page/directions, then Sat-acuqistion page (standard as per other Garmin GPS like the 12xl). You can set lots of options like avoid major highways. It saved my butt a few times @ night, but once sent me to the wrong address (could have been an out-of date listing).
GPS acquisition is good, has a 48mhz dedicated gps co-processor, but in bad weather, around buildings, etc. without a clear view of sky, acuquisition can be slow/spotty. I drove in my friends' Lexus with in-dash navi system, and this was just as good, and even more detailed in some rural places. I considered GPS-only units, but having the PocketPC for Corporate Remote Desktop/VPN, Word/Excel, Full PDFs, Websurf, games, MP3, etc. is great! Good luck!
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TopStrengths: The SD slot is SDIO compatible allowing you to add WiFi. A big plus - replaceable battery. The OS is Windows Mobile 2003. Included accessories means little else to buy. Feels well made and sturdy.
Weakness: The manual could be written to address all types of users. The 320 x 240 display.
This is my 1st PDA and the 1st time I have used a GPS, that said, I was having some difficulty in uderstanding just what it is I needed to create and transfer from the mapping software. I found it complicated to install, a problem I discovered had more to do with my laptop security settings, but found little info on the Garmin website to help me with the installation process. I had to reinstall several times to get the CitySelect help files to work correctly. The manual seemed complex to me and did not seem to address instructions geared to the first time users, easily solved with adding more FAQ's on the Garmin website. I have to say I felt the sense of accomplishment when I mapped my first route and heard that voice telling me where to turn! I expect as I learn more, this device will help greatly in my work and leisure life. The wide range of basemaps was a buying plus to me as I travel frequently. Purchasing such software can become costly. I installed the Worldwide Basemaps, instead of the North American maps, and added the City Select map for all of New England on a 256MB SD Card. I plan to buy a SD WiFi card to provide my with internet access. On the PDA end, once I set up categories in MS Outlook, I was able to collect my preferred details, the sync was complete and painless. I like the potrait/landscape features and the ability to change my font text and shadowing. I plus to someone with reading glasses! A higher resolution display like that on the 3600 would have made this near perfect.
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TopStrengths: Fast in catching the signal. Good setup, map, long battery life + backup battery.
Weakness: Sometimes wont catch signal in downtown areas. Manual not very good. Suction mount arm should be longer
It is certainly better than IQue 3600. Much more reliable. Like MS setup better. It is ceretainly easy to use. Opening of GPS antenna is much better as it has knob when slided the antenna comes up. In 3600 you have to pull the antenna. Also they have better designed the desktop mount. All the software is good as well, but it takes very long to upload the maps.
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TopStrengths: It was easy to use.
Weakness: The user manual is badly written. Lots of features are not included in the manual and you need to find those features yourself. The map could be better
I have used this unit for about a week now. I took a long trip (6 hours) from New Jersey to PA. The voice frequently asked me to exit the highway I-80, and I know I need to go to exit 29, which was a long way ahead. I am not sure if I needed to down load the whole PA map to get better instructions. Due to the memory limitation, I could only down load the map along I-80. Now, 8/6/2005, I got a chance to purchase a 1G SD and time to take an one hour trip to Penn and back, I loaded the map of all Penn and New Jersey, and it worked much better this time.
I have had some problems with this unit, and sent it back to Garmin for repair. The tech support was excellent and turn around time was great. A+ for service.
Don't buy something like this on eBay, Garmine won't accept eBay seller's invoice for warranty.
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Topfollow up comments, this unit dies completely today. It happened twice in the past week, and I was able to turn it on, but all data in the memory was lost. Today, this unit completely die.
Strengths: Both a Pocket PC and a GPS system that can be used in an automobile, or hand-held.
Weakness: The only manual that comes with it is for the GPS system. The battery does not last very long when used as a mobile GPS. The display could be of a higher resolution.
The unit comes with everything needed except an SD card for downloading detailed maps. I was happy with the unit and the way it works. I have used it on trips, and once a route is planned, it would be almost impossible to get lost or have problems finding the destination. I was able to find and download a user manual for the Pocket PC operation on the Garmin web site. It really helped setting up and using Outlook, and some of the other programs included with the unit. To use the GPS receiver, the unit needs to be plugged into a power supply, either an auto, or its AC cord. The battery just doesn't last long enough except for very short periods of time. The unit fits my need very well. I wanted both a pocket PC and a GPS receiver. This fits both those needs. When using the GPS receiver, i am almost always in my car, so the power is not a problem for me. I plan to purchase a WI-Fi card so I can use the internet when I am away from home. I would recommend this unit to anyone who has needs similar to mine. You can find more powerful pocket PCs, and GPS receivers with larger and better screens, but you can't find both for what I paid for the IQue M5.
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TopStrengths: Great GPS Software, great PDA, Windows Mobile operating system
Weakness: Memory capacity, not a good MP3 player, additional card is need in order to get wireless internet access
I-Que M-5 is a great GPS embedded with a PDA. The software is great. The memory capacity is very low, so you have to buy extra SD card in order to load maps. It is not a good MP3 player as well, as the sound quality is not as great as IPOD. If we load more songs then there will not be enough memory left to load the maps. I cannot use it to access internet because for that I need to buy a separate card. The satellite reception is lost most of the times in downtown areas of cities like San Francisco.
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TopStrengths: It is a PDA & GPS with SD slot SDIO compatible allows one to expand memory by at least 4gb with today's available SD cards, could be more in future. SD-WiFi compatible to browse Net at Hotspots.
Weakness: Manual is not user friendly. SD-WiFi does not come with this product. Takes some time to get Satelite signal. As somebody said - Not a good MP3 player.
I have been looking for a portable GPS navigation system to use in my car. The stand alone GPS available in todays market is priced at least around $400. I found Garmin iQue M5 is the best solution to my need as this is a PDA and GPS for almost same price. That means getting two for the price of one. I bought this from Costco with a Coupon discount for a very good price. I have been using this more as GPS ever since.
One need to download the maps into external SD card to cover more States. I currently have 512mb card and it could cover almost 50% of the United States. I went to CA on a vacation and never found any difficulty in reaching my destinations.
It takes some time though to establish Satelite connetion and to calculate directions. Once that is done then it is a piece of cake to navigate.
I have note explored many features of it as PDA but was able to synchronize with my Laptop and download files, browse internet, set-up tasks, etc.
This has a primary battery and a secondary battery as back-up. It alarms when the primary battery drains to certain level so that you can hook to external power. Comes with all accessories, except SD-WiFi, to rock and roll.
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TopStrengths: very good
Weakness: none so far
All Garmin products are very good but the ique m5 is the best I liked it even before i bought it because i saw it in a friends car traveling throu Wisconsin
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TopStrengths: GPS is great very accurate. Windows operating System
Weakness: Signal is lost sometimes walking through manhattan
Overall I am very pleased with this product in every way. It provides me with great sense of direction where ever i travel to. I highly recommend this great piece of machinary too anyone who is interested.
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TopStrengths: PDA/GPS together, portability is excellent. realibity superb. voice activated, great screen all u wanted for this kind of product
Weakness: NONE
I bought this product for my work. At the same time, I wanted to get a GPS. However, the price of GPS alone is very high. So I decided to get this combo package.
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TopStrengths: quick turnaround
I had a good experience. I shopped around and the price they had was way below anyone. I recieved quick responses on the shipping tracking information and received the product on time. Thank you
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Testseek.com has collected 12 expert reviews for Garmin iQue M5 and the average expert rating is 72 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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Let's face it, you don't have many choices when it comes to PDAs with integrated GPS. There's the Palm OS Garmin iQue 3600 and 3200, and the Mitac Mio 168 Pocket PC. That said, the Garmin offers a strong set of features, including a fast processor, integrated Bluetooth, and the latest Windows Mobile operating system at press time. The GPS gets a good signal, and the map data is excellent. The...
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I love that GPS/PDA !!!!
Strengths: Small, Accurate, Fast, Automatic Re-route Calculation, Lots of applications. I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!
Weakness: Nothing other than a not detailed manual.
I love that GPS/PDA.
I had before Magellan Sport Trak which took forever to get signal, and did not driving directions, it was accurate though. Then I had the Streets and Trips, it was good too but you have to have the Laptop with you all the time.
Now, I have Garmin IQUE M5. It's a perfect men's toy :).
- Small
- Accurate
- Fast signal
- Lots of applications
- Car Mount is Excellent (I put it on the Dashboard)
- Automatic re-route calculation if you go off-route.
- Nice Speaker.
- MP3 player and video (although I am not going to use for that :).
- You can shop for good price. I got brand new from Amazon for $413.99 (after $30 discount for opening a credit card with them with 0% APR for six months).
- The manual is a little bit not detailed. You have to play around with the unit to figure things out, which is fun too :).
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