Garmin Ique 3600

Garmin's Ique 3600 is one of the first PDAs to offer built-in GPS, as opposed to the jackets often used with other models.

It's based on Palm OS 5.2.1, with a 200MHz processor, which makes the core applications run well and provides sufficient oomph to play MP3s in the background.

The colour screen is large and clear, with a virtual graffiti area, and there's a decent voice recorder built in.

The real reason for buying this, though, is the GPS (global positioning satellite) navigation; the Ique comes with a CD containing detailed maps of Europe. You'll need to add an SD (Secure Digital) memory card to load more than a basic selection, as the whole of the UK and Ireland takes up about 170MB - we'd suggest the built-in 32MB is best kept for Palm apps.

Mapping integrates well - you can add a location to any address book entry, for example - but you can only route to an address from your present location, not from one distant one to another. The GPS turns on when you fold out the aerial on the back of the unit, and it's the most compact PDA/GPS we've seen. However, it lost the signal too often for our liking when we tested it in a moving vehicle.

The spoken turn-by-turn directions are clear - especially if you fork out an additional £55 for the car kit. You'll need that, too, since battery life is not long - we didn't manage a whole day on one charge. Another downside is the lack of SDIO support - you can't use a Bluetooth card with this unit, nor can you use it with a Mac.

Those points aside, this is one of the neatest gadgets we've seen. If you're prepared to live with some shortcomings, Palm OS and GPS routing is a great combination.

Contact: Garmin 0870 850 1241
www.garmin.com

Specifications:

• Palm OS 5.2.1
• Arm 200MHz
• 32MB Ram
• 320 x 480 resolution
• 54 x 81mm
• 1 x SD
• Universal Connector, infra-red, headphone, GPS antenna, Palm universal connecter
• 0.19kg
• 72 x 20 x 128mm
• Palm Desktop, Mapsource City Select Europe, MP3 player
• USB connection

See also:

TomTom Navigator for Palm

TomTom drums up interest in handheld route planning.  10 May 2004

Alphasmart Dana Wireless

A good alternative to a big, pricey notebook.  03 Mar 2004

Medion 576MB PPC 200

A bargain handheld PC and GPS unit but does its price affect its performance?  20 Jan 2004

Sony Clie PEG-UX50

It's like a tiny notebook and is packed with features but there are a few niggling flaws.  09 Jan 2004

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