January 3, 2006

Garmin iQUE 3000 PDA

Garmin announced the new Garmin iQue 3000 today, a new entry level Palm powered PDA that has an integrated GPS receiver with the appropriate software. The iQUE 300 joins the iQUE 3200 and the iQUE 3600 PDAs already in the Garmin line. You ask, what about the M3, M4, and M5? Yea, those are the Windows powered PDA's made by Garmin. The 3000 series PDA's are all Palm powered. OK, what else?

The iQue 3000 welcomes users with Garmin's easy-to-use "where to" or "view maps" interface. After entering a destination, the iQue 3000 will choose the fastest or shortest route to navigate the user from door to door. The unit automatically recalculates a route if the driver misses their turn and notifies drivers of their estimated time of arrival.

The compact iQue 3000 features Garmin's Que technology that offers complete integration between organization and GPS navigation functions. Que technology connects the Palm Address Book and Date Book to the GPS electronic map so that users can navigate directly to a specific address from the user's contact database or date book. Because they are Palm based, you also have access to loads of after market software made by thousands of programers around the world. Visit any of the popular sites that download and sell Palm software to see.

Users may download detailed street information onto their iQue 3000 from the installation DVD, which is a standard accessory. This industry-leading navigation database allows the user to look up nearly six million points of interest such as restaurants, hotels, transportation hubs, and banks. Map data is provided by NAVTEQ.

Other specifications of the iQue 3000:

* Operating system: Palm OS 5
* Processor: Bravo 2.0 200 MHz with built-in GPS correlator
* Unit size (WxHxD)/Weight: 2.8" x 4.7" x 0.7" / 5.2 oz
* Display information: 320x320-pixel; 54x54 mm screen size; dedicated Graffiti writing area; and usable screen area of 3.0" (diagonal)
* Internal Memory: 32 MB RAM and 32 MB ROM
* Expandable Memory: microSD card included (128 MB microSD card for North America, or 256 MB preprogrammed microSD card for Europe and Australia)
* Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

The iQue 3000 is expected to be available in February 2006 at an estimated retail price of $399 (list). The standard package includes a mini-USB synchronization cable, AC wall charger, suction cup mount auto cradle, microSD Card, 12-volt car charger, companion CD or DVD (US only) with ownerâ€™s manual, City Navigator North America NT CD, and quick-reference guide.

Make sure your comparison shop on this and weigh your needs. The specs here are in the neighborhood of the Tungsten E2 which is about $199, and also comes with Bluetooth and WiFi. You'd need to add on the GPS receiver and software if you bought the E2, and would have to cart around a separate piece. So, if you want the all in one - look at the Garmin iQue line - the price premium gets you a tight entry unit that gives you the GPS capability out of the box, seamlessly integrated.