Garmin iQue 3600

This is the first (that I know of) combination PDA/GPS integrated unit: It's has Palm OS5 and is a Garmin GPS.

Specs
Pros/Cons
Notes
Solutions

Selected Specs:

• Unit size: 2.8"W x 5"H x .8"D (72 x 128 x 20.3 mm
• Display: 2.16" x 3.24" (54 x 81 mm), 320 x 480 pixel, high-resolution, color display
• 5.2 oz
• Palm Universal Connector
• Battery has max of 5 volts, but stops charging at 4.3 volts.

More detailed info at the CNET review.
Manufacturer info at http://www.garmin.com/products/iQue3600/.

Pros

1. Less weight if you hike with the needs of both a Palm & a GPS.
2. MP3 player
3. Removable SD/MMC media for swapable (without a computer) maps, more songs, more...data.
4. Virtual Graffiti area for more usable screen.

Cons

1. It has no compass or barometer/altimeter.
2. It's not designed for outdoor use.
3. The battery with the GPS on lasts 1.5 hours.
4. Does not work with Mac.

Notes

• GPS can be turned on & off, saving batteries.
• Can operate Palm OS applications with the GPS off, saving batteries.
• MP3 can operate when screen is off (through normal battery conservation screen off, not through turning the unit off), saving batteries.

Possible Solutions

Solar chargers

Aurora Solar makes a solar charger that may work: POCKET-PAL Solar Charger #SC103. Use it with a PDA connector (through the Palm Universal Connector) or an adaptor plug through the recharge plug connection. I have not tried any of these solutions for the 3600.

Other

Carry a Palm and a GPS until technology and batteries catch up with our needs.

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©2003 John E. Brennan