Garmin iQue 3600 PDA/GPS Handheld System with Americas Detailed Street Mapping

Rating:
Summary: Very powerful GPS Technology in a Nice Package
Review: I bought the iQ3600 about 4 months ago. I have been using PDA's for years, but this adds a completely new dimension.

The device is powerful -- exacting directions and all the information you'd ever want to know about speed, distance, direction and even elevation. Accuracy ? Not uncommon to be within 8 feet, but usually about 12-14 using the suction cup mount on my instrument panel where the units antenna just crests the dashboard to lay parallel with the horizon.

It has features such as the ability to tap the screen at any given time and the map will remain stationary while you appear as a moving triangle on the map. This is useful when seeing where you've been as well as where you're going.

A few downfalls:
Address information is not accurate. My street number is 211, but the map says that its 294. I've noticed this calibration type error in many areas.

Not real easy to create and insert routes using VIA's. For example, the unit will take major highways, but I know a few shortcuts. In order to create a route using these shortcuts, you have to create a route from a to c, and insert a VIA -- shortcut location for the unit to follow the alternate path rather than what is known. Mapsource Software on the PC makes it simple enough to create, but I haven't found how to download those routes to the unit yet.

I found that after an initial read of the manual, all you need is to look at its menus to configure and customize. And customizable it is. For example, I prefer to orient maps in the direction that I am going while zoom'ed in under 3 miles. After that, the unit switches the map to true north so that you can see your route and progress in a more familiar map fashion.
Map details are customizable as well based on your preferred zoom elevation. I.e. I turn the details off when zoomed out over a mile.

The other nice feature is its automatic zoom. Based on how far your destination is (or your next turn) the unit will zoom appropriately. For example if your next turn is 80 miles, it may zoom out to 8 miles. But as you near the destination it begins to zoom in -- this is a really nice feature that makes the unit a pleasure to use.

I wish the unit had a Learn feature where deviations from calculatd routes could be saved as modifications to its own calculations. The unit does have "tracking" logs which you can convert to routes for the same purpose. Tracking logs are just that -- where you've been within a period of time.

Battery life is not good. An hour tops using the GPS. I haven't tried the battery save mode where signal updates are decreased in frequency (default is an update every second).

One final note --
I've used the unit while flying in a commercial airline. Yes, it works - showed speed (458), correct altitude (32,000), and where I was over the US. I've also used it on trains to track speed. As long as there is a window -- the unit will work if you can see the sky.

It takes a few minutes to lock onto satellites (unless you're at 32,000 feet -- then it's almost instant), but once locked, it remains so even with tempory obstructions (bridges, buildings and trees). It gets really confused in cities with tall buildings as reflected signals off of glass play havac, but the unit was able to hang in there until it resolved its location within a few seconds.

I'd recommend this unit for anyone who wants a multiple use device - PDA plus GPS. Its easy to use and is, in my opinion, well designed in hardware and software.


Rating:
Summary: I Love My iQue 3600
Review: Garmin has done a great job of combining Palm and GPS technology. In order to use it to naviage in your vehicle, you will definitely need to purchase the auto navigation kit too. The kit lets you mount the iQue on your dash and keeps your battery charged. Two other accessories I recommend purchasing right away are a protective case (one with a zipper) and a screen protector.
In order to utilize all of the features of this gizmo, you will need to spend a few hours studying, entering data, and customizing it to meet your particular needs. However, the results will be well worth your investments in time and money.
Although I'm very happy with my iQue 3600, there are three reasons why I have not given it five stars. First, it can't operate very long on the rechargeable battery. That is one of the main reasons why the auto naviagtion kit is indispensible. Second, the mapping software appears to be two or three years out-of-date. If you live in an area where there has been quite a bit of new construction, you will be more likely to notice this problem. Third, the instruction manual only covers the GPS capabilities of the iQue and provides very little information about the Palm OS 5 functons.
If you purchase an iQue 3600, I strongly recommend that you buy Rick Broida's book "How to Do Everything with Your GPS". After providing a clear general overview of GPS technology, Mr. Broida devotes 100 pages of the book specifically to the iQue 3600. These two chapters are very helpful and informative.
I hope this review will assist you in getting "up to speed" quickly with your iQue 3600. It really is an amzaing little machine.