Garmin iQue 3600 - long awaited in the market of PDA based on Palm OS 5 with an integrated GPS-receiver and preloaded navigation software. As a manufacturer of GPS-receivers, Garmin is well proven in the market by releasing a full line of GPS-products of different price levels. With such a vast baggage of technology behind, Garmin has decided to go a little further and create a complete solution for those who are trying to turn a bunch of cheap GPS-receiver + PDA into a fully functional navigation system.
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The first experience of Garmin in the union of the original proven technologies with new features Palm OS 5, it seems, was a success. Designers and programmers Garmin obviously spent a lot of effort to work through constructive and applications of the new iQue 3600. Judging by the concept model shown at CeBIT 2003, we can say that the device is almost ready for production. From working with the iQue 3600 is a very good impression. Fine screen (320 by 480 pixels) with program area graffiti, side scroll wheel, light weight (160 grams) and quality performance. From the GPS: 12-channel receiver, positioning accuracy to 15 meters, folding built-in antenna. PDAs running on ARM-processor.
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Despite the proximity to the antenna GPS, designers managed to place the SD slot on the top panel. It also houses the infrared port and a connector for external GPS-antenna. And rightly so - for an external antenna can actually be needed, for example, in the car. And connect it conveniently just above, not on the side or bottom.
Of greatest interest is the so-called technology Que - Development Garmin. Que allows you to combine the benefits of Palm OS and GPS-receiver. And it's not only about the trivial inclusion of a number of GPS-applications into the operating system. For example, using standard search Palm OS in the iQue 3600 can search and GPS-points, waypoints (waypoints) and so on.
QueTrip - application for calculation and display of data on travel: distance, time, stopped time, average and maximum speeds, etc.
QueGPS - utility for working with GPS-premnikom. Can display the found satellites and display service information GPS.
Well, finally, a host Map for use with maps MapSource, set to be delivered together with the CCP (North America, the city). Of course, you can not buy the necessary parts of the world in the format of MapSource. Map voice can direct the user along the route, has several modes, including full screen.
It is not necessary to use only Que GPS-programs. Integrated GPS-receiver is able to operate in NMEA, which means that most third-party navigation software must operate on the iQue. Site Garmin Developer's toolkit is available to adapt applications for the iQue 3600. Recommended final price in the U.S. is $ 589. According to recent data obtained on the bench Garmin, beginning of sales is scheduled for September 2003. Hopefully, the price of the new Garmin iQue 3600 in Russia will not greatly exceed the price of bundles of Palm + GPS. Also, it is hoped that the device will receive a certificate and clarify the regulations on the use of GPS-receivers in Russia. The authors, translation:
