iQue review and thoughts

[demiller9]

The Garmin iQue 3600 is sleek and fast. The screen is large, bright, and easy to read both indoors and outdoors in direct sunlight. The unit has a solid feel yet is not heavy.

I had doubts that the screen would be readable in sunlight based upon my experience with my cellphone and my Visor Prism, but this unit does very well. I think it will work well in my car when I get the auto adapter kit for it. I have been using a GPS V and like the larger color screen of the iQue much better. It is easier to see the route, major highways are easy to spot. The iQue is noticably faster than the GPS V for everything - screen movement, route calculations, POI lookup, etc. The voice announcements are easier to listen to than the "beep beep" of the V, and you don't have to look over to see what your turn will be.

I have to confess that I haven't had time yet to read the Que applications guide, so there may be significant tidbits that I haven't discovered yet. I also haven't found how to transfer the waypoint list from my V into the iQue. My address book was installed with the other palm databases from my old pda, but I would like to add the waypoints I had before.

The unit fits comfortably in my hand, but I can see that it was really designed for right handed users. I am left handed and tend to hold the stylus in my left hand and the pda in my right. When held this way the three controls on the left side are awkward to use and the stylus is also a little hard to extract from the storage slot on the right.

The processor is much faster, comparing both the pda operations with my 2 year old Handspring Visor Prism, and the gps operations with a Garmin GPS V. The iQue runs things like airline schedule lookups in an instant. I have a TinySheet spreadsheet that I can use as another benchmark for pda speed.

I took the unit on a short ride and used it to route me to a friend's house. They live 28 miles away, and the gps took less than 17 seconds to create that route which had 11 intermediate turns. On the way there it was announcing the turns several times before each one (sometimes 1.5 miles, 0.5 miles, 400 feet, I think the exact distances depend upon your current speed). It also announces the complete leg distance immediately after you make a turn ("continue 4.8 miles then make a right turn"). My wife seemed to really like that, she would just finish asking what would be the next turn and the gps would give her an answer! On our return trip we made a stop off the route; the gps announced we were off the route and was recalculating. Just as the message came out, it followed with the new directions to get back to the route. When we ignored that, it did it all over again and again and again. I can mention here that the PDA powers down if you stop pressing buttons, but the GPS portion is still functioning. The screen will come back on when the next announcement is made, and will stay on for another two minutes before going back to sleep if you don't press anything and there aren't more announcements. While in the sleeping state the LED in the power button slowly blinks to remind you that it is not really off. (Very slowly, about once every 7 seconds).

I enabled the WAAS, but it took a long time to find the proper satellite to get that data. I had to sit outside for 15-20 minutes with a clear view of the sky to get it. After it found the WAAS satellite the estimated accuracy went from 15 ft to as low as 6.53 ft.

The map loading program is a part of the Palm desktop. You select the maps you want and tell it whether to put them in internal memory or external (SD) memory. I chose about 18 MB of maps the first time and wanted to load them internally. The loader builds a single file from the sections you select, and then puts that file into the palm install folder to get loaded during the next hotsync. The hotsyn tried to install my maps but failed because there wasn't enough space. The palm 'info' menu shows that there is 22MB total (I'm not sure where the other 10MB has gone). I had the standard programs that came with the unit, the base map (6MB!) and other applications and data that had been transferred from my previous pda, leaving only about 12MB free. I think they should check the memory space before trying the transfer so as not to waste time when it won't fit. I then got out a 256MB SD card and selected more maps. I ended up selecting about 70MBs and chose the card as the destination. This time the hotsync tried again to install the original 18MB file and also the 70MB file. The large file went successfully although it took quite a few minutes and there is no progress indicator to tell you it is going. I had to remove the smaller file from the hotsync install window to tell it not to repeat trying to get it to fit. I think I will end up putting the couple of map sections that I drive every day into internal memory, other sections I drive monthly or just am interested in looking at onto an SD. The operations manual mentions that you can have applications on the SD card and run them from there (they actually get copied into ram to run), I haven't tried that yet.

I only see a couple of shortcomings so far (and remember, I haven't read the manual yet), I don't see a way to change the data fields on the trip computer; the route display allows you to select a turn and view a preview of it, but when you leave the preview you don't come back to the same spot on the route display (you go to the top). I crashed the system once with an older palm app, and once by pressing the scroll down button on a submenu in a que app. I still want to find out how to import my old waypoints.

Don

[Stymyx]

Don, thanks for the great review. I do have one question for you, and you're certainly under no obligation to answer. I'm sure you'd rather spend your time getting to know your iQue than to answer silly questions from me or anybody else! :p

Do you know if it is possible to pre-define a route from beginning to end, or can you only select your destination from the address book, and then it calculates your route from your current position? Does this in any way relate to your desire to "import your waypoints from your GPS V" into your iQue?

Thanks for your time, and your review!

Cheers,
Jeff

[dlipter]

Don,

Can you disable the automatic powerdown feature? While driving with the unit powered from the car, I would like the screen to stay on all the time.

Dennis

[demiller9]

Originally posted by Stymyx
Do you know if it is possible to pre-define a route from beginning to end, or can you only select your destination from the address book, and then it calculates your route from your current position? Does this in any way relate to your desire to "import your waypoints from your GPS V" into your iQue?

You can add 'vias' to the route and force it to direct you from start to via1 to via2 ... to the destination; I almost never use the vias except if I want a totally different route than it chose. I sometimes select a single via to head west 12mi on the Farm to Market, then south on the interstate rather than the way it chooses (South on the city streets, get on the other interstate and go west through lots of traffic).

My desire to get the waypoints is mostly nostalgic. I have waypoints from various trips I've taken, some are friends in foreign countries. I very rarely use those waypoints for routes.

Don

[demiller9]

Originally posted by dlipter
Can you disable the automatic powerdown feature?
The screen timeout is configurable: 30sec, 1min, 2min, 3min with an additional choice to "stay on in cradle". I don't have the auto kit yet to verify this, but the "stay on in cradle" might keep the screen on while driving.

Don

[dlipter]

Don,

Does it have a "map mode" that just shows your position in a moving map?

Dennis

[demiller9]

Originally posted by dlipter
Does it have a "map mode" that just shows your position in a moving map?


Yes, that is the 'Map' application. You can define the 'Q' button to go to that screen when you press it.

If you are already in one of the Que applications the 'Q' button will scroll through the other Que applications you have enabled the button to go to.

The available Que applications are Map, Turns, Trip, GPS, Routes, Find, Tracks, Audio.

The Map program shows your location on a scrolling map. You can enable or disable the speed/direction/street data display.

The Turns program shows the turns for an active route. It lists the (total) distance to get to the turn, the time to get there, the time of day you should get there, and has a symbolic arrow showing what the turn is (sharp left, gentle left, etc). You can highlight a turn and view a preview map of it.

The Trip program is the trip computer screen. It displays odomete, heading and speed at the top, and below are listed: total distance, stopped time, driving time, total time, driving average speed, overall avg speed, max speed.

The GPS program is the satellite map and signal strength display. It also shows current coordinates, date, time, speed, elevation and estimated accuracy. The satellite map also indicates the positions of the sun and moon.

The Routes program shows saved routes, route preferences, and has other icons that vary depending upon current state. It may show stop navigation, resume navigation, edit vias, etc.

The Find program gives you icons to search the Palm databases, recently found entries, locations stored in address book or calendars and POI info similar to previous Garmin GPS units.

The Audio program is the mp3 player.

You can alter the order that they are scrolled to when you press the 'Q' button by moving them up or down in the list.

Don

[dlipter]

Don,

Can you operate general GPS functions without the stylus? A trend in PDA GPS units for car use is to have a "fingertip" interface. How do you enter address info? Is there a virtual keyboard for fast data entry that can be operated with fingertips?

Can the map display be configued for either North up or Direction Up?

Is there a landscape display mode?

Thanks,

Dennis

[demiller9]

The GPS functions mostly need the stylus. You won't really need to do much while you are navigating a route, it is only the setup when you choose a destination that you will have to enter some menu(s) and data to select the destination.

I haven't seen a 'large keyboard' for touchscreen input but that doesn't mean somebody won't write one. The standard palm methods are either use the stylus on the graffiti area or bring up the stylus keyboards.

The iQue will gives you several methods to select a destination. You can use an address in your address book, do a find from the detailed maps (by address/city/type of business/name/intersection) or visually select a point on the map.

While navigating a route you can use hard buttons to zoom in or out and to toggle through the other Que applications (I'm used to the trip computer and the satellite info on my GPS V, there are others available on the iQue).

Yes, you can choose whether you want the maps to appear with North up or Track up, and you can set a scale size where that changes. For example, I like track up but over 12 miles I want North up.

I don't believe there is a landscape mode, at least I haven't come across it yet. I have gone through the Que apps manual now, but haven't read the entire operating instruction manual.

Don

[Chilao]

Don,
Have you tried to hotsync your old Palm info into the new IQUE?

Thanks,
Leo

P.S. Thanks for your efforts in responding to all these questions.

[demiller9]

The old data and programs were installed automatically during the initial setup. I installed the new Palm desktop, it recognized and deleted my old palm desktop, everything was copied over and installed in the new iQue during the first hotsync. Some of my old apps weren't appropriate and I've deleted them - things like the hacks and a time synchronizer.

Don

[omnibus]

I have a program on my Sony Clie called MS Import. It, in effect creates a separate drive icon on my PC to which I can drag and drop any file directly to my "sd" card while still in the Clie.

There are some other proprietary Clie programs that probably won't work on the 3600 but I hope the above MS import isn't one of them.

I ordered my ique on June 22nd from Amazon so I guess I have a couple of weeks wait to find out.

Thanks again Don for taking the time and trouble to answer these questions.

[claude4]

Hi Don,

I can't wait to get mine, which I ordered many months ago from tvnav.com.

Perhaps you could anser a couple of questions:

1) Is the volume of the voice prompts loud enough to be heard in the car while driving (I currently use on iPAQ 3950 with Destinator gps SW. The built in speaker is loud enough).

Is WAAS on or off when answering the following questions:

2) Does the screen accuratelly show your current position on the road and not lag behind? (Like when you have just made a turn, does the iQUE lag before reflecting this on the display?

3) When you miss a turn, how long for the iQUE to realize this and start a rerouting activity?

4) How fast does it recalculate the new route?

5) When you first tunr it on, how long before it locks onto its current position and is ready to navigate?

Would you say it is easy or dificult to enter an address/destination that is not in the Palm address book? And in such a case is there a specific manner in which to enter an address (Like Zip then street then number?)

I Hope you are enjoying the iQUE and thanks in advance for your feedback.

Claude H.

[gfunkmagic]

Originally posted by omnibus
I have a program on my Sony Clie called MS Import. It, in effect creates a separate drive icon on my PC to which I can drag and drop any file directly to my "sd" card while still in the Clie.

There are some other proprietary Clie programs that probably won't work on the 3600 but I hope the above MS import isn't one of them.

Just use card export (http://softick.com/cardexport/) instead...

[gfunkmagic]

Don,

Thanks for the informative review. Could you tell us if the expansion slot is SDIO? Also, what kind of headphone jack does the iQue have? Is is 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm? Also, have you tried using any other 3rd party maps/gps apps besides from Garmin? I'm curious to know if it is compatible other apps and whether it is NMEA data stream compliant.

Tx

[Moose Man]

Originally posted by omnibus
I have a program on my Sony Clie called MS Import. It, in effect creates a separate drive icon on my PC to which I can drag and drop any file directly to my "sd" card while still in the Clie.

There are some other proprietary Clie programs that probably won't work on the 3600 but I hope the above MS import isn't one of them.


Sorry to dissapoint but I couldn't get MS Import to work on my Tungsten T when I migrated from 655c. I believe the MS Import is looking for a Memory Stick and therefore doesn't recognize the SD slot. There may be a work around but I didn't expend any energy in looking.

:(

[Moose Man]

Demiller - you are so kind in answering questions, I've got another for you. Since the iQue came with Intellisync - how did you find the migration to it from Pocket Mirror - assuming that you previously used it.

I have Pocket Mirror Pro for using calendar categories and I beleive that the Pro version of Intellisync is capable of such a structure as well. I'm just curious if you discovered any "errant" data that didn't migrate as expected since you have to map fields in Intellisync - as I recall.

Thanks,

[demiller9]

Originally posted by claude4
1) Is the volume of the voice prompts loud enough to be heard in the car while driving (I currently use on iPAQ 3950 with Destinator gps SW. The built in speaker is loud enough).

Yes, the volume was loud enough. The default setting has it turned all the way up, and the small internal speaker was slightly distorted at that level, but still easy to understand.


Is WAAS on or off when answering the following questions:

I did some driving tests yesterday and WAAS was off at that time.


2) Does the screen accuratelly show your current position on the road and not lag behind? (Like when you have just made a turn, does the iQUE lag before reflecting this on the display?

The screen was current with my actual position. I was following a route and the turn detail image exactly mirrored our true position.


3) When you miss a turn, how long for the iQUE to realize this and start a rerouting activity?

It seems like it was about 300 feet before it told us we were off route and it was recalculating. Immediately after saying "recalculating" it told us to take a left turn in 300 ft (to go back to the intersection we had just made the 'wrong' turn at). Yet, when we pulled into a large parking lot we went more than 300 feet and it did not say we were off route, nor did it recalculate.


4) How fast does it recalculate the new route?

We were only 2 miles from home at that point, the recalculation was 'instantaneous'.


5) When you first tunr it on, how long before it locks onto its current position and is ready to navigate?

That depends upon three factors: how long was it off, do you have a clear view of the sky, and are you moving or stopped. The best case would yield about 15 seconds or less. The worst might take a couple of minutes (provided you do get a view of the sky eventually). An in between case (off several hours, stopped with a good view of sky) would take about 45 seconds.


Would you say it is easy or dificult to enter an address/destination that is not in the Palm address book? And in such a case is there a specific manner in which to enter an address (Like Zip then street then number?)

Claude H.
I think it is easy; it may not be easy enough for a driver to handle in a moving vehicle, but the passenger or the driver if he pulls over can easily do it. The process is to fill out a couple of fields in a form using the stylus and graffiti 2: The first entry field is the city, it can be left empty ("any"). Second field you write the street number, third field you select the street name: start writing the name, the list of streets will scroll to ones that start with those letters. You can tap on the name or manually scroll to see it. Then tap 'Search'. It will show a match or several choices, tap on the one you want and tap 'Done' or 'Route To'.

[demiller9]

Originally posted by gfunkmagic
Don,

Could you tell us if the expansion slot is SDIO? Also, what kind of headphone jack does the iQue have? Is is 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm? Also, have you tried using any other 3rd party maps/gps apps besides from Garmin? I'm curious to know if it is compatible other apps and whether it is NMEA data stream compliant.
Tx

My understanding is that SDIO is more a software enhancement than a change to the SD connector. The manual does not mention SDIO, hopefully they will add that with an update available to all. I'd like to get a SD-WiFi card for it.

The headphone jack is 3.5 mm (PC type, not cellphone size).

No, I don't have any 3rd party maps or gps apps.

Don

[demiller9]

Originally posted by Moose Man
Demiller - you are so kind in answering questions, I've got another for you. Since the iQue came with Intellisync - how did you find the migration to it from Pocket Mirror - assuming that you previously used it.

Thanks,

No, I wasn't using pocket mirror. My previous PDA was a Handspring Visor Prism and I used the standard palm hotsync. Everything in it migrated easily, my old apps went to the unfiled category but that was really good, I could spot them easier. (Didn't get a chance to see what apps came with a bare iQue).

Don

[Moose Man]

Don - the price you pay for being the first on the block. Thanks for answering all of our questions 10 fold.

I had an email reponse from Chapura regarding the Pocket Mirror Pro should work with any Palm OS device. So I may not need to purchase the higher end intellisync.

But now I have one more question please - transfer of the maps to the iQue - was this handled by MapSource creating some sort of pdb file that you then just had the installer software load or was it handled via the intellisync software in some proprietary fashion? All of this may be mute because I may decide to go with the professional version of intellisync.

[claude4]

Don,

Thanks,

I can't wait for mine to arrive.

Claude H.

[DeWat]

I found this link over on UUNet:

http://www.palmgear.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=software.showsoftware&sid=25CA99C6-7D64-4270-8E1325EFA5636DB0&prodID=12095

This will allow programming of the screen's timeout function. It also includes a "never" setting. Naturally, I can't say anything else about it since I'm still iQue waiting...

DeWat

[Stymyx]

Don, you've been a great sport in answering all our questions. Thank you for taking all the time to do so. I don't know about all the others here, but you're making me want my iQue even more now! :D

Cheers,
Jeff

[reinbeau]

Originally posted by DeWat
I found this link over on UUNet:

http://www.palmgear.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=software.showsoftware&sid=25CA99C6-7D64-4270-8E1325EFA5636DB0&prodID=12095

This will allow programming of the screen's timeout function. It also includes a "never" setting. Naturally, I can't say anything else about it since I'm still iQue waiting...

DeWat

Aren't DA's the equivalent of hacks, my point being, hacks don't work on OS 5.

[Stymyx]

Originally posted by reinbeau


Aren't DA's the equivalent of hacks, my point being, hacks don't work on OS 5.
You're absolutely right. As a former Sony Clie NX70V owner (which was powered by PalmOS 5), I can tell you without a doubt that any DA that requires a "hack manager" to use (like X-Master or HackMaster) will generally NOT work with PalmOS 5.

If your concerned with keeping the power on all the time (as long as it's plugged into an external power source), the solution is to check the checkbox in "Prefs -> General" that says "Keep on while in cradle" (or words to that effect). The description is sort of a misnomer because the defining factor here is not that it be in the cradle, but rather that it is plugged into an external power source, such as the cradle, AC adaptor or cigarette lighter power adaptor.

[cbowers]

Originally posted by reinbeau


Aren't DA's the equivalent of hacks, my point being, hacks don't work on OS 5.

Incorrect.

A great many (most of mine) continue to function in OS5.

DA's are not the same as hacks, per se.

You have two routes.

The preferable one is to use an OS5 DA launcher. Qlaunch is one example, there are others.

Or, use TealHack (OS5 version) which can run pre-OS5 hacks in some cases when there are coresponding OS5 notifications for their previous system trap points. The app will warn you before the hack is enabled if it uses unsupported traps, or you can consult Tealsoft's list of known compatible hacks.

A Pre-OS5 DA launcher favorite was EasyLaunch, and with some restrictions, will run under TealHack for OS5. There are likely other workable permutations.

[kullmar]

Originally posted by demiller9


My understanding is that SDIO is more a software enhancement than a change to the SD connector. The manual does not mention SDIO, hopefully they will add that with an update available to all. I'd like to get a SD-WiFi card for it.

Don

SDIO, Secure Digital Input Output, is supported on Palm OS 5!

/Bo Kullmar, Stockholm, Sweden

[cgk2003]

Originally posted by demiller9
I then got out a 256MB SD card and selected more maps. I ended up selecting about 70MBs and chose the card as the destination.

About how much RAM would I need to install a few state's worth of maps? Worst case, from Maine to PA? How about the entire US? Is there a key someplace to the size of these maps?

I'm trying to figure out how large a SD RAM module I'd need.

Thanks, Chris

[paul6347]

There's no "set rule", but from Maine to PA would take up 173.5mb, which is 139 maps. The size of the area depends on how densly poplulated the area is and how many streets there are. On mapsource, you select the area you want to upload, and it tells you the size. I'm getting a 256mb, I think that would be enough, plus it's the best $/per mb for that memory.


Paul

[Garv]

Demiller9,

Thanks for the great review and answering so many questions. I was wondering if you could clairify something you wrote in your first review about loading maps to the iQue.

You said in ref to loading maps...
"The loader builds a single file from the sections you select, and then puts that file into the palm install folder to get loaded during the next hotsync."

Was this true when you loaded the 70 megs of map files to the SD card as well? And have you tried navigating using only the maps stored on the SD card?

The reaon I'm asking is that I had sent a e-mail to Garmin a couple of months ago asking them if there was a max amount of memory allocated to maps on the iQue. At the time, they said that they did not decide on what the limit would be. I'm hoping it's only the HW limitation (i.e. addressable memory size or SD card size) as opposed to a SW limiter.

My hope is that Garmin has figured out a way to dynamically load maps needed for immediate navigation, and unload maps that are not, from active memory. i.e. load the current map + all adjacent maps to the current map, etc.

If you have been routing from the SD card, do you notice any difference in speed when accessing the maps when the iQue is activly routing? (i.e. pauses while be routed?)

Thanks!

[demiller9]

The collection of maps that I wanted to load into the base memory was too large to fit, so I have all of my detailed maps (80MB) loaded into the SD card. I may go back and select a smaller group of maps to put into the base memory, until then I can't really answer your question about whether the base memory is faster than the SD card. I don't see much/any delay from the SD card, I doubt the base memory will/can be better.


I also found the other base maps (as opposed to the detail maps) on the install CD. I loaded the worldwide base map into the SD card, and now I have the entire world base map plus many US cities (Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, Miami, others) detailed and my 256MB SD card is still only half full.
Don

[minio]

Don,

thanks for all the excellent information.
Could you please tell us how do you estimate battery life on this unit,

regards,

Tom

[Garv]

Just a FYI on some info I read about the available base maps...

Unlike other GPSs the Garmin iQue 3600 package includes changeable basemaps. Load any of the following base maps from the iQue 3600 Setup CD-ROM:
Americas Lite - 4MB (default)
Americas Standard - 13 MB (requires SD Card)
Atlantic Lite - 4 MB
Atlantic Standard - 13 MB (requires SD Card)
Pacific Lite - 4 MB
Pacific Standard - 10 MB (requires SD Card)
WorldWide - 30 MB (requires SD Card)

This was copied from the gpsnow web site.
http://gpsnow.com/gm3600.htm

[DeWat]

Hello again to all,

Here's something that I've been thinking about since seeing the battery life stats. How easy is it to change the battery? I have not seen any ads for a replacement battery for the iQue. I'm reasoning that this is because of the iQue's "newness", and that there should not be any need for a new battery yet. However, the battery life does not look attractive to a true portable user... i.e. handheld walker or hiker. If the battery is easily replaced, at least we can order a second battery to keep fully charged, and store in our pockets.

Thanks,
DeWat

[makulos]

Like most of the folks here, I'd like to thank Don for offering his insights in regards to the Ique; and for giving us straightforward answers to all questions...some of which requires him to go out of his way to find the answer.

The Ique will be my first GPS so my knowledge of GPSs is somehow limited. Anyway, I'd like to know if the Ique (or GPSs in general) offers a way of marking a certain location, labeling it somehow in the unit and storing it for later if I decide to return to that exact location. I'm located in Italy (yes, I bit the bullet and ordered the European City Select CD) and it is sometimes difficult to identify locations here because the streetnames are not always visible. The Ique, if it has the ability to mark a location once I find it, will allow me to choose this location when I decide to return later...Any thoughts?

[Rockbeast]

Don,

You are a trooper to give us so much info on your new Garmin! No, wait, the trooper is behind you, in the car with the flashing blue lights! Oops! Which raises the question, "can the iQue 3600 warn you when you are exceeding the speed limit?" Hmmm...sounds like something to add to the next model!:)

If you are lucky, the State Trooper has been dying to get his hands on the 3600 too and he will admire you so much for getting one of the first ones that he won't give you a ticket...he may decide he needs to confiscate your PDA...for evidence...

Anyway, back to some sense of reality, could you tell us the speed of your 256MB SD card? I currently have a HandEra 330 and I'm not sure if it takes advantage of the higher speed cards, but if the Garmin does, I might invest in the costlier higher speed cards instead since some day I hope to upgrade to the Garmin.

Again, we all really appreciate the time you have spend giving us our "iQue fix"!

Blessings,

Ward

[lostagain]

I also got my iQue this week, so I may be able to answer some questions.

The printed manuals are painfully thin. There's a guide to the software, but really nothing on the hardware. I haven't installed the manual from the CD, maybe that will have more.

The battery life with the GPS on (WAAS mode - which is mutually exclusive with Battery Saver mode) is very short. I'll play with it tonight and try to quantify the number. But I don't think it's more than an hour. I'm sure Battery Saver mode will significantly enhance that number.

There's no obvious spot for changing the battery. There are two screws on the back, it may require opening the case to get to the battery. Maybe someone will come up with an external battery pack using the power input, or the Palm Universal Connector.

I plan to connect the iQue to my cel phone to get wireless net access (using Verizon Express Network and an LG VX4400). At this point nobody offers the cable, but I'm pretty sure that the Gomadic cable (http://www.gomadic.com/phonetopda.html) for Palm Tungstens should work. I wrote to them and they said I was the first to mention the iQue. If you're also interested in wireless net access via cel, write to them so that they know there's a demand. Maybe they'll come up with an iQue specific cable in the event that the Tungsten cable doesn't work.

It was shocking that not even base maps are installed out of the box. But if you follow the "start here" directions everything works. I didn't, and as an ex-SPIII user, I was initially confused.

It feels like it routes much faster than the SPIII, but I don't think the antenna/receiver is as good. Then again, it has WAAS (I have not yet gotten a WAAS fix, but that is a plus).

I have an SD card on order (256 megs), you really have to have one to get many maps loaded. I'm in Manhattan and couldn't even get the complete five boroughs of New York loaded using the native available memory. There's a little hunk of Manhattan on a Jersey map and I don't have the memory to load that one with the rest of the five boroughs.

I am also interested in using the iQue as a chartplotter (using BlueCharts) and posted some info about that in a separate thread.

[demiller9]

Originally posted by makulos
The Ique will be my first GPS so my knowledge of GPSs is somehow limited. Anyway, I'd like to know if the Ique (or GPSs in general) offers a way of marking a certain location, labeling it somehow in the unit and storing it for later if I decide to return to that exact location. I'm located in Italy (yes, I bit the bullet and ordered the European City Select CD) and it is sometimes difficult to identify locations here because the streetnames are not always visible. The Ique, if it has the ability to mark a location once I find it, will allow me to choose this location when I decide to return later

Those saved locations are called waypoints, and yes, you can create waypoints. Waypoint names can be edited, the symbol can be selected from about 45 symbols, and the saved data includes the elevation if the waypoint was saved from a current gps fix (as opposed to saved from a map pointer). I don't see a spec for how many waypoints you can save, but previous Garmin GPS's hold several hundred.

Don

[Real Robrecht]

Originally posted by lostagain
The battery life with the GPS on (WAAS mode - which is mutually exclusive with Battery Saver mode) is very short. I'll play with it tonight and try to quantify the number. But I don't think it's more than an hour. I'm sure Battery Saver mode will significantly enhance that number.

There's no obvious spot for changing the battery. There are two screws on the back, it may require opening the case to get to the battery. Maybe someone will come up with an external battery pack using the power input, or the Palm Universal Connector.

Palm does make a Power-to-Go sled with a universal connector. I don't know if it will fit the Garmin but it's worth checking into. The sled not only acts as a supplemental battery but it will also recharge the internal battery. Not the most elegant solution for hikers but maybe helpful.

[Real Robrecht]

We very much appreciate the early info!

Has anyone seen non-GPS map applications that can make use of the full screen? Particularly interesting would be spreadsheets, word processing, and web browsers that can use the full 480x320 screen in landscape mode. I checked the online manuals quickly and didn't see screen shots of such.

[bdb]

I echo the thanks others have posted.

I am very interested in knowing who well Datebk5 works on the iQue3600 in addition to other programs like spreadsheets, word processing, Avantgo, etc. Those of us who had the VG Handera I know are spoiled.

Brian

[Rockbeast]

Originally posted by bdb
I echo the thanks others have posted.

I am very interested in knowing who well Datebk5 works on the iQue3600 in addition to other programs like spreadsheets, word processing, Avantgo, etc. Those of us who had the VG Handera I know are spoiled.

Brian
I remember the Quickoffice suite from Cutting Edge Software made a special HandEra version that does take advantage of the landscape/virtual grafitti screen. I have it on my HandEra. I'm not sure if the current QuickOffice includes this feature for later Palm OSs and/or device specific issues. Does it work for Sony Clies with VG area for instance? Can it work with the Garmin? Good question.

[drw]

> The battery life with the GPS on (WAAS mode - which is
> mutually exclusive with Battery Saver mode) is very short.

How about with the backlight off? In the car, it could be plugged in. On the trail in direct sunlight, the backlight should be unnecessary.

> I plan to connect the iQue to my cel phone to get
> wireless net access (using Verizon Express Network
> and an LG VX4400). At this point nobody offers the
> cable, but I'm pretty sure that the Gomadic cable

That's cool, however bluetooth would be nicer. But we are missing an OS5 capable bluetooth SD card (palm's is for OS4 devices), and even if it did exist, on the other side, the only carriers with bluetooth phones are gsm, and their data plans aren't as good (like my sprintpcs's unlimited data for $10/month).

[drw]

Originally posted by Rockbeast
could you tell us the speed of your 256MB SD card?Who makes the fastest SD memory cards, and does anyone have a FAQ detailing =all SD directory names= recognized by palmOS5?

[PalmOsguy]

Originally posted by lostagain
I plan to connect the iQue to my cel phone to get wireless net access (using Verizon Express Network and an LG VX4400). At this point nobody offers the cable, but I'm pretty sure that the Gomadic cable (http://www.gomadic.com/phonetopda.html) for Palm Tungstens should work. I wrote to them and they said I was the first to mention the iQue. If you're also interested in wireless net access via cel, write to them so that they know there's a demand. Maybe they'll come up with an iQue specific cable in the event that the Tungsten cable doesn't work.


Sorry .. a little off topic.. but. just trying to help. You can avoid cables at all.. i connect my Palm using my IrDa .. of course.. you will need a phone with IrDa .. my Nokia 3600 from Cingular has it.

[lostagain]

I considered Infrared and Bluetooth, however I have no problem with the phone being tethered to the IQue with a cable. (And they make a very short cable - easy to carry).

I have no problem being slightly tethered especially when it gets me the vastly superior coverage of Verizon (especially here in NYC) and the super inexpensive DSL-data speeds of Express Network. At this point I don't believe Verizon offers a Bluetooth-capable phone. And weren't there questions about using Bluetooth and GPS in the same device (power draw, interference, etc.)?

I just hope that the cable from Gomadic works.

Now, how do I get the Web Browser that ships with the new Tungstens on my iQue? Or is the browser from Eudora good enough?

[Asleep]

Originally posted by lostagain
Now, how do I get the Web Browser that ships with the new Tungstens on my iQue? Or is the browser from Eudora good enough?

Really more off topic...First of all, Lostagain, you might want to try Blazer, by handspring. I read a couple of places that it is a pretty good browser.

Secondly, could someone explain to me how using cell phones with data works. I don't have a cell phone now, and I've been holding off for some type of super solution, but I've decided I NEED the IQue. Basically I was going to get the IQue with a Blue Tooth enabled phone.

So how does this work, is the bluetooth card sorta like a network adapter? I'm assuming I need some type of dataservice from the cell carrier, or is it more like a modem and I connect to an isp using regular minutes?

Sprint sells data service for $10 a month for their web enabled phones, could I use that or is that for their phones only?

Most of the phones that have bluetooth don't say what its for, could it only be used for wireless headsets and not data?

Verizon has a really expensive plan for its data phones, something like $100 for 10 megs. I know even plain Jane sites will start eating up the k (got to read my slash dot).

ANy details at all would be helpful. Thanks a lot in advace.

Dave

[lostagain]

I've used my cel phone as the primary way my laptop connects to the net on the road with great success. I have Verizon Wireless and an Express Network phone, but the idea is pretty much the same with Sprint PCS (and probably other providers). You do need a digital phone that is capable of doing data stuff. I think most newer phones can do this.

You connect to your phone via a serial or usb cable (or via Infrared or Bluetooth). Then you tell the device (pda or laptop) that there's a "modem" installed (really your phone). You may have to use a customized script that contains appropriate AT commands. Then you have the device dial a special phone number through the modem (which is really a cel). The number for Verizon is 777, or something like that. That tells the phone do go into data mode. It connects you to your cel company's net connection (they're acting as your isp), you enter a username and password, and you're good to go. Google on this stuff and you'll find exact directions all over the net.

Verizon offers this service (Express Network) in an "all you can eat package" for about 70 bucks a month. But recently they changed their policies and you can also use it "on demand" and it only goes against your minutes. Sprint has analogous plans.

The speed of the connection varies depending on the kind of connection you have to the cel system in your area. However, I have yet to go into an area without "1x" coverage (the fastest - a bit slower than ISDN) with Verizon. I was also able to get a slower connection (about regular modem speed - done strictly for experimental purposes to see what it's like outside a 1x area) by changing my phone initialization script. I couldn't get any digital connection with Sprint PCS even at my local Sprint store! (That's why I went with Verizon).

You can also connect to your own ISP (or dial into your own network). You still connect digitally to your phone, then your phone connects digitally to the cel system. Then the cel system acts as a modem and connects to the number you specified. Since this involves an analog phase it's much slower than connecting to the net through your cel company. Again, google around for exact directions. The truth is out there.

Anyway, BlueTooth is more of a convenience kind of thing. The phone can be in your pocket and you can connect to the net without a wire going from the PDA to the phone. Without BlueTooth you need to have a wire from your PDA or computer to the phone.

And of course BlueTooth has other possible applications, from wireless speakers to wireless keyboards to GPS devices. Even possible home automation applications. And you can have more than one thing attached to the phone at the same time.

But remember if BlueTooth is taking up the SD slot, the iQue is less than completely usable anyway. And all those BlueTooth devices definitely need power...so there's either batteries or wires involved anyway.

Maybe there will be a BlueTooth Palm Universal Connector thing introduced. It should be technically possible.

[rkevwill]

Isn't the bluetooth discussion a moot point anyway at present? Didn't I see somewhere on this forum that Palm's bluetooth card is not compatible with Palm OS 5+ ? I'm sure it will eventually be compatible, but I remember reading its not at present. Is there another alternative card somewhere?

[Asleep]

Thanks a lot lostagain. The Google research I was doing wasn't really helping me because I didn't have a "mental" place to start. This really helped me a lot, because now I've got a pretty good grasp on what is going on. Before, I was just confused.

I really appreciate the help and the very detailed response.

Dave

[lostagain]

No problem Dave.

Definitely consider Verizon (I have no connection to the company). By including Express Network in their regular plans they are very cost competitive while still giving the best performance. They just don't do any advertising of the availability of EN to regular customers.

By the way, please contact Gomadic and ask them about iQue support.

- Mark

[drw]

Originally posted by Asleep
The Google research I was doing wasn't really helping me because I didn't have a "mental" place to start. More detailed info can be found at discussion group web sites like:

howardforums.com
sprintusers.com

I frequently (ok, every day) spend my evenings reading forums on:

treocentral.com
smartphonesource.com
pdaphonehome.com/forums
smartphonetalk.com

and make daily pilgrimages to:

brighthand.com
palminfocenter.com

and occaisionally to see how the other half lives:

pocketpcpassion.com
pocketpcthoughts.com

[OWG]

In regards to Bluetooth, I just came across this quote on the GPS Central site:

Q&A From Garmin

Q: "Can the IQue calculate area?"
A: No

Q: "Can I install a Bluetooth SDIO card in the slot?"
A: "The processor used in the iQue 3600 design does not support SDIO at this time".

[robelz]

I currently own a GPS III plus and I am awaiting my new iQue. I just looked at the online manuals for the iQue but I could not find anything about uploading of waypoints and tracklogs back to your PC from the iQue. How is that done (and I assume it can be done...)? Is it different from the way the III plus and other Garmin GPS units does this (through the Mapsourse software)?

[reinbeau]

Q: "Can the IQue calculate area?"

"no"

There is a GPS area app at Palmgear I'm sure could be used to do this.