IQUE 3600 vs. SP 2610 or 2620

[borg_minion]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here. Let me say that I've looked at several posts throughout this site, including the extensive review of the IQue 3600 as well as a similar post comparing the two products (PDA and the 2610), and I have to say that I'm extremely impressed. Here is my situation:

I am in really of no "need" for a PDA. However, I feel that if I get the IQue 3600, I would more than likely use the PDA, at least minimally. That being said, the whole purpose of me getting the IQue is primarily for GPS Navigation.

I'm graduating with a BA this May and I will be going to law school in a different state (D.C.). Since I live in Florida, I'll be using a car navigation to take me from Florida to D.C. without relying much on map-quest (although I'll probably bring a copy of the directions just to be on the safe side).

So, during the summer, I will be getting either the IQue or the 2610 or the 2620. To be honest, I don't think I'll be able to afford the 2620 although it's nice having everything already installed for you.

Any suggestions as far as which one I should get? Since I'll be in a new city, I think I'll be using the gps navigation to some extent, but not extensively, since most of my time will be studying and stuff and so it's really to make that "long" trip to D.C. and also to have handy in case I need it. I can already see this is going to be a long post and so I apologize.

Here's my thoughts (to try and wind down this post):

If I get the IQue, I can use the PDA functions (especially the to-do list and keeping track of homeworks maybe) during law school. In addition, I can take it out of the car with ease and won't have to worry about putting the navigation in the trunk or the dash-board.

If I get the 2610 (more likely than the 2620), the navigation functionaility would most-likely be better then the IQue, I would be able to "see" the screen better (although having looked at one, I thought it would be larger), and things will be processed faster. BUT, I won't be able to use any PDA functionality with it.

I'm aslo thinking to just get the IQue and keep it for the next three years and when I'm an attorney, working the big bucks, and am able to afford a car, I'll just get the most updated GPS Navigation that time.

What do you all think of my idea, or should I just get the 2610 since I'll be spending close to that with the IQue + accessories (like extra memory card for more maps and umm the navigational kit, etc).

Thanks, and I'll try to keep my future posts a bit shorter.

[bkackman]

Interestingly enough, at the same time I was purchasing the Ique, my brother bought the 2620. Uncommon for us, neither had spoken to the other of our intentions to buy these. Anyway, shortly after delivery of both, we found out about the other's purchase. So we decided to get together to compare them. My brother was particularly interested in this because the 2620 runs about twice the price of the Ique.

Well, after a day of driving around with both of them, we decided that their operation in navigation mode was virtually identical. The voice in both is the same, the maps are the same, and except that the Ique is limited on map content with the amount of memory installed (SD card, I have 256M) this can be addressed for fewer dollars than the difference in the two prices. As we navigated, "Betty" was almost simultaneously calling out turns on both units. When we forced a re-route, they took about the same (short) time and called out the new instructions virtually simultaneiously. The screens are virtuall the same size; in fact, I prefer the orientation of the Ique better (portrait, long vertical, rather than the 2620, landscape, horizontal) and the resolution on the Ique was better (this really bugged my brother). The remote control capability on the 2620 was a nice feature that the Ique doesn't have which makes interacting with the unit during driving (which you probably shouldn't do anyway) a bit easier.

My conclusion at the end was that the Ique was the better unit because it effectively did everything the 2620 did plus it is a PDA. Since I like to do geocaching, I can download into the PDA all of the information that I have previously had to print out and take along, I love this. You can't do that with the 2620.

My brother decided to keep the 2620, but he effectively agreed with me that the Ique was equally good in navigation and had lots of other really cool features.

My vote, even besides the significant dollar difference...buy the Ique.

[JMckie]

This is an easy call. Get the iQue.

It is quite likely that you will find the PDA functions indispensible once you start using it. In addition, take a look at the following site:

http://www.palmsource.com/interests/legal/

Although most of the programs mentioned are for practicing attorneys, take a look at what's available, specially the ebooks mentioned towards the bottom. Use the money saved from the 2620 to get what you want.

[Moose Man]

Would you be comfortable in leaving the 2620 on the dash in the vehicle as a beacon for a Thief? If not, you'll find that you disconnect it and either store it in the glove box or someother cubby hole.

If your going to disconnect - you might as well have something that you can carry with you and use as a PDA.

If not and you think you'd prefer to leave it on the dash then by all means go with the 2620.

The 2620 would probably be easier to mount permanently then the Que in this regard. By permanent, I mean power supply and etc where you don't use the cig lighter or power adapter.

The landscape / portrait profile issue that bkackman mentioned is another consideration.

But, if you do not ever perceive using a PDA then it's a no brainer - get a 2620 inspite of the price. The main reason is - the remote and lack of usage of the PDA functions.

I'd suggest going to CompUSA or some other "hands on" place and seeing the portrait / landscape issue and then deciding. Also see how each works.

[borg_minion]

WOW,

Thanks you guys. I enjoyed reading your posts. They were RIGHT ON.

The first allowed me to see that the IQue isn't necessarily 'inferior' to the 2620 and, at least in the navigational functionality of the product, is very much comparable to it.

The second post re-inforced the use of the PDA functionality of the IQue, especially in direct relation to my legal career. I think even a minimal use of the PDA is better than no use. I have the m500 right now and I use it for to-do list functions, etc. I also like the fact that I can store address and have the GPS direct me to those stored address.

The third post was also helpful in outlining the portability factor of the IQue which of course makes it much more convenient than having the 2620. My car is a '93 Honda and it doesn't even have an alarm on it. So, theft is of course a consideration and I really don't feel like having to 'disconnect' the 2620 all the time. Besides, I might forget to do it and then I might find myself out of over $1000.

Before I made my post, I was really leaning towards getting the IQue primarily for the lower cost and its capabilities. I think I really just needed to confirm that I was making the right decision and whenever someone have to spend so much money on a product, I think that a careful review of that product to its competitors, is warranted to ensure that the best value is being obtained.

Thank you for your posts. I've also been looking at additional posts about the IQue and again I have been very impressed. I think the thing that touches me most is the personal stories about the IQue that I keep hearing and I can't wait for that day when I'll be able to share my personal stories with you all.

I'll be sure to read any additional posts.

[rjack22]

Don't forget about the GAMES! To while away a few spare minutes you can play a game or two.

The iQue really is multifuntion.

[borg_minion]

Yea,

I just realized that after reading a couple of other posts. I'm sure I'm going to have much more fun using the PDA functions of the IQue than I do with my m500.

Plus it's going to be in color :)

[crowl]

The real advantage to the ique is that you can download and install programs that you can use to customize the ique to your particular mode of operation. I have a lot of reference stuff on my ique, and a whole bunch of other stuff. With any other gps unit you are stuck with what you purchase and can't change or customize it.

[kenspice]

Don't forget the recording function which would be beneficial to you in school. But I still think that you should get the 2620 because I want to see at least one unhappy lawyer...:D
Nahhhh, get the iQue, I couldnt be that mean to anybody!
Welcome to our forum, and when you get your Q come back as this is a most helpful and interesting place. Enjoy!

[Curious Cat]

Echoing what Kenspice said, we love and support you as a student of law. However, once you become a lawyer, you're on your own. :D

[Moose Man]

Originally posted by Curious Cat
Echoing what Kenspice said, we love and support you as a student of law. However, once you become a lawyer, you're on your own. :D

Let's not condemn the man until we know what area of the law he will be in? It could be in Animal Rights and that would be a plus for CC and me.

But then it again ----- what do you call one lawyer at the bottom of the ocean? A Good Start. :D

[borg_minion]

You guys are funny, but at the same time tremendously helpful.

As to the area of law I'll be getting into, I haven't decided yet, but right now my interest are with corporate and criminal law.

For some reason, I've always thought that lawyers were one of the most ethical professionals, but I guess I can understand why there is a certain amount of animosity towards lawyers.

[reinbeau]

Originally posted by borg_minion
Yea,

I just realized that after reading a couple of other posts. I'm sure I'm going to have much more fun using the PDA functions of the IQue than I do with my m500.

Plus it's going to be in color :) Just to give you a little hint of useful student planner/programs out there, check out this one from FreewarePalm.com (http://www.freewarepalm.com/database/dueyesterday.shtml) . And there are more out there, but the key word on this one is free :) I've heard it's the most useful, too.

[apersson850]

On TV, I heard part of a speech by some professor.
He started by saying:
"Now, if you could take every graduated economist in the world, then lay them down head to feet in a long row, along the equator, then...
... that would be a good idea."

I wonder why I came to think about this, talking about lawyers?

Now I associated with "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe", Lisa Lindstrom and so on... I better stop right now!