|
Garmin iQue M3 Pocket PC integrated with GPS | 
 enlarge | Brand: Garmin
Category: CE
List Price: $646.76
Buy Used: $74.99
You Save: $571.77 (88%)
Avg. Customer Rating:  29 reviews
Sales Rank: 27857
Media: Electronics
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition
CPU Speed: 312
Native Resolution: 240 x 320
Display Size: 3.5
Includes MP3 Player: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 12 x 14 x 10
MPN: 010-00437-00
Model: 010-00437-00
UPC: 753759049034
EAN: 0753759049034
ASIN: B000ACURFG
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Features:
| • | Product Type - GPS | | • | Computing Software - Microsoft Pocket Outlook, Internet Explorer,Word and Excel, Windows Media Player, MSN Messenger Service. | | • | Processor - 312-MHz Intel PXA 271 Xscale processor, dedicated 48 MHz ARM7 GPS coprocessor. | | • | Unit size/weight - 5.0 x 2.8 x 0.74 inch / 5.9 oz. | | • | Screen dimensions - 3.5-inch diagonal. |
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The iQue M3 is a user-friendly automotive GPS navigator in a sleek, lightweight Pocket PC design. The attractively priced iQue M3 features larger, more intuitive icons that make it easier for consumers to select navigation applications using their index finger, rather than a stylus.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 24 more reviews...
 Disappointed- Never Buy This Product June 13, 2008
I purchased this GPS 2 years ago and was extremely thrilled to see the features that this GPS/PDA system contains. However, I was extremely disappointed with the system and would suggest nobody to consider it for purchase in future. It takes forever to connect to the satellite, responds slowly and often after the wrong turn has been taken, loses signal every now and then, hangs in the middle of the road and has even started updating maps in the middle of the drive- a huge safety hazard because you have to turn on the GPS again after the updates have been installed while driving. The GPS does not take the addresses from the address book correctly and tends to misguide you. Garmin is unhelpful on this and often unresponsive. Beware of this product and its nice looks.
 Best in the market November 26, 2007
It is about 1.5 year that I have my iQue m3 GPS/PDA.
This is the most easy to use GPS ever. I spend one year to find something close to this for my gf who has no interest on gadgets but nothing worked like this for her, so I purchased another one. M3 "Garmin" is the only GPS I could relay on in my trips to VI, Costs and even Germany. Best thing is that you can walk and bike and still get the directions.
Apart of a GPS it is a pocket PC with lots of uses such as MS Word and Excel that I need. The only problem was lack of memory capacity that I simply used my cell phone memory and works perfect.
 It's good, but perhaps not for the long haul. November 24, 2007
I liked this unit, actually I love this unit. As a "on the road" salesman I store customer data in it. I can route to and from customer sites. I use the Excel spreadsheets. I take notes on customer sites and hot sync it to my laptop in the car. I can edit my customer notes on the laptop and then sync back to the M3.
A couple of issues though that will prevent me from purchasing another unit from Garmin. My unit began to develop a screen issue. I use the palm style of entering data, and the screen started doing weird things when I would attempt to enter text. To Garmin's defense, they did warranty it. However the replacment unit is barely a year old and now the screen has a dead spot in the middle that is getting larger. Unfortunatly there are things you cannot access without the touch screen so it is a problem. Garmin will sell me a "refurb" for 99 dollars. I think that buying a new unit every year for 99 dollars is asking a bit much.
The other issue is that it is not possible to really manage the memory. Garmin claims you can, however I find that one needs to periodically 'reboot' the unit to free up enough ram to effectively run the GPS side. When you close programs they stay in memory and consume it. Saving data to the SD cards is a cool way to minimize the effect on the limited ram, but the operating system still stores the executable in the memory. There is a slide to select the amount of ram to reserve for operating programs, but is is not effective and always defaults to a 50/50 split. Since I use all the Handheld PC features and the GPS it gets to be a problem.
Now Garmin has discontinued the line completly. Only a matter of time before support is discontinued as well.
Hope Apple comes out with a GPS enabled iPod soon!
A Fantastic Multipurpose PDA November 21, 2007
I'm exceedingly happy that I didn't have to face the software glitches or problems with technical support that other people have, because I've been nothing but happy with this fantastic device. As a recent college graduate I received this as a present to replace an old Palm Pilot and so far it's been invaluable ever since. Getting programs (many which are free) aren't hard at all to find on the net for the Windows PPC 2003 OS (even for those who aren't net savvy), so it easily functions not only as an appointment keeper, address book, document creator, to do list, or GPS, but also as a budget diary, shopping list, an entertainment device (the games you can get for the OS is expansive!), and even a calorie counter. Also, the PPC can act like an Ipod alternative- with the already Windows Media player and other downloadable software, I'm able to listen to MP3's and watch AVI/WMA/MP4 video files on the Garmin and get a good 4-5 hours of play time (very good, considering it's not its main function.) And because of the GPS speaker, it acts like a small personal radio as well- no need to connect other speakers. (And of course, there's a headphone jack for personal privacy or to play in your car with an IPod adapter.)
My only real problem with the device so far is that Garmin doesn't seem to have as many GPA satellites as other companies (that or they're/the PPC isn't as responsive); I used to use a Magellan roadmate and it had faster responsiveness (especially when it came to re-routing). However, considering that the GPS isn't this PPC's only function it does a great job of providing accurate directions.
And unlike other people's experiences, Garmin International's support line was exceedingly helpful- after my speaker died after a very humid trip to Asia, they replaced the whole system free of charge under warranty (and were very friendly about it too). Granted, I am no business person or have a job that demands certain functionality out of a pocket PC- but if you're looking for a solid pocket PC with a lot of potential and a reliable GPS, this system is definitely worth your money (and is cheaper than an M5).
 My M3 October 8, 2007
I've had mine for a good part of a year, so this is a good time for a review. This unit is my introduction to the world of GPS navigation. I've got 2 young kids and a wife that is map-challenged. This ofcourse means I drive and read the map while in foreign places. Safe huh?
Anyway, technically this GPS unit does well to take me to places as it should. Satellite acquisition is reasonably fast and keeps a good signal during a route. Detail of the map and audio is plenty good, although if you're getting on in your years, the display would be a challenge. Sun and darkness does not detract from the display. The auto light adjustment between day/dusk/dark is fantastic. Routes are mapped out well and the audio instructions provide sufficient time for you to make the proper lane changes in advance for the upcoming turns. PDA function is also a nice to have. I use it mostly to watch movies to wait for the kids while they nap in the car.
The only thing that was a bit problematic for me was that during a route, the unit would 'reset'. Yes. It would shut down and start up again. This process would take about a minute. This meant that if you're waiting for the next turn, you'll have to pull over and wait. It does resume to where it left off once it is up again. This would be its biggest problem...luckily Garmin I guess recognized this problem. If you go to their site and download the latest (last) update patch...this problem seem to disappear. In fact, the map rendering is even better after this patch.
All in all, I've had such a positive experience with this that I've recommended it to 5 close friends and family. They all have one and probably would not drive anywhere without it now. There are certainly faster and better units out there now with the new SirfStar III GPS chipset and all. But without going into more detail, driving around with my trusty M3 in a less than familiar place without having to multi-task is priceless and SAFE.
|
|
|
| |
