The Garmin iQue 3600 is, quite simply, a remarkable product. It is a very powerful and highly sophisticated PDA that runs Palm OS version 5.2.1 (upgradeable from the Garmin web site). It has a Motorola Dragonball MXL ARM9 processor, running at 200 megahertz, with 32 MB of DRAM.
Many of us have come to consider a PDA as an indispensable tool in everyday life. The fact that this particular one is made by Garmin, however, can mean only one wonderful thing:
The iQue is the first handheld unit to combine a high end PDA with a completely integrated GPS. The result is my new best friend.
Although this is primarily a review about the GPS feature of the iQue, I must take a moment to describe some of the other qualities of the unit. It comes equipped with all the usual components of a PDA: address book, calendar, memo pad, MP3 player, games, etc.
It has an SD/MMC card slot so you can store additional map, music, image, and text files. I’ve added a 512 MB SD card to my iQue and loaded a number of low cost third party programs, such as a dictionary, language translators, ebook readers, image viewers and a more feature-rich MP3 player. Now, I can listen to music, read novels, show off my photos, and even review PowerPoint presentations, all using one tiny little device.
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The iQue measures 2.8" x 5" x 0.8" and weighs just 5.2 ounces. The case is sturdy plastic, but the metallic finish gives it a more sophisticated look. You will want to take care to protect the display screen; the unit comes with a leather flip cover and there are many third party screen protectors on the market.
Those who use their iQue for business may want to carry it in a PDA leather case, designed to hold additional items such as business cards, credit cards, and extra memory cards. For those who use the iQue as a geocaching companion, you may prefer the Covertec case equipped with a belt clip and designed to allow easy access to all the iQue’s function buttons.
Like most PDAs, the display is a touch screen. You’ll find that many programs respond to the touch of your finger (particularly if you have fingernails). Otherwise, the stylus - specially designed for the iQue - fits snuggly in a slot running along the right side of the unit.
The iQue’s built-in GPS antenna folds flat when not in use, so the look and feel is like that of any other PDA. When you want to use the GPS receiver, the antenna swings outward. If you will be working in high canopy or mountainous areas, a small port at the top of the unit can accept an external antenna (available from Garmin or a variety of other vendors).
Plenty of Accessories
The basic package comes with a leather protective display cover, desktop hotsync/charging cradle, AC Power/charge adapter, Setup CD, MapSource CDs (2), and the reference guides.A wide range of accessories are available for the iQue. Some of these are combined with the iQue and sold as a bundle. Accessories include: A/C travel charger; 12-volt power/charging adapter; auto navigation kit; travel Kit; and USB/Serial Sync Cables. The unit uses the Palm Universal Connector, so all Palm accessories should work with the iQue. There is a wide range of prices out there and you can occasionally find the bundles on sale, so be sure to shop around for the best price.
The Pros
- Packed with features - As mentioned above, the iQue is much more than a GPS receiver. It is a high end PDA with many bells and whistles, several of which are integrated into the GPS function.
- Navigation aids - Among the best features are the voice navigation and detailed map data uploadable from the included software.
- Ease of use - Users will learn very quickly how to navigate the screens and use the GPS feature. When in doubt, consult the manual; the instructions are very well-written and easy to follow.
- Display clarity - The beautiful screen makes using the iQue even more enjoyable. It boasts a large 320 x 480 pixel transflective display, with 16-bit color. If you want to use the virtual graffiti and keyboard area, the display size is reduced to 320 x 320 pixels. The backlighting is adjustable on a sliding scale.
- Available maps - The unit comes with detailed basemaps of the U.S. or Europe (depending on where you buy it) and some less detailed worldwide maps.
The Cons
- Rugged (not) - This unit is not waterproof and, though it is elegant, the case gives the appearance of being fragile. This is not the kind of unit to take to the wilderness unless you keep it well-padded and dry.
- Battery life - Poor battery life is one of the key complaints cited in user reviews. Using the GPS receiver and audio both eat into the battery life. One helpful hint for saving battery power: reduce the screen brightness. It’s amazing how much this helps extend hours of operation. There are various third party power extenders available; I strongly recommend getting one of these for power backup when traveling.
- Expense - Because the iQue is more than a GPS receiver, it costs more than a standard unit. In addition, the added accessories you’ll want to buy; including a sufficiently big SD card make this unit very expensive.
- WiFi - Aside from the infrared (IR) port, the unit does not have wireless capabilities. Also, there is no internal modem. In theory, however, you can use the IR port to connect to a cell phone and send/receive email this way. (I have yet to accomplish such a connection.)
- NMEA - The GPS receiver is not NMEA compliant, thus it is not useable with most third party mapping software.
Using the Garmin iQue 3600: Some Basic Facts
As mentioned, the Garmin iQue 3600 is a feature-rich machine with many more bells and whistles (and buttons) than a standard GPS receiver. The primary buttons, pre-assigned to the basic PDA programs and GPS map, are situated on the lower front of the unit.On the side are two buttons and a jog dial. The top one of these turns on the voice recorder and the bottom one serves as an escape key for most programs. The jog dial has the typical function, letting you scroll through pages of an ebook or advance through photos. When using the GPS feature of the unit, however, you’ll find the jog dial very useful in allowing easy zooming in and out of maps.
In addition, on the top of the unit sits a standard headphone jack, a card slot for the memory card, and the infrared (IR) port.
Full instructions about the iQue’s operation are beyond the scope of this review, but are readily available in the User’s Manual. I’ll just say a few words about the GPS and mapping features.
During the initial setup process, you must install the Garmin Palm software and the MapSource software onto your computer and this will serve as the interface to hot sync iQue data with your desktop (or notebook). Of course, hot syncing allows updating address and schedule information, along with any other file exchange you want to do. Of relevance to this review, however, it is through this syncing process that you’ll upload detailed map data to the handheld, and download waypoint data to your computer.
In addition to the basic Palm-based programs, the Garmin iQue 3600 comes with its own "Que" programs, mostly geared toward the GPS and map functions. These are integrated with each other and many are integrated with the address and calendar programs.
- QueClock - This is a very basic clock program that allows you to set alarms (with a selection of tones) and appointment alerts. If your appointment is linked to your address book, you’ll be able to find the location on the map and use the other Que features to route to it.
- QueVoice - Using a button on the left side of the unit, you can use the iQue as a voice recorder. This can be for stand-alone memos or you can assign voice files to entries in your address book or to waypoints on the map.
- QueAudio - This is an audio player with the standard ability to play MP3 and WAV files; whether as files from the voice recorder or music files you’ve loaded onto the SD card or into internal memory.
- QueGPS - By flipping out the built-in antenna and tapping on the screen that reminds you not to drive while looking at the display (duh), your iQue becomes a GPS receiver. It has the usual screen information regarding number of satellites acquired (maximum of 12), time and date, moon and sun positions, etc. Accuracy is usually within 12 meters, especially with WAAS enabled.
- QueMap - This program shows a map with your current location. While navigating, it shows your progress in addition to some basic information such as estimated time of arrival, etc. The map has a yellow daytime mode and black nighttime mode. These switch automatically.
- QueFind - If you’ve uploaded map detail from your MapSource data and used the GPS receiver to determine your exact location, you can use QueFind to locate various businesses or points of interest.
Where’s the nearest ATM?
Where’s the closest restaurant?
You name it. Just tap a category icon and you’ll see a list. Select one and tap again for the address and phone number. You can save this location as a waypoint and/or you can locate it on the map. Tap the "route to" icon and a route is plotted for you. This can be saved as a route file or you may want the iQue to direct you.
A gentle voice comes on to guide your way: "In 400 feet, turn", "Drive 3 blocks and," etc. She even announces your arrival. If you make a wrong turn, the voice says "Off course. Recalculating." She then gets you back on track. (I could swear that, after about 4 times of being off course, the voice becomes a little testy, but maybe that’s my imagination.)
- QueRoutes - This program stores and retrieves routes that you created with QueFind.
- QueTracks - Similar to QueRoutes, QueTracks saves trips for later retrieval. The data include your speed, elapsed time, and allows comparison of different routes used in getting to the same destination.
- QueTrip - The program automatically calculates miles, heading, speed, stopped time, driving time, maximum speed, average driving speed, and total average speed for the trip.
- QueTurns - Once you have activated a route through QueRoutes, QueTurns gives a listing of turn directions.
In case it has not been apparent in this review, I think the Garmin iQue 3600 is terrific. Around home, I use it for the ebooks, music, calculator, and photo display. On the road, it becomes even more valuable with the GPS and mapping tools.
I’ve used it in various cities in the U.S., France, and Italy (using third party uploaded maps for the latter two). I even used it in Sierra Leone (Africa), though with less detailed mapping available. If you’re in the market for a GPS with extra features and you don’t mind that it’s not of the rough and rubberized-armor type, I strongly recommend the iQue.
About the Author
Janette is a hobbyist writer who enjoys using her GPS devices and educating people about GPS manufacturers, discount GPS receivers, and everything GPS!