Pitching its newest product to aviators, Garmin has introduced the Palm OS-powered iQue 3600a, an update to its first GPS handheld.
Garmin today introduced the iQue 3600a, delivering an upgrade to its very first GPS-enabled handheld, the original iQue 3600. Offering many of the same features, the 3600a is specifically targeted towards aviators, and includes a yoke-mounted cradle as well as built-in basemap, terrain, obstacle and Jeppesen databases.
 | The iQue 3600a homes in on aviators
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In addition to features found in its predecessor, such as automotive turn-by-turn capabilities and personal information management (PIM) applications, the 3600a offers several new applications created specifically for aviation needs. These applications include QueMap, QueTerrain, QueNav and QueFlights, all of which offer various types of information in aircraft panel format.
The iQue 3600a also features a cradle with design that mounts to the yoke. Instead of using a stylus for data input, users insert the unit in the cradle and navigate using the dedicated Direct To, Nearest, Menu, Escape, Enter and directional rocker buttons, much like other Garmin aviation GPS equipment. When inserted into the cradle, settings are automatically adjusted for aviation use.
As with the original iQue 3600, the 3600a has a GPS antenna which folds into the back of the device, and remains powered by Palm OS in version 5 and a 200 MHz Motorola DragonBall MXL processor. A 3.8", 16-bit transflective TFT display offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, and the unit harbours 96 MB of ROM for pre-installed data and applications as well as 64 MB of RAM. Also, an SD Card expansion slot is available for further expansion.
The GPS receiver remains a 12-channel parallel WAAS receiver, and the iQue 3600a shares the exact measurements of its predecessor at 5" x 2.8" x 0.8" - yet is slightly heavier at 6.2 oz.
Expected to be available in January 2005 at an MSRP of $1,099 USD, the Garmin iQue 3600a will ship standard with a USB HotSync cradle, yoke-mount cradle, GA27C external GPS antenna kit, AC adapter, 12-volt adapter, installation/application CD-ROM with owner's manual, and a quick-start guide.
An additional hi-res picture of the Garmin iQue 3600a is available on the following page.
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