GPS unsurprisingly present in new Garmin iQue M3

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	GPS unsurprisingly present in new Garmin iQue M3	By Jørgen Sundgot, 19 July 2005

GALLERY

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Revolving around automotive GPS functionality, the new iQue M3 from Garmin pulls back on hardware specifications to achieve a lower price - yet offers updated software.

Expanding the company's line-up of GPS-enabled handhelds, Garmin has introduced the iQue M3, its second Windows Mobile based handheld to offer an integrated GPS receiver. A less expensive version of the company's existing iQue M5 offering, the iQue M3 shares the physical appearances of its sibling, differing mainly in the areas of reduced specifications and improved software.

Based around a 312 MHz Intel PXA271 processor, the iQue M3 offers 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM and is expandable courtesy of its integrated, SDIO-capable SD/MMC card slot. Also present is a 3.5-inch, 65K colour screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, as well as IrDA and USB for local connectivity.

Powered by a 1,250 mAh battery which according to Garmin will yield between 5 and 7 hours of GPS use, the iQue M3 runs Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition which, among several improvements, allows for on-the-fly reorientation of the screen from portrait to landscape modes. Also new is the incorporation of Garmin's c-series automotive navigation software, previously only implemented in the company's dedicated StreetPilot C GPS receivers.

Providing automatic route calculation to any destination, the point-screen interface is better suited for fingertip navigation, enabling address or point of interest look-up and routing with voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions. Users will also able to choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or two-dimensional overhead view.

A built-in basemap of North and South America shows major highways, thoroughfares, railways, lakes, rivers and borders. Garmin includes its MapSource City Select DVD as a standard accessory, allowing for the download of detailed street-level map data for the U.S. and Canada. World travelers can also add a European or Pacific Rim basemap from the installation CD and purchase detailed maps separately.

The iQue M3 is expected to be available in July 2005 at an estimated retail price of $533.32 USD. The standard package includes a USB synchronization cable, AC wall charger, automotive windshield mount with integrated charger, MapSource City Select DVD (US only), companion CD or DVD (US only) and protective flip cover.