CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 08/15/2006
- Released on: 08/15/2006
The compact and lightweight GPS receiver is powered by a SiRF Star III chip. A power switch and a port for an optional external antenna are on the left spine, while on the front of the device are three indicator LEDs that show the status of GPS reception (orange), Bluetooth operation (blue), and the battery life (green for fully charged, red for low). There's a mini USB port on the bottom end for charging the user-replaceable lithium-ion battery, which is located on the back along with two rubber pads designed to help prevent the receiver from sliding around on a flat surface. However, we found they weren't quite strong enough; the device took a few tumbles as we drove around curves and went over bumpy roads. We wish it came with a more stable mounting apparatus for the receiver. However, Palm does include a windshield/dashboard cradle for your Treo, a USB memory card reader, and a car charger with connectors for both your Treo and the GPS Navigator.
The Palm GPS Navigator features TomTom Navigator 6 software, which includes 2006 TeleAtlas maps of the United States and Canada and a comprehensive points-of-interest (POI) database. All data is loaded on the included 1GB memory card, so you don't have to deal with any map transfers from your PC. Once you insert the card, you'll have to endure a couple minutes of setup and activation. You'll be asked to input preferences such as language choice and whether you want your distance units displayed as miles or kilometers. After four or so questions, you will then need to activate the software. To do so, you'll need to have ready the product code (located on the flap of the included software CD) and a device code (presented on the Treo once you start this process). We suggest you have a pencil and paper on hand, as well.
Fortunately the setup process is the most difficult part about using the Palm GPS Navigator. If you've ever used a TomTom navigation system before, the GPS Navigator's interface will look familiar. And even if you haven't, you'll need little acclimation, as the menus are easy to understand and intuitive, with large icons and clear identification. What's more, the Treo's touch screen and QWERTY keyboard make it easy to enter commands and addresses. If you already know where you're going, the Navigator's map browser gives you a general overview map and you can use it to keep track of your location. Otherwise, you can enter a specific address, city center, or intersection or select a recent destination, a POI, or a name from your Contacts list to receive driving directions. There is also an Itinerary function where you can add other destinations and waypoints into your current route. Under the Preferences menu, you can instruct the Navigator to calculate a route that avoids all freeways or takes the shortest time or distance. You can also plan by bicycle or walking routes.
Maps are presented in 2D or 3D view. If you select 2D mode, you can choose to have either north or the direction you're traveling always face the top of the screen. There's also a night mode that changes the color of the maps for better nighttime viewing, and if the default settings don't suit you, you have the option to change the color schemes under the Preferences menu. You can choose to have driving directions presented as text or images. The main driving view will give your current position, the name of the next major road, the next instruction, and information about your trip, including remaining trip time and distance and estimated arrival time. In addition, you can zoom in and out of maps. And though the GPS Navigator has voice-guided directions, it does not feature text-to-speech functionality, which speaks actual street names.
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8 out of 9 people found this helpful
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3 out of 3 people found this helpful
"When it works, it is a nice portable unit. When it doesn't, support in non-existent!"
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