Pharos Traveler GPS 525E

Description: The Pharos Traveler GPS 525E is a Pocket PC-based, consumer-oriented handheld device.Compared to other consumer-oriented handhelds on the market, it is relatively expensive at around $325.You can expand the memory of this unit using Secure Digital (SD), or MMC media.Runs on Microsoft Windows mobile 5.0.

Pros: Runs on the Microsoft Windows mobile 5.0 operating system, which is somewhat more advanced than some similarly priced handhelds.

Cons: Has a somewhat hefty, 0.7-inch thickness, which is somewhat bulkier than some similarly priced handhelds.Since this device runs on Pocket PC, it will work only with Windows, not with Linux or Macintosh operating systems.

Suitability: A consumer-oriented handheld, suited for every-day use.Also, this handheld should be adequate for viewing color images (given that it supports 64,000 colors at a resolution of 240x320).This handheld supports the Bluetooth private area network protocol, meaning it has the ability to wirelessly connect with other Bluetooth-enabled devices within about 30 feet to synchronize data, access e-mail and the Internet, exchange files, and print documents.This PDA includes Wi-Fi (802.11b) compatibility and can be used to access the internet at various wireless enabled "hotspots".

Value: Despite its relatively expensive price, this handheld has good features for the money.Nonetheless, take note that if you were to judge solely by processing power you could obtain a comparable PDA for about $250.

Suggestions: (1) If you think you'll enter large amounts of data, consider purchasing an external portable keyboard for your PDA.(2) To see how this PDA stacks up against our Editor's top picks, check out the Handhelds Feature on CNET Reviews.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Pharos Science & Applications Inc.
• Part Number: PTL525E

• General

• Product Type Handheld
• Width 2.3 in
• Depth 0.7 in
• Height 4.3 in
• Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.3 in x 0.7 in x 4.3 in
• Included Accessories Headphones, Carrying case

• Processor

• Processor Samsung S3C2442 300 MHz
• Processor Samsung 300 MHzS3C2442

• Memory

• ROM 128 MB - ROM
• RAM 64 MB - SDRAM
• Installed RAM 64 MB
• Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card
• Compatibility SDIO
• RAM technology SDRAM
• Installed ROM 128 MB ROM

• Display

• Image 16-bit (64K colors)
• Display Resolution 240 x 320

• Operating System / Software

• OS Provided Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0
• Software Windows Media Player, Microsoft Pocket Word, Microsoft Pocket Excel, Microsoft Pocket Outlook, Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer

• Audio

• Audio Input Microphone
• Audio input type Microphone
• Voice Recording Capability Yes

• Telecom

• Modem None
• Modem None

• Expansion / Connectivity

• Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 SD Memory Card
• Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b
• Interfaces 1 x Headphones, 1 x USB
• Port / Connector Type:Interface 1Headphones, 1USB
• Expansion slot(s) total (free) 1 SD Memory Card
• Cable(s) included USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter
• Power supply device Power adapter

• Miscellaneous

• Cables Included USB cable

• GPS

• GPS Navigation GPS receiver
• Software Included Microsoft Streets & Trips 2005

• Warranty

• Service & Support 1 year warranty
• Service / Support Details 1 year Limited warranty

• Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year

Pharos Science & Applications Inc.

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.pharosgps.com/
• Address: 411 Amapola Avenue, Torrance, CA.
• Phone: 310-212-7088
• Email: info@pharosgps.com
• Fax: 310-320-1808