Entered CNET Catalog: 02/11/2006
SKU: 0818948002068
Manufacturer: Pharos Inc.
Manufacturer description
The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 is a full-featured GPS navigation tool wrapped up in one very small attractive device. It's ready to go out-of-the-box with preloaded maps of 50 major U.S. cities and highways. The uniquely sensitive GPS receiver ensures you'll be able to get a position fix just about anywhere. The revolutionary Pharos Traveler is the first ever and smallest GPS handheld with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth technology. You can find hotspot locations while you're out and about and download maps over high speed, look up Points of Interest (POI) locations and even make free PC-to-PC phones for free all over the world using and VoIP software for Pocket PCs. In addition, the Pharos Traveler combines in-car GPS navigation with Microsoft Windows Mobile applications like Pocket Outlook, Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer. This time-saving Pocket GPS device will seamlessly sync with your Outlook database of contacts so you can navigate directly to any of your Outlook contact addresses. The Pharos Traveler will guide you along the way with voice-prompted, turn-by-turn instructions, and will give you the choice of taking the highway or the back roads.Product summary
The good: Tiny and pocket-friendly, the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 has a powerful GPS receiver that doesn't require a fold-out antenna. It also comes with lots of maps, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and it has solid battery life.
The bad: The Pharos Traveler GPS 525's screen is too small to use in a car, its audio is about as bad as it gets, and without a hold switch, it can inadvertently be turned on in a bag, leaving you with a dead battery.
The bottom line: Maps and personal data go hand in hand with the Pharos Traveler GPS 525, a PDA that effectively combines organization with navigation to not only find where you are but also point you where to go.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 04/03/2006
For those who want a lot of buttons and flash, look elsewhere, because the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 is a delight of minimalist design. The navigation controls consist of a power on/off button, four shortcut keys (GPS, Today screen, and two customizable buttons), a voice-recorder activation key, and a five-way navigation joystick. The Traveler GPS 525's 2.8-inch screen is second best compared with larger displays found on other geoaware PDAs and dedicated mapping machines. Plus, the touch-sensitive display is not as responsive as those of other handhelds we've tested, so you'll always want to use the metal stylus for best results. The 65,536-color output and the 240x320 resolution make for bright, crisp, and clear text and images, but we found it necessary to squint to make out map details. The system's spoken directions could have helped, but the unit's audio quality is abysmal, with the voice constantly breaking up. Below the single speaker on front of the device, you'll find a headphone jack and a recessed reset button, but there's no dedicated button for rotating the screen.
Pharos packages the device with everything you'll need to hit the road, including a vinyl case, a windshield arm, a headset, a USB cable, and a 512MB Secure Digital flash card with mapping data for American highways and top urban areas. Happily, the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 includes AC and car power adapters but, like the A636, does without a desktop sync cradle, so it's really meant for those who spend more time on the road than at the office or at home. Fortunately, the USB cable can power the unit and move data, but it can take 10 hours to charge the device via the cable when it's turned on. Be careful, because the Traveler 525 has a tendency to turn on when jostled in a bag (a hold switch would have helped), so make sure it's in its case before leaving on a long trip.
The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 is a midrange Windows Mobile 5 PDA mated to a powerful SiRF GPS receiver that can work with the 24 global-positioning satellites orbiting the earth. Central to the Traveler GPS 525 is Pharos's Ostia 7.5 mapping application and the trio of digital map CDs that cover the 50 states but not Canada. It helps that the card comes preloaded with all the maps, but most people probably won't ever need all of them. You can use ActiveSync software to move the maps you need to the device or copy them directly with a flash-card reader on to a Secure Digital data module. The included 512MB card is adequate for this but leaves little room for music or other files, so we recommend getting a larger card and taking it all with you.
Accurate and up to date, the Pharos Traveler GPS 525's mapping software has an extensive points-of-interest database, including locations for thousands of restaurants, cash machines, and restaurants. Press the GPS button, and Ostia opens with your position marked on the map; you can press it again to view the satellite connections and their signal strength. If you push the button a third time, you'll get longitude and latitude readings, as well as altitude (if you're getting data from at least four satellites), speed, distance, and a large compass. The interface's predictive entry streamlines adding addresses, and to zoom in and out of the action, you just draw a diagonal line across the screen. The device can simulate a 3D overhead view, and you can also choose to avoid highways to create the fastest or shortest trip. However, it lacks integration with a GM-10 receiver for instant traffic updates. Pharos periodically updates the map database and offers it for free to registered users.
Under the skin, the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 is a midrange PDA with a 300MHz Samsung SC324 processor, 64MB of RAM, and 128MB of flash ROM, 111MB of which is user-accessible. It's a wireless data machine with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11b), and infrared communications covered. The 1,100mAh battery pack is smaller than the one used on the A636, but it yields the same amount of time between charges. Like other Windows Mobile 5 PDAs, the Traveler GPS 525 comes with the standard mobile versions of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile to satisfy your multimedia jones.
Despite its basic hardware, the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 is a powerful PDA that can compete with more expensive devices. We were impressed by the Traveler 525's results on Spb Benchmark tests (319.95), which was 20 percent better than those of the HP iPaq hx2790, and its ability to synchronize faster than an HP iPaq rx1950. On the downside, the device's CPU index was one-third off the pace set by the rx1950. In our CNET Labs battery tests, the device ran for just less than 9 hours, putting it on a par with either iPaqs or the Asus MyPal A636 but doubling the power output offered by the Mio 168RS.Over the course of trips in and around Hartford, San Francisco, and Tampa, the Pharos never let us down, and it worked just as well on our dashboard on the open road as in our hand while walking in urban areas. Based on SiRF's Star III GPS architecture, the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 got a GPS fix in less than 30 seconds from being turned on and only momentarily lost contact. The routing software is efficient and never sent us on a wild goose chase, but it annoyingly chimes when you need to turn rather than saying turn. Miss the turn, and it takes upward of 20 seconds to figure out a new itinerary. The Wi-Fi radio's 90-foot range was acceptable, although we've seen PDAs with twice as much range.
CNET Labs project leader Dong Van Ngo contributed to the performance analysis.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15out of 15 user reviews
Using Skype with Pharos Traveler GPS 525
Pros: Get the Skype download for windows mobile from http://skype.com/mobile/. With a strong wi-fi signal the sound quality is excellent! I love it! My brother uses Skype on his PSP-2000 and our call quality is better than talking on cell phones.
Cons: There is no "wake on ring" feature yet, but I am working with Pharos customer support to get this function working. Does anyone know a way to make an incoming Skype call wake up the Pharos the way a calendar reminder does?
out of 15 user reviews
Definitely fit my needs....
Pros: Small and Compact, Can Use as a Phone, Works with Office of course
Cons: Fails to sync occasionally, DOES NOT work with Skype
The PDA...It has a nice bright screen that easy to read except in bright sunlight...goes without saying. I love the ability to sync with Office as I use Outlook and the rest of the suite extensively. The form factor is pleasing to me in that it is small and compact. I have owned Palms in the past..last of which was the m515. I was not looking for a large unit. Battery life is quite acceptable to me when not using the VoIP function. As a PDA, I'm very pleased but this is the first Windows based device I've owned... so there's little comparison.
The GPS...I did not buy this unit for GPS purposes...there are dedicated units..ie - Garmin (which I own) that are better suited. It's a nice option to have available however. There is a slight learning curve but not bad once your used to it.
The WiFi...works great. Connecting is relatively simple on open networks. Do a search for free WiFi in your area and you're in. If you keep sensitive material on your device, I do recommend software to keep prying eyes out. I do wish however that the IE supported more formats...a little frustrating to see a menu but not be able to click on it to navigate. In regards to news, etc...I maintain my Avantgo account which allows me to read current news/tech/travel, etc offline or online. I sync it every day from my home WiFi to keep current. That way, if I'm not around any free WiFi spots, I can still keep current.
Bluetooth....I have a headset for my LG Sprint phone that works perfectly with my Pharos...easily picked it up and off I went.
The VoIP....If someone can tell me how to configure SKYPE to work on the Pharos, please email me or respond to my post. I tried everything and I'm usually pretty good with tech. The Skype website actually states that the processor used in the Pharos is NOT compatible for audio. I assumed all the 525s were made the same???? But as persistent as I am, I finally got the VoIP to work perfectly with a few extra steps. I signed up for IPhonex "Pay as you Go" which created a SIP account for me. I then tried a few softphone programs before settling with the SJ Labs Softphone. It works flawlessly with IPhonex anywhere and my wife can not tell whether I'm talking on my cellphone or Pharos...I use my Bluetooth to talk BTW. I travel to Mexico frequently and any WiFi works with this setup. Calls to landlines however show up like a calling card...ie - caller ID will show various locations...Canada, Chicago..etc. One note, don't expect to make extensive calls...the VoIP zaps batter life rather fast...but then again...I never make calls that last very long.
Overall, a great device for me that works in all aspects that I require. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Although it does support SD Cards, it does not support the latest SD HC cards. If there are any indepth questions, please feel free to email me or reply to this post.
-J
I meant to say InPhonex is my SIP account holder...not IPhonex
out of 15 user reviews
Sweet little silver PDA that's real a GPS unit
Pros: It's small, Excellent battery, simple, great screen, and...small
Cons: programs could be faster....300Mhz? sheesh!
crash (it's happened SEVERAL times, but not with the GPS utility running fortunately) the 300Mhz processor and small ram can be overwhelmed easy, so theres a need to go easy on it. Last but not least the Woman speaking the navi's audiable direction could sound sexier...Other than that its wonderful!
out of 15 user reviews
Unconscious portablility, Love it!
Pros: Small, Works well, nice package
Cons: Documentation is lacking
out of 15 user reviews
Amazing little device. Does everything it proposes to do!
Pros: Built in GPS receiver, WiFi, Bluetooth.
Cons: Ostia Software
One important thing to mention is that the Traveller 525 comes packaged with an extensive list of accessories: leather case, car mount kit, car lighter charger and a USB SD reader for the PC.
The only negative point about this device is the GPS software that comes with it: Ostia. I tried to use it in the USA, but the software has poor accuracy and is not easy to use. This was really not a problem for me, because when I bought this device, I already had in mind to use another GPS software, called "Destinator" from Destinator Tecnologies. I could install Destinator without any problems, and it runs perfectly with Pharos, it's a perfect combination. Maybe Pharos might forget about developing Ostia, and make a good patnership with Destinator Technologies or any other good GPS software maker like Tomtom.
out of 15 user reviews
Great utilities - Crashes often - Complex mapping
Pros: WiFi and Bluetooth
Cons: MS- Mobile crashes
When it crashed, I had to start reloading all the maps.
Moreover, for French users, the company decided to put the type of streets in front of the name of the street, so I was trying to find addresses in my town and around and it would never find anything. After a call to the company, they told me to try Rue de Lenoir, rue meaning street. It then worked. So if it is a boulevard, an avenue o a croissant, you have to try all combinations. Not to mention that sometimes boulevard is simplified as boul, boul., blvd. So if you do not know the combination, you are out of luck.
I returned for complex usage, stupid indexing of street names and for the many crashes I got in the first few weeks.
But overall, if the mapping software, indexing were improved and the crashes diminished, it coulg be a great tool for travellers to Europe.
I finally bought a Garmin Nuvi 350. So much more easy to use, but still not perfect.
out of 15 user reviews
Great GPS pocket PC
Pros: Great buiilt-inGPS. Runs blue thooth GPS at same time
Cons: On/Off switch to easy to hit accidentally
out of 15 user reviews
HAS EVERYTHING EXCEPT A CAMERA!
Pros: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Functionality, Battery Life
Cons: None as of yet....
out of 15 user reviews
GREAT COMPACT DEVICE....
Pros: 50 Pre-loaded Metropolitan Cities
Cons: The small screen is good, but not when on the road...
out of 15 user reviews
Small, Lightweight, Portable GPS, WiFi, VOIP
Pros: Very Lightweight, compact, portable, Comes with everything you need. Still cheaper than most GPS devices.
Cons: 1st time GPS sync a little slow, only sync's with Microsoft outlook/windows media player etc.
out of 15 user reviews
Very capable pocket PC
Pros: Small, good GPS capability, multimedia, bluetooth and wifi work very well
Cons: No CF slot, otherwise none as of four weeks of ownership
out of 15 user reviews
Excellent multipurpose pocket PC with GPS
Pros: Built in GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, size
Cons: Occassional software glitches, map switching flakey
The screen is an adequate size for navigating- but, I mostly listen for my personalized voice prompts, e.g., "Turn right, dummy," and "Make an illegal U-Turn if you have to."
Over the past few years, several companies have attempted to combine the usefulness of a built-in GPS with powerful capabilities of PalmPilots and PocketPCs-- perhaps the most recognized would be Garmin with its Palm versions: iQue3200 and iQue3600; and PocketPC versions iQueM2 and iQueM3. Many of us received these gadgets as being ground-breaking and an excellent idea for both mobile business travelers and technophors. Unfortunately, poor reliability and stability of Garmin's costly iQue discouraged many of us from ever going Garmin again.
I've had this unit for over 6 months now. I occassionally use it just for roaming the town. However, I do a lot of business travel, and so I use it primarily for driving in unfamiliar cities. I have used it for finding my way around by foot in places like Washington DC and New York. It has traveled with me to Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, and now London. I've been told that topographical maps can be uploaded to the unit as well, but have yet to test this--- I definitely need a vacation!
The GPS antenna is software controlled and truly integrated-- no more flipping up an antenna panel as in the Garmin iQue
case. The PocketPC does have a port on the back to allow you to connect an external antenna as well. While I have not used this feature, it will be useful for those who are in states where the GPS cannot be mounted to the windshield or on the dashboard of your car. I do note, however, that I have left the unit on my center console (next to my leg below the dash) and still had enough signal to monitor my location and receive directions.
The software setup was fairly straightforward, though the printed instructions needed mild updating. The GPS usually acquires my location within 15 seconds; however, on cloudy days or with partially obscured sky view it can take 1-2 minutes. Still the antenna is extremely sensitive-- in some cases, able to get signal in a garage.
The battery lasts for at least 72 hours on standby. Running time depends on what's being used. I find that WiFi limits my battery life to about 6 hours-- maybe more. I never ran out of battery power on GPS mode with all other radios off.
The WiFi is a good feature. I end up surfing the internet while traveling and dialing up the family with Skype. The bluetooth is a good complement to this as well-- I use a bluetooth headset while roaming the hotel, etc...
The Ostia software is a bit outdated. I find it a bit cumbersome to load 10-15 map files for a long distance drive across 5 states. France is a nightmare to load up as well. It would be better if we had something similar to Microsoft Streets and Trips, where we can put a box around the region that we plan to travel and have the software automatically set us up with the maps.
I also have come across a few additional glitches in the Ostia software. 1) Sometimes it fails to find the maps that are loaded on the SD drive- claims they are absent or corrupted. I simply eject and reinsert the drive and it finds the files. 2) If the map is out of date and roads have changed, the software gets flakey. For example, if a highway is diverted by 1 mile from the maps position, the software exits the navigation mode abruptly. You can still see the map and current position on the screen, but the map is essentially useless at this point. 3) Sometime the transition between two map files isn't smooth (and it isn't automatic unless you load both files beforehand).
The Pharos support staff are quick to respond, though this product is so new that they have to handwave a little. I have not had hardware failures. I have had to soft reset the item a couple times.
I highly recommend the device for travelers who like a small unit that packs easily. The reason I only gave it an 8 is because of the Ostia software problems-- which I have either tolerated or worked around. This is a good product release, I look forward to seeing what Pharos does in the future.
out of 15 user reviews
Great Device
Pros: Gorgeous Bright Screen, long battery life, small form
Cons: low internal memory
out of 15 user reviews
Great little device
Pros: Screen, features, ships with GPS Software
Cons: no cradle, tough to sync with Groupwise
Updated on Dec 17, 2009Another update on the continuing use of the GPS525: So the device continues to serve very well for what it is ... a PDA with GPS and wifi. My wife is currently using it China with Boingo wifi and SkypeOut to make regular phone calls. It's no world phone but in a pinch it'll do. The new Skyfire (Firefox mobile) works nicely. Fring also is amazing. Sure, I wish it had a faster processor but it continues to chug along and do what I need. I'll keep running this thing until it dies.
out of 15 user reviews
The Ultimate Piece of crap.
Pros: Good Blue tooth
Cons: Flaky gps, flaky wifi and tiny stylus
When I purchased this piece of garbage it looked great! Then I installed the gps software…
And found out why they have you install it after you buy it. The gps on this thing flaked out every chance it got. I would save my home location and it would wipe out the map and tell me that the map needed to be downloaded even though it existed on the card. What is worse is how their web site lacks upgrades and updated maps. And the pc software is buggy as hell.
The wifi was funky to get set up and the only thing that worked good was the blue tooth.
The stylus was tiny! Like it was made for an imp or something. I live in Dallas so its not like I am in a bad area. Overall I say the unit is a beautiful piece of garbage save your money…
