Since I work with mobile devices all the time at work I decided to test out the new Pocket PC GPS navigation system and software in the car.  It works like a champ, you can plot routes and have it give you directions as well as talk to you during the route such as "right turn ahead" or "off-course", etc.  It also gives you a nice readout of each satellite's position and signal strength (it uses 12 satellites or up to 12 if available).  The software has the entire US on 3 CD's, you simply load the areas you are interested in onto the PocketPC via your computer and then take the unit with you.  I like the fact that the unit is portable, I can take it in any car.  I loaded the maps onto a MMC storage card in the PocketPC.

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Here are two new PocketPC's, on the left is the Compaq iPAQ 3650 in the aluminum look, and on the right is the Casio EM-500 in Solar Yellow!

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A close up of the Compaq iPAQ, which actually has a reflective color screen, these units are sweet! Although they retail for $599, they are selling on EBay for $1500!!

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A close up of the Casio "Kiro" model which has the brightest screen indoors but can lose a little clarity outdoors in direct sunlight.

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As a comparison I threw an old NEC HPC model up on the dash.

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Here is the Casio wired up to the GPS, basically one cable you snap into the bottom of the PocketPC that runs to the satellite receiver (seen by the windshield) and to the cigarette lighter for power.

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A close up showing my position on the map, under this hood the device was very readable even in direct sunlight!  It also talks to you so you can always just listen.

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Here is the unit turned upright, the cable on the bottom extends its height a little.  The screen shows the satellite power meters.  I was surprised that I was getting signals while parked under the carport!

The GPS unit is made by Pharos and is the iGPS -180 model.  I'm not sure the retail price, I think it is around $150, and the software is another $50.