Garmin iQUE M3

Replaces 2 of the 20 things I carry around with me every day

Strengths: Screen size/resolution, large screen icons in GPS mode, map size only limited by size of SD card, dedicated GPS processor, included map software.

Weakness: No Bluetooth, no wireless, no SIRF, short battery life, small internal memory.

I got this to replace a failed Palm Tungsten E and an old, but still working, Garmin eTrex Legend. I was pleasantly surprised that this unit successfully replaced the other units as well as acted as an upgrade to both units. The PDA functions are really nothing new, PocketPC 2003, syncs with Outlook, etc. The PDA processor is quite quick, ~300 MHz I believe. Whatever the speed is, it plays video...
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I got this to replace a failed Palm Tungsten E and an old, but still working, Garmin eTrex Legend. I was pleasantly surprised that this unit successfully replaced the other units as well as acted as an upgrade to both units.

The PDA functions are really nothing new, PocketPC 2003, syncs with Outlook, etc. The PDA processor is quite quick, ~300 MHz I believe. Whatever the speed is, it plays video at a pretty high resolution and bitrate without a hiccup. It does only have 32 MB internal memory though, so without an SD card, you can't install/store much. It also lacks Bluetooth, which the next higher up model, the M5 does have. It also does not have built in wireless internet capabilities, so you'll have to get a card to do that (which I have and it works fine!). The battery life is also stated at only ~6-8 hours. I haven't needed it for that long yet, and I don't think I ever would, but it would have been nicer to know that I could use it for longer. It also does use some proprietary connector, so you're basically limited to charging it with their cable. And, there's no way to charge it without the USB cable, so everytime you go somewhere you need to charge it, you have to go behind your computer to unplug the USB.

Now for the GPS functions. This is one of the largest handheld GPS screens I've seen! It is in color and has a resolution of 320x240. It displays in "3D" which makes following the maps a bit more interesting. Unlike some GPS units, it is expandable, so you're not limited to the internal memory. But, like I wrote before, it does only have 32 MB of internal memory, so if you want to save a large map set, be sure to get a big SD card (I was able to fit about half of North America onto a 1 GB card). It does also come with some nice mapping software, City Select I think. It is about 1-2 years out of date, but it still works fine for my uses. The software alone retails for ~$100. It does have WAAS which increases the sensitivity, but does not have SIRF, which is a relatively new technology which increases the speed of the satellite acquisition. But it does pick up the satellites rather quickly anyway, it only takes around a minute or two. It even comes with a car mount with an integrated charger, which normally would run another $50-$60 if you had to buy it separate. It's by no means rugged or waterproof though, so you shouldn't plan on using it in any difficult situations. It was basically designed to be used in the car.

I got this unit for a great price when it was on sale. Now that it has been discontinued, the prices may drop even further. If you are in the market for a new PDA, and have been thinking about getting a GPS as well, I would definitely recommend the M3.

By gyourek - Jan 2, 2007

Garmin M3 is great

Strengths: GPS/PDA Easy to use, fast responds

Weakness: Backlight control is not good

I used this small GPS/PDA for a month, I am very satisfied. Even the build in antenna is not that powerful, and it take over 1 minutes to find satelite, the overall performance is great. the road calculating is fast, voice prompts is clear, turn by turn direction is accurate, the map is clear and smart.
I like it very much.

By robertzhou - Aug 9, 2006

garmin m3

Strengths: M3 showed large icons. So, it was easily touched by finger. Even though cpu processor is slower than M5, it showed quick search of destination enough. I am very satisfied.

Weakness: When I got this pacage, there was only instruntion for using navigation facility. So, it was not easy to learn how to use other ability like memo or something others.

Personally, I am strongly recommand M3 than M5. A friend of mine has M%, but when he tried my m3, he said m3 is better than m5 even though m5 is faster than m3. M3 is cheap enough, so if you buy this one instead of m5, it must be best choice.

By vtterry76 - Oct 5, 2005

Bad

Strengths: no

Weakness: It is alwasys frozen when I am the road and take a lone time to find Satellite

I have used M3 for a year. I would not recommend this for anybody. It is alwasys frozen when I am the road and take a lone time to find Satellite.

By anonymous; - Jan 1, 2008

Strengths: I like the PDA/GPS functionality. I can upload my contacts and can manage my schedule very easily and have the GPS function at the same time. The voice is very clear and easy to understand.

Weakness: It does take quite a while for the GPS to get a signal, but once a signal is esablish, the directions ae easy to follow and if you are off route, it recalculates the route for you.

I haven't really use the PDA function to its full advantage yet. As for the GPS, the voice is easy to understand and the directions are quite accurate. I had a little trouble getting the satellite established a couple of times and I did not have an operating manual with the package. I had to download the operating instructions from Garmin. It took me awhile to get use to the functions of both the...
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By cyndg71 - Nov 29, 2006