Garmin Ique M5
In coming up with the perfect way to incorporate the functions of a PDA with those of a GPS, the iQue m5 takes a good shot at the goal. While it does have some problems, what you find here is very hopeful. Here’s some details on this model of the Garmin Ique PDA series.

In a nutshell, the iQue m5 is pretty much a PDA that has a built in GPS receiver. As such, that means it will include all the standard PDA features we have all come to know and love, along with a full set of United States maps, a vehicle mount for easy and secure usage, and the software needed to cover all the PDA functions. One nice extra is that the power cord that comes with the Garmin Ique PDA vehicle mount is not a separate piece; it is actually part of the mount itself, so you do not have to worry about it disappearing into that great void where power cords seem to disappear.

When it comes to the PDA part of the iQue m5, you will notice that it is powered with the Mobile Windows SE operating system, which has received a lot of praise for its performance. The operating system on the Garmin iQue handheld PDA runs with a 416 MHz X-Scale processor with a full color display. Along with this, you will find all the typical functions that are included with the Microsoft Premium package, such as Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, as well as a calendar, contacts list, and a handy note pad feature.

To get optimum running from the cheap Garmin m5 iQue PDA functions, the GPS is safely tucked away in the ROM, allowing the PDA functions to have their way with the 64 MB RAM. While this may seem to be the ideal working arrangement, it does tend to impact the GPS performance a bit. Re-routes when you begin the process of searching for and pulling up a map take much more time than you think would be needed. This may be disconcerting for anyone who uses the GPS functions on a regular basis.

Retaining the excellent quality of the Garmin PDA iQue aluminum cases that have been a staple of the company for years, there is still the assurance that the Garmin iQue PDA battery has all the protection it needs to work properly for a long time.

One bright spot is that the screen on the discount Garmin m5 iQue PDA itself is improved over previous Garmin products. Even in daylight, the screen will appear to be very bright, and it certainly does the job at night. You may also find that the battery is hanging in there a little longer than before as well. Some users have managed to get up to seven hours of usage without having to recharge.

All in all, the m5 is a nice product, but still could use some tweaking in order to bring the GPS and PDA functions into perfect harmony under one roof.