Garmin iQue M5 PocketPC with GPS

The Garmin iQue M5 is one of only a few Pocket PCs to include an integrated GPS receiver which flips up from the back of the unit. Perhaps the best feature of the M5 is that it allows 3rd party software to access the GPS data stream. This includes Navzilla version 1.4.0 and higher. The official Garmin FAQs for the M5 say that NMEA data is delivered on COM2. On our unit, NMEA data from the built-in GPS is found on COM4 not COM2. Screen brightness of the M5 is good - not as bright as the very popular 396 and 496 units but the M5 is readable in direct sunlight. The M5 GPS is also more selective when it comes time to use a satellite with a marginal signal. The Haicom 303MMF (reviewed below) will include satellites with signal-to-noise ratios in the 20's.

Where as the M5 GPS seems to only use satellites with an SNR of 30 or better. The high quality accessories include a USB / power base, car adapter with speaker, suction cup mount, power dongle and software. Since the M5 is primarily used for ground navigation, Garmin includes a version of MapSource in the box. Some sellers are also including the updated 2008 version of City Navigator. If you plan on using the M5 for road navigation, consider purchasing an SD memory card with at least 1GB of storage.

It is possible to get an Internet connection when the M5 is paired with a compatible Bluetooth cell phone. One problem we had is that we are not able to make the connection using the connection dialog found at the top of the screen. To make a connection we have to run the BTExplorer application, select the cell phone in the Favorites list and then Connect from the menu.

Overall the M5 is an excellent value. Prices for used units are around $150.