Garmin preps mid-range integrated GPS PDA

Kit Watch Garmin's anticipated revised Palm OS-based integrated GPS handheld looks set to ship in two weeks' time.

And Dell is to push further into the PocketPC GPS arena with its first own-brand wireless GPS antenna.

We've known for some time that Garmin has been preparing a successor to its iQue 3600. However, Amazon.com recently posted the iQue 3200 on its site, claiming the device would ship on 1 August.

According to Amazon, the list price is $461, discounted to $430. The iQue 3600 currently retails for around $590. The e-tailer is offering two versions, one with a European map pack, the other covering North America.

Amazon's picture reveals a device not unlike the 3600, bit with a 320 x 320 display in place of the 3600's 320 x 480 panel. The product's specification, however, matches that of the 3600: Palm OS 5.2, 32MB of RAM, Motorola DragonBall MXL ARM9 processor.

Garmin's own web site lists the iQue 3200 among the products with an online FAQ available. The relevant FAQ suggests the 3200 does indeed ship with 32MB of RAM, but unlike the 3600 does not support MP3 playback.

Meanwhile, Dell this week announced its first Bluetooth GPS antenna. Based on technology from Navteq, which also provides the maps. The navigation software included in the $249 bundle isn't known.

Dell already offers a range of GPS bundles centring on its Axim x5, x3 and x30 PocketPC lines, including kit from the likes of TomTom and Pharos. However, this is the first time the company has offered own-brand GPS peripherals in the package. ®

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