Pharos Traveler GPS 535v - Windows Mobile 5.0 - XScale 624 MHz - RAM: 64 MB - ROM: 128 MB 3.5" TFT ( 480 x 640 ) - IrDA, Bluetooth, 802.11b, 802.11g - GPS | 
 enlarge | Brand: Pharos
Category: CE
List Price: $642.51
Buy New: $368.99
You Save: $273.52 (43%)
New (14) Used (2) from $329.36
Avg. Customer Rating:  1 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0
CPU Speed: 624
Modem: None
Display Size: 3.5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 3.7 x 9.5 x 6.3
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: PTL535V
Model: 535v
UPC: 818948002846
EAN: 0818948002846
ASIN: B0018FKNK8
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | With True Enhanced Performance. | | • | Latest Technical Development. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The Pharos Traveler GPS 535v packs a large 3.5", easy-to-read screen into a compact package. With built-in SiRFstarIII GPS, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Windows Mobile Office, you can surf the Internet, and work on your Microsoft Office documents on-the-go.The Pharos Traveler GPS 535v is the ultimate business tool for the enterprise market. A fully functional Windows Mobile 5 PDA, it allows mobile professionals to access the Internet via its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and can become a superb navigational tool with its embedded GPS receiver. All that is required is navigation software and digitized maps.Along with its wireless connectivity, the 535v provides a full suite of Microsoft software (pocket versions), such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer for Pocket PC. It syncs with your computer, providing quick access to calendar events and all contacts.The Pharos Traveler GPS 535v, with its compact size and shape, makes travel on the road extremely easy. This is the perfect tool for the mobile professional. If desired, you can add additional Windows Mobile applications to your Pharos Traveler GPS 535v for even more productivity and fun.
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| Customer Reviews:
Buy A GPS Unit instead October 30, 2008
I purchased this to replace an aging Garmin M5 unit.
Both have built-in GPS antennas eliminating the need for add-on devices for GPS functionality.
However, this unit takes over 10 minutes to connect to GPS satellites. I live in a very rural area and that time to connect is standing in the middle of a harvested cornfield. Absolutely zero obstructions to the sky over and around me. The unit shut off twice on the timer set at its highest setting of 5 minutes to shut off if the screen is not touched in that time.)
Over ten minutes to connect to satellites is too long. The screen shows 11 satellites around me. Troubleshooting for the GPS in the manuals included is non-existent. The only 'helpful' hint you get is if it takes too long to connect to 'move to another location with an unobstructed view to the sky.' The middle of a cornfield, how much more unobstructed does it need to be.
It has a port to connect an external antenna (for another $30) that mounts on the outside of your car much like a satellite radio antenna. Did not find that info in the documents provided, I found it on their website. I don't know if that will help it get better reception.
The processor is 624 MHz with 128 MB RAM which is better than the M5. Windows Mobile 5 is also an improvement over the M5.
The unit is noticeably lighter but that is due more to the substitution to plastic casing over the metal casing of the M5.
I purchased the package deal that contained the car mount, the unit, cords, etc for almost $600. To not have the main portion of the device function correctly is a big let down. The M5 is several years old and can connect to satellites quickly and remains connected - only lost signal with that when traveling through tunnels.
In addition, if you intend to use the GPS, get it functioning before you do anything else to the unit. The only other tidbit of troubleshooting is to perform a hard reset (found on the manufacturer's website - not in the manuals) if it won't connect. A hard reset puts the device back to "as-shipped/received" configuration. Anything you installed, any changes, etc will be lost doing this.
This unit also did not ship with a cradle, it is cords only - USB to computer can charge, adapter plug to be able to plug into house outlet, and cord for house power.
It can charge from USB, however it will take longer to charge because it is charging at a lower voltage.
The map software, OSTIA, comes on an SD card. When the card is inserted, it installs the software and asks the installation destination. Installing it on the device (not the SD card) also installs the maps there. However, the device will not allow you to access those maps installed on the device itself. If the software is installed on the device, why can't the SD card be removed so another card can be used to backup, etc while still having the GPS functional? The map SD card has to be installed to use the device. (I would recommend copying the files to a CD from the card) then delete those files you no longer need after installation to prevent the software from attempting to reinstall each time it is inserted.) The backup CD (do not share copies of this software) can put files back on the card if you need a deleted map, etc.
The SD card does not include software for the desktop PC to allow for transferring of maps to the device through Syncing (I have used older versions of Ostia software) and route planning would have to be done on the device itself.
I have had the device just over 24 hours and have performed two hard resets, 3 soft resets, and uninstalled/reinstalled the Ostia software a minimum of 6 times.
The manual does not mention the preferred COM port settings for the GPS antenna so it can be changed back if it is accidentally changed.
In addition, to connect to a wireless network, such as your home system, you have to downgrade the security of your home system from WEP to PSK which is less secure or the device will not stay connected. This means that in downgrading you also have to change the settings on every computer that accesses your wireless network to match the changes.
Nowhere is this covered in the manuals, either.
A positive feature is the ability to connect to your house network and receive Hotmail and Windows Messenger on the unit.
The touch screen is nice-sized. The image is clear and sharp, very colorful.
The low rating is because this device has built-in GPS functionality, that was the main reason I purchased it, yet the GPS does not function well. Those times I could get it to connect, standing still in the open, it would still lose the signal and then reacquire it. I can only hope it does better when driving.
Have not used the Bluetooth nor the IRDA aspect of the device yet. Will be testing the Windows Mobile side soon and may update this with more information if warranted.
Bottom line, if you are wanting a GPS unit, buy a GPS unit. If you are wanting a PPC, get one. Do not waste your money on this device if you want to use both.
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