Windows Phone Thoughts: Garmin Introduces the iQue M4

"Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today introduced the iQue M4, a new addition to Garmin's personal digital assistant product line. The iQue M4 is Garmin's first iQue to come pre-loaded with highly detailed City Navigator North America NT street data of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. "The M4's pre-loaded maps and Pocket PC features make it a versatile tool for mobile professionals who need an all-in-one device designed to help them stay ahead of their schedule and on route to their next appointment," said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president, marketing. The iQue M4 uses Garmin's familiar StreetPilot interface that greets users with two recognizable options – "Where to?" and "View map." By incorporating larger, more intuitive navigational icons, it is possible for users to select icons with their finger, rather than a stylus. After using the touchscreen to enter information about the destination – such as the name or street address – the driver will be given detailed, turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions. Destinations may also be selected through the points of interest (POIs) database, which includes nearly six million POIs such as restaurants, fuel, banks and hotels."



Garmin has just introduced the iQue M4 GPS Pocket PC for use in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The device, which is expected to be made available in December for $749.99 (USD), includes an Intel PXA271 312MHz processor, 64MB RAM, 32MB ROM, USB, IrDA, an SDIO/MMC expansion slot, an integrated GPS flip-up antenna, a 1250mAh Li-ion battery, a 3.5" QVGA (240 x 320) screen, and Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. Too little, too late?