Windows Phone Thoughts: A Truly Pocketable All-In-One Package - The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 (Part 1)

Product Category: Hardware - GPS Pocket PC
Manufacturer: Pharos
Where to Buy: Various retail outlets. PriceGrabber (affiliate)
Price: $430 to $600 USD.
System Requirements: Activesync 4.1
Specifications: Microsoft Windows Mobile v5.0 software, Pocket versions of MS software included (Outlook, Word, Excel, WMPlayer, and IE for Pocket PC), Samsung SC32442X processor @ 300Mhz, 64Mb RAM / 128Mb ROM, 4.3in (109.7mm) L x 2.4in (59.4mm) W x 0.7in (17.6mm) T. Weight: approximately 4.4oz (125g). SiRFstarIII GPS receiver. Resolution: 240x320 x 65,536 colours. Expansion: SDIO slot (1). Bluetooth v1.2. 802.11b w/64/128bit WEP std. data encryption.

Pros:

• Small, lightweight, pocketable package;
  
• Excellent package of accessories included;
  
• Sensitive WiFi transceiver; easy to set up;
  
• Maps included in purchase price.

Cons:

• No cradle for office use;
  
• Battery life is not sufficient for full ‘Pocket PC/PIM’ use;
  
• Limited bluetooth profiles (e.g. no headset support).
  

Summary:
In January 2006, Pharos announced the Traveler GPS 525 unit as the first Windows Mobile 5 based unit combining WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS capabilities within a single pocket-sized package, designed for the mobile professional. Since early March, I’ve had a chance to work with the Traveler 525, as both my main Pocket PC and as a navigator on recent ski vacations. My review of the device has been split into two parts. In this first part, we’ll look at the physical characteristics of the Traveler 525 unit and its ability to function as a Pocket PC. Then, in Part Two I'll focus on Ostia, the navigation software.

The Traveler 525 is a very compact package that generally works pretty well as both a Pocket PC and a navigator. Unfortunately, some of the current problems with Windows Mobile 5 limit the 525’s ability to provide Pocket PIM (appointments, to-dos, contacts, and email) support.

Read On for the full review!