Pharos Pocket GPS Portable Navigator

The Pocket GPS Navigator from Pharos Science and Applications, Inc. (www.pharosgps.com) is another integrated GPS solution that can help you plan trips, eliminate missed turns, save time and gas money, and relax! Pharos' scientists have been involved in developing guidance and navigation technology for NASA space shuttle missions and this Global Positioning System solution is among the best available.

Unique, modular CF GPS receiver

Pharos offers a number of GPS solutions. I tested a version of their Pocket GPS Portable Navigator that includes a GPS receiver with a modular CF interface, a CF extension cable, a serial cable, a vehicle mounting bracket, a cigarette lighter power adapter, and version 5.0 of their Ostia navigation software, which comes with maps for the U.S.

One of the unique attributes of this solution is that the CF receiver card can be separated into two parts (Screen 1). So, for example, you can remove the GPS receiver module from the CF card interface, connect the two via the "CF extension cable" mentioned earlier, and put the receiver on your dashboard for better reception. The Pharos package also includes a serial cable that lets you connect the GPS receiver module to the USB/serial interface at the bottom of the Pocket PC. This option keeps your CF card slot free for other cards. (The package includes a serial cable for the iPAQ h3800, 3900, and 5400 series Pocket PCs. Cables for other Pocket PCs are sold separately.)

Screen 1: The Pharos modular GPS card lets you remove the GPS receiver module from the CF card interface, connect the two via cable, and put the receiver on your dashboard for better reception.

A pleasant and inviting user interface

The Ostia software includes many of the features found in other GPS/mapping software, including trip planning, voice prompts for turns, rerouting for when you wander off course, and utilization of your existing Outlook Contacts address information. Ostia displays your movement through its maps, guiding you visually as well as with speech for safer driving. The software package I tested included maps for the U.S., but there's also a package for Canada available.

As with other packages, to use the GPS receiver with your Pocket PC you must first install the software and download the desired maps. Ostia's MapFinder software installs on your desktop PC and lets you select maps and download them to your Pocket PC.

Once the maps are loaded, you have two map-viewing options. The default view is with north at the top of the screen. However, if you select Heading Up from the Opt (option) menu, the map continuously reorients itself so that the direction you are driving is up. I prefer the Heading Up option, but you can try both settings and see what feels more natural for you.

It's easy to zoom in on a map area--just drag the stylus from the upper left of the Pocket PC screen down to the lower right. The opposite stylus motion will zoom your view out (Screen 2). Use the View menu to display the entire loaded map, your destination, your starting point, turn-by-turn directions, and a map of your full route.

Screen 2: Zooming in with the stylus on Ostia's maps. Dragging the stylus from the upper left to the lower right zooms in and the opposite motion zooms out.

Ostia's interface design is pleasant and inviting (Screen 3). Navigation data such as speed, longitude, latitude, local time, and direction of travel can be conveniently displayed. As you are driving, Ostia automatically zooms in on a map before a turn or highway entrance/exit and zooms out afterward. This focuses you on the most vital information, when you need it the most.