Is a Garmin iQue3600 GPS practical for navigation?

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Jun 3, 2004
2
- - H 36, Lake Charles, Louisiana
I am not using a navigational instrument on my boat very often and am attracted by the portability and possible dual use of this Palm based unit. It seems to be an exellent vehicle GPS system, would it be sensible to make it a boat cockpit display, especially with a laptop on the captain's desk. I hope that there are some sailors in this community who are using this unit and can advise me about the usability with nautical charts. I am aware that this PDA/GPS does not support the NIMEA protocol. Thanks, Richard
 
Mar 20, 2004
1,753
Hunter 356 and 216 Portland, ME
ique 3600

I looked at the ique, and was impressed by its possibilities-BUT-it's not even water resistant! I don't think it would last for a week in a cockpit. You might look at the new garmin c60, built into a rhino style walkie talkie ruggedized case with a nice color screen
 
Jun 4, 2004
2
Macgregor 26D Idaho
I have one

Its a great device, but... it is in no way water proof. Its a PDA with built in GPS. Period. I have used it a time or two on my boat but I must admit I worried about it the whole time. I use it for many things, from business to setting up my Nexstar telescope. For boating though I think its going to stay at home.
 
Dec 2, 2003
10
Catalina 30 Newport News, VA
I suggest the 276c

Hi: I would also add my concern over not being water proof/resistant. I went thru all of the options myself a couple of months ago and selected the Garmin 276C. I highly recommend it! It is great for on the road or water. Don
 
Jun 7, 2004
944
Birch Bay Washington
I don't think so

I tried one for a while and even if it was water resistant, the batteries only last 2 hours. You cannot just replace them - you must recharge them. I settled on an Ipaq 5555 with a bluetooth wireless gps sensor. Lots more software is available for the Ipaq OS. I can use the chartkits I already own and I am not at the mercy of yet another proprietary system and their exhorbitant prices and marketing plans.
 
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