Pharos Traveler GPS 525 Pocket PC
Overview:
Pros:
- For day-to-day activities, this device functions as a very good PDA as it manages our contacts, events, keeps a track of our day-to-day plans and much more.
- It has great GPS capabilities, thanks to the SiRFstarIII chipset it uses for its GPS reception, which happens to be one of the best around.
- The compact, rugged design and the remarkably light weight sweeten the deal.
- The device uses resistive touch screen technology as a primary source of input, which is actually a kind of double edged sword.
- The satellite navigation coupled with voice navigation makes it a pleasure to use.
- Unlike other traditional GPS devices, this one has the GPS antenna built inside it and also supports an enhancement for an external antenna for stronger reception.
- It also comes bundled with a flash card that stores most of UK’s freeways, highways and a host of other urban areas.
- Now that we have seen the sunny side of things, let take a walk on the cloudier side.
Cons:
- The sensitivity of the screen is very low, and a lot of pressure is often needed to select the appropriate item. This significantly hampers the user experience.
- The small screen size (2.8 inches diagonally) also adds to eye discomfort as one has to squint to see the minute details of the map, and the legibility of the screen in sunlight leaves a lot to be desired.
- The voice guidance for SatNav is not that good, mainly because of the anaemic speaker.
- Our biggest complaint is that it takes 10 hours to charge up the device when charged using AC car charging kit!
- So, that was a rather rough ride through the thunderstorm! Wish to know more about the device? Keep reading!
Review:
The first decade of this millennium saw a deluge of new gadgets being launched, each trying to outdo its competitor. Right from Smartphones to netbooks to tablet PCs to GPS based devices, we really have seen a lot of gadgets and gizmos. While some made an everlasting impact to ensure a place in the pages of technological history, others failed to even leave a microscopic irregularity. The biggest was perhaps the launch of GPS based hand-held devices. Initially used as important security devices to guide the world’s elite intelligence bureau’s agents through uncharted lands and extremely confusing locations, these gizmos are “positioned” rather steeply in cost to the common man, but they do offer some value for money with a more or less a very good navigation experience. Before we analyze the devices themselves, how about discussing about the technological marvel that is GPS?
Well, GPS stands for Global Positioning System and should not be confused with GPRS (a mobile based service for browsing the internet). This is a relatively new form of technology and it involves the use of geostationary satellites to pinpoint the exact location of the receiver, anywhere in the world. Amazing, isn’t it? Well, that is what GPS is: useless without a proper map (or its digital equivalent on our devices) for reference.
That is where new and recently launched GPS equipped device from the Pharos stable comes in. Let us go over the details: The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 is a Windows Mobile OS based handheld computer that provides SatNav, GPS tracking and positioning and also functions as a PDA. As the name suggests, this device is primarily aimed at those who love to get a feel of the planet by going as far as their money could take them. The bare stats suggests that we have a winner on our hands : A battery life of 9 hours, a touch screen display, compact size and durable design coupled with light weight and very few physical buttons.
Design:
The Cosmetics:
The Pharos Traveler is a typically candy-bar shaped with the look and feel of a small tablet-PC which is easy to carry around in a traveller friendly bag for our convenience. And the best part of this is the availability of AC in for car charging which is really cool! Imagine, finding your way lost in the UK streets, but thanks to the AC in car charging port, the device promptly draws power off your car and displays all the information. This device is available in black and grey colour schemes. The front monitor or the interface is basically a transflective TFT touch screen interface, which makes is usability very convenient, fast and stylish.
Display:
The screen has a colour resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and has a colour depth of 16 bits/pixel. With a small and compact design the resistive screen with 64K colour display and apt resolution this is simply the best. And the backlit functionality ensures easy viewing at night even if there is complete darkness.
Ergonomics:
With its dimensions being (W x H x D) 2.3” x 4.3” x 0.7”, this is one of the most compact, pocket-friendly, light weight (4.4 ounces with battery) and easy to carry around GPS based navigation device. Travellers find this device as a great boon especially when they go hiking, climbing, kayaking, mountaineering and all sorts of wild and exciting adventures. Its small compact and candy-bar shaped form also ensures it against dust, storm, fire and physical shock. It also sports a water resistivity of up to 100 meters. That is really deep and this means, the Traveler 525 has been specifically designed keeping the demands of travellers in mind and can also withstand both rough use and harsh weather conditions.
The Buttons:
The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 Pocket PC PDA has a single dedicated button for POWER and 4 shortcut keys (for GPS and Home Screen while the other two buttons are customisable). It also comes bundled with a voice-recorder activation key and navigation Joystick (5-way). However, given its small and compact size; we really would have preferred this device with a little less buttons. These 2 additional buttons really are a boon and the presence of minimal buttons makes the device use a pleasant experience. Even for people who are intimidated by modern day technology, this device is just perfect.
Connectivity:
The Pharos Traveller 525 also supports device-to-device connectivity. While the device makes use of a host of features like Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi and other networks for connection to other networks and devices we would say that the device support for connectivity is just too poor! We mean, in spite of giving a host of connectivity options, they fail to make the impact. The PDA uses infrared IrDA SIR Connectivity, Bluetooth v1.2 connectivity, and WiFi 802.11b with 64 and 124-bit WEP standard data encryption.
Infrared:
Let us take the case of infrared connectivity: Infrared is now passe. There are hardly any devices in this world today that support infrared connectivity. Moreover, using infrared for navigation and GPS signaling and that too through other devices, which really is pathetic! We bet, the device will not even start up let alone navigation using the infrared connectivity. And another big issue is that that there are certain areas where infrared signaling is used for defence purposes. Trust us, with device in hand, you would not want to be there.
Bluetooth v1.2:
All said and done about infrared, let us move on to the Bluetooth. While Bluetooth v1.2 connectivity is not really outdated, yet it is on the verge of extinction. Nowadays, we get Bluetooth connectivity like v2.0 and v3.0 so there we definitely come to a conclusion: the v1.2 must really be old! But do not worry, there are millions of devices in this world that support v1.2 and more important than that, there are many countries which still haven’t recognized v2.0 and v3.0! So the best thing would be to stick around with v1.2 and use it to your heart’s content.
Wi-Fi:
Regarding the WiFi, that is really a thing of our concern! With a highly vulnerable and easy to hack platform called Windows Mobile Platform, the WiFi connectivity should really have been given top priority! WiFi networks are considered to be the most insecure networks in the world and so with 64 Bit or 128 Bit of data encryption support, the Pharos Traveler 525 Handheld PDA really is vulnerable! Though the WiFi network support of 802.11b with standard WEP encryption is perfect, more attention should have been given to the encryption.
Memory Card Slots:
This Traveller GPS 525 handheld device comes with a single screen in front and SD card slot which supports a variety of multimedia storage cards like SD Cad, TF Card, Flash Card, MMC Card, Mini SD and Micro SD Cards. The presence of USB connector slot ensures PC connectivity and share connectivity to a host of other devices. However, one feature that we really liked is the external GPS antenna slot. Apart from having its own inbuilt GPS antenna the presence of the external slot allows us to attach another one at our will. This ensures really strong and clear satellite navigation and this also ensures a very strong GPS signal even when we are sitting in the comfort of our home.
Features:
Processor:
While most navigator devices, personal digital assistants and other communication devices go for Motorola processors or the best ones go for Intel or AMD processors, Pharos Traveler GPS Pocket PC 525 decided to set a change in the trend by going for the Samsung S3C2443X processor with a clock speed of 300MHz. There is no problem with this and the Samsung processor with its impressive clock speed of 300MHz, but the problem is that Pharos intends this device to be used as a navigator, GPS device and as well as a personal digital assistant. Whew! Too much to ask for from a device that’s processor can put in a maximum of only 300MHz. While they were about it, they could have easily gone for an Intel or Motorola processor with a clock speed of at least 512 MHz if they really wanted this device to be used as they wished it to be. However, we would also like to mention here that the Samsung 300MHz processor of S3C2443X model is relatively new but good. Definitely not as good as Intel or Motorola but nevertheless, just good. What upsets us was the relatively slow speed of the device when we tested it. The performance of the Samsung S3C2443X 300MHz processor overall, we would say was sluggish.
To make a very good navigation experience, the processing capabilities should definitely have been given a look. And there is still support for an SDIO compatible Supported Flash Memory Card. Even though the hardware specifications are not great but what we can say is that it is decent. In today’s world of cut-throat competition, this device definitely should have packed more features under the hood to make its mark.
Memory:
Though the Pharos Traveller 525 GPS is not really a tablet PC or a palmtop, yet it could have done with some more amount of RAM. However the present amount of 128MB embedded flash ROM and 64 MB of embedded SD RAM is more than enough to make this device function smoothly. Though some would argue that this device could have done better with 256 MB or embedded RAM and at least 128 MB of embedded ROM, we beg to differ from their point of view.
Before we consider the amount of RAM and ROM that can be put, we must first consider the processor’s clock speed. This device can function as much as its processor would allow meaning we can only use that much amount of RAM and ROM that my processor would allow us to. This means that the meager 300MHz processor can only support or function best to a memory of 128 MB and hence the small amount of RAM and ROM. True, you can also fit this device with 1GB of RAM but it would only make the device more unstable. Hence, we would say Pharos has really pushed up the limit by acting wisely and putting in the right amount of RAM. Thus, the poor clock speed of 300MHz has been compensated by the perfect amount of RAM, which compliments each other.
Operating System:
The Pharos Traveler GPS Pocket PC 525 is based on a Windows Mobile 5.0 platform, which is the current trend for most Windows based navigation devices, personal digital assistants and other communications devices. While the platform is the second most popular one next only to Symbian, it still has some unique capabilities for under the hood performances. However, the platform is not only Windows based completely. With its embedded GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth communications port, this device runs parallel to any Windows device except that it has added some of its own to spice things up. No complaints there as the platform of this device is also designed keeping in mind to enable users to use this device also as a personal digital assistant and hence enhances its functionality. The personal digital assistants are built on a different platform than traditional navigator devices and so combining both the platforms using Windows to give a new blend really is unique.
GPS Functionality:
The built-in GPS antenna and functionality of the Pharos Traveler GPS Pocket PC 525 is really a good match point and this puts it ahead of the others in the league. As a personal digital assistant, it sports the typical TTFF functionality as common to most in built GPS antennas. However depending on the type, we get different I/O results. For example, a hot start with typical TTFF takes 8 seconds whereas a Warm Start takes 60 seconds and a cold start with it takes 120 seconds. Still, this is fast when compared to the poor processor and average RAM we have got. The hot start with typical TTFF refers to quick memory channelling, buffering and loading whereas warm and cold start refer to medium and slow memory channelling and buffering. Though the best is to go for a cold start as it involves an in-depth process, but many prefer the hot-start typically because of its very fast response time; however, the very quick memory buffering is compensated later in the device when we try to use it for some work.
What is special?
The Raison d’Etre of this device is its navigation capabilities. The pre-loaded SD card comes free with maps and navigation software and enhances its value for money. Naturally, this spares us from having to spend our money for subscriptions and turn by turn guidance. It also provides a good text based, voice based and photo based navigation experience regularly updates with the changes going on (that is a big achievement). It also has a comprehensive database of points of interests. However, the User Interface is really depressing, an inherent problem of any Windows Mobile PDA. As we go deeper and deeper into the menus, submenus begin to pile one above the other and this makes it confusing. On the flip side, image quality was also very good and it enabled geo-tagging. Also, despite the small screen, the adequate resolution makes text very legible. The antenna slot is of great use in buildings, the Time to First Fix of our position is very fast due to that sirfstar3 chipset. The 5 way navigation button is a treat to use and offers ample tactile feedback, document editing an added advantage.
Performance:
Being packed to the brim with features does not necessarily mean the performance will be something superlative, and that is exactly the problem here. The device’s processor, clocking in at a measly 300 MHz, does not have the juice to supplement the demands that GPS and navigation put on it. The poor utilisation, another inherent problem of the Windows Mobile platform, coupled with the relatively low performing CPU means that the device tags frequently. However, as a PDA, it draws no complaints from me. Call quality was clear but disturbed frequently in crowded areas. The speakerphone was average but far too soft, rendering it somewhat useless in a noisy environment. Be warned, the poorly calibrated sensitivity of the resistive touch screen and frequent lags can frustrate you to the point where you just want to throw the device away.
Battery and Charge:
The Pharos Traveler 525 sports a removable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a power of 1100maH. This battery, typical to most Nokia devices is sure to make its presence felt here too. Known for its mammoth power supply and quick recharge time and long battery life, this lithium-ion cell surely will not disappoint anyone. Take our word for this! While in standby mode, the cell gives us about 200 hours of battery life, we get nearly 5 hours in GPS mode and about 8 hours of battery life in PDA mode. Though this device has not been designed to be used as a multimedia device yet it is very surprising to note that the battery also gives us 8 hours of WMV playback and 12 hours of WMA playback. The charging time as said earlier, is really slick and the device charges up to full power in less than 4 hours. However, the only complaint we have here is regarding the AC in car socket. While charging on the go like while travelling and using the AC in car socket for charging, this device takes up nearly 9 hours for a complete charge and that is obviously bad.
The device has 2 types of AC adaptors. First is the traditional Ac input adaptor with 100-240 volts of potential at an operating frequency of 50-60 Hz and an AC output of 5V/1A. That means, when travelling abroad, you need to buy a separate universal wall charger or home charger AC in out adaptor for your charging needs. However, the second an adaptor is unique. It is a universal AC-IN OUT car charger adaptor that draws power from your vehicle and charges your device while on the go. Perfect for travelling and holiday; the input output power rating of this universal car adaptor is however quite low and thus it takes the long 9 hours to charge the device.
Package Contents:
While coming to a close, and having dealt with all the essential topics of the Pharos Traveler Pocket PC 525, let us see what more it has to offer. In the box, we get in addition to 2 pharos map CDs you also get an AC adaptor with mini USB plug, battery, car charger, windshield bracket mount, headset, user manual, quick start guide, getting started CD and PC Sync CD and Cable. And in addition to all this, you also get a 1GB SD card preloaded with all the UK maps of highways, broadways, points of interest and detailed maps of 50 major metropolitan cities across the globe and all that for free. Here, we would like to say that the windshield bracket mount accessory is really commendable as it allows us to mount the device firmly on the car and look at it for directions wherever we go; it would just make a decent travelling companion.
Warranty:
The manufacturers of the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 Pocket PC offer a warranty of one year for parts and labour.
Verdict:
As our tour of the Pharos Traveler 525 pocket PC comes to an end, one question begs itself to be asked: Is it worth it? In my opinion, that is a big, resounding cost to be paid for a device of this class. Many cheaper alternatives have flooded the market, some offering significantly better user interfaces which ultimately lead to a much more satisfying user experience. The cons may be fewer, but they are far more significant than the pros. Though a boon for a lot of users, it might be a big NO to many more because of its limitations and negativities. With mixed reaction about this device, it would be better if the users go through each and every detail of the same before going for it or before turning it down.
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Pharos Traveler GPS 525 PDA Pocket PC – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Pharos |
| Model Name | Pharos Traveler GPS 525 Pocket PC |
| Product Type | Pocket PC with GPS road navigation |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 2.3” x 0.7” |
| Colour | Grey and Silver |
| Weight | 126 gm |
| Screen and display | Transflective TFT display |
| Colour depth | 16 bit/pixel |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels |
| Processing Speed | 300 MHz |
| Processor | Samsung SC32442 |
| Processor core | ARM920T |
| RAM type | SD RAM |
| RAM Capacity | 64 megabytes out of which 48 MB is accessible |
| ROM type | Flash |
| ROM capacity | 128 MB which includes 97 MB of non-volatile user accessible storage |
| Analog-digital converters | 16bit quantization and 44100Hz of sampling frequency |
| Audio output | 3.5mm jack |
| Interface | Touchscreen |
| Expansion interface | SD, SDIO, MMC along with expandable memory card support up to 2GB |
| USB connectivity | 1.1 USB |
| Bluetooth connectivity | 1.2 internal antenna Bluetooth |
| Infrared connectivity | IrDA v 1.2 |
| Wireless connectivity | IEEE 802.11b, internal antenna Wi-Fi |
| GPS Protocol | NMEA 0183, SIRF |
| Battery | 1100 mAh Lithium-ion battery |
| Warranty | One year |
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