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Other portable GPS devices are available for less, of course. For example, Garmin's own iQue M4 ($700) combines built-in GPS navigation with Windows Mobile functionality. However, a Garmin spokesperson said the Nuvi 350's GPS receiver is stronger than the iQue M4's. That means the Nuvi 350 is more likely to maintain a signal under adverse conditions such as rain, according to the spokesperson. (I haven't tested the iQue M4.) At press time, I found the iQue M4 for as low as $525 .
If you frequently rent cars in unfamiliar cities and don't want to pay extra to make sure the rental comes with a GPS system, the Nuvi 350 is probably a good investment.
Others should carefully weigh the Nuvi 350's price against its benefits. For example, if you need GPS assistance mostly in your own car, a more sophisticated in-car navigation system might be a more practical--if far more expensive--option. You might also want to browse our roundup of portable GPS systems for less-expensive alternatives.
I liked Garmin's Nuvi 350 quite a bit. But I need GPS assistance only on occasion. The Nuvi 350 would have to hit a price point of about $450 to get me to buy it. Until prices drop to that extent, I can't justify the expenditure.
Mobile Computing News, Reviews, #00026 Tips
PDAs with built-in GPS technology are undeniably cool. But how good are they at getting you where you want to go?
In the case of the new Pharos Traveler GPS 525, the answer is: not as good as you'd like, according toPC World's Denny Arar . The $600 Windows Mobile PDA includes a built-in GPS receiver and a Wi-Fi adapter. Pharos even preloaded the Windows Mobile version of Skype's Voice over IP software and included an earbud headset, so you can make phone calls. But the device had some trouble acquiring GPS signals, and its interface is a bit difficult to navigate.
The MacBook Pro earned lots of attention as Apple's first notebook based on an Intel processor. Does the portable live up to its hype?Macworld's Jason Snell thinks so. The MacBook Pro is noticeably faster than earlier PowerBooks, though some processor-intensive programs such as Microsoft's Virtual PC haven't been rewritten yet to take advantage of the new processor. With those applications, you may see little performance gains, if any. The MacBook Pro is available for $1999 and $2499, depending upon specs.
Google has optimized its news page for mobile phones. When you visit Google from your Web-enabled phone, you'll see a link labeled News. Click it, and Google displays articles that have been formatted for mobile devices--which means faster loading and less scrolling. The service is currently available to U.S. users.
Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it . However, I regret that I'm unable to respond to tech-support questions, due to the volume of e-mail I receive.
