A Truly Pocketable All-In-One Package - The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 (Part 1) [Archive]

Don Tolson

05-02-2006, 04:00 PM

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-travler525+logo.jpg" /> Product Category: Hardware - GPS Pocket PC Manufacturer: <A HREF = "http://www.pharosgps.com/products/all-in-one/PTL525.htm" target = "blank"> Pharos</A> Where to Buy: Various retail outlets. <A HREF = "http://thoughtsmedia.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=15604698&search=pharos+525" target = "blank"> PriceGrabber</A> (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:<li>Small, lightweight, pocketable package; <li>Excellent package of accessories included; <li>Sensitive WiFi transceiver; easy to set up; <li>Maps included in purchase price.Cons:<li>No cradle for office use; <li>Battery life is not sufficient for full ‘Pocket PC/PIM’ use; <li>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!<!> <PAGEBREAK> Introduction As an unabashed gadget freak, I’d always lusted after having a GPS unit like the one my sailing friends had, to help navigate through unfamiliar cities and possibly find new ways of getting from A to B within my own stomping ground. And, while I’m not a convergence fiend (I still like to have my cell phone separate from my Pocket PC), I thought my ultimate ‘pocket companion’ would include GPS capability along with everything in my Pocket PC (plus an FM Radio would be nice…:)). When Pharos contacted Pocket PC Thoughts about doing a review of the Traveler 525 at the beginning of March, I jumped at the chance. Here would be an opportunity to work with a unit that combined everything I was looking for in my next generation Pocket PC. Not only could I use it for the day-to-day management of my consulting work, but it could also help with navigation around the city and on business trips to other parts of Canada. <PAGEBREAK> Package Contents As I mentioned, this is my first GPS unit, but I have to admit I was blown away by the content provided by Pharos with the Traveler 525. Not only do you get the Pocket PC, but you get almost all the accessories you’d ever need. The picture below shows all the stuff provided in the box; <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-package.jpg" /> Figure 1: The complete Pharos Traveler 525 GPS Package! Whew, there’s a lot here! I’ll list the contents moving clockwise from the top left. In the box, you get: <li>The Ostia Navigation software CD (version 7.5); <li>One-page Quick Start Guide for the Traveler 525; <li>Ostia 7.5 User Manual; <li>Traveler 525 CD with Outlook 2002 and Activesync; <li>Traveler 525 User Guide and Hardware Quick Start; <li>USB-enabled SD Card reader (for copying map files off or to your PC); <li>Ear buds (stereo, with integrated volume control); <li>Power adapter, with mini-USB connector; <li>Additional stylus; <li>Car windshield mount; <li>Leather card wallet case; <li>USB to mini-USB interface cable for connecting the Traveler to your PC; <li>Car power adapter, with mini-USB connector and sleeve for larger cigarette lighter receptacles.Not shown in the picture is a 512Mb SD memory card which in preloaded with maps for the customer’s area. (I got all of Canada!). For US customers, this means general maps covering the entire US, plus detailed maps for 50 of the major cities. (More details on this in Part 2…). About the only thing I missed was a cradle for docking the unit at my desk. The best addition I found was the inclusion of the card-wallet leather case for the unit which is great for protecting the unit while it's in your pocket, attaché case or backpack. The unit fits very snugly in the leather and plastic holding area, which includes a top clip to keep it from sliding out if the case is opened upside down. Unfortunately, you can’t get to the stylus in the unit when it’s in the case, but Pharos very kindly provides a pocket in the case and an extra stylus for you in the package! <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-incase.jpg" /> Figure 2: The Traveler 525 all snug in its case. The opening on the front of the case is not quite large enough to expose the whole screen. Especially with scroll bars on the right side, I found I had to tilt the stylus to the left in order to reach under the case to get to the bars. I was very pleased to see the inclusion of a windshield mobile mount for the unit in the package. I don’t know if other units provide this ‘out of the box’, but it was great to have it there for immediate use. The car mount attaches to a convenient place in the centre of the front windshield via a 2 inch clear suction cup which has a ratchet pushbutton to apply the suction. Once it was attached, there was no moving it – the suction was solid. The mount itself provides a foam-lined cradle with adjustable arms, so it could probably accommodate many other units besides the Traveler 525. The bottom of the mount does not cover the entire bottom of the installed unit, so there was plenty of room to plug in the external power. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-mobilemountempty.jpg" /> Figure 3: Empty view of mobile mount. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-mobilemount.jpg" /> Figure 4: Mobile mount with the Traveler installed. <PAGEBREAK> Physical Specs The Traveler 525 is based on an HTC Gala100 (at least, that’s what it’s called in the Identity section of the Device Information on the unit). I've never encountered one of these units in North America, but perhaps one of our PPCT regulars from overseas recognizes it. The unit measures 4.3in (109.7mm) long by 2.4in (59.4mm) wide by 0.7in (17.6mm) thick and weighs approximately 4.4oz (125g) which is certainly the smallest and lightest unit I’ve ever seen. It’s easily stuffed into a jacket or pants pocket without creating a big heavy lump. Here’s a comparison shot with my Dell Axim X50v, and my old iPAQ 2200. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-comparesize.jpg" /> Figure 5: Size comparison of Axim X50v, iPAQ 2200, and Traveler 525, side by side. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-compareside.jpg" /> Figure 6: Side view comparison (top to bottom) of 525, iPAQ 2200, and Axim X50v. Unfortunately, this pocketability comes with a price – the screen is also one of the smallest I’ve worked with. At 2.9 inches (75mm) on the diagonal, screen real estate becomes a bit of a challenge, especially for applications with dense interfaces and small icons. The screen runs QVGA (240x320) with 65536 colours and it’s certainly one of the brightest I’ve ever seen. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-brightness.jpg" /> Figure 7: Comparison of Axim X50v, iPAQ 2250 and Traveler 525 screens. Although the screen is transreflective, using it in direct bright sunlight was a little difficult, especially when trying to read the small print used for street names, etc. on the maps. I found screen alignment to be a bit of a problem with frequent mis-cues on which button I had intended to tap. Also, the screen sensitivity seemed to be a bit off. If I used by fingers to activate buttons on the screen, sometimes they would take 2 or 3 attempts or not respond at all. When using the stylus, the screen seemed to be overly sensitive – sometimes picking up strokes before I actually touched the screen. This made things a little difficult at times when inputting appointments and contact information. <PAGEBREAK> Looking at the front of the unit, we have a power button with integrated power/WiFi/Bluetooth/GPS LEDs located at the top, above the screen. There are four application buttons located just below the screen, with the two middle ones pre-mapped to run the Ostia navigation software, and the Today screen, respectively. Because of WM5 standards, the left and right outmost buttons are defined as ‘soft’ buttons, whose function is determined by the current application running. (In the case of the Today screen on WM5, these are mapped to Calendar and Contacts, respectively). Unfortunately, none of these will automatically turn the unit on. You have to press the power button at the top first. Below the buttons is the speaker (on the left) and a five-way joystick control, whose function is, again, determined by the currently operating application. Just to the right of the joystick is a little tiny hole for the microphone. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-front.jpg" /> Figure 8: Front shot of Traveler 525. On the left side (as you view from the front), is the button for activating the Notes recording function and the IR port. Unfortunately, pressing the Notes button also doesn’t turn on the power to the Traveler, so you can only activate audio Note taking while the unit is already on. I’m not exactly sure why the IR port was put on the side of the unit, but maybe that was the only available place. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-sideview.jpg" /> Figure 9: Left Side view of Traveler 525. The other side of the Traveler 525 holds the stylus compartment. There are no other buttons, controls or ports on that side. The SD/MMC card slot is located at the top of the unit, along with the antenna for the GPS and WiFi. There is also a connector for attaching an external GPS antenna located near the top at the back of the unit. You can see the stylus compartment in the lower left of the picture. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-topview.jpg" /> Figure 10: Top of the Traveler 525. A mini-USB slot is provided at the bottom of the unit, which acts as both external power and interface. To the left of the slot is the soft reset button (which is only accessible using the stylus or other small, pointed object), and the headphone jack. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-bottom2.jpg" /> Figure 11: Bottom view of the Traveler. <PAGEBREAK> Use As a Pocket PC After I got the Traveler 525 and charged it up, I set up a partnership with my laptop and proceeded to load it up with the appointments, contacts, to-dos, favorites and synchronized files via Activesync 4.1, which I already had loaded. As any of you who have been reading my reviews of other PIM applications knows by now, I tend to keep a considerable amount of data about past appointments and tasks online, since I frequently have to refer back to them when discussing billing with my clients. It wasn’t a problem for the 128mb of flash memory available. The Traveler 525 uses a Samsung SC32442X33 CPU running @ 300 Mhz. It has a RAM size of 64Mb, combined with 128Mb of Flash memory, running on a 32bit data bus. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-specs.gif" /> Figure 12: The specs screen from the Traveler 525. The Traveler 525 comes with a 1100mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery which is, while not huge, not a bad sized unit. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-battery.jpg" /> Figure 13: The back panel removed, showing the battery. The external GPS antenna connection is under the removable rubber insert at the top left. You can see the stylus running along the bottom (side) of the unit. Pharos’ documentation says that the battery is good for about four hours of walk-about navigation with the GPS unit on. Unfortunately, Windows Mobile 5 with Activesync’s built-in desire to turn on the unit and attempt to synchronize every five minutes does nothing to help the situation. I frequently opened the case to find the unit already on and running, even though I was sure I had turned the unit off when I put it away. Thus, the battery was never able to run for an entire day, and with WM5’s approach to power management, I never did see a message telling me that the remaining power was getting low. Most times, I’d try to turn the unit on, get no response to the power button, and have to wait until I could get to my car or to home to re-connect it to an external power source. (Note, it will also recharge via the USB connection when sync-ing with your desktop.) Fortunately, because of persistent memory, all my data was still there when I got it running again. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-today2.gif" /> Figure 14: The Traveler 525's Today screen, as it comes out of the box. Notice the icons in the System Tray (circled, bottom right). Pharos configures the Traveler with its navigation software, called Ostia, preloaded and accessible directly via either the front panel button, or a Today screen plug-in (see above). They also provide some very useful icons in the System Tray, as seen in the bottom right corner of the screen. The first, which looks like a Pocket PC, allows you to sequentially change the orientation of the 525's display from Portrait to Landscape to Landscape (the other way) and back to Portrait. (Sorry, no upside down!) I found this particularly handy, especially when I wanted a bit more horizontal display of a map. The next icon, looking like a battery, goes directly to the Power settings screen, and the last runs the Communications Manager. <PAGEBREAK> I was very pleased with the 802.11b WiFi transceiver included in the Traveler 525. It easily connected up to my home router and provided quick and easy access to the Internet, with pretty good throughput. It was considerably easier and more reliable than the connection with my Axim X50v. The Communications Manager provided by Pharos (or HTC?) is rather spartan, with not a lot of flash to it, but it seems to get the job done. The buttons on the screen basically get you connected to the service. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-commmgr.gif" /> Figure 15: The main screen of the Communications Manager. Not much to get wrong here! :roll: All the other parameters are set via the ‘Settings’ menu at the bottom right. Generally, everything you need is there, but there’s not a lot of flash, nor assistance for newbie users. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-wifisettings.gif" /> Figure 16: Getting a look at your WiFi connection. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-wifipower.gif" /> Figure 17: Setting power utilization settings. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-bluetoothsettings.gif" /> Figure 18: Turning Bluetooth discovery on and off. Unfortunately, the profiles available in the Bluetooth stack seem to be limited to serial devices only. I was hoping to get the Traveler to route its audio navigation prompts through my Motorola HS820 headset, and while it recognized the unit as a headset, there was no way to get the audio rerouted through it. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-bluetoothpartner.gif" /> Figure 19: I established a partnership with my Bluetooth headset, but it expected a serial connection. They paired up, but audio never got routed to the headset. :( It also wouldn’t work with my Stowaway Bluetooth keyboard. Since I’ve given up trying to get Activesync working over Bluetooth (it’s a looonnnggg story), I’m sure how useful the Bluetooth capability is right now without the other profiles. For now, Pharos knows about the problem and say they are contacting the manufacturer about it. <PAGEBREAK> Benchmarks As noted in the specifications, all the usual Pocket Office applications are provided (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Windows Media Player 10, and Pocket Internet Explorer) and the standard assortment of tools which normally come with Windows Mobile 5 operating system. Generally, the applications worked pretty well, and the unit felt quick and responsive. Taking a look at the Spb Benchmark results, however, tells a somewhat different story. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-benchmark.gif" /> Figure 20: Overall benchmark results for the Traveler 525. No surprise here, given what WM5 has done to overall system response. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-platform.gif" /> Figure 21: Platform results. What I find pretty amazing here is how close the Pharos is to the Axim which is running its CPU at over double the speed! <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-file.gif" /> Figure 22: File results. The similarity here between the Pharos and the Axim probably explains proximity of the Platform results. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-cpu.gif" /> Figure 23: CPU results. Yes, it's the bottom of the heap -- but remember, it's only a 300 Mhz CPU... <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/don-mar06-pharosgps-graphic.gif" /> Figure 24: Graphics results – here, the Traveler shines! Good news for a unit which needs to display/update maps quickly. The only trouble spot with the Pocket PC portion of the software was our old friend Activesync. I found that if I left the Traveler 525 connected to my laptop for an extended period running Activesync (say about five or six hours), it would get confused and lose the connection. No amount of unplugging/plugging in the unit would restart the connection. The only way to bring it back was to soft-reset the Pharos Traveler. I’m not sure whose fault this is, but I’ve seen it very occasionally on the Axim X50v as well under WM5. Conclusions So is this my dream convergence device? Well, not quite. I love the size and pocketability of the unit, and the included accessories (especially the card wallet!) make the unit ‘ready to use’ right out of the box. But I find the screen is a bit too small for comfortable use – both on input and viewing of finer map details. I can't reliably use the Letter Recognizer or the Keyboard for input. I’ve been fighting with WM5 for almost six months now, (on an Axim X50v) and I still have a number of issues with the way that power management and Activesync have been implemented. (Note this is not specific to the Traveler 525, but of WM5 in general). Unfortunately, this means that the battery on the Traveler can’t take me through an entire work day without being plugged in, which limits its usefulness. Next time... In part 2, we’ll take a look at Ostia, the navigation software provided on the Pharos Traveler 525, as I run it through its paces around the two of the largest cities in Western Canada and out into the hinterlands on a ski vacation! Stay tuned!!! Don is an Associate Director of Systems Development and Project Management with Fujitsu Consulting. When not acting as the 'other' bus-driver/partner of the family, he enjoys a quiet wander through the woods -- on and off trail.