PalmOne has taken GPS navigation out of the luxury car and into the hatchback. It has released an all-in-one system for the Palm Zire 72 handheld, aimed at the value-conscious consumer. The bundle includes a PDA, Kirrio's Bluetooth GPS receiver and ViaMichelin's navigation software, with street-level maps of the UK.
The Zire 72 wireless navigation system features turn-by-turn voice instructions, customisable points-of-interest, a 3D display, night colours and a link to your handheld's address book. The user interface is friendly, with a fingertip touch menu for the navigation mode when your stylus is tucked away. Setup is quick and straightforward. Navigation software and maps are preinstalled on a 'plug&drive' 256MB SD card. An adjustable silver dashboard mount and in-car charger come in the box. It's a colourful system - the Zire 72 is bright blue the other components have teal and orange lettering.
Our PDA picked up the Bluetooth receiver immediately and connected to it without any hassle. It took 15 minutes to locate the initial satellite signal. PalmOne has put together an easy-to-use and affordable GPS system. The Zire 31 (£240 inc. VAT) is also available as a GPS bundle, but the receiver is not wireless.
