Kristen, I have used the garmin etrex GPS units for about 6 years now and LOVE them. They may not be the most accurate available, but they are more than adequate for our needs. We especially like that they will hold a location even under a forest canopy. You might be wondering why I'm talking about the etrex when the question was about the iQue M5. Well, recently I needed to replace both my etrex GPS and my PDA. I got an iQue M5 and it is great for most things I need from it. The iQue uses the same GPS as the etrex models so it maintains a lock under a canopy (very important to us) and will generally provide 4 - 5 m accuracy. All in all I like the iQue M5 for data collection in the field.
Here are some of the iQue M5 strong points in my opinion. 1) Maintain a location lock under a canopy. 2) Adequate accuracy for most purposes 3) No cord between the PDA and the GPS. We ran this type of setup between our Garmin etrex and Windows based PDA for a while. It was very useful but the cord kept getting caught up in brush. 4) Will run programs like ArcPad or Ozzy Explorer to provide limited GIS in the field. It is really helpful to be able to see where you are in relation to the vegetation on a DOQQ rather than just where you are in relation to roads, etc. With a shape file showing the 'unit' boundaries it is easy to tell if you are in the right place. New points are easy to mark in the field and simple shape files can be created in the field. 5) Simple programs in anything like HandBase (database program), Arcpad or visual basic, etc. will allow easy data entry with error checking while viewing previous measurements for comparison. 6) When traveling I use a windshield mount for the iQue and let it calculate a route for me using MapSource City Select. When I approach a turn the iQue will tell me (or I can shut that off) so that I don't miss a turn. This is important when traveling to a new study site (if you know the location but not necessarily how to get there) or when traveling in an unfamiliar town. Next week I will use the iQue to help me find the hotel and meeting location for the Coastal Plain Chapter of SER meeting. I just type in the address or find it on a map and the iQue will get me there. When I land at an airport I just enter the location (address) of where I want to go and the iQue will take me there without any need to ask directions. In the past I have used Microsoft Streets and Trips. While that program is good, it was a bother to have to close individual maps and load the next map over as I traveled. With City Select I can have nearly 1/2 of the US on one SD card (albeit a large SD card) and never have to switch maps. 7) All the other features of a PDA. We load lots of photos, pdf files (for ready reference, even in the field), databases, address book, calendar, etc. 8) I have used the iQue (with the screen working as a very poor quality flashlight) to find my way out of a swamp in northern Michigan, at night, during a snow storm. . . Weak Points 1) Even though the iQue is more than accurate enough for my purposes (I use it to mark and then relocate study sites in the field) it may not be adequate for some people's needs. 2) Not water proof. This is obviously important in the field. The PDAs do, however, work pretty well in a ziploc bag. 3) I keep losing the stylus . . . 4) Does not have the nice waypoint feature that I really like about the etrex GPS units. Sometimes I need to mark several waypoints in succession and I don't want (or have time) to name each waypoint as I mark them. The etrex GPS units will number the waypoints sequentially while with the iQue you have to name them as you make them. 5) Battery life my not be long enough for a whole day in the field if the PDA is kept on most of the time. In that case there are battery extenders or extra batteries. 6) The iQue is not the least expensive PDA on the market. 7) Like all PDAs, the screen is often difficult to see in the bright sun. That makes it hard to record data. BobK Bobby D. Keeland, Ph.D. USGS, National Wetlands Research Center 700 Cajundome Blvd. Lafayette, LA 70506 Phone: 337-266-8663 FAX: 8592 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/ The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts - Bertrand Russell Hello everyone I was wondering if anyone has used the Garmin IQue (specifically the M5) for field work. I am contemplating getting one for my research and would like any feedback. Thanks Kristen Kaczynski CU Boulder
