Thales Navigation, a provider of Magellan® consumer and Ashtech® professional GPS solutions, has announced the availability of its new, feature-rich personal navigation solution able to calculate and download a route to a Palm™ m500 series handheld computer for audio-prompted, turn-by-turn GPS guidance on a moving map. The Magellan GPS Companion™ for Palm m500 Series Handhelds features Rand McNally StreetFinder® Deluxe Travel Navigation Software and Magellan NAV Companion™ software, which provides traditional GPS navigation information. It’s the ideal aid for mobile professionals, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts whether traveling on- and off-road, on foot or on water.
The lightweight, cordless Magellan GPS receiver attaches to the back of a Palm m500, m505 or m515 handheld to provide satellite positioning information with WAAS-enabled, three-meter accuracy. The receiver communicates with the Palm handheld through the serial port, leaving the expansion card slot available for downloads. By using StreetFinder® Deluxe software on a PC with Internet access, users can create custom maps with routing overlays and driving directions, then export the data via HotSync® to a Palm m500 series handheld. Users will see their position and movement on a map, receive in-route audio prompts to signal upcoming turns, and get complete text directions as well. Two AAA batteries provide 12 hours of operation without drawing power from the Palm handheld’s internal battery. For added convenience, an optional 12V Magellan power cable features a built-in battery charger.
Magellan NAV Companion software allows Palm users to convert their handheld into a traditional GPS receiver for finding their way to destinations that don’t appear on conventional maps, and for outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing and off-road driving. It provides an analog speedometer, a digital compass, waypoint and route management capabilities, and more.
For added convenience while traveling, StreetFinder® Deluxe software has more than one million listings of businesses and points of interest as well as Mobil Travel Guide® star-rated hotels and restaurants.
