Although quite a lot of drivers out there choose standalone GPS navigation solutions, which are permanently installed in their vehicles, others are not willing to purchase a whole new device just for driving around and would rather adapt some of the gear they already own in order to transform it into a GPS navigation system. And this is exactly the reason why the people over at Pharos have launched back in the first half of 2003 their Pocket GPS Navigator with CF GPS Receiver, a GPS navigation solution with voice-prompted turn-by-turn driving directions designed especially for Pocket PCs with a CompactFlash slot.



The package incorporates a convertible iGPS-500 receiver and Ostia Navigation & Routing software, with detailed street-level maps of the entire US and Canada, and a CompactFlash adapter which allows the GPS to be used in the car or while walking around. For added flexibility, drivers can use the CompactFlash extension cable to give the GPS better placement and reception in the car, the cable acting as some sort of external antenna.



The convertible iGPS-500 receiver is a small, slim, and highly sensitive GPS receiver, and can be upgraded to meet multi-functional navigation needs (i.e. USB, Bluetooth, or serial in-car with optional accessories). Ostia helps users locate their current position, find a destination or point of interest (POI) and get a route to their destination.



Furthermore, the whole system is quite easy to use, since all the drivers have to do is simply activate the GPS navigation program and begin traveling, since the automated voice-prompts will tell users when and where to turn. Obviously, none of the features mentioned above would be possible without the included SiRF Star III GSC3f chipset, which boasts a -159 dBm sensitivity level and 12-channel all-in-view tracking.



The Pocket GPS Navigator with CF GPS Receiver from Pharos retails for around 120-150 US dollars, depending on the retailer of choice, which is actually a lot more affordable than a full-fledged GPS navigator (although the presence of a Pocket PC or PDA is mandatory).