The people over at Pharos have come up with a wide range of GPS devices over the years, ranging from all-in-one navigators to simple navigation accessories. And that's exactly the type of device we'll talk about as follows, namely the Pocket GPS Navigator SDIO, a GPS receiver that employs the SD card slot of a Pocket PC in order to deliver the navigation data.



Thus, Pharos’ Pocket GPS Navigator SDIO includes the ultra compact, iGPS-SDwhich slots directly into the secure digital port of a Pocket PC. The powerful iGPS-SD uses a propriety design which tracks all GPS satellites in sight. This 12-channel tracking gives the Pharos GPS receiver superior performance, enabling fast GPS signal acquisition and reacquisition, and optimum response in dynamic applications.



The device comes with Ostia, Pharos' navigation software for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, which allows it to carry out quite a wide array of navigation functions. Thus, it provides turn-by-turn voice directions, allows users to plan and optimize their entire schedule, lets them choose from full map, directional arrow, arrow/map split screens, compass, or text directions depending on their navigation needs and even to choose a destination address quickly by simply finding an address from the Outlook contacts.



The device has an accuracy level < 10m (2DRMS), a sensitivity level of < -150dBm (tracking) and < -140dBm (acquisition), as well as a hot start time of 8 seconds, a warm start time of 45 seconds and a cold start time of around 60 seconds.



The Pharos Pocket GPS Navigator SDIO is available at several retailers for around 250 – 280 US dollars, which is a bit pricey, but it's worth it, taking into account just how versatile this device can prove to be.