Pharos Announces the GPS Solution for the HP Jornada Pocket PC
28 November 2000
Pharos Announces the First-of-Its-Kind GPS Solution for the HP Jornada Pocket PC With State-of-the-Art Voice Prompting
TORRANCE, Calif.--Nov. 28, 2000--Pharos today announced the launch of the iGPS Receiver PocketPak solution for the HP Jornada Pocket PC. The Pharos iGPS Receiver PocketPak is not only the fastest, smallest and most accurate GPS unit in the market, but is now the only GPS receiver that uses the HP Jornada Pocket PC custom connector allowing for an easy plug-and-play experience for users. The receiver comes complete with Pharos cigarette lighter adapter kit, which powers both the GPS receiver as well as the HP Jornada Pocket PC. When used with Pharos Pocket PC Navigator personal navigation software, the first full-featured GPS software solution for Windows Powered Pocket PCs, HP Jornada Pocket PC users can experience a full-featured GPS system for work or for pleasure.
"We at Pharos are very excited about launching the world's first custom 'plug-and-play' GPS solution for the HP Jornada Pocket PC since it allows the mobile professional very convenient and easy-to-use GPS solution for this popular Pocket PC," said Alex Wijnen, Executive Vice President of Pharos.
Unlike traditional GPS receivers on the market, which require separate antennas or wires, the iGPS Receiver PocketPak from Pharos is an integrated receiver with a built-in patch antenna. Its enormous technological profile is counterbalanced by its ultra-small size; the iGPS Receiver PocketPak has the dimensions of a matchbook. The iGPS Receiver PocketPak was designed with automotive consumer-applications in mind; placed on the dashboard near the windshield, the iGPS Receiver PocketPak will give accurate readings of 12 channel satellites. It has an exceptional accuracy of 7-8 yards, which makes it ideal for accurate turn-by-turn mapping. The iGPS utilizes SiRF's SiRFstar(TM) (www.sirf.com) architecture and its innovative features such as SnapLock(TM) and FoliageLock(TM) to provide reliable location information in urban canyons and dense foliage environments where traditional GPS receivers had significant problems. Together with Pharos' Pocket PC Navigator, the iGPS Receiver PocketPak offers mobile consumers an inexpensive, flexible alternative to traditional car navigation systems and dash-mountable GPS receivers.
"This GPS solution enables on-the-go HP Jornada Pocket PC owners to transform their device into a smart tool that quickly gets them where they want to be," said Kevin Havre, Jornada Pocket PC product manager, HP North American Operations. "The ability to easily access real-time location information, such as color maps and driving directions, is a key benefit for busy mobile customers."
When used with Pharos Navigator PocketPak software, users can enjoy the first full-featured GPS software solution for Windows Powered Pocket PCs. It is a full-featured turn-by-turn navigation system, which enhances mobile users' productivity by fulfilling the need for real-time position information, mobile navigation, and highly sophisticated routing of street-level maps, all simultaneously. These features are all accessible without user intervention while driving as a result of advanced voice prompts (actual voice speaking directions). Pharos' Navigator PocketPak includes complete U.S. territory map coverage, fast zoom and search functions, and full GPS displays including speed, heading, altitude, latitude, longitude, precise time, and individual satellite details. Although the software is compatible with virtually all GPS units on the market, in order to achieve best performance the Navigator PocketPak software should be used with Pharos' iGPS Receiver PocketPak. The iGPS Receiver PocketPak including HP cable assembly is now available for $299.95 (MSRP). The Navigator PocketPak is also available for $89.95 (MSRP).