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Two years ago Garmin International introduced the first Palm PDA with integrated GPS (global positioning system). The company has since released a trio of Pocket PCs with similar navigation and location-based features.

Today, Garmin unveiled the iQue 3000, its third and cheapest GPS-enabled Palm model yet. With it, the company is trying to expand the market for its products with an “entry level” device.

Garmin VP of marketing Gary Kelley says, "Whether you're a professional traveling frequently for business, a realtor showing dozens of properties in a week, or a student trying to juggle your class and work schedule, the iQue is a versatile companion that helps make the day less stressful. Garmin's broad PDA line makes it possible for customers to select a product that is best suited to their life style."

As with the iQue 3600 ($550) and newer iQue 3200 ($499), the iQue 3000($399) features Garmin's proprietary "where to" "view maps" interface. After entering a destination, the handheld chooses the fastest or shortest route to navigate the user from door to door, recalculating a route if the driver misses their turn and notifying them of their estimated arrival time.

The 2.8 x 4.7 x 0.7 inch, 5.2 ounce iQue 3000 integrates the Palm Address Book and Date Book with the GPS electronic map so that users can navigate directly to a specific address from the handheld's Palm OS applications.

Users may download detailed street information onto their iQue 3000 from the installation DVD, which the company says contains nearly six million points of interest; such as restaurants, hotels, transportation hubs, and banks. Map data is provided by NAVTEQ.

Hardware specifications include a 3-inch, 320 x 320 pixel resolution display plus a dedicated Graffiti writing area, not virtual Graffiti like newer Palm, Inc. devices.

While there is only 32 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM, users can expand storage with the iQue 3000's microSD card slot. Garmin bundles a 128 MB microSD card for North American buyers, or a 256 MB preprogrammed microSD card for European and Australian users.

The iQue 3000 should ship in February. The standard package includes a mini-USB synchronization cable, AC wall charger, suction cup mount auto cradle, and a 12-volt car charger.