WHAT’S HOT

    Below is a list of features I found to
make the G2500 a pleasure to work with:

Model Specific: Seidio
has a list
of the devices for which they make cradles. Although the list covers
all the common devices, I couldn’t find any of the new VGA devices.
Model specific means the cradle makes a snug fit with the device, important
when driving.

External Speaker: While
driving, the internal speaker on any Pocket PC is simply not loud enough
to hear voice commands. With the included cable, you can connect your
device’s audio output to the input on the cradle, which houses a louder
and powered speaker. I had trouble obtaining audio clarity at high volumes.

Great
Build Quality: Quality
is key in this type of device, as it needs to be able to withstand lateral
G forces that want to toss the cradle to the other end of the car during
a turn. Although made of plastic, I found the G2500 cradle and accessories
to be sturdy and durable.

GPS
Ready

: The G2500 has an RJ-11 port for an external GPS
receiver. I used Haicom’s
HI-204E PS/2 GPS receiver for this, although those with a Bluetooth
GPS receiver should certainly use that to avoid extra wires. You can
also get the G2500 with a wired GPS receiver, but that’ll add double
to the $59.95 price of the unit without the receiver.

Charging
Capabilities:

The external speaker and GPS port will not
function unless the cradle is connected to a power source. Another great
feature is a power-out, which allows you to charge other accessories
from the cigarette charger. You’ll need an additional cable for this,
though.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

    Included
in the box: two user manuals, audio connector, cradle, vent clip, swivel
clip, suction cup clip, and cigarette charger. Not included was the
adapter shown in the upper left of the image; this was used to convert
the RJ-11 output to PS/2, allowing me to use Haicom’s GPS receiver,
shown below.

Although
you can use just about any wired GPS receiver, I went with the HI-204E
from Haicom; it is attractive-looking and establishes a connection
very quickly: I was able to achieve a useable signal in about 20 seconds,
even from a cold start.

PRODUCT FEATURES

There’s that speaker I
mentioned. Again, it is quite a bit louder than the internal speaker
of my Axim X3i, but it tends to distort when you turn up the volume
on both the source and cradle.

Above
is the external volume adjustment. I found to achieve best results by
having device volume on max and the cradle volume about halfway. Anything
past half distorts the sound.

The
Power/In port connects to the cigarette charger, while the DC/Out port
is for accessories such as cell phones.

The
top reveals an RJ-11 type port for a wired GPS receiver. Upon request,
Seidio can provide any converts necessary to connect a wired receiver.
I needed an RJ-11 to PS/2 converter.

In
the car we go – the vent clip attaches very securely, even to an odd-shaped
vent like above.

It
looks rather messy from behind, but that stays out of view.

The
vent clip keeps the device easily within hands reach, and does not obtrude
on outside visibility – but this depends on car. Notice the mass of
plsatic beneath the Pocket PC.

The
bottom of the cradle has a green LED that illuminates when connected
to a power source.

My
favorite means of connecting the device to the car was with the suction
cup swivel arm. The arm stayed where put, even after a tight turn on
the road. The slope of my windshield made it a challenge to achieve
optimum position.

From
the other side, the handsome Haicom
GPS receiver sits on the dashboard.

HELP
SUPPORT

    The two included user manuals provide adequate
explanation of how the whole system works. The company is responsive
to email.

OPTIONS

    Two color choices are available for this
product: silver
and gray. Mine was gray. I opted for the G2500 GPS-Ready kit, which
means no receiver was included. For twice the price, Seidio also has
available a kit with a GPS
Receiver included.

SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS

    Again, this product only works with a certain
extent of devices. Check
out the list.

BUGS
AND WISHES

    The amplified external speaker on the cradle
is a great idea, but unfortunately, it became fuzzy-sounding at higher
volumes. Because of this, I had to leave my car radio at very low volumes
to be able to hear the directions. I’d like to see a built in FM-Transmitter.
You could possibly use a standalone FM transmitter, but this would add
to the wire clutter.

   
I am curious as to why there is such a large mass of plastic that starts
beneath the bottom of the Pocket PC and continues for about 1.5".
This mass of plastic adds to the overall size significantly. If there
are some necessary electronic components in there, why not move it backwards,
adding to the width of the cradle, rather than length?

PURCHASING

    The G2500 GPS-Ready kit costs $59.95. For
twice the price, Seidio will throw in a wired GPS receiver. You can
purchase either from the Seidio
store. As for where to find the Haicom receiver, a
google search will reveal the Haicom HI-204E receiver on sale for
about £50.00 or around $80.00.

PROS

• 
  

  A
  true all-in-one GPS car solution

• 
  

  Sturdy
  construction

• 
  

  Model
  specific cradles mean a snug fit

• 
  

  Power
  out port for charging other devices

CONS

• Speaker
  loses clarity at high volumes
• Cradle
  is too tall

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    I think Seidio almost has it right here.
They’ve put together a comprehensive one-stop package for a way in which
to utilize Pocket PC GPS in a car situation. My main gripe is with the
external speaker which really needs improvement – I want loud and clear
audio reproduction of the voice from my GPS software, so that I can
keep my eyes on the road. That aside, I certainly am satisfied with
the package Seidio has put together.