Screen brightness questions: Axim v. iPaq v. M5 v. Quest v.?

[Wesley]

I know that "bright enough" and "not bright enough" are subjective statements and, therefore, I can understand why specific brightness info isn't necessarily included in GPS system reviews, but I'm trying to make heads or tails out of these things.

I thought I had decided on an Axim based system for in-car use as well as city street pedestrian travel. However, I just recently had a chance to see an X30 on full brightness outside in the daytime and it's less than spectacular.

It's readable, I guess... but certainly not great.

My impression is that dedicated units are, basically, better with screen brightness. The Quest review I read claimed that it was bright enough to use outside even while wearing sunglasses.

I've also read that the iPaq screens are brighter than the Axim screens. But, again, this kind of information is somewhat subjective and I don't know if the reviewer had two units side-by-side or if they were just relaying their anectdotal beliefs.

So, what's the skinny? Are the Garmin PDA units brighter than 'normal' PDAs like the Axim or iPaq? Is the Quest really significantly brighter than an Axim? Are there some units that are known to be "too dim" or "too bright"?

Thanks for any info on this topic. It'll help me decide where to put my money.

[Donald]

[Wesley]

Thanks for the reply Donald, espeically about the potential difference between the X50 and the X5


Since I last posted, I found a side-by-side comparison of iPaq v. Axim. The comparison had nothing to do with GPS, but it had shots of the screens side by side, and even in the crummy photos, I could tell that the iPaq was significantly brighter than the Axim.

I had read as much previously, but it was the first time I had seen it. Of course, now I can't find the link again, but it was very noticeable. Washed out versus easily readable.

I'm leaning more towards the Quest or Quest2 at this point which, by all accounts, has a pretty bright screen. My guess is that it's a lot brighter than the Axim which is my only personal benchmark (being the only one I've personally seen) but I figure it's got to be at least as bright as the iPaq, since the Quest is actually MADE to be used outside in sunlight, as opposed to the PDAs which have other uses.

Thanks again

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