Although the PDA market has long predicted the rapid extinction of some manufacturers are not going to curtail production of the classic PDA. Among them, for example, HP, in the new line which is present just two models of PDAs (iPAQ 114 Classic Handheld and iPAQ 214 Enterprise Handheld). About them we will have a separate conversation. And today our guest lab was a new development from Mio Technology (Mitac) - Mio P560. This handheld computer in the classic view. It is equipped with a GPS-module, so it is reasonable was the appearance in the series navigators Pocket Navigator under the symbol PN-3560. Similarly, in the year before last and last years of his predecessor, Mio P550 sold as Pocket Navigator PN-3550. So, the model should be viewed primarily as a navigator with PDA functionality. Differences from the P550 with the new model is not so much. But they are essential. First and foremost, is the operating system Windows Mobile 6.0, the increased amount of memory on board and, of course, a design that has become, in our opinion, much more attractive. If we consider the PN-3560 as a standalone PDA, the number of its competitors fall ASUS A686, A696. And if you cook just about ready to use navigation sets, here PN-3560 has no direct competitors. Well, let's take a look at the main technical characteristics of the device.
Technical Specifications: - Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Classic
- Processor: Samsung S3C2440 400 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB RAM 64 MB ROM + 2 GB Flash-disk
- Screen: 3.5 "transflective TFT, 240x360, 65536 colors
- Memory Expansion: SD / MMC, SDIO support
- Communications capabilities: Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), USB 2.0
- GPS: integrated receiver based on SiRF Star III chip
- Battery: Li-Pol, 1350 mAh, fixed
- Audio: microphone, speaker, 2.5-mm headphone jack
- Size and Weight: 115.6 x 72 x 17.8 mm and 170 g.
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As you can see, most of the specifications is exactly the Mio P550. Besides the above differences, it is worth noting another audio jack, with a diameter of some reasons decreased from 3.5 to 2.5 millimeters. In the role of the processor continues to Samsung S3C2440, clocked at 400 MHz, and the role of GPS-module - a well-known SiRF Star III. In general, PN-3560 (Mio P560) looks like a typical representative of the CPC of the middle class. With standard sizes and standard features. Availability dvuhgigabaytnogo flash-drive should be seen as a small nice bonus, allows you to store a set of GPS-maps, without having to use SD / MMC cards. Now let's estimate the contents of the box.
Supplied
As befits a navigation PDA, Mio P560 comes with the usual set of accessories. Actually, the set is practically no different from that of the Mio P550 and Pocket Navigator PN-3650. Thus, the box can be found:
- himself PDA Mio P560
- stylus
- Lithium-Ion Battery 1300 mAh
- USB-cable for synchronization
- charger from the 220V (with adapters for different sockets)
- car charger (from the cigarette lighter)
- automotive fastener
- CD with MS ActiveSync
- User guide and documentation
- Navigation Program Autosputnik (only complete PN-3560)
Walk through the main points. The design of the stylus does not change much - the pen still telescoping.But its thickness decreased significantly compared with the same Mio P550. What caused such a solution is hard to say. But to use the stylus was definitely less convenient. Pencil box located in the lower left corner of the case, and the pen itself has a projection that allows to retrieve it quickly and easily. The only disadvantage lies in the fact that it has to do with his left hand, not a right. Although, of course, it should not be attributed to serious shortcomings.
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Automotive mount too different from what we've seen bundled with PN-3550. There, if you remember, was a very common structure consisting of rods on the suction and framework to hold PDAs. There are no long rods. Instead - a small foot, combined with a suction cup. For this leg, in turn, is fastened the restraint frame. In the working position of the navigator can adjust the tilt up / down and left / right. In this case, the device can be securely locked in any position. True, it will have to do before you travel - the mechanism is clearly not designed to adjust the tilt on the go. On the other hand, need to change the location of your device on the road does not arise. The screen has anti-reflective coating, and therefore the perception of information is not difficult, even in bright sunlight. Sucker is large enough, so keep a very tightly.
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Pleasantly pleased with the presence of additional attachments to the charger. Many potential buyers of PDA navigation go abroad. So, the question arises with adapters for different sockets. However, future owners of the PN-3560 will be spared from unnecessary worries.
Design and Ergonomics
As already noted, visual PN-3560 has become more attractive than its predecessor. The hull shape was rectangular, without undue bending and rounding, so the machine began to look more presentable. Dimensions of the case against the backdrop of recent communicators who have visited our guest, seem larger. However, by the standards of the CCP, they are standard. It is understandable because what the designers had the task is not to create a device that fits easily to any pocket. Therefore the question of the size of PDA, is designed primarily for the use of navigation functions is not so acute. For comparison, can be reduced overall weight and dimensions characteristic ASUS A696 and A686 - 117x71x16 mm, 165 g. As you can see, PN-3560 far away from them (115.6 h72h17, 8 mm and 170 g).
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The body is made of black plastic. The front is covered with lacquer, and the back side of mat. True, there were no use covering soft touch. At the ends and on the sidewalls are present insertion of gray plastic, and the lower part of the body back and front buttons are stylized aluminum. At first you might think that this is the metal insert. However, in reality it is plastic coated. In general, the cabinet is very practical and not soiled.Typos fingers remain only on the glossy plastic front panel, but they are practically invisible.
Central place on the front side, as always, takes the screen. Above it you can see a couple of LEDs, one of which points to enable Bluetooth-module, and the second - on the Wi-Fi. Under the screen is a key block in which there are only three elements: a five-way navigation joystick and two buttons. By default, the right key causes the contacts list, and the left - the navigation application. However, they can be reassigned regular operating system tools.
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| Reassigning buttons |
In general, the keys produce a very ambiguous impression. They are large and very easy to press. On the one hand, this is a plus - they are convenient to press in the process of driving. This can be done almost without looking, and not being distracted from the road. But on the other hand, very often occur accidentally pressed, not only while wearing a PDA in your pocket or purse, but even during normal use. Equally ambiguous impression and a joystick. On the one hand, it is convenient: it is always clearly works, has a sufficient stock of progress in all directions, pressed with a clear response. However, he does not act on the surface of the body. A recess in which it is located, is small, so that holders of large fingers to use it will be difficult.
The upper edge is almost empty. It is only on / off button and eyelet for the strap (on the left-hand corner). By the way, under the On / Off button is a LED that glows orange when charging and green when charging is completed.
At the bottom there is a mini-USB connector, which connects the battery charger and Synchronization cable. Near it are cut the microphone, 2.5-mm audio jack and switch On / Off, which serves as a soft-reset. Familiar with recessed holes in it to reset the key on the case no. Here - on the left corner - located stylus holder. On it was mentioned above: if you do not take into account not entirely familiar location, the problems with retrieving the pen does not arise.
As for the side faces, the left does not contain any functional elements, and is located on the right card slot SD / MMC, hidden behind a plastic flap. In addition, on both sidewalls have longitudinal grooves, which are intended to fix the PDA in the car mount, as well as contribute to a more secure retention of the device in his hand.
The back side is made of rough to the touch plastic, which completely invisible fingerprints, and minor abrasions. Here is a grid system dynamics and the connector for the remote GPS-antenna, hidden behind a rubber plug. In general, this element is needed more "for show", because as a receiver based on SiRF Star III 95% of the great works without an external antenna. But the battery cover is not there. This means that non-removable battery, though its capacity has not changed since the PN-3550. This moment imposes certain restrictions on use. However, the presence of two chargers supplied and adapters for different socket saves the day.
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Build quality is not bad. But we can not call it a great or illustrative. In our sample have been no perverse effects: no backlash, no squeaks. All components fit tightly and do not cause any complaints. The quality of materials is also quite high. But subjectively, the quality of performance in navigation ASUS models slightly higher. This is manifested in the use of more expensive materials. So that the result of external inspection PN-3560 (subject to certain flaws in ergonomics) to be slightly stretched laude.
Screen
In the role of the display - standard size (3.5 inches) TFT-matrix with a QVGA-resolution (240x320 pixels), which does not differ from the screen, the previous model. Shall not exclude the fact that it is completely identical to the matrix with all the advantages and disadvantages. She suffers from not too large angles. And when compared with other handhelds (eg, stranded on hand Fujitsu Siemens N500) looks a little less bright and contrasting.
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The brightness set to 11 steps. This is sufficient for all conditions. Slightly disappointing that it can not completely turn off. Zero division corresponds to the minimum level of brightness, which, in our opinion, is comfortable to read from the screen in total darkness. A maximum level is pretty good and, thanks to the matte coating on the screen allows you to easily read from the screen in the sun. And because the P560 is positioned as a navigation solution - this point is especially important. Generally, it is common practice among manufacturers of GPS-PDA. And PN-3560 is no exception. Perhaps more to say here is nothing. We proceed to consider the hardware.
Speed and memory
Mio P560 is based on the processor Samsung S3C2440, operating at 400 MHz. This "stone" is very popular among manufacturers and handheld communicators. Actually, it has been repeatedly mentioned in our reviews. Will not be repeated. And before you go to the testing, we note that our method was a small change - namely, a new test that will drive all PDAs, communicators and smartphones. But first, the tradition to share subjective impressions of the work. Pleased, mostly immediate reaction to touch the stylus. Sections of the menu just opened instantly. Joking aside, even devices with higher performance processors have sinned small lags. Here are not observed. Absolutely! The rest of the PN-3560 operates just like any other PDA with a processor Samsung S3C2440. Naked eye, no difference in performance is not noticeable. The speed of the comfortable. Pocket PC does not cause a long wait when opening a doc-file, resize images and opening the contact list. Let's see what will testing. Initially, the tradition look at the results of testing Spb Benchmark. Recall that there should only pay attention to indicators of performance CPU and graphics subsystems (CPU Index and Graphic Index, respectively). The samples for comparison are the PDA Mio P550 and ASUS A696, as the closest part of the specification.
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In general, the picture is natural. PDA ASUS A696, equipped with a processor with Intel XScale PXA270 416 MHz shows better performance than the Mio P560. However, the lag can not be called great. It is significantly (especially in the graphics tests), but in general novelty of the Mio Technology keeps a stiff upper lip. Performance P550 is slightly lower than the P560, which allows us to say that the platform was slightly modified. Clearly defining the player will make The Core Pocket Media Player (TCPMP) Version 0.072 RC1. As always, we will remind you that the figure given in the table shows the average speed of play. Therefore, as a measure of acceptable performance is necessary to take a value of 120% in order to avoid possible performance degradation in dynamic scenes. Let's see how distinguished himself PN-3560.
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Here we see leading to a noticeable margin ASUS A696. PN-3560 also proved to be quite good, a little ahead of its predecessor. Hence, the refinement carried out benefited the platform.Thus, we conclude that PN-3560 is suitable for watching videos in resolving 640h352 and below. But because the screen has a QVGA-resolution, it will be better "distill" movies in 320x240. A few words about the new benchmark in our test set - VSBenchmark 2007, who spends five multimedia tests, during which the measured performance in games, speed of processing of JPG-images, the overall system performance, processing speed of sound and complex graphics. The result is displayed in its own "parrot", and as reference devices in the database contains benchmark Dell Axim X51v, Qtek 9100 and HP iPAQ h1940. Since its own database of results have not yet, we give a comparison by default. Later, of course, samples for comparison will be chosen more carefully. So, looking at the results.
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| Test results VSBenchmark 2007 |
Of far-reaching conclusions until we abstain. Nevertheless, it is evident that the performance of PN-3560 is quite an acceptable level. As for memory capacity, the picture is very nice. In addition to 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB ROM PDA has dvuhgigabaytnym flash-drive, volume is entirely allotted to the user's needs.
The expansion slot is only one, he supports Secure Digital (SD), MultiMedia Card (MMC) and the connection of peripheral devices on SDIO. Navigation software and maps are supplied on a separate SD card. So 2 gigabytes of memory will be entirely at your disposal.
Sound
Sound capabilities PDAs quite ordinary. Rather, they are standard for such devices. The external speaker is loud enough - the highest level of well allows you to hear voice prompts for navigation, even if the car is weak soundproofing. The sound quality from the headphones at a high level, the handheld can be used as a player. True, the earphones do not. The only thing that can bring some inconvenience - it is 2.5-mm jack. But as the Bluetooth-module supports A2DP, and the corresponding model headphones are not worth much money on it you can safely close your eyes. Sound recording with built-in microphone provides fully expected results. At a distance from the source to 4-5 meters in a quiet environment, the voice can be clearly distinguished. However, if the record is on the street or in a noisy environment, we have to hold the PDA close to your mouth. In short, here PN-3560 is no better and no worse than any other device.
Communication and GPS-receiver
PN-3560 is equipped with all wireless modules. Present as Bluetooth (2.0), and Wi-Fi (802.11b / g). For Bluetooth-module equipped with a standard set of drivers from Microsoft, which is part of the operating system Windows Mobile 6.0. A list of supported profiles is all necessary, including the popular A2DP, and SPP (Serial Port Profile), OPP (Object Push Profile), PAN (Personal Area Network Profile), and AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile). Module works properly and smoothly, it is impossible to find fault at all desire.
The same can be said with regard to Wi-Fi module. However, as always, existing applications can operate for a very modest set of options. Nevertheless, most users will be enough. The utility is simple to use, so that she can use even beginners.
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And now coming to the most important - the work of GPS-module, which is a key feature of the model. As already mentioned, he is working with chipset SiRF Star III, which is the second year remains the most popular solution on the market navigational PDAs and smartphones. Claimed battery hot-start for him is 1 second, but in reality it takes about 3-5 seconds. Nevertheless, it is the best performance among the analogs. In field trials GPS-receiver, we again found that SiRF Star III knowingly carries the title of the most sought after navigation chipset. Communications satellites regularly kept in all cases except move in tunnels and inside buildings. And when driving in the car connection with satellites is kept even if the browser away from the windshield. Includes Pocket Navigator PN-3560 comes familiar with the program Autosputnik map of Russia. However, if you wish, you can use absolutely any navigation software. True, it will have to buy separately, while Autosputnik lies on a separate flash card and is ready to work in the Russian reality. Among the key features AVTOSPUTNIK: - panoramic mode of motion - 3D, thanks to which your journey passes over the map, as it were (this type of card more intuitive and easy to perceive)
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- Laying tracks just three "clicks" as to the most frequently used (home, office, etc.) and your favorite places (the nearest restaurant or shopping center) - the shortest or best way (besides, you can always edit the proposed system version)
- Voice-guided route to the prevention of maneuvers (turns, roundabouts, roundabout, exit routes, etc.) - to retrieve information about traffic jams when activating "SMILINK - Free road" to automatically get directions to the detour difficulties (controlled by about 800 stations in Moscow streets) - Night driving mode in which the city map is painted a dark color, the most comfortable for the perception in the dark, but the screen is no longer hurts the eyes. Also provides for automatic change rezhama day / night.
- Support for "Bookmarks", which can be arranged at their discretion, for example, planned to visit points of the route - a friendly interface that is easy to navigate even for beginners, through icons and menus are well thought-out organization
At PN-3560, this navigation system showed good performance. In addition, the program is sometimes offered the original versions of routes for a seemingly well-trodden paths - like "home office" or "cottage-home." In addition to standard options, I have in stock has appeared in at least two spare, with not much lengthen the path.
Runtime
Before turning to the results of tests on battery life, we recall that the capacity of a standard battery pack is 1300 mAh. It is near the average values in this class of devices. Testing conducted by the standard and familiar to you procedure. Maximum load. Brightness of the "vykruchena" to maximum speaker volume too, including Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth, the Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was 4 hours 27 minutes. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness set to minimum level. On PDA was running reading of the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was 12 hours 49 minutes. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with a bitrate 192 kbps. Opening hours 19 hours 28 minutes. On the following diagram shows that the results represent the Mio P560 in comparison to other PDAs.
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Overall, the results are good. On the background of developments ASUS A696, however, they are drab, but if we judge it objectively, the "vitality" PN-3560 is above average. Actually, almost the same results and showed the earlier model. In normal use the battery charge is enough for about two days. This is provided the use of GPS and a half hours a day, short sessions playing music via Bluetooth-headphones and 1-2 hours of reading.
Soft
Except for standard applications, operating systems and navigation software, you can mention just two of the program. One of them is familiar since the Mio P550. This Mio Calc - Advanced calculator with the function of the converter units. It allows you to convert, as a currency, as well as measures of weight, volume, length, speed, and so on. The program is fairly simple to use and are generally quite comfortable. In addition, it is highly relevant in view of the direction of the model.
The second program - QuickGPSPosition, which allows you to receive the coordinates of the location and use them in future to accelerate the launch of GPS-receiver.
Price issue
The network of shops "computer in the palm, iStyle stores and online store PlamStore.ru set price Pocket Navigator PN-3560 at time of publication of the material is 13 000 rubles.
Conclusions
Overall, despite some flaws, PN-3560 has turned out well-balanced unit. For a reasonable price you get vysokachestvenny navigator with the functionality of a full-fledged handheld computer. He will appreciate the presence of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a decent time, battery life, impressive performance and more memory on board. This is not a hit and not a potential popular favorite. This Mighty apparatus which will satisfy both those looking for easy navigation in the car, and those who still prefer a bunch of communicator PDA + phone. And as a conclusion, as always, give a list of key strengths and weaknesses.
Pros: - low price
- large amount of internal memory
- good GPS-receiver
- decent battery life
Cons: - non-removable battery
- minor flaws in ergonomics
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