Pocket Navigator PN-A201 - the new People's navigator

Company MiTAC I remember the very first steps in the Russian market. And, despite the fact that the first pancake in it, like many, came out lumpy, now it is already fairly well-known and strong proizoditel. Initially, engineers MiTAC, of ​​course, tried to experiment, to produce expensive handheld computers and communicators, but then, apparently having decided to engage with the experience and hand in mind, very successfully, and tight niche low-cost PDAs with integrated GPS receivers. In this segment of the market to come MiTAC success, so that the company now occupies a leading position in the European market for sales of navigation device. Confirmation of this was advertising a new Pocket PC MiTAC Mio A201, I discovered the magazine intra-airline EasyJet. Indeed, the last two years have witnessed steady growth of the company's share in the European market. So, for all of 2004 in central Europe (except Russia) were sold 5149 units GPS PDA MiTAC. Already in 2005, only in the third quarter, company sales totaled 6,740 units. As a result, last year, MiTAC went into the lead.

Pocket Navigator PN-A201

As soon as the Russian users will be invited to another ready navigation solution Pocket Navigator PN-A201 based on the latest MiTAC Mio A201, which will include all necessary equipment on-board vehicle system - from navigation software PocketGPS Pro c card to the periphery of installing the system. I must say that the CCP, which became the basis of this complex is the latest serial computer from MiTAC with integrated GPS receiver based on the well-known chip SiRFstarIII. Unlike his predecessor, Pocket Navigator PN-169 machine equipped with a screen with the usual portrait orientation, the standard layout of control and navigation module, attached to the back of a massive plastic hinge. There are a novelty and a few other significant differences, which are just below. So that ideologically, our hero has replaced the rather well-known, but the earlier Pocket Navigator PN-168RS. On this interpretation and design of A201, convenient not only for use in the car, but for the CCP goals, and positioning of new items. At this time, its creators see it, and navigator, and a full-fledged handheld computer.

Features Pocket Navigator PN-201:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0
• Processor: Intel XScale PXA270, 312 MHz
• Memory: 64 MB RAM and 64 MB ROM
• Display: Color TFT transflective 3.5 "320 x 240 pixels, 65 thousand colors
• Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth
• Memory Expansion: SD / MMC / SDIO
• GPS: Built-in GPS-receiver on a chip SiRFstarIII
• Battery: Removable lithium-ion battery, 1200 mAh
• Dimensions: 119x72x19 mm 172 g

Compare Ad new Pocket Navigator PN-A201 can be precursors of Pocket Navigator PN-168/168RS and Pocket Navigator PN-169, use the "Compare devices" in the "Catalogue of the CCP on HPCru.

Cemeystvo Pocket Navigator: PN-A201, PN-168RS, and PN-169

Completion

Complete Pocket Navigator PN-A201, as, indeed, always, fairly rich, ie, opening the box, the user receives a complete set of accessories for the equipment on-board vehicle navigation system.

So, in the PN-A201:
• Mio A201 Pocket PC with integrated GPS-receiver
• Navigation Program PocketGPS Pro Moscow (intended only for use on the computer) on a memory card SD / MMC 128 MB
• USB-cable for synchronization with PC
• Car Holder for PDA the suction cup with a special frame for easy fixing and rapid dismantling of the CCP
• Charger with a set of nozzles for various European outlets
• Car Charger
• PSU 220
• cover
• User's Guide.

Holder, I want to note, in contrast to earlier designs has almost unbending "leg", but equipped with comfortable swivel joint with a locking mechanism, which significantly extend its life and greatly simplify the work with him. Also included is a custom cheholchik with a special slot to unfold the GPS receiver and a magnetic clasp directly over the PDA screen. Although that case was obviously designed to facilitate the use of a satellite receiver, the practicality of its design does not differ. Inside the cover is attached PDA is not very durable (the creators have tried to cover most provide access to controls and lost in the rigidity), and when its doors are open, hold the PDA in their hands, and, especially, to work with it becomes quite uncomfortable.

Appearance

PN-A201 immediately produces a very positive impression. This PDA - a little stout, comfortable and tight fits in your hand. Design is somewhat similar series iPAQ hx2400. For example, the plastic on its front panel of the same gray with a spark of color and bokovinki made of shiny black plastic, while the rear - from matt. The assembly is very good: no gaps or loose-fitting parts - all at altitude. Design can be characterized, rather, as an Asian: many rounded, convex lines, one feels a certain exoticism in the elements, while Europeans tend to clean minimalism, to take at least the same iPAQ c chopped their shape and withstand even the small things (like zaglushechek) style.

Controls

Under the screen is, as usual, the joystick is surrounded by hardware buttons. This element does not cause difficulty, but it is extremely inconvenient for the game - too small. Players also do not like too much heap placed hardware buttons, but on the other hand, PN-A201, and not for games at all. Hardware buttons are labeled not quite the standard icons. From the usual image here only "Contacts" - at the top left button. Slightly below - the button with the strange icon that launches a program for viewing images. On the right are buttons with the magnifying glass (user displays on the screen "Today") and screen rotation. Naturally, all of the buttons can be reprogrammed. On the sides of these keys are placed in microphone and speaker, as well as on / off button device. The latter are usually placed above the screen or on the top PDA. However, in this case, this location is justified. User must always be able to quickly turn on and off the Navigator, which is in a car holder. In this position, the most affordable are just a button from the control unit under the screen. However, at this location there is a minus. About him we'll just below, and will continue until the inspection. Above the screen there are two indicator LEDs signal the charging process PDAs and reminders. Slightly higher at the upper end are a silo and a loop through which a PN-A201 mounted retractable GPS-receiver. By the way, the stylus at the new Pocket Navigator is the same as that of its predecessors - telescopic design, too thin and light for my taste. However, it is a matter of habit. On the right side - Slot SD, pretty standard for Pocket PC from this manufacturer. Such an arrangement is intended to do the job with the cards easy in portrait and landscape modes. Problems in the work it does not cause. In the end not so often have to pull the SD card. On the left side to place a button activating the voice recorder (which on the one hand, you can use for travel writing, on the other - to reprogram something more useful), soft reset button, headphone jack (standard, fortunately). Successful part in the construction of PN-A201 - built-in miniUSB, which can be used not only for synchronization but also for charging. This is a very valuable acquisition, especially given the predecessor machines, which could not boast of such. I would be glad if all manufacturers have switched to this standard, instead of endless and diverse multi-pin "comb". Under the battery cover, it is easy to guess, is the battery and the standard "Pribluda" from Mitac - minitumbler off battery (with the help of his well made hard reset the device). Somewhere I have already said that this switch - a very smart thing, allowing, if the PDA is not used, simply disconnect the battery. This was particularly useful in handhelds with built-in battery, for example, the PN-168RS.Here, where there is opportunity to simply pull out the battery, switch on, likely as a nod to tradition. Now, with a removable battery, you will have a great opportunity to buy a spare (or even several!) And if necessary change the battery. In general, design and ergonomics have undergone a number of positive changes that lead to PN-A201 Steels really easy to use as a PDA, and for on-board navigator They came in handy.

Display

PN-A201 is equipped with camym conventional transflective display, 320x240 pixel resolution. Screen - bright enough to provide excellent visibility in the sun at the maximum level of illumination and a comfortable job at the minimum. Illumination has 11 steps of brightness adjustment. In the light of the room is quite enough for me personally the minimum level of illumination, but the best seems somewhere half the value.

The hardware part

On the part of the iron Pocket Navigator PN-A201 is not presented any surprises. Filling this handheld - the most common and, frankly, a bit bored: potsessor Intel XScale PXA270 with 312 MHz, 64 MB of memory in RAM and ROM, from which the user has access to, respectively, 53.5 MB and 23.9 MB. By today's standards, these characteristics suggest accessories PDA to budget category. However, more importantly, to the processor coped with the bulk of the problems (of the chapter on GPS-navigation), and memory can always be expanded dokupkoy cards. Fortunately, the standard SD - the Most popular and affordable. Once again I want to see that the CCP is based on Windows Mobile 2005. In this operating system RAM is used as an operational and data is stored in the flash area and fairly well protected from the fluctuations of energy. However, this innovation there is a downside: The new memory is much slower than that immediately affects the overall speed of the system.

Battery

Battery Pocket Navigator PN-A201 has a capacity of 1200 mAh that decent enough for PDAs such a class, however, is much more indicative here are the tests. So, when the GPS and backlight set on half power, the manufacturer promises 4.5 hours of work. Reality (ie, my tests) shows that you can walk through the forest (bicycling, swimming canoeing, jogging around the park - please underline) for about 4 hours if you set the power of illumination on the middle of a scale. Slightly, as it turns out, slukavili to official estimates. And, by the time nameryannomu me, you can safely add another fifteen minutes, because the measurements were made to the system Prevention of low battery. If the navigator will be used as on-board system, while its battery life, as we have repeatedly said, can be regarded as not critical indicator because it is always on hand to complete the charger from the cigarette lighter. So for the loss of power can not be afraid of the CCP. But back to our tests and see what indicators demonstrate PN-A201 for use on the PDA designation. Test mode of so-called normal operation showed 5 hours 20 minutes, until completely disconnect the device. Normal operation was considered reading books, working with documents in the half light. It's pretty far from the stated manufacturer eight hours of work, but quite satisfactorily.Reading books at a minimum illumination can last for 6 hours 10 minutes, listening to MP3 with the screen turned off defused the device over the same 6 hours. Stress test with the inclusion of all full-power (in this case, Bluetooth, GPS, backlight, and the CCP scrolls video at full volume) showed for two hours without some minutes.

Communication

Bluetooth

Pocket Navigator PN-A210 - the first device from Mitac with a GPS receiver and protocol support Bluetooth. This brings the CPC to a new level, adding to its list of features wireless internet, getting information about traffic through GPRS, remote synchronization and communication with other PDAs and PCs. True, compared to most PDAs, where the "Blue tooth" was prescribed for a long time for a long time, this innovation does not look like anything special. Interestingly, the drivers for Bluetooth is not very well integrated into the system. Thus, under the system settings on the Bluetooth function, nothing said or just running manager of the wireless connection from a total menu of programs can get access to the functions of the blue tooth. " Active Bluetooth no fixed external LEDs, although one of them just might be chargeable to this function. This is evidenced only an icon in the corner of Today. Manager of wireless protocols, incidentally, its own development Mitac, considerably matured and became similar to what we've seen in handheld iPAQ. After the launch are invited to choose an action: Explore Bluetooth device (you can see what wireless service offers attached device) to transfer files via Bluetooth, connect to the Internet and ActiveSync. Next is a feature called Intercom Via Bluetooth, which allows you probably use two PDAs as the walkie-talkie. Here you can exchange personal information and access to a Bluetooth network. As you can see, opportunities for self-expression is more than enough. However, in real life they are not useful in its entirety. Separately in the menu manager removed the item Bluetooth HF Phone, allows you to manage cell phone at a distance. After its activation opens a vast menu, essentially turns the PDA into the communicator. From here you can dial a number to get access to contacts, view your call history. In this conversation, you can use the speaker and microphone device.However, they have PN-A201 are located beneath the display, so that talk is not very convenient. But this problem can be solved by using headphones. Incidentally, the function of Bluetooth HF Phone work fine with my Sony Ericsson K750i. After connection you can dial directly from your notebook or PDA with a Bluetooth-keyboard. Me, judging by the reviews from the end of the wire, it was nice to hear. However, I have in the dynamics are all pretty much "bubbling".

In a duet with a BT-keyboard

Having chosen to test the CPC for the holidays, I decided to prepare for contingencies, and armed with a "golubozuboy" Keyboard Pocket Nature Ray-BT. As might be expected, PN-A201 with no problems has earned her, once again confirming the validity of the presence of the Bluetooth module in its design. Along the way it turned out that the GPS receiver, in addition to its main function, role as a superb stand, supporting the CPC in an inclined position when working in portrait and landscape modes. The resulting text is typed on the Mio, although for this purpose I originally wanted to use the HP iPAQ hx4700.

GPS-part

GPS-module

GPS module is mounted on the back of the plastic hinge and has two degrees of freedom: unbent from the body by 180 degrees vertically and rotates 90 degrees horizontally. When you rotate the module screen orientation automatically changes to landscape. When the module is not used, the release latch, partially hidden in the pocket on the back of the device. The antenna has a special connector for external antenna, which is closed with a rubber shutter. When a module is complex, this cap works as a foot, not allowing the PDA to slide on a smooth surface. Himself GPS-receiver is based on a third-generation chip SiRFstarIII, which differs markedly for the better of their counterparts. Suffice it to say that in complex tests of GPS receivers in the lead are just models, equipped with SiRFstarIII. Not much going into details, we can say that the main difference between the new chip has high sensitivity. Due to the fact that the device can work with the reflected signals, GPS works sometimes even indoors. Oh, and, unlike previous models, the new chip supports up to 20 channels. This, incidentally, can be seen in his work. If in a dense construction and a strong cloud previous versions of receivers required to 10-15 minutes to start working, the new finds satellites almost instantly. Will not interfere with the receiver or pocket or handbag. Inside the machine, in most cases, the reception remains very stable - as behind the windshield and back seat passenger compartment. The only thing I was not able to test the operation of the receiver in a car with athermal glasses (well, did not have at hand an expensive car:). It is possible that there will have to use an external antenna. As mentioned above, the receiver can operate in the area, but near the window. In most cases, to recognize the GPS satellites must be near the window (or else where it will take even the echo?), And after the device can take at least the middle of the room. In most cases the connection is pretty stable.

PN-A201 in the middle of the room, two meters away from the window

And now - on the windowsill of standard brick house

And now - in the back of the room ...

These screenshots are removed from the national program GPS Utility, which will be bundled with Pocket Navigator PN-A201. By the way, new PDAs with GPS receivers that go to market, usually come with an antenna built into the cabinet. Sensitive SiRFstarIII absolutely do not need a complicated rotating antenna design, but apparently, MiTAC engineers decided to use the old operating time and nothing has changed.

PocketGPS Pro Moscow

Pocket Navigator PN-A201 will be equipped with its own version of the navigation system PocketGPS Pro, which does not require registration and will only work on this device. While the final version of the program is not ready yet, but Us for testing provided a working Beta version, which is considered below. Readers familiar with this program, can safely transmission following three paragraphs, and pass the tests on the PDA. Those who are not yet a topic, say that PocketGPS Pro includes a detailed map of the city of Moscow and Moscow region with house numbers, street names, subway stations and other useful and important information. This map is constantly updated, as well as improving the program itself with the wishes of users. System works with PDA and communicators running Windows Mobile.

Ranked Among the program's key features:
• creation of routes, taking into account all the allowed rotations and driveways
• voice guidance on routes in Russian and English
• database of reference-type objects in the city and region, which includes more than 20,000 objects (system POI)
• Make your own bookmarks on the map (waypoints) and maintain their base in special files (convenient and simple mechanism for transition to bookmarks allows you to quickly see on the map objects that interest you)
• the ability to download traffic information from the company CMIlink
• master routing and address search to help users quickly master the program
• on a detailed map of the city and the region suffered scheme junctions and crossroads.

Get to know more about PocketGPS Pro, please visit - www.pocketgps.ru. But back to the subject of this chapter - the work of the new version PocketGPS Pro on-board Navigator PN-A201. This edition, like its predecessors, supports two modes of screen - Portrait and lanshaftny, so choose the most convenient location is at the user browser. Advised there anything difficult. As practice shows, this is a matter of taste of each individual.

PocketGPS Pro Moscow: Portrait mode

PocketGPS Pro Moscow: Landscape mode

Interestingly, the navigation system has undergone some changes that I personally observed only in this version. Now the program can not only close but also to minimize. Expand it can ikonochkoy that appears on the Today screen. This is a very useful feature, especially in cases where you want to spy on the address written in, say, Notepad, open and close the program every time - quite a task. By the way, turns it almost instantly.

Expand cistemu navigation can ikonochkoy appearing on the Today

Also particularly liking the fact that now the settings menu is made in the form of individual icons. That is, if earlier, by pressing the button settings, I got into some combination of tabs with buttons, which was not very easy to navigate, especially on the run in the car, now all sections are marked by individual small pictures that have made my system setup in machine.

Settings are made in the form of individual icons

In the same pleasant fact for fans of driving without traffic jams, that is, in fact all of us will be and what now for download congestion on the new model of Pocket Navigator does not require a separate device (CMIlink UPI). Receive information about traffic jams can be via GPRS, via a built-in Pocket PC Bluetooth. And, as mentioned above, to activate the wireless PocketGPS Pro does not necessarily close - enough to roll. It's nice that your phone with Bluetooth turned on in advance can be anywhere in the car. When you click on the button for information about traffic jams quickly downloaded to a PDA, allowing a route to bypass them. Actually, the test sample loading process went off without a hitch. Now the installation of Pocket Navigator PN-A201 in the car. Hang a navigator in my car was not so easy. Almost lying windshield is not very suitable for the installation of such devices, which would not have placed its holder, because it still obscures visibility. In addition, the angle at which it rotates the hinge device, it is not enough for a normal review - PDA screen hanging down. Had slightly bent leg holder, putting quite a lot of effort. So, the first exit (ie exit) brand new Navigator. It happened one snowy Moscow this morning. GPS-receiver cold start took my five precious minutes. It's pretty much given the presence in the PDA ultrasensitive chip SiRFstarIII. But it will charge at the weather and the work of a particular instance, since similar tests on other PN-A201 showed that the receiver will start from scratch somewhere for 2 minutes. Recall that during the cold start device has no information about satellites and forced to look for them yourself. With cold-start GPS-receiver must perform many calculations to capture the satellite signal. The procedure may take quite some time before the device identifies the satellites and begin to work with them. Different manufacturers use various tricks to reduce the duration of a cold start, increasing the computational power of GPS-receiver or downloading via the Internet pre-prepared files with current information about the satellites, time, etc. A cold start is recommended to perform on the spot. If the GPS-receiver is moving, while the capture of satellites unpredictable increases. But back to the test. As for the "warm start", it takes a PN-A201 for a few seconds, and the hot receiver is switched almost immediately. We explain the significance of these two terms. Warm start is used in situations where GPS-receiver for some time is not included, but data on the GPS satellites are not managed very outdated (several hours). Capture of satellites is fast, but for navigation receiver must update the current information. A warm start occurs much faster than the "cold" and can often be performed in the motion. Hot Start is used for short off the GPS-receiver (up to 20 minutes). During this time, operational information does not have time to change dramatically, and the time at the receiver slightly "leaves" of the exact time of GPS. This launch takes place almost immediately (few seconds). However, on a trip, our hero proved to be normal, as well as on the course of use. The route has been traced quickly and correctly, so I have no problem get to the right place for me. As for cons PN-A201, the dissatisfaction is the power button located on the front panel of the CPC. Its position is that the case, closing the screen, constantly strives to include unauthorized computer. And provided that the program PocketGPS Pro Moscow disables automatic shutdown PDA, a couple of times the battery discharged to zero and no data is lost only through the established WM 2005 with its non-volatile memory. In general, work with Pocket Navigator PN-A201 has left quite a favorable impression, except for certain above-described difficulties. All my expectations of the new model, the CCP and its work in a duet with the navigation system is justified.

Software

Besides those already mentioned here the navigation system and operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 with a standard set of programs which we have repeatedly told in our surveys, the PN-A201 installed several additional softiny. First, the application of GPS Utility Developer PocketGPS Pro. C It can help you implement and configure the receiver to check signal quality. Screenshots taken with GPS Utility, we cited in chapter "GPS-part". Secondly, Picture Viewer - a little more advanced than the built-in, image viewer. Thirdly, eConverter - application that combines a calculator and currency converter. Well, really not a rich selection of additional software. However, it is always possible to fill up, looking at least to the "Program for PDA" on HPCru.

Price

Purchase Pocket Navigator PN-A201 will be available in stores "on the palm computer for $ 499. The sale of the navigation solution will start in the near future.

Conclusions

For design, Pocket Navigator PN-A201 is designed to replace gradually losing relevance PN-168RS (based on the Mio 168RS). The line of GPS PDA MiTAC just was obliged to replenish a similar device - with support for Bluetooth, the latest SiRFstarIII chip with the classical portrait screen orientation and location of all controls. Recall that the immediate predecessor of our hero, model PN-169, released after the PN-168RS, was made with the expectation to use in landscape mode which is more convenient to navigate, but not quite familiar to most users. So the appearance of ideological successor PN-168RS Steels logical step. Andrew Kramer Pocket Navigator PN-A201 redesign, making it more ergonomic due to the fact that rendered most of the controls under the screen handheld, as well as changed the design of the antenna. She is now fully moved to a special groove on the body, so that in the idle state does not interfere with the user. GPS Receiver new items are also very pleased with sustainable methods, and Bluetooth-part - the normal work well, and the advent of the ability to download caps on the map PDA. In addition, now that MiTAC, finally made the battery removable navigator, it is quite possible to take a hike. Especially that time he demonstrates good. Recommend novelty can users seeking a universal solution (GPS + PDA in one bottle), with an emphasis on navigation and well balanced in terms of price / features.

Cons:
• uncomfortable Case
• large size

Pros:
• excellent GPS receiver on a chip SiRFstarIII
• removable battery
• the presence of Bluetooth
• reasonable price for a turnkey solution

The authors, translation:

Alexander Eremeev