Go to the Taiwanese company MiTAC can be treated differently, however, deny the weight of its position in the PDA market is impossible. That it pleases us, not only extra-products, but also very "tasty" foods that are worthy of the finest still lifes. To recall the best of their time Mio 558 or the first Pocket PC with integrated GPS - Mio 168. Hardly anyone dares to deny a fair palatability devices, wearing the logo. Especially interesting to the last of them. Debuting on the market GPS, MiTAC, it seems, is going to seriously develop this area. Indeed, the area to be extremely promising and yet malonasyschennaya. On the part of stand-alone receivers, such as active now declare myself a Garmin and Magellan. In the case of CCP in the context of the case altogether bad. Models with the ability to receive signals from satellites, can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and successful among them are quite small. The same from the Garmin iQue 3600 turned out so specific that its sales in Russia are limited to a few dozen. However, it is much better things all at the same Mio 168, on which we reported in our recent survey, as well as his latter-day competitor from Compal - Palmax z720. So that the scarcity of range the appearance of any new product - a real joy for the audience interest. And the joy of a double if the product of MiTAC, the first attempt which did not come out lumpy, and the second - just about will be ready. It is a little known, even regular readers HPCru novelty - Mio 136. This PDA was quietly announced at Computex 2004, as we will, if you remember, reported. And now the handheld reached Russia and is preparing soon to appear in court PDA to the public. To test your humble servant visited an engineering sample, which is considered below. But first a slight digression for those who are not quite aware of the latest trends. Today we can safely say that the GPS (Global Positioning System navigation and position) - this is not an idle pastime for the elite. With a price tag of $ 100 or even cheaper, navigators can significantly ease the lives of stray, on the occasion of the vagus or intentionally, and thus no monthly fee. Many people naively believe that our legislation is, firstly, still prohibits the use of GPS-equipment because of its extreme accuracy of positioning, and secondly, that this has no relevant maps of our vast country and, finally, thirdly, that for every minute or megabyte received / sent information needed to pay this, or, in extreme cases, would charge "abonentku. Ready with our inherent competence to refute just three errors in one fell swoop. In the legislative arena has long adopted the amendments. Maps really little, but they appear like mushrooms after rain, and, for the most part the efforts of enthusiasts. Same fee for the use of all the charms of GPS with nobody you will not be charged - no subscription or any other. Bought the device and use it where and how much you want. Well, believe all the stereotypes shattered, and the remaining fragments of destroyed, and therefore can safely proceed to the consideration of a very interesting device, directly relating to the topic of satellite navigation, - MiTAC Mio 136.
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| MiTAC Mio 136 - the first GPS-PDA running Windows CE.NET |
As we have said above, Mio 136 - the second PDA with built-in GPS from MiTAC. This device is not officially represented and came to us in Russia in a single copy in the form of pre-sale sample. The official release was scheduled for August 26 but has not yet been held for unknown reasons. Because no detailed information about filling the device unavailable. No card for him. Russification, of course, too. Equipment is also far from final.In general, we were in testlab broke this Spartan, as the saying goes "what MiTAC born, but made him even more imposing, straight from Athens ... oops, sorry, of course, from Taipei - Asian forge sporting achievements of the process industry.
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| MiTAC Mio 136: unusual, even at first glance ... |
As usual, we start with the exterior. Clearly, this is the most subjective element in any thing, so try to look at Mio 136 detached. So the first thing that catches your eye when you first take in hand the standard reserved for MiTAC two-color (white top and dark bottom - back side) body Mio 136 with slightly rounded edges - this is in contrast to his predecessor, Mio 168 in favor of similarities with ordinary navigation receivers. Recently, however, is only partly true, because not all the specialized GPS-receivers are made in the "horizontal" form factor. Of the more popular it may be noted, perhaps, Garmin GPSmap 196. He also, like the MiTAC Mio 136 has a range of controls to the right of the screen, and the display is "rotated" 90 degrees, ie in a horizontal position. True, the antenna is a brainchild of Garmin is to the right, while MiTAC put it on the left. But this is irrelevant distinction. More importantly. Screens models are very similar, unless, of course, do not assume that the GPSmap 196 is equipped with a monochrome display. But the latter - a typical feature of ascetic receivers. But both screens are quite large and occupy the entire front surface, free from the controls. Moreover, the resolution they have the same - 320 x 240 pixels. The impression is that MiTAC did not bother to design development and has adopted a "something for Garmin. Well, this step can be considered justified.
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| Tot is the Garmin GPSmap 196 ... |
First, the reasonableness of Garmin products no doubt. Each browser has a minimum ergonomic failures and still has a number of interesting decisions. Second, re-invent the wheel - not an easy task and not always rewarding in the end, and therefore be tempted to creative plagiarism is quite obvious desire. However, we, the ordinary users, of course, wondering "how" and "why", but more importantly "what", and so let's look at ergonomics Mio 136.
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| MiTAC Mio 136 exterior design is similar to a number of automotive navigators, for example, Garmin GPSmap 196 |
Garmin GPSmap 196 we thought accidental. Mio 136 is really much like the navigation brother. Of course, with proper weight overall and reservations. However, for the ease of use, Garmin is still ahead. This is especially felt when you start working with a PDA and you realize that buttons are really close to each other. Under normal circumstances, it can and is allowed, except that gamers smorschat nose, but a pro-CCP frowned. However, as soon as it comes more or less extreme conditions, it becomes clear that wearing gloves is quite possible to make a mistake, and not once, not twice, but much more - so small these controls. Navigation joystick out better - a clear, fairly large, separated from the "litter" of the other keys to the same, even with the action function, that is, allows you to run the selected application. We were pleased with and highlighting management tandem.It has the orange color and very successfully combines a moderate brightness with the pleasant, in general, a great solution, better could be wished. Under the orderly rows of buttons and a joystick is loud enough, and moderately high-quality speaker, of course by the standards of the CCP. Only when working with controls, he closes his hand - agree, is not the most sensible solution. Beside him is a cozy place for a logo. Judging by the photos from the latest IT-exhibitions, there should be positioned standard label Pocket PC Mio, however, as we already mentioned, to our tests came predreliznogo sample device, and therefore is appropriate "scratches" as long as free. By the way, when you restart the on-screen handheld proudly flaunted logo NAVMAN. If this manufacturer of navigation equipment manufactures Mio 136 for MiTAC, obtained a very amusing picture. After all, we know MiTAC as OEM-manufacturer, which itself provides "turnkey solutions" for other companies (eg, Letter of Rover Computers or nearly native "VERSION"). However, most likely, NAVMAN developed a navigational component of the new items, since the latter has long been a respected brand in the world market of satellite navigation.
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| Mio 136: "unit" of buttons and a joystick-managers |
Well, we're a little distracted, and yet the hardware buttons remained forlornly without detailed description. Unfortunately, as we have said, the CPC has been tested in Spartan conditions, and maps out the lion's share of the keys is devoid of a functional binding. Yes, indeed, we do not make a reservation: five of the six buttons are used for navigational purposes. Sixth - On / Off button device. The rest, as we can only speculate on drawing icons on them, are responsible for setting the creation of a waypoint, switching to it, as well as increasing and decreasing the scale of the map. Such a collection, of course, inferior to the saturation analogues of autonomous navigation, but the most important thing is, but because we will not quarrel. With the PDA functions more difficult - the hardware, they are not "tied". However, and this can be found an explanation - soft filling.
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| Mio 136: desktop |
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| Mio 136: Control Panel |
The main "twist" and a clear disappointment in one person has an operating system 136 and Mio software suite of PDA. The fact that the machine runs under OS Windows CE.NET 4.2. What motivated this MiTAC prefer to put it mildly, a very specific platform for the modern Windows Mobile 2003 SE? Of course, the ubiquitous, but there still seems to us, needless mercantile spirit. So, if a license for Windows Mobile costs producers something around $ 30, plus or minus discounts, bonuses, penalties, etc., Windows CE.NET is on order (!) Cheaper. And that, not counting an additional set of office suite, PIM-applications, as well as other embedded softinok. Agree, the temptation is great to save. Unfortunately, MiTAC he gave in, and obviously made the right decision. From this very much affected the functionality of the final product, which has lost a huge library of software, thus approaching the specialized navigators. Moreover, because our software pre-installed and the Spartans did not boast of what it was, just did the OS and its components like Windows Explorer and the like.Needless to say, sheer frustration - which was originally on this "computer" can not even listen to MP3 or view JPEG, not to mention the more complex tasks that are available in the standard set of PDA with Windows Mobile.
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| Mio 136: Windows Explorer |
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| Mio 136: scraps of information about the system of "first hand" |
Hardware MiTAC Mio 136 - truly a dark horse, since before the official release of producer cleverly hides the device specification, and the computer like echoes, trying to get away from the most direct question the answer to our questions. The only thing we know for sure is that the basis of a typewriter is a "pebble" PXA255 from Intel - the solution is not the first freshness, and the amount of RAM is 32 MB - barely large enough for the full realization of the full potential inherent in new product. First to somehow compensate for the lack of competition and scarcity of software for CE.NET. A second miscalculation is fighting the expansion slot standard SD / MMC, located on the left side. It was with the last handheld "fed" a memory expansion card. Unfortunately, regarding SDIO support, we can not say anything, because the corresponding periphery of the hand was not, and specifications, as mentioned above, are not yet available to outsiders. By the way, for conventional GPS-receivers expansion slot - a rarity, but because of their background Mio 136 looks very functional.
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Of course, now seriously spoil the restrictions imposed by your OS. However, despite such a high "fence", Mio 136 is still a real PDA with all the attendant. On the right side has a headphone output, which, coupled with an expansion slot of the computer makes a good player - the best of mobile and quite comfortable. There is also a scroll wheel and, more precisely, its standard for MiTAC replacement in the form of rolling lever. In any case, with the help of this stuff would be comfortable to read books on PDAs. Especially because the screen is initially horizontal orientation. This, of course, does not matter - most bookreaders allows you to select the desired mode, but it's nice.
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With regard to the characteristics of the screen Mio 136, it unfortunately came out not very bright. My own Dell Axim X5, lying side by side, only slightly inferior to the new product. Moreover, there is no opportunity to adjust this parameter. Brighter than the new GPS-PDA was his predecessor - Mio 168. Well, if we remember that, and Dell Axim X5, and Mio 168 are far from ideal by brightness indicator, can be questioned in the "all-weather" our hero.
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| Y Mio 136 does not adjust screen brightness |
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| Compare screens: MiTAC Mio 168 looks obviously brighter than its new sibling |
But "pick" (in terms of reception quality) Mio 136 should be enough for trips in the car and for walks in the woods, and walks in a metropolitan area with dense buildings. For these purposes, PDA equipped with folding antenna. In addition, for a truly reliable reception of satellite signals, developers have provided the last connector, which can connect remote antenna. "Place docking prudently covered with a rubber stopper, so that for his safety you should not worry. Concern is quite different.
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Namely - itself built-in antenna. In terms of reliability. As we have said above, this outer flap option, like the one that has a Mio 168. Naturally, we did not conduct tests on its "endurance", because in our hands was the only instance in Russia handhelds. However, we can safely assume a short-lived life of this element. Oh, it hurts hlipok. Generally, this is not the only weak point of the exterior Mio 136. I was not the feeling of brittleness of high-tech device that, and drop the fear, not to mention the more serious tests. Massive and exceptional reliability, for example, Garmin navigators in the case of MiTAC replaced the usual PDA fragile. About any waterproof or shockproof and not a speech. That's why (and not only) will allow myself to doubt the attractiveness of the apparatus for avid travelers. Another disappointment for the itinerant folk ctanet power system PDA. Not only that machine is equipped with a non-replaceable battery, so more time and it works very modestly, by GPS-measurements, and on Pocket PC standards - six and a half hours (6:32), autonomous functioning in various applications without using GPS. Given the design of the battery, this picture is really depressing.
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| Back of the Mio 136: non-replaceable battery and hard reset |
Well, here we gradually come to the end of the review and usually sopustvuyuschim his conclusions. Agree, always a pleasure to talk with "one and only." So with the Mio 136. No matter how controversial new product from MiTAC was, in the end everything turned out as an exceptionally nice rendezvous. However, the mutual feelings of warmth would not prevent the imposition of strict and impartial verdict, which is expected of us readers. Unfortunately, or fortunately, we have to tell our Spartans decisively: "Goodbye!" We have with it is clearly different paths. Anyway, in its present form. New product from MiTAC built on very questionable OSes, equipped with a minimum of necessary hardware, so the domestic market has a very illusive prospect. Judge for yourself.What is a Mio 136 in a GPS-navigator? Unreliable, lacking binding Shock and water, and optional bonuses such as a magnetic compass and barometer, too feature-rich for serious hiking, but because malorabotayuschy in standalone mode, but still requires a wall outlet after each discharge due to non-replaceable battery design. In general, obviously not the best choice, even excluding a car and small truck minuses. Then, perhaps, Mio 136 is good as a PDA? Again the past. Doubtful OSes, horizontal "orientation" screen without the possibility of its regular shifts, not impressive filling and lack of hardware controls, which was originally attached to the computer software somewhere, which in its usual form (eg, backup data, or picture viewing, games, finally) and absent. Well, there is only one option. Perhaps as a result of the Mio 136 will turn a nice hybrid of PDA and GPS? But even here the novelty of MiTAC looks, frankly, far better against Palmax z720 and MiTAC Mio 168. What to say Windows CE.NET 4.2, compared with Windows Mobile 2003 SE for z720 and four times smaller amount of RAM, as well as many others failures. Thus, the new PDA MiTAC leaving no market chances. It is hoped that the final version of the Mio 136 will take into account all the shortcomings of the test sample and can be a truly competitive product, having redeemed himself and his ancestor. PS examined and tested the new MiTAC Mio 136, we do not let slip a word about the cost of the curiosities in the Russian context. This forgetfulness is not accidental. Blame the illusory nature of the future of the CCP. At this moment it is unknown whether he will do before and when it happens. But there is evidence of the alleged price if our hero still decide to set foot on Russian soil. It is $ 400. Naturally, in such a way no one will sell the new product, so you can safely throw another $ 100 for a navigation system. Well, $ 500 - quite frankly, no small sum for such a controversial product. However, to put an end to this review, we would poostereglis, still waiting for the final version of the device.
From the Editor
We asked Dmitry Havzhu, director MakTsentr "comment on the article and assess the prospects for the new handheld in Russia. Mio 136 joined us for about 3 weeks ago from a company MiTAC for study and testing. We had to compare this new device with well-established Mio 168 and understand whether you can use a novelty in the kit PocketNavigator.
At first glance, this idea seemed very promising for the following reasons: - Mio136 cheaper Mio 168 to 20 - $ 25
- Mio168 positioned it as a navigation device, rather than PDAs, which contributes to the horizontal position of the screen and hardvernye buttons, built-in GPS and a comfortable fit in the car.
Perhaps all the other arguments we have not seen.
Having conducted a series of tests, we received the following information: - Mio 136 has no interface that could provide input via pager, cell phone, etc. COM-port is missing, USB host - also, BT or Wi-Fi, not even the IR port not found. For the navigation device is a huge disadvantage, because there is no possibility to enter information about traffic jams, to which many users have already begun to get used to.
- Slight decrease in prices only slightly offset the inconvenience that a user will face as a result of failure of Pocket PC.
- The idea that the horizontal screen location is more convenient to navigate, very controversial. Much more convenient vertical location.
Summing up the pluses and minuses, we got a negative result. While Mio 136, we will not deliver, and a set of Pocket Navigator as before will include the Mio 168. Although further changes are possible. The authors, translation:
Dmitry Ryabinin