EVESHAM MIO 168

IN BRIEF: A Pocket PC with a twist, the Mio 168 helps keep tabs of where you are, even if you’re personally not sure where that is

One of the main complaints levelled at Pocket PC devices is that there are no real differentiators in the market. This is due to the confines of Microsoft’s design template and the fact that manufacturers, desiring to emulate the success of the iPAQ range of Pocket PCs, design their handhelds to look and act the same.

The Evesham Mio 168 (£450 inc. VAT) is definitely a step away from the norm. In the same way that Garmin brought GPS to the Palm platform with its iQUE 3600 PDA, this device offers the same for Pocket PC. The first thing to notice is that the Mio 168looks and feels like the other Mio devices. That is except for the antenna, which is built onto the back of the unit. This can be flipped up to protrude from the top of the handheld for better reception.

GLOBAL SUITE

The main piece of software driving the GPS is CoPilot Live Pocket PC 4 from ALK Technologies. Unlike GPS mapping systemst hat just display your location, this application tells you where you are and how to reach your destination using the most direct route. With voice-enabled features built-in that offer directions, this device is ideal for drivers as well as those trying to find their way around a new area. Map specialist company, Navteq, supplies the map data that is used in ALK’s CoPilot Live.

The Evesham comes bundled with Mio-specific software. Most of these are utility tools. One, for example, limits the amount of battery that’s dedicated to the GPS, thus saving power. Other features include a program called eBackup, which enables you to backup and restore your device using any storage card; eMenu, an application launcher/device status program and eViewer, which is an image viewer. When it comes to putting together a package that offers value for money, it would seem that Evesham has hit the right note with the Mio 168. As well as a USB synchronisation cable and standard charger, the device is supplied with a car mounting kit, a cigarette lighter-based recharger and an antenna, which offers better signal reception when driving.

SIZE AND STYLE

When it comes to the PDA features of the Mio, it has a standard offering. The build quality is sturdy and the silver-effect plastic should standup to the wear and tear of users as they navigate their way about. The screen is a standard 3.5-inch transflective panel. It supports 240 x 320pixels and offers a bright and clear screen. When it comes to its internal specifications, the Mio 168 isn’t exactly cutting-edge, with the300MHz PXA255 processor being a modest choice, as is the 64MB of memory found on the device. However, with 62MB open to the user, in real terms this means it has more memory than is found on many of the leading 64MBdevices currently available. Expansion is provided in the form of a standard SD(IO) slot, which is located on the top of the unit.

As with the Garmin device, the use of GPS does have a direct impact on the average battery life of the device. However, we found that the iQUE suffered considerably more than the Mio. Under test, with the GPS constantly in use, the Evesham device gave up to six hours of use, which is sufficient for thosewho are constantly on the move, especially when a car recharger is supplied to recharge the battery in transit. The Evesham Mio 168 is a great example of fulfilling a space in the market. While at heart it’s a Pocket PC with all the functionality that we have come to expect, with the addition of GPS the Mio 168 serves a direct purpose.

RATING: 8

PRICE: £382/£450 (EX/INC. VAT)
PROCESSOR: INTEL XSCALE 300MHZ
OPERATING SYSTEM: MOBILE WINDOWS FOR POCKET PC 2003
MEMORY: 64MB
EXPANSION: SECURE DIGITAL (IO)
SCREEN: 16-BIT COLOUR
BATTERY: LITHIUM-ION
LINK: USB
SIZE: 112 X 69 X 24MM
WEIGHT: 147G
CONTACT: 0870 160 9500 WWW.EVESHAM.COM