NAVMAN PIN POCKET PC

IN BRIEF: A highly adaptable all-in-one GPS navigation and PDA bundle that can be used in a car, on foot or even on a bike

GPS navigation seems an ideal application for a modern PDA, and many people have this specifically in mind when they buy one. Until recently, the PDA and the GPS receiver had to be separate units, and this combination is still the most common.

However, it can be fiddly and cumbersome to use two pieces of hardware, and it’s not particularly convenient when on the move. It therefore makes sense that someone should build a GPS receiver into a PDA, which is where Navman’s PiN Pocket PC (£399 inc. VAT) comes in. This gives you everything in one convenient package. Of course, it also means you carry round the GPS receiver when it’s not being used, but with a total weight of 150g and a compact overall size, it’s no hardship.

Since Navman is a dedicated navigation company that has been in operation since 1988, it’s only logical that it should now move into the hybrid PDA-GPS market.

The hardware comes from Mitac in the form of the Mio 168, which has already appeared in the UK as Evesham’s PDA navigation product. The difference is in the bundled software: Navman uses SmartST V2, while Evesham chose ALK’s CoPilot Live.

SPECIFICATIONS

Navman’s PiN is powered by an Intel Xscale PXA255 processor running at 300MHz. There’s 64MB of RAM and 32MB of ROM on-board – SmartST V2 uses around 10MB of RAM when running. An SD(IO) slot at the top of the case allows memory expansion, and it supports MultiMedia Cards (MMC).

Our navigation maps were supplied on a 128MB MMC. The top of the Navman also includes an infrared port, two status LEDs and the stylus. The device sports a telescoping metal-barrelled stylus, which is very comfortable to use and is held securely in place. On the left of the casing there’s an on/off switch and a record button (audio), though there’s no thumbwheel for one-handed operation. Instead, there’s a minijoystick below the screen, surrounded by the standard program buttons, which allows more precise selection than pad-style navigation.

We were disappointed to find there’s no way of preventing the hardware buttons from powering on the device, so you’ll have to download a third-party applet from the Internet if this becomes a nuisance. After carrying the PiN in a bag, we found it had been turned on accidentally in spite of the protective pouch. At least the battery is good enough not to be too affected by this extra drain.

GPS SOLUTION

Since it’s intended as a low-cost navigation solution, there are some compromises evident, such as the non-replaceable battery and the standard 3.5-inch LCD screen. This offers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and is crisp and clear indoors. However, although it’s a transflective panel, which means it uses sunlight as well as the backlight to improve readability, we found it hard to read on bright days. That shouldn’t be a problem inside a car – since you should be relying on the audio directions and not the screen – but it could be if you continue a journey on foot. Otherwise the PiN felt sturdyand capable of coping with life on the road.

When you want to use the GPS function, simply unclip the hinged antenna from the back of the device, swinging it up to a horizontal position. It’s quite compact, being roughly 45mm square. Navman’s own tried-and-tested SmartST V2 software, based on Tele Atlas data, is supplied with maps covering all of Britain. Although the bundle doesn’t include a desktop cradle (just a USB cable and charger), there’s a windscreen-mounted support arm and cigarette lighter adapter for the car.

Navman’s PiN Pocket PC successfully bundles the company’s high-quality navigation software with an affordable PDA. It’s differentiated from Evesham’s similar offering by the software package, and it’s currently cheaper to boot. Although we would like a better screen, it’s still a great way to get started with GPS navigation.

RATING: 7

PRICE: £340/£399 (EX/INC. VAT)
PROCESSOR: INTEL PXA255 – 300MHZ
OPERATING SYSTEM: WINDOWS MOBILE POCKET PC 2003
MEMORY: 64MB RAM/32MB ROM
EXPANSION: SD(IO)/MMC
SCREEN: 16-BIT COLOUR
BATTERY: LITHIUM-ION
LINK: USB 1.1
SIZE: 111 X 69 X 23MM
WEIGHT: 150G
CONTACT: 01293 780 500 WWW.NAVMAN-EUROPE.COM