CeBIT: Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX N560

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://tinyurl.com/hnak2' target='_blank'>http://tinyurl.com/hnak2</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20060312-N560.jpg" /><br /><br />We're seeing some nice devices on show at CeBIT this year. One such device is Fujitsu-Siemens' king of the N series, the N560. It features an Intel PXA270 624MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, a 3.5" VGA (640 x 480) display, integrated GPS (SiRFstar III), 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 1.2, USB 1.1 (host and slave), an SDIO/SD/MMC slot, a 1200mAh battery, and Windows Mobile 5.0. You might recall similar specs in <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=46161">the C550 that was revealed in February</a>. The N560 is only ever-so-slightly more powerful, thanks to a faster CPU and the inclusion of GPS. You can find a few shots at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/hnak2">Pocket PC Italia</a> (translated page).

[SteveHoward999]

Intel PXA270 624MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, a 3.5" VGA (640 x 480) display, integrated GPS (SiRFstar III), 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 1.2, USB 1.1 (host and slave), an SDIO/SD/MMC slot, a 1200mAh battery, and Windows Mobile 5.0.

So I continue to be underwhelemed with new PDAs.

In the 2 years (or so) since Toshiba brought out the E830, the above machine has managed to:-

Increase chip speed by 25%
Swap RAM/ROM size (I know, for WM 5)
Add a smaller screen (3.5 v's 4 inches)
Add GPS
Lose CF slot
Add USB host/slave
Made it uglier
It's probably smaller than the E830, but I didn't check.

Not really much advancement in 2 years, especially when I can easily add GPS with my CF GPS card, and add USB with the expansion pack that also gives me VGA out.


So I'm still looking forward to some real advancement. I doublt I'll be interested in a new VGA machine unless it has at least 1 GHz chip and more than 512Mb internal memory.

[Darius Wey]

So I'm still looking forward to some real advancement. I doublt I'll be interested in a new VGA machine unless it has at least 1 GHz chip and more than 512Mb internal memory.

Sounds like you're willing to wait for the Monahans-based devices. Can't guarantee you'll get oodles of memory, though. ;)

[netboy]

is it really that HARD to add phone function to a VGA pda?? i still waiting for a VGA pocketpcPhone with EVDO or 850/1900 UMTS!

[Take1]

I think thisvis the end of truly innovative PDAs.

I wanted a slim, efficient, VGA PDA with a 4.0 screen that doesn't look dated or a box with buttons. Apple has been doing wonders slimming down their iPod, why doesn't the PDA manufacturers follow suit?

[rob_ocelot]

Intel PXA270 624MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, a 3.5" VGA (640 x 480) display, integrated GPS (SiRFstar III), 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 1.2, USB 1.1 (host and slave), an SDIO/SD/MMC slot, a 1200mAh battery, and Windows Mobile 5.0.

So I continue to be underwhelemed with new PDAs.

In the 2 years (or so) since Toshiba brought out the E830, the above machine has managed to:-

Increase chip speed by 25%
Swap RAM/ROM size (I know, for WM 5)
Add a smaller screen (3.5 v's 4 inches)
Add GPS
Lose CF slot
Add USB host/slave
Made it uglier
It's probably smaller than the E830, but I didn't check.

Not really much advancement in 2 years, especially when I can easily add GPS with my CF GPS card, and add USB with the expansion pack that also gives me VGA out.


So I'm still looking forward to some real advancement. I doublt I'll be interested in a new VGA machine unless it has at least 1 GHz chip and more than 512Mb internal memory.

Unfortunately the e830 CAN'T do VGA out with the expansion pack as it doesnt have the internal ATI gfx accelerator. The e800 can do it though.

I agree though that the last two years has not produced anything startlingly innovative or revolutionary. I mean, no US PDA company even bothers to offer USB host. With the exception of VGA out Fujitsu Siemens are probably making the best all-around non-phone PPC's at the moment, and that is not saying much.

[Menneisyys]

So I'm still looking forward to some real advancement.

It seems there won't be any. It seems the Windows Mobile platform will be meant for "low-end" (240*240 or QVGA at most) phones and Origami / UMPC's will be meant for high-end PDA replacements.

[Menneisyys]

Add USB host/slave


Compared to the e830? ;)

[beq]

For a small/light VGA PPC, I'm still undecided between this N560 and the Acer n311. If they're both available now, I guess I need to make up my mind soon...

[myuser]

I also made a picture which compares the sizes of the n560 and my ipaq 4150 which is one of the smalles pdas

http://page.mi.fu-berlin.de/%7egwara/.stuff/IMG_3222.JPG

i also have an bluetooth gps reciever but i think this is a very convenient packege fujitsu-siemens made there
especially because it combines so many features i wanted in ONE device
it also feels pretty stable so it just looks crappy but i am not interested in looks just in functionality

[rob_ocelot]

I also made a picture which compares the sizes of the n560 and my ipaq 4150 which is one of the smalles pdas

http://page.mi.fu-berlin.de/%7egwara/.stuff/IMG_3222.JPG

Any idea on the relative thickness between that and the 4150? IMO that is the real advantage it has over other models.


i also have an bluetooth gps reciever but i think this is a very convenient packege fujitsu-siemens made there
especially because it combines so many features i wanted in ONE device
it also feels pretty stable so it just looks crappy but i am not interested in looks just in functionality

It's conventient but somewhat unflexible. Say you want to upgrade either your PDA or your GPS in the future then it becomes less convenitent. An external GPS can be placed in locations that give better reception (ok, no maybe not as much an issue with SIRFSTAR III), but you also have the flexibility of using a non-integreated GPS with a laptop or phone. Want to lend your GPS to someone? Then you have to lend them your PDA with sensitive information/contacts -- something I'm rather loathe to do. Two sets of equipment are better than one -- like those VCR/TV combo units, when one part doesnt work the whole thing is shot.

YMMV, but for my style of mobile computing, an external GPS is the way to go.

[myuser]

the thickness is almost exactly the same and i must say the n560 has a pretty good feel although it only has a plastic case
acording to the datasheets of both units its a 0,5mm difference in thickness!

your point with the gps reciever as an extra device might be correct

but my point was that i want that gps reciever to be integrated to the devive i ALWAYS take with me(even more often than my cell phone)
this allows to have it with me even on spontaneous trips where my external gps would have been left @home (for example during summer when your number of pockets is rather limited compared to winter clothes but you still have you small pda with you(&lt;&lt;thats why i love those aluminum cases :))

ok lets say i want some nee fancy gps(or gallileo in the future) reciever for my pda:
well i still can hook it up to my pda via bluetooth so i can still upgrade although i already have an integrated gps-reciever
i see no problem here ;P

[wmccann]

Was waiting for the new N560 but gave up (had a 720 but broke the screen and they want 300 Euros to repair!!!)

Anyway, at an estimated 550 Euros it is a tad expensive. I got a Dell X51V last week for 286 euros - only difference is no GPS - but it has 256MB rom and video out. Has a good screen but not as good as the 720 though.

Works great and my CF gps is good. Who needs wireless G on a PDA?

Anyway I think this is the last generation of PDA's and siemens has got the timing/price wrong.....

I use it to do remote support using the terminal services client using bluetooth through my phone. works great... :lol:

Walter.