.: First 60 minutes with FSC Pocket LOOX 7xx

Author - Pavel Koza :: User rating -   (119 votes) :: Views - 29192 August 19, 2004 :: Today, we have another exclusive preview of a device that has not been introduced to the market yet – and it’s not only one but a couple:) Fujitsu Siemens Computers was so kind as to lend me new Pocket LOOX 710 and 720 for a brief examination and tests. The latter is one of the PDAs I have eagerly been looking forward to over the past few months, not only because of its VGA display. I am summarizing my first impressions in this preview.

Please note: This is not a regular review. I have not subjected the device to regular tests in an effort to discover its strengths and weaknesses. Instead, I am presenting my - mostly positive - impressions from the first encounter. So, this is not an objective report but rather a subjective description of a completely new device, full of uncritical admiration and enthusiasm about its great features. If you don’t like this type of article, please wait for a proper review. It won’t come before a few weeks’ time, though. While the hardware configuration has been almost finalised, the software needs a lot of tuning and can change substantially before the official release. Therefore, please do not take information about software applications for granted.

A few months ago, Fujistu Siemens Computers earned some points by introducing a new family of pocket computers, the Pocket LOOX 4xx series. They were mature both from the technological and design points of view, especially as compared to the not very eye-catching Pocket LOOX 610 series. Now, I have obtained two new devices that have not been introduced to the market yet. They are some of the most feature-packed and powerful Pocket PCs of today. The devices in question are Pocket LOOX 710 and 720. I would like to thank people from Fujistu Siemens Computers for making this preview possible by lending me the device shortly.

I must first say that the two models differ more than it may seem upon quick inspection. That is why I am going to describe the differences first and then deal with what they have in common. Let me also make clear that the devices I had were pre-production models and some of their features may change before they are finalised. The two models look almost identical, the only difference being a slightly larger display in PL720. Also, the more powerful model is somewhat surprisingly 1 millimetre thinner and 10 grams lighter. I would expect the exact opposite.

FSC Pocket LOOX 710

Let’s start with the less powerful model. To some extent, PL710 is in fact PL420 with an integrated CompactFlash Type II slot, or slightly redesigned PL610 with a much sleeker outfit. That’s is not meant to be a criticism, just stating the fact:) It appears reasonably positioned midway between PL420 and PL720 – who needs a CF slot will the PL710, who does not will opt for the significantly smaller and lighter PL420.

The PL710 is powered by an Intel PXA272 processor running at an unusual 416 MHz. The clock speed can be adjusted using a software utility. It seems that frequencies of the PXA27x series processors are incremental by 104 MHz – this device has a 416-MHz processor, a better model has 520-MHz processor and the fastest existing PDA processor has been a 624-MHz one. I am looking forward to 1040 MHz:) The device offers 64 MB of RAM for storing data and running applications, and 64 MB of re-writable ROM, with 30 MB accessible to the user as a safe storage.

The display is a standard QVGA, which is the main difference from PL720, which sports a full VGA resolution. All the other parameters are identical as in PL420 (transflexive TFT, 65 thousand colours, touch-sensitive, adjustable backlight). In a direct comparison with PL420, the display in PL710 was a little brighter and the white colour was whiter:)

FSC Pocket LOOX 720

Quite frankly, the device I have been eagerly awaiting for a couple of months is called Pocket LOOX 720. And it was worth waiting - VGA display, two expansion slots, fast processor, a lot of memory, integrated (good-quality) digital camera... Simply a lot of wonderful features and capabilities:)

The device is powered by the same processor as PL710, i.e. Intel PXA272 but running at 520 MHz. I would not dare guess the speed of a processor – from a subjective point of view, all devices with processors over a certain frequency limit execute the vast majority of common tasks with the same speed, so do not despair that this LOOX has “only” half a gigahertz. Reasonable users will switch to automatic clock speed adjustment anyway to save some precious battery power. The PL720 has 128 MB of RAM and 28 MB of FlashROM reserved for data of high importance.

Please, do not take anything for granted as the device’s system was a beta version. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the difference between 400-MHz and 416-MHz processors is the same as that between 416 MHz and 520 MHz. The PXA27x series probably brings more than just a higher clock speed.

The display is another novelty for me. It is not the first VGA display I have seen but the first VGA display with a diagonal of a mere 3.6 inches (91.4 millimetres). This is just 2.5 millimetres more than in common QVGA displays. The display (transflexive TFT technology) is brilliant and amazingly sharp. Even the smallest details are clear and well recognisable. The display area is smaller as compared to Toshiba e800 but it made it possible to shrink the whole device.

The PL720 model also has an integrated 1.3-MPix digital camera capable of capturing still photos with a resolution of up to 960x1280 pixels. Even though it is another step forward, it seems that the technology is reaching its limits and higher resolutions cannot further improve the quality – see images below. The device has an integrated flash for taking photos in bad lighting conditions and – believe it or not – it does help. The camera can not only take still images but also capture shot videos in the MP4 format. To watch a sample click here. Video in MP4 [496KB]

What do they have in common?

The design is in line with the new LOOX concept. It is slightly bigger than the PL4xx series because of the CompactFlash slot. The new LOOX is elongated (long and slender), something users with small hands will appreciate. In the lower part of the front panel, there is the same set of controls as in the PL4xx. A scroll wheel is also present.

I had time to listen to just a few songs on each device but in both cases the sound was good and the devices offered a wide range of settings. Besides separate volume adjustment for the built-in loudspeaker and headphones and the ever more common bass and treble, the LOOX offers also 3D sound, which fill find its use especially in various 3D games. The microphone is excellent, so is the loudspeaker.

The PL710 also features strong communication capabilities. Unlike the 4xx series, both 7xx models offer a complete set of communication channels, including USB, infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The USB port offers Host capability, which means it can read data e.g. from a USB flash disk, which connects to a connector on the communication cable. The Bluetooth implementation is from Widcomm, which offers maximum functionality and user friendliness. Likewise, the Wi-Fi module seemed to work flawlessly. To enhance user comfort, FSC provides a central control panel for all wireless communication services called ConnectMobility E2C, which works even with a GSM CF card.

All those who permanently keep an SD memory card in the slot will surely appreciate the presence of the CF slot. The LOOX supports SDIO but if you use a memory card not only for data but also for applications, like me, you will find swapping with I/O cards quite annoying. The CompactFlash slot is Type II and compatible with all the various cards available.

A 1640-mAh Lithium-Ion battery should provide enough energy for reasonable work but we have to wait for tests to see for how long exactly.

Both models should come with the same set of accessories: a neat cradle with detachable USB cable, simple case, spare stylus, AC adapter with replaceable plugs, and some CD-ROMs and documents (not included in the box I had). I’ll leave details about the accessories for a proper review.

Likewise, both models come with the same software suite, even though there might be some changes before the final versions are released. The OS is Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition enhanced with a few bonus applets and applications. In addition, the PL720 has an application for controlling the digital camera including a handy image management and manipulation utility.

Conclusion

It is impossible to make any substantial conclusion about unfinished models, yet I would like to make a few points. When the new series is introduced to the market, FSC will be offering four strong Pocket PC devices, from the cheap PL410 to the high-performing PL720 with a VGA display. The PL720 will definitely be a strong player on the market. I have included it in the list of Pocket PCs I am seriously considering as my next pocket companion;)

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