Big review of FSC Pocket LOOX N500/N520

Over the past five years, Fujitsu Siemens Computers has earned a reputation of a reliable manufacturer of Pocket PCs. Their devices are good- looking, powerful and favourably priced, in most cases. This coupled with excellent support has won LOOXes many faithful users. I am happy to announce that the recently introduced FSC Pocket LOOX N5xx series follows suit. So, let's cut the intro short and get to the point. But before we move on, let me thank Fujitsu Siemens Computers for lending me LOOX N520 and AH Mobile for additionally providing N500 for review purposes.

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What is in the box

The paper box contains a basic set of accessories. The devices fall in the "economy" class, so the manufacturer economised wherever possible. Nevertheless, you can buy missing accessories extra.

• Pocket LOOX
• Case
• AC adapter with replaceable mains plugs (Europe/UK)
• Adapter for direct charging
• USB cable (USB client only)
• CD ROM with bonus applications
• Quick start guide
• Offer of available accessories
• Voucher with 3 points for Pocket LOOX Choice (N520 only)

Let's leave the LOOX aside for now (for a change:) and take a look at the rest of the items in the box. There is no cradle but only synchronisation USB cable for economic reasons. This is not a big problem; I have got used to using my device without a cradle very quickly. What I regret is the fact that although the LOOX supports USB Host, the cable lacks an appropriate connector and offers only USB client. On the other hand, positive news is backwards compatibility of the data connector with LOOX series 7xx and 4xx, which I have tested successfully.

The AC adapter is an ordinary piece of equipment. You can connect it either to the synchronisation cable or charge the device directly. Replaceable mains plugs will come handy on travels - you won't stay without power either in Europe or the US.

The case offers only basic level of protection. It is a small leatherette pocket with elastic sides and plush lining to protect the display against scratches. There is only impressed Fujitsu Siemens Computers logo on it and nothing else, not even a belt clip.

Finally, the box contains a brief user guide (a detailed, electronic one, is to be found on the CD ROM), a leaflet depicting available accessories, warranty information card, CD-ROM with bonus applications and a CD-ROM with big localisation from Sunnysoft. In addition, owners of the N520 model will get a voucher with 3 points for the Pocket LOOX Choice e-shop where they can trade the points for an application of their choice. And that's all for the contents of the package.

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Design

As I wrote at the beginning, the device strongly resembles the previous PL4xx series yet the degree of similarity is lower than between iPAQ h4150 and iPAQ rx1950. The dimensions have remained more or less the same, i.e. 4.49 x 2.80 x 0.52 in / 116x71x14 millimetres, which is about an average size, maybe slightly bigger than average. On the other hand, the weight has grown significantly from 4.4 oz / 125 grams in the PL4xx to 5.6 oz / 160 grams in the N520. It is hard to tell why, because the body is made of plastic in both cases. Nevertheless, it is not as heavy as to rip your pocket. The device loox attractive with its modest, functionalist design with dominating dark grey colour and elegant silver sides. Assembly is good; the only problematic spot is the slide-off battery cover where there is perceivable leeway. The LOOX provides comfortable grip and its weight feels assuring in the hand. A sound record button with a microphone next to it is a clever design (no irony) creating a perfect impression of a dictaphone.

The front panel is classic with most of it occupied by a colour display. Above it, in the middle, is the main switch and two LED indicators that notify of status and various events, such as active WiFi or GPS or a scheduled appointment. Below the display is a FSC logo and a four-directional control with a separate central button, and four user-definable buttons for launching of applications. Each button can be assigned two actions, one for a short press, one for a long press. The device handles simultaneous press of multiple buttons without any problems. Blue backlight of the buttons makes navigation easier in the dark. Like the iPAQ rx1950, the LOOX, too, lacks a special WM5 button that makes it possible to control the device without tapping on the display. Nevertheless, the "Left / Right Softkey" functionality can be assigned to any of the buttons.

Pocket PC	Dimenstions (mm / in)	Weight (g / oz)
FSC Pocket LOOX N520	71 x 116 x 14 4.49 x 2.80 x 0.52 in	160 5.6
HP iPAQ rx1950	70,6 x 113,6 x 13,5 4.47 x 2.78 x 0.5 in	125 4.4

There are only two elements worth mentioning on the back. One of them is a rubber-capped connector for external GPS antenna, the other a large slide-off door of the battery compartment with the main (and only) battery.

On the top side is a standard 3.5-millimetre stereo headphones jack, an MMC/SD card slot and the stylus shaft. The bottom-side offers an even less exciting view: a data connector for the synchronisation cable or keyboard, and a soft reset button. Users of older LOOX models will probably be pleased to hear that it is no longer necessary to unscrew the stylus and use the easy-to-lose-or-break ultra thin plastic needle to perform a soft reset but that the opening is big enough to contain the tip of the stylus.

The sides are in line with the austere design of the device. There are no controls on the right-hand side, whereas the left carries an infrared port, a user-definable button preset to launch sound recording (can support two actions) and a microphone pinhole just above it. The stylus holds very well owing mainly to its length (an above-standard 105 millimetres) and rounded top. That's what the device looks like.

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Parameters

The Pocket LOOX N5xx series is on the verge between the low-end and middle-class. Or, more precisely, the N500 can be considered as an entry-level model, whereas the N520 is a device for common users. While the N500 is targeted at a segment where it will compete with the likes of Acer n35 and Yakumo Delta, i.e. cheap Pocket PCs for navigation, the N520's target group is wider.

Some of the main parameters, such as the processor and memory, are not the absolute cutting edge, yet some manufacturers use significantly weaker setups. The processor is an Intel PXA270 (XScale) running at 312 MHz. A welcome feature is software adjustment of processor performance - a standard setting is perfectly sufficient for smooth operation of most applications. If it fails to satisfy some extremely processor-intensive application, you can switch to the Turbo mode. One of the parameters where the LOOX N500 and N520 differ is memory size. Whereas the N500 is fitted with 64 MB only, the N520 offers a double amount, 128 MB. Naturally, part of it is occupied by the system, yet the user can access a comfortable 81 MB for data and applications (as compared to 23 MB in the N500). The RAM size is identical in both devices, 64 MB, out of which about 40 MB is free after a HW reset.

The display is a classic transflexive TFT panel with a 3,5" inch diagonal (89 millimetres), resolution of 240x320 pixels and support for 65 thousand colours. Backlight can be adjusted at eleven levels; the same setting applies to battery operation and charging, unfortunately. The maximum backlight intensity is fully sufficient, so is the minimum setting (the minimum backlight is too bright in some devices, which is not the case in the new LOOXes, fortunately). The colours are rather warm, white has a sight yellowish tint but it is not as bad as in some older Pocket PCs of other makes to be considered a bug, not a feature. The last thing to add about the display is flawlessness of the touch layer. In other words, the device has a very good display.

As usual, I shall divide the audio features into three categories. First of all, sound recording. The microphone is located on the left-hand side of the device just above the sound record button. The user can adjust the microphone's sensitivity using an applet that offers three static modes (direct, normal, and conference) and automatic, dynamic adjustment based on the sound environment. Direct recording is excellent, longer-range recording is not much worse. In witness thereof, I append this file [254KB] . The headphones output deserves yet more praise than the microphone. A standard 3.5 mm jack is welcome. Zero noise in quality headphones (Koss Porta Pro) and more than sufficient maximum volume are amazing. As the proverbial cherry on the cake, the device offers extensive options - three volume levels independent of the system settings and nine levels of treble and bass, as well as some 3D effect. Well, orthodox audiophiles may have a different opinion but for me, LOOX plays perfectly. Finally, there is the loudspeaker that cannot compare to headphones output in quality. Yet it can play and beep loud enough to be heard even in noisy environment, what more could you wish for?

That is not everything, though. The LOOX's audio settings include a special feature called Audio Path. If you play an MP3 song (or any other sound) in any Pocket PC, it will sound from the loudspeaker. If you plug in the headphones, the audio output will switch to the headphones and the loudspeaker will go silent. Unplug the headphones and the loudspeaker will take over again. That's obvious. However, with Audio Path installed in your device (see image below), you can check Headphone and Speaker to have both outputs play at the same time. Likewise, you can direct the audio output to the loudspeaker and a BT headset or the cradle. It looks interesting but for me, its usefulness is questionable:) Model situations described in the manual do not seem very realistic...

As for communication, the basic connectivity is provided by a USB port in the data connector at the bottom of the device (by the way, a RS232 interface is present, too). Unlike the recently reviewed iPAQ rx1950, the LOOX supports not only USB client but also USB host (both in version 1.1), which I have successfully tested with a USB keyboard and a USB flash drive. Problem is you will have to buy an extra cable to use this functionality because the bundled one supports only USB client. The infrared port is a standard SIR with maximum transmission speed of 115.2 kbps. Despite the not very convenient location of the infrared eye on the side of the device, it can be used to control home appliances. I could easily control a Philips DVP720SA DVD player using TotalRemote from Griffin at a distance of 3 metres.

I have rather mixed feelings about the device's 1200-mAh Li-Ion battery. On the one hand, tests are performed at maximum backlight and processor speed, so it should not be a problem to reach a multiple of the time on battery in real life. On the other hand, I would expect a better result in a device with Windows Mobile 5 that can drain the battery completely. The iPAQ rx1950 is not ideal for comparison due to different hardware configuration (processor and double RAM will affect consumption significantly) but the devices fall in the same category and I do not have results for any other device to compare with. To put it bluntly, the iPAQ lasted almost twice longer on battery than the LOOX. I performed the battery test on the N520 but there should be virtually no difference between the two models.

• Standard test of common usage, maximum backlight intensity - 3h42m
• Video playback, maximum backlight intensity - 3h58m
• MP3 playback, inactive display - 17h56m
• Active WiFi, no workload - 2h33m

The N520 differs from the N500 by an extra wireless module. Although WiFi is becoming ever more common in Pocket PCs, it is still quite unusual to see this technology on its own, without Bluetooth. Unlike any other previously reviewed device, the LOOX N520 supports the IEEE 802.11g standard instead of the more widespread IEEE 802.11b. In theory, the device should be able to transmit data at a speed of 54 Mbps. In reality, the speed is much lower. Just confront this figure with the speed of read operations from the FlashROM memory (to say nothing about write) and it must be clear to everyone that the real chance of achieving this transmission speed is nil, except in some special simulated situations. The WiFi worked flawlessly in my tests. I connected to the internet over my Asus WL-530g access point (configuration WPA-PKS, TKIP) and the signal was strong enough al around the house. I tried making calls over Skype, which worked perfectly unlike in the iPAQ due to the LOOX's more powerful processor. The sound was perfectly smooth even at the standard processor speed. If you are a VoIP user, the LOOX won't disappoint you.

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GPS

Beyond doubt, the main attraction of the LOOX, especially the lower model, is its integrated GPS module. It features excellent parameters that promise maximum sensitivity and accuracy: 20 channels and the latest SiRF Star III chipset. The antenna does not open out like that of the Yakumo, for instance, but is integrated. In practice, it has turned out that the GPS performs slightly worse than the highest class of stand-alone GPS modules despite having comparable parameters. This is one of the reasons I have posted this review a few days later than I had originally planned. I was not sure about the correctness of the initial test results as they showed substantial differences between the N520 and external GPS receivers, so I borrowed also the N500 and travelled an addition several dozen miles to verify my measurements. The LOOX N520 specimen I tested was not the final version, so I wanted to make sure if the marketed version of the LOOX N500 behaves the same.

In the very first test, it took longer to establish the location than I am used to with my external GPS module NaviLock BT-338. That was not the major problem - no one will mind a few seconds of waiting once a day. Far greater a problem is significantly lower sensitivity to satellite signal. It seems that 20 channels do not mean the same sensitivity in different devices: the difference from the external GPS module was huge. In an indoor test (reflected satellite signals), the LOOX managed to catch signal from one satellite from time to time (only rarely did it register two satellites at the same time for a few seconds), whereas the NaviLock received signal from 4 to 7 satellites simultaneously all the time, out of which 5 signals were usable for processing on average. The LOOX performed better outdoors where it lagged behind the NaviLock by two satellites on average. On the other hand, the LOOX did better than Yakumo DeltaX that boasts of the same parameters and an extendable antenna (even though it was a close shave). Nevertheless, the device always caught signal from at last six satellites and worked reliably. The LOOX is also much more sensitive than classic GPS receivers, such as NaviLock BT-308, which did not work at all below the windscreen in my car, whereas the LOOX received signal even in difficult terrain (with the exception of dense high-rise urban areas). It is possible to improve the sensitivity by attaching an external antenna using a standard connector at the back of the device.

Now, a few words about how the integrated GPS works in the Pocket PC. First of all, it activates and deactivates automatically, which is great. The module is inactive during normal operation. As soon as you run an application that can work with the GPS and set it up properly (port and speed), the GPS module will automatically activate when the application accesses the specified port, which is indicated by flashing of the orange LED on the left. When you close the application, the GPS will deactivate. It is simple but a highly convenient, power-saving and probably also processor-efficient solution. This is not the only cool feature, though. Windows Mobile 5 supports something called "virtual GPS port", which is useful when you need to process the GPS data in more than one application simultaneously. This was not possible in older Pocket PCs without special software - as soon as one application claimed the GPS port, it was inaccessible to other applications. By contrast, WM5 places an intermediary between the GPS and applications. The middle layer communicates with the GPS and directs the data to one or more applications, as required. That means I could run two navigation applications at the same time. It did work: a male and female voice kept arguing which way to take, each preferred a different route and I kept receiving warnings that that was the wrong way and so on. Just cool:)

I have kept navigation tests as the last point in this chapter. I tested two navigation applications, TomTom 5.1 and PocketKiM 3.7.4. Some other navigation software does not work with WM5, some may do but I could not get hold of it. Considered the TomTom ran smoothly, there should not be any performance problems. Likewise, I did not encounter any significant delays in displaying actual location, so you won't be disturbed while driving.

But no, do not despair, there is no need to change your mind about buying the LOOX because of the previous paragraphs. It is undeniable that the device performs worse than an external GPS receiver. This is the purpose of my writing the reviews and you reading them - to learn more about various devices and their features. There are many factors to consider. One is the cost of an external GPS module. Another is the fact that a complex device, such as a Pocket PC, is necessarily full of compromises when you need to squeeze in a display, memory, processor, battery, an expansion slot, WiFi module and a GPS module, to say nothing about preventing their unwanted interference. Strictly speaking, you won't get lost indoors (unless you live in a Victorian-era mansion with 100+ rooms) and it will not help in any way that you can see "only" 7 satellites and not 10 when driving. And you can always buy an external antenna to ensure maximum sensitivity.

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Expandability

If you need more than what the LOOX offers in the default configuration, you can add more functionality using various extensions. Bluetooth is absent, which is a current trend (I wonder how long is this trend going to continue after manufacturers review sales figures). If you require Bluetooth, choose a different device. The SD card slot supports the SDIO technology, so you can use a Bluetooth card but I would not recommend this solution. There is only one expansion slot and a memory card is almost a must these days, especially in a device with an integrated GPS that requires bulky navigation software. This is another LOOX that supports USB Host that enables users to attach external USB devices. I tried with a keyboard and a flash drive. In both cases, I just plugged and played. Pity the manufacturer does not bundle the appropriate cable... Another option is WiFi, which can connect the device to some peripherals, such as data projectors.

I should mention an unusually wide range of accessories from FSC available for this series, including e.g. an audio set that will convert the LOOX into a looxury;) MP3 player or a car charger that integrates a TMC information receiver. This will make navigation around the town yet easier because you will be able to avoid congestions, closures and accidents (if this type of information is broadcast in the place, which is a different question, though).

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Software

Low-end devices are not expected to come with an extensive software suite beyond a package from Microsoft. This applies to the LOOX N500 series, too. The device ships with pre-installed Windows Mobile 5 Premium Edition, which includes all mobile applications from Microsoft except phone-related tools. Besides that, the ROM contains only a few configuration applets and small utilities. I have mentioned some of them and will introduce the rest now. One of the bonus utilities is ConnectMobility E2C that makes it easy to configure, administer and switch between various types of connection to the internet and corporate networks. There are two versions: PRO and Standard. The PRO version is a 30-day trial which switches to the standard version after expiration, unliess you buy a licence. The difference is that the Standard version offers only one profile and does not support a VPN connection. It is up to you to consider whether the PRO version priced at 25€ (or 2 points at LOOX Choice) is worth it.

Other applications include FSC Speed Menu - a utility that makes it easier to perform the most common operations, such as running applications and applets, then an improved version of FSC VoiceRecorder, and FSC Panning for moving the screen with the stylus.

The bundled CD-ROM contains basic applications from Microsoft and an electronic user manual. LOOX N520 owners can buy software to their choice at the Pocket LOOX Choice for a voucher included in the package. According to information from FSC, the 3 points are equal to some 30-40€. In other words, the three points you get will buy you applications worth tens of euros, which is a good deal.

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The differences between FSC Pocket LOOX N500 and FSC Pocket LOOX N520

The FSC Pocket LOOX N5xx series is being sold in two different models. Although I tried to describe the differences in the appropriate parts of my review, I will put them all in one simple table:

	FSC Pocket LOOX N520	FSC Pocket LOOX N500
FlashROM	128 MB	64 MB
Wireless LAN	802.11g	N/A
Software voucher	3 points	N/A
Price	Higher	Lower:)

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Pricing

The price is a success factor for any device, more so in this category. The N500 should cost around €389, the N520 about €30 more. Those who do not own any PDA yet may prefer various packages with navigation software and useful accessories for favourable prices. I would expect quite a choice of them to appear now before Christmas.

[POLL]

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Impressions, Benchmarks & Tests

I have commented on each part or feature in the respective chapters, so let me just sum it up. Comparison with the recently reviewed iPAQ rx1950 is at hand. Fujitsu Siemens Computers is no newcomer on the Pocket PC market, as witnessed by its latest series. Over the few weeks of testing, I did not encounter any significant problems. Some features are not absolutely excellent but no part of the device can be described as inadequate. The most questionable part is the integrated GPS module. There is notable difference in sensitivity as compared with an external GPS of the same parameters. However, the stand-alone receiver costs more than half of the LOOX. Besides, the integrated GPS module works well even in difficult terrain despite the differences.

As far as computing power is concerned, there is nothing to criticise, either. The processor and memory have been selected to satisfy most users, which is not the case of the iPAQ rx1950. The LOOX scored better in all benchmarks. I tried numerous applications and games and did not run across any software that would not work (apart from applications incompatible with WM5). Audio features are excellent. The WiFi module in N520 worked without any problems. My only criticism concerns the time on battery. However, the tests are performed on a device with maximum display backlight intensity and processor in the Turbo mode. In real life, you will achieve significantly better results to your satisfaction. The USB Host functionality is a good way of extending the device's capabilities, so are some relatively unusual types of accessories from FSC.

The LOOX's good performance applies to multimedia, too. There is no point in discussing MP3 playback, because even the best-quality MP3 music is no workload for the processor and you can do whatever you like while listening. Video is more demanding, obviously. Playback of a clip optimised for the QVGA resolution was absolutely seamless. A VGA (640x480) video does play but is jerkier than what I consider acceptable. I tested video playback with TCPMP (ex BetaPlayer) with the following results:

Pocket PC	BetaPlayer Benchmark
FSC Pocket LOOX N520	184,82%
HP iPAQ hx2750	163,56%
HP iPAQ rx1950	153,06%
MDA Compact	102,56%

I have mentioned the other features and characteristics throughout. I performed a series of benchmark tests but will publish them only with other devices. For now, I can tell you that the LOOX outperforms the iPAQ in computing power by 25 percent and almost 100 percent in graphics performance. In addition, I tested the graphics performance with the GXmark utility. It is far less sophisticated than Spb Benchmark and offers comparison only with iPAQ h3600, but at least you can find out how many objects can move on the display simultaneously:)

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Detailed evaluation

Now, a few words to explain the new system: Type can be Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone edition, or Smartphone. Class means the target group, which is key for understanding the other categories. The number of points in the other categories is relative with regard to the class. For instance, a device with a VGA display, two expansion slots, BT and WiFi modules in the high-end category will receive nine points for a certain weight, whereas a device in the "entry" class with a QVGA display, one slot and no radio module will receive three points for the same weight. The date is also important - if I am rating a 1.3-Mpix integrated camera today, it will receive 10 points because there is nothing better available. In half a year, when 2-Mpix integrated cameras will be available, this one would receive fewer points.

If you would like to comment on the evaluation, please join the discussion. I am not doing this for my own pleasure but to make it easier for you to choose a new device. If you think it is a wrong idea, just let me know:)

Rating
Name:	FSC Pocket LOOX N500	FSC Pocket LOOX N520
Type:	Pocket PC s GPS	Pocket PC s GPS
Class:	Low end	Common users
System:	Windows Mobile 5	Windows Mobile 5
Hodnoceno:	December 12, 2005	December 12, 2005
Design, user friendliness
Design:	9	9
Dimensions:	9	9
Weight:	8	8
Buttons, user comfort:	9	9
Assembly quality:	9	9
Performance, memory
Processor:	8	8
Free RAM:	8	8
Free ROM:	2	8
Display
Resolution:	5	5
Size:	7	7
Quality (indoors):	9,5	9,5
Quality (outdoors):	9	9
Backlight:	8,5	8,5
Touch layer:	9	9
Audio
Microphone:	9	9
Speaker:	8	8
Headphones output:	10	10
Communication
USB:	9	9
Infra:	8	8
Bluetooth:	0	0
WiFi:	0	9
GPS
Parameters, features:	8	8
Sensitivity:	7	7
Battery, power settings
Parameters, features:	8	8
Time on battery:	5	5
Expandability
General:	9	9
Software
System, settings:	4	4
Bonus apps in ROM:	5	5
Bonus apps on CD:	0	0+3
Accessories
Quantity:	3	3
Quality:	9	9
Other
Overall impression:	9	9
Manufacturer support:	8	8
Price/performance ratio	8	9
Total
FSC Pocket LOOX N5xx	7,01 out of 10	7,60 out of 10

Notes :: Rating on the scale from 1 to 10. The higher the figure, the closer to the ideal. If a device receives 10 points for "Design", it means it is beauty from heaven. On the other hand, if it receives 10 points for "Weight", it means it is extremely light.

That's all for today. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them in the discussion forum.

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