Comparative review of FSC Pocket LOOX N560

May 7, 2006 | Pavel Koza | format - Other (ar.) | viewed - 997x
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Comparative review of FSC Pocket LOOX N560

The FSC Pocket LOOX N560 device is already the third model from the “fivehundred” line of new devices by Fujitsu Siemens Computers workshop that I have presented to you in recent times. Firstly I have presented you with a review of the Pocket LOOX N500/N520 device and today I am offering, together with this review, a detailed description of the Pocket LOOX C550 device. I have decided to save your time and mine and will only offer a summary of the differences between the C550 and the N560 models instead of another almost identical review, and then I will add a few experiences and findings.

I would like to thank the Sunnysoft company again for their kindness in lending me the device for the review.

Design differences

If we place both devices next to each other, only two differences are apparent at first sight. The upper-right key in the input area under the display has a different icon and a rubber blind flange protects the external antenna connector on the back of the device for better reception of satellite signals. At second glance I have noticed some more differences.

A display comparison held my foremost interest. Even if the devices are very similar, the N560 had the better lighted display – it was clearer and absolutely white. It is a strange difference, and it would be foolish to draw premature conclusions, so I guess I would have to see at least three examples of each model before knowing for sure. The physical measurements of both devices are identical, but after I weighed both devices on a precise kitchen scale, I found a difference in weight of 2 grams (the N560 weighted 144 grams, the C550 two grams less, but anyway this is not a goldsmith’s scale, so take the result with a pinch of salt...). The left LED diode, among other things, indicates the activity of the GPS module. But that is all really.

Parameter differences

There are approximately the same number of parameter differences as in the case of appearance. The main difference is of course the integrated GPS, but I will speak about that in a separate section. Besides, the N560 offers a few other changes (for the better mostly). Even if the same type of processor is used in the device, it is at the moment the best that is available for a PDA. To be specific, it is the Intel PXA270 processor clocked at up to 624 MHz, and thanks to a software utility it is possible to reduce the clock cycle to 416 MHz or 208 MHZ, or to set it to automatic. The device contains the same amount of memory as the C550, which is quite a pity, because 256MB of FlashROM would suit such a high-performance device. The user has precisely 75,69MB of FlashROM and 34,5MB RAM available after a HW reset.

Besides a differently-toned light, I have found no other parameter differences. The package content is the same, sound capabilities are without change, as well as the expansion and communication possibilities or battery usage. As a matter of interest only I ran a standard battery life test and then another test with the GPS turned on. It again proved to be true that if you do not want to spend money for an extra battery, it is necessary to deal with processor performance and light intensity very carefully.

Standard test of common usage, max. light – 2h27min
GPS turned on, not used to capacity – 3h11min

GPS

And now we come to the most interesting part, which is the integrated SiRFstar III module. The Pocket LOOX N560 is definitely neither the first nor the last device with this chip (or to be more precise it is the first VGA device with the GPS module), so I am not going to harp over it for a long time and I will pass on to the particular features. As is the case with most of the devices with Windows Mobile 5 it is possible to access information on global positions from multiple applications simultaneously. And in case you do not have any navigation applications yet and you want to try the GPS out, there is a GPSLocator programme right in the ROM, which will not only specify the precise spot on which you are situated, but after saving a given position it will lead you back there infallibly. This is ideal for example for those people who wander enthusiastically through a forest, but struggle to find their parked car or starting point at the end.

I have tested the GPS with the proven TomTom only. Regarding quality of signal reception, the LOOX N560 is comparable with other PDA GPS. For fun I have tried out both the N560 and C550 with BT GPS with NaviLock in my car, and even if the N560 usually found one or two satellites less, navigation proceeded without problems and voice commands, with some exceptions, sounded almost instantaneously. What is displeasing about the GPS in the N560 is the extremely long time needed for finding your initial location. Usually it takes several minutes, but once I went 10 minutes without a signal. After the GPS locates itself it is not even then totally perfect and it is necessary to wait for another few minutes until it receives enough data for a more accurate calculation of location. Afterwards, communication functions without any problems.

Price

The new LOOX N560 costs about 1500 CZK more than his weaker brother the C550, 440EUR concretely (VAT incl.), It is of course your opinion as to whether it is a better variant for you to have everything all in one or the PDA and the GPS separately, but if you decide on the N560, the 50EUR difference is not so much for a sensitive GPS module and high-performance processor.

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Personal experience and benchmarks

And we are at the end. My personal experience is, with the exception of navigation functions, very poor. I have tested TomTom above all and have passed over the other features. The better performance of the processor can of course be seen, for example, in video playback with the TCPMP programme the N560 reached 139%, whilst the C550 reached “only” 125% in the benchmark. It is a difference, but much like in the Spb Benchmark it is just a matter of a few percentiles – the processor is indeed important, but it is only one of the important features. Everything else has been written about in the Pocket OOX C550 review, so if you are missing something here, read about it there.

To summarize, the Pocket LOOX N560 is again a very valuable device. The VGA display and GPS module combination is unique, I wonder a little over why nobody has not come with it earlier, for perhaps all navigations look better on a VGA display than a QVGA. If you have this question on the tip of your tongue, then the answer is no, not even this LOOX is perfect. Poor performance during initial localisation is especially startling, but the battery is not a thing the FSC should take pride in as well. On the other hand, the N560, with regard to its other features, is available at relatively low price, so it will certainly find its share of buyers.