1. Introduction, What is in the box 2. Design 3. Parameters 4. Acer c500 as a GPS navigator, Expandability, Pre-installed and bonus… 5. Related articles, Reader comments (0 comments)

Introduction

Acer has been one of the few manufacturers of Windows Mobile-based pocket computers that do not offer a device with an integrated cell phone. The Acer c530 under review today does not break the rank: it's a classic Pocket PC enhanced by an integrated GPS signal receiver.

Before we get to the job, I should note that the Acer c500 series includes two models, Acer c530 and Acer c510. According to available information, the only difference is a WiFi implementation in the c530. And it is this model that I borrowed for this review from Sunnysoft, a mobile solutions provider in the Czech Republic.

NB: The tested device had an English ROM version 1.10.15, All parameters, benchmarks, applications, and screenshots herein pertain to that version of the system and may vary from other versions or configurations.

What is in the box

A sizeable box contains everything a user of a mobile navigation device might need:

• Acer c530 / c510
• Battery
• Stylus
• A simple pouch
• AC adapter
• Synchronisation USB cable
• CL adapter
• Windscreen holder
• User manual
• CD-ROM 2x
• Warranty information

We shall examine the device later, let's take a look at the accessories first. The stylus is plain, made of a light silvery metal with plastic tip and top. It is 85 millimetres long and 3.5 millimetres thick, which are standard dimensions. It is usable but I would welcome a more robust one. A simple pouch is bundled for protection against scratches. It consists of two pieces of fabric lined with suede. The rim is reinforced by a strip of grey leatherette, which is the only visual design element. It is sufficient for basic protection if you carry the device in the pocket but cannot be used on the belt.

The synchronisation cable is a metre long, with a standard miniUSB connector at the end. The AC adapter is more special: first of all, it's the small form factor that makes it a real "travel accessory". Its 180-centimetre cable is also exceptional - in most cases, power cords for PDAs are much shorter.

Navigators like this find their main use as a driving assistant, which implies they need to be put in a reliable car holder. The one bundled with the device looks like a good one. It consists of two parts: an arm that attaches to the windscreen, and a cradle that holds the device firmly and securely. For greater convenience, there are grooves for the cable.

The arm is not the usual gooseneck but consists of three robust plastic sticks joined by two mutually perpendicular joints, each with a fastening screw. Very useful is a smooth adhesive pad that you can stick to a rough surface and attach the holder's suction pad to it rather than to the windscreen. Another indispensable accessory for driving the device is a CL adapter (12/24V).

One of the CD-ROMs carries standard applications from Microsoft, the other localisation software and a localised version of the manual. Finally, there is a leaflet with warranty information in the box.

1. Introduction, What is in the box 2. Design 3. Parameters 4. Acer c500 as a GPS navigator, Expandability, Pre-installed and bonus… 5. Related articles, Reader comments (0 comments)