N100 given 'Best Budget Buy' in The Independent...

The Independent gave the Pocket Loox N100 the 'Best Budget Buy' Sat Nav System in a review of the top Satellite navigation systems. Here's what they had to say:

" The Pocket LOOX is incredibly easy to use, with a 2.8-inch touchscreen and a sensitive GPS antenna.Navigation is fast, easy and Reliable."

(The Independent, 17th Aug 2006)

'The Register' review the Pocket Loox N100...

I've just read an excellent review that 'The Register' have written on the N100. They give it 85% and apart from a couple of minor points are very complimentary about it.

Have a look at http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/15/review_fujitsu_siemens_pocket_loox_n100/ and see for yourself...

Ok, here's a few more N100 screen images I've been sent in the last few days.

Sat Nav:



Calculator:



Multi-format Mp3 Player:



World Clock:



and Games:



and another N100 images (looking very ipod)...

The Pocket Loox N100 is now available...

Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N100 hits the UK...

The Pocket Loox N100 has finally arrived and is now available to buy in the UK.

The latest addition to the Pocket Loox series is not a PDA like the existing Pocket Loox models, rather a PNA (Personal Navigation Assistant). But wait, its not only a personal sat nav device, it's also an MP3 player (well an MP3, AAC and WMA player actually). So, you can listen to music while navigating in the car or on foot. Pretty cool hey!

This much anticipated piece of kit can now be purchased from the Fujitsu Siemens UK reseller, Nice PC (www.nice-pc.co.uk) for £249.99.

The N100 basic spec is as follows but the full datasheet can be found at

http://www.nice-pc.co.uk/pdfs/ds_pocket_loox_n100.pdf

Pocket Loox N100 Spec

• Processor - Samsung® MCP3 300Mhz
• Memory - System memory (RAM) 64 MB, Flash memory (ROM) 128 MB
• GPS - Full integrated SiRFstarIII module and integrated antenna
• Display - 2.8" QVGA 240 x 320 colour transflective TFT Touchscreen, 64k colours
• Navigation Software - NAVIGON MobileNavigator 6, Licence code for Country Map
• Accessories (Included) - Car holder, Car charger, AC adapter, USB cable, Headset
  and Mini SD card (1GB)
• Operating System: Windows CE 5.0
• Language - Multilingual
• Size - 89mm x 62mm x 16mm (H x W x D)
• Weight: 110g

According to Fujitsu Siemens the Pocket Loox N100 is the lightest and smallest personal navigation device available. With pocket-sized dimensions and weighing in at just 110g its ultra-portable and looks the business as well.

Personal Navigation

The N100 uses the latest MobileNavigator 6 software from Navigon. The application and UK map come pre-installed (with 37 other European countries available on the DVD included) so there's no special configuration required. More info on the MobileNavigator6 software can be found at http://www.navigon.com/site/mn6/en, where the flash demo details the following features:

• 2D & 3D Map views
• Route planner
• Lane assistant
• Speed assitant
• Voice guidance
• Voice entry - navigate by voice command
• Intuitive interface
• Traffic Jam information - (optional module)
• Dynamic route information - keep track of your journey
• Optimal route - conserve your petrol!
• 3D points of interest - shows attractions on the map
• Country specific information
• Real signposting view

The N100 comes with a car holder which fixes to the windscreen (see images below which are from http://www.mobinaute.com/mobinaute/article.php?id=20060714170814).

Music Player

The N100 features a 1GB MP3 Player that can handle MP3, AAC and WMA audio formats, which means if you encode your music using itunes then your songs can be transfered (via USB) to the Pocket Loox. Whats more there's no software needed, all file transfers can be done through Windows Explorer. The N100 comes with a 1GB Sd card but a larger 2GB SD card is also available so you can store more music tracks (approximately 500 songs).

Battery

The N100 uses a 1100mAh Lithium-ion battery which is rechargeable and exchangeable. The unit comes with an in car charger and AC mains adapter.

Design

2 facias are supplied with the unit (black and white I believe), however replacement designs are anticipated and will no doubt be available soon.

Games

The Pocket Loox N100 comes complete with its own retro games. Not sure what these are yet, so if anyone else knows please let me know.

Extras

The N100 also includes a World Timer, Alarm, Calendar and Calculator.

Summary

All in all the Pocket Loox N100 looks like a pretty cool gadget. It's got many advantages over the existing sat nav offerings, its biggest being the multi-format MP3 player, which no other personal sat nav can boast (not that I know of anyway). In addition, its size means its easy to slip in the pocket and carry with you, so theres no excuse for ever being lost (or late) again!