MiTAC Preparing Updated Pocket PC with Built-In GPS Receiver

Last year, MiTAC released the first Pocket PC with a built-in GPS receiver. Now it appears the company is working on an improved version of this device.

Currently, information on this model, which will be called the Mio 188, is extremely sketchy, but an anonymous source did reveal a few details to GpsPasSion.

It appears that MiTAC did an almost complete redesign on this model. As part of this, the Mio 188's external GPS antenna will be smaller than the one on its predecessor, the Mio 168.

In addition, the pictures that were leaked to GpsPasSion show that the buttons and D-pad on this model have been placed in such a way that the Mio 188 can easily be used with its screen in either landscape or portrait mode, a very strong indication that this Pocket PC will use Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition.

In fact, it almost appears as if this device will be easier to use on landscape mode than it will in portrait (see picture at left).

Unfortunately, at this point nothing else is known about the Mio 188, including screen resolution, memory, processor speed, etc. It is not known when MiTAC plans to release this model, or what it will cost.

Thanks to Engadet for the tip.

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