Navman Launches GPS-Enabled Pocket PC

Navman, a company well-known for its GPS and mapping solutions, is now offering the PiN, a Pocket PC with a built-in GPS receiver.

This isn't actually a new device, though. The PiN (Personal Interactive Navigation) is a rebranded version of the MiTAC Mio 168.

Navman's version comes with a pre-loaded configuration card with the latest version of SmartST, its navigation software. This includes Microsoft Pocket Outlook integration for address-to-contact routing, a ZIP code search tool, the ability to pre-select areas to avoid, a town-to-town routing function, complete route summary, enhanced zooming functionality, and a 3D map display option.

Other features include address-to-address routing, selectable map views, automatic and manual zoom for map detail control, Back-on-Track rerouting when off-course, day and night screen modes, and an extensive points-of-interest library. It provides voice guidance, in addition to visual driving instructions.

Hardware

The Navman PiN runs Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC on a 300 MHz Intel XScale PXA255 processor. It has 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM.

This model includes a 3.5-inch, 65,000-color transflective TFT LCD screen at 240 by 320 pixels. It has an SD/MMC memory card slot that is compatible with SDIO.

Of course, the PiN's most significant feature is its built-in GPS receiver. This is similar to Garmin's iQue 3600, in that a large antenna is mounted to the back of the device. This can be swiveled up when the GPS receiver is in use, or flipped down to get it out of the way if it isn't needed.

The complete PiN solution includes detailed street-level mapping for the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada, as well as a vehicle power adapter and mounting bracket. A USB sync cable and power cable is also included.

The list price for the Navman PiN is $499.95, but Amazon.com is offering it for $461.95.

For more information about the PiN, visit the Navman web site.

Related Links

• New GPS Solution For Palm OS 5 Available Soon From Navman