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Hands-on usage of the Dash Express connected GPS device
Portable GPS/navigation devices are extremely common today, but the Dash Express stands out from the crowd with its always-on connectivity to the internet that provides you with an optimal navigation... Continued »
October 9th, 2008
Can the REDFLY and WM device match the Motorola VC6096 functionality?
While checking out my RSS feeds I saw a photo in a Mobility Site post that I thought for sure was some kind of photoshopped fake device because it seems like a wide and squat Motorola Q when you take a quick look at the photo. I then went back and visited the site and followed the link to find the Motorola VC6096 is a real Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional (touch screen) device. This is one of those Windows Mobile enterprise solutions with a focus on transportation and logistics, much like those bar code scanning Windows Mobile devices you see at the Apple Store when you buy an iPhone or iPod.
The Motorola VC6096 WWAN In-Vehicle/Fixed Mount Mobile Computer runs the latest version of Windows Mobile with an Intel XScale 624MHz processor, 128MB RAM/256MB ROM, large 6.5 inch VGA (640×480) display, full QWERTY keyboard, 3.5G GSM radio, 802.11 a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth v 2.0, Class II, integrated GPS receiver, rugged construction built to MIL-STD-810F, and SecureDigital card slot. This is the first Windows Mobile device I have seen with these classes of WiFi and Bluetooth radios. The device is designed to server a specific purpose and it actually looks like a solid solution. There is no pricing available online, but I imagine it will have a rather high cost.
As regular readers here know, I am quite the fan of my REDFLY Mobile Companion and think this type of usage may work for the REDFLY. A REDFLY combined with something like an AT&T Tilt would have specs similar to this Motorola device and if a large display and keyboard were the primary reasons for selecting such a device then the fit may be a lot cheaper. A device like the Tilt also has integrated WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, and WWAN so the only missing feature would be the different WiFi and Bluetooth radios. The REDFLY is also quite rugged and can handle lots of abuse.
My buddy Joel just posted his take on the REDFLY and made the statement, “While using the REDFLY I kept wondering why someone doesn’t come out with a Windows Mobile-powered device like the REDFLY at a $200 price point.” It seems that these specialized devices that run Windows Mobile in a device like the REDFLY are focused on the enterprise and have a rather high cost. It sounds like Joel is looking for a new Handheld PC running the latest version of Windows Mobile, but the last time we saw Handheld PCs running Windows CE they were priced at US$600 to US$800+ in most cases.
October 7th, 2008
First impressions of the Dash Express connected GPS device
I checked out a Garmin StreetPilot c580 last summer and thought it was a pretty compelling dedicated GPS system since it had MSN Direct integration to provide some wireless functionality. While it was useful for some things, the MSN Direct service is not designed for real-time wireless data and coverage is limited. I have heard quite a bit about the Dash Express internet connected GPS system and have now spent just over a week with one myself and posted several product photos and screenshots in my image gallery. I also offer several first impressions about the device and its functionality below. I plan to use it for a few upcoming out-of-town trips in the next month and will write up those thoughts before I send back the evaluation unit.
| Image Gallery:The Dash Express is a very powerful GPS navigation device. |  |  | ||||
There are a few features of the Dash Express that make it unique in the growing GPS navigation market, including the Dash Driver Network, internet connectivity, and multitude of options found in MyDash.
In the box: The Dash Express retail box contains everything you need to start navigating your way to your destinations and there is nothing else needed to get connected and stay charged. The retail box contents include:
- Dash Express
- Mounting arm and cradle
- Mounting arm extension and wrench
- Dashboard mounting disk
- Car (12v) power adapter
- Wall (AC) charger
- USB interface cable
- Installation Guide
- Getting Started Guide
- Alcohol wipe
Specifications: The Dash Express is a bit large compared to some of the slimmer Garmin devices I have seen recently and you definitely won’t be carrying it around in your coat pocket. However, it is designed for in car navigation and the size is perfect for that. The display measures 4.3 inches diagonally and has a resolution of 480×272 pixels. It weighs 13.3 ounces and measures 4.8×4.1×2.8 inches in size. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is reported to last 2 hours with the screen lit, GPS, WiFi, and the GPRS cellular radio turned on, but when it is in the car you will normally have the auto charger plugged in most of the time anyways. The device uses a SIRFstarIII GPS receiver and I found it to obtain the signal within seconds every time I turned it on.
What you won’t find on the Dash: I briefly tested out the HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion, but it had several additional functions (such as games and a MP3 player) that Read the rest of this entry »
October 6th, 2008
MobileTechRoundup show #149, Netbook talk, WiMAX available, new phones in the house
Listen here (MP3, 29 MB, 31:35 minutes)
Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)
While we were recording MobileTechRoundup show #149 Kevin was able to swap out internal parts on his MSI Wind and is trying out for the Netbook pit crew. We chatted about the long-awaited release of WiMAX in Baltimore, my Palm Treo Pro, the N96 devices that James and I are now evaluating, and the 16GB microSD memory card announcement. James has a Lenovo S60 netbook and all of this talk about them has me seriously thinking of the MSI Wind that should arrive soon for me to evaluate. We also had a couple freeware products that turn your phone into a trackpad or mouse.
Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.
October 3rd, 2008
Sony announces new Reader eBook device with integrated LED and touch screen
iRex announced new ebooks with touch screen functionality last week and now Sony just announced the Sony Reader PRS-700 with touch screen functionality. I still have and enjoy using my PRS-505 and this newest model looks to have about the same form factor. Even more impressive to me than the touch screen functionality is the integrated LED reading light.
I am not quite sure what the touch screen will be good for other than flipping pages. One image shows a stylus in the hand of the person reading, but I am not sure if there is any kind of handwriting recognition or note-taking capability on the device and I’ll be searching for more details.
I often find myself wanting to read in bed at night, but need to turn on a light or use a dedicated book light. I would like to see this LED integrated light even on the PRS-505 non-touch screen device.
Sony will also be updating the Sony eBook store with a better checkout process and updated search functionality. The Sony Reader PRS-700 will be available for about US$400 in November.
Thanks to The Boy Genius Report for the link to the news.
September 30th, 2008
First Intel MID now available for $699
There was a lot of Intel MID (Mobile Internet Device) news and demos at CES back in January, but we are just now starting to see them become available. Jenn from Pocketables posted that the Aigo P8860D/Gigabyte M528 MID is now shipping from Japan for US$699 with free worldwide shipping. The device has been on ebay, but this is the first official reseller carrying the device. I haven’t read anywhere that other MID devices are coming soon with most speculation showing 2009 availability. With devices like the iPhone/iPod Touch and Nokia N810 I am not sure there is a real need for a device like these, but then again with Linux or Windows XP your browser experience should not be limited like it is on all of these existing handheld devices.
The specifications for the Aigo P8860D include:
- Atom Z500 Intel® Menlow platform with 800MHz Frequency
- 512 MB (DDR2) RAM
- 4GB SSD Storage +2GB TF card
- 4.8″ WVGA High resolution Touch Screen (800*480 pixels)
- 2700mAH 3.5 to 5.5 hrs
- WLAN: 802.11 b/g + Bluetooth 2.0 (with A2DP)
- 0.3 megapixel webcam
- 2 USB ports, audio port
- Size: 152×80x21.9mm
- Weight: 300 gr
- (OS): Linux OS MIDinux (Full english)
I understand that Windows XP drivers may be available in October as well.
Netbooks have full browser and cost less than or equal to what we see here with this first MID, however they are really not as pocketable as the MID devices look to be and are more of a laptop replacement. These MIDs take a form factor like the Nokia Internet Tablets and put a more powerful processor inside with a more powerful OS powering the experience.
Is there a market for the MIDs?
September 29th, 2008
Sprint XOHM WiMAX service launches in Baltimore
WiMAX is no longer just a wireless technology we have been hoping to see, but is now available from Sprint as XOHM in Baltimore. This highly anticipated 4G service seemed to be on shaky ground as company partnerships were worked out, but is finally a reality. The pricing options are actually reasonable and I can’t wait to try out the service.
You can purchase XOHM-branded Samsung Express air cards for US$59.99 and ZyXEL modem for US$79.99. Other devices (ZTE USB modem, WiMAX notebooks, and the Nokia N810) are expected later this year. The service fee options include a day pass for $10, $25 for monthly home internet, and $30 for monthly on-the-go service. The best deal looks to be the launch special $50/month for two different WiMAX devices. This would allow you to have a modem at home and a wireless card for when you are mobile.
There are no long-term commitments or contracts for the service either, which is a breath of fresh air here in the U.S. where most people are tied to wireless carriers for extended periods. Because of this I will be looking for some kind of device to try out as soon as support for the Puget Sound area is launched.
I don’t have high download demands and the 2 to 4 Mbps download speeds may be more than adequate for my home internet needs. The $50/month plan could save me some serious money and allow me to access the internet on the go at high speeds. Let’s hope that other cities continue to be added quickly.
Thanks to Dave Zatz for the heads-up on the news.
September 25th, 2008
Run, don’t walk, and pick up a REDFLY Mobile Companion for $199.95
I wrote up my first thoughts of the Celio Corp REDFLY Mobile Companion back in March, then I bought my own in May and then the price dropped from US$499 to US$399.95 in August. Well, now you can pick this device up for only US$199.95 and IMHO that is a steal for anyone with a Windows Mobile device looking to be productive on the go. I understand this is a “seeding” price that is only good until 31 October and I guess the intent must be to get the device out there and have people talk it up.
Celio keeps working on and releasing device drivers so development is continuing with the REDFLY and I sure hope this major price drop is not any indication of trouble in the near future. I like using my REDFLY on my commute and on business trips and want to see driver support continue for years, along with expanded drivers for S60 and maybe even the Android OS.
I think this is a perfect enterprise device since you can send employees out on the road with it and their phone to give presentations and work on Office documents without worrying about security issues or even damage to the device.
I keep reading this price and am just amazed it dropped down this far. I was happy to pay what I paid for mine and really hope this lower price takes price out of the equation for potential buyers as I want to see continued development of drivers and support for this excellent product. I think at just under US$200 the purchase is a “no brainer” for any Windows Mobile enthusiast or enterprise user.
September 25th, 2008
Slingbox PRO-HD now shipping with HD streaming capability
The Slingbox PRO-HD is now shipping, for US$299.99, and you can now enjoy full HD quality video anywhere you may be traveling. Our own Josh Taylor posted a review of the new unit this morning. Dave Zatz also posted some pics and offers some thoughts on the new Slingbox PRO-HD and links to a full review on Sling Community. The Slingbox PRO-HD offers HD streaming, multiple input, and a built-in digital tuner that allows you to watch TV independently of your cable box in case someone else is watching your TV at home and you still want to connect to your home system.
My Slingbox Classic is looking quite dated now and I may soon have to pass it along to a family member and get myself an updated Slingbox. I wonder what the video quality would be on one of the new high resolution Windows Mobile devices like the Touch Diamond or the Touch Pro HD? As shown in Josh’s review, the difference between the Classic and PRO HD is incredible and I hope the mobile clients support this improvement too. I just read more details of Josh’s post and see that the upstream won’t support HD outside your home network so it is really designed for working with the upcoming SlingCatcher more than remote viewing.
I also was just sent a HAVA Platinum HD unit to test out and am considering the HAVA Wireless HD that looks to have most of the same specs as this new Slingbox PRO-HD. One thing I can’t wait to test out on the HAVA unit is the free mobile clients for S60, Windows Mobile, and the Nokia Internet Tablet. HAVA doesn’t have a Mac client, but there is no Mac HD client yet for the Slingbox either.
These both look like great solutions for placeshifting your video content and now that the new season of shows has started up and I have some fall travel coming I need to get my system up and running soon.
September 24th, 2008
Will a 6600 mAh battery convince you to buy an HTC Shift?
On my recent trip to New York to cover the T-Mobile G1 Android launch I traveled with just a backpack and used my Fujitsu U810 to write on the road. It was adequate, but the keyboard is quite small and limits how fast I can type. I reviewed the Sprint version HTC Shift back in March and one of the major flaws for me was the poor battery life. Paul at MoDaCo just posted a review of a new 3rd party 6600 mAh battery for the Shift that has me thinking about the device again. This whopping battery (compared to the minimal 2700 mAh battery loaded in the device) is priced at US$239.95.
I see that an open box 3G version (compatible with US 3G on AT&T) is available on Dynamism for US$999 and I am tempted to sell my Fujitsu U810 and pick up the Shift. Then again, this battery adds some considerable size to the device with a nice new cover provided by Mugen Power.
It’s not just the battery that would improve the device, but Paul also posted on how to enable GPS and Windows XP is almost up and running on the device as well. I know I should probably stick with something like the MSI Wind for much less cost and am looking at that device too (I may have an eval unit soon) since it has a much more usable keyboard and better specs.
September 22nd, 2008
iRex announces 3 new ebook readers priced from $649 to $849
I was just reading Mitch’s post on ebooks this morning and stumbled across the Engadget post announcing three new iRex Digital Readers. These ebooks readers are very high priced at US$649, US$749, and US$849 so you need to be a serious ebook fan to want to fork out this much for a reader.
The entry level model, the 1000, has a 10.2 inch display and looks to use the same kind of 16-level grayscale display seen on the Sony Reader FRS-505. It has a Secure Digital slot for storage and supports the Mobipocket DRM book format along with Adobe PDF, txt, and html. Image files are supported, but I don’t see anything in the specifications about audio format support. The 1000S has the same specs with a Waxom penabled touch sensor display and stylus for note taking capability. The 1000SW has the same specs as the 1000S with WiFi and Bluetooth radios for wireless connectivity. I don’t see any details on wireless access to an ebook store or an internet browser, but there has to be some kind of intent for the wireless feature other than connecting to your PC to transfer documents and books.
I am very happy with my Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader and won’t be jumping on these expensive models anytime soon. I think the handwriting could come in handy for the educational market, but the price is quite high and I would like to see more details on transferring notes back to a PC for archiving and usage off the device. Does anyone plan to pick one of these up and for what purposes?
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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Recent Entries
- Can the REDFLY and WM device match the Motorola VC6096 functionality?
- First impressions of the Dash Express connected GPS device
- MobileTechRoundup show #149, Netbook talk, WiMAX available, new phones in the house
- Sony announces new Reader eBook device with integrated LED and touch screen
- First Intel MID now available for $699
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