I had access to a pre-release version of the new Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX N500 last week. My playtime was cut short by a low battery warning and it was not possible to recharge the unit as a compatible charger had not been provided. Hope they fix that in the consumer version! Although a number of reviews have already appeared, I thought I’d chip in with my comments.
The N500 has a 312MHz PXA270 processor and indicated that roughly 50MB of storage were available. The built-in 128MB storage is divided into RAM and ROM. A single SDIO slot for MMC or SD cards is available. The integrated GPS receiver provides a reason for the unit’s naming: N as in Navigation. The N500 provides little in the way of connectivity. Bluetooth and wireless connectivity is missing. This is a pity, as a PocketPC is very useful for retrieving Email or browsing the Internet on the move. A separate purchase of a suitable SDIO card is required for this functionality. Infrared communication is available, but is starting to be less useful given the proliferation of Bluetooth on many devices. Fujitsu-Siemens are targeting those seeking a low-cost navigation solution. I consider the QVGA display resolution somewhat disappointing at only 240×320. Obviously the display is the most costly component and had to be trimmed down. In my opinion, the graphics capabilities are serviceable but not impressive.
The operating system is the new Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. New applications included with the Mobile 5.0 release are Activesync 4.0 and PowerPoint Mobile. Excel Mobile, Word Mobile and Outlook Mobile are provided, as is the Pocket Internet Explorer. Simpler network management and a Microsoft error reporting application are present.
A new feature that should prove useful is the ability to redirect audio output to BT headsets, cradle connector, speaker, receiver or headphone. This provides options for listening to navigation software voice prompts or other audio content.
Verdict: limited connectivity is probably the downfall of any mobile device. In this case, the lack of wireless or Bluetooth is a pity. Using the SDIO slot for a wireless card means that map data may have to be removed if on a storage card. The QVGA screen is a step backwards, especially since the primary use will be navigation. The device is small, lightweight and easy to pocket. All things considered, the N500 will serve those looking for a cheap navigation solution well. Depends on the price of course, and whether or not navigation software will be bundled to keep the total solution cost down. 
The latest album by South African band Watershed was produced together with UK outfit James. The idea was to make Watershed sound more progressive. To some degree, the collaboration is a success. Track 4 “Close my eyes” reminds of Coldplay. It’s a pity that the hit single “Live another day” is the opener – no other track on the album is able to come close to it. Mosaic lives up to its name: a mix of different tunes that certainly deserve a second or third listen to work their way in. Not as good as their last album, though. 
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