Buy Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N560 with Extended Battery and 2GB SD Card

B C Gage| 03/12/2009

Excellent service from TotalPDA - order delivered quickly.

Bought to replace a Mio which has a habit of freezing and battery performance was poor.

Installed Memory Map initally using Activsync on Windows XP but later found that you can install it using Mobile Device Centre on Vista (or presumably Windows 7). Memory Map FAQs say you can only use Activsync and although I emailed them to suggest that they updated their website I received no reply (there's a surprise!). Wish I'd bought Anquet rather than Memory Map - cheaper and seems to perform jsut as well.

The only problem I've had with the Loox is when I changed the settings to UK English from US English. Everything worked apart from Memory Map which wouldn't open. I did a factory reset and loaded MM again which works fine as long as you leave settings on the PDA on US English.

Following the advice from Matthew Fry I downloaded the patch from Fujitsu and have had no problems locking on to Satellites. Used a 4gb SD card with no problem. I completely agree that it sad that Fujitsu have stopped making Pdas

Great piece of kit. Thanks for all the advice from other users!

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Stephen Mendham| 07/11/2009

This is a great unit at a bargain price. I bought this model to use with Memory Maps and it has been excellent for this purpose. Battery life is excellent and the display is very good.

I have little to add to the other glowing reviews on here which the unit fully deserves. Like others, I am currently trying to locate a case to better protect it in the great outdoors.

I must also mention the superb service from TotalPDA. An error I made in placing this order was very promptly and courteously corrected with minimum fuss. Full marks to TotalPDA.

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Ronald Edkins| 29/10/2009

Ron Edkins 29/10/2009

I puschased one of these Loox N560 units and the Garmin Mobile XT Nav map a fiew weeks ago, It has also been used for flying navigation using the Memory-map CAA 500K and 250k:1M. The software is very easy to set up and the performance and build quality of the unit is superb.

The screen resolution is 480 x 640 pixel's and is 4 times the resolution of some of the more expensive units, although this model is now a little dated it still out perfoms some newer units, and with the added advantage that the OS is up-gradeable to MS Mobile V6.xx, so it should give good future service.

However as with all GPS systems you will need to patient when the unit is first switchd on, as it needs to download the almanac information for the first Fix and will need at least three satellites to give a position.

If you use the unit at night in some parts of the country particularly in built-up or woodland areas the satellite signal strength is sometimes reduced and it can take extra time to locate the position, this can be improved by using the Bluetooth to a remote GPS receiver, this works very well and is easy to set-up on an outgoing Com Port, (with the Motorola T805 Com Port 6)

TIP:

Once the position is locked-on, use only the standby mode (suspend/Resume) if you need to conserve power and it will locate the position instantly when re-activated.

Download the manual from the FS website.

The 300mAh battery gives about 10 hours of constant use with Memory-map at almost full brightness with battery saving.

Final Comment:

An Excellent product, from an Excellent company who place the customer first.

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mark bell| 27/10/2009

Bought to replace my hp that was dropped even with the garmin maps
it was cheaper than a repair. good product backed up by great service, RESULT. Helpful reviews from other users made the decision even easier.
Thank you TotalPDA team

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Matthew Fry| 25/10/2009

I bought one of these units as it was one listed as being compatible with Pocket Anquet on the Anquet site. What a great device it is. It' a real shame that Fujitsu-Siemens don't make PDA's any more. For some reason they took the decision to pull the plug on them.

As with some other people, I noticed the the box appeared to have been opened when I got it. I can only assume this is done to put the non-standard 3000ma/h battery and the extended battery cover in?

When I first started messing around with the unit, I found that the GPS locator was a bit flakey, and would actually get stuck on – not even zapping it from the program manager could get rid of it! I downloaded a patch from http://ts.fujitsu.com/support/downloads.html (just select the model etc.) Select “Show all drivers”, then select the GPS Instant Fix (English language). That seems to address the issue.

A word of caution here. The unit as supplied with WM5 installed (apparently it's not an issue with WM6) can't manage anything bigger than a 2Gb SD card. That caught me out as I bought a 16Gb SDHC card to use with the N560. The card just wasn't recognised. I felt a bit miffed about that, so I did a bit of research and found a solution in the form of a driver update. This can be found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=388364. After installing this driver and re-booting – hey presto – my 16Gb card appeared! I guess that an even bigger card (32, or even 64Gb) would work if you can afford one!

Out on the field (so to speak!) with Pocket Anquet, the unit performed impeccably. Once it has fixed on the available satellites, it stays locked on them in pretty well any conditions. The initial fix when you first use the Loox takes a little while for it to work out what's going on. Some 15 minutes or so. As with any GPS device, your best bet is to be out in an open space and not move around too much until the unit has a decent fix.

The longest walk I've been on with it (in the 2 weeks I've possessed it) has been 10½ miles. For a good part of that time the back-light was on (it's still a novelty for me so I just had to mess around!) During that time the battery was depleted to about 38%. I guess if you wanted to do some serious walking with the Loox, you may need another extended battery to change to in mid-walk?

Using Pocket Anquet out of the box, you'll probably want a more discernible icon than the ones supplied for the “you are here” position. I've produced some hopefully more legible ones which I've uploaded to the Anquet icon directory on my unit to save a bit of squinting in the future! Using Pocket Anquet I've found a couple of niggles with it, but they're way beyond the scope of this review, and not a fault of the N560.

One concern for me on using a PDA, rather than a dedicated hand-held GPS device, is that it could be a bit vulnerable in pouring rain, or if you inadvertently drop it (dedicated GPS devices tend to be as tough as old boots). I did miss some sort of “lanyard” to wrap around my wrist while using the Loox, but to be honest, that's not a negative comment, as I'm not sure if any PDA's have such a restraining attachment.

Once again, don't miss the opportunity to buy one of these units while they're still available – they're really great value at this price, and you won't be disappointed by them. Totalpda's service is also brilliant and I received the N560 in a very timely fashion!

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Simon Bullock| 14/10/2009

Brought this unit a few months ago after hunting around the net for a good value for money PDA.
Came across Total PDA and the Loox offer and decided to order one.
As per the other comments made, yes the box was opened and but the items inside were in perfect condition.
Overall the Loox is very good especially for the price. The extended battery does add weight and bulk to the size but isn't too much of a hindrance.
As mentioned there isn't much out there for this device as it's discontinued. However I've managed to upgrade from WM5 to WM6.1 and now currently running WM6.5 with TomTom 7 installed and running fine.
WM6.1 runs faster than WM5 and the battery times are better. I haven't had WM6.5 running long enough to work out if it's better than WM6.1 for battery time.

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Jonathan Dodd| 06/10/2009

I just bought one of these to replace a Medion which so far as I can see is the Mitac under a different brand and as has been said elsewhere suffers from a weakness in a similar cable connection. Being aware of that now I only intend to use this on foot with Navigon and Memory Map and will be very careful with the connector. The display is excellent. The Memory Maps are much sharper and position finding seems quick after first start up. The extra battery life should be useful.

I would like to find a case to protect this as I really intend to use it for hiking when it could do with some protection but all those I can see on the web so far look as if they are not intended to cope with the extended battery.

The TotalPDA service is great. The first one they sent had a dud GPS unit but was replaced no quibble straight away and they refunded the return postage and their support guy very helpfully responded to emails.

The built in instructions tell you to set the GPS to a COM port for software to access it - the hardware port is COM8 by default. I was told to set it to COM0 and my software likewise but though the built in GPS Locator Programme would work with the software port set to either none or COM0 neither Navigon or Memory Map would. Memory map told me to set their programme to COM8 same as the hardware and it works as does Navigon.

Overall a high quality and refined device.

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David Williams| 24/09/2009

As quoted by a previous reviewer mine arrived and appeared to have been opened. No problems with the PDA though which seems to be brand new. Purchased this to replace my ageing Mitac Mio 168 which had finally given up the ghost. First impressions are good and the device certainly seems to be well made and robust. Unlike the Mio, however, there are no accessories with N560. In particular I need a mount for in car use and there was no protective case for the device. I would also like to use a desktop docking station. These can be costly items if you have to buy them separately. The inclusion of the extended battery is certainly a useful feature, but provides rather a tricky obstacle to overcome. This battery is larger than the original and consequently a modified case has been supplied with the unit to accommodate the battery. This increases the depth of the unit from 15mm to 22mm. Furthermore this only extends to cover the battery. Consequently the unit has a 6mm hump on the back of the unit. This does not pose a problem when using the unit, but makes it very difficult to find a protective case which will fit the unit properly. I have been reluctant to purchase any of the cases advertised for the N560 as I believe these may not accommodate the unit with the extended battery. Fujitsu Siemens have now ceased manufacture of any PDA devices which may explain the rapid disappearance of any information on there web site. Documentation including all user manuals can however still be found at http://uk.ts.fujitsu.com/rl/servicesupport/techsupport/pda/pda_index.html

I have also taken note that the device uses a proprietary socket instead of a mini USB port to connect to a P/C or charger. The socket is very similar to that used on the Mitac Mio 168. The socket on the Mio was prone to failure. The reason being is that the connection can be broken inside the device if you do not take care when connecting it to the P/C or charging cable. I believe the problem was made even worse by using an in-car charging socket connected to the device whilst driving. The constant vibration is a potential source of failure. As a result I am seeking both a desktop docking station and a Brodit N560 active holder
http://www.brodit.com/

In conclusion then I believe the device to be a great replacement for my old but trusty Mio 168. It's a great windows mobile 5 device, and if you can 'live' with the fact that it's now a discontinued model, it's a great buy at £115

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Peter Bateman| 14/09/2009

This is a super little PDA with a wonderful display screen, also the touch screen is very responsive when using the stylus which is housed in the back of the unit, in fact if you didn't know it was there then you would not see it.
Wifi works well and MSN messenger works well ( be nice to have a cam on board)
The bubble breaker game which is on the windows software will drive you mad I just cant stop playing it! The windows mobile software is now showing it's age but hey what do you want for this price.
The only down side is I can't find a manual the enclosed CD is of no use and a note in the packaging says the manual has been updated and is now on the web site I have checked and it is not there only for later models. Also a token for free software is now out of date and no longer of any use.
You can find information about this PDA on you tube which shows some of the functions of the device. would be interested if anyone knows of a manual.
Total PDA were quick to deliver the goods.

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Mike Kirby| 07/09/2009

A discontinued model, competitively priced. Advertised as 'new', but the box received did look as if it had been opened previously. Nonethe less, contents were as specified and in pristine condition. Response time for shipping was first rate. I congratulate TotalPDA on their excellent service. I am up and running now. Mainly, I will be using my Loox Pocket PC with Anquet Maps as a navigator for hiking and rambling. Out yesterday in the South Lakes. The Loox performed as well as my Mio which (sadly) has had to be replaced.

I have no hesitation recommending the Loox N560.

I will buy from TotalPDA in future,

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Ian Irving| 09/08/2009

Excellent item. Mainly purchased for use with GPS - and works superbly. Locks on to satellites very quickly and easy to set up with both Memory Maps and Anquet. Lovely display. Easily configured for network/internet access (but avoid WAP!) and messaging. All in all worth every penny, good build quality.

Excellent service from Totalpda - highly recommended.

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Mark Taylor| 08/05/2009

Good pocket PC. Purchased it on TotalPDA for £194. I will say in advance that this device is excellent! Although this is a model of 2006 year, its characteristics are still up-to-date! ...i took this model just for navigation! ... installed iGO 8, it works great, stable connection, though it starts slowly when it is cold.
Also used it as mp3 player – excellent (it is just important to give it high quality music of 320 k/sec and higher).
Once dropped it casually on the street (it was in a leather case) there was no any problems with its work.
Regarding services i should say it is on the top level – they quickly delivered my order. Everything listed on site was included in the package.

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Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N560 PDA with Extended Battery and 2GB SD Card