The A696 ASUS is a cool GPS unit

Category: Review on Asus A696 GPS Pocket PC

Posted by: 27-Apr-2008

Strengths: High quality results, Windows Mobile 5 built-in, media player

Weaknesses: Faces tough competition from mobile-phone based GPS devices

The A696 ASUS is a huge improvement from previous versions of the GPS devices by ASUS and it demonstrates a wide range of features in a much sleeker body than ever before. With Windows Mobile 5 on the software front, the A696 is set to change the way people navigate and use value-added services when on the move. The GPS Pocket PC is not too difficult to carry as well.

The slim exterior really works to the advantage of users since it makes the ASUS A696 highly portable. Coming back to the Windows Mobile 5, it is really a blessing as it allows you to access many online applications and view common Office attachments. Availability of internet access also makes it possible for users to browse the internet as well as indulge in messaging. The processor speed leave little to be desired as it is quite fast and though the screen is at 3.5 inches only, it does not fade out in the sun.

The entertainment quotient of the ASUS A696 is also good as it sports the media player and an excellent sound playback capacity. It is likely that you will be able to enjoy the ASUS A696 only in a closed environment; it does manage to be quite versatile for a GPS unit. The downfall of ASUS A696 is not from the set of features that it has but from the fact that GPS is now part of many smart phones thus making the requirement of another device unnecessary. Having said that it is worth noting that the ASUS A696 is still a worthwhile purchase.