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SCMP Reporter

Asus MyPal A620 Pocket PC

Specifications

Price: HK$2,680/HK$2,880 (with bonus software package)

Pros: Inexpensive and powerful, good software bundle

Cons: Poor built-in speaker, might not survive a drop

Taiwan's army of original equipment manufacturers have become the mainstay of Microsoft's Pocket PC platform. At one time, these firms were known only as the small print on the back of big brand gadgets from Hewlett-Packard or Viewsonic, but now some, such as AsusTek Computer, have gained enough respect to sell on their own prestige.

The Asus MyPal A620 is an attractive device, offering few innovations but first-class technology at a budget price. The device runs on a 400-megahertz XScale PXA255 processor from Intel, and comes with 32 megabyte of flash memory and 64MB of storage for additional data or applications. These days, 64MB is enough for nobody, so the device offers expansion with a Type II Compact Flash slot.

The A620 is almost a full multimedia machine. It has a crisp, 240x320 resolution display with 65,000 colours, has a built-in microphone and speaker, and can play back stereo MP3 files. The earphone jack is indispensable though, as the built-in speaker produces whispers that you'll need a sound-proof room to appreciate. The handheld has a street price of HK$2,680. For HK$200 extra you get the Deluxe version, which bundles MapKing 2003 Hong Kong Map (PC and Pocket PC versions), Money Tracer personal finance software and, as the unit runs the English edition of Pocket PC 2002, Monster SIP Chinese interface.

There is also a compelling new game called ''Dung Cleaner'', which involves racing to gather huge piles of excrement while being pursued by killer aliens. It is worth buying the gadget just for the game.

Both versions come with the Pocket Genius Chinese/English Dictionary, photo, contact and presentation software. They also include Asus SmartKeeper; a backup system that can automatically save your data to a Compact Flash card whenever the unitUs battery approaches empty. Considering the speed at which the A620 devours power, backup software is an excellent and much needed addition.



Mini-multimedia machine delivers at a budget price