Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 420

All familiar Pocket PC specifications: 64MB memory, 400MHz processor and
a 240×320 colour screen, this is a meat-and-potatoes PDA. Becoming something
of the norm now, even for low-end Pocket PCs, the 420 comes with both
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – a
sensible move in today’s world of proliferating wireless access points
and Bluetooth connectivity. This model was released just prior to the
rol lout of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, but the update is available
as a free download for 420 owners.

For somewhat less money than the forthcoming camera-less LOX 710, there’s
surprisingly little to differentiate the two. The Pocket LOX 420 is noticeably
smaller overall, at a diminutive 112x70x14mm (4.4×2.75×0.5"), 30g
(1oz) lighter, and lacks a CompactFlash expansion slot, flash memory storage
and jog dial navigation. The lack of a jog dial is a minor disappointment,
but given the significant price saving, most users will happily forego
this and the other small differences in favour of the cheaper, more compact
and lightweight Pocket LOX 420.

With the new breed of VGA-resolution Pocket PCs now appearing, it’s hard
not to think of all 240 x 320 devices as yesterday’s technology. No more
than a year ago the Pocket LOX 420 would have been a truly remarkable
device, with both Bluetooth and WLAN technologies built into a sub-140g
device, and to find such a package at well below the £300 price
point would have been unthinkable. At this price, and with a removable
battery pack, smart desktop docking cradle and leather slip case thrown
in, it may be tough to get wildly enthused about the technology, but the
LOX 420 is nonetheless a very capable and tote able handheld at an excellent
price.