Windows Phone Thoughts: Road Trip Revolutions: The MyGuide 500 Navigation System Reviewed

What’s Inside?
The built-in GPS receiver is based on the latest SiRF Star III chipset. This chipset provides much improved sensitivity and reduced power consumption when compared to previous chipsets. The lithium ion battery is claimed to last for 8 total hours of operation, or 5 hours with the GPS on. The battery is replaceable, leaving open the option of buying and using a spare battery.

Aside from the addition of the GPS receiver, the MyGuide hardware makes it a mid-range Pocket PC in today’s marketplace. As such, it comes equipped with Windows Mobile 2003 SE, a 3.5” transreflective screen with QVGA (320 x 240 resolution), an Intel® Bulverde PXA-270, 312/416 MHz CPU and 64 MB RAM/64 MB ROM. Additional features include a single I/O capable SD slot, IrDA and a USB v1.1 mini port.

Of the more common “high-end” Pocket PC features not included with the MyGuide, there are two that I’d miss. First, with the increasing availability of Wi-Fi service in restaurants, schools and other locations, the lack of Wi-Fi might be a drawback for some potential buyers. Second, given that the maps for OCN5 take up almost the entire included 1 GB SD card, another memory card slot would be welcome. However, since 2 GB SD cards are now becoming available, that would be another option.

Of course, the GPS hardware, software, SD card, windshield mount and car adapter bundled with the MyGuide would set you back $250 or more if you had to buy them for a standard Pocket PC. So the manufacturer clearly decided that the sophisticated GPS functionality provided by the MyGuide would offset the lack of other high-end features, especially at an MSRP of $599. I feel it’s a reasonable trade-off, one that keeps the MyGuide very competitive with its dedicated GPS competition.

Using the MyGuide
The MyGuide’s QVGA screen is well suited for a navigation system. It’s very legible under all conditions, including sunlight and at night with the backlight. The built-in speaker pumps out lots of volume, so you can hear the voice commands without difficulty.

The supplied windshield mount and bracket seem well-designed and durable. The mount sticks to your windshield tenaciously, and it’s rigid enough so that shaking of the unit is minimized while driving. The mount allows for easy removal of the MyGuide, which makes taking the unit with you (for use as a PDA and for protection against theft) a simple matter.

As a Pocket PC, you have access to the built-in apps, including Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and Pocket Outlook, as well as the ability to add additional applications. This kind of functionality can be a big advantage over the dedicated nav units.