Mio P560 review

Mio P560 Review

Reviewed by: Sandra Vogel

Reviewed on: 22 January 2008

The integrated SiRF Star III GPS receiver is another useful feature, which means the Mio P560 can double as a satellite navigation device. As already noted, you can buy the handheld either with or without Mio's own MioMap navigation software. Both Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) are integrated, with status lights for each just above the screen.

There's a hardware button that turns the device off completely, which a characteristic Mio feature that's rarely found on handhelds from other manufacturers. With this button in the 'off' position, the main on/off switch does not function. The headset connector is, unfortunately, a 2.5mm jack, so you'll need an adapter if your favourite headset uses a 3.5mm jack.

There's little by way of added software to augment the standard Windows Mobile 6 bundle. This is a pity: Mio could have enhanced the appeal of the P560 for business users by adding features like a Zip utility, for example.

Performance
We tested the Mio P560 by asking it to play music continuously, with the screen forced to remain on. We achieved 6 hours 38 minutes under these conditions, which is a little above the average although not outstanding. Not surprisingly, heavy use of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi tends to drain the battery quickly.

As far as ergonomics are concerned, we found the P560 a little large (at least for our small hands). However, this is something that works both ways, and those with larger hands who find today's Windows Mobile handhelds a little fiddly may appreciate the P560's larger extra bulk.

Additional editing by Shannon Doubleday