Discovering the Mitac MIO A502 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Mitac MIO A502

The Mitac MIO A502 was a mobile device announced in the fourth quarter of 2007. Although it was ultimately cancelled, the device was intended to operate on the Windows Mobile 6 Professional platform and was set to feature a decent array of specifications and features suitable for its time. Its compact design and integrated GPS were standout features for potential users who needed on-the-go navigation and management capabilities.

Design and Build

The device was designed with portability and usability in mind, featuring dimensions of 95.7 x 59.6 x 20.7 mm and weighing 135 grams. It was crafted to comfortably fit in the palm of the hand or slip easily into a pocket. The Mitac MIO A502 was equipped with a TFT resistive touchscreen that supported 256K colors across a 2.7-inch display. Although the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 39.6%, it ensured clear visibility and readability with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, providing a pixel density of around 148 ppi.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the MIO A502 was set to be powered by the TI OMAP 850 chipset and a 200 MHz ARM926EJ-S processor. While not groundbreaking by today’s standards, this setup was adequate for handling basic tasks and applications during its time. The device came with 64MB of RAM and an internal storage option that varied by region. The storage could be expanded via SD/MMC and SDIO card slots, offering flexibility for users to store additional data, applications, and multimedia files.

Camera

The device featured a single 2 MP rear camera accompanied by an LED flash, capable of taking photos and recording video. The camera was moderate for basic photography and capturing quick moments, although it lacked advanced features such as auto-focus or image stabilization, which were less common at the time.

Connectivity and Networking

The Mitac MIO A502 supported GSM networks with coverage for 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, making it versatile for international use. The device offered GPRS Class 10 for data connectivity, although it did not support EDGE or more advanced mobile data technologies. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless peripherals and data exchange, as well as a miniUSB 2.0 port for physical connections and charging.

GPS and Navigation Features

One of the highlights of the MIO A502 was its built-in GPS, powered by the SiRF Star III chipset, renowned for its precise and reliable location tracking abilities. This feature was particularly beneficial for users needing accurate navigation for personal or professional travels.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 1050mAh battery powered the Mitac MIO A502. While modest by contemporary standards, it delivered a standby time of up to 200 hours, ensuring satisfactory longevity for daily use without frequent recharging.

Operating System and Software

The device ran on the Windows Mobile 6 Professional platform, which was proficient in supporting a variety of applications suitable for productivity, communication, and personalization. The operating system allowed access to essential PIM tools and the capability to run a selection of third-party applications, expanding the device's functionalities significantly.

Sound and Multimedia

Audio functionalities included support for polyphonic and MP3 ringtones and a loudspeaker feature. However, it lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, necessitating adapters for connecting audio equipment.

Conclusion

Although the Mitac MIO A502 never realized a market launch, it represented an intriguing amalgamation of navigation proficiency, compact design, and practical functionality for its era. The device's capabilities, although basic when considered by modern standards, would have likely catered well to business professionals and travelers looking for a reliable mobile productivity tool equipped with robust GPS navigational support.