Mitac MIO A702 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview

The Mitac MIO A702 is a pioneering device released in September 2007, offering a combination of smartphone and GPS capabilities that were quite advanced for its time. The device targets users who desired both communication tools and navigation capabilities in a single compact unit. Its release came at a time when mobile technology was rapidly evolving, and it stood out with specific features and design elements indicative of Mitac's innovative approach.

Design and Build

The MIO A702 is characterized by its practical design, measuring 110 x 57.5 x 16.5 mm and weighing 148 g, providing a sturdy feel in the user's hand. The build accommodates a Mini-SIM card, offering standard GSM connectivity. Though its proportions may seem bulky by today's slim standards, during its release, it was quite competitive. The tactile feel and overall robustness suggest Mitac's focus on durability and functionality.

Display

The device features a 2.7-inch TFT resistive touchscreen that supports 65K colors, with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Although modest, this display was adequate for executing its primary functions, particularly for navigation and basic mobile tasks. Given its approximate screen-to-body ratio of 35.7%, the display was not full-screen by contemporary standards, implying more emphasis on hardware buttons and functional design.

Operating System and Performance

The Mitac MIO A702 runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional. This OS was synonymous with business and enterprise solutions at the time, providing a structured environment for task management, email, and office apps. It operated with a TI OMAP 850 chipset and a 200 MHz ARM926EJ-S CPU, a configuration offering efficient performance for standard applications and the included navigation tools.

Memory and Storage

With 64MB of RAM and internal storage that varied from 256MB to 2GB depending on the region, the MIO A702 offered microSD slot expansion. This flexibility was crucial for users looking to store maps and additional applications without compromising the device's basic functions. The memory provisions, though limited by modern benchmarks, were consistent with early smartphone capabilities.

Camera

The device is equipped with a single 3.15 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash. This setup was satisfactory for capturing basic photos and videos, meeting the needs of users at a time when mobile photography was just beginning to gain traction. The absence of a front-facing camera reiterates its primary focus on tool functionality over multimedia.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion 1130 mAh battery offered up to 200 hours of standby time and 4 hours of talk time. This battery life was competitive in its era, effectively supporting the power consumption of both the smartphone elements and GPS functionalities. It allowed users to rely on the device throughout the day with moderate use of its diverse features.

Connectivity

The MIO A702 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, and GPS with SiRF Star III chipset, but it lacks a radio and a 3.5mm jack. The connectivity options reflect its positioning as a business tool, with particular emphasis on communication and navigation. The miniUSB 1.1 port offered a basic but functional connectivity solution for data transfer and charging.

Network Capabilities

Supporting GSM technology with coverage over 850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands, the A702 facilitated reliable global communication. Data connectivity through GPRS and EDGE, both Class 10, underscored the device's role as a versatile mobile tool for professionals needing consistent access to digital communication networks.

Additional Features

The built-in GPS, utilizing the SiRF Star III chipset, was a standout feature for the Mio A702, offering precise location tracking that was cutting-edge at the time. The device’s limitations in entertainment, such as the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack, pointed towards a design aimed at functionality over multimedia, making it more of a tool for travel and work.

Conclusion

The Mitac MIO A702 exemplifies a strategic blend of mobile computing and navigation. It was priced at approximately 340 EUR, reflecting its comprehensive feature set geared toward business and navigation rather than entertainment. As a discontinued model, it represents a significant chapter in the evolution of smartphones: a time when phones began to step beyond communication into broader realms of personal mobile computing.