The new devices are running Windows Mobile 5.0 and have built in support for Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 and built in GPS (SiRF Star III chipset). The dimensions of the devices are 11.7 x 7.08 x 1.57cm and weight 165g. The display size (touch screen) is 3.5 inch (diagonal) and the resolution is 240X320.

Standing distinct from most of the PDAs on the market, the ASUS A686/696 is not only ultra-slim at only 1.57cm, it incorporates full GPS functionality without the protruding antenna, and is encased in stainless steel instead of plastic. Together with the anti-glare touch screen, the A686/696 exudes a solid and high quality feel expected of luxury accessories.

The difference between the two models is that the ASUS A686 has an Intel Xscale processor at 312 MHZ with 128MB ROM and 64 MBSDRAM while the ASUS A696 has an Intel Xscale processor at 416 MHZ with 256MB ROM and 64MB SDRAM. ssor, 256MB Flash ROM, 64MB SDRAM.

ASUS A686/A696 GPS

On the A686/696, GPS technology comes in an extremely slim PDA with embedded antenna discreetly hidden from view, and the information is displayed on an anti-glare 3.5-inch color screen providing a better view while driving. In addition, the A686/696's GPS module uses the latest energy-efficient SiRF Star III chipset, enabling accurate navigation over extended periods. There are also a number of GPS applications embedded like trip planning and navigating venues.

ASUS A686/A696 PDA

As a PDA the A686/696 are running Windows Mobile 5.0. Besides the applications embedded with Windows Mobile 5.0:

Outlook® Mobile — Organize personal information: calendar, contacts, tasks, notes and messaging
Word™ Mobile — Word processing application compatible with Microsoft® Word
Excel™ Mobile — Spreadsheet application compatible with Microsoft® Excel
PowerPoint™ Mobile — Presentation slide application compatible with Microsoft® PowerPoint
Windows® Media™ Player 10 Mobile — Play back multimedia files: MP3, Windows® Media audio, Windows® Media video, and streaming video files
Internet Explorer Mobile — Browse websites and download files and images

ASUS offers the "Remote Presenter", which can be used to easily link and control presentations on a computer via Bluetooth.

Running on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, the A686/696 is also a true multimedia handheld with front-mounted speakers, that plays video and audio formats (.WMV, .WMA, .MP3..etc), as well as the huge library of games available for the Pocket PC platform. It's simply the most versatile mobile entertainment gadget for its size.

ASUS A686/696 VS ASUS A639

The predecessor of ASUS A686/696 was ASUS MyPAL A639. The main differences between the two models is that the ASUS A686/696 is smaller in size:

ASUS A686/696: 11.7 x 7.08 x 1.57cm –weight 165g
ASUS MyPAL A639: 12.2 X 7.3 x 1.8cm – weight 187g

And that the new series (A686/A696) has the GPS antenna built in and hidden from normal view. Also the new ASUS is about 20g lighter than the A639.

The ASUS A686/696 has the perfect combination of size, functionality, power and size. It is one of the best PDAs with built-in GPS in the market today.

ASUS A686 Specifications:

Operating System: Windows Mobile 5.0
Processor: Intel Xscale processor at 312 MHZ
Memory: 128MB ROM and 64 MBSDRAM
Dimensions: 11.7 x 7.08 x 1.57cm
GPS: SiRF Star III chipset
Bluetooth: Blueooth 2.0 (ERD)
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Display: 3.5”
Resolution: 320X240

ASUS A696 Specifications:

Operating System: Windows Mobile 5.0
Processor: Intel Xscale processor at 416 MHZ
Memory: 256MB ROM and 64 MBSDRAM
Dimensions: 11.7 x 7.08 x 1.57cm
GPS: SiRF Star III chipset
Bluetooth: Blueooth 2.0 (ERD)
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Display: 3.5”
Resolution: 320X240