Gizmondo Statistics

Widescreen
Tiger Telematics plans to release a widescreen version of the Gizmondo in mid-2006. This version will have a 4-inch wide screen, plus additional features and upgrades like WiFi and a TV-out port.

Although critics caution that US buyers may just wait for this version instead of buying the current one when it releases in October, Tiger promises that upgrades will be available [ref].

Perhaps the most important statistic of all to potential Gizmondo owners is the price tag. At launch, the British version cost 229 pounds -- more than $400. Tiger recently announced plans to offer their "Smart Ads" Gizmondo in the United States (it's already available in Britain). With Smart Ads the Gizmondo's price is almost cut in half, but the owner has to watch three 30-second commercials transmitted to the device each day.

Here's a summary of the Gizmondo's features from the official Gizmondo Web site:

  • TFT screen ~ 240 x 320 pixels
  • 400 Mhz ARM9 Samsung processor
  • 128-bit 3D NvidiaGraphics accelerator
  • GPS tracking and mapping applications
  • MP3, MIDI, and WAV playback
  • SMS
  • Windows Media Player 9
  • MPEG 4 video playback
  • JPEG camera
  • SD flash card reader
  • Mini-USB client
  • Bluetooth class 2 for multiplayer gaming
  • Temperature range 0° to 55°C (32° to 131°F)
  • Removable SIM card
  • Removable battery
  • Polyphonic ring tones
  • Stereo headset socket for MP3 and games
  • Flight Mode
  • GSM tri-band
  • GPRS Class 10
  • WAP 2.0
  • MMS receive and send

How does Gizmondo compare to the Nintendo DS or the PSP? The built-in GPS function is the biggest difference. It's a more versatile machine than the Nintendo DS, but the PSP is capable of offering Gizmondo's extra functions in the future. Gizmondo is more expensive than both the PSP and the DS, and it suffers most when it comes to games. But it is early in Gizmondo's development and more games will be available in the next year. The Gizmondo has a lot of potential, but for now PSP players have a vastly greater number of options for their gaming needs.

For lots more information on the Gizmondo and related topics, check out the links in the next page.

Reviews Are In
Gizmondo has been available in Europe for several months, and some North American reviewers have also obtained units. The general consensus is that Gizmondo does a lot of different things, but doesn't do all of them well. The camera is good for quick snapshots, but is little better than a camera phone. The GPS system is touchy and has a difficult time picking up a signal. Highly-touted features such as competitive GPS-based games require a large number of Gizmondo owners nearby. The unit takes a long time to load and crashes frequently. Battery life is particularly troublesome, sometimes lasting only four hours between charges [ref]. On the positive side, the graphics are excellent for a portable device, and it does a good job of playing movie files. It's versatile and has a lot of potential for future expansion and innovation.