Our today's hero RoverPC G5 - a close relative Communicator O2 XDA Atom, successfully made its debut this spring in the domestic retail. From this somewhat outdated model unit has a more powerful processor at 520 MHz. Quite aware that this is already a plus would be enough to pay attention to novelty, Rover decided to provide its GPS function as an external satellite receiver, working on Bluetooth communication and navigation system "Autosputnik lite Moscow. As a result, characteristics of the device allow you to put it almost on a par with the latest GPS-novelties. As you would expect, satellite receiver RoverPC G5 is based on the best to date navigation chip SiRFstar III, who no longer needs no introduction. But looks like specification device.
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Features: - Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition
- Processor: Intel XScale PXA272, 520 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB Flash RAM (RAM) 128 MB Flash ROM (ROM)
- Screen: 2.7 "transflective TFT, 240x320 pixels, 262 thousand colors
- Expandable memory: miniSD slot
- Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth v.1.2 (Supported profiles: Headset, Hands-free, SPP, DUN, A2DP), Wi-Fi (802.11b), GSM 900/1800/1900, GPRS Class 10, EDGE, IrDA
- Camera: 2.0 MP (the maximum resolution of 1600x1200 pixels)
- Radio: FM-tuner
- GPS: external Bluetooth GPS receiver Rovermate Navisat based chip SiRFstar III
- Battery: Lithium-polymer battery, 1530 mAh
- Audio: Microphone, stereo speakers, 2.5 mm stereo headphone jack
- Dimensions and weight: 102x58x18.5 mm, 140 g.
I think that attentive readers will have noted the similarity of characteristics RoverPC G5, and our recent guest Orsio n725 (see review). If you do not take into account external GPS-receiver of the first and slightly increased the amount of ROM (up to 192 MB) of the second, in fact, these machines are clones. There are, however, the G5 and some differences in terms of design, ergonomics, as well as supplied and additional programs. On each of these moments describe the corresponding chapter. As we have said above, in part, our hero can compete with the latest models of smartphones, for example, Glofiish X500, Asus P535 and HTC P3300. However, unlike the built-in navigatsinnogo module solution with an external GPS-receiver needs to connect and configure. Incidentally, RoverPC G5 is cheaper than the aforementioned devices. So it makes sense just to try it in practice.
Set
To start as usual will tell you about a complete set. Complete c RoverPC G5 delivered:
- GPS-receiver
- cables for charging and syncing
- Wired Headset
- adapter for charging the device in your car
- drive with a navigation system "AVTOSPUTNIK lite Moscow" with a map of Moscow region
- instructions (including, for connecting a satellite receiver).
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Obviously, the complete lack cover and car holder for your device that allows secure it on the windshield or in any other convenient location. However, it is one and the other is quite possible to buy your own taste. As for the wired stereo headset, it's the most normal headphones with a button signal reception and the volume control to ensure the normal audible during the call. However, listening to music, in my opinion, they are not good, and connect loved "ears" you can only through an adapter, since the audio input device nonstandard - 2.5 mm. Adapter, of course, the box was not found. But by using his, I must say that he was pleased heard. Audio section of RoverPC G5 - decent. However, the radio will still have to listen through headphones complete.By execution of FM-tuner and reception quality between RoverPC G5 and Orsio n725 is no difference. Indoors, the reception of radio waves FM-band is very uncertain. In the struggle of sound and noise surely wins the last. On the street - the situation is changing for the better, but the reception could be better. Otherwise, a complete set of our hero can deliver a confident four, given the navigation program "AVTOSPUTNIK lite Moscow. But details about the GPS-part of the apparatus will be discussed in the relevant chapter.
Design
Housing RoverPC G5 looks quite generous at the expense of the tested silver. The correct color really helps make the right impression - there is no doubt that the device is made of quality plastic and solidly built. The first emotion only confirmed in the process of working with a communicator. In fairness, Orsio n725 in this regard in no way inferior Rover G5, but inspires confidence at once.
In RoverPC G5 is not observed any problems with the navigation button. All four directions of a button - very responsive, have sufficient power reserve and a clear tactile feedback.
Button, located next to the navigation button, much more sensitive than their counterparts in the n725. In the apparatus of only four on the front panel: "Receiving Call", "Reject", "Start" and calling the mail client. Unfortunately, there are no so-called soft buttons that allow you to manipulate the device with one hand. Replace one of them will just post the key. It can hang right-clicking duties, is responsible for calling contacts. Between the buttons visible mesh speakers. Sound, which give the dynamics, you can hear even in very noisy place.
Two other keys that are amenable to the reprogramming, are on the right side. By default, one of them is responsible for call recorder, and another - for the camera. In addition, here are placed the IR port and stylus holder, not too carefully recessed into the case. Get the pen, just picked up his fingernail.
Volume control buttons on the right side of harsh. Located on top miniSD slot and power button, bottom - soft rezet, miniUSB and audio jack.
Battery compartment lid is removed with great difficulty. But it is a trifle on the background of general improvement in design and ergonomics. As usual, on the back side is placed 2-megapixel camera with a self-portrait mirror and LED backlight.
Under the battery is the SIM-card. The battery itself has a capacity of 1530 mAh.
The final impression from the first acquaintance with the G5 is very good. This is one of the smallest and lightest smartphones, well-executed and thought out structurally normal.
Screen
Screen at the G5 - 320x240, 10-step backlight, which can be flexibly configured under any lighting. Viewing angles - the good, except the bottom one. Diagonal 2.7 "- a little smaller than most smartphones, but it is quite enough for comfortable work.
Speed and memory
RoverPC G5 is equipped with the best of today's processors for mobile devices - Intel XScale PXA 272 520 MHz. Actually, we are repeatedly told about this processor, but try again. This processor delivers high performance with economical power consumption. Tests on the performance RoverPC G5 only once more to confirm this. Offer you the results that demonstrated the Spb Benchmark. Tellingly, this unit test was virtually without interruption and without any problems.
Now check the performance of RoverPC G5 with player TCPMP. Test spots for the player, compressed codecs DivX and XviD in the most popular resolutions, is freely available on the website of the developers of this program. Recall that according to standard procedure, the normal playback speed roller deemed figure of 100%, but since TCPMP shows the average result, decided to take the norm of 120%. Of course, the more results the better. The table below shows the achievement guinea compared with similar devices.
As a result, we can say that our hero has a rather high performance (comparable to the level of Asus P535), and without any tension loses unconverted video - 640x480. We'll see later how he will cope with a test of endurance and with GPS-tasks. As for memory RoverPC G5, then it has on board - the standard 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM. Replenish the memory can be due to miniSD cards up to 2 GB.
Runtime
The assets of RoverPC G5 - rather capacious battery to 1530 mAh. Let's see how long it will last in our standardized tests. 1. Maximum load.The brightness set to maximum, the speaker volume - also included Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth, the Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was - 2 hours 25 minutes. 2. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set to the second division of the account (ie, average). On the PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was - 15 hours 40 minutes. 3. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with bitrates 192 KB / c. Hours - 8 hours 50 minutes. RoverPC G5, in my opinion, showed the best results, considering it set a high-performance processor. Especially long machine held out in the read mode. However, until the leader of Asus P535 it is still far away, like most communicators.
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In the telephone mode when the average load (about half an hour of calls a day, three hours reading, 1.5 music, a little gaming and Web surfing) RoverPC G5 can hold more than two days. This is a decent result. Particularly pleased that this has the endurance machine with high-performance processor.
GPS-navigation
Configuring and connecting an external GPS-receiver to the communicator Rovermate Navisat were not so trivial task, as it had the instructions. Rather, the instructions describe how to configure PDAs equipped with Bluetooth-ctekom of Broadcomm. How to be users of other models - is not explained. So the duo had to adjust work, guided solely by their own intuition. As luck would have it summed up. And before they could connect the GPS-receiver, was tested a few options.
Thus, the setting is reduced to the following steps:
1. Turn on Bluetooth on your device and make it "visible" to others.
2. Turn on the GPS-receiver. Searches for wireless devices and find that our GPS-receiver.
3. Establish a connection with him, when prompted enter the password "0000". 4. After this, go to the Bluetooth settings on the tab "Ports COM» and create a source port for our GPS-receiver.
5. Select the port COM8, remove the check mark "Secure Connection".
6. We go into the settings of the communicator and run the utility GPS.
7. Show that the software port for GPS - it COM8.
8. Launch navigation program - in this case "AVTOSPUTNIK lite Moscow. We go in the GPS settings and set our parameters (CCP: manually configure port: COM8).
9. In the case of a successful connection to the GPS-receiver, the blue LED starts blinking with a period of 1 sec. This means that the connection has been established and can start working.
Launch navigation program "Autosputnik lite Moscow, with which you can see the result of GPS-positioning. After some hesitation the communicator displays our location on the map.
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| GPS-receiver to determine the location on the map |
Change the scale and look at the map closely, with a nominal scale of 75 m. In this approximation become visible at home and other details. Rather quickly appears on the screen a blue machine, with a jeweler's precision pointing where we are. Bravo, GPS!
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| Apparatus with a jeweler's precision determined our location |
Now let's talk about the most navigation using the "lite Autosputnik Moscow, delivered. This is a reference navigation system on the Moscow region. It will help you determine your current location on an electronic map, quickly find the address or other object and get to it. Naturally, it works only under the condition that for RoverPC G5 connected to an active GPS-receiver. From the full version of "AVTOSPUTNIK" lite version differs only in the absence of routing functions and, therefore, support the motion on it. All the other features - work with e-card, search for addresses and objects POI, bookmarks and more - are fully supported. Tell me more about the most interesting of them. Object database POI (Points of Interest) program Autosputnik lite Moscow "includes more than 20,000 objects, applied with high accuracy and reliability. You can find the object of interest POI, view detailed information about it, display it on a map to find the distance to it and to figure the route. Many important objects POI (metro station, cinemas, theaters, etc.) can be sought both by location and by name.
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Despite the fact that programmya "Autosputnik lite" - is, above all, personal, tied to a GPS map and the help system on the Moscow region, part of the "motor" functions of the developers it was saved. First of all, it's a panoramic ("volume" or 2,5 D) mode map display while driving. Panorama mode shows a map with a sort of bird's-eye view allows you to "look beyond the horizon", which greatly facilitates orientation.
Secondly, it is a special mode of "night" to display the maps and interface. It will be useful in the dark - a bright screen of the communicator will not cut the eye in this mode significantly reduces the contrast of the general background lighting and images on the screen.
Also, at any point on the map you can set your own "Bookmarks", noting the house, cottage, office, vista, and any of your object. Bookmarks can mark the routes your traffic. Go to this tab can be attached sound file, which is reproduced on the approach to it a certain distance (about 100 m).
Comprehensive study of the navigation system Autosputnik beyond the scope of this review, so the efficiency of navigation was estimated from general considerations. In general, RoverPC G5 software worked fine without any failures have been, so we can fully recommend to use this navigation kit, if you do not care Routing and maintenance on it. GPS-receiver Rovermate Navisat also proven to be a good side. We will not be here again to talk about the characteristics and capabilities of this chip SiRFstar III, faithfully serving hundreds of thousands of mobile device users. Signal he keeps steadily, even in adverse conditions as podtveridolos test results.
Communication
Communication component RoverPC G5 presented a three-band GSM-module with support for GPRS and high-speed data exchange standard EDGE. Also on board our hero is compulsory nowadays - Bluetooth (although in a slightly outdated version - 1.2) and Wi-Fi (also only 802.11b), as well as redundant infrared. In general, full wireless load. As usual, the control (enable, disable and configure) all the wireless connections can be from a single application.
Phone works fine. Quickly finds the network and loads the contacts with the SIM-card. Available all the basic phone service. Audibility - a very good and the call is almost impossible to miss, thanks to a loud speaker on the front panel and a powerful vibrating accompaniment. There is a function of the software lock the device.
Mobile Internet is also functioning without problems. Where works EDGE, the phone will automatically switch to that standard, changing the letter "G" in the top panel on "E". Web pages in such magical places are loaded much faster and the sites that are adapted for PDAs, just fly.
Bluetooth
The unit is installed Bluetooth somewhat outdated version 1.2 of the Microsoft stack with standard drivers. Despite this, the set of profiles supported: headset, wireless headsets, Hands-free, SPP, DUN. Bluetooth-Headset and synchronization with other handhelds work "without a hitch."
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi part RoverPC G5 supports standard 802.11b. To configure Wi-Fi in the unit has a convenient utility that allows you to select a channel, set the baud rate, and effectively manage power consumption - to include energy-saving mode, forced to reduce the power level of the radiator to allow the automatic shutdown.
The utility supports the «Ping», which allows you to check the correctness of the network and perform an analog command «ping» on the desktop. Previously, this possibility is provided only to third-party software developers.
Once the device detects available Wi-Fi network, information about them can be viewed on the tab co strange name "review site".
Wi-Fi module is configured to quickly and works flawlessly, demonstrating very reasonable rate.
FM-tuner
Built-in FM-tuner - another advantage RoverPC G5. Radio works only with a headset. Program to work with him - very simple. You can create a list of your favorite radio stations.
In addition, it is possible to write a song. However, with less than ideal quality.
Soft
Additional programs included in RoverPC G5 is almost absent, except for the above program Autosputnik lite »and Java applications to run any java-programs.
Price
Price RoverPC G5 in stores "MakTsentr - A computer in the palm" of $ 635.
Conclusions
So, against the backdrop of the latest innovations RoverPC G5 looks very competitive. "For," he said: great hardware in a compact size, and "against" - an external GPS-receiver, which requires adjustment, and limited equipment. Although, perhaps, someone will regard both circumstances as pros, because this decision will cost you less similar in functionality models for about $ 100. Recommend G5 can be for those looking for the optimal solution by a combination of price / features. As usual, let me enumerate in more detail the pros and cons RoverPC G5.
Pros: - compactness
- nice design
- excellent performance
- Good battery life
- complete set of wireless interfaces, including EDGE
- availability features GPS + program Autosputnik lite Moscow included
- presence of FM-tuner with recording function with ether.
Cons: - buttons at the ends of the harsh, ill remove the rear cover
- external GPS-receiver.
The authors, translation:
Alexander Skusnov
