Computex 2004: Mitac Mio 136, Acer n30 and other

From 1 to 5 June 2004 in the Taiwanese city of Taipei is held annually electronic exhibition Computex 2004. This exhibition has become increasingly popular and collect a decent number of participants and visitors. We bring to your attention a small photo PDA-part of this exhibition. Unfortunately, summed up the photographic equipment (which will now have to send in for repair), which greatly affected the quality of photos. The fact that the exhibition is held in China, a major effect on the convenience of it for the Europeans. At the exhibition a lot of interesting exhibits, but very often all the information on them is presented only in Chinese ... so difficult to navigate, and besides, and the structuring of the exhibition organizers executed rather poorly. According to the exhibition area occupies about a quarter of the Hanover exhibition CeBIT. To begin with - especially the "goodies". New PDA Mitac - Mitac Mio 136 with integrated GPS-receiver, specifically designed for navigational purposes and explicitly designed for use in the car. Sample as "sverhsekreten" that it was not allowed to photograph, so that the reporter had to resort to espionage methods. Photo Mitac Mio 136 really bad, but the general idea of ​​the new CPC provides. Prospects for Mitac Mio 136 on the European market yet totally unknown. Company LifeView, known in Russia for its low-cost TV tuners and webcams, presented a number of peripherals for PDAs SD and Compact Flash. And here a curious automobile harvester with a fairly decent image quality screen. Microsoft booth was filled with cheerful Chinese girl. In addition to the girls here have found a few interesting Pocket PC Phone Edition smartphones. For example, the communicator AnexTEK SP230, looks like a RoverPC S1. Powered by Windows Mobile 2003 PE. And this is in our view an interesting device, equipped with a 400 MHz XScale processor, 64 MB Flash ROM + 128 MB RAM, and a VGA camera with backlight, Bluetooth and a QWERTY keyboard. Here we found a new product from Acer - Acer n30 on Samsung S3C2410 CPU with 266 MHz. This PDA is not particularly shines technical characteristics, but has a nice design. At the booth we saw the ASUS ASUS A730 with a VGA screen, which examined in detail at CeBIT 2004. And also has produced ASUS A716. And a new smartphone under the symbol P505, but behind glass. Somewhat similar model tsebitovskuyu Asus A8100. Pleasantly pleased with a variety of peripherals, including various keyboards. For example, the family is already familiar in Russia flexible keyboard keeps growing and growing. Maybe soon on the shelves (not without effort MakTsentr) there will be new models, we are waiting ... Another interesting solution - the usual full-size keyboard, combined with kreddlom for a specific device. The advantage of this solution is that you can work on any surface, including and on his knees. And the PDA when it is firmly fixed. As usual, Chinese manufacturers are offering a lot of glowing electronic and okoloelektronnyh accessories for desktop computers. We will expand our small photo materials about new products, when to arrive brochures and catalogs from the show. The authors, translation:

Handyman

It is said that among the many bad habits, a new folly - a telephone. Mol, the owner of a cell phone falls into dependency on their system, become abnormal, nor shall anyone getting a call. Then withers before our eyes, wasting away, his mind mutitsya. And, after some fifty years, this crazy "telefonoman" in terrible convulsions dying. Oh, I do not know if this was true or so chatting ... But I'm here, for example, is also accustomed to your phone. Fell, figuratively, in full dependence on him. A dangerous symptoms were observed. Maybe in the physical preparation of the case? In the sense - there is nothing to decay? On the other hand - more than twenty years, I was completely dependent on street payphones. And nothing, happily lived to old age ... Seriously, the social effect of the rapid development of mobile telephony in Russia we can not be overestimated. He, this effect is akin to the effect of the ubiquitous Internet. With access to the Internet and cell phone in your pocket, we are doubly protected against inadvertent lack of freedom and dastardly deception of the authorities. Imagine, for example, the Emergency Committee in our time. Yes, the coup would be ashamed to death right in RuNet! And about the bad tanks would have learned even before they are released from the barracks - still someone out of a soldier would have struck over the phone. And there, you see, would have cost without mass festivities ... However, politics is not worth it. And on the Emergency Committee, and the intrigues of the authorities. It is better to talk about not just phone applications, a small cellular telephone. In his program stuffing is much interesting than many of us actively use.

Simple but useful

The situation is something that is just a phone, not encumbered by any service in the production programs of the leading electronic companies do not and seem to be anymore. Today, entry-level devices, very cheap and affordable to everyone, equipped with no less than the prestigious model of two-three years ago. And it is not about the parameters of sensitivity, efficiency and reliability (with the special problems were not before). It is the additions that make a modest phone multifunction device. The first and most simple - is built into most phones cost system for alerting you of upcoming events or, more simply, an electronic alarm clock. With apparent irrelevance to the alarm clock on your phone, buy today without this device makeweights does not make sense (and such a model on sale yet encountered). Considerably cheapened prices have allowed us to use the phone constantly, and not from time to time. In fact, ten dollars - the minimum amount of monthly fees to use the phone at the "Bee Line" - expensive for the vast majority of us. These little enough money for two or three calls daily for a month. Well, there to say hello to the best part directly from the workplace to inform themselves about the imminent return to the bosom of the family, scold his son for an unscheduled deuce ... Had a good chat on the top ten does not work, but for such information that's his short "bursts" - quite. Phone, which is always with me, in the big city just a magic wand. This security (relative - it all depends on the willingness of police to protect us) in a dark alley, and a taxi away from home, and find nestled counterparts in the crush of a large store. Cell phone - like a compass does not vanish in a stone jungle, turning them into safe three pines, get lost among them is problematic, even an infant. Now, look what happens - the phone is always with you, at any time, including sleep and morning awakening. He is always there and still has a built-in alarm clock. And the alarm clock that is better than traditional clock-clocks. Do you remember the shrill voice of his cell phone? Is such a roulade fall asleep? When my old "Eric" was adopted to sing the "heart of the beautiful, the neighbors cats falling from roofs. If it is turned off, someone will vykriknet - "Yes, damn you are lost with their alarm systems! In this song sounds very much even anything. If you are not awake, even nice ... Unfortunately, in a simple alarm devices designed only for a single installation of warning time.When you install the next day the alarm time, not lose, so it will be enough only to include it click "Yes". But to establish some kind of frequency response, say, zooming only on weekdays, and to keep quiet over the weekend, will not work. This requires a multi-function alarm clock (usually with two or three units of time), and even better - the calendar. Phones with built-in calendar moved from the middle-price category in the primary. And this remarkably because availability calendar transforms cellphone in full electronic organizer, albeit partially but superseding PDA ... Converts the owners of the CCP, previously only satisfied with the service functions of their phones, even a little disappointed - they say such a thing in my pocket appeared, and benefit from it nothing at all (give life, guys, pocket-sized machine is still no phone). In fact, the calendar - it's an alarm clock with dozens of plants response time. Not bad, if the signal can be associated with any on-screen message - "to call something" or "do something". When choosing a new phone pay attention to this possibility, the more that the cost of the device it is reflected not much (if) ... Actually, this additional service simple apparatus and exhausted. Address book and voice dialing long been the standard basic equipment. In any case, note - address database for a hundred rooms (this is a standard capacity of the SIM-card) for general use is more than enough. If you are a manager of the company and must keep in mind thousands of numbers, then your machine will be different, higher level - with a huge address book and supplements, such as a digital voice recorder. But this makes sense to talk a little lower. In the meantime, pay attention to the toys, which are also becoming the standard in the base software of any phone. Great need in any variety of games there. Phone screen does not allow comfortable solitaire or browse through the maze. Therefore, the "Snake" or plain "Tetris" (Here truly "miraculous monument - not to Pushkin, of course, Pajitnov) is quite amiss. Somewhere in the queue or in a crush underground these fun will help pass the time ... Or at least take a child who is bored before their whims, you're ready to give him not only the phone, but the gun (if it was) - let a child shoot ...

Not so simply but too very useful

Disappearing from counters 320-I phone model from Ericsson enters history not only his shovel design but also useful functions for rather small money. One of these additions - a dictaphone ... Digital recording short voice notes appear in phones "lower middle" price range. That is - in the devices cost from 100-120 dollars and more. Between these digital recorders and tape recorders cell phones, there are two basic differences. Recording time on the phone is usually limited to three minutes (with cheap tape recorders household purposes at least 10 minutes), but the recording quality on the phone above. The fact that the phone voice recorder - is part of a voice call. And for a clear response of this system sound must be recorded with high quality, eliminating failures in recognition. In older models of phones have voice recorders built some oddities - you could write either your voice or the voice of the caller, but not as a fragment of bilateral conversation. The new models of this sort would not have noticed (although I may not be aware of - in this case I apologize). Technical details will leave for another article's talk about the application of the recorder ... Three minutes - quite a bit. But only if you do not use this function on your phone, but only with sadness to see a summary of technical characteristics. In fact, the same three minutes is enough. Digital voice recorder is good in quality audio notebook - for memorizing a phone number, name and address.Later, in a calm atmosphere, and not on the run, this information can make a phone or address book written in the PDA (hands in the usual way - write something completely A brief). Believe me, for such uses three minutes is enough to the fullest. If it were not enough, tape recorders in mobile phones built into one would not ... Another thing is that hardly anyone enjoyed such a useful "fichey" of his unit. And in vain ... Among the other useful additions cell phone should note utility for round-trip sending SMS-messages, WAP browser and email client SMTP/POP3. Opportunity to exchange short SMS-messaging is in any phone, from the most simple. At a certain asceticism SMS can find an adequate substitute for an e-mail. Say, is delivery of text messages from one subscriber to - what else do you want? But here a question - what to send a text message, if you can just call? A full-featured email client gives the phone a completely new quality. And it is not in the size of messages (the phone is unlikely to take megabyte letter, his abilities in this regard is rather limited). Business - access to Internet services. Due to the mail program on your phone (very desirable support GPRS) we are able to send an email to the subscriber, bereft of pleasure using a cell phone, or living God knows where. The same goes in the opposite direction, in the sense - to get the message to your phone from anyone. For more or less active use of e-mail via cell phone has a serious objection - it's expensive. Yes, wireless Internet access (note - without the use of the service GPRS, which greatly reduces the cost of wireless internet access), a thing not cheap. But who speaks of constant use? Receive e-mail only on the phone does not necessarily! Enough to use this service from time to time and, if necessary - on the road, waiting for a very important message, or if the account lying around a certain number of dollars that would be nice to spend a really ... Gut his own expense to help, and other popular (at least in words) the service - access to WAP-resources. The presence of WAP browser in the phone, until recently, clearly indicating the class of vehicle. Today, however, WAP is cheaper, and the browser can be found in the entry-level phones. Despite the fact that I am skeptical about the possibilities of WAP, it does not mean that I do not like the technology itself. It would be appropriate content ... And read on your phone screen weather forecast, to run through to news reports, look at the theatrical announcements - that is wrong? In fact, more anecdotes that something is coming. But this dessert lover ... But the most pleasant addition to the telephone can be regarded as an infrared port, and, of course, built-in modem. That's where real life begins ... No problems with syncing the phone and computer - to update the address database or overwrite ringtones. There is an opportunity to receive mail directly on your PDA or laptop ... It is for these reasons, the owners of unprepossessing in appearance (a controversial statement) "Eric" to keep their time-tested devices. Especially good are the same cumbersome "Three hundred twenty" ... In conclusion I would like to note that this is no any review. This is - a reminder and, above all, himself. Zasmatrivayas on the latest communicator, presenting themselves as owners of this wonderful technology in all respects, we often lose sight of that do not use even half of the possibilities inherent in the most ordinary cell phone. That is, pink sweet dream in practice is often a reality that has long been under our hands, but we did not see it either, or too lazy to rasprobovat. In addition to test new technology in their simplified "telephone" option (I'm on a wireless access network resources), it is easier to navigate in the rapidly changing world, communicators and smartphones. Great always starts with a small ...And when vospolzueshsya charms Multimedia Messaging Service MMS, if still not bothered to pay attention to SMS, considering it fun for young people? Be curious, I say ... themselves. The authors, translation:

Dell Axim X30: a new pocket-sized miracle eyewitness

That left Dell X30 - the first PDA running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, built on a processor-based next-generation Intel XScale 624 MHz. We represent your attention of his review, made from high-tech enthusiast, Ed Hardy, editor in chief of the site Brighthand.com. Editor HPCru supplemented this article information about the performance of new items. As soon as the handheld will be in Moscow, HPCru submit it to a full review of what is called the "first hand". The new Axim X30 is an updated version of the model Axim X3i. Like the predecessor, the H30 combines compact size with a good memory and ability to work in networks of Wi-Fi. In addition, Dell has added a new processor that runs at 624 MHz and fashionable wireless adapter Bluetooth. The most important innovation in the H30 include the use of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. Thanks to her, H30 can work in portrait or landscape mode to display the data.

Appearance and ergonomics

Design H30 repeats the X3i. Dell did not change a thing, rightly believing that the best is the enemy of the good. We see the same form, screen, keyboard. The width of the body is about 7.5 cm length - 11.5 cm, not counting serving at half a centimeter antenna. H30 has a medium size, and although small it can not be named, he's pretty fit comfortably in a pants pocket. When using the bundled cover machine significantly adds to the volume. Screen in the H30 has a standard 3.5-inch diagonal supports 16-bit color at a resolution of 240x320 (QVGA), which is the bottom of the screen resolution at today's PDAs. Matrix - transflective, which makes using the PDA as comfortable in the room, even though the air is also no problem. Frankly, I calmly read the text, placing the screen in direct sunlight. The main body of H30 is placed seven different buttons. First draw your attention, most likely, the power button. In addition to performing their duties, this key displays stage charging process: amber during and after the green. In addition, he serves as PIM-manager, shimmering green when activated programmed reminders. Directly below the screen are four shortcuts to launch applications. By default, these buttons cause the Calendar, Contacts, Inbox, and Today. Just left of the visible power key recorder, a microphone that hangs slightly above the screen. Between the keyboard shortcuts to launch applications fit a standard five-way Directional Pad. I used him mainly for games. On the opposite side of the voice recorder button is the key management functions of wireless communications. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules consume a lot of energy, so it's best to disable them when they are not claimed. Unfortunately, the button can not be configured so that it is activated only one module. Rarely have I needed the work of both adapters simultaneously, so most of the time I used the soft keys for power management Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. All buttons are reprogrammable Dell X30. Using this, I hung it on a launch Pocket Internet Explorer, and the other to switch between portrait and landscape screen. On the left side of the housing is located a scroll wheel. Scroll wheel can be pressed by selecting the highlighted item on the list. At the "top" is a slot for SD / MMC card with support for SDIO. I did not fail to test my SDIO peripherals - everything worked perfectly. Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition allows you to use a card with dual functionality. For example, Wi-Fi card from SanDisk, which works just like a memory card. For obvious reasons, H30 do not need it, but in future we may see some very interesting komboresheniya-based SD-ins. At the upper end of H30 also fit the infrared data port - very handy thing to control your TV, especially in public places:)

Inside

As I mentioned, the H30 - the first PDA running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC. Wishing to consult the overview of the OS, I ask here. Axim X30 charged 624MGts latest processor Intel XScale. Spb Benchmark test gave me a result in 1764 points, which is 524 points more than the result Axim X3i, and more than any other Pocket PC, which I have ever seen. However, the testimony - expected, considering the frequency of the processor. X30 is equipped with 64 MB RAM memory, virtually all of them available to the user. Also, the CCP has 31 MB of internal flash memory for storing files, a 4 MB less than the X3i. That is all for H30 is 95 MB for user programs and files. Agree on the PDA market has little models PocketPC, equipped with more memory.

Programs

Despite the fact that Microsoft, at the request of users, has corrected many flaws in Windows Mobile, coftvernomu giant, there is still work to do. In the Second Edition is still not close the program by clicking on the cross in the title bar - the application simply minimizes and continues to work in the background, taking up valuable memory resources. Of course, you can collapse softinkoy manually, but agree that failure to do so the usual way a strongly irritating. Fortunately, the H30 comes with a utility Switcher Bar. Run it - and at the top of the screen appears a special icon, which displays on the first click the list of active applications. With Switcher Bar, you can easily switch between applications and close them. Concern about the Dell user touches to the depths.

Software included

I will not fully describe all the programs bundled Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC. But if readers are people who choose the H30 as its first PDA, then they think it will be interesting to know in brief, on what this machine. One of the most frequently used applications for Pocket PC is an address book and calendar. H30 comes with the latest version of Microsoft Outlook, taking on those concerns to themselves. You can synchronize Outlook with a list of its desktop version, which is always handy. In addition, the H30 comes with the standard versions of Pocket Word and Pocket Excel. Their functionality can be described as "udovletvotvoritelnuyu. Of course, they can not, and a small fraction of what they know how their desktop counterparts. For example, you receive a letter with attachments to a file. Doc, Pocket Word will open it without complaint, but did not show any of the inserted image. And if you change anything in the document and sends it back, your recipient will see that the images disappeared altogether from the document. Yet the very ability to view documents in the letters - it's not too bad, even if the editing can cause problems.

Multimedia features

At H30 was originally installed Windows Media Player for Pocket PC, which plays mp3 files and wmf. The standard headphone output is located on the left side of the handheld, but put the headphones themselves have forgotten. The monaural speaker is located on the rear. Speaker of the rather loud, so you can hear quite well.

Wireless communications

Two built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will help you stay connected wherever you are. Wi-Fi can use when you are in range of the access point. Due to their low cost, you can buy one for home and one at the office. In addition, access point Wi-Fi now installed in many hotels, airports, shops and cafes (we are talking about the United States - Ed.). H30 pleased me long distance communication. I tested it on a cheap access point installed in my home. Limit range was the road not far from my house. I calmly connected to a point anywhere in the house. This - the best result among those PDAs with Wi-Fi, which I tested. Thanks to built-in antenna, carefully placed Dell in the top cover H30. And, thanks to Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition the process connection is very easy for the user. Once I turned on Wi-Fi module in a PDA, such as Windows found my point and asked if I wanted to connect to it. A few seconds later I surf on the internet. Being outside the networks of Wi-Fi, you cmozhete use your cell phone if it supports Bluetooth. The speed of connection, of course, will be less than Wi-Fi, but it is quite sufficient for email and network. Finally, in a PDA and a Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with the ability to operate simultaneously. In the near future it will be possible to write a letter to the special Bluetooth keyboard and quickly send them on Wi-Fi. Do not forget - the green light on the antenna H30 indicates that operates Wi-Fi. Blue light reminds enabled Bluetooth.

Work on the Internet

At H30, as in most other PDAs, once installed web browser and email client. Pocket Internet Explorer supports a standard set of technologies: CSS, SSL and JavaScript. The Internet is more convenient to work, switching to landscape mode. H30 makes it easy to do it. Many sites posted the text in multiple columns. Pocket Internet Explorer allows you to combine them into one and display a single CPC column. Inbox application takes your email using POP3 or IMAP4. Is a function of the spell checker. By letters can be attached to attachment. All this is easily synchronized with Outlook on your desktop PC using ActiveSync.

Performance Axim X30

As is known, Axim X30 is equipped with the latest model of the processor for mobile Intel XScale PXA270 Bulverde. The elder line of Axim X30 machine running on 624MGts processor, the other two - on his 312MGts-variants. Using the Power applet control panel, you can manually set the modes of the processor. There are settings Maximum Performance, PowerSave and Auto. In the first case, the processor runs at a maximum (or 624MGts 312MGts - depending on model). Economical PowerSave keeps 208MGts frequency, which is sufficient for most applications. In Auto mode the processor tries to dynamically adapt to the needs of applications, giving maximum frequency when working with multimedia and benchmarks, and in periods of downtime is kept to 208MGts. All Axim from Dell uses the memory type of Intel StrataFlash. It is more expensive than NAND memory, but runs faster. Since the NAND memory is not enough bystrodeystvenna, OS has to load into RAM, taking up megabytes of the user. StrataFlash is free from this drawback, since it has sufficient speed for the OS, saving RAM. On assurances of CNET Labs, Axim X30 with 312MGts processor operates at an average 15% faster than the Toshiba e805 (400MHz Intel PXA263), and his elder brother 624MGts - 35%. Apparently, the new Axim PDA are the fastest to date. These machines perfectly plays video and can easily handle multiple applications running simultaneously, even when PowerSave, when the processor is clocked at 208MGts. In CNET Labs test, the duration of the model X30 (312MGts) of video playback with maximum backlight and disabled communication modules lasted 4:00 46 minutes.In the test, pretending to normal daily use, time of life between charges is 16 hours. Elder X30 (624MGts) lasted, respectively, 4 hours and 30 minutes and 14 hours. Pleased and modules Wi-FI and Bluetooth, showing a quick search for stations, a large operating range and stable connection. Site Pdabuyersguide.com also conducted several tests on the performance straight from the tin Axim X30. Given the new processor Intel XScale PXA270, all we have come to expect from his high rate, but the results exceeded all expectations. Testers used a package of SPB Benchmark, installed on the Axim X30. Other software is not involved. We compared the model Dell Axim X5 Advanced, HP iPAQ h5555 and Dell Axim X30 312 and 624 MHz models. The more numbers the better the result. Maximum values ​​are highlighted in green. And here is a comparative table of the results. Detailed information about the nature of each of the tests here. As can be seen in all parameters Axim X30 (624MGts) won a convincing victory over the other models. Despite the fact that somewhere in the X30 times faster than the competition, we must remember that he competes with (alas), obsolete models, having a technological advantage over the latter. But now it is only produced in series PDA to the latest platform Wintel (XScale PXA270 + Windows Mobile 2003 SE). So compare what we have. Dell has made very good progress, first released ultra-CCP. Now the turn of the other manufacturers. Everyone knows that the CCP's flagship industry - HP - intensely preparing for the presentation of promising new products, it is capable to move the Dell on the pedestal of technological leadership.

Battery

Machine is equipped with 950 mAh lithium-ion battery. My H30 lasted 3.5 hours on one battery charge. Sometimes I used the Wi-Fi, but for the most part, communication modules have been disabled. Sometime after 2.5 hours of Wi-Fi module refused to run - Windows Mobile is not allowed because of the ability to quickly drain the battery. At three o'clock I got the first warning about the level of charge. Half an hour later PDA disconnected. Fortunately, the battery is replaceable. You can add more storage, 950 mAh, for $ 49 or spend $ 99 on huge 1800 mAh.

Stylus

Some believe that the stylus is not such an important part of the CCP, as, for example, the processor. But if you ever used a cheap stylus shabby construction, then you do not need to explain the importance of this piece of plastic. Stylus H30 has an average length sufficient for comfortable work. He is a little flattened and takes up little space in the building machine. In his hand "fits" quite comfortably.

Cradle

I liked Cradle for H30. Designed in the style of "metallic chrome", it looks cool on my desk. Besides the basic functions, the cradle has a slot for charging the replaceable batteries.

Cover

Comes with a very decent leather case. It can hang up and wear on your belt.To some, he'll like, well, someone certainly turn their attention to third-party cases.

Conclusions

Dell has taken the best of the X3i and added something else - so was born the current top handheld - H30. Of course he is not as beautiful as the HP iPAQ h4155, but costs less. For $ 350 (in the U.S.. - Ed.) We get a combination in the form of faster processors, large memory and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes buying H30 very seductive. Model with 624MGts processor - this is not the whole line of Axim. In addition, within it came out and had already sold Axim X30 Low and Axim X30 Mid. So if you are not to powerful 624MGts engine, then for $ 279 you get the same set of features, but with 312MGts. And if you do not need no Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi, and even then you can buy a stripped-down Axim X30 Low for $ 199. (Again, the price given in this article are relevant only to the U.S.. In Russia, all of these PDAs will cost about $ 50 more expensive.. - Ed.) Editorial HPCru. On the timing of deliveries to Russia of all three new products yet officially not announced. According to competent sources, Dell Axim X30, most likely, will be available in July and August. Sources, Materials:

Travel Notes, or as a week to learn how to skillfully ride around Moscow

Once the great Greek sage Archimedes said: "Give me a fulcrum and I will move the world." Fulcrum I have not had, and the world, I honestly was not going to flip. And I had a new Pocket PC Mitac Mio 168 with built-in GPS receiver and navigation program PocketGPS Pro Moscow from "MakTsentr.

Prelaunch handling

Reception Reception!

The appearance of devices with integrated GPS receiver, PDA enthusiasts to what I can include here, waiting for a long time. But personally, I have a valid concern that the reception quality of the built-in a handheld receiver will leave much to be desired. Therefore, attaching a test Mio 168 to the windshield of his car, I was mentally prepared to fight for the signal. To my great relief, the reception was at a very high level. At least Feedback satellites was almost always, even when I passed by a majority of flyovers. And, as expected, was lost only in the tunnels. So a decent level of acceptance is mainly ensured by built-in antenna Mio 168, which is located on the back and opens up like a reflector. But first things first. Firstly, talk about how to properly fix your computer in the car. The problems that it was not, as I once found a box with suction cup holder. Holder is mounted directly on the windshield. And then pull out his sucker is very, very problematic. I was not able to do so even with two hands. From the use of radical fizmer stopped only concern for the integrity of the windshield and common sense. After thinking a bit and looking holder found at the suction cup small tab. If you pull for him, it suckers readily departs. True, the special need in the daily performance of this procedure is not because the computer can be easily removed from the holder and the holder to leave the glass. It is unlikely that robbers will be tempted simply a plastic holder. However, very doubtful users are advised to shoot accessory - away from sin. Next step - control of the computer. Expand the computer at the desired angle, keeping in mind that usability should be combined with traffic safety. Therefore, adjustable everything carefully, so that the route could see, not really distracted from the road, and so that the computer does not block a road.

Little about the PDA Mitac Mio 168 in the light of navigation

Unfortunately, any electronic device in need of food. In Mitac 168 no backup battery, so if you suddenly charge the main battery runs out, then all data, including setting the navigation software will be lost. Do not forget to periodically recharge the battery! To do this, there is a normal network adapter and an optional adapter for charging from the cigarette lighter. One battery charge Mio 168 is enough for 5.5 hours with a minimum illumination and about 3 hours at maximum level. Therefore, during long journeys vozite a spare adapter is good, it is not burdensome. The main problem when driving in the afternoon - the sun. Since the display in most modern Pocket PC (namely those CPC was established navigation system PocketGPS Pro Moscow) transflective, then the sun it is very glare. Therefore, something to consider to constantly expand the computer or close it by hand. On this basis there was even a rationalization proposal - to build a small handheld visor:) But this is still true ... To a question about how to manage test Mio 168. In terms of design and management of this most our guinea is a standard Pocket PC, which is no different, for example, from almost the same, only without GPS - Mitac Mio 336, a review that we publish in the near future. Just mention that the power of the processor (400MHz Intel PXA255) and 64MB of RAM for our hero's eye enough to program the navigation worked without a "brake".

1. antenna
2. on / off switch power supply
3. voice recorder button
4. reset button
5. headphone jack
6. microphone
7. plug the power adapter
8. lattice dynamics
9. controls (application buttons and navigation buttons)
10. LED indicators
11. Holder with suction cup

Cards in your hand!

Navigation program was given to me by "MakTsentr. In my possession was PocketGPS Pro Moscow 2.0.59R version with maps of Moscow and Moscow region, made by "Geocenter-Consulting.

Management of the program navigation

Before the start of a small educational program for managing navigation system. Menus in the conventional sense is no, and all management is carried out by two rows of programmable pictograms (six in the top row and six in the bottom) and six hardware buttons. Total - 18 control buttons. Believe me, this is quite enough on almost all occasions. Although the actual functions of the program so much more. Just the user can program the 18 buttons on the functions that he uses most often to provide them quick access. The second option, where you can disable the display of the top and bottom panel with control buttons. In this case, all the display space will be given a map display (which is very useful when driving in the city center). The menu in this case is implemented as a transparent buttons, some of which are also reprogrammed. It is invoked by clicking on the diamond in the center of the map. Such opportunities program settings allow you to "sharpen" it to the needs of almost any user.

Peculiarities of the National GPS-navigation

In order to correctly and quickly travel the roads of Moscow, you need four things:
• equipment with GPS navigation
• detailed map of the city, preferably with the house numbers, street names, subway stations and a bunch of other reference information
• possible information about traffic jams
• and, in fact, a car.

You can certainly do without all this. But the alternative to on-board PDA Navigation with GPS-receiver can actually serve only ten years of professional driving in Moscow, for example, as a taxi driver. The presence of such priceless knowledge of baggage can boast not one, so we, humble and ordinary motorists have to find other more accessible means. In particular, to use a bunch of PDA and GPS-receiver, or a solution of "two-in-one", as in our case, the Mio 168 with integrated receiver, about the features of which - just below. The navigation system is, of course, will be useful not only motorists but also pedestrians, but, first, foot movement is not like "equestrian" in terms of speed, and also in the metro GPS hardware is not working. Battery such "satellite pedestrian" as the day is not enough, will have to find places to recharge. I probably will not open for most American readers, if you decipher the acronym GPS, a Global Positioning System - a translation of "global positioning system", but still let me spend a little digression. Using this system, we can determine their position on the ground. It is based on a network of U.S. space satellites (mostly military orientation). To determine your location, you will need a radio that works in the standard GPS. Need I say that because the system is bourgeois, then complete control over it, too, in the hands of our American friends. And they came up with it not for peaceful purposes, but rather for the needs of the Pentagon. And like everything that made the American Military, GPS has a very decent options in this case, the positioning accuracy. For us mere civilians smertnyx, this accuracy is purposely zagrublena to 30 m, so that we, or God forbid, do not try to join the ranks of international terrorism and messing with the radio-controlled nuclear bombs. So do not be surprised if your car is not exactly on the line route, as indicated on the map or on his right or left, and not necessarily on the roadway itself. Do not forget - the accuracy of 30 m. The map is traced with much greater precision. Maximum scale - 10 m, the minimum size of an object can have multiple meters. In short, see how it looks on the screen of my test PDA. So there is some inconsistency - one of the Parties, map with excess precision, while the other, the navigation receiver, rounded testimony. Oh, if I have a military GPS-navigator, and yes even a tank in the boot, there would be no problems with the Moscow traffic jams:) However, to live such a discrepancy does not interfere, because the routing is not particularly affected.

Routing

We now proceed, in fact, to a route. First, select two points - the beginning and end of the route. For example, take a trip from work to home. For the choice of the route to use the button "Search", on this tab, specify the name of the street, choose your house number and then simply click on the "top" or "the end of the route." If you frequently or at regular intervals you use some points on the route, then we can put them in a bookmark. Then when you run your program addresses will be stored in bookmarks, and every time I need to search for these addresses will disappear. When you exit the program laid before the route is lost if it does not save, saying it is configured, so do not forget to save your route, otherwise you'll have to lay it again.

Known objects

You can search not only by a specific address, but also by object name or specify a particular type of search facility, located within a specified distance from your location. For example, I had to find a hotel to accommodate guests to my colleagues from other cities. Typing a search facility "hotel" in PocketGPS Pro Moscow, I found a couple of nearby schools, one of which safely and placed my guests. In addition, the program can find the nearest gas station, hospital and many other facilities. A total of about 20,000, I did not check the exact number, but they are really very much, so the probability of finding any desired object nearby is very high. Next, the program would automatically pave the route and tell you about it. Do not forget to include the option «GPS-support", namely it includes the constant scanning of the current position and to bind the vehicle to the route (icon will appear in the car with headlights on). If you ever get off the route, the program displays a warning. If you come back, we will report about that too. Cheerful woman's voice will be notified about changes in the direction of movement (only at the nodal points), bookmarks, which you pass. The screen can display the vehicle speed, distance to the end of the route, the total length of the route, street name and house number, by which you pass. In order to know in advance when you need to make the next turn, you must include "the panel orientation, which will give the necessary information about the direction and distance to it. Imagine my surprise when, when you turn on the Ring Road from the Ryazan prospectus, I discovered that the next turn, which I will do, is situated 37 km to the intersection with Michurinskiy prospect. In general, this is correct, because the Moscow Ring Road can be considered an expensive line. I have already mentioned the key points - on the idea of ​​a point at which you can change the direction of motion. However, the location of some key points I must confess, surprised me. The number of key points can be increased or decreased, but regardless of their number, to get rid of the fact that sometimes the complete absence of forks (just bend) program recommends taking the left or right, you can not.

PocketGPS Pro Moscow: few key points

Thus, when Congress to MKAD program says "turn right" (in Congress), and at the exit on the Ring Road will not say it.This is exactly correct, but that's why at the congress, where nowhere to go except straight ahead, she recommends to "take right"?

PocketGPS Pro Moscow: a lot of key points

The only apparent benefit of warnings on the bends of the road - is vigilance. Sometimes it's better to warn the driver not to relax. The same pleasant voice tells it to turn, and does so in advance, at a specified distance of you (from 1m and ending 1km). During execution of the maneuver, you repeat two times where you actually turn.

Traffic jams

The program allows you to route between two different points on the map of Moscow. Moreover, the route is not what Aby, and optimized, by default, the shortest time. But the shortest route is not the fastest, if also take into account the peculiarities of the national movement in Moscow. I mean traffic jams. There are two ways to combat this scourge forever. The first - is to build a new route, taking into account information about traffic jams. However, in this case the information must come quickly and be accessible at any time. In PocketGPS Pro Moscow provides the ability to download data from the company Vessolink "(project" SMIlink). For this purpose the channel GPRS (I personally prefer a mobile phone with GPRS function and an infrared port) or a special messenger that connects to a PDA via COM-cable. Frankly, neither cable or infrared port is not the best solution. In the case of cable will be occupied only existing computer communication slot, as well as a separate connectors for automobile power adapter not, when dealing with a pager on the simultaneous charging of the battery have to forget. (In preparing an article for publication, it became known that in the near future within the range of accessories Pocket Nature will be released on cable, which will connect the messenger while connecting to the cigarette lighter. - Approx. Editor.) Infrared is also not the sugar. Try to arrange fixed on the windshield of your computer and phone with an infrared port to each other. If you can, then go ahead and sign up in the circus school on the acrobatic department. (Also on the way a new cable series Pocket Nature, which will be connected to any PDA mobile phone, having a COM-port. - Ed.) Some say that there is no need to download the plug permanently. However, the situation with the traffic congestion is changing quickly enough, the program also allows you to receive the scheme caps with a frequency of 1 minute to 1 hour. Thus, the route on the map denotes oily red line, and traffic jams are displayed by colored yellow arrows. Their density corresponds to the real density of traffic jams.

PocketGPS Pro Moscow: the route without traffic jams

PocketGPS Pro Moscow: the route to traffic jams

Of course, the online delivery of information about traffic jams - a very handy thing, but, unfortunately, is not free. As the saying goes, there is always a choice - either pay a monthly fee, or the most to collect information about Moscow traffic jams and take it into account when drawing up the route. Thus, we proceed to the second option - manual mode input congestion and traffic jams. If you know that the chosen route - a waste of time (due to traffic jams, of course), then by selecting one or several points along the way, put there forced the deadlock.

PocketGPS Pro Moscow: initial route

Pocket GPS Pro Moscow: close the route

You can close the passage (using the points "artificial congestion" or "closures"), open the passage or repeal movement in the opposite direction.

Pocket GPS Pro Moscow: do not travel back

The latter function emulates the option of one-way traffic. You can then chart a new route, or take advantage of automatic routing (it is below).

Pocket GPS Pro Moscow: a new route, taking into account traffic jams

The program will pave a new route option by deleting your chosen point. And not just ask you to drive around this point, but actually chooses the best route.

Let's go!

Your Route

Several times it happened that I have strayed from the route - turning the wrong place or forget to be rearranged into the desired range (about choosing the bands below). In this case (if you specify the corresponding option in the settings) automatically paved a new route. For example, I had to go with Berezhkovskaya the building next to the Metro South West. " The route passes through Michurinsky Ave. But I thought, and moving of university prospectus, is not turned on him. The program automatically made a new route by giving me a warning about the turns (they are there for two).For the moment, I continued to move up to Komsomolsk prospect, even if the program continued to offer me some new options. In the end, I chose a route through Vernadskogo. As I mentioned above, during the test several times I strayed from the route. It was connected mainly with the fact that the program does not distinguish, for whatever band you are, indeed, move. Which is quite natural, given the accuracy of the machine. It is difficult to claim on your browser to distinguish between two bands, the overall width - less than 30 m. As the distance at which the program warns me about the need to make a turn, I put a small, optimistic, relying on its experience driver, it is not surprising that in Moscow I often crush it was not possible in time to readjust. So - tip for the future, if an unfamiliar area, ask the distance at which will appear voicemail notification, a little more. Then time to adjust to the proper lane, will be enough. Another amusing thing - a journey through the tunnels. When traveling through a tunnel GPS satellite signal is lost and can not locate the machine. Therefore, the program simply paves the direct route and awaits the signal after the end of the tunnel in order to adjust their new location. But since most of the tunnels have a radius of curvature, it is not surprising that, immediately after the "entry link" you find yourself in a few dozen meters away from the expected yield. This is particularly evident when driving on the Lefortovo tunnel (from outside the 3rd Ring Road). However, after a few seconds, the program identified my new position and "returned" to the original route.

Some errors

Traffic lights

PocketGPS Pro Moscow is able to run the route, taking into account traffic jams and artificial barriers, but there is one important nuance that the developers have not yet taken into account. I mean the traffic lights. It would seem that so special. However, most existing crossings are traffic lights that have no equivalent priority traffic. When crossing the main road with a minor while working traffic light in the "green" mode for the main road above. It turns out that you cross the intersection faster if you go on the main road, rather than minor. This is especially true of intersections with special tracks - Leninsky Prospect, Komsomolsk, etc. The program also does not distinguish between two different lights, so a shorter route may be not the fastest. Tell me, you need to go from Michurinsky prospect on Gagarin Square. The system offers a route shorter in distance, but not the fastest, because a large amount of time spent at a traffic light when turning from the Lomonosov Prospect on Leninsky Prospekt. Experience has shown that the difference in the three-kilometer offset by savings in time.

Routes of invisibility

In this head office will discuss the routes that can not be laid. Throughout the week I had quite often go into the city center. During these visits, I managed to find routes that do not exist and the objects to which you can get directions. This refers to the following. There is a map of Moscow buildings to which the program can not make a route, as if they can not pass. Explain this phenomenon, I unfortunately can not, moreover, that the passage is in reality and marked on the map. True, the problem is easily solved, you only need to specify as the destination number of the neighboring houses on the same street. Destination was Staromonetny, house number 5. Directions to this house was not possible, the route generated only when I have as an objective of house number 14. Now back to the route-phantoms. We are talking about the routes along which you can not drive, but their program is still paving. For example, turning points, which is forbidden. Well, that Navigator is able to run routes automatically, as soon as you deviate from its old route. Therefore, finding the absence of rotation, I'll just continue to move along the main road and switch to the new route, which leads me safely to the endpoint. There are several causes of such errors. Firstly, the construction work, which do not appear on the map. Frankly, really hard to quickly return the card, all road work, and most importantly during their clean up afterwards.

Directions to the street of Academician Petrovsky closed due to construction works

The second reason - changes that do not have time to make this version of the map. The only way to deal with it - on their own to close the passage until the next update.

Directions to the Mamonovsky lane closed

Directions to the Little Kislovskiy lane closed

Moscow Region

Frankly, if the card I was pleasantly surprised by Moscow of its detail (despite the presence of inaccuracies), then with the Moscow area, the situation is somewhat worse. After spending the entire working week in Moscow on the weekend I was going to the cottage. My trip was very simple, because the problem is located near the village Oboldina. Initially (within Moscow area) everything was just fine. Difficulties began after I turned off the Ring Road at Schelkovskoe highway. Suddenly, about 2 km from Moscow revealed a left turn, which leads me to the perfect route. Usually I need to drive about 40 km to reach the problem, and according to this route is only 28 km. Saves time, no traffic jams - that's all well and good, but there is one "but." Unfortunately, Shchelkovo highway do not have this left turn.Therefore, closed the passage on the open road again, I "got back" their just 40 km away. The reason for that - the level of detail and accuracy of maps of the Moscow region. In some places, yet there are inaccuracies. It's a pity it was too new route has been tempting to some point in time even wanted to lay it yourself:)

If ...

As already experienced user afford to make some suggestions, which would have improved the usability of the program, at least for me.

So, I think that in future versions of Pocket GPS Pro Moscow it would be nice:
• implement the priorities of the traffic lights
• Still putting the data on long construction work, which, given the specificity of the national dorproma can go from months to years (Folk wisdom: "There is nothing more permanent than temporary")

And separately, it is already considered in the article about ligament - Mio 168 and PocketGPS Pro Moscow - would be nice if the producers of the CCP still fired machine with support for wireless standard Bluetooth and a built cputnikovym receiver. They could then connect the mobile phone with Bluetooth and GPRS, not taking it out of pocket, or use a wireless headset to listen to the prompts to change the direction of motion.

Constant updating

The basic solution to all problems - it's constant updating of maps over which the developers (as far as I know) are constantly working and will work. More information about the navigation system PocketGPS Pro Moscow can be found on its website - http://www.pocketgps.ru.

Instead of a conclusion