HP iPAQ h4350 - the key to start!

For the modern man living in a saturated information world, characterized by a desire to be constantly in touch, in-line. Hence it is quite natural that handheld computers equipped with wireless modules to ensure the needs of this most always and everywhere, it is becoming more and more. Laptop, and already, the more stationary computer homo mobiles ("mobile person") is clearly not enough. Another completion of a family of handhelds with integrated Wi-Fi is a new product from HP - iPAQ h4350/55. Ruler Pocket PC Hewlett-Packard's diversity is very similar range of a solid automobile concern. The same is said and mysterious digital abbreviation for each PDA. Already have formed a series of 19-th, 22 th, 41 th, 43 th, 51 th, 54 th and 55 th, each of which has its hull form and often very different from other series specifications. Yes, and positioned each of them for a certain group of users - just like cars:)

Body

Externally, the novelty is quite different from the computers of other series HP. The eye catches socket mini-keyboard. That's the first handheld computer equipped with a built-in keyboard, in the history of co-creation of HP and Compaq. CCP is made on the basis of model iPAQ h4150/55, and the main controls of his brother not much different, but in size - much more. Moreover, all the "supplements" are mainly due to the integrated keyboard. If the thickness h4350 most 1 mm (this really is not much), and the width - 4 mm (visible only with the direct visual comparison of the two models), then the length difference of as much as 25 mm. The first impression is that the developers took the model h4150, and hung it on a plastic keyboard. But it's not quite true. A little closer, you will notice that application buttons have changed. They became a little less and lined up "almost in a straight line, parallel to the border with the keyboard. Secondly, the changed form navigation button. The new version has an oval shape (as compared with the old square). The button is more convenient to press up and down, horizontal is less convenient keys. Thirdly, the developers went back to the old execution voice recorder button (like 19hh series) by placing next to it an IR port. But everything else was in the old way: a port for memory cards and the stylus holder - on top, and a socket for the cradle - the bottom. Side panels are not particularly burdened by government. Credle, the model slightly futuristic and seemingly no different from the bundled with h4150/55. There are very suspicious (but verify this fact experimentally failed), it is the same cradle. The main feature is a way to connect to a PC - using simple USB cable "USB A - USB B", as an external peripheral device (printer, scanner etc). In addition, the cradle has a slot for charging a battery change.

Trunk

In the box you will find the computer itself, a spare stylus, a synthetic cover (recommended immediately replaced by more convenient), CD with software, warranty HP, cradle, USB cable, AC adapter, interface adapter.

Bagel

As mentioned above, the main difference between the new handhelds from all other models in the Pocket PC is the availability of an integrated hardware keyboard. Those for Pocket PC - the phenomenon is not characteristic, at least for handheld computers running PPS 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003. This input method is more common on computers of the family Palm OS (Sony UX, Sony NX, Sony TG, Palm Tungsten C). Keyboard our hero has 39 keys, each of which is adapted to enter the two characters. Symbols of the register highlighted in black, and the second - in blue. To switch between registers using a special button. Piano - the correct round shape. Haptics - quite decent. There are, however, one drawback. Button virtually no space for the symbols of national layouts, they seem to have placed directly on the case, the key that is not very convenient for fast typing. Speed ​​dialing with the keypad buttons can not be characterized as extremely fast, but after three days of the test managed to achieve fairly decent results, at least, higher than the printing on the virtual keyboard. To work in darkness or low light conditions mini-keyboard iPAQ h4350 cnabzhena special soft blue backlit characters.

Under the hood

Processor

As the processor used in the iPAQ h4350 is not the new "pebble" Intel PXA255. On the market long ago there were pocket computers with new processors, PXA261 and PXA263. However, the 400MHz PXA255 th on its performance practically does not yield to the more recent counterparts. Power "engine" is enough for virtually any serious applications.

Memory

The volume of RAM is standard for most Pocket PCs - 64 MB, of which 56.77 MB available to the user. But suddenly the size of ROM is too small - for PDAs business-class 32 MB - this is not a record. In connection with such a limited amount of ROM, its custom section is also very small - only 2.85 MB. To backup the entire system, this is clearly not enough, enough did that to save the PIM applications, or personal notes.

Display

According to the measurements performed by a special technique magazine Consumer: computers and programs, the maximum brightness of the display HP iPAQ h4350 is 109 cd/m2. Minimum level of brightness - 27.4 cd/m2 (25% of the maximum brightness). In total there are four levels of brightness (as well as a series of 19hh and 41hh). Unfortunately, when read off backlighting is extremely difficult, but with a minimum of contrast values ​​above 97% (to work at night, in the office and in the subway - a real pleasure). But the day on the street can talk about good perception of the text only from the third division of the backlight.

Expansion connector

Like the h4150 is equipped with a new one expansion slot standard SD, however, it supports SDIO, so that you can buy a variety of peripheral devices in this format, which has recently become more and more. In addition, the cost of SD cards in recent years has decreased markedly, and mourn the absence of CF slot is not a special occasion.

Multimedia

A computer equipped with a microphone and speaker output (3,5 mm) stereo headphones.

Battery

As the battery is used removable Li-Ion battery with 1560mAch. Compared with the 900 and PDA batteries 1000mAch h19xx and h41xx series polutorokratnoe capacity expansion - a big plus. In addition, optional external battery capacity expansion - 3600mAch. However, for the appearance Account large hump on the back of the case, Pocket PC essentially loses in elegance. In addition to the standard battery is also Replacement Ni-MH battery, which itself can not be replaced. When completely discharged main battery capacity is enough for an extra couple of days, but only for data storage. Operate from internal battery, unfortunately, is impossible.

Communication capabilities

Communication capabilities to a new computer are good old infrared port and two built-in wireless interfaces. This - Bluetooth Class 1 and 802.11.b, better known as Wi-Fi. Thus, the happy possessor h4350 has the ability to connect to peripherals or to communicate with other devices via Bluetooth interface or work in the full network (including a normal Internet connection) to Wi-Fi interface. To enable or disable these modules use a special application HP iPAQ Wireless, which allows you to work with two Standard connection simultaneously.

Dimensions and weight

Case size - 139h75h14, 5mm, and weight - 165 g.

Engine power

For clarity, a comparison with PDAs HP iPAQ h2210, HP iPAQ h4150, Dell Axim X3i and ASUS MyPAl A620BT. Compare models Indicators synthetic test SPB benchmark.

cpu index

CPU performance of all computers is approximately the same level, which is not surprising, given the same clock speed and processor architecture. Beginner h4350 showed the same values ​​as the h4150 and a little more than a Dell X3i, which proves the fact already mentioned above - have not the power of the new PXA255 - quite decent.

file system index

The speed of the file system h4350 is the absolute leader, slightly ahead of his colleague h4150. I am glad that HP does not go into the installation of cheap and slow memory chips, maintaining the image quality factor and a solid company at a high level.

graphics index

Very high, close to the record (ASUS 620BT). Subjective evaluation also confirmed that the computer is well suited for video playback and gaming applications.

platform index

Built-in operating system, applications, and at a very high level. Subjectively, we can see that our hero - one of the most productive in today's market of handheld computers. Find some applications, the performance of that computer power will be insufficient, it is very difficult.

Fuel consumption

Since the battery capacity has increased by more than 1.5 times (compared with the h4150), it is quite natural to expect longer battery life at about the same number of times. Battery life was measured by the now standard technique to emulate the three basic modes of operation with a handheld computer: e-book reading, watching videos and listening to music (with the screen off). When compared with the h4150, while battery life considerably more new items. MP3 playback new computer lasted 17.5 hours (exactly 1.5 times more than h4150). The same trend continued for other modes. When reading e-books have enough battery capacity to 8-13,5 hours (depending on the level of illumination), and video playback for 4-7 hours (depending on the level of illumination). Generally, it is one of the best battery life for handheld computers.

Onboard computer

A set of software - a standard for handheld computers from the company HP. In addition to the operating system has a small number of immutable "branded" applications:

• Bluetooth Manager - Master of wireless connections
• iPAQ File Store - a custom section ROM
• iPAQ Backup - data backup to a memory card or ROM in a custom section
• iPAQ iTask Manager - launcher and file manager
• iPAQ Image Zone - viewing photos with slide-show function
• Self Test - Self-diagnosis program
• iPAQ Audio - Audio settings.

For a wireless connection to various devices using an updated master wireless connectivity (version 1,4,1 build 75), which is very easy to manage. Bluetooth manager supports the following profiles:

• Explore a Bluetooth device
• Connect to Internet via phone
• ActiveSync via Bluetooth
• Browse files on a remote device
• Connect to Internet
• Join a personal network
• Exchange business cards.

State registration

Model, which participated in the testing was Russified by a system of national localization MacCentre Pocket RussKey 2003. Russification carried out on a very good level and has caused no complaints.

Price

Buy HP iPAQ H4350 is already possible in Moscow. Approximate price of new items is $ 550.

Finish

Cons iPAQ h4350:
• small size of the ROM
• not large enough shortcuts applications and navigation button
• not too comfortable key hardware keyboard.

Pluses iPAQ h4350:
• built-in wireless connection standard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• high performance
• removable battery
• great battery life
• Integrated keyboard with backlight
• bright high-contrast display
• original design.

In general, the machine failed. First of all, the novelty can recommend the so-called corporate user or a business person who is constantly (at least, very, very often) want mobile access to their mailbox, or access to the Internet. True, most of you have a question: "And what this model is actually different from the h4150, which also focuses on the corporate market?" The answer is very simple - really just three things: a hardware keyboard, a more capacious battery (approximately one and a half times), slightly larger in size and weight. Therefore, if important to you these three things will certainly take your HP iPAQ h4350. Although, in my opinion, more attractive look to the modification to the battery on h4150 h4350 ... The authors, translation:

Sony Clie TJ27/TJ37: Down with the PDA! give PEO!

If you go to any more or less experienced users to PDAs with a request to name the two most well-known company engaged in the production of handheld devices, the answer will most likely be heard: "So Hewlett-Packard and Sony now!" This is no accident. Firstly, to build a production line of both companies have something in common. Strategy and that, and the other is to try to cover all possible price levels and business niches. Second, none of the players PDA market can boast such a variety and frequency of updating the range. To rate, which define the "first violin" as well as to all the good things you get used pretty quickly. However, Sony, in particular, is not only quantitative but also qualitative approach to the issue of handhelds. Fortunately, the Japanese corporation can afford to develop and promote a fundamentally new classes of handheld devices. These products include the recently published model of Clie PEG-TJ27 and TJ37, which replaced the budget PDA TJ-25 and TJ-35. So, Sony began creating and promoting the concept of "personal entertainment organizer» (personal entertainment organizer) all in all price levels (like the budget, as well as hi-end), replacing her "personal digital assistant» (personal digital assistance). The word "entertainment" appeared in the title again, not by accident. New computers completely equipped with digital cameras and other multimedia charms, designed to provide its users with lots of leisure time. Now the PDA from Sony - it is not just an organizer, but also a full-featured handheld entertainment center: you can listen to music, take off memorable events in the photo or video immediately view them or send to friends and acquaintances by e-mail, etc. - and all it's just taking from his pocket a small device the size of a notebook.

Design

Outwardly, both computers are strongly reminiscent of its predecessors - TJ25 and TJ35. Although slightly different in size. Dimensions TJ27/37 costavlyayut 114h76h13 5 mm, that is, new items for a couple of millimeters long, an inch wider and thicker. Frankly, such a minimal difference in the dimensions of reality feel almost impossible, even if you keep a computer in his right hand, and another - on the left. Weight models are also almost unchanged - 142 g versus 139 g in TJ25/TJ35. Style, which made cars are generally similar, although, examine closely, the differences will be typed quite a lot. First, it is very different front panel with controls. If TJ25/35 application buttons were round, and bears directly on these icons, then TJ27/37 they "adopted" an oblong shape. We can not say that such a key design is not very convenient to use, but still have to get used to it. Button so petite that you want to click on them will certainly nail. However, several days of testing showed that the keys have good sensitivity and very responsive to conventional presses. Wheel navigation is not changed, but around him there were small metal framing. The solution is - purely decorative, since no apparent benefit can not be held. Secondly, if the housing TJ25/35 was rounded (albeit very little) on all sides, the case of new computers have a pronounced curve on one side only - right. This is explained by the fact that at the opposite end is attached a protective cover, but on the far right is the shutter button is an integrated digital camera, right next to the switch, "power / hold". Incidentally, the protective screen cover for our heroines are absolutely the same as that of their predecessors. About it has been said so many flattering words in the reviews of TJ25 and TJ35.Third, he moved to the bottom of the front panel on the top and the power indicator. Upper end of the PDA is rich in infrared port, Packaging for the telescopic stylus, slot for memory expansion format MS / MS PRO, and a headphone jack (TJ37). Given the "infinite" love Sony designers to design the buttons "on / off" in the form of levers, it is surprising that the shutter key is executed in a classical form. The fact that such a design release button is typical for most digital cameras. So Sony has rightly decided not to act on the nerves of their users and do not force him to rebuild in case of a PDA. Different new items and colors. Elder TJ37 in classic (for handhelds Sony) silver, and the youngest, on the contrary, in dark gray. This color scheme is typical only for U.S. models. The Japanese color gamut is much broader. You can order your handheld red, yellow or any color yet. We can only languish in ozhdanii until Sony starts to deliver handheld computers to Russia officially. Until then, our market will be available only to U.S. models. Another difference - the presence of the headphone jack and an indicator of the wireless connection standard Wi-Fi, ie, the model differs from the TJ37 TJ27 presence of hardware MP3 player and built-in wireless communication module standard Wi-Fi (802.11b). The weight of both models are absolutely identical. How Sony manages to incorporate the PDA two hardware modules and does not increase the total weight of the computer - the biggest mystery of nature! On the back of the grid can be found under which there is a speaker buzzer (in TJ27), which is enough unless the reproduction system of signals and warnings about any MP3 can not be considered. In TJ37 for the same grating is placed a normal speaker, which fairly well reproduces the music files, but those who it seems is not enough, can make use of stereo headphones. Fortunately, the connector for it on the computer there. Ibid placed and reset button. In connection with the presence of a digital camera on the back appeared the lever for "open / close" protective cover on the lens.

Supplied

The set includes the computer itself, the adapter, AC adapter, stylus, protective pouch, CD with software, strap, instruction in English, the card with the rules of writing characters "Graffiti 2" and a whole bunch of additional printed materials. The kit TJ37 could be identified and stereo headphones, but since the model is considered the budget, then the abundance of accessories not count.

Iron

Processor

Processor for all models TJ Series absolutely the same - well-proven Motorola i.MXL Application Processor c 200 MHz. It seems that all low-end models Sony will be equipped with this processor.

Memory

RAM size is quite decent (for Palm OS) - 32MB of which 23MB is available to the user. Volume ROM for PCs Palm family is also very respectable - 16 MB.

Expansion card

PDA-week: events, results

PDA - Program

The new version 4.1 software SyncLive! With it you can install on the Palm software, bypassing the lengthy process of complete synchronization. Also SyncLive! you can edit the standard Palm OS databases on the desktop. For users of PDAs Palm m125 came out a patch that solves the problem with the touch layer ustroyststva. MacCentre Company and the online magazine HPC.ru announce the opening of an information web resource www.be300.ru, dedicated to a PDA from Casio - Cassiopeia BE-300. Compaq has released a patch Bluetooth Service Manager 1.1 for Pocket PC iPaq AvantGo company said the addition of new channels. They are news feeds such renowned publications as Car and Driver, Road & Track, ELLE, Woman's Day, Mobile Entertainment and others. Company Bachmann Software introduced a software product called FilePoint Pro. This is an application running on a desktop computer, displays the file structure of the CCP in tree form. Thus it becomes easier to organize your files, all changes will be carried over the next sinfronizatsii on the handheld. FilePoint is both a file manager, an advanced software application installation and memory card readers. For PDA Pocket PC platform was released a software module UpTime Meter by AE Software. It collects and provides statistics on total elapsed time on the PDA, it can cancel it after the battery is fully charged, can provide information on each specific application and the battery discharge statistics.

PDA - iron and accessories

Logitech has started selling a new accessory for the handheld Palm - cover, combined with the keyboard. Company Palm reported that the Russian and m505 users will be able to exchange their mail cradle affected by static electricity. According to rumors the new Jornada 570, HP will work on processors Intel XScale. Intel Created new flash-memory chips, which are intended for use in mobile devices: cell phones, cameras, camcorders, PDAs may. Called the new development of Wireless Flash Memory. The chips operate with a voltage of 1.8 volts, and established a 0.13-micron process technology.

Article, published last week:

Windows CE.NET - a new word in the Microsoft operating system for handheld computers

Sony CLIE TH55 - rebirth of the organizer

What is the ideal organizer? This is a "black box" which allows the user to comfortably work with e-mail, address book, to-do list and organizer. Moreover, it is desirable to interface the mobile notebook was extremely comfortable and the most similar to the one that you use on the "big" computer. Esche would be nice to be able to read e-books, considered received by mail pictures and videos, listen to music recorded on tape business conversation, or your thoughts, take a photo or video. For convenient display computer display should be large - preferably 320x480 pixels, himself PDA must have a mobile (preferably wireless) internet access to freely exchange data. All this together will allow any user to feel with the "organizer" as comfortable in the office or at home or a business trip. Actually a wagon (in the family of Palm OS) does not exist or, more precisely, until now did not exist. While Sony has not released a tireless new model of handheld computer - Slie TH55. About it - our present story.

Design

Externally, the computer looks like naladoniki Series NX, but without the rotating lid and built-in keyboard. However, unlike its predecessors, the new model looks much more elegant. First, much of it miniature - 73h124h13, 4 (15.7) mm vs 72h131h22. And the width changes little or no, but the length is shorter than the novelty of the whole centimeter, and the thickness of 6 mm narrower. Secondly, the developers have worked seriously on the design. The rear panel has a more flattened shape, due to which the computer sits in the hand "as a glove." Model does not weigh too much - 165g without cover. Plastic "armor" (Removable protective cover) adds another 20 grams of weight and bring new items to 185g. If you go back to the comparison of computer-TH55 NX Series, one can note that the TH55 - a lightweight version of the NX70. Apparently, after hearing complaints of users about the large size models, NX series (yes the built-in hardware keyboard, too much need not be), the developers decided to make a computer without a keyboard and a smaller size. To protect the display includes a transparent plastic cover, through which you can freely take in information, for example, read e-books. Solution is much more elegant than a similar plastic cover on the Palm Tungsten T2. Almost all controls are located on the left side ends. From an ergonomic point of view switch layout is very good - to easily reach all the fingers of one hand. Only the performance in black is not very correct, the buttons are merged with the body and not used to them easily confused. Very original made Jog-Dial, which, beginning with a series of TJ, looks quite different. TH55 is different and more original location Jog-Dial-a, which is placed on the rear panel. Location, though unusual, but very comfortable. The only drawback is the placement of the button "Back", it would be more successful if it was the right of the camera lens, not the left, whereas before it was convenient to reach, if you keep the computer in his right hand. Even better would be to implement two symmetrically placed buttons "Back". Application buttons are smaller, but still use them conveniently.Several disappointing lack of the cradle, the more so when one recalls that their design of the NX series was simply brilliant. Going to set the adapter does not add to a sense of security, and the need to constantly peretykat wire eventually becomes annoying.

Supplied

The set includes the computer itself, the adapter, AC adapter, stylus, clear plastic protective case, CD with software, strap, instruction in English, the card with the rules of writing characters "Graffiti 2" and a whole bunch of additional printed materials. In principle, such a "heaped" model could be put in a box in stereo speakers and the cradle, but it somehow did not get solid - an advanced computer, and equipment as a series of budget.

Iron

Processor

CPU is the heart of TH55 Handheld Engine, developed in the laboratories of the most proizvoditelnitsy. For the first time Sony has set it in the models UX40/UX50. "Stone" has the ability to dynamically change the clock frequency depending on the types of applications (from 8 to 123 MHz). True, the process is fully automatic and the user is not regulated. As far as developers were able to optimize the processor, the tests show the performance and battery life. "Engine" is executed on the ARM9 core and has two additional chips: CXD2230GA for hardware acceleration of graphics and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for audio processing. In general, Sony is curious behaves with respect to the CPU equipping their PDAs, especially in terms of logic and other manufacturers. Get at least palmOne. Last in the production of handheld computers older lines using more powerful processors. Agree, it is logical that the Palm Zire 71 is set a budget OMAP from TI, and the top model Tungsten T3 - the most advanced at that time, a microprocessor from Intel. Sony just tried Intel--native "stones" on its NX and NZ rulers, somehow safely abandon them. So at this point we can observe a mixed picture: in their cost models, the Japanese corporation is using the processors with higher clock frequency than on the models of the business class (because 200 MHz - this is higher than 123 MHz). We can only guess what caused this behavior Sony. Most likely, a dislike for Intel, or another extravagant steps to promote their products. She promotes with a persistence worthy of a better, its not a very popular standard MemoryStick. In general, it is difficult to judge, we can only rejoice in the variety of handheld computers.

Memory

RAM size our heroine - is quite decent for Palm OS and is 32MB, of which the user has access to all 32. Surprisingly, the size of ROM - also 32 MB.

Expansion card

The main modules of memory expansion for all handhelds Sony cards are standard Memory Stick. However, apart from simple Memory Stick, TH55 can work with advanced Memory Stick PRO. This is an improved version of conventional MS. Recording Series Pro, firstly, work quicker and smarter, and secondly, are available in versions for 256, 512 MB and 1 GB. As always, minus the memory modules from Sony is their price. MS ctoyat much more expensive than the more common CF and SD. Then it can not be helped. Such policies Sony. Choose the technique to the manufacturer, hence the format Memory Stick.

Communication capabilities

For communications from the user TH55 will be in the possession standard infrared port and USB 1.1 for connecting to a large PC, and wireless module and Wi-fi, the most relevant so far only, unfortunately, in the U.S. and Europe. But in Russia the number of "hot spots" (points of public wireless Internet connection) is slowly but steadily growing, and the offices of large companies are moving to 802.11b. So in that regard machine can be an excellent companion or employee of such corporation, or the adherent of the most advanced technologies. And yet so sad that there is no beloved Russians Bluetooth'a.

Display

According to the magazine "Consumer: computers and software, which developed the original method of measuring the quality of displays, handheld computers, the maximum brightness of the display of new items - about 61 cd/m2. For comparison, similar results to demonstrate the maximum display Toshiba e750, Mitac Mio 528 and HP iPAQ h1910/15. Previous business model from Sony - TG50 - could boast a little less than the maximum level of brightness - 48 cd/m2. Quite reasonable from Japanese developers that they did not pull up the bar, as is typical for most modern handheld computers. At 100-150 cd/m2 brightness is excessive, so the user's eyes get tired much faster. Level of 50-70 cd/m2 enough to the screen had good contrast and did not cut the eye. It is commendable that are not overvalued and the minimum brightness level - 5.2 cd/m2. It is noteworthy also adjust the brightness of the display TH55. Scale looks continuous. But in fact the number of levels is strictly fixed. For the convenience of the user to switch between them by using the side arrows (next to the Jog-Dial-ohm). However, if you ask for and just count the levels of backlighting, they get 128. Naturally, the first thought, as is the case with the TJ37, some of the points - too much, and real levels of adjustment is much smaller. Measuring the brightness of the display only confirm the fears. Total levels of backlighting - 32 (10% to 100%). Why in this case it took to break the scale at 128 steps - remains a mystery. It is also impossible to explain why there is no scratches on the scale of the real divisions, as implemented in TJ25/35/27. The presence of markup would just select the desired level of illumination, and not to suffer, trying to do it by eye. Transflective type illumination and high resolution display (320x480 pixels) can equally well to receive the information even at the lowest level, regardless of whether you work in the office or on the street. Lighting, as with all Pocket PCs Sony, may be switched off. However, comfortably accept text data from the display (with backlight OFF) only in indoor or daylight on a bright sunny day. Moreover, when working on the street lighting is better off, because without it, the screen reads much better than her.

Multimedia

TH55, like any solid model from Sony, has the hardware for MP3-player, built-in speaker and a jack for stereo headphones. In addition, (a miracle!:) There is a real voice recorder with appropriate software. His button is designed as a traditional switch-lever with red markings. Apparently, not to confuse with anything. Speaker at the bottom of the hull, next to the switch, and to indicate the record at the top of the case there is a light indicator. Voice Recorder lets you record sound in a format in SP (22 kHz) and LP (8 kHz) modes as a memory card and internal memory on your computer.

Digital Camera

As with the recently described TJ27/TJ37 built-in camera with a matrix made by CMOS technology. Matrix has 310,000 effective pixels, which corresponds to a maximum resolution of 640x480 (VGA). In addition, the camera can take photos with a resolution of 320x480, 320x240 and 160x120.

Killer PDA Sony Ericsson P800

Reviewers who are assigned a chance to test a new smartphone Sony Ericsson P800, jokingly recommended to keep on hand the phone to quickly call an ambulance team. So strong may be impressed by the new device. Yes, the smartphone is far from perfect, but despite this he has all chances to become a niche in the PDA market, the more so in these times such a breakthrough has to be performed quickly and vigorously. For two decades, the PDA market has remained a separate niche: fashion, high-tech. Decent sound, rising at times around the hand-held computers, pushing users to acquire first Psion Organizer, then in the 90th Palm ... Nevertheless, overall sales compared to the cell phone market remains quite small. Just for comparison: according to the GSM Association every ninth person using a mobile phone. Producers are convinced that the concept of a smartphone to be based on form factor is a cell phone, familiar to most consumers. With the usual keypad for dialing, but several big-screen, live example of that - Nokia Series 60. P800 - PDA with touch screen and form factor handset. Modern mobile has become so compact that sometimes get lost easily in your pocket:). P800 is not the first smartphone, but this is the first time that the CCP managed to fit in the size of a cell phone (the same applies to the mass). In principle, the size and weight can argue with him the latest model Motorolla Accompli, but a dispute over when it comes to functional, screen and ... about integrated in the P800 digital camera. Sony Ericsson is very easy. Blue almost transparent body design reminiscent of Apple iMac, and the impression is further enhanced interface OS: you should choose the stylus piktogrammku as it lightly, "leaves", just like Makovsky Aqua. OS can also work with different color schemes. P800 resembles its predecessor, R380-screen the entire front panel with a hinged keypad for dialing. As in R380, the keyboard keys mechanically pressed on the touch screen. The digital camera is located on the back of the phone like the Nokia 7650, but unlike the latter, the protective cover over the lens is not provided. Accordingly, analyzing processes left without protection from dust and dirt. At the time of filming phone emits a sound, much like a camera shutter Leica 1958 year:). USB ports do not. Bluetooth and infrared port located on the left side with the Jog-dial wheel. The stylus is located on the right and quite uncomfortable. Likely to mount in the final version of the autumn will be changed. Generally, it is the weakest link in the smartphone form factor. Here are the right digital camera shutter button, and click 'connect to the Internet. Pretty weird for for GPRS-device, which in principle should always be on-line. Likely to need a button when all the GPRS-channels are busy, and phone Sedin on a simple GSM Internet connection.

Polished Quartz

The main subject for comparison with our competitors, of course, remain the OS and user interface GUI. All the wealth of works on the small screen resolution of 320x208, which seems a little narrow compared to the PocketPC, but it looks good compared to PalmOS (not from Sony, of course). The interface is very similar to the PalmOS pop-up windows over previous applications. However, the above is polosochka to switch between them.List of applications on the main screen is displayed as icons or as a proper list:). Lapping GUI has a long and painful process. Initially, the shell was proanonsirovana two years ago called Quartz. Development were conducted in a Swedish laboratory wing Symbian. And two years not spent in vain. Applied to P800 lightweight version of Quartz called UIQ, to the maximum using resources, multi-color screen with high resolution. "We always had to make the shell easier," - says Ulf Wretling, Head of third-party software Sony Ericsson, - "Asian consumers are paying more attention to the size and design, while the U.S. - on the functionality." The smartphone is built your own browser AU System Browser, understands HTML, cHTML and WAP 2.0 pages, so no need to keep some browsers do not. Some efforts have been directed to speed up downloading Java midlet-s, for this is built into the OS AppLoader, load them directly from the server. A few words about the wave of programs that appear for Symbian phones (Symbian smartphones produced by manufacturers such as Nokia, Motorola, Siemens and Panasonic). Absurd situation with the Nokia 9210, when the program has to put a desktop PC. [Ca. HPCru: here the foreign author is wrong in 9210 is quite possible to put the program without a PC] It seems the time has come when the procedure for installing the programs should be standardized and somehow centralized. The smartphone is a tri-band, ie He will work in the U.S. and in Europe, and Russia. The amount of memory to store 200 VGA images. The screen supports 4096 colors. In conclusion, I should add that most likely such producers as Handspring, will need to lower prices for their communicators with the appearance of P800, to ensure competitiveness. Sources, Materials:

Season Premiere: Meet the handhelds Zire 72 and Zire 31!

And not showing anything new at the exhibition CeBIT-2004 in Hannover, the company PalmOne fulfilled its promises and has launched two new models of PDAs in late April. Both models belong to the family Zire, that is, are inexpensive, and technological revolutions, as though not doing ... In fact, it's not quite true.

Zire 31

A simpler model Zire 31 is designed, it seems, to demonstrate how much can be done on an inexpensive device. Despite the impressively low price ($ 149 U.S.), the device is equipped with a color display and faster processor, capable of playing music in MP3, display photos and much more. Of course, the technological base is not as perfect as the other machines. The most "bottleneck of the new PDA running on PalmOS Garnet (5.2.8), is a display - its resolution is 160x160 at 12 bit color. With clever programming tricks on the screen look good color photos, and the producer humbly wrote in the specification of "a thousand flowers." The rest - a new very well packed: CPU: Intel Cotulla 200 MHz, 16 MB RAM (14 MB user available), slot SD Card / MMC c supporting SDIO, IrDA. Synchronizing with a PC is made via a cable slot MiniUSB located on the left side, next to the charger. Design continues the award-winning visual theme of the first model Zire, however, between two large buttons, application buttons Five-way now is the navigation key. This solves the problem of fans to play. Well, music fans have to buy a memory card and headphones to enjoy high quality audio in RealOne Player. In fact, this handheld can solve any problem - and this at a modest price! The bundled appear: Mini-USB HotSync cable, power supply, CD-ROM with software, transparent protective cover, and stylus. As for software, in this respect, the novelty can boast of as a complete set of required embedded software with improved "contacts" and "Daily" inherited Zire 31 inherited from the Tungsten T3 and Tungsten E (now in the "Contact Us" You can put a small photo in the "Daily" added the new fields that are perfectly synchronized with MS Outlook), and a bonus set of third-party manufacturer. Among them: the built-in application for working with images Photos, Player RealOne, Audible Player, reader PalmReader, powerOne Personal Calculator, Handmark Splash Money, Handmark Mobile DB, Solitaire and Addit. Thanks to cost-screen display, and processor capacity battery lasts for 4 hours, even under stress conditions (video playback). This is a good indicator, the final shape of the CPC practical for a wide range of beginners.

Zire 72

The average price segment presented an impressive model Zire 72. Its main features - a nice touch on the body with bokovinkami noble metallic blue color, the original metal mesh on the back side and inscribed in the center of the grid camera lens, which has a resolution of 1.2 megapixels! At a price of $ 299, the proposal looks very interesting, especially considering that the camera can record video clips with sound and whose resolution is 320x240. Megapixel images can be printed on paper, they have to do enough resolution. True, the first testers noted some shortcomings of the camera, in particular, it requires more light than most of the "phone" cameras, and the compression of JPEG files unnecessarily high. In pictures distinctly blocky. Nevertheless, a megapixel camera - one of the first on the market. As with previous Zire 7x-Series, the screen deserves the good reviews. It is made by technology Transreflective TFT, displays 65536 colors, perfectly visible from any angle and does not change color images. In general, is the perfect companion for the camera. Resolution - Standard 320x320 pixels. Difference from previous Zire is to use 5-way joystick keys instead. This is likely to enjoy users. Technologically Zire 72 - quite the perfect PDA. It is designed based on the latest processor PXA270 from Intel, which is similar to that for PXA255 clocked shows great proizvoditlnost and consume less energy. In this model, used 300 MHz processor, which in combination with 32 MB RAM (24 MB available), SD Card slot and vtroennym wireless Bluetooth adapter makes a very attractive combination. No less interesting is a set of programs installed in addition to standard applications, PalmOS Garnet (5.2.8.). Firstly, this MP3-player RealOne. Secondly, it improved the application "Contact Us" and "Diary", which can be respectively, store photos of friends and tag their cases in different colors. Thirdly, the full version of Documents To Go allows editing and viewing documents Microsoft Office, including the "natural" format, without conversion on your desktop. It is also possible to read popular documents Adobe Acrobat - PDF. The bottleneck of all this splendor is the battery capacity of 950 mAh. Even under a moderate load of reviews of testers, it is rarely "lives" more than 4 hours. However, when playing MP3 c screen off can reach 5.5 hours.Included with the Bluetooth-adapter and the display at maximum brightness Zire 72 to surf the internet 3 hours 18 minutes. Developers also had to save on the sales package and the periphery, which is equipped with this device. In the box you will find a Mini-USB-sync cable and charger. Unfortunately, Zire 72 is not supplied to the cradle. Moreover, the machine stripped jack Universal Connector. This means that the periphery of the previous models, as well as a cradle, you can not be used in conjunction with these palm. The model is also equipped with a removable protective cap, but included with it is pretty nice plastic bag, which still krupnovat to put it in his pocket. But all the same. Obviously, the Zire 72 handheld has already outgrown the boundaries of "byuzhetnogo" and even "average" segment, in terms of functionality. Retaining quite a reasonable price, it has all the necessary functions for a wide range of users - from the serious business to careless students. Is that computer geeks are not satisfied - Give them a slot Compact Flash adapter and Wi-Fi:) The new handheld will appear in Moscow after the May holidays. Price Zire 31 for Russia will be $ 199, a Zire 72 - $ 370. These handhelds now can be ordered online Internet store PalmStore.ru. As soon as new items get to the editorial HPCru, but it will happen fairly soon, we promise you a detailed review, as always, with tests on performance and battery life. Stay with us! The authors, translation: