Toshiba Portege G900: with the shield or on it?

Return Toshiba to market compact mobile devices - a landmark event that represents a clear perspective of this niche. After almost a two-year hiatus company once again decided to conquer the "European heights." However, to realize that to stand out among the major players, HTC and E-Ten, it will be difficult. The first offers a very large and varied range (from smartphone to UMPC), while the second assumes that produces the most advanced machines faster than anyone else. In these circumstances, Toshiba had both should try before you declare yourself. Thus has been born communicator Toshiba G900 with a wide screen WVGA - the first and only number of other innovations. In addition, the company announced ambitious plans in the light of telefonostroitelstva. But would it be a triumph for its return? Let's try to answer this question. So, we have the so-called side QWERTY-slider hi-end class. At this time belonging to the "cream of the communication society" means the next set of features: the presence of high-resolution screen, powerful CPU of 500 MHz, the latest version of WM and support for 3G, coupled with two wireless standards, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. All this, as you know, our hero has. What else can boast of G900? Let's look at its specification.

Features Toshiba G900:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Processor: Marvell XScale PXA270 520 MHz
• Memory: 128MB RAM, 128MB ROM
• Display: 3 ", WVGA (800x480), 65000 colors
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800/1900, UMTS / HSDPA 2100
• Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR), USB 1.1 (client / host)
• Expandable memory: miniSD up to 2GB
• Camera: 2 megapixel main flash, additional VGA for video telephony
• Original features: a biometric sensor
• Battery: removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh
• Dimensions and weight: 119 x 61 x 21,5 mm, 196 g

Competitors apparatus in this review will act keyboardless VGA-model Glofiish X800, Gigabyte GSmart i350 and O2 XDA Flame. First of all, if you do not take into account keyboard machines differ from each other screen sizes. The biggest diagonal in Flame - 3.6 ", in second place, our hero with a 3" and the third X800 c 2,8 "and i350 with 2.6." Also, different amounts of memory. And once again leading "light" with its 1.7 GB of available user . This is followed by G900 - 128 MB ROM and 128 MB of RAM, and then X800 and i350 with 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM. Another serious moment - it is the presence of Glofiish Gigabyte and satellite receiver, excluded from the arsenal of our hero. Plus this or minus - depending on your preferences and goals. In addition, among the contenders G900 - HTC TyTN II with a QVGA-screen and Glofiish M800, equipped with a similar QWERTY-keyboard, slide out the side. First, if we do not take into account the display is different from ours character less powerful 400 MHz processor, 256 MB ROM and the presence of GPS. As regards the second, the information on it is still too small to take it into account in this review. In general, the Toshiba G900 has no competitors in full compliance with it as possible.

Completion

Included with the Toshiba G900 is a standard set:

• wired headset
• charger
• sync cable
• cable to connect peripherals through the USB-host
• cover

Set - modest for hi-end device. However, it does not matter if any complaints about the quality of its components, as in our case, no. The main thing that he did not disappoint the communicator, so to meet the visitors, as expected, "according to the coverlet."

Design and Ergonomics

The first impression when meeting with Toshiba G900, rather positive. Of course, the big excitement this hefty smartphone, designed in strict classical style, not causes. Several krupnovat and overweight, especially against the more graceful and light competition.However, the respect deserved quality body, its ergonomic shape, rounded bottom, match for the form of a palm, a discreet silver-colored, which is becoming increasingly rare and pleasant to touch plastic, very resistant to scratches. In general, the key adjective, which can reduce the visual impression - "solid", as expected, a business unit. However, here I want to do a little reservation. Such a machine is still more suitable for men. Well, now the details. As usual G900 shall examine from all sides. The front part is arranged thus the usual manner. Under the big screen, a bit stretched in length, located a familiar keyboard unit. In the center - a round stick with inscribed in it "OK" button and four-way taps. This element is somewhat too small for the large male fingers, and therefore not very convenient. However, thanks to the speaker shiny ring encircling the joystick, press the adjacent button does not work, the maximum - accidentally hit the round button in the center. The rest of the button - to adequately responsive. With the surrounding keys - all in order. There are eight pieces in total. Closer to the center are the main control - soft-buttons, and below them the "challenge" and "retreat". On each side of support - to call the "Start" menu, "ok", "Contact" and "Mail". The last two may optionally be reprogrammed to run higher priority programs. Above the screen is barely visible button to call Internet Explorer, does not protrude above the surface. Those who prefer Opera, can replace it is not too convenient regular browser. Moreover, that this application is preinstalled on the device. Just above is an indicator that indicates the charging system and the work of wireless modules. Next is visible a small cut of the system dynamics, which removed the right of the eye of a VGA-camera for video telephony on mobile networks, 3G. Its solid device must deliberate the ends that make it look monolithic. All connectors are covered with plugs, and controls are very few stand out above the surface and are at the bottom of the sliding cars, less wide than the front. Because of this, to touch them by accident is almost impossible. And if zadenesh, it is unlikely that the camera button and volume adjuster will react to it, as several tugovat, as befits a side elements. On the left side are connectors for memory cards and headphones covered with plugs. By the way, the caps themselves quite firmly attached to the body of flexible plastic cords, which are unlikely to allow them to get lost. At the bottom end placed miniUSB connector for synchronization and charging, and at its junction with the right side - a silo.Pero no problems extracted from there through the notches on the handle. Has a telescopic construction and thick enough for comfortable work. The right side is also not particularly "inhabited". Here is the start button "camera" that can be reprogrammed and volume control. At the "top" device is present only power button, a little "staggering" in its nest. As a result, you're not always right the first time can activate or deactivate the device. Next door to it is fixing the back covers of the unit, which is removed entirely. Beneath it is the battery and reset hole. Of course, rezet under the lid - not the best solution for WM-communicator, sometimes requires decisive action. Well, that although the battery does not have to remove. Reboot to the right of it. Under the battery as is usually the slot for a SIM card. Mount - the classical, remove or insert the card there is no difficulty. At the rear of the main camera lens is removed from the G900 lackluster performance - 2 megapixel with LED flash. About her - in a separate chapter. In conclusion, from an ergonomic point of view, and apparently the machine was a success, except for some minor points which like a miniature joystick and unsure of the power button. The rest of the build quality at an altitude backlash not seen. The only serious shortcoming is not in favor of the G900 - it was his great size and weight, which is partly redeems the large screen and keyboard. However, the last and another curious element management deserve a separate chapter.

Keyboard and scanner

Hardware keyboard in a mobile device - an indispensable tool, especially if a lot of work with mail. And as experience shows, the most convenient way of existing - this is a side QWERTY-clayder (although, of course, and you can get used to the Blackberry-like solutions). There he and a minus - a large device size, as in our case.But "for" such a keyboard speak its own dimensions and usual horizontal orientation, making it the closest to desktop solutions. In an active G900 - 43 buttons for characters plus two side backup software-buttons. It's more than most counterparts. So for them to comfortably accommodate all the Russian letters, moreover, that the places on the keys for them enough. Almost the entire bottom row occupy very necessary in the mobile sector function buttons. The numeric keys are highlighted in green, which is illuminated in the dark. The main highlight is the keyboard - white and optimal brightness. Now about ergonomics. From the standpoint of reasonableness keyboard G900 deserves the five, because of its buttons have an acceptable size, design and a slightly rough surface that will not let slip his fingers. They are tightly grouped, but the probability of miss the mark by the desired or press all at once is not great because of their convex surface, which allows to distinguish one from another by touch. Some kind of a week of training - and you'll be typing on a decent speed for a mobile phone, acting almost blindly. Fortunately, the return of keys - a good and easy to move. Now add a little drop of poison. Five, placed above the keyboard - not hard, but with a minus. Personally I am not satisfied with the size and shape of the side keys doubles softkeys. They are extended vertically, not broad, particularly after the usual buttons and made "offshoring." For these reasons, to get to them is not always possible. As for the sliding mechanism, then it works as a good watch, that is clearly and smoothly. Has avtodovodchik. However, as is the case with most of the sliding mechanisms that predisposed to the emergence of backlash after prolonged use. At the top of the slider on the back side of the screen, waiting for us a pleasant surprise - here passed another control, which may be a good help keyboard. Speech - a fingerprint scanner, which plays the role of part-scroll wheel with the ability to run applications. In other words, it can be used not only to restrict access to valuable data on the device, but also to move the program and their menu, run the right software to read books, to scroll the web page. Location scanner also performed well thought out: it gets akkurat the forefinger of his left hand. So, work out, you can learn how to smartly handle the machine, combining a keyboard and a scanner. Interestingly, in the program to work with this sensor is adjustable in its sensitivity in 10 steps. At a minimum, he works with great reluctance, to the maximum - painfully sensitive, so I chose a middle ground. Evaluate the scanner in action can be a short video.

Demonstration of a biometric sensor

Screen

Continue to sing praises. Because of its uniqueness, that is, wide-format with 800x480 resolution in combination with 3-inch diagonal display, G900 can be called one of the best at the moment. The depth of color, smooth lines, sharpness and detail drawing - at an unprecedented height for smart phones. Of course, feel all these moments can only be viewed on a device some videos. Traditionally, we spun the trailer of "Matrix" in performance and received lots of positive emotions. By the way, note the good viewing angles of the device: watching movies on it can be two, or three times as:) However, the details of our conversation below. You can feel the difference and when reading, and working on the Internet. Eyes definitely get tired less, and placed on a page where more text. Oh, and impressions of the device - very different, even banal navigation applications. "After talking with G900 for about two weeks, I was a little strange to return to a more compact VGA, not to mention the 320x240. Well distinguishable from pixels in the latter case, begins to cut the eye. If you compare the display G900 with competitors, we can say that he beats them with a small advantage at the expense again of their size and as a consequence of emerging subjective impressions. As for the backlight, then it is regulated in six steps, not as flexible as say a Glofiish X800 with its 11 divisions. However, at a minimum very pleased to read in the dark. Office lighting is enough second-and third divisions, and for the streets - from four and above. With the sun screen "coping" as well as his brothers, that is, pales and loses color. But, for example, photograph with the help of a bright autumn day can not really breaking the eye. And the last couple moments, unfortunately, out of the general tone of this chapter. First of all, a custom screen can provoke the problem of compatibility with third-party software, especially working with graphics (eg, with the same games). Programs can run awry or poorly displayed. During testing we encountered a rather strange problem when trying to run the navigation software iGO. At the first dialog box where you want to select the language, the installation had to stop because of the inability to select a language. The program correctly distinguish clicking on the display, the shift was about one and a half inches, that is, to confirm the language selection, and press the button to continue the installation, you had to click somewhere and a half inches below the screen. On the hardware keys iGO does not respond. The only way out - reboot. The truth is worth noting that with other programs such was not observed, so for example, navigation Autosputnik worked without any problems, just on the start screen, saying that the file does not match the splash screen resolution. Oh, and redrawing of the screen, again by virtue of his authorization, sometimes occurs with noticeable delays. And this despite a fairly powerful processor. Thus, a smooth transition to performance tests.

Performance

In the Toshiba G900 has one of the most powerful processors that are used in communicators. This is a Marvell XScale PXA270 clocked at 520 MHz. However, his power is not always enough to cope with the wide screen. No, when dealing with major problems - everything is in order, and the voluminous files, it opens fairly quickly - say, loads a presentation at the 20 MB for about 20-30 seconds. Well, when installing the system of GPS-navigation is not lost, with little brakes displaying a map while driving.However, subjectively, by eye, works less quickly, than the "colleagues": not so quickly changes the screen orientation, slightly slower runs applications. So whether it's actually - let's see with the help of Spb Benchmark. If meticulously compare the figures, our hero is actually inferior to most rivals. However, losing this one - quite small and nestydny, considering its screen. In addition, it goes almost nose to nose with the main contenders Glofiish X800 and Gigabyte i350, occasionally skirting them on the turns - for example, the graphics tests. In general, everything would be just fine, if not the results of TCPMP. Unfortunately, the unconverted to watch a movie with a resolution of 640x480 on the G900 will not work. More precisely, it is possible, but occasionally will slow down your machine. So we recommend to convert video to 640h352 with more forgiving settings, in addition to such resolution video on the big screen looks much better. Well, with the rollers 320x240 and below, the communicator handle without any difficulty. Here are the results of the device against fellow human beings. What is characteristic, X800 Toshiba concedes on all points. The reason for that - not too fast 500 MHz processor device from Samsung. But leaders of the tests - Gsmart i350 and O2 XDA Flame have the same processors, the resolution of standard screens - 640x480, so the CPU does not bear an additional burden on the tension or compression roller. The situation is similar to the HTC TyTN II, as "closer" to the resolution of video screen resolution, the better the processor copes with his playing.

Memory

In the characteristics of the G900 are indicated good numbers in the graph memory - for 128 MB of RAM and ROM. If in case the user RAM available for almost the entire volume, then Flash is not the case. Initially, your order will arrive only 30 MB. Shortages, which will be felt almost immediately (it is worth otschelkat couple dozen photos in high resolution), will have to compensate miniSD-card. Absolutely supported cards up to 2 GB.

Sociability

Phone

From the standpoint of communications at Toshiba G900 all in perfect order. Wireless connections, as usual, manages the application Wireless Manager (enable / disable and configure), and phone number - Phone. Our hero is designed to work in networks GSM (tri-band) with GPRS / EDGE and especially pleased that a key to the future as a module with support for UMTS high-speed data transfer standard for HSDPA category 6. Small neliricheskoe retreat. Every day, 3G Communication Technology is becoming more urgent. For example, St. Petersburg MegaFon subscribers already can realistically assess the performance of new networks of UMTS, which is in commercial use. Soon catch up, and other members of the Big Three. The other day, Beeline has also promised to start, but in Moscow. However, the full transition to next generation network will begin only next year. In general, up to Peter, as you already understood, we have not reached yet, but some of the theoretical possibilities of 3G say. The most interesting part in this whole story - add HSDPA (High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), is responsible for data transfer.Maximum theoretical transfer rate for this standard is 14.4 Mbps., Practicable in the existing networks - about 3 Mbps. At a much greater bandwidth (5 MHz) than the GSM (200 kHz) becomes possible transfer of any content - from sending multimedia files to view online broadcasts and video. By the way, that video in our working conditions, have already confirmed. The exhibition "InfoCom-2007" in Moscow, where he was deployed a test network of UMTS, many subscribers can test it in business, how to communicate with each other and went out into the relationship with Peter for example, the Minister of Communications and the governor of the northern capital:) U Toshiba G900 everything needed for video conferencing is available. Speech on the frontal VGA-camera and small tools to work with her. From the phone program can also make a video call by clicking the appropriate button. Of course, the picture is far from perfect (a bit dark and ryaba), but see each other, noting some details, it is still possible. Tested in Russia and one more opportunity for new networks. Speech on the admission of TV on mobile phones. In the case of small-time test translation program "Vesti" everything went smoothly. In general, with a full launch of 3G in Russia can be expected to strengthen the positions of TV on the Internet. But back to our hero. With regard to the traditional telephone side, here at the G900 is all right, get access to all basic services of GSM-networks. Sorry that's only when switching from GPRS to EDGE difference is not really there, at least in Moscow. Well, not far UMTS ...

Bluetooth

Bluetooth-side is also not podkachala - is the latest version 2.0 with EDR (enhanced data transmission) and a full set of profiles - to connect a standard headset to the possibility of listening to music via wireless headsets, thanks to A2DP. Interface for working with Bluetooth - a standard for Windows. Everything works well, smoothly. It is curious that Toshiba engineers have found a couple of ways to use "blue tooth", but more about them in the programming part.

Wi-Fi

Everything here is also without surprises, the same 802.11 b / g with a standard interface for configuration. Easily connected via Wireless Manager to a hotspot in a public place and can not only surf the global network, but also listen to online radio broadcasts, watch videos on YouTube and, of course, to use VoiP-telephone - to call or chat. Pleased that among the pre-installed software is available and your own mVoIP-application - TipTalk.

The USB host

Included with the unit supplied cord to connect to the host USB 1.1, implemented in the G900, with different peripherals. During the test apparatus without any difficulty working with USB-flash drive and 4GB USB-keyboard, but connecting the card reader G900 failed, more and could not read any of the proposed cards, giving notice of the lack of tension.

Multimedia

Sound

Audiospobnosti G900 - the classical communicators average. Particularly pleasing that the headset is in two parts, separate headphones and a separate control unit with a microphone, answer button, and, best of all, with a standard 3,5 mm jack. So that problems with connecting your favorite headphones will not arise. Sufficient to establish a normal player, in this case, the playback quality will be at most MP3-players. Concerning the work of built-in speaker - no claims to the device. At maximum volume and with the included vibrating alert, pretty powerful, it gives a signal which can be heard even in the subway. And the film in public places can be seen without headphones.

Luggage

The unit is equipped with a camera with the usual features - 2 megapixel without autofocus, but with LED flash, which is activated separately. Available in the arsenal of the device and 3-times optical zoom. The camera allows you to take photos with a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 in jpg format and record video in 320x240 in MPEG4 and 3GP.

Following options:

scale

Landscape and portrait photography

environment (aka white balance - automatic, indoor, cloudy, sunny, nighttime)

special effects

adjust the size and picture quality (supported resolution: 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480, 320x240, 176x144), setting a timer and continuous shooting.

It is possible to remove avtoportet with front camera in VGA resolution. The camera interface is generally arranged quite comfortably - from the top line, you can choose between video or photography, to include the front camera, landscape or portrait orientation, adjust image resolution, zoom in and turn the flash on. In the lower left corner - hanging menu icon, which are available all of the above options, plus all sorts of things like the timer and special effects. The camera itself is run either by spetsknopki on the side of the device, or from the section "Programs". Overall, the picture quality - at an acceptable level for a cameraphone, though of course a great sharpness, especially in close-up, they do not differ, and the color unit is not always passes exactly. Sometimes does not save even adjust the white balance under the lights. Watch and rate pics.

Toshiba Portege G900: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 898,8 Kb)

Toshiba Portege G900: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 897,7 Kb)

Toshiba Portege G900: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 447,5 Kb)

Toshiba Portege G900: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 944,5 Kb)

Runtime

Our hero is equipped with at first sight is not too capacious battery, because of its screen - at 1320 mAh. However, tests indicate that the device consumes reasonable. Judge for yourself: the maximum load.Vykruchena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker - also included Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth, the Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video, match for the screen resolution. Battery life in this mode was 5 hours 10 minutes. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off, the backlight set to minimum. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with bitrates 192 KB / c. Hours - 19 hours 45 min. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness set to minimum. On the PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was 13 hours 30 min. The result - a very decent, even for such a mastodon. At medium loads G900 is able to last two days. But looks like our hero from the competition.

Soft

The device runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional with a standard set of programs which we have repeatedly been told, so now the tradition rundown of the most interesting of the pre-applications from Toshiba. In this regard, the future owners G900 lucky. Especially like to mention the browser Opera, which far exceeds the capabilities of the standard Explorer. I think the advantages (such as support for multiple windows and rich settings) are well known to you. Utility Finger Launcher, which manages the biometric scanner will not only block access to files stored on the phone, identifying the owner's fingerprint, but also "hang" literally on each of your finger - on the application. So that the desired program will be launched - should just touch the sensor, say, the right index finger. On the other possibilities of the scanner we have told above. In addition, Toshiba has taken care about more or less comfortable viewing photos and pictures on your device, setting the average of the possibilities, but clearly it is useful to program Picsel Viewer. Deserves separate praise the decision of developers to expand the scope of Bluetooth - affects the business orientation of the model. For example, the utility GoldKey will always keep under review the working PC - just connect to it via Bluetooth and to agree to "care" for the desktop. The rest - is no longer your headache. Once you get out of the reach of the "blue tooth" along with the Communicator, a desktop machine is blocked due to connection failure. Another program from the Wi-Fi series - Teleport, will use the device or as a remote keyboard for PCs, or as a display. Well, the last nice feature that I would like to mention specifically. It's about the paragraph "Storage Device USB» in the settings. Ticking in a single window of the program, you will be able to connect to any desktop, bypassing ActiveSync, that is, as usual USB-stick.

Price

Sredneroznichnaya price stated on the Toshiba G900, is 22 thousand rubles.

Conclusions

Summarizing, we really want to congratulate Toshiba engineers in triumph. But let's not do this for two reasons. Firstly, in order not to jinx it, because we wish this worthy in all respects, the producer of market success and implementation of all the grandiose plans. And, secondly, because, despite all the innovations, G900 still has turned controversial device. Let us explain. The fact that the starting price for this device is slightly above the price of competing models equipped with everything else GPS. Oh, and apparently the machine is not very impressive - rather repellent effect of weight and dimensions. However, perhaps there are buyers who, above all, appreciate it a great screen, really easy to use keyboard, scanner and a thoughtful set of additional software. In conclusion, specifically did not impose a disadvantage no GPS-module, since this option is still necessary not to each user. All the more so if you want the owner of G900 will always be able to acquire an external Bluetooth-receiver and a card.

Pros:
• a great big screen with a unique resolution of 800x480
• The original control - Scanner
• thought-out keyboard and ergonomics of the device as a whole
• 3G support
• good selection of additional software

Cons:
• large size and heavy weight
• too austere design
• not very high performance
• possible incompatibility issues with third-party software

The authors, translation: