If something is not enough ASUS P525 communicator full of happiness, because it's GPS-receiver. Compact device with a convenient numeric keypad, productive processor, an impressive battery life and excellent camera as a nice bonus, but without GPS. At the time of occurrence of the first data on the model of ASUS P526 all of the sudden thought that he would be the older brother P525, the decision "all in one." However, the official announcement and announcement of the technical parameters for many has brought only disappointment. And indeed, many points have been simplified in comparison with the previous model. For example, the camera lost the autofocus, a processor from Intel replaced the much less productive TI OMAP850, disappeared Wi-Fi-module, but appeared in GPS-receiver. That's not all the changes, but the above items is enough to understand that the P525 and P526 - a completely different device. There is, however, good news. Compared with the previous model, the new design ASUS has become more compact and significantly lighter, that will be appreciated by users wishing to buy a smartphone as a replacement for an ordinary mobile phone. Well, about that today we will talk in detail. In the meantime, let's see who will compete P526. And, oddly enough, direct competitors of new items from ASUS yet. Among the most similar in features are HTC P3300 (Artemis), who has lost the status of the hot new items, but gained a huge army of fans. P526 distinguishes it from the lack of numeric keypad and the availability of Wi-Fi module and FM-tuner. The other characteristics are very similar, as well as prices, although at the start of Artemis was worth more. So, we proceed to a detailed review.
Main technical characteristics - Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Professional
- Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP850, 200 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB Flash ROM
- Screen: 2.6 "transflective TFT, 240x360, 65536 colors
- Memory Expansion: microSD (up to 2 GB)
Communication capabilities: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GRPS / EDGE (Class 10), Bluetooth (1.2) - Camera: 2 megapixel camera (without autofocus)
- Battery: Li-Pol, 1300 mAh, removable
- Audio: microphone, speaker, 2.5-mm headset jack
- Dimensions and weight: 110 x 58 x 15.4 mm and 115 g.
- Claimed battery life: up to 150 hours of standby time, up to 4 hours talk time
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Reduce the size of the body manufacturer was mainly due to reduction of diagonal screen. If the same ASUS P525 offers the standard 2.8 inches, then we see here is 2.6 inches. When working screen does not seem so small, the difference can be noticed only if you hold the device near. Slightly surprised by an outdated version of Bluetooth-module (1.2), in light of the fact that most of the WM-novelties has Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR. And recently, Bluetooth Special Interest Group presented specification 2.1, so that in the near future we should expect widespread dissemination of this standard. However, ASUS P526 supports A2DP and many other popular profiles, so that the complaint here is not particularly matter what. Speak at length about this, we will later, but now vskroem box and familiarize themselves with its contents.
Supplied
Completion is quite good: with the minimum necessary related accessories available yet, and several additional accessories to facilitate the work with the device when using the GPS-functions. Full set as follows:
- ASPS P526 smartphone
- stylus
- Cover leatherette
- wired headset
- battery
- automotive fastener
- charger from the 220V
- charger from the cigarette lighter socket
- USB / mini USB cable for synchronization
- user manual, warranty card
- 3 CD with accompanying software
The stylus is collapsible. Outwardly, he seems totally plastic, so it seems a bit easier usual. In fact, within the stylus is a metal rod, so for fear of damage to the stylus is not necessary. At the upper end there is a significant overhang, allowing no problem removing the pen from a pencil-box, which is located on the lower right corner of the case. Spare stylus, unfortunately, is not provided.
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Case makes a very contradictory impression. On the one hand, it is quite stylish. But on the other - not too comfortable. It's a cross between a handbag to be worn on the belt and the usual "pocket". On the mind - a handbag, in fact - the pocket. The disadvantage lies in the fact that the cover of the communicator can not get quickly - prevents the eyelet for attaching wrist or neck strap, which, incidentally, is not included. The logic of this decision are difficult to understand. Same ASUS P525 comes with the traditional holster to be worn on the belt, which was at times more convenient. But ... it should be noted that with their protective functions of the local Case stravlyaetsya. Thank you and on this one.
The headset is very ordinary. Exactly the same was included with a model P525. The sound quality is enough in it - you can even listen to music, but the connector has a cross section of 2.5 mm, so that the use of higher quality headphones will have to buy an adapter.
And finally, car mount and charger. The presence of these accessories are bundled today boasts nearly every modern GPS-communicator. Was no exception, and ASUS P526. Mount consists of a plastic frame in which "sits" bendable tripod apparatus and the suction cup. In our case, sucker several times spontaneously peel off from the windshield and the whole structure fell to the floor. Most likely, this marriage of suckers in the case of one particular kit.
Well, a nice addition to everything listed was 3 disks with the software: one with ActiveSync 4.5, the second - with dictionaries from Paragon Software and third - with additional programs, including popular package Spb Pocket Plus.
Design and Ergonomics
Box with the ASUS P526 is decorated with the logo of the Association of International Forum Design, saying that the novelty has won the prestigious IF Product Design Award. But do not think that the design of the communicator is something extraordinary: the face of the P526 is very similar to its predecessor, and is broadly consistent with expectations.Housing has become significantly smaller (110 x 58 x 15.4 mm versus 117 x 59 x 19 mm) and much lighter (115 g versus 160 g), thus become even more convenient to carry in any pocket device. Generally speaking, ASUS P526 - the most compact smartphone with numeric keypad and a very small device with navigation functions.
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Model is only available in gray, other options will not. In general, it looks very strict and kept - no frills design do not. All brilliant, as you know - always very simple. For more expressive facial side of the case is framed by a silver inlay, while the rear has a black strip on which the speaker and camera lens. However, all the same detailed examination of the case we start from the front side, the bulk of which takes the screen. At the top, above the display, you might consider a slot of voice dynamics, and a single LED, which share fell immediately opovestitelnye features (GPS, Bluetooth, reminders, network, and so on).
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Under the screen is a keyboard, which evolved a comparison with the keyboard ASUS P525. Firstly, it was gone way navigation joystick. Secondly, the changed location of keys and their purpose. Soft keys are now of pairwise aligned with buttons and voice control the main menu. However, several injured ergonomics, coupled buttons are very thin, with a small reserve and also located close to the bottom row of the keypad. However, after two or three days of use they can be used. But still, in our view, the implementation of these elements in a model of P525 was better. And finally, the last apparent change, keys slightly decreased in size. They still have a convex shape, a sufficient stock of progress and a clear response when pressed. Use them conveniently. The size of the inscriptions on the keys has not changed - they are perfectly readable, even by people with low vision.
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Well, illuminated keyboard is very uniform, bright white color. Turn off the backlight manually is impossible, and ambient light sensors that automatically turn on / off illuminating LEDs to communicators is not reached.
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It is worth saying more about what can be reassigned only three keys of the whole array, or rather two: the start button for the voice application management and lower left, which by default allows you to switch between running programs. For these two buttons can be assigned to the three steps, since the first works in two modes: pressing and long-term retention. As for typing, there is a full order. The keyboard is just as convenient for a set of short messages (SMS-messages, e-mail), as well as the keys of any phone. But, of course, for a set of large texts it is not intended. Let us turn to the left side of the face.Here was discovered the wheel, which is intended to replace the navigation joystick and a small button "OK". Jog-dial functions as the scroll and pressed to confirm the call. On the one hand - this is very convenient, especially when reading. But on the other hand, it is unlikely that element could be a full replacement for the joystick. When the required soft-keys have to use second hand or stylus. Well, the games require push-button controls, as you know, have to forget. If you talk about as a realization of the wheel, it is at altitude - find fault with absolutely no sense.
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Right sidewall includes switch Hold, which blocks the hardware buttons and screen, as well as an expansion slot microSD, a small hole, hiding the "soft" reset, and a camera button. Memory card slot is open, it does not provide any screws, not covering the rubber caps. And to start the photo-based applications need to continuously retain the button. Very, in our view, a logical decision. In other models, it often happened involuntary pressing this key and activate the camera at the wrong time. Now, such cases are excluded.
As for sides with, here we see the painfully standard set of elements. Bottom - connector mini-USB, which connects the two chargers and sync cable, as well as 2,5-millimeter audio jack, microphone slot and the stylus holder (right). As already mentioned - the stylus is removed quite simply thanks to the ledge on top of the pen. Upper end contains only the key on / off device.
Back of the remarkable decorative black inlay, which is located camera lens, the lattice dynamics of the system and hidden under a plug connector for external GPS-antenna. Battery cover takes up three-quarters of the back side and lifted a familiar downward spiral. Under it - the battery, covering the slot for SIM-card.
Summarizing the external examination, we note the good build quality. All elements of the perfect fit, the body is perceived as a monolith, and battery compartment lid, in spite of the small thickness and the apparent fragility fixed almost perfectly still and did not issue any sound when you try to squeeze the very device in his hand. Ergonomics is good, true to the possibility of a full one-handed use so far away - such a peccadillo is found in all modern communicators. However, ASUS, as well as other vendors work in this direction, it shows. So for the design, ergonomics and build quality put the "four-plus" and turn to the display.
Screen
As we noted at the beginning of the review, screen size smaller than the standard P526 and is only 2.6 inches. But other technical parameters of the matrix did not differ from the majority counterparts.It has the usual resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and shows 65536 colors. The viewing angles are quite good, but the local screen picked up a slight drawback P525. When looking at the screen from top to an angle of about 20-30 degrees there is a pale yellow tint, which slightly spoils the overall impression, but by and large does not carry anything terrible. Backlight brightness adjustable in 8 steps, as well as all the latest PDA ASUS. This is quite sufficient for the selection of brightness under any lighting conditions. The maximum level lets you read from the screen in bright sunlight. Vision, of course, have to strain, but the information is readable. While the lowest level is comfortable for reading in the dark. Perhaps that is all we can say. Modern communicators are not too different from each other on display quality. So in this respect, the novelty of the ASUS is no better or worse than any other current model.
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Speed and memory
Role of the central processor in ASUS P526 performs well familiar to you processor Texas Instruments OMAP850 200 MHz. This means that the function of manual control processor speed, available in communicators P525 and P535, will have to forget. Moreover, we can directly talk about the impossibility of viewing unconverted video and many modern games. Not very good news for those who are considered a novelty, as a potential replacement last keyboard model from ASUS. However, it should be noted that when working with the operating system interface device rather quickly. , There are no delays when opening various items on the menu, or transactions with the settings. True, when displaying a large list of contacts, or the files in Windows Explorer "noticeably slow down your machine-read. The same is observed at the opening of the texts in the format of Word Mobile, pdf-file and when reading large playlists. In order to clarify the overall system performance has been traditionally used Spb Benchmark test package from the company Spb Software House. For comparison, we chose the model ASUS P525 (to assess the performance difference between what "was" and that "was") and HTC P3300 (Artemis) - as the closest competitor and closest to the technical parameters of the communicator.
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The results were at the level of expectations. ASUS P526 is kept roughly on par with the HTC P3300: in some tests, it is a bit behind in others - on the contrary, it behaves much better than its nearest competitor. The difference with the P525 is huge, in principle, is also easily explainable only one mention of the CPU clock speed. Test results for TCPMP player show almost the same as Spb Benchmark. In general, P526 shows performance similar to P3300, yielding only a few percent in each roller. This difference can easily be attributed to testing error. But the overall results, as always, are presented in tabular form.
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All this implies a simple conclusion. On the PDA ASUS P526 comfortably watch can only be a resolution of 320 x 176 pixels or less. Theoretically, you can download and QVGA-movies, but in a particularly dynamic scenes, they will slow down your. Recall that the figure given in the table shows the average speed of play, so that as an indicator of the applicable rate of reproduction rate is taken 120%. As for memory, here we observe a standard pattern: the communicator is equipped with 128 MB ROM and 64 MB of RAM.From the area of memory for the user's needs is given about 44.98 MB of ROM and - 44.28 MB. The expansion slot supports microSD cards up to two gigabytes. Yes, it is worth noting that when you first start your device automatically starts installation of localization, which eats up a couple of megabytes of available area.
Sound
On the part of sonic possibilities P526 generally happy. The external speaker sounds loud enough, that lets you hear the call anywhere - even in the subway, even on the street, at least out of the bag. During his stay in the room is enough mid-level volume, otherwise the sound will cut ear. Voice speaker to the sound peculiar tint, which is unusual at first. However, the sound is very high quality, even at maximum volume does not appear any foreign wheeze. But again, in most cases it will suffice to medium volume level, or voice your buddy will be clearly audible to others. Headset, as we have noted, too, sounds very good. However, when you connect other headphones (ear from the iPod nano and more home Koss) the sound was noticeably better, which suggests that the high quality of implementation of the sound path. To reiterate, the device is equipped with an audio jack with a cross section 2.5 mm, so to use other headphones have to acquire appropriate adapter. Although, you could just buy A2DP-headset and listen to music without wires. Benefit, Bluetooth-module device allows it. Voice recorder is capable of fairly high quality recording sound from a distance of 4-5 meters from the source. However, this is true only if the entry is made in a quiet room. If, for example, include an entry on the street, we have to hold the device very close to her lips, then to the voice was legible. In short, the recorder P526 can say exactly the same as any other device. Well, here we note vibrate, which is due to the large amplitude of very good feel of his pocket, even when walking. And if your device is on the table, then the sound of the vibration can be heard when no worse than the sound from the speaker.
Communication capabilities
Telephone module P526 supports a quad GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, and supports data transfer protocols GRPS and EDGE. Calls are made through the standard application Phone. For added convenience, a filter calls.
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From wireless modules in the device is present only Bluetooth 1.2. Infrared port there, as well as Wi-Fi. On the one hand - it is clear that engineers have sought to make P526 as accessible as possible (at) navigation solution and a lot of things had to be abandoned in the design process. However, Wi-Fi, in our view, this would come in very handy. In this case the P526 would compete with the HTC P3300 on an equal footing, and the numeric keypad would be an additional argument in favor of purchasing model ASUS. Module Bluetooth, oddly enough, is controlled by the driver from Microsoft, the standard for Windows Mobile. And this moment is not quite clear. The same P525, for example, possessed driver from Broadcomm, much more convenient to use. However, to complain about. The local "Blue tooth" demonstrates a stable job. The tests took place in a classic case. We linked the device with other communicators and PDA (HTC P3300, Fujitsu Siemens Pocket Loox C550, HP iPAQ rw6815), with a wireless headset Jabbra and Nokia 6021 and Sony Ericsson K790i. In all cases, the connection took place without problems.
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Supported profile A2DP, allowing play music through wireless headphones, and SPP (Serial Port Profile), SAP (SIM Access Profile), OPP (Object Push Profile), PAN (Personal Area Network Profile), HID (Human Interface Device Profile) and AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile). Can not be silent about the USB-connection, which uses a protocol USB 1.1, resulting in up data on your device is long enough. However, there is the possibility of a small speed (Turbo Mode) and use the device as a card reader that allows you to copy files from your computer without installing ActiveSync.
GPS
Integrated GPS-receiver is based on the chipset SiRFStar III, the most popular solution among all of the latest PDAs and smartphones. About him we have to say almost every survey, but still recall its declared characteristics: 20 channels, while hot-start - 1 second, warm - 35 seconds, the cold - 42 seconds. In fact, to run away a little more time. For example, a hot start is unlikely to take you less than five seconds. But anyway, this is a very good indicator. The tests were carried out of the receiver in an urban setting in motion of the car and on foot. And in general, proved to be a good communicator. Connection is lost only where and fitting - in tunnels, under bridges and so on. On the housing provides a connector for an external antenna, but the actual antenna, together with the communicator is not available, and resort to using it you probably do not have to. No navigation software included with the communicator is not available, it will have to buy separately. There are only a small utility GPS Catcher, allows you to update satellite data and a little speed up the process of integrating the navigation module.
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Capabilities built-in camera
Luggage somewhat simplified compared to the P525 or P535. Matrix resolution remained unchanged (2 megapixels), but the auto focus was eliminated, which greatly affected the quality of received images. Taking into account the fact that the lens of the camera shutter does not cover and is located in a place where often gets the thumb, while keeping the device at the ear and get ready for what the lens would have to be regularly cleaned. Arising from the missing autofocus consequence - the disappearance of the program to recognize business cards. And let the last model of its work aroused serious criticism - it is, however, accelerates the entry of new contacts. Now we have to do it manually. Range of settings is virtually identical with itself in ASUS P525. White balance can be automatically detected (oddly enough, is correct in most cases) or selected from a preset (daylight, cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and so on). Photos can be done in the following sizes: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120 and 80 x 60. There is 2,5-times digital zoom, as well as various effects (black & white, sepia, negative, etc.). Below you can see some examples of photography. On some clearly visible dug the upper left edge. Sometimes pictures are more or less acceptable quality, but they pale in comparison with that demonstrated auto-focus camera ASUS P525/P535.
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| ASUS P526: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 214.6Kb) |
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| ASUS P526: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 421.1Kb) |
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| ASUS P526: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 235.0Kb) |
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| ASUS P526: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 254.4Kb) |
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| ASUS P526: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 286.7Kb) |
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| ASUS P526: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 357.8Kb) |
Video recording is available in two formats: MPEG4 and 3GP. The maximum resolution for 3pg-rollers is 176 x 144, but for mp4 - 160 x 120. Quality, of course, is very low. However, evaluate yourself.
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| ASUS P526: an example of the photo (3gp, 176x144, 623.6Kb) |
Runtime
Frankly, we expected from the P526 more impressive results than he has shown in fact. Battery capacity has not changed in comparison with P525, the screen dropped, the processor has become less productive, but the results, contrary to all logic, have become lower. No, you do not think that everything has become really bad. Just the notion of "device from ASUS" has always been associated with us to the term "record-breaking battery life." And now the company is slightly undermined his reputation. Well, our method of testing lately has not undergone any changes, let's look at the results: the maximum load. The brightness set to maximum, the speaker volume is also included Bluetooth, GPS-module, and through Windows Media Player in a loop in the loop play "hard" video.Battery life in this mode was 4 hours 14 minutes. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set to the second division of the account. On the PDA started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was 20 hours 11 minutes. MP3 Playback. Wireless modules and the screen backlight turned off. Listening to music through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with a bitrate 192 kbps. Opening hours 13 hours 51 minutes.
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The diagram shows that represent the results of P526 versus P525 and the HTC P3300. As you can see, the novelty markedly inferior to the previous keyboard communicator of the company. When using the device in mixed mode, which means about 20-30 minutes of calls a day, listening to music for a short, short sessions synchronization via Bluetooth, the reading of a half-hour + navigation, then the battery for a half days is almost completely discharged. If using GPS exclusively in the car, connect the charger, then, of course, the term "life" of the battery will be higher. This is quite average. Very unusual to see such numbers in the test device from ASUS. We hope that the release of P750, the next P-series smartphone, which already looks very promising, the company will be able to restore the tattered reputation.
Software stuffing
The communicator runs on Windows Mobile 6, which we have already repeatedly mentioned. Therefore, the detail only on software additions. A set of preinstalled programs traditionally impressive. Since the time of the latest models, it has improved markedly, although the bulk of the application should be familiar to those who enjoyed the R525, or those who read our review of that model. ASUS Status. This program displays a small window that shows CPU usage, free memory as that of the device itself and not the memory card. Along with this it gives you quick access to relevant sections of the settings.
Mode Switcher. It lets you quickly switch between running applications - for this has a separate key (the lowest in the left vertical row) - By analogy with the keyboard combination "ALT + TAB" on your PC. In addition, it allows you to quickly return to the Today screen and my screen orientation.
Voice Commander. A familiar application for configuring voice control. Everything works just as well as on other devices. It is hardly worth talking about it in detail.
Java. This application is designed to open applications written in Java. So you can run applications designed for mobile phones. Not a fact, of course, that they will work correctly, but, for example, with games and software JBenchmark, designed to test the speed of Java there are no problems. ASUS Launcher. Menu, accelerating access to basic functions, programs and settings. Implemented in exactly the same way as me on the communicator Samsung SGH-i710.Differs only in appearance, and many major sections. It is remarkable that you can customize the look of the menu - in the form of a matrix 3 x 4 icons, or in a vertical list. Can you call the menu useless? Of course not! It actually does work better. And for those who use many third-party software provides the ability to add shortcuts to various locations.
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In addition, provides a convenient filter calls, allowing you to create the ignore list, manage call forwarding, as well as the manager ring tones, giving the chance to use the tunes of popular formats, and on disk from a kit you can find all the popular plug-in Spb Pocket Plus. In short, the program stuffing ASUS has taken care as well as before. Before us is a very solid set of software.
Price issue
At the time of publication of material retail value Communicator ASUS P526 in the shops of "computer in the palm" is 15,600 rubles. The unit began to be sold not so long ago, so that in the near future we expect a slight reduction in prices.
Conclusions
What is the result? It turns out very controversial device. ASUS P526 is definitely not become a full replacement for P525 - this unit is a completely different class, designed for different user groups. Unique it makes the mere fact that this is the most compact far communicator with GPS-receiver and numeric keypad. Its functionality is slightly weaker than in the same HTC P3300, which has long and very actively for sale. No Wi-Fi, no FM-radio. However, if the opportunity to listen to radio - a mere trifle, and quite unnecessary for many function, the Wi-Fi - that's serious. Look at the models is primarily those who are going to move to a communicator with a mobile phone. You do not have to get used to the size of because they are very close to the phone size. And also to those who need the ability to fast typing without using the stylus. Hardly ASUS P526 will be a bestseller and will be able to compete in terms of circulation with the same HTC P3300, but the buyer, he certainly will.
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Well, according to tradition summarize all statements made in the form of a list of advantages and disadvantages:
Pros: - compact size and light weight
- good set of pre-installed software
- convenient numeric keypad
- Wheel
Cons: - mediocre camera
- no joystick
The authors, translation:
