Passion for managers HTC mythology continues. This time, however, the ancient Greek gods gave way to the mythology of the Middle Ages, namely - the days of King Arthur, because it is so - "Excalibur" - called the sword, which Arthur is said to have pulled out of the stone, thus confirming its right to the throne. Unfortunately, the hero of our review of the HTC S620 (aka Excalibur) - not even remotely resembles neither sword nor the King Arthur (photos of which, however, has not survived, so who knows). HTC S620 - new Smartphone HTC, the appearance of which clearly influenced the fact that all major competitors like HTC model in the series already have (and some - and not one). Recall that the index «S» in the model name means «Smartphone». HTC was back in the role of pursuer. "Excalibur" will be competing with several devices from different manufacturers: here and Motorola Q, and Samsung i320, and some E-series smartphones from Nokia (for example, E61). About for many years successfully sold and is very popular abroad, the BlackBerry device, I generally keep quiet. How successful will contest, depends not only on technical parameters of our hero, but also on how to actively promote the HTC would be a novelty in the market. In fairness, the S620, unlike competitors, has a "sparkle", but more on that later. It is also gratifying that HTC is not afraid to experiment and create phones with unusual for her form-factors (recall, for example, a very interesting "clamshell» Qtek 8500).
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By the way, despite the declared intention to abandon the HTC "clones" of their devices for different vendors and operators, the S620 will still be a minimum of two twin brother - O2 XDA Cosmo and T-Mobile Dash.
A little on the basic characteristics of the S620: - Platform: smarfton with QWERTY-keyboard, Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Service AKU3
- Processor: TI OMAP 850 200 MHz
- Memory: 128MB ROM (ROM), 64MB RAM (RAM)
- Screen: 65536 colors, 320x240 pixels, diagonal 2.4 ", no backlight adjustment
- Expandable memory: microSD card
- Wireless interfaces: GSM (850/900/1800/1900MGts) / GPRS / EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0 (without EDR), Wi-Fi (802.11b / g)
- Battery: Li-Ion, 960 mAh
- Camera: 1.3 megapixel
- Dimensions: 111.5 x 62.5 x 12.8 mm
- Weight: 119 g with battery
Set
S620 Standard equipment will include: - miniUSB-cable
- power unit
- wired stereo headset with microphone
- User guide
- CD-ROM with ActiveSync
All are absolutely standard and familiar devices HTC, any new products there and is not expected. As far as I know, the "native" headset HTC - this is the eternal headache for their owners: as usual, it makes a "firm" connector extUSB, which equips its HTC device that combines a USB-contact connector and headphone jack. This saves on the connectors and place on the body, but severely limits the selection of compatible headphones. Thankfully, HTC has finally released an adapter with a connector to a regular audio jack. In addition, you can also be purchased brand leather case, car charger and Bluetooth-headset (mono and stereo). It seems that the HTC came to grips accessories, realizing, finally, that this can make good money.
Appearance
Among all of his "classmates» S620 stands out the most, perhaps, unusual design and miniature size. Housing smartphone is made of black rubberized plastic, very pleasant to the touch. On the front panel - metal cover, which in combination with black cabinet looks very elegant. In the hand unit "sits" just like to pour in because of their small size. Perhaps none of the competitors to achieve a similar effect was not possible. Line of the body is slightly rounded, all the others look more angular.At the same time, the appearance of S620 in no way distracting from the concept of business unit (which, I think, still dominated by the development of this model). Let's say the same Nokia E61 line of the body look more angular, which, however, offset by the large size (and resolution) screen and keyboard.
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The keyboard is also done in black, but 10 keys with numbers - they are made of silver-white. This contrast only adds to the attractiveness of the device, a monophonic keyboard would look not so impressive, and the keys would be a descent more difficult to discern. And here we are faced with a "side effect" of miniaturization - the keypad buttons have turned out quite small. I can not say that they can not use it - this is not true, but still thinner than the fingers, so in this case better. In addition, due to the small number of key characters on the keyboard are placed quite tightly (often introduced when pressing the modifier Fn), and some of them not introduce something that is very convenient (especially of the Russian letters). If you look closely, you'll see that the keyboard S620 slightly arched - is that it's more convenient to enter text with two hands. In fact, much of a difference I noticed. For me the keyboard S620, alas, is very inconvenient, since my fingers do not thin. You can use, but typing on this keyboard is great lyrics - dismiss. However, to write a SMS or a short answer to an email - completely goes. Backlighting - the blue in the darkness of the symbols on the keyboard are read well.
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Under the display - the standard keyboard platform MS Smartphone: «Calling", "End", two shortcut keys Windows Mobile, the joystick with a separate central button (very handy), and the Home button and the "Back". Joystick, oddly enough, easy to use even a man with a rather thick fingers (unlike the other buttons). Generally true keyguard is much more convenient QWERTY-keyboard: buttons are big, straining to get at the right, is not necessary.
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Above the display - two LEDs, is almost completely similar in appearance to those of Qtek S200: light availability, contact your network / charge, as well as activity indicator Bluetooth / Wi-Fi and an internal speaker for phone calls. And now we come to the "flavor» S620: the right of the display on the mown approximately 45 degrees end is a strip of touch, are faithful to their love of country abbreviations HTC called JoggR ("Jogger"). Actually, this band consists of three parts: 2 psevdoklavishi ("Back" and "Start") on the edges and a scroll bar in the middle. The scroll bar can work in two ways. Method one: regular movement of her fingers lets you scroll the text up or down, similar to the rotation of the wheel. The second way: if you hold the strip twice and hold it, scrolling will work as long as your finger will not be raised. Double-clicking on the strip will work as the central joystick button (to open something, etc.). Psevdoknopki also work with Double-clicking on them. By JoggR have to get used (which, incidentally, happens pretty quickly), then its use becomes natural. I note, however, that the use JoggR can only if you hold the device in his right hand - then it is clearly controlled by the thumb.However, JoggR can always turn off or leave it only features the volume control.
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By the way, when you first click on JoggR window appears with a detailed description of how it should work. It's nice that the user is not left alone with the new control.
By the way, the sensitivity of JoggR high enough, and sometimes it's easy to accidentally touch, while carrying out some unnecessary actions. When locked, the device, by the way, JoggR does not work, so it is best to include key lock before you put S620 in your pocket or bag. But back to the description of the appearance of the S620. On the left side - only mute button device. At the bottom - covered by a rubber plug connector extUSB to connect the sync cable, charger or headset.
On the rear panel - the camera lens, a mirror and a connector for external antenna under the rubber plug.
In general, device design and quality of the call only the most positive emotions. HTC - bravo!
Screen
Screen for HTC S620 somewhat unusual for a smartphone - horizontally oriented, with a diagonal of about 2.44. "Most of the smartphones HTC has a screen with a smaller diagonal of 2,2", so that this indicator S620 in an explicit benefit. However, non-standard location of the screen leads to compatibility problems with some applications for MS Smartphone, but I think the developers will soon fix this unfortunate misunderstanding. In addition, like all smartphones HTC, S620 screen brightness is not adjustable. However, the display is clearly visible in the room and the bright sun, so that the brightness adjustment was needed if only to save battery power.
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In the dark screen, perhaps a bit yarkovat (so that at long work with his eyes get tired more than usual), but quite bearable. In principle, the same can be said about almost all smartphones HTC. The rest (brightness, sharpness, size), the screen is excellent. Perhaps the best among the smartphones HTC today.On such a display easier to read e-mails (and S620 is positioned as a smartphone for messaging and e-mail), browse the web, to work with the organizer, or simply to while away leisure time reading books.
Processor and memory
It seems, HTC seriously "hooked" on processors from TI. Anyway, S620 continues the glorious tradition and has been familiar to us TI OMAP 850 200 MHz. In my opinion, for most tasks, this processor is more than adequate, and at the same time has a very moderate "appetite". For Smartphone is an important characteristic.
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Memory capacity also remained unchanged: 128 MB of memory (from which the user is available about 76Mb and 64Mb RAM (of which are available for user programs about 43Mb). S620 The performance is nearly identical to Qtek 8310, which is not surprising, given the fact that these models - close relatives. In my view, the speed of the S620 is more than enough for basic tasks - phone calls, work with mail and messaging, Web-surfing, reading books, etc. Yes, perhaps video without converting to 320x240 and played in spurts 3d-games do not work too quickly, but the question arises: while it is strongly needed on the phone for? Perhaps the only situation where I personally would like to have a faster processor, it's at the opening of large documents in programs ClearVue - this process, as generally not too fast. In all the rest, I repeat, CPU performance is enough. But the extra time working on one battery charge anyone else did not interfere. Card slot microSD (now available cards with 2GB and their price is virtually the same the price of card format miniSD) at S620 is located under the battery cover, more precisely, under the battery cover. Remove the lid, and voila - the side of the body (right) card slot. In principle, it could make a cap with a slot that does not need it was removed, but that's trivia. In any event, the battery is removed is not necessary (and as a consequence, switch off the phone to change the memory card, such as, Qtek 8500, too, do not) - another plus in the treasury S620. insert and remove card with a slight click, some problems do not arise.
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Battery
HTC S620 is equipped with a most capacious battery - only 960 mAh (to be fair, it's more than 750 mAh for Qtek 8500). As shown, this is enough for about half a day or two is not too active use of the phone (voice calls, some SMS, GPRS for push-mail). Some of the competitors more battery capacity, but, in general, S620 is worthy looks from the rest. If you read the book (the brightness of the screen to remind you not adjustable), listening to music, using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, while the work is seriously reduced. With the active use of Wi-Fi phone can work only a few hours before the battery is discharged. In such cases, it is always better to have a charger with you.
Sound
Sound quality of the S620 is at the level of most modern Smartphones and causes no complaints. Vibrate is not very strong, but quite sufficient. Volume external speaker is quite sufficient for most situations. However, if you often reside in a noisy environment, it is better to set a ringtone louder. In conversation, both parties hear each other more than well. As a recorder S620 shows an interesting feature: the recorded sound is somewhat deaf, as if the speaker is located somewhere beyond the thin wall. But, overall, the sound quality is good.
Wireless interfaces
As usual, all the communication functions in charge of a standard application Comm manager.
Phone
S620 is equipped with 4-band (850/900/1800/1900MGts) GSM / GPRS / EDGE module, already familiar to us by the model Qtek 8500. Support UMTS not. Phone works great in the domestic cellular networks, no problems during testing was observed. S620 supports all major network features. In fairness, the phone functionality of all Windows Mobile devices lags behind its competitors out of the camp Symbian, especially in terms of supporting any kind of additional services. For example, WM is not well perceived Cell broadcast (sending to the network), poorly can accept the settings over the air, some features when working with SMS-messages may be not quite as they should. But the basic functions (call, SMS / MMS, voice mail), which enjoys the majority of people there and work properly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth-stack has not undergone significant changes, the same as the second version, still does not support high speeds (EDR), but there is such a cute heart Bluetooth-music lover's profile A2DP. In addition, it supports all major types of Bluetooth profiles Generic Object Exchange and Handsfree, and more, such as HID (connecting wireless keyboards), but a full list of profiles that fall into the release version, as yet unknown.
Wi-Fi
S620 is finally interrupted series of smartphones without the support of the wireless interface. The main innovation - the new master of Wi-Fi-Connection (on smartphones such did not exist before). This is a very handy tool for adding and configuring the Wi-Fi-networks. In practice, it works quickly and without hindrance. True, again, the battery life when using Wi-Fi is reduced greatly.
Luggage
HTC smartphones has never been a special quality camera, and then S620 is no exception. In addition, the apparatus is equipped with outdated by today's standards the camera with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels. On the other hand, when the device is clearly aimed at the corporate sector, the presence of cameras in general is a minus and not welcomed by many organizations.Most competitors do not have any cameras at all (Nokia E61), or it is the same nasty qualities. Called by the application "Camera" button on the keyboard (rather than at the end of the device, as usual). The application interface has already become accustomed to the new models HTC, and practically the same for both smartphones and communicators. Application functionality is also pretty standard for HTC: Choose a picture resolution, the choice of image quality, white balance, effects, image parameters (contrast, saturation, etc.), a timer, select the shooting mode (photo / video / video communication and so etc.). Image quality, as I said, quite mediocre, in addition, outbreaks have also not S620. There is only a function of the digital zoom from 1 to 2 in increments of 0.2.
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Software
HTC S620 - the first smartphone HTC, running the new version of Windows Mobile 5.0 with Service Additions AKU3 (it's something like a Service Pack 3 for Windows Mobile). The new version has quite a number of fixes and changes to engulf both the appearance (for example, were less application icons on the main screen) and functionality: there is utility Internet Sharing, which allows to use the device as an access point, the Setup Wizard Wi-Fi, support WPA2 encryption for wireless networks, there was the email setup wizard, etc. In general, the place is big enough, "some errors" and a new version of the OS has become more comfortable and functional.
In addition to standard applications Windows Mobile, on the S620, the following applications. ClearVue Suite - a package to view the file key "office formats: MS Word / Excel / PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat (PDF). Program to cope quite well with its functions and will be very useful for those who want to view documents directly on your smartphone.
Midlet manager - rather limited functional Java-machine, allowing to run some Java-based applications. If we recall the fact that Microsoft is a staunch opponent of Java for many years, little support for Java in Windows Mobile is not something strange.
Task manager - a simple but quite handy task manager that allows you to close running applications on one or all at once.
In general, the suite of applications - normal for WM-smartphone. The only noteworthy addition to the standard program is a package of ClearVue.
Price and Availability
Roughly HTC S620 will be available in November this year. Initial price device until Unknown but think she unlikely below 550 USD. Incidentally, on decreasing prices device-competitors price S620 manifestly will fall otherwise success this model will extremely doubtful.
Conclusions
HTC has once again was not afraid to experiment and produced a curious in all respects and quite beautiful to look at the device. Interesting HTC S620, primarily his form factor albeit borrowed at another manufacturer (hello, Motorola!), But finalized due unique chips - touchpad management JoggR. When literate pricing S620 will have success not only y business users but ordinary people and especially how me seems y female part this audience. For all this HTC S620 have withstand sufficiently tough competition with analogous smartphones from other manufacturers. Compared with latest Substantive advantage S620 - amounting screen and smaller sizes apparatus itself (however maybe and minus if recollect keyboard). But compared with Nokia E61, S620 boasts unless smaller sizes - in everything else including screen and communication possibilities these apparatuses equal true with small overweight on points in favor Nokia.
Pros: - excellent design
- big screen
- unique touchpad JoggR
- QWERTY-keyboard
- the latest version of Windows Mobile
- Hot-swappable memory card
- Wi-Fi support
Cons: - low battery life
- still the same weak processor TI OMAP
- Weak camera
- small keys on the QWERTY-keyboard.
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