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Now the main advantages of PDAs, and smartphones are becoming wireless capabilities. Mobile device without Bluetooth and has not been listed, and the Wi-Fi, thanks to massive proliferation, rasprobovali many users and manufacturers included in the list of mandatory options, according to the CeBIT exhibition -2006. I must admit I only recently discovered the convenience of the latter type of communication. During a trip to Germany, when working at a local cafe W-Fi Network of initially allowed no problems to book airline tickets, and then, later, to feel the charm of communication on Skype - wonderful program for voice communications over the Internet, which will be discussed below. Practically for nothing I was able to talk to all the relatives from the very center of Berlin, Potsdamer Platc with, so even and added to it a couple of business calls. However, if we talk seriously about the CCP, it seems that their era is gradually taking place and the statistics the share of conventional PDA market has steadily decreased, giving way communicators. Actually, all true. Why carry two devices with me when all you can fit in one? Especially, the technology finally reached a level where this hybrid is more like the size of the phone and not on a laptop with an antenna. However, other abstract reasoning. The theme of this article - the story of yet another embodiment, the use of newly acquired device, about how you can, realizing the maximum possible equipment to stay connected even in places where GSM networks are either not working at all, or the price of roaming assume all reasonable limits. In other words, an alternative method of communication called Skype. As experimental model to test its operation, we chose E-Ten M600, not so long ago made its debut on the Russian market. Why this unit?
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Communicator E-Ten have been on the market for quite some time, but honestly, something the developers of the company did not develop. Actually, at first all went wrong: was unassuming and the design and technical component. Then, the model P300, with the first sort of understand, but here with the "filling" is still not vytantsovyvalos. In the end, the company somehow managed to mobilize their inner resources and put on the market model M500, which could easily compete with the then market leaders. Our today's hero, M600, - a logical continuation of a series of communicators. NEW preserved classical forms, but added to the list of wireless protocols Wi-Fi. The result had been first on the market communicator in a compact design that supports all wireless communication standards. By the way now, when the Eten M600 is still new competitors, such as Qtek 9100 or Qtek S200, it still remains on winning positions, thanks to the faster 400 MHz processor. Well, what most attracts me to this model in person - a relatively digestible price. Those who are not familiar with this machine, we suggest reading a detailed review of "communicator E-Ten M600, or tuning the model M500", and the rest - follow me. Proceed directly to the installation and use of software for Internet telephony Skype on the E-Ten M600. First a few words for those who have heard about this wonderful softiny only half an ear. Skype - absolutely magical thing that allows you to really save a lot of money. This is a program for the so-called VoIP telephony (voice-over-internet), ie calls worldwide via the Internet. Your voice is transmitted through the channels of the World Wide Web, so that you can call not only on the desktop, but on a regular or mobile phone. Again, as your phone can make and desktop, and, of course, a PDA or smartphone.Skype has appeared a few years ago and has already tight niche of IP-telephony for the PC and more recently to PDAs (Windows Mobile, in the plans - the version for Palm OS), smartphones (MS Smartphone) and PDA (Windows Mobile Phone Edition). Thus, the possibilities this program can make free calls to Skype - PC to PC and very cheap calls from your PC to regular phone. In the end, you only pay for internet traffic, at affordable rates. And the most joyful, that the service operates in Russia. Again, those who wish to learn more about Skype and its services recommended to meet our article «Skype: VoIP on your palm, and extend themselves. Client Skype, as I mentioned, is available for smartphones based on Windows Mobile. You can download it, for example, from the section "Application for Pocket PC" on HPCru - the installer for Windows or directly to your device in the form of CAB-file. In the second case Skype will install automatically, immediately after downloading. Please note that at your disposal, there are two client versions - Skype for WM-devices with fast processors and Skype for devices with slow processors (about 300 MHz). For our E-Ten M600 is suitable version, designed for quick "stones". However, my tests showed no difference between them and the speed of the overall work and sound quality were on top in both variants. However, in the case of the "fast" versions of the feeling that it is less "choked."
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Now select the connection method that is Internet access. In principle, for Skype suit every relationship: and Bluetooth, and GPRS, and of course, Wi-Fi. The faster the connection, the better the relationship with the caller. Mobile Skype will work even through a connected to a computer cord - only it were online. We tested all three variants of communication, but but really decent voice communication via Skype is possible mainly on wide channel, ie via W-Fi-Connection. At the current rate of development of these networks to find a wireless access point, especially in big cities or overseas, where Skype can be particularly useful, it is not difficult. As to the work of this program through GPRS and Bluetooth, you normally communicate with them using Skype you can only live chat, that is a kind of "ICQ". Of course, if you want you can install and voice communications, but at the moment because of the echo and gurgles quietly talk with someone will not work. But back to the process of installing the program. After installing Skype is registered. At this stage, have to choose a username and password, then you get the main program window.
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| Ctartovoe Skype window |
You can add new subscribers, like in ICQ, only the search is made on behalf of the user.
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| Main Menu Skype |
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| Search for a Skype |
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| Subscriber added to the list |
To select the subscriber's call, press the green button on the screen or choose from the menu "Call".
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| Choosing from a list of Skype contacts |
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| Call via Skype |
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| Communication took place: call duration - 31 sec |
Communication will be just as well as by telephone, no difference in any case, the E-Ten M600, you will not feel. In numerous test calls communicator demonstrated reliable communication without interference, at both ends was fixed normal hearing. Communication using the standard headset that came with the M600, also did not raise any problems.
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Recall that free can communicate only with the subscriber Skype. If you're going to call a landline or mobile numbers will have to deposit a certain amount of money - 10 dollars or euros, depending on which currency you prefer. This can be done through the website Skype, c desktop - faster and more convenient. Here, however, has its subtleties. Home site of this program for Internet telephony refuses to accept payment with credit cards via the built system. The reason for that, as I have explained, are the Russian IP. Internet cafes in Germany the same payment was "a great success." However, there are workarounds, for example, the site skypeclub.ru offers two payment options. Choose any - and more! Once your account will be virtually "rattled" round sum (it is interesting that less than 10 euro system does not accept), your communications capabilities will be limited only by the available Internet bandwidth. In Skype is an ordinary telephone keypad - the number should be dialed in standard international format with country and city code.For example, putting $ 10 on the bill and talking to all the relatives for a few minutes, and about the same with his superiors, and also made several calls to Germany, I was surprised to find that spent only a half dollar - less than 50 rubles! Agree, tangible savings:)
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| For calls on Stationary or mobile from Skype have a telephone keypad |
Another interesting feature of Skype for Windows Mobile is that it does not necessarily shut down the connection on the same computer to log in from another. Communicating in a chat on the PC, it was interesting to see how the message as if by magic, popping up on screen communicator, peacefully slumbering in the cradle. In general, another small plus sign. By the way, Skype, if you have not noticed, fully translated into Russian and problems with the work of even the most inexperienced should arise. The program interface - very simple and clear, so sign up, choose a sonorous name, and enjoy affordable communications. Another plus is the choice of E-Ten M600 as an IP-phone - a quality Russification as a program MacSentre Pocket RussKey 2003, which can be purchased bundled with the device. Despite the fact that the staffing Communicator comes with a localization of the native operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 from Microsoft, an alternative solution is better in terms of the proposed virtual keyboard - a more thoughtful and comfortable. In general, when a certain cnorovke chatting on the M600 can be quite quickly.
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| Convenient Virtual Keyboard for E-TEN M600 makes it easy to communicate in Skype-chat |
Separately say about Windows Mobile 5.0, which is installed on the device. Positive feedback online about it is not very much, and at first I was skeptical, until such time as not worked on the M600. I do not know what about the conventional PDA, but OSes are very good, "enchanted" by communicators. Management was pleased with two buttons under the screen that allows virtually no stylus, that is, to manipulate the machine with one hand. Also, now do not be afraid, because when running out of power will disappear all the information. The new operating system stores data in a nonvolatile flash-memory. Because of the work with the new memory, "the fifth axis" was slower and it's really there, but ... No more than five minutes after switching to this device with HP iPAQ hx4700. In fact, it turns out that for all the major tasks of capacities E-Ten is enough. Finally I want to say about the pros and cons of the choice of E-Ten M600 as devices for Internet telephony.
Cons: - low battery life (to put on the machine will charge every night)
- ill-conceived system of charging via a cable (can not charge the E-Ten through the sync cable from the PC + charge can only connect to a cable USB, then there would always take two cords)
Pros: - compact design
- Support GPRS / Bluetooth / Wi-Fi
- fast processor, providing a normal voice communication through Skype
- reasonable price ($ 629)
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