The beginning of the year for mobile device market is marked by the transition to Windows Mobile 5.0. All major manufacturers in a hurry to release a new (or at least updated) model with the fifth running. In the world of smartphones, as always, first noted the Taiwanese company HTC, pripodnesshaya a whole bunch of devices. As you all probably familiar with two fresh machine from HTC: compact keyboard communicator HTC Wizard (Qtek 9100) and the powerful HTC Universal (Qtek 9000). The updated line of the company lacked only one machine - a portable, thin and light, in short, be what was the hit of last year's sales of HTC Magician (QTek s100/s110, i-mate Jam and their other classmates) ... In general, meet a nice kind of successor, the new device - HTC Prophet or the Qtek s200. Frightened away good luck, the developers have adopted the best of previous models, that is, design and basic characteristics. By and large, have replaced the processor. For the sake of improving battery life in the Qtek s200 was established more slowly and therefore less voracious "stone." Then the firm "dish complemented the obligatory now Wi-Fi, EDGE, 2 megapixel camera and handed over to the table a few vidoizmennennom body, with a bit of recycled controls that take account of user interface features of the new OS. In general, compact Qtek series of "s" has evolved quite smoothly, without any surprises or surprises. Solve the same to make a choice in his favor or not to the amendment to the priorities which we will try to arrange this material.
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Specifications: - Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition
- Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP850 195 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB RAM (48 MB user available) and 128 MB of memory (45Mb available)
- Screen: 2.8 "(72 mm) transflective TFT, 240x320, 65536 colors
- Memory Expansion: SD / MMC / SDIO
- Wireless interfaces: IrDA, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), GSM 850/900/1800/1900, GPRS Class 10, EDGE
- Battery: Removable Lithium-Ion 1200 mAh
- Audio: microphone, speaker, 2.5-mm stereo headphone jack
- Dimensions: 108 x 58 x 18.2 mm
- Weight: 150 g
On testing we have visited only the device, without a complete set, but we know that in this respect, he will not be different from its predecessor, Qtek s100/s110, that is in the box there are charging from the mains, USB cable, pouch, headset and CD with instructions.
Appearance
At this time, it seems, HTC has followed the useful principle of "best is the enemy of the good." And indeed, the predecessor of this machine, HTC Magician, it became a bestseller thanks to its unique combination of size, shape and design. So the company is only slightly changed the controls, and updated exterior machine. For clarity, we added a relatively recent newcomer photo Qtek 9100, also claiming a place in the compact class communicator and as we shall see later, very similar to our hero in hardware.
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| Qtek s110, Qtek 9100 and Qtek s200 |
So what changed? In general, we have all the same RES Magician. Mighty plastic body, front and rear panels have changed color from silver to black. The lateral surface has lost the characteristic edges, instead of them now a bit of an advocate for housing rubberized roller. Dimensions and weight did not change, the CCP still sits in my hand.
The most significant changes have occurred with a block of keys. Button "call" and "hang" decreased in size and become round, which, incidentally, is not strongly affected by the ergonomics of the device. But instead of two extra keys are now four: two soft buttons (for context-sensitive menu of Windows Mobile), click "Start" and "OK". Changes understandable, since the device is installed Windows Mobile 5.0, and this Operating System requires just such a set of control keys.
Designers worked with a joystick. Now he changed his form - was of a square round. Unfortunately, in terms of ergonomics, it was not the best way, but that just does not bring the benefit design. On the other hand, as shown, for such a joystick is quite possible to get used to. Above the screen is still located exit hole dynamics, combined with a three-color charging indicator of the wireless interfaces.
At the top end there was only a slot for memory card SD / MMC slot and a stylus. A bottom end is still divided connector for power and timing, headphone jack, reset button, and the inlet of the microphone.
On the right side are located the power button and IR port, and on the left - the button slider to adjust the volume, camera button and a manager of wireless communication (which is also responsible for enabling the recorder). There also moved eyelet for a carrying strap.
The rear is a socket for an external antenna, a camera with a mirror for self portraits and the battery compartment, which is located under the battery as standard SIM-card.
In general, as with all products HTC, body produces a great impression. All parts are tight fitting, no backlash or scratches are not seen. All buttons have clear tactile feedback when pressed. In general, for the look - "excellent", another from HTC, and we were not expecting.
Processor and memory
The situation here is almost completely identical to the situation on the Qtek 9100. To the question "you have cheap or go?» HTC gives a definite answer - to go. The communicator uses a fairly slow processor Texas Instruments OMAP850 195 MHz. This is not the quickest solution, which was selected due to the extremely low power consumption. Due to this choice, the battery life Qtek s200 - one of the best. However, on this later.
The amount of memory - too small, but tolerable for such devices. Total user available 45 MB non-volatile memory for data storage and 48 MB of RAM available on board 128 MB ROM and 64 MB of RAM, respectively. In principle, the daily range of tasks that are more than enough.
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Here I want to note one advantage compared with the same Qtek 9100. In the Qtek s200 does not have to install a slot for memory cards miniSD, and left standard - SD / MMS. This is a very big advantage for those who are going to change a bit outdated for a newer machine, as is usually the memory card from these users already have. In addition, miniSD card yet are still considered exotic, though quickly gaining in popularity and the manufacturers and as a result, buyers. So, a little lower than you expect the results of the benchmark unit. Testing means SPB Benchmark did not bring any surprises. s200 is a complete hardware analog keyboard 9100, hence the identity of the ratings. Results differ by one percent, which is within the error of single measurements. However, recall that the SPB Benchmark not adequately assess the graphical code and, accordingly, the total index, which naturally comes first. Therefore, the actual performance analysis can be conducted only on indicators of performance of the processor, memory and embedded applications. Despite some inadequate test suite, the alternative program on the market now do not. In addition, this program is useful for comparing the performance of different devices. Here you can really operate "conditional units".
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In general, the presence of a weak processor determines the outcome. This apparatus, as Qtek 9100 - today one of the slowest communicators. Must pay for everything, including the increased operating time.
Video performance was evaluated using a player BetaPlayer v.0.095. As always, played out three spots: 2 "mobile" (low and standard) and "desktop".
In the attached file below you'll find more details on this test. In general, the results are quite low, although predictable. "Desktop" video to the new PDA is too tough, and mobile in high quality too. Conclusion: if you want to watch movies on Qtek s200 - use when converting the lowest possible bitrate.
Screen
All the same standard, rather qualitative transflektiv Diagonal 2.8-inch (72 mm). In general, there is nothing to tell, screen quality, with good viewing angles, the sun does not blind.
True, not enough levels of backlighting - just 5. But for the normal operation is fine.
Battery
Now, actually, and look for what had to be put on the potential hit Qtek s200 razocharuyusche slow processor, especially given the Qtek s100. After all, it is no secret that time modern smartphones have always left much to be desired. I wonder what changed in the new unit. In the Qtek s200 established quite a small lithium-ion battery 1200 mAh. It is fully compatible with the one installed in the HTC Magician. Testing was performed with a full battery charge before the warning "Battery low", which means that approximately 20% of residual charge.
Communicator was tested in 4 different modes: - Stress test: GSM-module, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, the brightness and volume - the maximum, the communicator lost in a cycle of "hard" video. Opening hours - 3 hours 30 minutes.
- Normal operation: An attempt to simulate some "average" conditions. GSM-Module has been enabled, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi - are off. Speaker volume was set at half the maximum brightness - in the first division of the minimum. Device is lost in a cycle of regular video. Hours - 5 hours 20 minutes.
- Reading e-books: GSM-module, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned off, the light - in the first division of the minimum, the reading program was carried Haali Reader mode avtoskrolla memory card. Hours - 14 hours 15 minutes.
- Audio playback: GSM-module, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the screen - are off. Plays performed on Koss Porta Pro headphones through an adapter. Used the program GS Player, files with a bitrate of 192-256 KBps played with the memory card. Hours - 10 hours 20 minutes.
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So, we can not say that the results of a new device - a record, but nevertheless, it has overtaken all its competitors in battery life. It is interesting that, judging by the tests, our hero hardier E-Eten M600, equipped with more powerful battery of 1440 mAh. In practical application Qtek s200, during normal operation (8-10 calls a day, 1-2 hours browsing through GPRS), lasted just under two hours. In standby mode (with the screen off, but included Bluetooth and GRPS) machine worked without charging more than 5 days. The result that deserves respect. The device certainly fits the active users.
Sound
Audio path has not changed. Sound is clear and clean, though, as usual, a few rather weak for the lower frequencies. Built-in speaker volume is quite large, you will not miss a call. Dictaphone is also quite standard. Inside the average noise caller's voice clearly distinguished at a distance of up to 2 m can record a telephone conversation, but the interlocutor will hear the bad - the sound is transmitted from the speaker to the microphone through the body. The only available adjustment - turn off the microphone AGC (automatic recording level).
Wireless interfaces
All the wireless capabilities Qtek s200 knows already familiar application Comm Manager.
However, tell of the communication modules new items in descending order of importance.
Phone
In the Qtek s200 installed quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) GSM-module. Data transfer may be a protocol GPRS Class 10 (3 slots to accept, 2 to transfer). There is also support more vysoskrostnogo EDGE, switching which is transparent to the owner, that is, automatically in the zones of action of this new protocol. All telephone functions are performed by built-in application Windows Mobile Phone.
It supports all the standard features of GSM-networks: the ban, call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, voice mail, the index of the network and broadcast messages.
To receive and send messages using built-in utility Messaging.
A nice addition to a telephone interface utility has voice dialing and control Voice Speed Dial on Addiction Cyberon.
To transfer contacts from SIM-card pristutstvuet standard utility SIM manager.In general, the device excels at with his phone duties. Audibility - a very good, without any interference from both sides.
Bluetooth
Unfortunately, HTC continues to ignore the more sophisticated and stable in the Bluetooth-driver from Broadcom and sets their communicators BT-stack from Microsoft.
Here is a list of available services: - dialup connection
- COM-ports
- transmission and reception facilities
- Headset
Wi-Fi
On Qtek s200 implemented the latest version of Wi-Fi - 802.11b / g, supports data transfer rates of up to 54 MB / c. Testing has shown that it works like clockwork. Settings - intuitive. Otherwise, the implementation of Wi-Fi no complaints. All the same rather austere, but functional interface.
Infrared
Well, none of this veteran's nothing special and did not wait. And so it happened. Port - a standard, not heightened.
Luggage
In the Qtek s200 has an improved camera with a matrix size 2 MP. We can not say that it radically alters the picture (with this optics is difficult to jump above his head), but still some improvement there.
In addition to the new matrix, the camera got a close-up mode. To go into it, turn endowed with special risks ring on the lens.Example image - just below (but are forced to warn you that all photos taken by a specific test device has a defect - the horizontal bar at the bottom of the picture, but it most likely costs of the engineering model).
We should also note the emergence of non-standard shooting mode, Burst, conceived as an analogue of the sports mode on the "old" cameras, that is, issuing a series of shots with high frequency. So, now you do not miss the lucrative scene in the series will always be what to choose.
Possibilities for configuring the camera all the same. User has access to these settings.
Shooting Mode: - photo
- video
- MMS video
- Contacts picture
- Picture theme
- Sport
- Burst
Sizes of images: - Small (160x160)
- Medium (320x240)
- Large (640x480)
- 1.3 M (1280x1024)
- 2 M (1600x1200)
Correction: - auto
- daylight
- incandescent
- fluorescent lamps
- Night Mode
Special Effects: - black and white
- sepia
- cool
- negative
It should be noted that the color correction algorithms, though improved, but work is still not very good. At the very least, a simple run Auto Levels in "Photoshop" in the post-processing can dramatically improve the picture. Nevertheless, such a camera - quite a significant step forward. Perhaps, for now - is the best that is installed on your device with Windows Mobile. Several examples of images - below.
Software
On Qtek s200 is running Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition. Embedded applications - standard (with their list can be found, for example here), so that we will not list them. From the more software there is the already mentioned utility voice control and a set of Cyberon, as well as archive Zip.
There is still a Modem Link utility to use the device as a GPRS-modem.
And the plug on the screen Today, shows remaining battery power.
Price and Availability
The official start of sales Qtek s200 in Russia is already scheduled for this month. Approximate price - $ 600-650.
Conclusions
Since Qtek s200 is a logical development of models of the previous generation, and not set as "from scratch" device, it makes sense to focus not on absolute advantages and disadvantages of cars, and look at it in comparison with the glorious ancestors Qtek s100/s110. So what changed? ..
Cons: - low-power processor
Pros: - added Wi-Fi, and, once 802.11b / g
- changed the protocol to the Bluetooth version 2.0
- increased battery life
- improved camera
- new OS
- reasonable price
Owners of previous models compact series "s" is worth paying attention to the novelty, if they need a Wi-Fi, improving battery life and indifference would react to a slight decrease in performance. Otherwise, the machine fits all those needs in an elegant actual wagon (no keyboard) is based on Windows Mobile with a full arsenal of wireless and for reasonable money. Summarizing, we can say that the Qtek s200 developers succeeded. In fact the only disadvantage of this novelty - a weak processor, whose presence is justified by a much longer battery life than the same Qtek s100/s110. In general, the device has the potential to become a hit this season, and maybe a year. Success will also contribute a great starting price for the device. The authors, translation:
