Now available to the average Russian user who decided to connect your home PC for the World Wide Web, there are local networks, good old dial-up and cell phone. In short, there is at least choose from. Arsenal of the same for access to the internet users of mobile devices, the choice is not leaving. Here to help can come except that the mobile phone with support GPRS, the connection through a desktop computer or wireless networks. But ... Cell, usually in high demand for its intended purpose, access to the Web from a PDA via desktop devoid of meaning, and the wireless network while extremely poorly represented in our country. All of these "but" of course, may not seem so important an ordinary user, but those who need the Internet day and night, most likely agree with me. It turns out that the most acceptable version of the above - GPRS. Fortunately, this service offers almost all mobile operators. The question is only appropriate equipment to connect. Looking ahead to say that he seems resolved ... Not so long ago the company Pretec introduced in the Russian market a new communication module CompactGPRS, supplementing the usual PDA with a Compact Flash slot features a cell phone. This unusual device, and will be the subject of our review. Honestly, get a box with the module in the warehouse, I was determined quite skeptical. The chain of my reasoning, as an ordinary owner of the CPC was pretty straightforward. There are in fact the mobile phone market with support for GPRS or communicators - entirely self-device to access the network ... What else should a mobile user? I thought that hang on the Pocket PC more "gadgets", increasing it in size, mass and reducing battery life, absolutely not necessary. But in the few days that Pretec CompactGPRS had with my PDA, I completely changed my point of view.
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While exploring the contents of the box I waited a few pleasant surprises. In-proof packaging of cardboard were neatly packed in the module itself, a small CD with drivers, battery charger, mono hands-free. At the very bottom in a transparent plastic cover was detected, and PCMCIA adapter, which I did not expect to find here, I confess, very happy. The fact is that, apart from a handheld computer, I have a laptop. It turned out that "a new piece of metal" I can experience and on it. In general, the words - to the point ... What is a Pretec CompactGPRS? Housing unit is made of black plastic with a small "smiling" laths. In its upper part is a network light, switched on subtly gleaming green. Depending on the task that the device performs the moment, its color changes. During operation, charging, for instance, turns red. On the right edge of the body is an antenna. It is made of mobile and can be rotated 360 degrees relative to the attachment. In the stowed "position, it is convenient to deploy along the hull in order to save space. On the left edge are connections for the headset and power supply.
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For the first time, taking a module in your hands, I was somewhat embarrassed by the fact that it lacked any hint of connection to a SIM card. Sly developers put him deep inside the device. In order to make CompactGPRS really a full-fledged means of communication had to remove the top cover, after raising a special catch, and connect Simka directly on the board. In a detachable part of hiding a small battery that occupies most of the body.
Thus, the preparation is complete and you can now go directly to the setup and operation of the device. For a start it took to install the necessary software. On the disk supplied drivers for the Pocket PC and PCs, as well as the software company BVRP. Desktop software supports virtually all operating systems from Microsoft, from "rudimentary» Windows 95 to WinXP. The application interface is implemented rather unusual - in the form of a nice mobile phone. This program "Cell" may be minimized to tray, almost reminding me of themselves at work.
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On the Pocket PC installation occurs without any problems (as on Pocket PC 2002, and on Windows Mobile 2003). For his work with the module responsible program PhoneTools. Appendix adds to the normal PDA functions inherent communicators on Pocket PC Phone Edition, such, for example, direct dialing the subscriber with the numeric keypad, a call from his notebook, receiving and sending SMS, GPRS-setting connections, work with Internet services and regular surfing on the network. However, virtually all the "features" are implemented through its own soft shell, but not integrated into the system. This, in my opinion, the main disadvantage of using the tandem-CompactGPRS PDA as a mobile. To receive calls, for example, want to keep the program running, and with it turned on the device itself. As a phone, the module can be used only when necessary.
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When you run the system will automatically search the network. Here programmers from BVRP users had great service, "scoring" in the database setup for a huge number of mobile operators around the world. Fortunately, the Russian side was not spared. When you first start with my SIM card PhoneTools easily identified "MTC" and suggested the use of the available presets. Generally, the program "learns" about 40 Russian companies, including regional ones. Of capital providers is also famous "Beeline", but users of "Megaphone" will make all the settings manually. Speaking of plants. These include a sufficiently large number of parameters - from the telephone support service to the attention of the GPRS-connection from the input of which (thanks to the developers!), The user is completely relieved:) In a word, turned on - and it works!
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As I have said, the program PhoneTools, in fact, allows you to turn your PDA running Pocket PC to your device, giving it the same opportunities, which gives Phone Edition, and even beyond that ... Firstly, this application allows you to work with full faxing. You can create them directly on the PDA, accompanying graphics and logos in the format. Bmp. In addition, there is an opportunity to add to the finished fax notes by hand, attach text files and documents Word. The program has several design templates from which you can choose the most suitable.Prepare a report, if necessary, you can send to multiple subscribers. In short, a full-fledged fax machine in your pocket! Again, you can only receive faxes when running the program.
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Secondly, the extended functionality in your notebook. PhoneTools lets you copy an entry from a standard address book on the SIM card and vice versa, one click to select contacts for sending SMS and faxes. For those who are constantly working with a large number of subscribers, may be useful ability to create multiple notebooks. Function is similar to the category of the standard "Contacts", but realized much easier. For example, in a phone book may be placed only a fax number or mobile phone and use it to create lists, and in the other - to record the working phones and so on.
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A few words on how to show a module in the case. " Pretec CompactGPRS tested for Pocket PC Mitac Mio 528 through the Compact Flash-jacket, as well as the HP iPAQ h2210 and a laptop running Win98. Also in the experiment "involved the mobile operator MTS with its tariff plan Optima Day." In all of the claimed device module has proven extremely positively. Complaints of exploitation have virtually none. It would be desirable, of course, be able to supply and battery charging via CF-slot: the moment when the laptop or PDA connected to the mains, it was not bad "feed" and the module. But, unfortunately, have to carry another charger and take sometimes a necessary outlet:) The speed of Internet connections is largely dependent on the workload of the network itself. The maximum rate when downloading, the manufacturer, is 85.6Kb / s. On personal feelings, during normal operation of the figure hovers around 36-40 kb / s, which is enough to get your e-mail, surf the internet and communicate on ICQ. Module keeps the connection is very confident, no crashes and hangs. For all the tests took place off just because the battery is depleted. His way, enough for about 5-6 hours of continuous operation GPRS. Frankly, getting Pretec CompactGPRS, did not really want to part with it. Home, not having fixed network connections (dialup in the calculation does not take), I could whole evenings chatting on ICQ on your laptop without having to download a cell phone. At the weekend, walking around town with a PDA in your pocket, instantly receive all necessary information about the nearest movie theaters and clubs. Fortunately, the web is enough places to do it:) While waiting to turn into a public institution I am very productive while away a couple of hours, participating in the mobile forums and answering emails. Unfortunately, the time allotted for the test module, and writing the review had expired, and return it to the warehouse. With CompactGPRS Internet was available than ever, and nowhere else. By good quickly get used to it ... And finally, a reasonable question: for whom does this device? At a time when almost every cell phone within $ 150-200 is able to connect to the web, such modules may seem superfluous. But it's not quite true. Pretec CompactGPRS - can be an excellent solution for users working with both Pocket PC and a laptop. We are talking about those who already have these devices and is not going to change them, but feels the need for constant access to the Internet. Feature-rich mobile phone is very good, but we must not forget that the phone is made primarily for voice communication. You probably noticed that sometimes requires the Internet and regular relationship at the same time, especially outside the office, business trips, meetings, retreats and many more where.In such situations, compact GPRS can become an indispensable thing, capable of quickly and efficiently meet the demands of the user, as in access to services global network and in organizing the "mobile office with fax and voice communication.
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Pretec CompactGPRS can buy in the shops of "computer in the palm for $ 270. The authors, translation:
