Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center

Now the company Gigabyte, which entered the market Windows Mobile recently, it's hard to compete with boblee renowned competitors. Despite the fact that the first communicator of this company do not become bestsellers, each one of them was in their own interest and in general, inspires confidence that more would be better. The main trump of the first GSmart'ov, if you remember, was an integrated analogue TV tuner. Thing useful and convenient, but - as it turned out - not too necessary, and therefore not relevant. And in the last few months we have witnessed a serious expansion of the ruler. Communicators under the brand Gigabyte gets bigger, there is a clear division into classes - and, obviously, kitaykoy selling brand in our region in the near future will grow significantly. However, the forecasts - it's not quite what we are today borrowing. Go to our guests arrived communicator Gigabyte GSmart MW998, which is essentially similar to the previous model - GSmart t600. However, there are some differences, which cause the difference in price and positioning. The body of the communicator is painted black, and a TV module abolished. In the presence of VGA-screen and a graphic accelerator Intel 2700G. So MW998 - is an inexpensive and compact multimedia device. Fashionable nowadays GPS-module is missing here. And there are perfectly rational explanation. Firstly, the model number Gigabyte already have navigation solution - GSmart MW700. And secondly, satellite positioning today need not all, which means that someone does not have to overpay for unused functionality. Direct competitors MW998 not, indirect, too: once or twice - and obchelsya. Therefore, the novelty has very good prospects. And, of course, immediately stands to make a reservation, that a full review of the comparative test will not be. Instead, we have to compare some elements of Gigabyte device with some features of models from other manufacturers. But before we proceed to the dissemination of technical data, recall that the MW998 - is not the only new Gigabyte this season. In addition it has released two communicators: MW700 and MS800. This is a classic, one might say, the navigation solution with a QVGA-display. Devices do not resemble each other in appearance but is functionally almost identical. The only difference is support for 3G-networks in MS800. Indexing models are currently very tricky, no logic is not visible. For example, one would assume that the MW700 and MW998 - close relatives. The same letter indices need to talk about belonging to a single series, and the numbers that MW998 - MW700 is a sequence with all the attendant. However, the reality is that these machines generally belong to different classes and have many significant differences. Let's hope that the company will consider this point and further indexing becomes more meaningful. Now back to the hero of today's review.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
    Main technical characteristics
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Professional
  • Processor: Marvell PXA270, 520 MHz + Intel 2700G graphics chip
  • Memory: 64 MB RAM and 256 MB Flash ROM
  • Screen: 2.6 "transflective TFT, 480x640, 65536 colors
  • Memory Expansion: microSD (support for cards up to 4 GB)
  • Communication capabilities: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GRPS (Class 10), Bluetooth (2.0 + EDR), Wi-Fi 802.11b / g, USB 2.0
  • Camera: 2 megapixel, autofocus, LED flash
  • Battery: Li-Pol, 1300 mAh, removable
  • Audio: microphone, speaker, corporate headset jack
  • Dimensions and weight: 113 x 58 x 17.4 mm and 130 g.
  • Claimed battery life: up to 150 hours of standby time, up to 4 hours of talk time.
In general, the parameters Gigabyte GSmart MW998 satisfy all modern requirements. Freshest version of the operating system Windows Mobile, the standard figures of RAM and ROM, high-performance processor, combined with the graphics accelerator, a camera and all the necessary wireless interfaces.However, there are flaws that are visible immediately to the naked eye. For example, lack of EDGE. If the modules are 3G-connection an absolute majority of Russian Internet users do not even need, then EDGE - need. And very much needed. This sin is the first communicator from ASUS, but soon the company reformed. For Gigabyte, apparently it has not served a good example of how to do. Very sorry. In addition, confusing corporate garniturnoy connector, which partially contradicts the philosophy of a multimedia device, and not too big figures in the graph of the claimed running time. Well, all this in detail today, we'll talk. And let us, as usual, with an assessment of a complete set.

Supplied

Being fully prepared for sale, and not some engineering sample, the communicator has arrived to the editor is included. However, the contents of a stylish compact box turned out to be surprisingly modest. Places without car mount and charger for the cigarette lighter socket due to lack of GPS-module. But even with this kit can hardly be called impressive. Judge for yourself in the box you will find:
  • communicator himself;
  • stylus;
  • battery;
  • wired stereo headset and an adapter for headphones;
  • charger from the 220V;
  • USB / mini USB sync cable;
  • user manual, warranty card;
  • 2 CD-ROM with accompanying software.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
There is only the most necessary minimum. No frills. By the way, at least a modest set of proposed and next of kin MW998 - communicator GSmart t600. True, there was also a telescopic antenna, needed for the television unit. Here the need is not there. In principle, the talk here specifically about. It may be noted only headset that has not changed since the t600. Change only the color: from white to black. Connector, as already mentioned, is still firm, which can only connect a headset from Gigabyte. However, included is an adapter in order to give users the ability to use headphones. More information about sound features, we traditionally discussed below. In the meantime, we estimate the appearance of the apparatus.

Design and Ergonomics

The review Gigabyte GSmart t600, we noted that the design unit were more like a media player, rather than the WM-communicator. And since MW998 externally is almost a complete copy of t600, but now we can say the same thing. Sure, some sense in this. Navigation PDA (Mio P560, for example, or the HP iPAQ rx5730) is now possible to bring to mind a classic navigators - for high ease of use for its intended purpose. Why not make a multimedia device like a media player? The similarity is manifested mainly through design and layout of hardware buttons, which is atypical for classical communicators. Ergonomics at the same time a little bit damaged, but more on that below.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
As for color scheme, then here, as they say, the taste and color. White version, oddly enough, is more practical. The front side of the body varnish on it will inevitably appear fingerprints, on a black background, they are seen much better than the white. But the rear boasts a soft touch coating, very practical and pleasant to the touch. That interfered with the manufacturer to issue the same way the front side? Obviously, the aesthetic considerations. In this case the device would look much less attractive. Gigabyte GSmart MW998 as well as its ideological predecessor - quite a compact device. Dimensions: 113 x 58 x 17.4 mm and weighs 130 grams makes it comfortable to wear it in any pocket and be used as easily and naturally as a normal mobile phone. Classical body shape, rectangular, with rounded edges, so the hand device to go is very convenient. The front side of the body, as always, brought to display, under which are the main hardware keys. A slightly higher - faint notch voice dynamics, which is devoid of any frills design and does not even LEDs.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
On the keys is worth looking in more detail. As a rule, manufacturers of smartphones have the keys together and unite them into arrays (pairwise or completely). Examples - weight. Open any of our review, and you will see for yourself. Here we see an unusual location. In the center - a thin ring of four-way navigation button, inside of which - a huge confirmation button logo GSmart. The latter no claims, but the navigation button is sinning too small reserve. Not too comfortable, but eventually you'll get used. Other keys have a disproportionately smaller. But you can only find fault with the implementation of call buttons and lights out. What prevented them to make a little bigger? Because space is full. The rest - all good. Cruising enough, the response when you feel good. Highlighting also has not changed since the GSmart t600, but because of the darker body looks she is not as effective. However, the keys are lit normally, inscriptions on them are clearly distinguishable in the darkness. More, in principle, and is not required. Affect the backlight can not, it turns on / off automatically. And if we talk about the buttons, then it is also standard, and hardly needs special mention. You can only add that the key is "Start" in long-term retention is proprietary utility for quick access to settings. About him we describe below, near the end of the review.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Side faces do not look too stretched. On the left side includes a volume control (two-shifting) as well as sunken deep into the body button soft-reset. The regulator has a moderately tight turn and is akkurat thumb, so use it quite comfortably. Soft reset, as always, by a stylus or some other sharp object. Randomly restart device will not work. Right side contains an expansion slot (microSD) and garniturnoy connector. Both are hidden behind a neat plastic plugs. The same, but slightly below, you can still find the camera button. The camera has autofocus, so the key is a two-position: it is necessary to focus a little imbedded, and then click to end. Button is pretty tight, which is unusual at first. But after a few shots finger gets used, and the shooting took place without unnecessary inconvenience.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Pocket multimedia center "width =" 400 "height =" 300 "/>
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
At the bottom end - built-in miniUSB, and cut the microphone and an ear for the strap, which in case of necessity have to buy separately. The upper edge is notable rather small power switch and two LEDs, which have a standard assignment, reporting on the presence of missed calls, the wireless modules and low battery. In addition, here - in the right corner - is the stylus pen case. Extraction takes place without problems, you can only find fault with a very small ledge at the upper end of the pen, which can not pry his fingers. We have to carefully meshing his fingernail. Sam telescopic stylus and a fairly thin, but he does not sin too lightweight and quite easy to operate.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
And finally, the back side - it's battery cover and a small unit with the camera lens, LED flash and the lattice dynamics of the system. The lid is secured "stranglehold" on and take off tight enough (it needs to focus move it down) but do not play and does not issue any sound, even when strong pressure.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Under the cover - a very unremarkable picture - the battery and the SIM-card, which is the usual recess with two metal bows. Card is inserted and extracted without the aid of foreign objects. Very convenient.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Build quality, surprisingly, very high. If you put a number GSmart i120 and MW998, then made a face. Of course, you will notice that here we use plastic is not very high quality, but given the fact that this is not the flagship business model, and multimedia-centric solutions - not least - on the youth audience, it is quite possible to turn a blind eye. Of course, there are small flaws, not too convenient buttons in particular, so that the external evaluation of performance GSmart MW998 is a strong foursome. No more, no less.
Pocket multimedia center "width =" 400 "height =" 300 "/>

Screen

GSmart MW998 - should not Touch-fashion trends, so that its screen is absolutely not designed to control the fingers. About this explicitly say how the size and location. In all communicators, "imprisoned" at work without a stylus, the screen matrix is flush with the body. This should be primarily to facilitate access to much of the screen. Here the display is located in a small recess, which reduces the likelihood of damage, but makes it extremely inconvenient work with your fingers, even if the corresponding software. Screen resolution - a very controversial issue. On the one hand, watch videos 640x480 very nice - the picture at times looks better than the usual QVGA-resolution. But on the other hand, under normal use VGA with a diagonal 2.6 inch is unlikely to give any advantage. Yes, it fits on the screen four times more information than usual. But with such a modest amount of matrix, all too small (images, fonts), we have to strain your eyes. There is a way. You can, for example, increase the font size. But in this case, the advantage disappears VGA to QVGA - decreases the amount of text on the screen, it displays a smaller section of the web page. What is called a double-edged sword. The increase in diagonal screen certainly would entail an increase in the size of the body. In short, time is very controversial. Good for multimedia, but it is bad for ordinary tasks. Actually, this is a contradiction - the main reason why neither HTC, ASUS is not any hurry to equip their new high-resolution screen, preferring traditional QVGA. Will probably be right if we refrain here from the conclusion and suggest you do it yourself based on your own needs. Obviously, in the foreseeable future WM-device completely (or almost) get rid of the hardware keys and will offer a screen occupies the entire area of ​​the front side. Then at constant frame sizes VGA-resolution will be very relevant and in demand. If we talk about the other characteristics of the screen GSmart MW998, they are generally encouraging. First of all, it is worth noting the excellent brightness, thanks to which the picture remains readable even in bright sunlight. For most communicators, the situation is slightly worse. Minimum level is also quite comfortable: it is not too high and can easily read the screen in total darkness. The viewing angles are good too. The exact value, as you know, the eye can not be determined, but it's definitely not far from 180 degrees. And here is to adjust the brightness provides only 5 divisions. It's smaller than many counterparts, but the bulk of users of five positions of the thumb would be sufficient. Discarding all doubts about the appropriateness of using VGA-resolution, we can safely say that the screen matrix MW998 from a technical point of view - one of the best to date.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center

Speed ​​and memory

This device uses Marvell XScale PXA270M - exactly the same processor as in the GSmart t600, ASUS P750, and a few dozens of handheld computers and communicators. This "stone" is well familiar to us. In the case of a QVGA-screen performance, enough for all tasks, including playing for the VGA-rollers. In this case, we have repeatedly made sure the test. However, in the case of higher screen resolution power of the processor for some tasks is not enough, this too was sufficient evidence. Three-dimensional graphics accelerators are not very popular among manufacturers WM-communicators. Although there have been few successful examples. Let us recall the Dell X50v/X51v (Intel 2700G) and HP iPAQ hx4700 (ATI Imageon 3200). The most recent example - Communicator t600 from Gigabyte, but here we are talking about the same hardware platform. This also uses a chip from Intel, which is specifically designed to work in conjunction with processors Intel. Rather Marvell.But the architecture is created by Intel and after the change of ownership has not changed. There is, as you know, more and GoForce 5500 - an incredibly powerful graphics chip from NVIDIA. Maybe even the most powerful to date. But the "live" devices using it yet, so a full comparison will not work.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
But before you go to test results, we note that the speed of the device in applications with no impact on the accelerator, not always high. Even on subjective impressions. From time to time delays when navigating menus and little short hang. But - let's be honest - this is evident in any modern VGA-communicator. The only pity is that adjusting the CPU frequency, as in the case of the ASUS P750, have GSmart MW998 is not provided. Nevertheless, the processor does not run continuously at full power: the frequency is selected automatically. The algorithm works correctly, but manual adjustment is still not have been superfluous. Well, now let's see what the tests showed. In the first place we turn to the results of tests in Spb Benchmark, which, as always, are presented in tabular form. In the role of samples for comparison are the ASUS P750 (as very significant in terms of speed device with QVGA), Glofiish X800 (as one of the most popular devices with VGA-screen) and Gigabyte GSmart t600 (to track whether they have been optimized platform). As always, let us recall that the focus should be placed on items and CPU Index Graphics Index, speakers, respectively, the CPU speed and graphics performance.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Unfortunately, this benchmark completely ignores the existence of the graphics accelerator. Therefore, all VGA-devices naturally lose QVGA-shnomu ASUS P750. A flawed work dough with both Gigabyte communicators can not draw any conclusions about the finalization of the platform. In separate tests in the past without fail, the difference between the MW998 and the t600 is visible, but it is small, and therefore can easily be written off on the accuracy of testing. And some of the indicators came out and did the same, up to one decimal place. Comment here in principle there is nothing, so just go to one of the most illustrative of tests - the player The Core Pocket Media Player (TCPMP) Version 0.072 RC1. Will not be superfluous to recall that a normal result is considered an indicator of 100%. However, the result shows the average speed of playback, so you have to take a small margin, taking the rate of 120% to totally exclude the slowdown and the loss of personnel in a particularly dynamic scenes.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Well, great results! Without exaggeration be said that communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW998 and t600 - the most productive to date unit on the chart. Them in the teeth is absolutely any movie encoded with DivX or XviD. You can try to even higher quality video, however, as you know, the picture will look better than when you play a VGA-rollers. So, no point in doing so. Is that the time savings - can be recorded on film device, not zamorachivayas for transcoding to the desired resolution. Moreover, both the communicator will cope with any three-dimensional games for Windows Mobile. Even with a very demanding adaptation loud RS-hit the past - "Quake III: Arena".Excellent fit and emulators of other game platforms that support hardware acceleration. In other words, we have the best that neither is a full-fledged multimedia device. Here are the keys clearly not designed for gamers. A stylus - not the best tool for the game in 3D-shooter. Meaningful comparison with the PDA Dell Axim X51v did not work. This unit is out long ago, and our scheme of testing over the past couple of years has undergone some changes. Pocket PC from Dell is still considered the most high-performance devices based on Windows Mobile. Argue with that stupid and makes no sense. Due to this fact our new test - VSBenchmark 2007 - Use this model as a proxy for the default. So that a comparison of MW998 and X51v yet taken place. Results you can see below.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Device from Gigabyte showed more modest gains, but the lag is small. And then, let's not forget that the Dell machine has a faster processor (520 MHz vs. 624 MHz MW998 for X51v). This is a very serious impact on the final assessment and it is quite possible that at the same frequency results of our today's guest would be the same or higher. Now for the memory: the communicator is equipped with 256 MB ROM and 64 MB of RAM. From the area of ​​memory allocated for the user's needs around 50 MB, and from the ROM - about 142 MB. The expansion slot supports cards microSD, but the maximum amount is limited to 4 GB. Technology SDHC is not supported. Sorry, multimedia communicator additional gigabytes obviously would not hurt.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center

Sound

Sound capabilities perfectly normal. Gigabyte GSmart MW998 sounds no better and no worse than any other device. The external speaker to the best of loud - he is unlikely to allow you to miss a call even in noisy environments. But for most situations will be quite enough half of the stock volume. These words are true and in relation to the voice dynamics. Sound is crisp, clean without any artifacts. A caller's voice is well recognizable, even in cases where the carrier signal is far from maximal. But the headset - subjective - sounds a bit quieter than most counterparts. Can not say that the volume is not enough. But the comparison with the ASUS P750 and Glofiish M800 showed that the device from Gigabyte with the standard headset sounds quieter when listening to music through a Bluetooth-headset volume level was higher. Bluetooth Headset was also louder. Obviously, the nominal stereo is not the best solution for multimedia. However, for most situations, the maximum volume level will be sufficient, but in extreme conditions will be difficult to hear the interlocutor. The microphone is quite good. Per stay device we tested (which is nearly two weeks), none of the companions never complained of poor hearing. And in the mode of the recorder built-in microphone MW998 showed himself the same way as all other communicators in recent years. In the quiet sound excellent spell from a distance of five to six meters. Provided here and the microphone gain function, but its use may be resorted to only in absolute silence to write with greater distances. Attempts to write on the street has never been successful. The increase in sensitivity will inevitably lead to an increase in noise and hear the voice on the recording made on the street is almost impossible. Well, here is perhaps worth saying and shakes. He is average in power.

Communication capabilities

We might say that with wireless capabilities for GSmart MW998 complete order, if not a "but": the lack of support for EDGE.Telephone module only works in a quad-GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and supports data transmission on the obsolete protocol GPRS (Class 10). 3G-standards for the residents of Russia is not yet valid, but EDGE is very necessary. So what is a serious drawback. All calls are made using a standard application Phone, which is flavored pretty firm skins and comfortable enough to work. If desired, of course, design can change, but it will not affect the usability.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi fully meet modern requirements. In this regard, MW998 is able to compete on equal terms even with the top communicators from other manufacturers. Bluetooth 2.0 compliant and supports data transmission at high speed (EDR, up to 3 megabits per second). In the role of administering the shell performs a standard utility that comes with Windows Mobile 6.0, which we have long grown accustomed. The module itself is working quite correctly and consistently. To test, we used two wireless headsets (Jabra and Nokia), several models of phones and smart phones, communicators and Mio A502 ASUS P750, as well as two models of A2DP headphones. In all cases, blue tooth did not cause complaints. As for the supported profiles, their set was spectacular, too. Along with the above Advanced Audio Distribution Profile support 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). Hardly anyone in the future owners will be dissatisfied. Did not disappoint, and Wi-Fi, which showed a confident and stable relationship. A standard set of options is quite modest, but many users will be enough. For quick and convenient managing all wireless interfaces, including telephone module, the application provides Wireless Manager, which hardly needs any introduction. From it is, in fact, change the basic options.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
And, finally, USB. Here too, the complete order: device uses USB 2.0 protocol and is able to operate in USB Mass Storage. This allows you to write / read data from the device without having to install ActiveSync.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center

Capabilities built-in camera

GSmart MW998 is equipped with a megapixel camera with autofocus. Today it is the most common solution among WM-communicators. Some manufacturers already equip their cameras with three new items megapikeselyami (for example, HTC TyTN II, ASUS P750), but this figure will become the standard by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the mainstream - is two megapixels. But in the beginning, as usual, about the peculiarities of the location of the lens. You may have noticed from the photos, the lens is not equipped with protective shutter and is centered at the top of the rear side of the case. This means that the glass would have to be regularly cleaned. Even if you do not take into account the dust, the location is such that during a call, thumb rests right in the lens. This sin of many communicators. Handset manufacturers are thinking much more carefully this time. But, as we have noted in past surveys, the development kommunikatornyh cameras are on the same course, but with a noticeable lag. Therefore, the appearance of curtains or the original layout options - just a matter of time. Application to capture exactly the same as that of the GSmart t600. It would be foolish to expect any changes. However, the available set of options is sufficient. One of the main points - the definition of white balance automatically runs frankly bad. Approximately 40% of cases: the colors in the photographs do not correspond to reality. So what if this critical moment for you, be ready to use preset modes. The benefit of them has everything you need: the sun, cloudy, fluorescent and incandescent. There is also the possibility of exposure correction. Need it soon for a tick, it is unlikely you have a need for its use. In addition, the camera MW998 usual one drawback: it often peresvechivaet frame. In this case, does not help even in the paddock ekspokorretsii minus. But it helps a soft reset. Obviously, this is a bug firmware. But we should not exclude that this feature is characteristic only of the tested sample. The quality of images by the standards of kommunikatornyh cameras in general is quite good, especially when shooting in good light. When shooting indoors in the photographs are seen loud noises. In image mode, are five permissions: 1600x1200, 1280x960, 800x600, 640x480, 320x240 and 160x120. When choosing lower resolutions it is possible to digital zoom. Rather, it is logical to call psevdozumom. Say, making the picture a 320x240 resolution, you get exactly the same image as when shooting in 1600x1200 and then cutting out the appropriate areas of the frame. The main advantage of, you guessed it - the speed and you do not need further treatment.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
The degree of compression of JPG-regulated in three steps (this is standard for most communicators), and among the special effects, there are standard black and white, negative and sepia, as well as more exotic polarization, the sketch and the moonlight. Below you will see several frames taken by a camera at maximum resolution and maximum quality settings.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 311,8 Kb)
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 392,9 Kb)
Pocket multimedia center "width =" 400 "height =" 300 "/>
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 3162,5 kB)
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 338,4 Kb)
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 393,5 Kb)
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 352,8 Kb)
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 248,6 Kb)
With regard to video capabilities, they are pretty mediocre. Maximum resolution clips is 320x240 pixels, but are three recording formats: WMV, MPEG4 and 3GP. When shooting video autofocus works, but it is carried out before recording, so if you continue moving subjects or when the position of the camera picture quality is deteriorating, which is quite natural. Set all other settings is almost identical to that of the still image mode. The following are examples of the camera with video recording.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: an example of video (MPEG4, 320x240, 1,34 MB)
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998: an example of video (MPEG4, 320x240, 1,30 MB)

Runtime

Frankly, GSmart MW998 caused no little confidence and gave the impression of a device that can demonstrate the impressive performance of battery life. But in reality it was slightly better than expected. In the testing methodology has been no change, let's look at the results. Maximum load. The brightness set to maximum, the speaker volume too, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but through Windows Media Player in a loop in the loop play "hard" video. Battery life in this mode for 2 hours and 58 minutes. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness set to minimum level. On the PDA started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was 12 hours and 40 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. Time work 12 hours and 18 minutes. By modern standards, the performance average. We can not say that this is too bad. But even before the record is far. Maximum load discharge the battery for nearly three hours. The same result shows the vast majority of WM-communicators. But in other modes, the results could be better. In general, the results hardly differ indicators Gigabyte GSmart t600, which is not surprising. The diagram clearly shows how looks GSmart MW998 compared to other communicators. It is unlikely that this need any comment.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
If we talk about using the device in mixed mode, which means about 20-30 minutes of calls per day, short plays music through wired headphones, short sessions synchronization via Bluetooth, plus a half-hour reading of navigation, the battery "lives" in an average day. With less active use of it can stretch to about one and a half days.

Software stuffing

Set of predefined tools in communicators Gigabyte always pleased. Newly-born GSmart MW998 was no exception to this rule. Let's briefly go over the basic applications. Audio mixer. Program for music lovers. It will adjust bass and treble, adjusting the sound to your favorite music "on themselves." Difficult to assess all the charm of this application, having before it a modest headset in the kit. But, as practice shows communicator GSmart i300, on better headphones the effect is well seen.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
GSmart BT. Application for faster and more convenient use of Bluetooth-functions. Idea is very good, but to fully enjoy it you can, just having the presence of two communicators GSmart. Use it in conjunction with other devices will not give any advantages.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Java. Shell to run applications written in Java. The program comes on almost all modern communicators.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Zip. A well-known archive, which needs no introduction. Archives are created from the context menu, caused by a specific file. Nevertheless, the program has a shortcut to run, which only displays information about how to create archives. Prednaznechno it's probably for inexperienced users.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Spb Backup. Program for backup and restore data from one of the most famous software developers. Works quickly and correctly. On it, we have repeatedly told.
Pocket multimedia center "width =" 240 "height =" 320 "/>
Quick Menu. Corporate launcher from Gigabyte, which is caused by prolonged retention "Start" button and gives you access to adjust the screen brightness, switching between profiles, and buttons to close all running programs. Undoubtedly, a very necessary and useful application.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Wise Talk. A program that allows you to overlay the background sounds and activate the answering machine. With it, we also encounter was not the first time. It allows, for example, to get rid of an unpleasant conversation, imitated your stay at the airport, at a concert or on the street. In addition, we can not mention, and multiple telephone facilities. For example, a simple wrapper to create a black list and utility for automatic dialing.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
All programs are separated into folders: utilities, multimedia and so on, thus avoiding congestion of the main menu and faster access. In general, program stuffing worthy of the highest ratings.
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center
Gigabyte GSmart MW998. Pocket Multimedia Center

Price issue

At the time of writing, the recommended retail price of the communicator Gigabyte GSmart MW998 is 14,490 rubles.

Conclusions

Gigabyte company makes more and more interesting steps. So there is no doubt that in a short time to market, Window Mobile will have another contender for the leader. The main advantage of machines the company over its competitors is the price - one of the most important factors determining the fate of each model. If we speak specifically of the MW998, it is very Mighty multimedia device, which has many advantages and are sold at a price comparable to the cost of low-end models with much more modest functional. Of course, the device is not perfect.There are points of contention, there are obvious shortcomings, but a number of advantages to easily override them. And the current price makes this model one of the best decisions on price / quality ratio. With regard to the target audience, it is quite broad. Specifically, the model does not become a corporate standard, but among gamers and high-quality video, it will certainly be very popular. It is curious to look at the sales statistics. But in the future. And now we have to follow the old tradition and to complete the review note of the main strengths and weaknesses of the model in the appropriate column.
    Pros:
  • compact size and low weight;
  • complete set of wireless interfaces;
  • excellent set of preinstalled software;
  • excellent performance;
  • good built-in camera;
  • attractive price.
    Cons:
  • not too convenient shortcuts;
  • places without support EDGE;
  • modest screen size.
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