Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS

Gigabyte, a manufacturer of communicators, not so long ago in the Russian market, but production has its own peculiarities. That Gigabyte began the first in a series of models incorporate TV tuners to allow owners of devices to watch TV right on your screen. But the company concluded, and now on the Russian market there are two more models MW700 and MS800, equipped with the much more popular in our GPS-module. MW700 is designed for GSM, and the model's twin - MS800, in addition supports a network of third-generation (3G). MS800 MW700 looks different from the presence of the camera above the display window and color: MW700 - Black, MS800 - gray. Therefore, all that is written below about the MW700, MS800 applied to the same extent. Characteristics of the model when we first met command respect and a desire to buy immediately, because MW700 has a 520MHz processor, GPS, full range of wireless communications, a wheel for scrolling, even with autofocus camera, and apparently she is thin and has a coating Soft Touch. The prospects are very tempting, but let's see, so if all the rainbow is actually a closer look.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MS800, MW700 and MW998
    Gigabyte MW700 Specifications are as follows:
  • Standard: GSM: 850/900/1800/1900, GPRS (UMTS / HSDPA to Gigabyte MS800)
  • Processor: Marvell PXA270, 520MHz
  • Operating System: MS Windows Mobile 6.0
  • Memory: 256 MB of onboard memory (140 MB available), 64 MB RAM (49 MB available)
  • Expansion Slots: microSD (TransFlash) supports microSDHC
  • Communications: GPS SiRFStar III, EDGE, Wi-Fi 802.11b / g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (A2DP), USB 2.0
  • Camera: 1600x1200 (2MPx), autofocus, macro mode
  • Screen: 2.8 "diagonal, 65,536 shades of color, 240x320 resolution, backlight adjustment (5 degrees of brightness)
  • Entering Information: stylus, handwriting, wheel
  • Power supply: Li-Ion Battery 1300 mAh removable battery
  • Talk time: up to 3,5 hours
  • Standby time: up to 150 hours
  • Weight: 135g
  • Size: 60x117x15 mm
  • Optional: 2.5 mm headset jack, FM-tuner
Based on the above characteristics may be noted that perhaps the only serious competitor for the Gigabyte MW700 will Glofiish X600. Hardware models are very similar, but looks radically different.

Design and Ergonomics

Communicator is now a popular cover Soft Touch: device does not slip out of hands, not scratched, and its just a pleasure to hold in their hands. Colours - light-gray "side" (incidentally, this is the usual plastic) and black front and rear of the hull. It is already settled style of some business models, like the color of this type and is suitable for most people.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MS800
Gigabyte MW700 quite thin, but size does not seem small, primarily due to the fact that the buttons are quite large and occupy a third of the body. If we compare with MW700 Glofiish X600, the latter will have advantages in size. And if the popular current Apple iPhone, then the dimensions are almost identical.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
GSmart MW700, compared with the iPhone and Sony Ericsson mobile phone
One way or another, but it should be noted that the buttons at the MW700 is extremely convenient. They are well separated, well-pressed, the joystick is located just above the other buttons, which adds convenience. Given the availability of GPS, keyboard comfort is extremely important. The backlight is uniform.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Above the screen there is a speaker on each side of the speaker - two LEDs. Right-hand indicator is flashing "blue in the case of active Bluetooth, orange - Wi-Fi, red - GPS. Left "Morgan" green light when the SIM card is inserted, the red when the device is charged or connected to your computer. At the bottom right is the stylus pen case. The stylus is removed easily by a rather large tail, but the size of the pen striking: it is half the usual telescopic stylus. Moreover, it is entirely plastic, and "tail" and "nose" finished gloss, which is very easily stripped fingernail. What caused the fact that such a large body could not accommodate the usual sliding the stylus - is unclear. The form of the pen is also quite common, it is not round, but rather rectangular, as a consequence, it can only fit a certain way.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Close to the stylus is a connector mini-USB, a strap hole and a microphone, which erroneously be taken for opening a reboot. By the way, the stylus here is not to stick out - will not fit.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
But he Soft Reset is not enough that on the left side, so also at the top. Solution is a little unusual for the majority. Nearby is a button to activate the camera performed pretty poorly. Firstly, if you hold the device as a camera, the fingers always get the shot:
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Secondly, the button is fairly small.And, to her "doge" to the image, we have to yank his hand, because of what the photo turns out blurry. The camera button can replace the joystick, but it has no function "half-press", which is necessary for focusing. Below are the wheel, so beloved by users Sony Ericsson Series P, handheld Sony and Fujitsu-Siemens 720. It does not scroll, is just turn up and down. Undoubtedly, the wheel will appeal to many users. Next, we see an opening for memory cards. It is not covered with a plug, however, hardly anyone will use the device without any memory cards. It is gratifying that the device supports microSDHC. On the right side wall is 2.5 "minijack. At the top end - the button off the device and the screen. At the rear of the device is the camera and loudspeaker. Near the camera has a "leg" - if you put the device on the table, the camera window will not scratch.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Slot for a SIM card is unusual and is unusual. In my memory, so once did in the Siemens iconic model S35, yes in the Sony Ericsson M600i/W950i. SIM card is inserted into the tray, which in turn retracts into a special connector.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
True, Gigabyte engineers outdid mentioned models: the tray has a special fasteners, through which you want to skip the map. The battery is removed with difficulty, no special grooves. A lid covering the battery, it is unpleasant crunching.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS

Screen

The screen has a standard for devices of this type of resolution - 240x320. The quality of the screen have no complaints. He has five levels of illumination, while the lowest is very comfortable to read books in the dark.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Screen GSmart MW700, compared with the iPhone

Communication capabilities

Communicator is equipped with a miniUSB port.When connecting to a PC offers two modes: synchronization and reader mode, which increases the speed of copying data to a memory card.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Control module wireless connections is fairly straightforward.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
On your device, set the standard drivers from Microsoft for Wi-Fi and Blueooth. I would like to note the quality of the module Wi-Fi. Apparently, he has quite a powerful antenna, because it joins the network, even in such conditions where other communicators or notebooks are not even able to detect the network.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
BlueTooth module works flawlessly, in fact, it supports A2DP - stereo BlueTooth headset. And when you install the SIM card, after loading the device pops up the following window settings:
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
In our networks, this feature is still useless. But while roaming abroad, is even going to help. The quality of touch with the conversation - at the level of modern phones, there is nothing to complain about.

Luggage

Traditionally, the communicators have not yet put sverhnavorochennyh camera modules, so the appearance of AF in a megapixel camera should please most users. If you do not take into account the unsuccessful camera button, which was written above, the image quality was quite satisfactory. By itself, the camera is not quite hastily, for each operation takes about 3-7 seconds (on, focus, retention).
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 334 KB)
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 165,6 Kb)
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 462,5 Kb)
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 296,0 Kb)
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 377,6 Kb)
Camera settings and is replete with bells and whistles, some of them really help to create interesting pictures.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 588 KB)
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 261,3 Kb)
However, not all of the settings really help in photography. For example: first frame is made with the default settings, while the second - has been exhibited tuning "cloudy."
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: sample photos, auto-tuning (jpg, 1600x1200, 336,9 Kb)
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: sample photos, settings, "cloudy" (jpg, 1600x1200, 340,6 Kb)
Button settings made quite large, there is no difficulty in controlling the fingers.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
So, we turn to a more detailed description of camera settings (some of them are named rather exotic, but guess what is really in question, it is easy):
  • Scene mode: normal, landscape, portrait, macro, night.
  • Scene mode: auto, day, cloudy, lyuministsent the night.
  • Effect: Normal, black and white, sepia, negative, solariz, sketch, chasing the moonlight.
  • Resolution: 1600x1200, 1280x960, 800x600, 640x480, 320x240, 160x120.
  • Quality: mild, normal and harsh.
  • EV: +2 to -2 in steps of 0.5.
  • Countdown timer: on / off.
  • Multishooting: 3,6,12,18.
  • Shutter Sound: on / off.
  • Memory: phone / card.
  • While taking a shot: on / off.
  • Confirmation: on / off.
  • Flashing frequency: avto/50Gts/60Gts.
Video Settings more ascetic, the same mode only scenes and effects. Change the image resolution can not be the default for 3gp and mpeg4 is 320x240, for wMW - 160x120. Quality at a decent level.
  • Video Format: 3gp, mpeg4, wMW.
  • MMS Video: On / Off.
  • Memory: phone / card.
  • Confirmation: on / off.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: Sample video (3GP, 320x240, 1,09 MB)

Battery life

The communicator is powered by a lithium-battery capacity yonnogo 1300MAh. Quite a strange choice, considering how voracious the processor and the GPS is on board the machine. As the editors got your pre-test sample, one can assume that the battery we got a little stranded. One way or another, but the results were more modest. While reading at the secondary level backlight unit lasted about 13 hours. While listening to MP3 with the screen at maximum volume - about 9 hours. Under the maximum pressure (including wireless modules, active internet connection, running the film) the device lasted only 4.5 hours.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
In the standard use (up to one hour of calls a day, a couple of hours of internet via EDGE and Wi-Fi, about an hour of music and three hours of other functions) the unit barely lasted a day.

Performance

When the device fell into our hands, the official site has already laid a fresh firmware to it.Of course, we immediately flashed the device by following the instructions from the site. Revealed an interesting feature: the number does not change the firmware V2.05.48, but my so called ext_rom. If you reflash the status is displayed on the screen.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
By the way, with a total discharge of the screen shows a similar picture. Device has enough internal memory to store in it all vital applications and not only.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
CPU power is more than enough to comfortably run multiple applications.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
It is encouraging that there is a built-in utility that allows you to change the CPU clock.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
To evaluate the performance of standard tests were conducted programs TCPMP, Spb Benchmark and VSBenchmark. Unfortunately, the movie *. avi, size 1.5 Gb, randomly downloaded from the web, go to your device with the artifacts, and closer to the end and refused to play at all. So to say that the device can play anything and everything without conversion is not necessary. However, many other communicators and does not let you watch movies in such high resolution.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
"Noise" while watching a movie
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Error when playing a movie
The vast majority of formats MW700 plays beautifully, with a noticeable separation from colleagues with a screen of 240x320. Recall that the optimal value for playing is 120%.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Moreover, the main rivals to cope with the video is much worse, so that our today's hero was a few steps ahead. Testing Program VS Benchmark shows average results.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
And as a result of the test SPB Benchmark Gigabyte gSmart MW700 was far in isolation - in the first positions.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS

GPS

For GPS-navigation meets popular chip SIRF Star III, on the right is the most popular solution for navigation devices. Recall that during a hot start for him is 1 second, warm - 35 seconds, the cold - 42 seconds. In reality, during a hot start for GSmart MW700 was about 3 seconds, which is a good indicator. The unit worked well and reliably, quickly find the satellites and display coordinates. From the navigation software installed on the GSmart MW700 is a simple utility for recording tracks - GPS-tracking. Which can operate in two modes - road and on foot. The latter, something like a shutdown mode static navigation, which allows you to record track even minor movements of the communicator.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
The second navigation application program is a Be-On-Road, on which you can read the review Mitac Mio A702. Once again, we note that navigation on the MW700 works without any problems, confident communicator keeps in touch with satellites, the program runs quickly, any slowdown in work was observed.

Software

Number of preset programs exceeds reasonable limits. It seems that the Gigabyte tried to make life easier for most users. When you first start the communicator system takes about 10 minutes to samonastroitsya, with just one set the entire set of software, which will be discussed below. First of all, I want to mention the miracle battery indicator, which displays the percentage of battery charge. Unfortunately, the indicator does not appear if you go to the menu or run any program, only to "tudee. And in the lower right corner of the screen you can place links to certain applications.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
The remaining pre-installed programs are divided into three blocks and placed in appropriate folders Programs menu.

Folder "Multimedia"

Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Multimedia programs
FM Radio. Application to work with the radio is very convenient and simple, in fact, it has unusual features - scheduled recording. Reception quality and recording at a good level.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: FM Radio
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: menu, FM Radio
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: FM Radio - Schedule Record
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: FM Radio - setting records
Java - a program for installing Java applications. Simply specify the JAR or JAD file - and the installation went. Run - from the same program. Management in games occurs when the joystick and buttons.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Gigabyte GSmart MW700: install JAVA-application
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Audio mixer - with the help of this program you can change the sound.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Photo Editor allows you to make simple changes in the pattern. The practical value of such an editor, as well as audio mishera is questionable.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Dictaphone presented a pleasant-looking utility. It is noteworthy that the recorder can record sound in the background, and this means that the telephone conversation, he can write.In this case, no squeak, notify your companion on the record, no. Recording may be in the format AMR or WAV, and recording can be limited in time.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS

Folder "Utilities"

Quick Menu - Quick closing applications. By default it is set on a long press a hardware button "Start» («Windows»), but may be reassigned to any other key. In addition to the closure of programs, it also allows you to quickly change the sound profile and customize this screen.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Magnifier - a function for those who do not see or simply do not like the fine print. Extremely pleased that the developers took care of it.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
ZipTool - built-in archiver ZIP.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Handheld remote control - your own custom remote control your phone from your computer.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Formatting - master reset the phone, so-called hard reset. Somewhat strange to find it in the Programs menu, not the "Settings". Spb Backup - a program from the famous Russian manufacturer to create backups. You can default to create a copy of your phone, you can choose what to backup: contacts, e-mail message, the contents of the My Documents folder, system folders or data card.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS

Folder "Phone Manager"

Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Telephony applications
Speed ​​Dial. Utility by its very name is misleading, for many speed dial - to call a specific person, holding a single button. So that this feature is a translation into Russian was supposed to be the "redial".Indeed, the standard means of automatic dialing is not implemented, as a consequence have to run this utility. Which is easier - a lot of time to recruit the same number, or run a program - it's users. Manager SIM - a tool for editing data on the sim card. Enable / disable the display of contacts in the phone book Simka communicator, to make up in both directions.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Internet Sharing - automatic settings for the Internet.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Black list - one of the most delicious features. You can add contacts as contained in the phone book, and missing out there. The program has a "negative": the call still goes to a phone second - the two he calls, the person at the other end immediately hear a dial tone and service signals.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS

Programs outside the categories

QuickMark - a program for reading barcodes. And it is not usual that the yogurt and chocolate. Guess at a glance what this program is and what it needs is not easy. However, with the help of search sites, it is easy to figure out completely any information. It turns out that there are so-called "square barcodes (QR-Codes)», which can encrypt some text information, such as a telephone. When photographing of such a code, the phone automatically detects that you slipped to him, and propose actions: call, send, etc. You can generate code on the site Kaywa, and download the program from the native site QuickMark.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Voice Commander - voice control program. Command can be assigned to some application or phone number.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS
Animation off - setting off a picture on your device is a separate program.
Communicators Gigabyte GSmart MW700 and MS800, multimedia and GPS

Cost

The suggested retail price of Gigabyte GSmart MW700 is 14,990 rubles, the top model - MS800 worth 18,990 rubles.

Output

Communicator to be very functional and self-sufficient.Until he falls short of the ideal, perhaps, for two reasons: because of the small-time battery life and because of the quality of the camera. Due to lack of battery life, it is unlikely to use the device at 100%, unless, of course, do not recharge it constantly. It's a shame, given the excellent quality of music and movies, and the nimble work of the navigation software.
    Pros:
  • Excellent performance
  • A complete set of wireless interfaces
  • A lot of useful built-in software
  • The presence of the wheel to scroll
    Cons:
  • not very comfortable stylus
  • short battery life
The authors, translation: