Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6

Appearance model Glofiish X500 + waiting if not all, at least, many fans of mobile technology and communicators. A lot of rumors, hovering around the device, finally materialized in the form of the finished model, which we are pleased to present you with this review. Glofiish X500 + is a direct continuation of the evolutionary Glofiish X500. Changes, as expected, spoke of the operating system (new running Windows Mobile 6.0). And, most importantly, the smartphone is equipped with a VGA-screen. Glofiish X500 + - a second device Glofiish, has a screen resolution of 640x480, pioneered the X800, not so long ago presented at CeBIT 2007. Nevertheless, X500 + is the first communicator, which officially goes on sale in Russia. However, it is also the first besklaviaturny VGA communicator in the world, and the first WM6 smartphone (operating system is installed initially).
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
The model is certainly an interesting and welcome, we also look at what it represents Windows Mobile 6 Professional at work, and how to cope with the VGA-resolution processor Samsung S2442, which was used in previous models Glofiish. Compare the hero of our today's review we will be with his younger brother Glofiish X500, as well as GPS-ASUS P535 smartphone and the HTC 3600 (Trinity), which is soon to appear on sale. Direct competitors Glofiish X500 + to date, no, if we talk about the communication capabilities and screen resolution. Nevertheless, we compare the closest equipment communicators, specifications are listed in the table below.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Comparative table: ASUS P535, HTC P3600, Glofiish X500 and X500 +

Supplied

Despite the fact that the communicator Glofiish X500 +, has got to us for testing, this pre-production and completion of the unit is quite similar to the serial. So in the box with our device were:
  • Stylus
  • Mains Charger
  • Sync cable connector miniUSB
  • Wired Headset
  • Cover leatherette
  • CD with ActiveSync version 4.5
  • Quick Guide
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
We can just say that the quality and quantity of supplied accessories are unlikely to be different from what we saw in the bundling Glofiish X500. As for accessories of the kit, there are no surprises: all of the same case in the form of booklets opening from right to left. The unit itself is mounted with special holders. Compact solution, lovers of fine hard covers. Those who used to wear your device on your belt, will have to replace the standard search covers since the last clip is not available. Standard cover is made very solidly, leaving the user access to the hole and MiniUSB headset jack, though, closing the slot for inserting a memory card and box cameras.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
The functionality of the headset are made of silver plastic, the controls can be found in microphone, answer button and a small wheel for volume control. On the wire is a small plastic clip for attaching the headset to the elements of clothing. Headphones are different lengths, and, unfortunately, the shell headphones do not specify which one is left and which right. As shown, the short wire is connected to the left channel headset, and a long, respectively, from right:).

Ergonomics and Design

Design and layout of the Governing Bodies X500 and X500 + are identical. Changes affected the body materials: the foundation, as before, the metal, but all the plastic parts are now soft-touch finish, which adds the device reliability, and in his hand machine is nicer than its predecessor. Dark gray hull gave way to classic black with silver elements. In particular, the "metallic" color kept edging dynamics and control key communicator. On the part of the design no claims, successful solutions applied in the previous model, have continued in the X500 +, but the black color and soft-touch coating only added to the unit reward points. According to the manufacturer as a soft-touch plastic coating applied to the new pokleniya, not subject to abrasion. In Russia, the new Glofiish X500 + will be available in black finish, and the old silver-gray version, similar Glofiish X500.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
The front panel communicator focused basic function buttons. In the lower part is a 4-way navigation button in the center of which is confirmation button. On either side of them you can find keys context menus of Windows Mobile and key execution and completion of the call.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Still do not have separate buttons for accessing menu Start (Start) and the backspace key, making it difficult to navigate menus device without using the stylus. The top of the device provides two additional buttons, one of which is responsible for calling the navigation program, and the other attached to the embedded application to M-Desk. Right and left of them have settled status LED device.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Below the display is placed embossed metal logo Glofiish. The ends of the device is also almost no change on the right is a button call camera on / off button and reset hole.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
On the left are located the volume keys, a button activating voice control (if you hold activates the voice recorder) and 2,5 mm headset jack. In contrast to the Glofiish X500 volume keys are made more prominent, which should facilitate the search for them by feel in the dark.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
The bottom end is busy MiniUSB standard connector and a slot for memory cards. As in the previous model, the slot is designed for the popular memory card format currently MicroSD. All keys have a small device running, however it is convenient to work with them, accompanied by soft keystrokes click. The keys are made from the same soft-touch plastic, and housing.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
On the back of the X500 + are the window a 2-megapixel camera, self-portrait mirror and a small LED flash. The right of the photographic elements can be seen the lattice dynamics. And over the lattice is a connector for external GPS-antenna reliably protected rubber plug.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
For ergonomics X500 + can put a good grade, the machine is excellent in hand does not slip, controls are spaced fairly comfortably. You can only find fault with the fact that the navigation keys are located too close to the bottom of the device, and the absence of hardware keys, the menu «Start» and return. However, the standard means the user can reassign device 4 keys to your own taste, which certainly is a plus.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6

Screen

One of the main competitive advantages Glofiish X500 +, of course, is the screen, more resolution. In fact, the model is the first compact smartphone with a VGA-screen TV in retail sales (excluding the HTC Universal and HTC Advantage, call them compact language does not turn, it's still a little bit different class of devices). Can be predicted in advance many arguments for the physical size of the screen, which is 2.8 ", as in previous models of companies. Nevertheless, the quality of the screen no raises no objections, the difference with QVGA, as they say, is obvious. The grain is so small that see with the naked eye is virtually impossible.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
As before, brightness adjustable in 11 steps: from subtle lighting, which is useful when reading books in the absence of light, to the maximum, which is enough for comfortable work with your device in bright sunlight or artificial light. For daily work is sufficient to establish the slider on 5-6 division. In spite of the prejudices about the "too small" screen size for a VGA-resolution, set an excellent assessment X500 + for a decent implementation of the VGA to a very compact unit.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6

Speed ​​and memory

The Hardware Glofiish X500 + repeats what we have seen in the models X500 and M700. Uses the same platform from the company Quanta Computers, based on Samsung S3C2442 CPU with 400 MHz.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
As is known, plus the processor is a good performance at moderate power consumption. Want to start with a general description of the speed. Standard office applications open almost instantly, download a "heavy" programs is a slight delay. For example, the popular communications software iGO with the size of EXE-file 1.97 MB came into standby mode after 10 seconds. On the part of the programs no claims, the machine handles "to cheer, but here's a drawing of a picture on the VGA-screen, things are not so rosy, especially noticeable when scrolling menu or list of files in Windows Explorer. The picture is updated immediately, but with a few "hangs". Special discomfort in the work it does not cause, however, this fact can be attributed to the shortcomings. It is not excluded that this is a feature predseriynogo sample. Now look at the results obtained by testing X500 + Service Spb Benchmark. Data for HTC P3600 were taken from the January survey, when the lab was pre-production device. As is known, this model has not yet gone on sale. Nevertheless, the general idea about the speed of the device, the data will fit.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Spb Benchmark test results
Overall, the results X500 + is almost completely repeat the achievement X500 and did not differ greatly from HTC P3600, which is not surprising - after all, these devices are running the same processor Samsung S2442. Differences can be safely attributed to errors in testing. We can say that the new operating system will not affect the speed device. The advantage of ASUS P535 is largely due to the application in all respects more productive Intel PXA270 processor clocked at 520 MHz. By tradition, we tested the video playback Glofiish X500 + with popular player TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) version 0.71RC1. Recall that the normal rate is 120%, and of course, the higher the score, the better.Test clips downloaded from the official site TCPMP, encoded the two most popular codecs (DivX and XviD) and use the most common resolution. Testing results can be found in the following table.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Test results TCPMP
Points earned by the Glofiish X500 + as a result of video testing, can hardly be called brilliant. Virtually all indicators, our hero loses his younger brother, X500, not to mention the HTC 3600 and ASUS 535. Probably the VGA-resolution also adds its share of the load while playing, it turns a kind of fee for the clear and beautiful VGA image. In general, the video processing is not the strong point of the processor Samsung S2442. Hopefully, the commercial models X500 + will show better results, but for now we must note the fact that those who are going to buy VGA-device for watching video in the resolution of 640x480, Glofiish X500 + is unlikely to fit. Machine confidently cope with only QVGA videos: it's a fee for a VGA screen.

Memory

The amount of memory Glofiish X500 + has not changed with the advent of the new OS and a VGA-screen and is the usual 128 MB of ROM, from which the user has access to about 50 MB of storage, and 45.23 MB of RAM. After rebooting available RAM size is 27 MB. It is worth noting that we have made an additional Hard Reset and canceled the installation of applications from the E-Ten, in the hope that memory will be greater, alas, no significant changes in the standard means we do not have. Free memory has increased to approximately 150 KB.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
If we compare with the precursor X500, a VGA-new multiple loses in terms of memory, we recall that in QVGA-version of the user was available about 79 MB of ROM, and a RAM allocated nearly 48 Mb (approximately 30 MB free). While we can not fully say with certainty that it is VGA «eat off" a decent chunk of memory, yet X500 + is running the new operating system - Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Perhaps the new OSes also requires for its operation for more resources, leaving the user less than the amount of free memory. Nevertheless, as soon as the situation should become clearer, the company E-Ten is preparing a firmware update for PDA Glofiish X500, then both devices will run Windows Mobile 6, and we will carry out additional tests, the results of which will inform. So far, only say that the 27 MB of free RAM is sufficient for most everyday tasks. According to comments proizoditelya, the situation with the amount of free memory is likely to improve with new firmware, is certain that the work in this direction is underway. Well, the place for information storage can be expanded using microSD cards. To date, commercially available memory card, this standard up to 2 GB.

Sound

In terms of sonic possibilities hero of our today's review echoed his predecessors, X500 and M700. And the latter provides a high level of this characteristic. Sound from the speaker is heard clearly and loudly enough, though, in order not to miss incoming calls in noisy environments, it is desirable to set ringer volume to maximum. The vibrating alert does not differ a great force, but duplicating them to sound, the user will not miss a single call.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Established headset also has remained unchanged: to communicate by phone or listening to radio, its lack. To get better sound, the user is desirable to get an adapter with 2,5 mm jack for standard 3.5 mm, the benefit of retail data devices are present in excess. Sound quality through the voice speaker is also located at a high level during the week of testing its volume was set to 4 divisions of 6, this is quite enough. Like its predecessor, Glofiish X500 + is equipped with FM-receiver, we'll talk about it later.

Sociability

Communicators Glofiish X500/M700 on the right is one of the most rewarding in terms of wireless devices. X500 + has inherited the best of them: it is equipped with modules Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4-band GSM-module with support for EDGE, and GPS-navigation module. Support for third-generation networks is not provided. However, it is implemented in the already-mentioned device Glofiish X800, which, judging from the preliminary information, will be largely similar to our today's hero, focused just on the network UMTS. Despite the distribution of licenses for the 3G network "big three" Russian mobile operators, as well as test for the presence of base stations, are unlikely to expect the appearance of support for this technology until next year. Particularly far-sighted users, it makes sense to wait out Glofiish X800, all other communication capabilities trinity X500/M700/X500 + should suffice entirely. Now, first things first.

Phone

Telephony device supports a range GSM 850/900/1800/1900. In the settings you can choose from 3 modes:
  • 900/1800
  • 850/1900
  • Auto
Supported by technology EDGE, allowing triple the speed of data transmission in networks GSM. To make calls using the standard program Phone, received a new operating system very useful addition as a function of Smart Dial, which allows you to search the phonebook in the manner of T9. In addition, there is an additional program for speed dial Speed ​​Dial, you can see in previous models of the company E-Ten.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6

Bluetooth

In the Glofiish X500 + uses a Bluetooth module version 2.0 with all the necessary profiles, including the popular A2DP profile for listening to music through the stereo-bluetooth headset. Not without its support EDR, technology allows data transfer at speeds exceeding 1 Mbps. In general, bluetooth-module similar to what we have seen in previous models, and has a maximum to date abilities. Powered bluetooth running drivers from Microsoft, however, Glofiish offers its own add-on standard software, greatly simplifies the work with the wireless interface.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Bluetooth operability tested during interaction with smartphones Nokia N-Gage QD, Nokia 7610, Sony Ericsson W300i phone and communicator Voxtel W420. No problems were noted, files are transferred in both directions, no failures were observed. Interaction with the bluetooth-headset Sony Ericsson, Jabra also successful, exactly like synchronizing with ActiveSync.It is worth noting that, for interaction with the new operating system, the user will need to update ActiveSync to version 4.5, which is already available for download from Microsoft.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi capabilities is very worthy. Supported by a fast standard 802.11g, which provides data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps. To manage the utility is used WLan Utility, which allows for basic wireless configuration interface. Wi-Fi work well at the height of the communicator to quickly find the access point and connected with them, worked well in a small Wi-Fi network. As is the case with younger brothers X500/M700 like to mention a rather powerful transmitter, which kept in touch, even where other devices have refused to go to the Internet due to a weak signal.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
All wireless interfaces are managed by well-known program Wireless Manager.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6

Multimedia

Luggage

The camera has undergone several qualitative changes compared with previous models. Appeared "macro" mode with the function of the software autofocus, through which images become more qualitative. Talk about a serious macro, of course, is not necessary, however, when activate the communicator focuses on a smaller distance (about 5 cm) and blurs the background, creating the effect of a small depth of field. In the options of saving a new file format, JPG + Exif, in choosing which data is stored on the shooting conditions. In this instance the function worked quite strange in the EXIF ​​data is always prescribe the information that the flash on, even if the shooting has not been used. No data on the shutter speed and aperture is not preserved, however, for the communicator, this information would be clearly excessive. Another interesting innovation was the ability to save the coordinates of the location where the picture. If we take pictures in the mode of JPG + Exif and is within range GPS, then the EXIF ​​data will be stored and still our position.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
    We list the main options available in Glofiish X500 +:
  • Shooting Mode: Normal, Portrait and shooting with the timer
  • File format: BMP, JPG, JPG + Exif
  • Picture Size: 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480, 320x240, 176x144
  • White Balance: Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Shade, Cloudy Night
  • Several effects: Negative, Grayscale, Retrospective, Mirror
  • Enable or disable the "print" the date of the picture
White balance automatically, unfortunately, is not mistaken only in conditions of natural light, but it is typical for most small devices with integrated cameras.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample photos (jpg, 1600x1200, 236 KB)
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample photos (jpg, 1600x1200, 394 KB)
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample photos (jpg, 1600x1200, 429 KB)
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample photos (jpg, 1600x1200, 282 KB)
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample photos (jpg, 1600x1200, 450 KB)
Present and the ability to shoot video. You can select video resolution: 320x240, 176x144 or 128x96, enable or disable sound and video quality to choose from 3 options. Movies are saved in 3GP. White balance settings are identical to those we saw in the photo mode. Videography is implemented is quite usual for communicators, we mention only a small "freezes" when shooting at maximum resolution. With examples of videos you can see below.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample videos (3gp, 320x240, 2,2 MB)
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample videos (3gp, 320x240, 3,6 MB)
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 + sample videos (3gp, 320x240, 3,5 MB)

Radio

Management interface and radio functions in exactly the same used in Glofiish X500/M700.Dwell in detail on this, we will not only list the main features:
  • playback is possible only through the headset, serving as an antenna
  • in memory can store up to 50 radio stations for the regions of Europe (87,5-108 MHz), Japan (76,0-90 MHz) and USA (87,5-107,9 MHz)
  • smooth volume control
  • ability to disable the screen in listening to the radio
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Subjectively, the reception quality has improved compared with previous models, in conjunction with a complete headset communicator accepts all major radio band FM. Of course, the quality of reception varies greatly depending on where you're at a radio. The function of recording the radio is still not available.

Runtime

In the device installed lithium battery that has capacity 1530 mAh, similar to the one we saw in the Glofiish X500/M700.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
To estimate the time of the device we have traditionally subjected X500 + test in three basic modes: the maximum load. Vykruchena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker - also included Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth, the Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was - 3 hours 26 minutes. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set to the second division of the account (ie, average). On the PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Hours amounted to - 12 hour 14 minutes. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with bitrates 192 KB / c. Hours - 15 per hour. 42 minutes. With daily use, consisting of 10-15 minutes of calls a day, listening to music, 20-30 minutes of use with wireless interfaces, a periodic feature is enabled GPS, PDA will have to recharge about every 2 days. For smaller loads, X500 +, of course, "live" longer. As usual, for illustrative purposes, the comparison chart rivals.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Hours
Backlog of low-end model in the maximum load is predictable, because the X500 + is cyclically had played more "hard" a video that matches the screen resolution device. In a more benign conditions X500 + has shown results, even surpassing X500. Overall, the results are good, given the characteristics of the new device. Of course, against the backdrop of indicators ASUS P535, the achievement of our hero does not look impressive, ASUS smartphones are considered to be leaders in battery life.

Module for GPS-navigation

In the device used by the receiver based on well-proven chip SiRFstar III. The main body of Glofiish X500 + is a carefully camouflaged rubber plug connector for external antenna. However, the chip SiRFstar III most often an external antenna to communicate with the satellites is not required. Nevertheless, in difficult conditions, the antenna can serve well and help improve the quality of signal reception. Work GPS was tested in conjunction with the program iGO, which, incidentally, works great on a VGA screen.In terms of the receiver reliably kept in touch, the signal is lost only in underground parking areas and inside buildings. However, there were a few glitches when signal is lost just on level ground without provocation. C other navigation programs, however, this was not observed, so the problem is likely not the hardware.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
GPS start time is at a decent level and is virtually identical to the claimed figures in the specification SiRFstar III. Recall that the standard for this chip are 42, 35 and 1 second for cold, warm and hot start. Time hot-start, as usual, higher than the stated 1 second on average for this communicator required for 4-5 seconds, which is very good.

Soft

Glofiish X500 + is the first smartphone running on Windows Mobile 6 Professional, so begin a story about the software is to describe major changes that the new operating system from Windows Mobile 5.0. Just say that the revolution, like the transition from WM 2003 to WM 5.0 has not happened, Microsoft could just as easily be called a new operating system WM 5.1 or WM 5.0 SE, well, or at worst, to collect all the changes in the new AKU. The first thing that catches your eye - this is somewhat redesigned user interface, a new design was clearly made with an eye on Windows Vista, it comes and menu icons and design some embedded applications, for example, a popular means of killing time, called "Klondike". Also, all the standard ringtones that can be found in WM 5.0 have been completely replaced by new ones. We list the basic functionality and innovations:
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Smart Dial. Hooray! Finally, standard tools can be handy to search the phonebook. Solution, which we already mentioned, when we talked on phone means you may have seen in programs Inesoft Address Book, or Spb Mobile Shell. The search is performed on the principle that resembles T9. This is one of the most useful innovations in Windows Mobile 6.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
HTML formatting in emails. Finally, the standard mail client Outlook Mobile has learned to display electronic messages in a format HTML: select the display format of letters the user is prompted once at the stage of creating your email account. Another interesting feature - contextual call. If the letter is specified phone number, just press the stylus on it to get to the dialer.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Standard keyboard. Now a standard keyboard can offer us options up to 4 input words, if we use the predictive function. Also in the Keyboard Properties button appears in removing the accumulated system dictionary, and return it to factory condition. Unfortunately, after the user makes a soft-reset, the entire user base is automatically entered into the vocabulary of the system as you use the keyboard disappears.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Edit contacts. Now, in order to edit the contact, not necessarily open it. You can simply select it and then select the «Edit» in the context menu. Windows Live. Combined means of communication for a global network Internet, which consists of several components:
  • Live Search Mobile allows you to search for information online. Socket search can be seen in the latest updates To WM 5.0 AKU 3.3 (for example, Voxtel W520) and AKU 3.4 (eg Samsung i710)
  • Live Mail Mobile. Manage letters of this service may be using a common interface for the mailbox.
  • Live Messenger Mobile is a change of Pocket MSN. Service is not too common on the open spaces of our country, to the popularity of ICQ it is still far. The new program can not only exchange text messages, and send and receive files and voice messages.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Marketplace. The idea of ​​service is to simplify the process for user acquisition and renovation third party software. In the case of test samples to evaluate performance X500 + Marketplace failed.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Windows Update. A favorite of many means of updating Windows components have reached and mobile devices. To date, no updates for WM 6 there, so enjoy the benefits of the service failed. Nevertheless, the fact that the possibility of auto-component updater can not but rejoice.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Encryption. An option to protect files stored on the memory card device. When you activate the encryption, the files stored on a memory card can only be read on the device, where encryption has been established.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Customer Feedback ... or make Windows Mobile even better! A small program that offers us, as stated in the description, "send to Microsoft information about how we use Windows Mobile». Means of collecting anonymous usage statistics, well, if it helps the developer to improve the operating system, then why not.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
Updated Outlook Mobile. Updates for the most part focused on the interaction with Microsoft Exchange 2007, and can only estimate their corporate users whose mailboxes are running the latest version of Microsoft Exchange.
  • Find messages can be performed on the server without downloading them to your device, which significantly saves time and bandwidth.
  • Fitch Mail allows flexible configuration download messages from the server, namely the type of format (txt or html), a way to load (the header, the entire message once or a specified amount) and more.
  • Support for the flags, there are now not only in the desktop, but also in the mobile version of Microsoft Outlook.
The most useful and enjoyable changes made in Outlook Mobile, of course, is a function of Smart Filter. The function is simple to genius, if we open the mailbox and enter the characters or words using the keyboard, Outlook will select all the letters in the title, body, or the sender field meets the required combination of letters or numbers. A sort of Smart Dial for email.
Glofiish X500 +: GPS-communicator with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6
In addition to the above items has occurred a number of changes regarding security. For example, when you first turn we are asked to enter a password, which will subsequently be required during power-up, as well as access to certain types of data. A similar system has already met in the latest update WM 5.0. Setting priorities for data synchronization via ActiveSync is now performed on the device itself, but when you create an email account setup is now requested from the server that hosts the mailbox. For example, the device without problems loaded automatic settings for a mailbox that was created on the server Rambler. Such a decision also appears in the previous version of the OS, but in WM 6.0, conceived as a developer, a communicator has to be made to the settings for most popular email servers. In the tested device, the list was empty. We have become accustomed to the fact that communicators Glofiish differs quite a serious set of additional software preinstalled in the Extended ROM, Glofiish X500 + is no exception, but almost all the additional tools we've seen in the X500 and M700, therefore, confine their listing with a brief description of their purpose.
  • Quick Link. Cute and functional launcher that lets you create shortcuts to programs as well as to the system device functions.
  • M-Desk. The program, separating the functions of the communicator in several categories. Some kind of alternative to the standard menu «Start».
  • Voice Commander. Multipurpose program for voice control communicator.
  • Battery Meter. A small program that displays charge status in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • Location SMS. The program, which creates a message to our coordinates, of course, not without the help of built-in GPS receiver.
  • Backup Utility.Backup and recovery
  • A set of tools for working with multimedia, consisting of an analog desktop Paint called Image Maker, a simple editor ready images Image Wizard, and very good multimedia browser Multimedia Manager.
  • Namecard Manager - utility to recognize business cards. Unfortunately in our sample, the program did not recognize the Russian-language business cards. According to representatives of E-Ten, now developers are working on localization of the program, and by the time the vehicle for sale, Namecard Manager will be "trained" the Russian language.
  • A collection of programs that extend the phone features device comprising:
    • Add Ringtone - a program for easy installation of the bell ringing in various formats
    • Call Filter - a means to filter incoming calls
    • Scenarios - a program that adds sound profiles in Windows Mobile, in the manner of conventional phones or Symbian-smartphones
    • Sim Manager - utility for working with contacts stored on SIM card
    • Speed ​​Dial - alternative to the standard repertory which we discussed above
For soft stuffing Glofiish X500 + traditionally gets an excellent rating. We only note that if the user does not want to use the software, the proposed Glofiish, then the original inclusion or after a hard reset on the stage of the installation program needs a few seconds to hold down the call camera - in this case, additional software will not be installed. Many readers probably have a question about the compatibility of third-party software with the new OS. All software products are targeted at Windows Mobile 5.0, live well and to WM 6. For clarity, simply list all applications that run without problems on the Glofiish X500 + during the test. Were taken for the most part the latest versions of software, mainly from the sites developers.
  • Haali Reader
  • TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player)
  • Resco Keyboard
  • Resco Explorer
  • iGo
  • vSnap
  • Spb Benchmark
  • mChat
  • The whole package is built-in programs from the E-Ten

Price issue?

For Russia, the recommended price for Glofiish X500 + is estimated to be about 20,000 rubles. The first delivery is expected in late May or early June.

Conclusions

Once again, the E-Ten shows high qualification and good tone of its designers and engineers. Course taken by the company, focused on the issue of advanced in its capabilities of smartphones, but at the same time, preference is given to an evolutionary change, not to lose all the accumulated experience in the model series. With each generation of Glofiish communicators are becoming more attractive and reliable solution, as evidenced by the confident selling the same Glofiish X500. Most likely it is due to the fact that the evolution of prefer the revolution, in the "dignity" is all the more points, and "shortcomings" - all lower. Glofiish X500 + successfully complements the small but thoughtful range of companies presenting to the court users a new operating system, so even on VGA-screen. In the foreseeable future, direct competitors are not expected. And for those who long dreamed of VGA-communicator and wrote in the forums "but when?», Glofiish X500 + - it's just a gift. The downside may be only mediocre quality video playback at a maximum resolution of 640 by 480. And the rest - in front of us good product, it would seem very similar in appearance to the Glofiish X500, but, nevertheless, a new one.
    Strengths:
  • VGA-screen
  • The first smartphone based on Windows Mobile 6 Professional
  • A complete set of wireless interfaces - Wi-Fi (802.11g) + Bluetooth 2.0 EDR + GPS (SiRFStar III) + EDGE
  • Good battery life
  • Excellent build quality
  • A magnificent collection of pre-installed software
  • The presence of FM-tuner
  • Not a bad camera with autofocus software
    Disadvantages:
  • Weak video playback
  • Sometimes slow rendering images on the screen
The authors, translation: