Originality begins with a well-known pereotkryvaniya.
Alexander Kruglov No matter what the skeptics in the mobile device is important is portability. Whatever possessed the characteristics of any laptop, PDA, phone or any other little gadget, it is clearly not gained popularity due to being deprived of this quality. Moreover, it is difficult to imagine the scope of, say, a computer, where the mobility was unnecessary. Always pleasant to manipulate a small stylish gizmos, rather than a clumsy pile of scrap metal. It is not surprising that every year, month, week, day of computers in general and its components in particular are becoming smaller. Only increases their usefulness. If previously heaped toys could only run on desktops impressive size, it celebrates the fun a similar level even available on handhelds. PDAs are able to entertain the owner of thousands of entertaining games, one more beautiful than another, emulate dozens of consoles, as well as with a vengeance to fill the serious needs of the user, such as complex calculations and plotting. However, conventional computers are also on site is not standing, moving further and further towards their handheld counterparts. Now there are some laptops are not much bigger than PDAs two-, three-year statute of limitations.
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Special contribution to the miniaturization of the PC business has made the company Sony. This producer in his characteristic manner decided not to stop there and strode ahead, then releasing a laptop, or PDA - Vaio VGN-U50. Still in the arsenal of a model with an index of U70, but it differs little from the younger sister. Instead of operating system Windows XP Home, which stands at the U50, is equipped with an older modification Pro, double the memory. In addition, the U70 "working" Pentium M with 1 GHz instead of 900 MHz of Celeron'a in U50. This, of course, increased the price the computer and quite noticeable. We were also "under the scalpel" hit model U50, which, besides the above details, from the older brother is no different, but it is cheaper, and the Russian shelves already.
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| From left to right - ASUS S200N and Sony Vaio U50 with a complete keyboard |
I remember, long ago released a mini-laptop ASUS S200 at the time created a furor - a small, functional, fully accessible, in general, what the doctor ordered. Machine immediately became a bestseller among the traveling folk, and just the users who have mobility in my life which plays a role. Then there was a slightly updated model S200N. Refreshing hardware, ASUS hardly increased size and weight parameters, which further extends the life of the ruler. It would seem that nothing is more mobile and do not need, nor would form factor - would have to sacrifice something. But Sony has proven that there is creativity in the flasks Japanese forges.
Person eastern ethnicity
Right out of the box Sony Vaio U50 has not caused some sort of extraordinary emotions - the usual big-screen handheld, something he has to take. The same paucity of controls and ports, as well as the familiar cradle and stylus, in general, nothing special. True, alarmed by apparent angularity of the device. So someone who, as Sony found wanting in love for asceticism is hardly possible. The company has always tried to supply his unit interesting delights and fanciful forms. U50 also will appeal to conservative buyer, which attracts the severity of the lines and shapes, as well as the overall solidity of the exterior.
Incidentally, besides the laptop in the box found a lot of bonuses - the cradle (also known as a docking station), headphones with remote control, two cover, an adapter for connecting an external monitor and LAN, as well as foldable keyboard. In general, Sony is not stingy on the equipment.
Vaio U50 remarkably modest, part dimensions, taking into account the full stuffing the notebook, but rather weighty for Pocket PC - 550 was a long time to keep this unit with one hand is inconvenient - wrist gets tired easily. Therefore, the role of the handheld device all the same suit as a last resort, and then perform it is not the best way. But taking "actor" in both hands, you can fully enjoy the ease of use. In this case, your fingers fall exactly on the controls and ergonomics are not satisfactory. Afflicts only appreciable thickness of the shell, but not very much.
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| Sony Vaio VGN-U50 and the Dell Axim X5 |
By the way, a full laptop is not filling, and a removable battery. Its capacity (1800 mAh) is great for handheld and obviously does not live up to an acceptable level for the notebook. Unfortunately, it only confirmed the tests of battery life, during which the machine lasted less than three hours (2:43) of continuous play Quake 3 Arena.
Five inches of our lives
Fed malyutke quite a grown-distribution noble fun, we decided to test the performance, battery life, ease of use ... uh ... okay, then darken, I just wanted to play your favorite "Kwaku" after a long day, and nothing more or less powerful of the computers except U50, was not found. Fortunately, the weekend did not disappoint, and interested parties had accumulated a decent amount, and hence the action promised to be exceptionally fascinating. Understandably, without the keyboard to try gaming destination machine was unreal. Fortunately, this unit comes folding its USB-version. Well, everything is connected, the battery is charged, the settings are ... In the more-oo-oh!
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But what is it? We U50 has consistently kept clear outsider, moreover - in last place. It turns out that the existing joystick is absolutely not suitable for dynamic action.If rassekanie online spaces a couple of minutes before that did not cause any complaints - where accuracy and speed of reaction does not play such a significant role, in games navigator U50 looks to put it mildly, not the best way. Well, it was intended - is done, a minute later roemsya in the box for the mouse. It is obvious that once there is a keyboard, then USB-rodent somewhere to be. To my great disappointment, it was not. Not found at first and stylus. However, the latter is still there. He made a very unusual way for PDAs - a kind of amulet necklace, which is worn outside the body and looks very stylish, though not very easy to use because of its miniature.
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| Ctilus Sony Vaio VGN-U50 |
But let's not about the little things, go back to our amusements, or rather, to the attendant problems. Mouse had to borrow working nepodeleku colleagues - let it suffers from its own affairs on the keyboard. Well, a rodent found, but the second USB port on the body was not there. Okay, the problems we do not get used. In fact, there are additional ports, but not on the case and not on the adapter, and on the cradle. By the way, there is not only them, but first things first.
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Hooking his arm, and again ... is not working. What's the matter now? Of course, in the diet. Without him nothing, but because more than one stand-alone USB ports available - a big minus if there is no nearby electrical outlet. Well, we have to tolerate. Hooking up a bunch of the network and now everything runs like clockwork - define and adjust smoothly and evenly, but again the problem. "Sonya" is not contained in the cradle, trying to fall at the most inopportune moment. Ventured another misfortune Included Accessories - Stand semi-holder. Well, like all the barriers broken, you can start e-slaughter.
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Yet again, something was missing. Well, yes, the screen size is great for U50 only handheld standards (5), work in the "hospital" on this displeychike not too convenient. Fortunately, the aforementioned cradle among other things, and there is a VGA-out, but because my business colleague who was just finishing work, after the mouse has lost and the monitor. What does not make for the sake of fun! By the way, if the USB enclosure machines alone, and without stand here not to do, then you can connect your monitor and using a small connector. He also concurrently serves to work with the LAN. In general, if not ubiquitous USB, you could do without the cradle, the more that machine can be charged both directly and through the base.
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However, something we delayed the preparation of the fun, too, and night in the yard.Let us not hesitate, run the whole cause of the turmoil, we expose to the maximum settings for standard-definition display (800 x 600 pixels): 32-bit texture and color depth trilleynuyu filtering, as well as "High" wherever possible. As a result, we get 46.4 fps on the first "demo" and 48.7 fps after playing the second record. As can be seen, the rate of more than playable. High performance cars and is confirmed in the ordinary course of working with office suite, Internet browser, e-mail and other applications that may be needed every day in the hectic routine work, people. This is especially pleased because I like and I am sure many readers have with enviable frequency to receive a hefty email attachment. Little one is from Sony with an enviable urgency was operating stomegabaytnymi archives and dozens of images. What do you think, so our new product has such an enviable speed?
Taste of small
The basis of the hardware U50 is Intel Celeron processor with a clock frequency of 900 MHz - not the most speedy solution, but in most cases is quite acceptable. Especially that surround it is very tasty hardware. Why are only 256 MB DDR-RAM. Happy and embedded video chipset Intel 855GM. Has 64 MB of memory, it allows you to display an image on an external monitor with a resolution up to 1600 x 1200 pixels. This is sufficient for nonprofessional use. Winchester served as a novelty Toshiba hard drive capacity of 20 GB. Of course, this amount is enough only for basic needs, especially as the characteristics do not shine - the data rate corresponds to the standard Ultra DMA 100, and the search time is 15 ms. Fortunately, there are two expansion slots - CompactFlash, and MemoryStick. They were tested with 512 MB of SanDisk and 16 MB of Sony, respectively - no problems, everything worked smooth and regular. From the integrated module for wireless communication, there is only Wi-Fi. Bluetooth not. However, to add the last with expansion slots - second job. Incidentally, the standard for most laptops PCMCIA in the U50 is not - a very big disadvantage of the model. Justification can not serve even craving for exceptional mobility, is not forgiven. But the battery is pleased replacement design, which, incidentally, is typical of most laptops. This will allow, if necessary to take the road a couple of "guarateeing. Warms the soul and the fact that the market is twice as capacious version of the power source for the U50. Unfortunately, we were not able to test it in action, but believe that from thence, 3600 mAh will increase the battery life of at least half time.
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In general, the hardware under review, the notebook looks strong serednyachki and quite acceptable for a wide range of tasks, especially given the portability of the device.
Mirror of the Soul
Screen Sony Vaio U50 is quite a lot for the mobile device diagonal - 5. This is sufficient for most applications, including working with spreadsheets and viewing of complex sites. But the resolution is not too large - only 800 x 600 pixels. Even the little girl S200 had a lot more points on the display. However, many people, and that's enough, and if necessary, no one forbids the software to increase the resolution. In the latter case, the screen shows only part of the picture, and the remainder showing scrolling under appropriate manipulation of the mouse - simply and conveniently.
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| Pop-up menu select the resolution |
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| 1600 x 1200 pixels on the screen Vaio U50 |
Display at the U50, in the best traditions of handheld computers, touchscreen. Such a change in practice more than convenient. Sensitivity to touch - that's what's missing laptop screen, as in this case saves a lot of time and, hence, optimizing the work process. The second pleasant trifle screen U50 is a possibility to change the orientation of the press of a single hardware button. It is also the least useful option. Through these moments, the screen is noticeably DUT wins against their notebook counterparts.
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| Horizontal screen orientation |
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| The vertical screen orientation |
Minor faults U50 is that all the signatures in pop-up menus are distorted and appear gobbledygook - something intermediate between English, Russian and Japanese. Apparently, being felt Asian roots machine. However, as mentioned, minus the really small, because after a certain time in the tooltips do not need, having learned all purpose hardware keys.
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| Pop-up display settings |
The quality of the screen raises no objections. By definition picture subjectively much like VGA-image at the appropriate Pocket PC. The brightness and color display U50, as is customary at Sony, at a high level. Thus, except for permission to pick on the screen of the new Vaio is difficult. However, given Sony's expected and not worth it.
The note in the margin
Another is to write a few words about that, for whatever reason, do not fall into other sections - a small but not unimportant nuances, touches that complement the portrait, and without which the whole picture is only a pale sketch. The first of forgotten things - it's sound system. Unlikely from a mobile device, the work as a music center. It would be foolish to require a "little big" (pardon the pun) - laptop - high quality loud sound. However, a new product from Japan has not held even to the most understated straps. Quality built-in monaural speaker is inferior to many PDAs, not to mention the sound of conventional laptops. It is unusual to expect from the very small and not very expensive computer so mediocre sound quality. However, as already mentioned, the use of mobile devices as a music center - a dubious pleasure. Much more important to work as a player. Then U50 is much better.Not happy weighty apparatus, and the size is not the small, but everything else on top. The sound quality through headphones is not satisfactory. Headphones themselves are more comfortable likeness popular KOSS The Plug. Quite expensive, it's corporate decision to Sony, slightly worse than protects against outside noise and gives a smaller bass, but much more comfortable in-ear and just as reliable in their holds.
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Pleased with their presence and control panel. It eliminates the possible significance of the dimensions and weight characteristics of the model, so that you can almost forget about them, putting a laptop in the bag.
Speaking of clothes ...
Included with the Sony Vaio U50 comes just two cases - tough for the laptop ...
... And the soft keyboard. And he and the other wonderful to meet its targets for saving content to the same stylish looks, and soundly executed. In general, noble clothes.
Wi-Fi!
Without doubt, it makes sense to at least briefly and wireless capabilities U50. As already mentioned above, in favor of Wi-Fi was put on circumcision Bluetooth, although the integration of both modules are unlikely to drastically reduce the mobility of the attractiveness of new items, or would considerably increase its value. However, the Japanese have gone even further. Also felt Infrared worthless anachronism in an era of rapid speed and maximum freedom, Sony deprived of fresh food and this stuff. Well, this step is even more controversial than the rejection of Bluetooth. Now, however, nothing can be done, we'll have to turn to the only means of communication U50 - Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, this feature is not framed by soft with firm hand, and therefore had to use a standard means of Microsoft. Fortunately, they are fully functional and comfortable, so complain to the Japanese people are not stingy for what. By the way, in defiance of our unenlightened public opinion on the Wi-Fi, as a secondary pastime for the elite, this technology into practice creates real miracles. However, the latest in today's mercenary world transformed into an ordinary optimization time, but we somehow believe in a fairy tale ... and believe there is in that. With Wi-Fi can not just go on the Internet through public access points, sitting in, say, a cafe at the Kuznetsk, or waiting for the plane in Sheremetyevo, but also, say, watch a movie anywhere in the apartment. Recently we were particularly interested, and we decided to try a novelty in the narrow-minded environment - in conjunction with Wi-Fi camera D-Link DCS-900w. As a result, a minimum of manipulation deuce without a "burr" began to play the shooting, and, at a considerable distance - within the entire editorial HPC.ru, ie about 10 meters hurdles. However, we will not stop, yielding to the temptation to test the same manner and the ability of U50 to the Internet through new-fashioned standard. But even here the notebook is not a surprise, smartly cutting through the vast expanses of the World Wide Web. Particularly pleased with the hardware slider to enable / disable the module. It will allow a marked degree to save battery power when wireless capabilities are not necessary.Thus, it remains to fill stinginess engineers Sony, adding U50 "Blue tooth" with "red eye" and you can not worry about communication with other devices.
Controls
Remember the jokes about a separate press "Ctrl + Alt + Del" on your keyboard, running Windows? Well, of course, remember! But the Japanese craftsmen, apparently apprehended them without proper humor and supplied U50 appropriate buttons with the eloquent inscription.
Well, the same thing has long been available to the handheld, though more modestly named - the soft-rezet and contains no such explicit signatures. However, the essence remains the same. Also from the controls is to provide a hardware slider button lock, which, coupled with complete remote control and headphones, as well as acceptable quality of sound makes a very good U50 player for playing music files.
At the top end there is a separate and a button for "sleep" mode - STANDBY. Beside her are the expansion slots. If the CompactFlash corked stopper, the MemoryStick is open to dirt and dust - a step in the heady world of mobility U50.
The latter refers to the USB-port, situated on the right end.
Another noteworthy point about the controls under review, the laptop is a disadvantage sliders. They are too small and indistinct act at the level of the body, sacrificing ergonomics for the sake of design delights. But like the front panel buttons - no doubt a very stylish and elegant, they are nevertheless good for the part of ergonomics, in a word, in all respects successful elements.
In general, the managerial "authorities" have made a positive impression. Available in sufficient quantity, almost in excess, they will be able to meet most needs of the owner, not creating barriers for this for comfortable use device.
Soft spot
By tradition, stop in a few words on the software, although there is currently very neprintsipialen - software for desktop myriad, and each must have already selected the most convenient for you. It remains only to transfer all on new clothes and enjoy the proven software. Can not always take to the road is necessary. Sometimes it is not enough room, sometimes brings the memory, sometimes banal lazy to get out of the bag add-on module, if you can do programmatically. This is especially clearly can be seen in the keyboard. Of course, no doubt, the external version of the hardware is much more convenient on-screen counterpart, but the situation is unacceptable when it happen quite often. That is why the unused virtual keyboard on mobile devices is hardly ever left. There is a U50 - Standard softinkoy Windows XP - the most simple and not very ergonomic, but initially Russified, match for the OS itself.
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Advise immediately change it more functional and convenient option as to connect each time an external keyboard is very tiring. Multimedia Player SonicStage is also not ideal among programs of its niche - it's too cumbersome, and not too easy to use.
However, the program is crammed with different functional decently tasty, and therefore be able to meet the demanding user. (Though Winamp is better on all counts:) There is a programmatic set of U50 and a proprietary version of the player WinDVD.
True, demand for WinDVD in the light of the lack of staffing the drive is highly questionable, but as you know, the horse does not always have to look at their teeth. Also in the software bundle included Sony Notebook Setup - unpretentious information management tool, nothing special is not presented. With it you can learn, for example, almost everything about the system ...
Or impose a password ...
Or to any other simple manipulations ...
The same applies to the management settings ...
... Options and sound. Simply and tastefully with a pale, almost without ...
But the firm "power manager" like. It can flexibly adjust the energy consumption, thereby extending the already not too great battery life. In this case, setting a surprisingly vivid, and so easy to learn.
Relished and built-in "risovalka" - Windows Journal. Rather cumbersome, it is still easy to use and has an enviable functional.
Everything else is standard, and nothing remarkable there, unless, of course, not counting various minor tweaks and very very small utilities, like softinkoy to work with the corporate standard Memory Stick.
In general, the set of software and disappointed its scarcity - additional drives to your laptop is not available, but the preset does not correspond to the class computer and the manufacturer's standards. However, as emphasized by a few paragraphs above, minus the laptop this is not principled. But the fact remains.
Well forgotten in a fresh wrapper
It's time to sum up real hard test is very tasty new items from Sony. After tasting a new dish, we are without a doubt were more than satisfied. The Japanese have prepared quite bizarre, yet truly a full device that, in fact, will not be anything new except the combination of all necessary to do the mobile case.
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It was very good, though not without drawbacks, the main of which is, of course, price. $ 2999 - this is what to hide, much to most users, the amount in this case will have to pay only for the compactness of the laptop and the good name of Sony. Not happy and equipment. Of course, the keyboard and small bonuses like headphones thanks, but for a price tag could still give the device a CD or DVD, not to mention their R / RW-variants. The mouse also would not stir, even though it costs pennies compared to the price of a laptop, but because we will not waste time on trifles. Yes, and a standard for nearly all modern laptops PCMCIA-slot would be very helpful. It can be sacrificed for the sake of Memory Stick and CompactFlash combined. However, Sony has decided otherwise. Finally, given the connection, at least, the mouse and keyboard, it would be reasonable to put on the body of at least two ports, USB, rather than one.As can be seen, minus missing, but still more advantages. The main of them, of course - exceptional mobility of U50. With a lot closer to the handheld exterior, this notebook is equipped with a filling it is portable and not a Pocket PC with all the attendant benefits. Agree, it is tempting to carry around with a pocket full on desktop PCs. Pleasant and all sorts of outlandish things like regular stylus, quality headphones, etc. Finally, another important advantage of U50 is a stylish appearance. Seasoned users neponaslyshke know that Sony can not do clumsy things. That new laptop has turned so that with him not be ashamed to appear in polite society. Furthermore, U50 will immediately draw the attention of others, making it the center of his master. The authors, translation:
