For most people familiar with the computer industry is not a big secret that some companies in addition to creating their own products, manufactured under their logo, are still OEM-producers, that is selling their models of other brands. Moreover, OEM-products may have the same technical platform as its own product. The most striking example in the field of handheld computers in this regard is the company Mitac, which are eager to produce light Pocket PC platform, not only for themselves but also for several other companies, including Russian Rover Computers. Was no exception and the company ASUSTek Computer, which released its latest ASUS MyPAl A716 and simultaneously sell the company's platform Fujitsu-Siemens. Remember overview Pocket LOOX 610BT/WLAN? Now a natural question: Is there any difference in handheld computers, which are based on the same platform, but "to mind" has brought different companies? It turns out there is. Especially if fine-tuning the company does ASUS. As you may have guessed, today we will focus on your Pocket PC ASUS MyPal A716.
Design
The first thing that catches your eye when you see our today's hero is his size. Called novelty miniature only with great reserve, especially if you remember the previous model ASUS MyPal A620BT, which differed truly compact size and elegance of execution.
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In the A716 the developers added an SD slot and the module Wi-Fi. The result was an increase in the length of 1 cm (if this is excluding the antenna, which adds another 1.3 mm) thickness of 4 mm and a weight of 56 grams. The only dimension which has not undergone any significant changes in the width, - model became thicker by just 1 mm. Believe me, the naked eye, this difference did not appreciate. There is a feeling that the size of the device developers think the last thing. Apparently, the cornerstone were placed the functionality and usability. And here it must be admitted that in terms of usability and ergonomics of the model is very, very successful. It is a pity that the dimensions of the guys a little guessing. Similar to the functionality of Pocket PC Mitac 558 and Rover PC P7 still smaller. But back to the description of the machine. On the front panel directly under the display is large and comfortable navigation button, around which are four, not too far from the tiny application buttons. These keys are made of durable plastic with a special engraving on the surface, which allows for better contact between the fingers and the surface of a button. In addition, this button is very easy to locate by touch.
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Exactly the same engraving and applied around the central navigation button. It prevents slipping a finger to navigate.
Jog-Dial wheel there, but instead there are two scroll buttons "up" and "down" button and "choice." By manipulating these three, it can be a great comfort to work with the computer menu. Naturally, all the control buttons - flash, and you can easily customize them according to your needs for any selected application (for scrolling pages when reading e-books or switching between tracks when playing music). At the lower end freely housed connector cradle or a data cable.
There is also a microphone grille, which is two small holes. It is curious that a special button start recording on your computer is not, so the location of the microphone purely arbitrary. For recording is convenient, for example, to adjust the button "choice", which is located on the left side of the case. To connect the memory card or plug-ins, there are two slots - one CF, and the second SD / MMC / SDIO. Both of them, as expected, placed on the top end computer.
There is a connector for stereo headphones and an antenna module wireless communication standard Wi-Fi. Antenna design can hardly be called cutting edge - the majority of companies in their new models, or use an antenna with a more elegant design (HP iPAQ h5550/55), or even refuse to external antennas, preferring integrated (HP iPAQ h4150/55). However, if you do not often use the Wi-Fi, then the antenna can simply twist and stored in a carrying case.
Infrared port, reset button located on the left side, and a connector for AC adapter - on the right.
Supplied
The set includes a microcomputer itself, a small cradle, AC adapter, USB cable, belt holster, documentation, and two software CD. The bag is made of synthetic fabric with leather inserts.
This cheholchik intended to wear on your belt, and therefore has a special clip and magnetic latches. Externally something like case of model HP iPAQ h5550/55 and is a nice addition when purchasing a computer.
Iron
Processor
Apparently, considering that from the good deed goes unpunished, the developers decided not to change the well-proven processor from Intel. While the PXA255 series already considered obsolete. The most recent samples of handheld computers have on board or PXA261, or just brand new PXA263. How justified such a move by ASUS, shown by further tests.
Memory
RAM size is quite decent - 64 MB, of which 55.79 MB available to the user. Volume ROM too solid - 64 MB, of which 25.05 MB placed under a custom section, which you can use to store personal data or system backup.
Expansion card
As a memory card you can use a memory card formats CF and SD / MMC. In addition, you can use plug-ins in the format of CF or SDIO. It is clear that the presence of the coaxial expansion slot provides ample opportunities for extending the functionality of your computer. For example, the simultaneous use of SD memory cards and GPS expansion module format CF for the navigation program on the roads of Moscow.
Communication capabilities
