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Selection of a suitable computer
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Mobile offices
Let us imagine some ideal consumer mobile technologies. He can not live without e-mail, the Internet is ready to go as soon as possible, and so on. And, unfortunately, all his life - one big road. That in this way with him to take to not feel cut off from the world? Note that our restless man - a Russian, and he has to move on domestic and blizhnezarubezhnym towns and villages. The nearby - on the car to the remote - on trains and planes. Sometimes it fills in the far abroad. To begin with we choose our bedolage the appropriate phone. Clearly, it should be as mobile as its owner. That is, cellular or satellite. Satellite phone works everywhere, except perhaps that the region of eternal ice at the poles of the planet. However, the cost of equipment and, most importantly, pay for air time are unlikely to enjoy our economical entity. He thinks spending a mirror and looking toward popular now mobile. Now Russia has almost all the "big" international standards of cellular communication: GSM, NMT, CDMA, AMPS and all sorts of modifications. NMT is officially considered a federal cellular standard, GSM has the same de facto status. The remaining two are valid only in certain regions and cities, with virtually no developing. We discard them immediately - our users can not limit the geography of displacement of the boundary of a given region, in addition, he is inclined to choose the best. NMT network for data transmission fits poorly: analog, very noisy, constant risk of sudden disconnection. In addition to work with phones by NMT takes quite drogostoyaschee equipment: special modems, fax adapters, etc., and not all Internet service providers are able to handle the cellular connection. GSM in this area is far more attractive. Large operators now connect the data service for free, provide great discounts on airtime, special gateways to quickly access the Internet, etc. GSM networks cover almost completely the Moscow and Leningrad regions, most cities and major highways. Between the majority of these networks can auto-roaming, and overseas GSM phone owner does not feel like a stranger. In general, our hypothetical user selects a standard GSM. There are so many phones running in the standard GSM, sold by virtually nothing unpretentious tubes to "clever" devices for a few hundred dollars. Choose to have their own preferences, but will not be superfluous to ask if they support this model of phone data, whether it is possible to get cable and software for connecting the handset to the computer and how much it will cost. Very useful if your phone has an infrared port and built-in modem, in this case, you can do at all without wires. These phones include Siemens S25 and S35, Nokia 6210, 7110 and some others. Infrared port without a modem malopolezen. Our hero is inexperienced in these matters, therefore, for a start, he thoroughly studied the issue. And found that not only improper phone model can be an obstacle. Some tariff plans of mobile operators do not provide data services at all. We should not rush headlong to the apparent cheapness of the issue requires thoughtful reflection and the Board of knowledgeable people. Our practical, user selects the phone with an infrared port and a modem: Siemens S25. Let not the most fashionable model, but reliable and well suited to data transmission. When buying it is satisfied that the tariff plan includes short message service SMS, data service and found a short telephone Internet gateway operator.
The phone is. Let's see how you can connect it to your computer. The most common way to connect - with a special GSM-compatible PC Card (or Compact Flash) modem. This modem can be used as conventional dial-up lines, and for the cell phone, you need only a special cord.PC Card modems can work with any modern laptop computers as well as Windows CE platform and Psion, which have internal or external slot, PCMCIA, and Compact Flash Modem - with computers equipped with a slot Compact Flash. Today, GSM-compatible modems in PC Card formats and Compact Flash cards produce a variety of companies and find them - no problem. Lack of GSM-compatible modem - a rather high cost, as well as very high energy consumption. Note also that the computer may have the right slot, but does not support the modem (for example, a PDA Psion Series 5mx). Cheaper and more convenient to buy a kit to connect the cell phone directly to a serial (COM) port on your computer. It consists of a special cable and CD-ROM with software, ustanavlivaemomgo on your PC. Typically, a set of software includes programs to adjust the cell phone and reception-send SMS. These kits produce vendors themselves (complete Nokia Data Suite, for example), and third parties. Very popular is the Option Softradius, produced in versions for all modern GSM-handsets. The third option - it is generally refuse to harness and communicate with the phone via an infrared beam. To this end GSM-handset must have built-in modem and an infrared port. Computer, of course, must also be equipped with a compatible infrared port and support for your model phone. This method is the most simple and suitable for any modern computer, from laptop to Palm'a. A small inconvenience - during communication infrared ports of both devices should be kept on one line between them should not be obstacles. Upon reflection, our until the user decided to use an infrared connection, the benefit of buying the phone, he took care of that possibility. This method does not require any additional costs. Various exotic modes of communication such as cellular phones on the cards PCMCIA, GSM-SnapOn adapter for Palm, infrared modem, which connects phone cord, etc. not consider. They are expensive, few common and not very necessary for our users. With the connection seems clear. Business for small - to choose the right computer. Began our inquisitive user with a very large, serious and friendly - with laptops.
Only the laptop can replace a desktop PC, remains a distant office. Full compatibility with Windows, the same e-mail program, Web-browser, office applications, as a member on any PC, the ability to install any additional software, if necessary. The notebook is good in all respects except one. It can be moved from place to place, but work at the moment no job is difficult. Laptop to put on the table, his hands comfortably on the keyboard, put it. To connect the network again, so do not waste batteries. Very quickly it became clear that the laptop is not well suited for operation in a marching office. On the knee does not work, shake and drop a pity such an expensive thing. But if you reach the table, even with the socket, then the awkward suitcase laptop into a powerful computer capable to solve any problem. By the GSM cell phone laptop connects to any of the above methods. The only pity is that most of your laptop when cellular connections will be unrealizable in a narrow channel of communication at 9600 bps. Nearest neighbors notebooks - the so-called "subnotebooks". From older relatives, they are compact and light weight. Typical of the family subnoutov - Toshiba Libretto and Cassiopeia Fiva. Not much more videotapes of possibilities they are not much inferior to this notebook: the same operating system Windows 95/98, the same set of applications, the same broad compatibility, wide choice of low-cost peripherals. The reverse side close to pocket size - less comfortable keyboard, a small screen area, not too outstanding hardware performance.
Go ahead. For subnotebooks are computers Platform HPC Pro. This family includes a variety of computer classes and forms: subnotebooks, palmtops, tablets. Despite the apparent dissimilarity, they have a central unifying feature: the operating system Windows CE. Windows CE computers, and in fact very similar to the "big" PC. Even the names of the applications differ only in the "pocket" prefix Pocket: Pocket Outlook (organizer and e-mail), Pocket Internet Explorer (Web-browser), Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Access, etc. CE-functionality applications more modest than the real Word, Excel, etc. However, they have superior quality - compatibility. File created on a desktop PC can be easily opened, edited, forwarded or printed on the printer. Compatibility eliminates the problem of reading e-mail attachments - just open it with one of the built-in applications. Unfortunately, this may be lost complex formatting, macros, embedded objects. But: the program running under Windows 98 will not run in the environment of CE. Therefore, set upon him, "1S", "Guarantor" or a corporate database will not work. Go to the mobile phone HPC Pro connected to any of the mentioned methods. The maximum that may need to do - is to install the driver.
Very pleased with our mobile user to trouble-free reading mail and Web pages in Russian - built four Cyrillic encodings! A disappointed offensively short battery life. 5-7 hours when power is on - and start searching for the outlet. Because of this, always having to carry a charger.
Another interesting class of devices - Pocket PC. The title translates as "Pocket PC" and is fully consistent with the idea that computer. In the box that fit in the palm of your hand, there is virtually every business and Internet applications. And also: MP3-player, slide shows, graphics and applets, etc. etc. Working with e-mail, the Internet, as well as processing of office documents, tables and graphics should be simple, for design reasons, be "one touch" As well as HPC Pro, Pocket PC platform is made as compatible with Windows. Perhaps, Pocket PC are the smallest computers capable of opening and processing files of Microsoft Office 2000. Unfortunately, when zapihivanii functional HPC Pro in his pocket, he had a lot of cut. They cut to the quick. Not one Russian encoding in your email program and browser are not preserved. From Word and Excel were pitiful scraps, even compared to the HPC Pro. In addition, a vertical screen resolution of 240x320 is not very suitable for formatting documents, working with tables. Internet on such a screen is also not impressive. Print Pocket PC can not. Pocket PC does not show anything outstanding in terms of efficiency: only 6-8 hours of charging before charging.
Connecting to a cellular telephone - in any way. The only requirement: a modem should be the one available in a specific Pocket PC expansion slot. And to connect the phone to the serial port will need to buy a special cord or carry a cradle-stand. Our curiosity of users turned it into the hands of the beautiful cars and set aside. For the basis of this mobile office keyboardless Pocket PC fit enough - you need something more serious.Proceed to the Psion. More precisely, this platform is now called the EPOC 32. This PDA keyboard, designed for autonomous operation. They differ in efficiency, low system hardware resources. And to do so at the expense of functionality. Office applications EPOC let you work on your Pocket PC as on a small laptop. Diary and address book is reliable and easy to use. E-mail program is very good and convenient. Their email in it combined with fax and SMS. There is a Web-browser or, more precisely, for two, WAP-browser etc. Unfortunately, not so good things with communications in Russian. Despite all the efforts of Russian developers, train EPOC32 Cyrillic in full so far failed. There are problems with reading e-mail attachments.
Psion good as the core of the "easy" mobile office, the owner of which has to correspond via email with a certain circle of correspondents who send each other e-mail based karmannokompyuternoy specificity (no attachments). Also very convenient organized processing of short messages SMS. The optimal way to connect to a mobile phone - the infrared beam. In this case, do not have to buy accessories, quite the case with the Psion expensive. Finally, the smallest Pocket PC - Palm. Today in Palm platform include: sobctvenno Palm, Handspring Visor, TRG Pro, Sony Clie, and others. Immediately make a reservation: Palm does not claim the status of core mobile office. According to the ideology of Palm - is a convenient addition to your PC, quickly and easily share them with data. It is believed that e-mail at the beginning of turns on the PC (laptop), and then if necessary, can be loaded into the Palm, it read and processed. The same approach - with an electronic newspaper AvantGo, which is loaded in a Palm from the Internet through the mediation of a PC. There are, of course, and stand-alone e-mail clients, and various Web-browsers and word processors and spreadsheets, and a lot more then for the Palm. But even the best of them will not allow 100% use a Palm as a major link mobile office. It is made for the other - to be always at his master, to store operational information and deliver it whenever the need to include a laptop, if you need to watch or record the phone or make a short note for memory. If necessary, Palm is able to for some time to replace the current computer. Put the palm Palm, mobile phone compatible their infrared ports, and can work with.
What follows from the above? Only that the ideal "mobile office" does not exist yet. And each set of tasks will be to a greater or lesser extent, solved by a certain set of tools. Here are some considerations for choosing a computer to a mobile office: 1. Maximum functionality. Work in the Internet, graphics, databases, with accounting, legal and other packages. Programming, Web-design. ... Notebook or subnotebook
The first hit of the season, Pocket PC 2003 - iPAQ h2200
Was a presentation of Windows Mobile 2003, "check out" their new Hewlett Packard, and, finally, began to get off Russia, the first samples of PDA Season Summer-2003 c new operating system. Clutching a still smelling assembly workshops HP iPAQ h2200, will try to whip up a share impressions. The long-awaited model, designed to combine the power and functionality of the h5400 series with elegance and functionality range h1900, has just appeared in the editorial HPCru. Scope of delivery is fairly standard: the very iPAQ h2200, cradle, charger, adapter with serial port on the power supply, disks, instructions and carrying case. With the latest manufacturers clearly pumped up - tight synthetic pocket without bindings and not very presentable appearance. Credle looks much better. CPC enters it tight enough and reliable. Power supply is connected directly to the base of the stand. Here, an additional slot for charging a spare battery.
Despite the apparent similarity in design to previous models, the button to quickly launch applications located in a new way. Generally, with respect to government "newbie" was somewhat flawed. No scroll wheel JogDial, and there is no shortcut buttons recorder. I wonder why the developers have refused these now classic elements. Reading a book on the subway, it is necessary to use the joystick. By the way about him. Five-way, clearly captures the direction and pressing. In the polished surface of the joystick made quite a groove, very comfortable for your finger. Manipulator itself is made in the form of the fungus. Between the body and "cap" a distance of about two millimeters of free running, and there has already begun to be engraved dust: (. Buttons are very tiny, much smaller than the h1900. Location is standard for high series iPAQ - symmetrically along the diagonal. Rightmost default assigned program iTASK, head switch between active applications and launch programs. At the top of the front panel power button is located. It's almost all you can say about the government, in addition, may be mentioned unless the reset hole on the rear panel.
The test program VOBenchmark The following table - the results of tests of models using SPB Benchmark. This test allows to evaluate a large number of parameters of the CCP. In the columns is the average time to perform the specified operation and data transfer rate. More detailed test methodology and to decipher the names of tests can be found at the site of the developer program.
HP iPAQ h2200 made a very good impression. In chain stores computer in the palm of "model will be available approximately 2 weeks, and the cost will be around 450 U.S. dollars. In the near future will be more substantive review of the handheld, including detailed testing and for the description of the new operating system Windows Mobile 2003. The authors, translation:
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Exterior
Well, the handheld at a glance creates a good impression. Appearance reminiscent of all those same small, thin nineteenth, but rubber trim around the edges a little kinship h2200 with older models. PDA fits nicely in my hand, completely disappearing in the palm of your hand. Plastic casing, but pleasant to the touch. Dimensions slightly larger than the h1900 - 115x76x15, 4 mm, and weighs 144.2 grams. |
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Screen
The face of each handheld - the screen. At h2200 all the best traditions of HP. The display is bright and crisp, uniform illumination over the entire surface. Particularly pleased with the sensitivity of sensory layer. On some models that I have seen, touching the screen system is perceived as multiple clicks, each with a crackling speaker. Here, this is no problem at all. Touching the model takes a very clear, strong pressure is not required. When you create a note to the Notes feature of the trace of the stylus left immediately without the delays and omissions.Sound
Speaker on the h2200 is located at the rear. Pocket PC sound is loud and quite good quality. The control panel is adjustable low and medium frequencies for the headphones. A cursory listen to music on headphones Koss PortaPRO made a very good impression. Fairly well implemented bass. Fans of loud sound will be pleased. At the maximum level sick ears and had to be quiet:). Do not disappoint and a microphone. Voice Recording at arm's length from the sound source in a fairly noisy room gave good results. Words clearly audible, despite the general background noise.Slots
Finally, Hewlett Packard began to make a PDA with built-in CF slot. Treasure of the gap at the top of the body, just behind the slot, SD. Cards completely hidden in the bowels of the CCP, no giving out of his presence. In the stowed "position CF-slot closes the special plug. |
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Communication
Now it's tasty! In the iPAQ h2200 is built module Bluetooth. All, dear readers, the era of the infrared port zakanchivaetsya.Doloy wires and beams! On a PDA pre-installed in ROM special software Bluetooth Manager, which allows immediately start working with BT. Enable and disable the module can display Today. His work indicates a flickering blue light in the upper body. Nice: embedded software natively supports several models of mobile phones Ericsson. With the new T68 iPAQ 2200 "friends" almost immediately and without problems. In Windows Mobile 2003 is completely redesigned Connection Manager, and access to the network is carried out even easier than before. Due to lack of time, tell you more about it in the next review. |
Battery
iPAQ 2200 equipped with a removable lithium-ion battery of 900 mAh. In normal operation (read, open and close the text document) with the maximum level of backlighting, machine stretched almost 4.5 hours. |
Windows Mobile 2003
That long-awaited Windows Mobile 2003. The interface in general is the same. Slightly modified design of the program, but overall everything is unchanged. As I mentioned, redesigned connection manager. Added a new toy Jawbreaker. A detailed review of the new operating system will be released shortly. |
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Tests
Whip up a few benchmarks machines. Had two programs: the good old VOBenchmark and a new program of domestic developers SBP Benchmark, the company SPB Software House. For comparison, results Dell Axim X5 Basic and Acer n10. |
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Shot down during takeoff?
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Too expensive
On the development, implementation and commissioning of Iridium consortium spent over $ 5 billion project payback time is 5-7 years, and it is estimated that operation of the system was supposed to bring an annual $ 1 billion profit in the presence of 1 million subscribers. But such a large number of subscribers the system was unable to attract, and the initial costs were enormous. That they will pay off in real terms, marketers Iridium does not come up with anything better than to ask a super-high price for connection, terminal and traffic. However, for most potential customers, these tariffs were prohibitive. The result of operating the system in the first half of 1999 was the initiation of proceedings for bankruptcy of the consortium Iridium. Bankruptcy proceedings Iridium consortium took about 7 months and consisted of several stages. In the first audited financial position of the company, during which the auditors found a huge (more than 400 employees) staff at the central office with exorbitant salary. Does not that bureaucracy in the world is brilliant ability to reproduce and accomplishment? The next stage - the revision of debt. One possible option would be to increase the share capital. You had to convince shareholders to invest additional amounts. However, investors have lost faith in the success of such a move rejected. As a result, Iridium was put up for public auction. This is where the wealthy came McCaw, allocated 100 million dollars to maintain the system as a pledge of their participation in the auction. As it turned out, it was just a game. About any real deal it did not go. And on March 17 Bankruptcy Court ruled to liquidate the consortium. Loss of investors really great. But not all. Motorola, though suffered some material costs, yet gained solid capital. First, the company has gained invaluable experience in creating a system of global satellite communications. Built by a team of specialists, which has a huge technological advance. Worked out the program complex system of inter-satellite svyazi.Vo Second, for the first time have been resolved many issues of legal regulation, especially concerning inter-state level. On the high authority of Motorola is in this area can be judged from the fact that during the time that has elapsed since the commencement of the bankruptcy of a consortium Iridium, the company has received several contracts for the establishment of satellite voice and data. Motorola, like other investors, after insuring their investments and assess the real situation as an impasse, did not find a better solution than moved on. As will be completed by the system of Iridium, is still not clear. Gradually closed the station interface. But now, the system remains operational, since it is enough to one functioning station. Only for works on flooding satellites Motorola has requested $ 80 million source of funding for these works has not yet been found.Who's to blame?
Analyzing the history of the project Iridium, one can distinguish two aspects - technical, organizational and economic. When creating any technical system, and especially a class project Iridium, in the design phase can not account for all the details, provide all the options. During debugging, Iridium, as well as its operation have been identified shortcomings in the structure of the system and in the principles of operation of several subsystems. Apparently, one of the mistakes of designers was to create a rigid scheme, involving the upgrade. And since the beginning of the development prior to commercial operation took about 10 years, then, of course, there is need to adjust some basic parameters, and even concepts. Perform a refinement, in particular to improve the design data rate 2.4 kbps to 9.6 or even up to 4.8 kb / s, failed. Among the major technical failures, our experts have noted:- suboptimal choice of orbital altitude;
- insufficient power user terminals;
- fuzzy "transfer" the subscriber from one satellite to another;
- poor quality of the vocoder used in the subscriber terminal;
- large time delay signal for a number of areas;
- low data rate;
- complexity of the system in operation.
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Marketers are summarized
Commending the work of marketing consortium Iridium, I dare say that mistakes can prevent and vaunted Western experts. Obviously, marketing companies have overlooked or did not anticipate such a rapid development of cellular networks. In 1998-1999. number of regions was telephones as if by magic. This worsened the situation for Iridium, dramatically narrowed the range of potential clients. Probably, the business plan of the system was created in an environment where mobile communication is making their first successes. By the beginning of commercial operation of Iridium (1999), this plan was completely cut off from life.Therefore, the 1.5 million subscribers, incorporated in the marketing of its foundation, were no more real than the building of communism in one country. On February 1, 2000, the system was around 81 thousand subscribers. At a reasonable tariff policy in the first two years of operation, the system could actually dial 250-300 thousand subscribers. The idea of a decade ago that people need a phone with a single number anywhere in the world, have failed. Cellular networks have given subscribers, almost all the advantages of satellite systems. Bet on the symbiosis of mobile and satellite communications are not justified - the presence of a space segment makes this service an expensive toy. Marketers are hoping that once the satellite consortia will develop sufficient infrastructure, cellular companies will crumbs from the mobile market. It is significant that Craig McCaw, earning billions in U.S. Cellular, sold his company to invest in a satellite project Teledesic. Iridium, apparently ahead of his time - he was not in demand. One of the most attractive marketing Iridium is the marketplace in developing countries, where the connection is really needed. However, the rate on the market itself is also not justified. At any forecasts and estimates based their calculations, today is difficult to define. It is obvious that the real needs and the purchasing power of people living in these regions are far from certain minimum, which makes satellite profitable. By marketing mistakes should be attributed to the orientation of the Iridium system personal use. At the initial stage acutely felt the lack of equipment, intended for corporate clients, as it turned out, the mainstay of Iridium. This primarily refers to the car and fixed terminals. Marketers did not pay sufficient attention to the fact that psychologically prepare the mass consumer, to a new satellite communications services. Focusing on advertising, they missed a direct marketing and work with potential subscribers through the press. New technology of communication required from a person other cultures using your phone. Firstly, to establish a connection is a little longer than usual international communications by telephone or shared when you connect to cellular networks. Second, the relationship is established only in the line of sight satellite antenna apparatus of the subscriber, ie, in open spaces. In the room, and even on city streets with high-rise buildings link can be established and disappear when stationary on the subscriber - the motion of the spacecraft leads to the antenna the phone goes out of sight. Even in the woods for a stable connection is better to look open glade. Thirdly, you must accept the possible distortion of the voice, which is due to the parameters of a vocoder phone system Iridium. That's about it, without a blank advertising fireworks, should be able to converse with future subscribers. Unfortunately, many users are poorly informed about the features of the system Iridium. |
Lessons Iridium-Eurasia
There were mistakes and the Russian operator of Iridium-Eurasia. Experts see flaws in the personnel policy. This led to the failure (otherwise you will not tell) in marketing. According to experts, the number of Russian users of the system could be 3-4 times higher. Attract Russian consumers through mobile operators, too, failed. The regions have been wiser to rely on the company, established and operated by corporate and agency communication systems. They have direct access to their clients. Interest in the system was in the administrations of many Russian regions, as evidenced by letters received in Moscow. However, work directly with the regions should be actively and clearly long overdue - the aforementioned letter dated end of 1999, and could come a year earlier. According to some experts, the example of Iridium can understand the attitude of the former State Committee for Problems of communication in the country. One gets the impression that the agency has seen its task in the development of certain rules: how and to whom you can create a communication system, own frequency bands who is entitled to this or that service - and all. That there is long history of struggle of our bureaucracy with technology CDMA! A permissive, prohibitive, restrictive regulations have followed one after another. Although anyone who, as officials, signalers should be well aware that the systems third generation mobile communication is mainly based on this technology. A few words about the paging - a service which also offered Iridium. By itself, a unilateral paging of little interest, it is necessary only if the subscriber has received the message, somehow can respond to it, such as somewhere to call. Is designed to whom is this service? It is unlikely that she found a demand in remote regions of the world where the winner gets a miracle-pager for $ 1000All for the better beyond all expectations
One expert suggested, in general, a paradoxical: "... perhaps this is the best that Iridium has ceased to exist in early 2000, when the users were relatively few. If it had happened a year or two, the consequences for the users could be much more serious. " In some ways he's right - for this time associated with the system could be hundreds or even thousands of organizations already have developed technology in many areas appeared to communication systems that rely on funds Iridium. But the flaws that were inherent in the system initially, and could not be eliminated in the process of debugging, it is still inevitably would have led to the bankruptcy of Iridium. And overnight, structures built, based on this system could collapse. Today, users of the Iridium failure is not so painful. |
Market for satellite communications today
With the bankruptcy of Iridium its competitors breathed a sigh of relief. To a large extent this relates to a system of Inmarsat. Her position looks quite robust - it takes a market sector in which stature over the years and in which for 17 years she has developed a certain parity with alternative telephone service. Was correctly bet on vertical markets such as maritime transport. Stability did not shake the positions of Inmarsat Commissioning loser Iridium. Despite the bulky terminals and the need to deploy an antenna at the beginning of this year's system had 140,000 subscriber terminals (90 000 for voice calls and 50 000 data). In the presence of a competitor (the system Iridium) Inmarsat's leadership quickly triggered survival instinct - tariffs in March 1999 have been significantly reduced. Moreover, the developers of the system at the end of the same in 1999 produced a strong pre-emptive strike - in addition to transmitting data at speeds of 64 kbps (Inmarsat-B HSD) and ISDN-compatible connection (64 kb / s, Inmarsat M4), Mobile network Inmarsat became the first global network with the ability to packet data over IP (also speeds up to 64 kb / s). It is particularly important that the payment of this service is not to wait, but for actually received / transmitted by the amount of information. System Globalstar, entered into commercial operation in early 2000, also offers global satellite telephone service. Expanded part of the system covers more than 60% coupling surface of the Earth. The latter were put into operation the station in China, Australia and Venezuela. Globalstar plans to guide the company in the I quarter of 2001 to put into operation all the 38 stations of conjugation of the first stage, which will provide coverage of the surface of the Earth in accordance with the project, and satellite services will be available in 120 countries. Interestingly, in Russia, the system was first officially used at the end of March 2000 to transfer the results of presidential elections in Russia from remote areas of Chechnya. Phones Qualcomm, and there were more than 20 pieces., Did not disappoint, and the president was elected in the most democratic way. If you compare the technical solution to the organization Globalstar connection with inter-satellite communications, used in the Iridium, it is not so gracefully, but it is much cheaper and more reliable. Onboard equipment easier, because performs only the function of relaying the signal to the nearest ground station.A comparison of Iridium and Globalstar, recalled that the first provides 100 percent cover the earth's surface, subject to several conditions. Globalstar, as we have already noted, does not provide full coverage. But the advantages of this are generally more simple system of relatively low tariffs and prices for the equipment. It should be noted, and high quality voice communications technology provided by CDMA. Globalstar managers try to avoid the mistakes of Iridium, in particular, are not adhering to the formula of "one person - one number", they are concentrating their efforts in those market sectors where the presence of solvent subscriber is more likely. In Russia, rates depending on the service areas are in the range 1,30-2,30 dollars now marketers are hoping to attract customers not only voice communication but also a wider range of services, offering a variety of applications. Control systems and telemetry-based data transmission channel Globalstar can find the consumer. In addition, a key area of interest Globalstar announced market fixed wireless services in sparsely populated regions. " Prepared to sell the stationary access device and pay phones. Do not forget that Motorola offered to subscribers of Iridium to go under the wing of Globalstar, appropriate discounts and benefits have already been announced. What services system is Globalstar? In addition to wireless telephony services, mobile and stationary, the user is available to send and receive short messages, global roaming, call the emergency services, voice mail. Additional types of services provided by Globalstar, include: call forwarding, call waiting, call hold, call barring, caller ID, CLIR, call trehnapravlenny. Data transmission (fax, E-mail and Internet) in April this year has been demonstrated in Rio de Janeiro and will be put into commercial operation by early 2001 is another trump card Globalstar - global positioning service, which is based on the Doppler effect, by not based on the GPS system and can be solved by means of the system Globalstar. Therefore there are no problems using the legal system of positioning in Russia. Note that the legal aspect of using GPS-based positioning, we finally worked out. Apparently, for the successful future of this system is an extremely important factor will be the data service. It is appropriate to recall that Iridium was not able to offer this service to subscribers. By itself, the rate of 9.6 kb / s, planted in the development of Globalstar, by today's standards, and low. However, for e-mail and fax, it is enough, besides it does not depend on external conditions. Some pro and contra appear when subscribers will learn how to be charged this service.Information for future users
The collapse of Iridium will be a good lesson for marketers Globalstar. Prices for vehicles are in the range of $ 1000-1500 in the United States minute call costs 1.70 dollars in Asia and South America - less than 1.0 dollars expected leasing of equipment, various plans for pre-payment. Service providers, including GlobalTel, prepared a program of support to subscribers of Iridium, which is to provide price discounts at the conclusion of the contract. Thus, all former subscribers to Iridium, which appeared without context from the termination of the system, proposed on concessional terms to become a subscriber of the Globalstar system and continue to use the services of satellite communications. At what cost to subscribers in Russia connection to the system and its operation? Thus, the initial connection. You will pay the telephone (eg, type TELIT SAT) - 550-1200 U.S., connecting to the system - $ 180, prepayment for traffic (for example, with international access) - 216 USD Total: 1600 U.S. monthly expenses include a monthly subscription fee (for example, the tariff plan "Priority") - $ 48 and payment of traffic. We give some prices for 1 min.: Outgoing call to a subscriber in any area of the system - 1,8 dollars, an incoming call from the system of Globalstar - 1,2 dollars for those who remember the prices of the first stage deployment of cellular services in Moscow, given prices not seem excessive. To assess the possible traffic, assume that the total time of the negotiations during the month was 200 minutes (for example, 120 minutes of outgoing and incoming 80 minutes).In this case, the fee negotiations will be about $ 220 So, with the subscription fee monthly expenses amount to about $ 270 Naturally, international calls, roaming and additional services will require a certain costs, but the subscriber receives a link at any time and anywhere. Draft ICO - the situation here remains uncertain. Saved in the middle of May 2000 from the debt pit one of its owners, the same Craig McCaw, the project has changed owners and name. McCaw invested in the restructuring of satellite operator 1.2 billion ICO-Teledesic Global - a new holding company that controls the satellite-based investment company Eagle River Investments and is the controlling shareholder New ICO, - intends to merge the two satellite project: New ICO and Teledesic . Hosts ICO planned to start providing services to the end of 2000, however, until that happens.Satellite mobile communications - what next?
I think that is so widespread as it has seen 10 years ago, these systems do not get it. Most potential customers Iridium become subscribers of cellular networks. Already begun to deploy mobile networks of third generation, where the prerequisite is the possibility of international roaming. However, its market niche satellite systems still occupy. Demand for such services exist. What factors might determine the prospects for satellite systems? First, the uneven population density in many regions of the world, particularly in Russia, Canada and Brazil. Build cellular networks in sparsely populated areas simply not profitable. The second reason - to remote villages where traffic is low, pull the fiber as unprofitable, and put a fixed satellite terminal that connects through the switchboard number of subscribers, payphones, it is quite reasonable. Another sector of the market - a telephone connection with global roaming. Technological barriers between countries on different continents to continue to exist. And then satellite systems have certain advantages. In this case, it shall be a service reception / transmission of data, albeit with limited speed access to fax and E-mail. In addition, mobile satellite systems may actually provide communication of air passengers, railway trains and cruise ships. In the next five years, experts estimate the global market for satellite communications in the 1 million subscribers (for Russia is 10.8 thousand). Technical requirements for such a system can be defined quite succinctly - a single telephone number, voice quality and the ability to transfer data to a limited extent. Will the operating companies to meet these challenges not only technically, but in economic terms, and succeed where the fiasco Iridium? Sources, Materials:Palm Tungsten C: Rise of the Machines
A new line of its PDA series Tungsten Palm Inc company began with the release of the handheld Tungsten T, then appeared Tungsten W, and now came the third variation on Tungsten - a model with an index of C. This is the first computer from Palm Computing Processor Intel PXA 255 and more memory. In the future, most likely, in all of its flagship models the company will use that Intel-Sylow "stones" and left Motorola and Texas Instruments for budgetary decisions. Tungsten C is the first Palm, which according to its specifications practically does not yield a family of models of Pocket PC.
Inside the box are: computer, AC adapter with three adapters for different countries, cradle, protective cover, paper manual, two CD disk with drivers and additional software and set specific to Palm-s leaflets.
Our hero is virtually the same size from its predecessor, Tungsten T: the same length, only a couple of millimeters wider and thicker than a millimeter. However, they look at it differently.
Tungsten C is distinguished by a smooth line of the body, made from a dense soft-touch plastic. Sufficiently controversial issue, which body is more reliable and easy to use - plastic or metal. It is clear that the metal more durable, but plastic is lighter and cheaper. So the choice of housing is a matter of taste and service conditions. Personally, I like metal - more solid feel and less fear (psychological) damage the body. The new computer system has changed and I consequently disappeared graffiti, which was hidden under a sliding panel. By the way, the classic handwriting and no more, because the computer is now equipped with a system of "Graffiti 2". As the same basic method of data entry offered a miniature keyboard. Printed on it quite comfortably. You can keep the computer with both hands, pressing the keys with your thumbs. All the buttons are dual purpose. For the convenience of the user has a separate button to switch between, which is located in the lower left corner of the keyboard. She highlighted in blue.
Print speed with this method of entering a decent enough, at least, higher than in handwriting. The only question is how will look at a miniature keyboard stickers or laser engraved with the Russian layout. On the keys themselves place no longer exists, unless you arrange them on a small free space between letters, or to learn how to print "blindly". This is not the first time that American developers are not thinking about foreign (not using the Latin alphabet) of the user.True, Department of Mobile development company MakTsentr promises to solve this problem by issuing special stickers with Russian letters, which will be located in mezhduknopochnom space.
But over the ergonomics of the new device, developers have worked thoroughly: all controls are very convenient. If you hold a computer with two hands, you can easily reach any of the control buttons. The power button is located at all well: if you hold the PDA in her left hand, then it will be just below the little finger. The navigation button has become a little less than the Tungsten T, but that has not ceased to be convenient. The rear panel does not differ notable: the speaker, reset button and fasteners accessories ...
At the bottom of the universal connector Palm Connector, compatible with all the accessories for older models.
Top headphone jack and a voice recorder, infrared port, clot SD (IO) and the charging indicator. Headphone jack nonstandard 2,5 mm, as iPaq h1910. In principle, one could complement the PDA free headset, as does Hewlett-Packard, or an adapter 2,5 mm-3, 5 mm. Charging indicator light serves as warning and shows connected your device to the network or not. However, when the computer is connected to the network, understand the battery is charged or not the indicator is impossible, because when connected to a power grid, he's always green. Could make it, for example, a flashing green during charging and always included at 100% battery capacity. At the computer connector to the AC adapter is not, so if you take a long time with a PDA, you'll need to grab and cradle.
Side of the stylus holder and mount a protective case ...
It is noteworthy that the cradle has a slot for the network adapter.
Only the latter is usually inserted into the USB cable.
The kit also includes a solid rubber cap, designed to protect the computer display from external influences.
The only thing that is made of metal, so it's a stylus. Its upper plastic part can fasten, and under it there is a thin pin, which you can press the reset button.
The stylus is fairly easy, though, in my opinion, still inferior to design a pen Tungsten T.
Transflective display with backlight have one drawback: the turn-off, they can be read only in very bright sunlight. Tungsten C developers have solved this problem quite original, the computer can not turn off the backlight, so the information is perceived just fine at any level of ambient light, even at the lowest level of brightness. Maximum brightness is slightly higher than the iPaq h1910, and in my opinion, even redundant, since it is difficult to imagine the working conditions on the PDA, which would be required for such a strong brilliance. True, I still use the "tseshkoy" a couple of times as a flashlight, when opened the front door.
With the automatic search function, the operator is determined almost instantaneously, after which the browser loads page hotel and asked to enter an access code, which can be obtained on the spot. It is necessary to connect to a wireless network $ 10 per hour or $ 30 per night. Special test integrated Wi-Fi adapter or the quality of the wireless network company MosCom Group I did not hold, but the speed of the Internet is completely arranged for me - pages and files load faster than on my home modem. While the computer with an active Wi-Fi connection is much lower, despite the stipulated in the standard 802.11b feature reduce power consumption for PDAs and laptops.
Compare these data with Pocket PC is difficult enough, but according to my subjective impressions, video playback at the Tungsten C all right: the image of a smooth even flow of 1000 kB / sec.
To be honest, the result I am a little surprised, because the battery life Tungsten C is two times higher than the Tungsten T. View the video (stream 1000Kb / c) from the computer memory in full-screen mode using Kinoma Player 1.5.1 took:
Again, a double advantage. When playing audio files (mp3, 128Kb / s) from the memory card using the RealOne Player PDA stayed:
Typically, the use of more powerful processor increases energy consumption and, consequently, to reduce battery life. In the case of the Tungsten C Replacement TI OMAP on Intel PXA led not only to increase productivity, but also doubles the battery life on your computer.
Frankly, after the first Tungsten T seemed that Palm Inc will soon withdraw from PDA market, replaced by younger and aggressive Pocket PC. But apparently, "there is life in the old dog yet", and after a farewell «I'll be back» from the Tungsten T, we saw a completely new concept of Palm computer. The main conclusion that can be done - the difference Mezhuyev Pocket PC and Palm is becoming less and less. Processor, amount of RAM, the quality of displays and communications capabilities are already identical, and the battery life Tungsten C is kept on a par with the leaders of the family of Pocket PC. Lack of stereo sound due to the orientation of the computer to corporate clients. Work still has something, but the third Tungsten, as the third terminator, already very different from the first two. The authors, translation:
Design and Ergonomics
Few of the box. A typical user usually sees a box once in a lifetime, when buys a computer. Then, in most cases, he throws it, and never remembers nothing about it. Apparently, it is guided by this principle, the company Palm Computing made packages for all their latest models: Zire, Tungsten T and Zire 71. It was a horrible or plastic blister or a combination of plastic with a thin cardboard. With the release of the model Tungsten C Company moved to a small and functionally convenient package. |
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Iron
As mentioned above, this is the first PDA with Palm OS operating system, whose technical characteristics are similar to computers Pocket PC: a new processor from Intel, 64MB of RAM (of which the user has access to 51Mb - for the Palm family of computers is just a giant figure), color display with transflective backlit, built-in wireless connectivity.| Processor | Intel Xscale PXA255, 400MHz |
| RAM (MB) | 64 (available 51) |
| Display | 3,0 "TFT, 320x320, 64K, transflective |
| I / O ports | IrDA, Palm universal connector (USB 1.1), SD (IO) |
| communication capabilities | built-in 802.11b (Wi-Fi) |
| multimedia | 2,5 mm earphone output (mono) / speaker (mono) |
| removable media | SD / MMC |
| battery | built-in Li-Pol battery, 1500mAch |
| Dimensions / weight | 122h78h16, 5mm/178g |
Display
Most of the time when working with the PDA we are perceiving or holding up in the computer information. It is therefore not surprising that the quality of the display increased demands. Fortunately, the screen of our hero does not find fault. As the new model Zire 71, the display features transflective backlit. Palm Computing has so far only two models with excellent displays, but it seems that all future computers will be equipped with the same or even better matrices. |
Sound
Tungsten C is positioned as a solution for corporate customers. According to the company, high-quality stereo sound for corporate PDA is not important, therefore, not surprising that the speaker and headphones with Tungsten C mono. So fans of high-quality stereo sound will slug upset. The network has free software for playing MP3 (RealOne Player). Unlike Pocket PC your computer has no built-in microphone and recording voice messages can be implemented only with an optional headset with a microphone, which are good to go in the sales package. You can of course provide the corporate user who does not need stereo sound, but the lack of built-in voice recorder, frankly, surprising. But there is vibration, which in contrast to sound warnings operates quietly and not disturb others.Wi-Fi
Tangible benefit for enterprise customers is a built-in wireless communication standard Wi-Fi (802.11b). In the U.S., Japan and Western Europe, wireless networks have become a daily occurrence. Now in the U.S., Microsoft has an advertising campaign to provide free Internet access for users of Pocket PC with Wi-Fi adapters. In Russia, with wireless networks is much more difficult, but in Moscow, I managed to find an access point standard Wi-Fi. This hotel chain Marriott (the company provides wireless MosCom Group), where I tested the Wi-Fi adapter Tungsten C. |
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Performance
Using a 400 MHz processor allowed to raise the performance of your computer at all-time for Palm-device height. When you work with documents "inhibition" was not at all, "tseshka" behaved very energetic. Unfortunately, it is not possible to objectively compare its performance with counterparts from the clan Pocket PC, but I could not find a program that could significantly slow down your system. To understand how fast the computer works with video, I "drove" it in test mode by entering the package delivery software Kinoma Player 1.5.1. For this purpose, with the participation of the program Kinoma Producer created several videos with different values of the data stream.| Values video | playing time, with | number of frames | frames per second |
| 320x320, 25 frames / s, 480Kb / s | 3,7 | 2198 | 579 |
| 320x320, 25 frames / s, 560Kb / s | 3,8 | 2200 | 571,5 |
| 320x320, 25 frames / s, 640KB / s | 3,9 | 2204 | 560,9 |
| 320x320, 25 frames / s, 720KB / s | 4 | 2210 | 540 |
| 320x320, 25 frames / s, 1000Kb / s | 4,6 | 2241 | 485,1 |
Runtime
To test battery life when reading books used the program MobiPocket Reader (v4.6 build 407) in the automatic shift with an average speed of 22-24 characters per second. It's quite decent for an adult reading speed. |
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Software
The computer's new operating system Palm OS 5.2.1 (like Zire 71), equipped with a new feature handwriting text "Graffiti 2" allows you to enter text in any part of the screen. In the software bundle includes: Address Book, Calculator, Card Info, Date Book, HotSync, Memo Pad, Note Pad, Preferences, To Do List, World Clock, VersaMail 2.5, PalmSource Web Browser 2.0, Palm Photos 1.0 (for photos) DataViz Documents To Go, Pro Edition 5.003, PPTP VPN client by Mergic, Enhanced Security with built-in Encryption and Password Masking Options, Quick Tour for device overview, keyboard, and 5-way navigator.- In addition to standard applications, the bonus CD ROM also contains the following programs:
- Acrobat Reader software
- advanced calculator PowerOne Personal
- PrintBoy program to print to a printer via the IR port, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- for recording voice notes, Voice Memo (only if there is an appropriate expansion module)
- World Clock WorldMate
- Collong Meeting program to synchronize calendars and schedules between the two PDA's Wi-Fi
- program for reading electronic books Palm Reader
- Solitaire Game
- software player audio and video files Kinoma Player
- program for making video files Kinoma Producer
- AvantGo and AOL.
- Most recently, Palm Inc. released a new update for the Tungsten C, in which:
- Fixed errors when dealing with MAC addresses
- improved caching, and how to update the web-pages Browser
- improved compatibility with devices HotSpot
- updated email program VersaMail, which added a VPN client
- updated sound effects that accompany various events
- Fixed errors when installing Wi-Fi connection.
Russification
In addition, the package includes a disc of MakTsentr "Russian Palm", which is crack PaPiRus 2003 in the "light" versions. In the "easy" localization PaPiRus 2003 Russified entry system "Graffiti 2 and virtual keyboard. Mode allows the full localization to translate into Russian language interface for all embedded applications, adapts the system settings PDAs for Russia. Supports encoding of the Russian language Windows-1251, KOI8-R. Russification "Graffiti 2" I liked writing the letters as close to traditional. Additionally, there are ergonomic strokes, giving the opportunity to write with shorthand speed.There is a Russian-screen keyboard, background information, accessible from any application, arranged according to the Russian alphabetical sorting and searching for Russian words, it is possible to switch languages with one click on the indicator of language and save all settings after a reboot.Price
In chain stores computer in the palm »Tungsten C costs $ 499. In the online store PalmStore.ru price - $ 490.Conclusions
| Pluses | Cons |
| Large amount of RAM | The monaural speaker and earphone output |
| High performance | MP3 playback with only the memory card |
| Bright high-contrast display | 2,5 mm earphone output |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | No built-in voice recorder |
| Supports SD (IO) | |
| Convenient and strategically placed controls | |
| Built-in keyboard | |
| Great battery life | |
| Built-in vibrating alert | |
| Compatibility with peripheral devices of previous models (via the universal connector Palm) | |
| Oh great set of supplied software |
System GLOBALSTAR - to be launched in Russia!
Global system of mobile satellite communications (SPSS) enter into a new century with a cargo of defeats and victories. If in the beginning, having no real competition, even in the presence of certain shortcomings, they were uncontested by the end of the 90s success of cellular, trunking and other wireless communication systems have formed a competitive market. On the dramatic fate of one of SPSS - IRIDIUM readers can read the pages of our publication. Now is the time to elaborate on the other SPSS - Globalstar. Globalstar system is based on 48 low-orbiting spacecraft to orbit altitude 1414 km and an inclination of 52 degrees. Ideology of the Globalstar system is based on the principles of cellular organization. Communication with mobile subscribers are using CDMA-technology. Major equipment and system architecture developed by Loral Space & Communications and Qualcomm. Globalstar system uses spaced lines when the subscriber is simultaneously "sees" from 1 to 3 satellites. According to this index Globalstar differs significantly from the system Iridium - where the structure of the space segment has been optimized for single coverage areas. With regard to high-latitude regions (above 72 °) and waters the world's oceans, they are not served by the Globalstar system. Communication there is in principle possible, but the system does not ensure its continuity. Satellite System for Mobile Communications Globalstar low-Earth orbit belongs to a class of systems (satellite, located at an altitude of about 1000 km above Earth's surface). Such systems have certain advantages over satellite systems in geostationary orbit, for example, Inmarsat (at a distance of 35000 km). User terminals is substantially less in weight and size and have comparable cellular telephone networks. Radio spectrum is used efficiently due to repeated use of radio frequency bands. Signal delay in the channel is much less, because orbital height is ten times lower. About the beginning of operation the Globalstar system was officially announced on October 11, 1999 at the Geneva show-Telecom-99. Today around the world in service are 16 ground stations pairing. There is complete debugging of the software, algorithms, control and communications satellites, as well as equipment, providing a link as a space segment, and with terrestrial public networks. In Russia, this system provides services company Globalstar, which started its commercial operation on Aug. 2, 2000 unfolded part of the system covers more than 60% of the bond surface of the Earth (which will serve the system Globalstar). The latter were put into operation the station in China, Australia and Venezuela. Interestingly, in Russia, the system was first officially used at the end of March 2000 to transfer the results of presidential elections in Russia from remote areas of Chechnya! Phones QUALCOMM, and there were more than 20 pieces., Did not disappoint, and the president was elected in the most democratic way. In February 2000, completed the formation of the satellite constellation. In addition to 48 satellites in orbit four backup device. Globalstar plans to guide the company in a quarter in 2001 to put into operation all the 38 stations of conjugation of the first stage, which will provide coverage of the surface of the Earth in accordance with the project, and satellite services will be available in 120 countries. Little about the history of the project. After the failure of the carrier rocket Zenit (loss of 12 satellites in an accident rocket Zenit, manufacturer - Dnepropetrovsk NGO "South"), the company Globalstar has refused to cooperate with the Ukrainian supplier of missiles. For launching satellites, it was decided to restrict the use of American missile DELTA II, Boeing and the Russian Soyuz. Launch vehicle Soyuz while in orbit 4 communications satellite, Globalstar. Reliable alliance is beyond doubt, but wanted to create an additional module, which was supposed to solve two problems. Firstly, it was on it before the withdrawal of the main orbit of 1420 km should be placed 4 communications satellite, Globalstar. Secondly, after the completion of the third stage of this Union shall transfer module installed on it satellites orbit 240 km to an intermediate orbit of 920 km. Development of such a module, called IKAR, performed consortium Starsem. It was formed in 1996.with the participation of Russian and European manufacturers: Arianespace (15%), Aerospatial of France (35%), Russian Space Agency (25%) and the Central Bureau of Samara Space (TsSKB) "Progress" (25%). IKAR was implemented on the platform of the Russian satellite, comet, space designed for aerial photography. Instead of full-time on-board equipment on it posted design with four Globalstar satellites and control system. After separation from IKARa each of Globalstar satellites on their own moves to the main orbit of 1420 km. American experts believe IKAR and its management system more flexible and versatile than a system based on the missile launch DELTA. First start of the project UNION Globalstar preceded not only the throes of creation when creating a module IKAR. On the way scientists and engineers were again politics. The first launch since November 1998. postponed several times due to the U.S. State Department ban on the transfer of high technology. But on Jan. 26, 1999 Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan signed an agreement under which Russia and Kazakhstan pledged to protect the U.S. technological secrets to transfer to other countries. How is communication. Globalstar system is designed so that the subscriber is within range of 1 to 3 satellites. Organization to operate simultaneously in several satellites gives a gain in quality of reception and transmission and the smooth transition of the signal from satellite to satellite. Next, arrange the connections with the nearest ground station interface that provides access to terrestrial channels. If you need to talk to someone of Globalstar, a terrestrial communication channels will make a connection with a gateway station that region, which is currently called you a subscriber. And then the connection is established through one of the satellites fly over to your colleague. Time a connection is on average 5 seconds. with the probability of loss of calls in busy hours of 2%. If we compare this solution with inter-satellite communications, used in the Iridium, it is not so gracefully, but much cheaper. Onboard equipment easier, because performs only the function of relaying the signal to the nearest ground station. A comparison of Iridium and Globalstar, recalled that the first covers 100% of the earth's surface. But for communication should have been complied with several conditions. Globalstar as we have already noted, does not provide full coverage. But the advantages of this are generally more simple system, relatively low tariffs and prices for the equipment. It should be noted, and high-quality voice services provided by technology, CDMA. What services system is Globalstar? In addition to wireless telephone services - mobile and stationary, the user is available to send and receive short messages, global roaming, call the emergency services, voice mail. Additional types of services provided by Globalstar, include: call forwarding, call waiting, call hold, call barring, caller ID, CLIR, call trehnapravlenny. Data transmission (fax, E-mail and Internet) in April this year has been demonstrated in Rio de Janeiro and will be put into commercial operation by early 2001 is another trump card Globalstar, a global positioning service (GPS). Given that the U.S. government from May 1 this year lifted restrictions on the positioning accuracy, its attractiveness for a wide range of subscribers increases. But at that time in Russia, everything depends on local circumstances. Legal aspects of positioning finally worked out. Roaming. Globalstar system will provide a link with the subscribers of existing telecommunications systems in general use, and cellular systems. Signed a treaty on international roaming between all service providers Globalstar. Most operators have in their countries, the agreement with the companies - owners of public networks. To provide roaming in the networks of GSM have contracts with operators. So in the UK Globalstar signed a contract with Vodafon UK - the network operator GSM. In this case, the subscriber Vodafon UK remained the number. Global roaming in June 2000, available in North and South America, as well as in Europe. What kind of portable subscriber terminals are sold? Note that all the devices, calledmulti-mode - ie allow you to work as a system Globalstar, and in the mode of one of the cellular standards. In Europe, will be offered to commercial use predominantly terminals Ericsson (R290) and Telit (SAT 550), which allow automatic roaming with cellular networks GSM-900. In addition to the two-mode, manufactured by QUALCOMM three-mode user terminals (GSP 1600). This terminal provides the ability to work across a satellite mode, technically supports roaming in the networks of standards for AMPS and CDMA. The main parameters of the terminal European manufacturers are listed in Table 1.
Another important feature of portable terminals. The radiation power of the tubes corresponds to the most stringent international health standards and do not exceed the power levels adopted in the standards of the cellular networks. Who today can be considered a potential buyer of services Globalstar? This is especially the subscribers of other satellite communication systems. For them, the new system is cheaper and much easier to use. For example, the cost per minute talks with the use of a satellite in stationary orbit (the system Inmarsat) is $ 3 per weight of such equipment of about 1.5 kg, and the need to pre-deploy equipment and the antenna, respectively. Certain segment of the business are also carrying out flights in a long time. For them, a satellite phone, working on board the aircraft, will provide constant communication with business partners. No doubt about the need for satellite communications in maritime transport, the current in the coastal akvatoriyah1. An important segment of the industry will be the exploration and mining operations, both on land and at sea. In addition, based on the Globalstar system can be set up various systems of control over freight over long distances, a similar system OmniTracs. In assessing the vertical markets also define the category of mobile users who want to be sure that the connection will be given the time and everywhere, ie complete with a cheap cellular phone. Of course, fixed telephones (corporate and public phones) will be needed in areas where cellular or that another link is not available. On satellite payphones in the Globalstar also assign some hope. We can assume that they will be installed in small villages located in remote areas or even along the highways. The composition of the payphone includes an antenna (mounted on the open space), the interface block and directly pay phone, a prototype of which served as the standard pay phones on the basis of plastic cards. There are different options for feeding a payphone: network, battery or solar battery. For manufacturing payphone sets Globalstar signed an agreement with Schlumberger, which accounts for about 30% of public telephones installed throughout the world. Information for future subscribers. The collapse of Iridium will be a good lesson for marketers Globalstar. Prices for vehicles are in the range 1000 - 1500 dollars, the U.S. minute call costs 1.70 dollars in Asia and South America, less than 1.0 dollars expected leasing of equipment, various plans for prepaid. On the proposal of Motorola, Globalstar has prepared a program to support users of Iridium, which is to provide price discounts at the conclusion of the contract.Thus, all former subscribers to Iridium, which appeared without context from the termination of the system will be proposed on concessional terms to become a subscriber of the Globalstar system and continue to use the services of satellite communications. At what cost to subscribers in Russia to connect to the system and its ekspluatatsiya2? Thus, the initial connection. You will pay: telephone (eg, type TELIT SAT 550 - 1200 dollars), connected to the system ($ 180) a prepayment for traffic (for example, with international access - 216 dollars). Total: 1600 USD Monthly expenses consist of monthly subscription fees (eg, tariff "priority" - $ 48) and payment of traffic. We give some prices for 1 min.: Outgoing to the subscriber in any area of the system - 1.8 dollars, an incoming call from the system of Globalstar - 1.2 dollars for those who remember the prices of the first stage deployment of cellular services in Moscow, listed prices do not seem excessive. To assess the possible traffic, assume that the total time of the negotiations during the month was 200 minutes (for example, 120 minutes of outgoing and incoming 80 minutes). In this case, the fee negotiations will be about $ 220 So, with the subscription fee monthly expenses amount to about $ 270 Naturally, international calls, roaming and additional services will require a certain costs, but pay you for the link at any time and anywhere. Today, subscribers of the system are more than 40000 people worldwide. Of those registered in Russia, about 500 subscribers. Now, marketers are hoping to attract customers not only voice communication but also a wider range of services, focusing on different applications. Control systems and telemetry-based data transmission channel Globalstar can find the consumer. In addition, a key area of interest Globalstar announced market fixed wireless services in sparsely populated regions. " Apparently, for the successful future of this system is an extremely important factor will be the data service. It is appropriate to recall that Iridium could not really offer this service to subscribers. By itself, the rate of 9.6 kbps, planted in the development of Globalstar, by today's standards and not high. However, this rate is constant and independent of external conditions. To use e-mail and fax it enough. Some pro and contra appear when subscribers will learn how to be charged this service. In the next five years, experts estimate the global market for satellite communications in the 1 million subscribers (for Russia is 10.8 thousand). Technical requirements for SPSS can be defined quite succinctly - a single telephone number, voice quality and the ability to transfer data to a limited extent. Competition in the telecommunications industry becomes tougher. Will the Globalstar system to find loyal customers, depends on the flexibility of tariffs and services offered. Will the regional operating companies to decide not so much technical as economic challenges - and succeed where the Iridium fiasco? From coverage of large areas of fall sea areas, due to the location of the gateway station. The authors, translation:
Table 1
| Options / Terminals | Ericsson R290 | Telit SAT 550 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 162h62h39 | 220h65h45 |
| Weight (g) | 350 | 450 |
| Opening hours of standby time with standard battery (h), (Globalstar / GSM) | 6 / 75 | 8 / 83 |
| Opening hours of talk time with standard battery (h), (Globalstar / GSM) | 1.5 / 5 | 1.6 / 3.9 |
| Data / Fax | Yes | No |
New Pocket PC n10: Dell'u responsible, Acer
Debuting on the PDA market, Dell has immediately won a huge following. How? Simply "pot-bellied newbie" Axim X5 Basic, finally became one of the earliest available for most popular Pocket PC-based Pocket PC. This handheld, combined the most necessary for the active user - namely, a powerful new processor (while at the level of moral ustareshego PDA-hi-end'a) and two expansion slots - all of the available money. The success of the new items could not remain without attention of competitors, and almost all manufacturers have included in their roadmap, cheap and functional models. Today in our test lab came a sort of "response Dell" from Acer with a modest mark n10. So, we proceed to study it. The model presented here is about to appear on the shelves of local shops and the situation is such that the two budget PDA - Dell Axim X5 and Acer n10 enter into fierce competition for consumer's pocket. Which of them will win? After all, both devices will act in the same price category, since they have very similar characteristics. In this capitalist competition will already take into account not only the processor speed and RAM size, but also more subtle features such as screen brightness, weight, functionality, and just the look of models.
Phones, which we choose
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- basic characteristics and parameters;
- parameters of the display and keyboard;
- security features;
- functions and services supported by the operator;
- memory function;
- additional features;
- configuration items.
Basic characteristics and parameters
Weight (city, usually with standard battery). Here is a little trick. Several companies give a lot of the little battery (Slim), whose capacity is lower than the standard, but the time of talk / standby provides for a standard. Dimensions (mm) (with standard battery) / Volume (cc).. Duration of talk time without recharging (min.). The duration of standby battery life (hours). Here we want to draw attention to a battery (standard or large) are given these values. In a number of brochures can be found very attractive values, but the fine print will be noted that this data for a large battery. Type of battery as standard / Capacity (mAh). Most modern batteries are equipped with ST-type Li-Ion (Li-Ion). They are lighter and at the same volume and mass have a greater capacity than previously used lower-cost Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH). Besides batteries, such as Li-Ion does not have "memory" effect, ie does not require full discharge before recharging, which reduces the time required for charging, and simplifies the charger. The latest achievement in this area are battery type Lithium-Polymer (Li-Pol), having at the same dimensions as the Li-Ion high capacity and lower weight. Charge Time (min.). Typically in the range 2 - 3 hours. Operating temperature range. If you intend to work with ST at low temperatures, one should bear in mind that the battery capacity while decreasing, ie, reduced operating time.Display Options
Type. Current displays include the graphic type, ie can play both alphanumeric and graphical information, such as images that accompany a particular SMS-text messages. Some models, mostly to the 1999 release have alphanumeric displays, the possibilities are limited. If the display of the image type, its main consumer option should be considered - the resolution of which determines the number of points - pixels, forming a matrix. Naturally, the larger the display size and resolution of AxB (pixel), the clearer the information is reproduced. Today is dominated by monochrome displays. Color displays - until a rarity in CT. Following the model of Siemens S10, such exotics on the market did not appear. Some models provide dynamic change font sizes, depending on the amount of reproducible data. For many customers is essential illumination color. But today you can find PTs whose highlighting color changes according to the choice of its owner, or can be programmed for a certain color depending on the situation, for example, call a subscriber whose number is entered in the notebook into a specific group.Keyboard Options
Redial the last number dialed by pressing a single button. This function creates a certain comfort when typing. The number of speed dials (the latter: incoming / outgoing / from the notebook). If before this feature was only CT Business Class now speed dial in models of consumer class - element binding. Locking the keypad from the menu.Very useful function in different situations. Mute button. Allows for the rapid increase in confidential dialogue. Availability of technology speed dial (like T9). Typing, for example, SMS messages, this technology allows faster set. Introducing the first characters, the user sees on the screen the word that the program extracts from the dictionary stored in memory ST. This will be the most probable word corresponding to a given set of first symbols. While the system speed dial worked for the Latin languages. Cyrillic support in the recruitment of SMS. To enter the Cyrillic alphabet in a notebook, and in the SMS-text messages, the company is the manufacturer must modify the software ST. At present, this possibility is not all vehicles.Security features
PIN code - 4-8 digits - the identification number of the person intended to enter the network and activate your subscription. PIN2 code - provided by the operator and is used for special functions. PUK (PUK2) code - a personal unlock code, if the owner has forgotten the PIN (PIN2) code, or it incorrectly entered three times, with the help of the PUK code phone will be unlocked. Lock SIM card (access via PIN code) - if enabled, the PIN code must be entered each time the apparatus. Key lock - the ability to lock the keyboard hardware. Encoding of information - security techniques technologies GSM, designed to provide authentication, encryption, voice and data traffic. Basis kriptoarhitektury are four basic algorithms: A3, A8, A5.1/A5.2. The last two algorithms provide, respectively, "strong" and "weak" encryption. Blocking calls outgoing or incoming - eliminates work with your device a third person. Fixed set of numbers - the list of numbers given by the subscriber. Lock all the negotiations, except on the list (FDN). Useful feature, especially for dispersed subscribers. Availability of confidential numbers in memory (Closed user group - CUG) - access to these numbers is possible when you enter an additional password.Functions and services supported by the operator
Short Message Service (SMS). The service is supported by the majority of operators are usually free service. Maximum number of alphanumeric characters in one message - 160. The latest models allow you to exchange messages and longer - up to 640 characters, but this feature does not support all operators. You can find out the time and date of receipt of the communication, it is also possible to determine the number and the name of the person who sent the message. Voice messaging system (voice mail - Voice mail). The service allows you to not lose a challenge if you can not receive and automatically sends it into a personal bank voice mail. Depending on class of service, number of posts 10 - 20, the maximum length of posts 20 - 30 sec. Can automatically reply to a voice message, and forward the message. This service is available for active service, "Forward." Support for WAP. In ST there are a number of technical limitations that prevent the use of standard, well-developed Internet technology. To overcome them was a family of new standards, united by a common name - the technology WAP. WAP - Wireless Application Protocol access to information on the Internet, for devices with limited screen size, small memory and low speed network access. The key elements of technology are the WAP-browser (Internet browsing program), WAP-gateway server and WAP-content (www.wapforum.com). WAP protocol provides access from mobile phones to the WEB-pages, filed with the language of WML. The latest version of WAP - v.2.1. What opportunities will the subscriber, including cellular phones, supports WAP? First, the news service (international, national, regional). Further, the wireless office - look up subscriber business information on the server of the company, zaviziruet necessary documents, etc. Banking applications - the state accounts, pay bills, transfer money, all these operations a subscriber performs in the WAP-server of the bank. Supports SIM Application Tool Kit (STK) - Technology-based resource short message service (SMS), a component of standard GSM.Allows holders of mobile phones to make transactions in electronic commerce systems. Personal information stored on SIM-card user, is used in security systems and identification. Compared with the WAP STK is more reliable for banking services. Provides the greatest opportunity STK Class 3. Data transfer. In addition to accessing the Internet and e-mail directly from the CT, you can connect the laptop to the phone or PDA. Data exchange rate (Kbps). At present, the GSM provides exchange rate 9.6 or 14.4 Kbps. The latter value is not supported by all operators. For the majority of CT is regulated by the rate of 9.6 kbps. Sending and receiving faxes. In addition to direct data CT allows to work with fax messages. Usually used for this notebook or Pocket PC. Support for conference calls (1 +5), (MTPY). This service allows you to organize a teleconference mode - you can simultaneously connect with a group of up to 5 people, and to arrange a meeting. Two numbers on one phone (ALS). This service allows subscribers to enter into a contract with the operator, for the acquisition of two telephone numbers. One of them you can tell co-workers, other - relatives. Calls made to both numbers, and come to a PT. Determination of caller ID, called AON, (CLIP). This service is only available for digital networks. CLIR caller (CLIR). The service allows subscribers to block certain of its facilities waiting / call hold (pending and waiting for the call). This mode allows you during a conversation with the caller to call another subscriber or to answer an incoming call again, talking alternately to two subscribers. Call Forwarding. Possible types of call forwarding: all calls, all calls when the line is busy, all calls when no answer, all calls when the phone is switched off or out of radio coverage. Call Barring (Call Barring) is a package of services: a ban on all incoming and outgoing calls, a ban on outgoing international calls; ban on entering, a ban except for calls within the network. Coding of speech. Modern devices support a mode - a full-size speech coding (EFR - Enhanced Full Rate). Naturally, the quality of the reproduced speech is increased, but the trouble is that in Russia, not all operators support this mode.Memory Functions
Reference numbers and names (Phone book). Usually numbers are stored in the SIM-card. In modern CT provides additional memory directly into the unit. For example, in a model of Nokia 8850 in memory store 250 numbers and the same number on SIM-card. Memory organization in groups. In some models may be grouped numbers, for example, business partners and relatives. Find phone numbers in the phonebook the phone. Conveniently, if the search is possible both by name and by number. Remembering the past to a number (dialed / incoming / missed). The maximum length of a notebook name / number. This is important if the subscriber uses an additional code for network access another operator. Check free memory cells. Feature allows you to assess the availability of affordable recording numbers in a notebook. Ability to complete cleaning of the phone book. A useful feature for emergency situations, and for updating the phone book.Additional features
The presence of the recorder to record the current information / recording time (sec). Many models of business-class voice recorder has a function and make it possible to record a fragment of the talks or write your comment. Typically, the recording time of 50 - 100 sec. Several models allow you to set the recording quality. Naturally, the higher the quality, the smaller the interval of recording time. Opportunity to record a telephone conversation (work in voice recorder mode) / Record Time (sec). It is worth to note that not every model has a voice recorder function, allows you to save a fragment of telephone conversations. The ability to play recordings from the recorder during a conversation. Useful feature allows your companion to listen to the recording, made in advance. The possibility of transferring the recorded comments on the PC. This feature allows you to convert the recorded conversation in a form understandable to the PC, for example, sound file format (. Wav).When connecting to PT and PC, special software will provide the transmission of a file (call) in the PC memory. The built-in browser. Viewer web pages - the browser is part of the software (SW) ST. Usually this is the WAP-browser. However, there are browsers that lets you view both WAP-pages and standard HTML pages. For example, the model Benefon Q, browser MS Mobile Explorer, supports both protocols. The built-in mail client. For receiving / sending e-mail software is included in the appropriate program. Here, the manufacturer may specify the type of supported protocol - POP3 (most common), or IMAP4 - a perspective. Note that the e-mail reception is possible and based on short message service (SMS). The presence of shakes in a standard configuration. Vibrate or silent call allows in some situations, to disable call your ST. If you receive a ringing tone instead of the usual call to subscribers feel subtle vibrations ST. The presence of the organizer - usually daily, which is using the alarm function notifies you of the upcoming meeting. Ability to synchronize Address Book / Organizer with PC software (like MS Outlook) - This function is useful for those who actively use computer equipment to conduct business. A number of modern CT with organizer, for example, Benefon Q, do not allow to sync with standard software, so you have this procedure done manually. The presence of a calculator, alarm clock, games - these functions do not require comment. Indication of date and the current time - a calendar and clock undoubtedly useful. Indication of time received calls: received / missed. Ability to dial - this function is known to all holders of the modern digital phones. Can be programmed to redial the interval from one minute to tens of minutes. The same service can offer operators, but it involves additional cost. Set (activation) of the votes (the number of rooms). Speech recognition technology to automate the recruitment process. Pre-enough "to train" your phone by saying the name of the subscriber, such as Hamlet, which is written into memory. This is the name you assign a specific number. In what follows by saying a command like "set" and the name of Hamlet - the phone will automatically dial the given number. Possible number of rooms, depending on the type of CT - 5 to 20. Voice control menu (the number of teams). Similarly, a set of numbers, can be suppressed voice command, enter a specific Menu ST. If we remember that the menu system is a conventional device 4 - 5 tier, and each level of 4 - 6 points, saving time in the presence of voice control is quite significant. Creating a custom menu (User Profile). This possibility will simplify access to the functions menu, which you use most often. Function Help (HELP). Useful especially when dealing with CT for the first time, as can quickly tell the sequence of actions to perform the requested command. Audible alarm call duration. This feature allows a subscriber to program the timer, which during the conversation will be with a certain interval, for example, 30 seconds. beep. For the budget conscious users, this function is clearly worthless. Audible alarms for low battery. Standard function, usually accompanied by the appearance of the corresponding icon on the screen. Notifies the discharge at the most inopportune moment. Depending on the model and manufacturer, time to turn off is 5 - 20 minutes. Expenditure control. There may be a number of options: Counter duration of the last call and total call counter, check the value of a call and check the remaining credit (Translation of conversation for money). To recalculate the money necessary first program cost per minute of conversation in accordance with the chosen tariff plan. Adjusting the speaker volume / tone. Could be done directly with the key (button), and from the menu. Number of ringtones / number of additional signals. ... Ability to create your own ringtones. Can be programmed as a favorite tune, or enter a melody previously recorded on a computer or found on the Internet. Handsfree (Speakerphone).This feature allows you without leaving your desk to chat with a friend, or listen to a conversation in a quiet room, put the phone on the table. Ability to automatically answer the call (avtopodnyatie). This feature allows you to start a conversation without clicking on the "Reply" button. Automatic activation is useful when a call is received by the subscriber, sitting behind the wheel of a car. The built-in MP3 player. Convenient for fans of sound. Allows you to pre-load a few tunes and if you want to listen to them.Configuration items
Type of SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module). SIM card - the constructive, which is integrated circuit. In memory chips included data that define an individual code ownership ST. In the absence of SIM cards, the phone does not work. In addition, the SIM-card can be used to organize the notebook user. In today's SIM cards (such as Plug-in, miniature, embedded in the body) can store up to 250 entries (phone numbers). In vehicles, produced before, use the SIM card type Standart, performs a similar function, but has great size and inserted into the body. The built-in fax modem. The built-in so-called GSM-modem allows the use of CT for the transmit / receive data and faxes. This device differs from conventional fax modems, as it works wirelessly in the network GSM. GSM-modem allows you to work both directly with the data and combine CT with a laptop or handheld computer, to organize a mobile office for receiving / sending E-mail, faxes, and receive data from the Internet. Ability to connect to a PC through the card PC card / RS-232C. For this purpose, ST connector shall be provided, attached to a special cable with an appropriate output, such as a laptop. Typically, such a cable is not supplied with CT, but is included in the accessory kit, produced by the manufacturer. Until now, the unification of connectors and cables, by analogy with laptops in the industry CT did not happen and the search for the desired cable or order take some inconveniences. Therefore, if you intend to organize a mobile office, should I buy the cable at once. Infrared interface IrDA. Used for wireless communications ST and PC, usually a laptop or Pocket PC. Transceiver infrared provide high speed data exchange (up to 4 Mbps). However, the range of this interface is limited (up to 1 m). In addition, the IR receivers are sensitive to the direction of signal arrival - departure no more than 30?. Recall infrared radiation conditions require "line of sight." Software. It can either be included or optional. For example, the bundle model Ericsson R320s is a CD. It finds the subscriber: infrared drivers for Win95/98, a software package Ericsson Data Communication Suite for Win95/98, SMS and phone book phone software tasks the phone directly from the PC. In addition, this CD is an electronic version of the manual format. Pdf. Ibid - Demonstration and training program, illustrating the operation of the proposed software. Ability to connect the headphones / external microphone. Possibility to connect the car kit HandsFree. This feature is required if you have a habit of not disable CT while driving. Antenna type: fixed / telescopic / exchangeable. The most widespread fixed antenna. It comes in two types: interior and exterior. Reception quality in both cases does not depend on the type of antenna. For example, recent models from Nokia has an internal antenna. Telescoping antenna, used in some models, allows in some cases to optimize the output stage, improving the transmission in the area uncertain of the apparatus. Removable antenna involves the ability to connect additional antenna, whose parameters improve the functioning of ST in the area of uncertain reception. In some devices, for example, Benefon "DRAGON" Included are two antennas, the subscriber may set depending on the quality of coverage, in which it is located. Ability to connect an external antenna.If you want to use CT in uncertain reception area, to increase the stability of it is expedient to choose the model that has extra high slot. You can connect an external antenna. The authors, translation:
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