Each model of handheld computer has its own destiny. Some light up like a new star, make us happy for a while and coming new round of technologies go nowhere. Others, conversely, consists of slowly and methodically, and "linger" in our pockets for a long time. But perhaps there are few handheld computers, whose outputs are expected to look. The reason for this is unprecedented performance, which never had before. Be the first of its kind - is honor and prestige, and a lifetime record in the history of the development of high technology too much. Today is one such iconic models include Toshiba e800, of which our story and go.
 |
The first information on the e800 - a new model of high-end level of the Toshiba appeared in the late summer of 2003, and it was incredible. The first in the history of the serial (not conceptual) Pocket PC with VGA-display! Note that the resolution of 640x480 pixels has already come into the world of handheld computers, the same Zaurus CL-C750 from Sharp boasts VGA-mode, but only in the horizontal orientation of the display and only under Linux. Oh, and, frankly, working with such a display is not very convenient. Even the icons on the screen look smaller, not to mention the text that seriously enough loads eyes. The world held in waiting, anticipating the benefits of regular convergence of two families of computers - both desktop and handheld. As for the culprits, Toshiba, then she kept on this proud silence, leaving a lot of fantasy users. And at the end of October has come to pass, e800 model was officially launched. True, and to this day, all points on the «i» with respect to this curious new items are not arranged, and in sales abroad CCP did just recently. And then, finally, passed the Moscow presentation Toshiba and almost followed her "800th" ended up in our editorial.
 |
So it kind, Toshiba e800, - «chest secrets" that are not immediately opened. However, innovations in this model is more than enough, so first things first.
Cnaruzhi
First, the company has yet succumbed to modern trends, and some changed the design of their devices. This applies to both color schemes that peremetnulos from gray-and-silver palette to blue, and the location of controls. The company refused to place shortcuts to applications individually, and moved them closer to the five-way touchpad (4 directions and push), creating thus a single "control center", calculated by the use of PDA in one hand. While all this we are told more in the test Toshiba e400: two new externally very similar.
Despite this, the company has remained faithful to the chosen design of the case: all the same stylish classic look, leaving no doubt that this business model. However, for professional users are no less important the power and functionality.
From this perspective, e800 also at altitude. This PDA has a set of solutions that will prove very useful.Accordingly, the device weighs about 200 grams, while having dimensions 135h76h15 mm, which by today's standards, quite a lot. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately :-), into our hands got pre-sale sample unit. Inscriptions on some sites says that it is only a «Test version, not for sale», but with the e800 in our tests went, and cradle. Nothing fundamentally new here is not invented, but the stand is fairly high quality and accurate.
When CCP is installed in the connector lower part of the bed is highlighted in a nice blue light. At the rear of a connector USB-host, whose presence is important for all those users who are planning to connect to your Pocket PC directly to a variety of USB Flash-drive or external hard drives.
Screen
The special feature of the front, yes, and, indeed, the whole PDA is the display. High-quality transflective TFT-matrix has the largest diagonal by the standards of Pocket PC - 4 inches. Of course, 65536 colors, different for high-end simply does not apply, in addition, Toshiba has taken special measures to increase the range of its brightness and resolution .... The fact that the matrix is made on the basis of the new technology of double pixels, which results in that its native resolution is 480x640 pixels, and working - four times smaller, that is 240x320 pixels.
 |
It should be noted that this approach is Toshiba is well founded. Because the operating system is e800 Windows Mobile 2003 for which a work permit is exactly 240 x 320 pixels. As for the VGA resolution, it should become the base for the next version of Windows Mobile 2004 (presumably appear in the spring of next year). Accordingly, all manufacturers will try to this term to equip their PDAs such displays, while Toshiba is ready to answer today. That's all there - to upgrade the operating system. It should be said that there are two variants of this model: e800, which will be supplied directly by the manufacturer, and e805, designed for delivery through intermediaries. According to the magazine "Consumer: computers and software, which has developed a special technique for measuring the quality of the original displays, handheld computers, the maximum brightness of the display Toshiba e800 is 141Kd/m2. This is the most vivid display that is 14% brighter than the Toshiba e400. The minimum brightness level a bit overstated - 37.4 cd/m2 (25% of the maximum brightness). Interestingly, the minimum level of brightness is also almost the maximum among all the computers we tested. The closest indicator of Tungsten C. This level of brightness than enough for comfortable work. Even at minimum backlight display provides high contrast in both the office and on public transport or on the street. But with backlight OFF speak of comfortable perception of the information is no longer possible. Unfortunately, the Hi-Res ("High Definition") while working a very limited number of applications. To put the computer to 480x640, you need the main menu, select the Screen Resolution, then the machine reboots in their native screen resolutions.
 |
| Toshiba e800 - Screen Resolution |
Upon rebooting begin understand that standard for Pocket PC resolution - exclusively for toys :-) According sensations screen very similar one we seen y Sharp Zaurus C750. All parts are rather small, but unusually clear. For this mode, only four pre-installed applications. That viewers of office documents and graphics file viewer. Go tell that to view pictures, and any documents that contain an abundance of charts and graphs on this screen - just the ultimate dream. PDA is an ideal companion photographers who can otsmatrivat on it (and if necessary software and edited) footage. Unfortunately, while difficult to enjoy the pleasures of the new screen due to lack of imprisoned under his programs and the need to constantly reboot, but it is clear that this innovation will not pass by and not become one of the useless "souvenirs" of the new handhelds.
Inside
 |
| Toshiba e800: 128 Mb RAM |
Display display but stuffing e800 also deserves respect. The latest Intel family of XScale PXA263, the maximum operating frequency - 400 MHz. Totally modern combination of internal memory - 128 MB SDRAM-RAM, 32 MB ROM and now traditional Flash-Disk, which is a 32 MB NAND-volatile memory. If suddenly someone that is not enough, then for the memory expansion can take one of two slots, Compact Flash Type II and Secure Digital. Latest version supports SDIO, so it is better to use it to extend the functionality of your computer.
 |
| Changing CPU clock |
Gradually transfigured and graphic subsystem handhelds. Time embedded solutions irretrievably gone, and a new round of struggle between ATI and NVIDIA, this time on a "pocket" front. In the Toshiba e800 video card uses ATI Imageon 3220 (the real, there's even a 2 MB of dedicated video memory), which provides a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Of course, such features internal display, even as advanced, not on the shoulder, but for output to an external monitor just right, especially since there is a corresponding connector RGB.
Incommunicado
Regarding communication opportunities e800, then Toshiba stopped on "neutral" variant considering installation two embedded modules (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) disadvantageous. So that only one of them to choose the customer will be embedded in a PDA. However, synchronization can be used more conventional ways, for example, USB or infrared connection.
 |
| Toshiba e800: application for working Bluetooth |
We on testing visited typewriter with built Bluetooth-module although memory guinea device contained applications designed for work even with Wi-Fi-networks entire charms whom owing absence CCP required module we evaluate failed.With regard to Bluetooth-manager, it remarkably well-done and allows "one hundred" potential of the wireless connection. For example, establish communication with a mobile phone that supports this protocol and go through it on the Internet:
 |
| Toshiba e800: work with Bluetooth-enabled devices |
Or, again wirelessly using FTP:
 |
| Toshiba e800: Bluetooth FTP |
Since the e800 is positioned as a device for mobile business users, the company has equipped PDA impressive array of software for all occasions. Besides the standard set of office and PIM-application, there are several unusual applications. Firstly, this concerns the program of Voice Command, provides support for voice commands. Yes, do not be surprised, now, thanks to this program from Microsoft, e800 will obey the voice of the owner. True, the program recognizes only the English language.
 |
| Toshiba e800: IP-phone in the palm |
Just a few programs designed for working with VoIP (Voice over IP - "Voice over IP), that is Internet telephony. Toshiba e800 is one of the first PDAs that support this advanced technology (although in theory it was still available on the Toshiba e740).
Knacks
By the way, together with the CPC on sale should have a special device that allows you to turn off his presentation. Accessory bears the name Toshiba Presentation Pack. This combination of presentation, there are two USB-ports, which allows you to connect a couple of devices that may be needed for this event. On the presentation software can not worry, it is already installed - IA Presenter for ATI, and Screen Mirror.
 |
| Toshiba Presentation Pack |
It remains to mention the audio subsystem. It is organized based on the chip WM9712L and fully supports the specification of AC-97. So it is with stereo playback with sampling rates up to 48 kHz, our heroine copes without any problems. There have even e800 support Full Duplex, which is important for those users who plan to use the PDA as the IP-phone. Built-in speaker is different polyphonic sound, but the best quality obtained when using headphones (corresponding to 2.5-mm jack used). Equipped with a PDA and a built-in microphone, so that it can use as a voice recorder.
Test performance
To compare the speed of the e800, we used the test SPB Bencmark:
So, Toshiba e800 can operate in four modes: at maximum speed in Power Save mode at 400 MHz and at lower frequencies - 200 and 100 MHz.As can be seen from the test, even at full strength, e800 failed "outdo" the latest model from Asus - MyPal A620BT. In power-saving mode is close to the speed of innovation to the popular iPaq'u 2210. When running at speeds of 200 and 100 MHz that any serious PDA believes it is long. Realistically, at 100 MHz on a computer even read books is problematic. Recommend to include this mode only in conditions of severe energy savings.
Runtime
By default, computers come with a standard Lithium-Ion Battery 1320 mAh, which is enough for about 6 hours. For those who have a second can not live without my computer, the company offers a more energy-intensive model to 2640 mAh. With this battery you can use the PDA even though all the daylight hours, but he is charging a relatively long time - about 12 hours (standard battery charging time 4 hours).
Price
Tentatively on sale in Russia Toshiba e800 will appear in late January - early February and will cost about $ 750.
Output
Another business model failed, Toshiba to fame. Functional richness e800 blends with high performance, providing maximum opportunities today and having the necessary margin of at least six months ahead. Perhaps this is the right position - to offer today, what will be important tomorrow. The authors, translation:
