Workshop: backup devices running Windows Mobile, Part 4

The fourth part of the soft-review of the backup on devices running Windows Mobile, we consider the package of SKTools and summarize the entire workshop, which, recall, was attended by leaders of the class bekaperov - Sprite Backup, Spb Backup and Sunnysoft Backup Manager. In general, we proceed.

SKTools Backup

Installation

We begin as usual with the installation. The site developer can download four different CAB-file SKTools - two under Windows Mobile 5.0 (with support for VGA and QVGA, respectively) and the same pair under Windows Mobile 2003. In separate CAB-archives available language packs (in Russian and German package includes translations of help files). For those who are too lazy to bother with a bunch of files, provides a single installer with a desktop PC. The program takes at least 1.5 MB of main memory or on the map. Language pack is placed separately. A fully functional demo version of the program there. Instead, it offered a demo version with limited capabilities. The entire interface is built on the lists of one kind or another, which in the demo version limited to six points, and the process of familiarization with it effectively reduces to the study of utilities and health checks liked. Thus, the user only and remains - either buy the program, no testing, or choose a solution from our competitors. True, this complexity does not end there. When installing SKTools creates a folder / Windows / File SKToolsID.txt, which should send the manufacturer, together with payment for the machine-generated serial number. Overcome all these obstacles, the user will receive the program, only one transfer function which would take several pages. In fact, SKTools - it is a complex package that combines a single interface for managing program 44 WM-device. Backup devoted only one of these programs, and it was her, we shall consider further, and about the package as a whole, we note only that he is uniquely focused on experts and requires very careful handling, because otherwise you can, unwittingly, to say goodbye to a very valuable data.

Capabilities and interface

But back to the subject of the article. SKTools main screen contains a list of built-in programs, some of whom are SKTools Backup. Programs are grouped by meaning. "View" menu contains a list of program groups and provides an opportunity to call all of them, if the user gets confused. SKTools Backup belongs to the group by default, so we will not go in the other groups. Tools menu contains lots of items not related to the backup. The only point that deserves attention is the "Settings". SKTools has a habit of sometimes lose some of the settings (in particular - Language), so it is better to remember where to retrieve them. If you select «SKTools Backup» have to wait a few seconds. The program searches the memory files of past backups. Even if these files are not relevant, you have to wait. SKTools Backup main screen consists of two windows. In the top - the list of backup files, at the bottom - information on a selected file. When you first start windows, of course, empty and what's what - is not obvious. Generally, excess simple interface is different, which is quite logical, with its orientation to professionals who themselves sorted out, and read the instructions was not lazy (although the interface and the instructions are not described). You can switch between the windows from the Tools menu (it's made ​​for comfort and control program without the stylus, which is very detailed and well elaborated). From the same menu called Settings page. Unlike a similar item in the menu of the main screen, there is only called settings page SKTools Backup. Settings, like everything else in SKTools, presented a list. In the upper window you can read this comment to the selected list item and change its value. For example, selecting from the drop-down list. For the compression list contains items from 0 to 9 (more than usual archivers). Or enter a value manually. Speaking of settings, SKTools Backup, it should be noted tremendous flexibility in setting the schedule backup. For example, you can choose the time. You can specify the days of the week, listing their numbers with a comma. To work without a stylus provided drop-down list, which in turn can add numbers of days or clear the field, selecting the "X". Several embarrassing that the list starts on Monday, and the numbering on Sunday, but you get used to it quickly. Similarly, the realized and the choice of days, months and months of themselves. The developer did not burden the program a nice calendar, which also would be less convenient to operate without a stylus. Choice of the year is limited to 2015 meters. Apparently, it is expected that by the time the program is hopelessly outdated. Comment to the path under the autosave - it's not the only element of the interface Russified SKTools Backup. Together with him indicate the name of the file. Allowed to use macros date and time. Clicking on the ellipsis button, get into the folder selection. Very amused of the Action menu: apparently, all that does not fit into the concept of lists, designers carried in the menu. Experience has shown that such a solution not only facilitates the interface, but also speeds up without a stylus. Provided in the program and track the battery charge, but only four possible values, moreover, are not the most comfortable. Action menu is extremely brief and provides only the return of the default settings. In the Tools menu, just one point - "OK." Action menu window SKTools Backup - pretty extensively, but it boils down to the management of backup files, which are, by and large, we can only remove or restore. If you hover on the backup file system, then there is the option "View", which gives the possibility of selective recovery. To file a complete backup of the system also provides opportunities to recover PIM data and messages Outlook (the version for WM 2003, you can choose only backup PIM). The empty list in this menu is only a sub-menu item "Backup". This submenu contains the full range of possible settings, the system elements to be a backup. No tree with a checkmark there. If you want zabekapit system is very selective, you have to do some archives. When you try to PIM data or database program warns that the recovery is not guaranteed for all devices. This is logical, since these data are stored as files and not converted into the appropriate format where necessary. But there are no problems with character encodings. When you try to save the folder Pocket Outlook program will warn about what there is two reboots. If you select a full backup, then both messages will appear in turn. If you select a backup file, you will get a window to select one folder, the entire contents of which will be retained. No lists of exceptions and similar opportunities there. Before any Bacup given the opportunity to choose the backup file name and location for its creation. All software is nothing more than the user does not want nothing to do with a backup, or during recovery. Both processes are carried out under scant explanation for this screen. If necessary, the program restarts the system. In addition to the mandatory reboot, the instructions recommend doing a hard reset before a full system recovery. That's all. Despite warnings that there is no guarantee one hundred percent recovery, all restored one-in-one, except as otherwise provided in the "Help" to the program cases, data transfer, but in these cases does not give guarantees, no program. We should also mention that the installed settings can have an action not on all devices. For example, on the X500, had no effect disabling compression. User support SKTools site is reduced to the form to send a message to the developer. However, the average user of this program is easy to find a developer with a common language. New versions are put in place of the old, the registration is saved, there is no auto-update.

Output

SKTools - a tool for advanced users.Newcomers are not recommended strongly. Many, who set SKTools for opportunities, in addition to backup, may prefer to install a separate bekapera more appropriate to their needs, because as most of the "Swiss knife» SKTools has a low functionality of the individual "blades". For those who like to delve into its Windows Mobile, the program should really like it.

Pros:
• backup / restore works without a glitch
• Flexible schedule settings
• russified
• user-friendly interface that allows you to program without the stylus, a finger
• compression (adjustable level) and encryption
• elements of the sampling data recovery
• tracking battery
• Save System-level data files

Cons:
• minimalist and unusual interface
• incomplete Russification
• no selective preservation of so many kinds of data
• sometimes rather slow work
• No avtoraspakovki
• astray, sometimes do not work correctly setup.

Ratings (1-5):
• Interface: 3 (uncomfortable, although very standardized and simplified)
• Features: 5 (no extra features, but all that is expected from bekapera, present)
• Customer Support: 5 (forums, advanced FAQ)
• Reliability: 3 (it works, but there are minor problems on some devices and crashes in the preferences)
• Total: 4.

General outcomes of the backup on Windows Mobile devices

Any of the four examined in our review of programs for data backup (Sprite Backup, SPB Backup, Sunnysoft Backup Manager and SKTools) lets you forget about saving data synchronization methods (via ActiveSync). Already for this they should be installed on your device or PDA. However, these applications are not suited to each user, therefore, let us orient you in your choice. So, for the most choice comes down to Spb Backup or Sprite Backup. First distinguish Russification and simplicity, while the second - the speed interface and functionality (especially in version premium). If you are new to the PDA case, feel free to install either the one or the other. You will not regret. Recommend Sunnysoft Backup can only be those who appreciate the combination of high flexibility of configuration and the ability to track the battery device. Otherwise, the WM 5.0, this program is not competitive due to lack of stability and confusing interface. Advanced users will also certainly prefer SKTools because the entire set of functions that a small part of which is the backup. For many superfunktsionalnost this package will identify and select bekapera. Nevertheless, the very real situation where the user SKTools will spare no money for a separate program. Such a step it can push, especially the need for flexible configuration of selective backup and in a familiar intuitive interface. Experts and fans computers may prefer this program for aesthetic reasons, because in SKTools 44 programs occupy the same space as the average bekaper from competitors.

Comparative table: Sprite Backup, Spb Backup, Sunnysoft Backup Manager and SKTools Backup

Part I: Overview of Sprite Backup. Part II: Overview of Spb Backup. Part Three: Overview of Sunnysoft Backup Manager. Supplement edition: During the preparation of reviews for some of the programs were new versions. For example, Spb Backup has been updated to version 1.5.5. Here is a list of changes:

• For communicators added to the automatic insertion of PIN-code after a reboot.
• Now you can create a separate exe-extractor that allows you to choose to restore any file.
• Fixed some bugs.

SK Tools updated to version 3.1.4.1, but the changes relating to backups in the new version does not.The authors, translation:

Sony Clie PEG-NZ90: stylish, thicker, heavier

If we continue the series of epithets that are listed in the title, the more powerful, more functional and more expensive ... It's about a new Pocket PC Sony Clie PEG-NZ90. This remarkable machine is represented by Sony just, and among other PDAs distinguished by having built-in digital camera with a sensor resolution of 2 megapixels, a family of ARM processor with a clock frequency of 200 MHz and the operating system Palm OS 5.0. We can say that NZ90 - the most powerful for today clone Palm `Yes. Merits of the new machines excited and a little cart. Exact - due to modern technical solutions opportunities. And so what are these opportunities, dignity, and that so-so, life will show. In the field of PDA is not so simple as in personal computers. Powerful - yet does not mean better. We had fun watching the march of machines based on Palm OS, which is certainly the poorest in functionality - either you full sound, no graphics - Computer-based operating system Windows CE. Unpretentious, although, at times, and not cheap "joins organizers" were sold around the world, like hotcakes. Not particularly helpful in competing Pocket PC to multimedia capabilities ... iPaq, no doubt, amazingly beautiful, but we do not have the beauty of the thing we need is a pocket organizer. What happens to the Palm `s today, after the fifth version of the operating system? And it happens that the market appeared Gulliver among the Lilliputians - Sony Clie PEG-NZ90. Machine is as perfect as it is unusual. Pocket PC is not very pocket-sized ... Something similar seems to have been? Exactly - with cars. Small, nimble, truly urban avtomobilchik (say, Mini English designer Issigonis) with each new model grew up, gained a new, more powerful motor and the correct motor beast roar. In the end, he ceased to be an original avtomobilchiki and turned into an ordinary car - one of many. And there, in a herd of big cars, are quite different rules. In a herd of keyboard PDA also operate different rules than in a nice little family besklaviaturny "handhelds". Another thing is that Sony itself has long trendsetter. Can build the leaders of the past in order of size and then reduced to the outsiders. And then remember what they are, the winners-defrocked, was clever. With Sony contact is dangerous.

First meeting

Computer PEG-NZ90 thing, of course, dear. Feels handwriting Sony - which would not have released a computer (including notebooks and desktops forgotten by us), it immediately wants to have its personal use. New pickpocket changed the color of the body. Now it is not silver or even black, it - black. Visually, black nice weights machine, turns it into a dark brick. But, on the other hand, and that shy? He is - a brick. If the case can be repulsed by him from a dashing man, let alone a pocket ottyanesh - for sure ... If zasunesh, of course, that computer in your pocket. What exactly is the new PDA has grown in size? In terms of both halves of the hull, fastened with a hinge, remained unchanged. But the lower part of the increase in thickness - a new processor, new e-filling. Both the hinge - it is built with a lens and a photo module, which can not but rejoice with the flash - in diameter also increased. A bit, just nonsense, and those unfortunate millimeters brought the computer in a completely different "age" category. Predecessors, a series of computers NX, too, were rather big, but a new series of NZ (in fact, that this is the series rather than single model, the big question does not arise), they surpassed.When folded, half to half, the status of the new PDA is thicker than any Pocket PC ... While the elegance of its simple delights! Sony - Sony ... it's processor speed or the new "OSes" by eye could not be assessed. But immediately attracts the screen - bright camoe advantage of color patterns handheld Sony. And it is, in fact, it's bright. Screen NX90 has a unique high-resolution - 320x480 pixels. Almost square, but not square. I wonder, is it? Features of the implementation of the display (active matrix TFT, all the honor for the honor) - a consequence of radical improvements "photographic" component of the new "pickpocket". NX90 more cameras than any other PDA. We can say that it is an ideal symbiosis of handheld computers and digital cameras. But the ideal things do not happen. Dignity of one of the disadvantages of growing up in another. But first, perhaps, still on the merits.

Tell me - chi-and-out!

Amateur digital photography begins with a sensor resolution of 2 megapixels. Anything less, self-indulgence. Anything more is highly desirable. This is ambiguous (seemingly) a statement borrowed me from experienced photographers (in the sense of completely tronuvshihsya on digital cameras specialists who are ready for a good camera to tell any secrets to the enemy - if they had an enemy, and there were any secrets). And I totally agree with them. As in the technique of sound reproduction, where the Hi-Fi amplifier must have a reserve power, and digital photos of the sensor should have a supply of permits. The format of the finished print 10x15 is not serious. Any defect - color noise, accidentally caught in a frame object, the error in the composition - and vykadrovka preserving the print size becomes impossible, because the print only part of the frame in the same maximum (negligible household) 10x15 format without losing quality you can not. In the NX90 is set high (read - CCD, but not vulgar CMOS) sensor (not less than 100 units of ISO, although the details still do not know) 2-megapixel sensor. And that immediately raises the value of the computer as a tool for amateur digital photography. Maximum resolution photo module - 1600x1200 pixels. Great start! I think in future computer models, Sony will get three-and chetyrehmegapikselnye sensors. But so far, and two will be enough for the eyes. The second "photographic" plus the new machines - the already mentioned high-resolution screen. Clearly, this is not a tiny 2-inch (usually less) display a digital camera. The third advantage - built-in flash photo module. Nothing about it I do not know, just seeing the pictures that there are any. Well, thank God. Not very useful, but not a bad tool. If they do not abuse it, of course.

Our kazisto-lab-

Now for the inevitable costs, without which costs even Sony. True, this technique is easier to get used to, including its shortcomings ... How can this thing shoot? That is - to shoot, because computers NX Series cameras are in no way is not because of experience and serious work with this wonderful fotomashinkoy not. I can imagine the following situation. Open my car, turn the half of the screen to my lens photo module - from himself. Aim of the image on the screen ... And now the sun is shining. Stupid as to shoot only at dusk. That's why light painting that - light. And the light screen image is not visible. Even reflective displays are not saved. We are not shaped as letters trying to discern and build a complete picture. Here every detail is important. Serious fotofirmy, which include myself and Sony, to their cells produce a blend pull on the control displays. Seen such a Nikon Coolpix. The camera becomes like a professional medium format camera with interchangeable shaft.Force pockets full, "even though shooting is not very convenient - too increases the size camera. Well, the hood and look for the NZ90? Pocket PC does not come as a cumbersome caricature. Screen-then the CCP will be maybe more than any digital camera ... The second claim - Ergonomics. But then it can not be helped, a computer component in the machine Sony naiperveyshaya and photographic - are secondary. And it's not too difficult - to remove "pickpocket". No more complicated than a cell phone ... Well, that cameras do not embed in irons. That's where it would be torture.

Video music recorder

All the rest of the multimedia qualities NX90 only from the enthusiasm. First - machine can not only take pictures but also shoot video. And, do not anyhow any, and in standard MPEG-1 and MPEG-4. Resolution in this case lower than that of the camera (only the central part of the sensor), but with sound (like, just do not know yet). That is, the future owner will receive not only a powerful PDA, but a good digital camera. The second - the computer can play audio files in MP3 ... Here, I would greatly rejoice not. Sony this part of their machines sells well-known twists, trying to maximize complicate piracy being the owner of the computer. Well, it's like we do - do not struggle with alcoholism, and vodka. However, the sound output only at the "ears". And rightly so, that to them - what good is listening to music through the system squeaker? Next - voice recorder. Here, Sony has implemented a fully digital diktofonostroeniya own experience. The technical specifications on the NZ90 is said that the card Memory Stick 128 MB you can "beat" to 535 minutes of voice communications - in the slow mode LP (long play), but nonetheless. Almost 10 hours a recording! It's not all. Through the "crib" sync computer can connect to your TV or VCR to watch the (rewritten) pictures and video. Given that the NZ90 works with MPEG-4, we find a pocket digital video recorder. And the computer keyboard, a slot where you can insert a network card or wireless communication module. Well it turns out a toy.

A barrel of tar in a drop of honey

Finish the story of vipers message about the cost of a new PC Sony Clie PEG-NZ90. He has not sold, but the company is already taking pre-orders on it. So, in the "first world" at the computer asking $ 800 - as they have adopted, without a cent (ie 799.99). We (the order "number of the world" tactfully omitted) will be even more expensive - the official PDA Sony does not come to Russia, and haul vanity requires certain costs. What does this mean? The fact that this toy is not for everyone. And the question is not even the cost, the question of expediency. How much are the two devices separately - a digital 2-megapixel camera (with excellent ergonomics, optical viewfinder and other makeweights) and a good PDA (with a color screen, a slot for memory cards and other things)? Here I am about the same ... The authors, translation: