A few days with the Treo 180g

With the Treo smartphone from the company Handspring I managed to spend a few days. It was enough to get a fairly complete picture of the device, and to formulate their attitude towards this device. Attitude, I must say, in two ways. On the one hand, Treo definitely like it. And performance, and size and the fact that as the operating system is selected Palm OS. The latter, of course, deeply subjective, I just take this OS is not the first year, much used to it. On the other hand, a considerable amount of annoying shortcomings, deficiencies and nedodumok disappointing and, as a result, negates all the positive emotions arise, usually in the first minutes and hours of communication with the Treo. As it turns out that the notes of the device I was doing on the fly. In the car, at home, at work. I did them in a notebook, using graffiti in Russian. Full Russification (translated interface) on the Treo does not arise. Now on the market two major Russian PiLoc and Papirus, both mean special versions for different models of Palm Treo and a list of devices, no - it was too rare a bird in our area. But the Lite version is placed. As an experiment I put Papirus, and then stopped at his favorite CyrHack.

Highlights Summary

Short notes on the Treo device, made in the embedded notebook device.

Buttons

Included - on-screen speed dial button. Well thought out, but to get to the usual buttons to switch nekolko regimes. In fact, well thought out. Multiple screens with buttons shortcuts subscribers. Each can be assigned a short name and phone number. Button, you can sort out the wheel to scroll. Central depression means to call the selected entry. Conveniently enough, given that all operations can be performed with the lid closed. Before the keyboard can get a digital set or hardware buttons or by clicking on an icon, but here's the kit itself is only possible with the folded front cover.

Headset

Headset with a special button on the microphone, which allows to answer the call without touching himself Treo, especially in the car - very comfortable. Most of the Treo struck by the fact that engineers are not lazy and turned it into a normal phone. That is on the device itself there is a speaker and microphone - an exaggerated version of opening the phone from Motorola. True, the ear in an open state, it looks somewhat cumbersome, but in the hand is, in contrast, say from the Nokia 9210 is dense and comfortable. Headset, as mentioned, is also thought - on the microphone has a small button, which allows to answer calls and hang up. " Food in the car is dark. Call. Fired illumination on the display determined the number. Replied button on the headset. To answer, just click the button on the headset, open the lid of the communicator, or click on the screen. The display shows information on the caller. Anyway, I had enabled caller ID. The caller's number with a record of the Treo phone book can compare.

Backlight

The car is dark. Call. Backlight will not turn on who is calling is not visible. Why not included? General lighting deserves special comment.On the work of an inverted light monochrome screens Palm talked a long time. Feature of her is that, unlike usual, it makes lit only the active screen area. That is, if you read the text, then the light only letters. In the darkness, similarly lighted display can be seen well, in twilight or even in the light of day - almost nothing. That is, at some time a situation arises that the non-illuminated display is not visible, but with illumination - not yet in sight. And the lights turn on the Treo then when he wants, but when you do not want to - not included. "Forced to" make the display light can be only the power switch. And, at long press the power button activates the phone mode, and includes a backlight only when you double. But to find the line between these clicks is difficult and the chance to turn the so-called Wi-Fi mode (phone) or even the entire device when trying to extract light from the device certainly is great. How, and depending on which lights turn on or turn in the dark - I did not understand.

Notebook

Notebook Treo and located on the SIM-card compatible. Working with SIM-card - one of the weaknesses of the phone. That is, he means, apparently, that a separate cell phone for service maps. For example, change the PIN-code on the Treo can not. Also, you can not select a cellular network (in the case, for example, when roaming is possible with several operators simultaneously) and so on. Also, for unknown reasons to me, address book, located on the SIM-card is not available for editing. Entries that are on it you can either delete or copy the internal memory device. Apparently the creators means the best cell phone with which to fill the built-in SIM-card memory. Against this background looks strange programm called SIM-services, giving access to information services provider. For example, the operator BeeLine such services are called BeeInfo, in MTC is SIM-Media.

Internet

Tried to call your ISP - an error the network. And where is GPRS? Probably, this is my Krivorukov, but to call the MTU, I could not. That is, to see how the built-in browser and email program I could not. Also embarrassing lack of GPRS, which more and more addicted to our carriers. Handspring has long promised to release a patch that allows Treo to work with this protocol, but for Russia it is unavailable. And therefore all e-mail and Internet zamorochki, in most cases remain "outside".

Messages

When sending SMS messages Russian is not entered. Software for sending SMS in Russian with TREO do not live. Probably the biggest disappointment. SMS I use actively and communicate with his wife and friends, and here, so it put! RUS SMS - a powerful utility for palm send messages in Russian TREO wireless modem as the device allows you to choose to send, but sent through it will not. A native of Moscow posts by Beeline took a transliteration is excellent, and here, for example, sent from Voronezh, was converted to krakozyably, with some very dense, are not subject to decryption. Sorry, I relied on handwritten SMS.

Output

In fact, this was enough to popolzovavshis TREO few days, happy to pass on your Siemens. Though the unit itself I liked, taking into account all the shortcomings of its size was too big for functionality. Maybe even color in the following models will serve as some justification.Really felt the need to cheholchike at times - I had to wear the TREO in the breast pocket of a shirt that he was constantly "under the ear." Probably something a little bit that pleased - the amount of memory. 16 MB for Palm OS is a lot, and certainly in the eye for the communicator. Black-and-white screen is no longer in vogue, but these models come with a color ekranom.Handspring. The authors, translation:

Nokia 7650: The new jewel from Nokia

So, to pass. Talking about the new Nokia models based on Symbian OS no longer just talking about the beautiful future, and to the public was presented the first model of the family of Series 60 - Nokia 7650 imaging phone. By the classification of Symbian this device is likely to category Pearl (Pearl) - smartphones. Smartphones for some reason are traditionally called all the devices that combine PDA and phone functions, but in reality it's not quite true. For example, keyboard devices such as Nokia 9210 are for a PDA, while smartphones - it is rather a device such as SonyEricsson P800. Nokia 7650, Nokia itself is not called a smartphone, and "imaging phone", ie the phone with photo and video functions. But be that as it may, I am holding a fundamentally new device, which analogs have not been. Appearance of new items a few unusual for the phone - it resembles a smaller PDA-type pretty Palm. Looks extremely stylish Nokia 7650 - silver-colored middle part of the body, front and rear (sliding) black panel - made soundly, and not only pleasant to look at, but very good in the hand. The rear half of the device moves relative to the main part of the body and opens the gaze rather elegant form the keyboard. Button on the keyboard is very flat, with little progress, and at first it appears that it will be difficult to press - but it is not. Even I, with his thin fingers did not, no problem got the keys. In addition to the sliding keypad 7650 is equipped with a joystick, which is also, and another button. In general, this joystick deserves a separate discussion - a piece extremely comfortable. Two more familiar to users of Nokia phones buttons are located below the screen, and a little sideways - it is the menu button.

Nokia 7650 in the folded state: the keyboard is not visible ...

Director of the Moscow office of Nokia, Mr. Raimo Niukkanen sly smiles and offers me the most to find a compartment for SIM-card. I routinely take off the battery and put it back ... because there is nothing under it. Further searches reveal that on the back of the unit there is one remove the cover under which there is an antenna and proper slot for SIM-cards (with closed keyboard is not visible). On the new device, the cover is sitting in general "as poured" on who visited the same in the hands of many journalists' phone it has a small gap, making it, and you can find. Here are suffering SIMka inserted, the power button is pressed - go ahead! Logo appears on the screen Nokia, then there are the traditional handshake two hands (one more, a second smaller one), and a few seconds appears the main screen. The download speed is definitely happy! Also encouraged and the screen itself - its perfectly visible even in bright sunlight (unlike, for example, the screen Nokia 9210). And, curiously, is better seen when the sun shines directly on the screen. By the way, your phone has a sensor light - and in bright light, the phone does not include the backlight, if a sensor is activated. From the perspective of the current realities of the phone "packed" more than adequately: GPRS, HSCSD, infrared, Bluetooth, 12-bit color screen, polyphonic ring tones - all these are nothing new today, everything is taken for granted - the progress does not stand still . But the main highlight is, of course, the camera. The lens is located on the back of the phone, and in the folded position the keyboard is closed, so that shooting is only possible with the extended keyboard. Permission is small - 640x480 pixels (dots of the matrix is ​​unknown to me, but apparently it is not too large), but it is enough to perform the basic function - take a picture and send it to someone else.For use as a professional digital camera, the Nokia 7650 is, of course, does not apply. The camera has three modes - normal, portrait (which simply "cut" part of the image, as if creating a sort of "frame") and a night mode, in which the camera shoots pretty well in low light conditions. The process of shooting is simple utterly: have guided the lens to the desired object by clicking on the button joystick - and the picture is ready! In this case, the phone plays a sound similar to shutter the old camera - very nice detail that adds a certain charm to the process of shooting ;-). And as applications such harvester can find a lot! Ranging from the simple exchange of funky favorite photos of themselves to send pictures to someone astray location (eg home), where he was to come. And the opportunity to capture a unique moment without a single camera is expensive. Let the quality of so-so, but there is a picture to remember! Special enthusiasm for the camera showing representatives of the weaker sex - is the machine into the hands of someone of them are beginning to click everything, men are somehow more reserved ...) Now a little about the user interface device. When you create a Series 60 Platform Specialists Nokia aims to make the interface as a convenient, intuitive, and instead of the maximum functionality in a tiny phone screen. And, oddly enough, the developers have succeeded. Even people who have never held in their hands the phone Nokia, note the simplicity and ease of use. Phone's screen (the main "menu", which is activated by a button) is a set of icons, moving between them by using the joystick. Start (choice) by pressing the joystick - like I said, he still works part-time and a button. Two additional buttons on the body below the screen are familiar to users from Nokia, although perform several other functions. Left button invokes a context menu, which can vary depending on the application and workflow. The right usually does the "Cancel". By the way, to me, the user phones Nokia «with the experience, it is initially somewhat hurt - usually when entering text, this button performs the function of erasing a symbol, and a couple of times I had to start re-enter data, because instead of erasing letters or other applications to close the dialogue (of course without saving already entered text). Then I found on the keyboard «C» (deletion), and all at once it became easier.

Slight movement of the hands of Nokia 7650 turns into a keyboard device ...

The icons can be grouped into separate "folders" (eg "Tools", "Messages", etc.) You can create your own folders and places the desired icon. In contrast to the more professional communicators families Nokia 92XX, Nokia 7650 provides the user with a few less freedom in terms of various file manipulations - a file system is completely hidden from the user. This eliminates the numerous problems caused by an inquisitive mind and "skillful" hands Users often ask questions like "why should I not delete the folder System, all the same it just takes up too much space ..." pleased that the phone comes fully Russified, indicating that serious for Nokia to Russian users. Although I was told that in the instance that I tested, is not installed the final version of the firmware, however, specific complaints about the work of software has not caused - it worked perfectly. True, I could not resist the temptation of a professional and very carefully looked at all for any blunders. To the credit of translators Nokia, they appeared not too much.Most of my disagreements with them - the question of individual terms. Another problem in a small (for me compared to the Nokia 9210) screen - a long Russian phrases simply do not fit, and must be strongly reduced. Managed by the Nokia 7650 operating system, Symbian OS, version 6.1. About this system is said and written a lot, so I will not repeat. I can only say that this system developed a joint venture of the leading manufacturers of mobile phones and a very serious claim to be a standard in this market. One unique feature of this OS is that it can be "adapted" absolutely any user interface that gives manufacturers a truly unlimited freedom of action than that and is very active in Nokia. The standard set of applications, "stitched" into the phone ROM includes:

• The program works with the camera
• E-mail client that works with SMS, E-mail, MMS and fax
• Contacts database
• Calendar
• Two toys - familiar to many "snake" and an extended version of "pyatnashek" remarkable fact that the order should not numbers, and pieces of the picture, and as the playing field can be any image file. Photographed the beautiful scenery - and collect it at your leisure from the pieces.
• WAP-browser

Also on the Nokia 7650 is possible to install additional applications, of which more recently there is increasing with the growth of this platform. As the Nokia 7650 also proved to be good. The reception was very confident - even in the basement of an indicator showing the maximum level. When the conversation is no gripes with the sound quality does not arise. The only "but": when the illumination is clearly audible in the dynamics of the "background", but since the lights off after a few seconds of conversation, the background also disappears. The device is equipped and feature "hands-free" - for its inclusion is a button on the left side of the phone. Polyphonic synthesizer tone is very loud and very pleasant to the ear. Pleased that as a ringtone, you can use any MIDI-file (and they are on the Internet you can find thousands, for every taste) - the device will automatically recognize it when you receive and put into the correct directory, and it will immediately appear in the list of available ring tones for. Another useful feature is that the smartphone is borrowed from a Nokia 7110 - when closing the keypad, the phone automatically offers a key lock to protect against accidental pressing. When you open the keypad lock is automatically removed. Phone equipped with e-mail client, able to work with POP3 and IMAP4. I did not raise any problems with the configuration and access to my mailbox. Also, there were no problems with reading messages - the phone supports the main Russian-language coding. Lack of Web-browser does not seem a particular problem: in any case, browse Web-pages on a tiny screen - not a pleasant occupation. Current theme today - GPRS. No problems were found (Beeline). The access point is configured according to the instructions on the website operator, after which everything works smoothly. Also failed to send (but myself, because none of his acquaintances no phones supporting MMS), a message MMS - picture with a little sound. Everything went perfectly (after studying the instructions on the site BeeLine), which I admit, even a little surprised. By the way, Nokia 7650 can be used as a modem in conjunction with a handheld computer or laptop - using the infrared port or Bluetooth. Now a few words about how to connect to a desktop PC. Here, perhaps, waiting for the main surprise. The Nokia 7650 is no serial (RS-232) port! It seems that this slow (although very reliable and simple) user interface, serving faithfully for many (probably already more than 15 (!)) Years, finally beginning to leave in the past. True, there is no USB - only infrared and Bluetooth. Software PC Suite for Nokia 7650 also has undergone significant changes.Company-developer of the operating system Symbian, which is often criticized for being weak in an exchange with a desktop PC, has decided not to develop it more independently, and held a tender to develop among the third party. Now, instead of developed in the early 90-s protocol Psion Link Protocol (which is even used in Nokia 9210) used the so-called "middleware» (middleware) m-Network from a company IntuWave, built on the basis of IP. Thus, through a special program-m-Router router device and a desktop PC communicate using standard Internet protocols! In this case, absolutely no matter what transport is used - whether it's infrared port adapter Bluetooth, GPRS, 802.11, or USB. All this greatly simplifies the connection of mobile devices, such as corporate networks. In fact, the mobile device is no longer just a complement to the desktop, but it becomes a full-fledged network device. In this case, two devices can communicate with each other without any centralized server. Protection issues are also addressed on a distributed basis, and because of the lack of intermediate servers, such a system is highly reliable. As a universal and highly scalable, the system m-Network can be used in networks of any complexity and configuration. Hurrah! ;-) By the way, to pass on the desktop just take a picture, PC Suite does not need - enough built-in Windows. I quietly posted a photo on a computer running Windows 2000. Any conflicts and problems have arisen in this case! In fact, Nokia 7650 acts as a digital camera with an infrared port. After some dithyrambs new device, let's talk about the shortcomings - alas, to do without them. Perhaps most significant is the absence of any expansion slots. 4 megabytes of internal memory - it's not very much, especially if you install all the applications running and using the camera without interruption. Incidentally, the new model 3650, this shortcoming is absent. Frankly, I do not understand the solution developers, are not supplied the apparatus higher price range expansion slot. True, I still can not find them an excuse - each of the halves of the sliding casing is thin enough, and quite possibly, for the connector is simply not enough room. Another, less important, disadvantage is the inability to record video using the built-in camera, but has already appeared a program that allows it to do. On the other hand, 4MB of memory too much video does not burn. Still did not really like that to access the numbers on the SIM-card, call the main menu and open the folder «SIM». In conventional phones was enough to simply press an arrow key, and the list soon appear on the screen. And, of course, price. It seems that Nokia 7650 is positioned as a phone for the advanced youth (in fact, that's really where the camera will appeal to the court), but I'm not sure that the Cost of the order of 700-800 euros youth tumble down the shaft of a novelty - the price bites. But this, of course, the costs of progress - first high-tech innovations are expensive. Eventually, of course, the price will fall. Yes, and a new model just around the corner. So far, 7650 - in many ways more of a symbol of prestige and "advancement" host.

Results

Well, it's time to summarize. The first pancake of the illustrious family of Series 60, represented by the Nokia 7650, yet did not become lumpy. Phone turned out exceptionally comfortable, functional and easy to use. Nokia has once again confirmed his status of a leader and trendsetter among manufacturers of mobile devices. Incidentally, the Series 60 platform has been so successful that it has licensed some of the major mobile phone manufacturers - in particular, Siemens, Panasonic and literally just Samsung. So that soon we can expect exciting new devices.In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Russian representative Nokia Mr. Raimo Niukkanenu for kindly providing the opportunity to test this very interesting device. Hopefully, Nokia will continue to please us with new products at this level. The authors, translation:

Smart handheld assistants. Part II - Devices

What is a smart handheld assistant?

Mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular. That cell phone comes to mind when the word "mobility", but still the phone or player - it's a thing in itself. What can the player? Play music, show videos and photos. Everything. Phone, of course, can call or even allow you to stroll through the Internet. But it's not that. And here comes the main opponent of the phone - smart phone. Smart mobile phone will not only enjoy all the features of the phone, but also to add new features to your liking. The player can easily replace the PDA, which has just an incredible potential. But the apotheosis of all of these devices is now an instrument called a communicator. It has everything: player, phone, PDA and what you yourself might want, and then think of - programming still has not been canceled. Finally separate group navigators - the device will not let you get lost, as well as entertain outdoors or on the road. This part of the article about pocket assistants designed to help beginners in the difficult choice of his first multifunctional handheld device. And we begin the story with a PDA, then gradually move on to smartphones, communicators and conclude on a cheerful note navigators.

Personal digital assistant - PDA

I'm sure many are not only heard this abbreviation - PDA, but also saw the device personally, at least in the picture. Incidentally, PDAs abroad know how to PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - Personal Digital Assistant or Pocket PC (PPC) - Pocket PC. CCP is a flat box with a large screen that occupies most of the front panel and a minimum of buttons. Like Big Brother (BB - in forums, he's an ordinary home "personalka), PDAs, gifted with a CPU, RAM (random access memory - memory that is) and ROM (read-only memory - an analog of the hard drive). Each CCP is characterized by the frequency and the model of CPU, RAM, which is usually referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM, that is, ROM (Read Only Memory), and the availability of expansion slots, resolution and screen diagonal, the presence of auxiliary elements, such as a means of connection and communication. A small number of buttons in handheld computers (remember the PC keyboard) because the active means of managing this difficult device supports touch screen, it shows the necessary controls - buttons, radio buttons, scroll bars. On the screen have to press a special wand - stylus (stylus), which included (usually not one - there is a spare in case of loss or damage).

Form factors PDA

The main types of buildings PDA. The most common - a candy bar with big screen, in such performance is most PDAs.

HP iPAQ 114, operating system, WM6 Classic

Rare PDA as a slider, basically, is a production company Sharp, they have also found and PDAs with a folding swivel screen.

Rare are the type of PDA-slider Sharp Zaurus SL-5000D

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PDA with a keyboard and swivel screen Sharp Zaurus SL-C3200

Further separation of the CCP is on the screen resolution. On well-known models handhelds Palm screen resolution of 160x160, 320x320 or 480h320 points.

PDA Palm T | X

PDAs based on Windows Mobile have a display resolution of 320x240 usually, at least 640x480 pixels, and some models even 800x480 pixels.

PDA with a VGA-screen HP iPAQ 214

As you can imagine, the greater the resolution, the sharper the image will be on the screen. However, it should be at the same time due to screen size, which is expressed by a diagonal - the diagonal at low and high resolution to make out small items on the screen will be very difficult. Diagonal screen size on modern PDAs can be from 2.8 to 4 inches or more.

Operating Systems

According to the type installed on it the operating system can distinguish two main types of PDAs. Most handheld computers powered by Pocket PC - is the operating system Microsoft: Windows CE, Windows Mobile. Palm brand devices operate on the same name by the operating system Palm OS. PDAs are equipped with Sharp's very very unique operating system - based on a lightweight version of Linux.

Communication

Among the features of handheld communications have such popular interfaces like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Any Pocket PC can transmit data and audio over Bluetooth, this technology is most often used to synchronize with your PC and you connect cell phone to browse the Internet. In addition, Bluetooth is used to connect various peripheral devices: you can connect a mouse, keyboard, GPS-receiver, and more.

Peripherals for PDAs: Bluetooth GPS-receiver

Peripherals for PDAs: Bluetooth Keyboard

Wi-Fi is used to connect the PDA to the computer, as well as for Internet access in the range of the access point, Wi-Fi. In some (especially older) PDA has an infrared port that is receiving less and less widespread. This port can be used to synchronize with a PC or to connect to a mobile phone, as well as for connecting peripherals. From Wireline icpolzuetsya USB port, which on some PDAs can act as a USB-Host - a special hardware port in the USB, enabling you to connect external USB devices, while devices are powered by batteries PDA (USB-flash drive, for example). With the help of a third-party software of any handheld computer can be recognized desktop as a removable disk, a standard connection to the PC is the bundled software - Sync Manager. Rarely used COM-port, and allows you to connect external devices.

Expansion Slots

Any Pocket PC supports the expansion of internal memory, ROM through flash cards. The most common types of slots are Compact Flash and SD / SDIO / MMC.

Compact Flash memory card

SD Memory Card

CCP supports SDIO can use special cards SDIO, for example, GPS receiver or Wi-Fi module.

SDIO camera

GPS-module with built-in SDIO slot for memory cards microSD

Some PDAs can even be equipped with a pair of slots, usually a CF slot and SD. Card type is usually specified in the description of a mobile computer, which also indicated and the amount of cards supported by the device.

Additional features

In general, PDA equipped with a built-in GPS, making it possible to use the computer as a handheld personal navigator.

PDA GPS-enabled Acer C531

At first glance, PDAs with integrated GPS is no different from the usual, but almost all of these devices present connector for external GPS-antenna, but on some computers, even the present flap GPS-antenna.

Asus MYPAL A639

Manufacturing companies

Dell - a well known company that produces not only laptops, but also a very decent PDA. That only is the legendary model of Dell Axim X51v. However, not so long ago, Dell has refused to release the CCP, so is unlikely we will see new items under this brand. ASUS specializes in inexpensive PDA with a nice design. Simple and reliable device. Acer is known for thin, low-cost model N3xx, which was very popular. In the line of Acer at the moment are few models, including those with built-in GPS. Fujitsu-Siemens computers famous series LOOX, range is quite extensive and includes a model with a VGA-screen and GPS. Like Dell, said about leaving the PDA market, however, the model badged Fujitsu-Siemens can still be found on sale. HP, perhaps, the most active right now on the PDA market. IPaq Pocket PC series are quite popular, today announced new models. Palm - the most ancient platform, but, unfortunately, almost no new models, and the old is very difficult to buy. Examples of models of Windows Mobile Pocket PC with VGA-screen:

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Dell Axim X51v

Acer N311

Examples of models with built-in GPS:

Mitac Mio P560

Qtek G100

Fujitsu-Siemens LOOX N560

Asus A686

Smartphones - the next stage of development Phones

Well, who among you did not hear the word smart? Probably everyone. Meanwhile, this concept all the stronger part of our vocabulary of everyday life. Unlike a regular phone, smartphone, as well as PDAs equipped with a processor, random access memory and flash memory (ROM), and manages all of these management common platform - the operating system. The smartphone does not have a touch screen, but it has a full-fledged phone module GSM, and new models also 3G. This allows you to use your smartphone as a normal phone: it has a full numeric keypad, but additional opportunities are much broader, but let's detail.

Form factors smartphones

The most popular and most common is a form-factor "monoblock", which is popularly aptly named bricks. But, nevertheless, "brick" the most reliable and convenient. In addition to the candy bar phone keypad, you can find candybar with QWERTY-keyboard, featuring more width and unfurled a 90-degree swivel screen.

Smartphone with QWERTY-keyboard HTC S620

Smartphone with a numeric keypad HP iPAQ 514

Next is a clamshell, this form follows the more the company Nokia. There is also a horizontal clamshell, but it's very rare model.

Qtek 8500 Smartphone

Asus M930 Smartphone

Slider, still popular among young people dress in the latest fashion. Normal slider includes an upper portion of the display, which moves up and gives you access to the numeric keypad.

Nokia N81 Smartphone

Toshiba G500 smartphone

Dual slider that became popular thanks to smartphone Nokia N95, can shift the display unit not only upwards but also downwards, which gives access to the keys, media player controls.

Nokia N95 Smartphone

There is also a specific form factor, as a horizontal slider. Outwardly, this smartphone looks like a normal phone, but it's worth to move the entire front panel sideways glance as opened a full QWERTY-keyboard and the display is rotated 90 degrees. On such a machine is convenient to write messages SMS, ICQ or email.

HTC S730 Smartphone

Screen resolution of most smartphones is from 176x208 to 320x240 pixels. Rarely used non-standard resolution, so smartphone Nokia N80 has a screen resolution 416h352 point, but this is an exception to the rule. Even a smartphone Asus m930 clamshell has an external screen is 320x240, and the inner a little more - 400h320 points. VGA-screens on smart phones are not used - this is due to the small diagonal of the screen, usually from 1.8 to 2.8 inches. Feature of any smartphone is the lack of the touch panel screen. All management is done through the keypad and five-way button (joystick), which simplifies the device and makes it look more like a cell phone.

Operating System

The handset is used, mainly operating system Windows Mobile (today there are 5.0, 6.0 and 6.1 of the OS) and Symbian OS (Nokia Series 60 platform). Sometimes there are Palm Treo smartphones based on Palm OS (but these devices are more to your device, rather than smart phones) as well as rare in our country Smartphones Blackberry with its own operating system.

Communication

Among the communication modules for smartphones, of course, the first in the list will be a module GSM / GPRS / EDGE, which allows to make calls, use the device as a modem for your PC and take advantage of mobile and more.And today we increasingly see communication module 3G/UMTS for third generation networks, whose use is not far off already in our country. Using third party software can be improved, and configure itself to work with SMS, email, phone calls, put the answering machine or recording conversations in the file. And most importantly, with the unit having the functionality of CCP, you do not need to carry a cell phone (or vice versa, the phone is not required to wear the CCP). Almost every smartphone (except for very old models) module equipped with Bluetooth, which is most often used for wireless headsets, GPS-receivers and home PCs, although the functionality of the module rarely concedes that of the CCP. IR port is almost no longer applies, since the standard is rapidly becoming obsolete. But Wi-Fi on the contrary can be seen more often - a standard suitable for the network connection for surfing the Internet, VoIP using Skype, Fring. But to build a full-fledged local network between smartphone and PC yt is always possible, due to the limited functionality of Wi-Fi smartphones. Of the wired interface is used by USB, more often than version 1.1 with a low data rate.

Expansion Slots

Thanks to its compact size, smartphones are equipped with compact version of flash cards, among them the most common miniSD and microSD. Any smart phone supports memory cards up to 2 GB, inclusive, and those devices that have support for SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and more than 2 GB, this feature should be listed in the description of the model.

Additional features

Additional features include mention GPS-module, embedded in some smartphones Nokia, this device gets added functionality for a small amount, which is very important. FM-radio, and is implemented in some models, will not be bored on the road and give a feeling of oneness with the world. Like many phones, the vast majority of smartphone features built-in camera, with some recent models of these devices is very well filmed. The presence of the flash (usually LED) also depends on the model. Actually, the camera is not only equipped with devices targeted at the business segment, and even then not all. Better photo module have smartphones based on Symbian, but in WM-smartphones camera is a rather nice addition.

Manufacturing companies

Samsung manufactures both smartphones Symbian S60, as well as on Windows Mobile. Such devices have index «i» in the title, for example, SGH-i320. Nokia - trendsetter in the world of Symbian S60. A huge number of models, the entire N-and E-series phones Nokia - smartphones, even some models with a numerical designation based on the S60. HTC. This Taiwanese company has been producing vehicles exclusively on a platform of WM, and sold not only under the name HTC, but also makes the device available on request. The model number of the company have a few smart phones. Through this company, devices based on Windows Mobile is becoming increasingly popular. ASUS is not very long ago began to produce smartphones in the line of the company already has two interesting models: one-piece clamshell M530w and M930. In addition, in the camp of the smartphone market noted such famous companies as Fly, Toshiba, Palm, HP, RoverPC, Voxtel, Motorola, i-Mate and others, as well as some mobile operators (O2, Vodaphone), selling HTC devices under their own brands.

Communicators. When all in one

So we got to the most functional and expensive devices including smart devices. Communicator - it's almost a laptop. Only a pocket. Among the merits of communicators can select the full functionality of PDAs, cell phones, portable music player, the navigator (not all models), Internet Tablet, and more. And all because of a smartphone - it is rather a phone with built-in PDA, a communicator - on the contrary, PDAs with built-in phone. It is worth noting that the smartphone has become famous, basically, Nokia with its platform S60, and the vast majority of communicators based on Windows Mobile different versions.

Form factors

This is where the engineers cleared a fantasy, so it is in the design of communicators. After all, today is the most popular devices premium, an increasing number of buyers prefer a communicator, rather than a cell phone. The basic form factor, of course, remains the candy bar.This device looks like a classic PDA, also equipped with a touchscreen, but it has a key characteristic of the reception / reject the call.

Communicator glofiish DX900

As a complement, candy bar may have a numeric keypad, or the original QWERTY-keyboard below the screen. Keyboard famous models such as the Asus P750, P527, Sony-Ericsson P1i, M600i, and of course Palm.

ASUS P750 Communicator

Communicator Sony Ericsson P1i

Communicator Palm Treo 750v

The slider also has occupied its niche in society and among communicators. Present as usual vertical slider (HTC Touch Dual, Samsung SGH-i750), and the more common horizontal slider with QWERTY-keyboard (HTC TyTN II, glofiish M800, Toshiba G900).

Communicator HTC Touch Dual

Communicator glofiish M800

Clamshell communicator hardly any (if you have a view of the classic clamshell), although there were older models of Lenovo or RoverPC S2, now some popular models, performed in a horizontal clamshell laptop (Nokia E90, 9300i, QTEK 9000). Such devices necessarily include a full QWERTY-keyboard under the folding screen.

Communicator RoverPC S2

Nokia E90 Communicator

Finally, communicators with a flip. These models resemble a regular telephone. Flip these devices carry the keys phone module and partially conceals the touch screen in the closed position.

Communicator Sony Ericsson P990i

Screen resolution of 320x240 pixels (QVGA) common to almost all models of these devices. Palm Treo Communicators have a screen QVGA - 320x320 pixels, Toshiba G900 even has a screen of 800x480 pixels, finally, the producers started to pay attention to the screens with a resolution VGA (640x480 pixels). Diagonal screen size varies from 2.4 to 3 inches. Touchpad on the screen are 99% of all communicators. Only a few models of Nokia Communicator deprived of touch screen - a model E90 and the entire 9hhh series. However, the specific features and similarities with the laptop in the presence of GSM / UMTS module allows you to rank these models in particular to the device and not a smartphone, although in the folded position they are strongly reminiscent of the phone.

Operating System

If the majority of smartphones running Symbian OS, the majority of communicators in the power of Microsoft Windows Mobile. This operating system was originally developed for a PDA with touch screen and could not be better approached communicators by adding telephone functionality to the OS. Thus, most models of PDA runs on Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional and 5.0 Phone Edition. Communicators prefer Sony Ericsson Symbian UIQ3.0. This is a unique communicator with advanced features, but a limited set of third-party software. Palm OS carry a series of communicators PalmOne TREO, and Mac OS X has all-honored Apple iPhone, which has not yet acquired a rich selection of third-party software.

Communication

First there was marked by the GSM-module, which provides telephone communicator functionality. Immediately, and GPRS / EDGE, though, EDGE are not all models. Some models get built-in 3G/UMTS with mandatory HSDPA Internet channel at 3.6 Mbps. It only remains to wait for the introduction of 3G in Russia. Tellingly, the mobile unit can be turned off when flying in an airplane, and use the device as a conventional PDA. Each unit is equipped with Bluetooth 1.2 module, or 2.0 + EDR with communication range up to 100 m, and the module provides the full functionality of all external devices. Bluetooth can be used to connect to a PC, keyboard, mouse, stereo, GPS-receivers and other devices. Wi-Fi module is built into all communicators not only in the model of secondary and higher price range, fuel-efficient models it is usually not. The underlying protocols that support Wi-Fi - it IEEE802.11b and g, and with all the functionality. GPS today is built into almost all vehicles. This feature is very popular and is becoming more popular because there is no need to bring additional Bluetooth GPS-receivers. However, the small battery life of such a device makes it unsuitable for walking navigation, and here the car such a device would be very handy. With a computer device connects via USB, for which each unit is supplied the necessary cord.

Expansion Slots

Here, as well as in the PDA can be used by different types of cards. WM communicators use maps standard SD, 99.99% of all vehicles - their smallest ones - mini-and microSD. Some new models (Windows Mobile 6.0 and above) have support SDHC high capacity. Nokia uses, and RS-MMC cards. But communicators Sony Ericsson (except the new model Xperia X1) hold its own Memory Stick M2.

Additional features

As well as smartphones, communicators are equipped with built-in cameras, the flash is often absent, and if there is, it's usually white LEDs. Resolution cameras on today's communicators from 1.3 to 4 megapixels. Communicators with the 3G module and have a low resolution camera on the front, it is designed for video calls, possible third-generation networks. Some communicators are equipped with even a fingerprint scanner (Toshiba G900). Also occasionally in some models can be found FM-radio, and even with the support of RDS. The most powerful machines, such as HTC X7500, equipped with a built-in 3D-graphics accelerators and more powerful processors, but the handheld device is no longer pulls.

Producers Communicators

A large number of companies took up this trend. First among them we select a company HTC, which is the main company producing WM-communicators, and a large assortment. Asus makes a whole line of communicators WM for every taste. The latest models are equipped with all necessary modules. Gigabyte recently started producing devices based on Windows Mobile, but has already established itself with a good hand. Toshiba also involved devices WM, today in the range of the company has several models and it's pretty interesting. Especially model G900 - first communicator with big screen and a fingerprint scanner. E-Ten famous communicators class all in one GPS-enabled based on Windows Mobile. Sony Ericsson makes communicators based on Symbian UIQ 3.0, which have touchscreen and business-oriented. Sufficiently distinctive vehicles. On Windows Mobile announced yet, only one device Xperia X1. Nokia does not yet have in its line of large selection of smartphones, mostly non-touch line 9hhh/E90 and Internet Tablet N800/810, and already obsolete unit 7710.

Navigation - assistants on the road

Navigators are a specific device, if the previous category of devices can be divided clearly, the navigators are divided within their own group for several types of devices. Navigation based on Windows CE - represent almost PDA with built-in navigation, it's quite functional multimedia devices. There are several types, the most common personal and car. The latter, as a rule, have not exactly pocket size, high definition touch screen, and sometimes even a TV tuner for viewing gear in the car.

Navigation Glospace SGK-70

Portable navigators - as the name intended for use in campaigns and the function they have only one - the navigation. There are simple models that show the position and speed, and more complex, with display cards.

MIO H610 Portable navigator

Bicycle / motorcycle navigators did not differ from other than personal control (for lightweight drive) and mount on the handlebars.

Navigator for Moto TiBO A ​​4050

Marine Navigation - very very specific devices with the ability to display weather, ocean currents and even listen to satellite radio.

Marine Navigation

GPS-Receivers - fairly large class of devices. Can be both wireless and USB or SDIO with a direct connection to the device.

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USB GPS-receiver

SDIO GPS-receiver

USB-receivers are designed for use with a laptop or PDA with USB-Host. This implies the presence of a laptop or PDA of a special program for navigation (like OZi Explorer), which determines the receiver and uses it to specify the coordinates on the map. SDIO / Compact Flash models are designed to work with the Handheld PC / PDA with the appropriate port (today almost all PDAs have a SDIO). But Bluetooth GPS-receiver can work with any device - be it PDA, Smartphone, laptop or PDA. It is natural for these devices require special software for GPS-navigation.

Summary and Conclusions

Of course, this text does not reveal the full capabilities of smart devices, the article only helps determine the choice of devices that you need. All the possibilities of pocket PCs and communicators can be described only in a very large book. So what we end up? Let's think logically. Let's start with the PDA. This device has a large screen, powerful enough processor, but the CCP will be plenty of phone in your shirt pocket not particularly like. Therefore, such a device is very useful as a fellow traveler on the road, because it can work, and the player, and a navigator, and the Internet in which case the exit, not to mention maintaining personal notes, address book, etc. - That is, in many ways a good alternative to a pocket notebook and is suitable for those who unnecessarily GSM/3G connection with the unit. The smartphone is now no longer a luxury. The size of a cell phone can not only replace a cell phone, but to become a great companion on the road, on vacation or picnic: this music and camera, and the Internet, and games, and navigation (when connected to the GPS-receiver, and in some devices already have built-in). Rather simple and reliable solution to all-in-one smartphone is perfect as the first intelligent machine for the novice fan of electronic devices. Communicator, you guessed it, combines the advantages of PDAs and smartphones. Here and quite a large screen, to the same sensor, and the size is almost like a telephone, and navigation. Is there anything that we can only wish for. A variety of form factors allows the user to find the right machine for your needs: who needs more telephone - he chooses candybar with a numeric keypad, who often speaks on ICQ, E-mail or SMS - select a horizontal clamshell, candy bar or a side-slider with QWERTY-keyboard , well, one who is more important than multimedia and navigation - select a simple one-piece (they are usually large screen). And those who are most of the time behind the wheel, or just likes autotravel probably opted for a specialized navigation device. The table below shows the main features and differences of intelligent assistants. The authors, translation: