Communicator Samsung i700: New or old unforgotten yet?

Communicators today - more than an idle pastime for the elite. Almost irreplaceable assistant. For many people and does work tools in their daily lives. Necmotrya the still high prices, these devices have already reached the masses, so that gradually becomes a par with ordinary mobile handsets. True, compared to the last, not without zamorochek. One of the most obvious of sights such devaysov always have been and are likely to be respectable size. Not far behind them and palpable weighty. It is understandable. Still, what steps would not took it for our land fearsome uncle-progress, but the physical dimensions of the weight reduction will certainly entail a fall in the level of ergonomics. That is why there is still no truly mobile communicator based on the OC Pocket PC. Situation hinders itself Microsoft, which keeps cvoyu conservative platform in the space provided to her bed. Needless to say, the iron discipline operates smoothly. Producers with the release of each device is not particularly ctremyatsya depart from the general line. And in the case of the new i700 from Samsung. This long awaited device and almost breathless, listened to everyone a little bit like the truth to your hearing. In practice it has turned out quite a common ustroytsvo, though not without highlights. Well, maybe it's for the best. Let's get acquainted with our guest better. Will not conceal it, i700 far away from their brethren in parts of the size and weight, making use of novelty is not too convenient. Particularly low level of ergonomics makes itself felt when using the device in the phone mode. However, the PDA-form all quite standard - a large touch screen, a minimum of controls, etc. On the i700 phone functions very clearly and not in the best light like an external antenna. Moreover, it interferes with work and storage there are certain inconveniences. Strange that Samsung decided to take a rash step, because even now, even in the domestic market, even among the analogs have a model with built-in antenna. Of course, the argument in favor of some degree may serve as a better quality of signal reception. But today, most phones lack the external antenna and feel quite confident, even in our networks. Thus, we can state the first promo for the design of the Samsung. The second is not too pleasant moment in terms of the exterior - a set of controls. Grieve the scroll wheel. It is replaced with the volume keys. Something similar has repeatedly met with the CPC. However, there was no such case where such a decision even closely resemble the convenience this wheel. No it, and in i700. But pleased with the expansion slot and a headphone output. Both openings securely closed, preventing pollution. Finally, the left end in addition to all of the above contains the activation key and voice recorder - pretty standard for a PDA solution. On the right are navigation buttons in the phone mode and adjust the backlight. If the first of these claims is difficult to produce, then the second has a significant drawback. So, initially it will activate / deactivate the screen backlight and includes a short press on / off the device itself holding for several seconds. Naturally, the second act is far more relevant and is used much more frequently, and therefore the solution Samsung can hardly be considered successful. However, this flaw is easily corrected with the appropriate tools, of which there are plenty. Concluding the topic of controls, consider the lower part of the front panel. There is almost standard for any PDA Pocket PC platform track: joystick navigation and hardware accelerator key applications. Partial dissimilarity lies in the abundance of buttons. However, many are known to be not a little, but because the extra keys, which was originally attached to the browser and mail client will be very handy. The remaining buttons are fairly easy to work, though not ideal. Too close to each other, they are clearly not please hardcore gamers, but it will be acceptable to those childish pranks are not particularly interested. But the joystick turned out good - big, clear and smooth, The words, many will like. In general, nizhnelitsevaya track went well, although the ideal, of course, far away, much closer to the solid middle level. Of passive elements catches the eye in camera i700. Ordinary technically, it is technological in essence, because it allows the lens to rotate 270 degrees. This makes it possible to spy and shoot than love so much do the owners of handheld Sony c similar figures. Indeed, this constructive refinement i700 has come in handy at work. Especially, it will be useful in the light of phone essentially new items from Samsung. So, we can with minimum effort to capture the interlocutor for inclusion in the contacts, and he did not even notice. Needless to say, my dear ability is quite a standard camera. VGA-heart can not shoot more footage resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.And the picture quality is roughly as follows: Most analog integrated camera i700 have an equally reasonable performance. The most that can expect to master this camera - an electronic photo album, the optimum - MMS and pictures to contacts in the phonebook. To print such images are not suitable. As for the innards, the i700 is equipped with Standard processor Intel PXA255 with 400 MHz, 64 MB of RAM and the same amount of ROM, one expansion slot standard SD / MMC, good old infrared port, a single person who shows all the wireless features this device. Built machine based on Windows Mobile 2003 Phone Edition. However, the available hardware have some nice nuances. Firstly, the total ROM provides a user area the size of 6 MB - a little bit, of course, but for the most important, such as contacts, accounts and other "lichku" enough. Very helpful and came with an SD expansion slot supports SDIO - a standard that provides the ability to work with peripherals on the cards, for example, wireless communication modules, and, say, Bluetooth novelty from Samsung obviously would not hurt. Last but perhaps most significant point regarding the i700 is the power system. The fact is that even with the device is delivered not one, as usual, but two batteries. Moreover, different - in size and capacity. Great find Samsung! If you do not plan long walks or on the performance of this test, it will be possible to do a compact power cell 1100 mAh - it is much lighter and smaller than the elder brother. A trip with a need to take a copy of a 2000 mAh. In this case, you will increase the life of communicative assistant almost doubled. Finally, in total isolation from the feed outlet, it will be possible to take two batteries at once, thus reaching a very respectable battery life for your device. Our tests showed more than eight hours of continuous operation with a variety of applications, including conversations and shoot camera. Needless to say, an excellent result. If to this we add the riches of an optional battery that you can buy and install yourself, thanks to shift the design, the i700 and did step over the bar at ten o'clock, and this is sufficient for a small hike. One of the main differences between "smart" phones from their ordinary counterparts - is the screen. With a large touch screen to enter information into the device - a pleasure.But compared with the handheld there is nothing extraordinary, handhelds and themselves to this much, and in the case of the i700 majority of them evade kommunikatornuyu novelty. Even today, some PDAs have a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, equipped with an impressive diagonal on local standards and have an enviable brightness. i700 under these conditions looks frankly pale. Resolution and size of its display is standard for PDA previous years: 320 x 240 pixels and 3.5 "respectively. A brightness level is average, which hinders readability in bright conditions, for example, on a clear summer day. Thus, i700 looks quite moderate even at the background of today, and it is difficult to imagine how this will turn conservative for the device tomorrow. Since I started talking about the comparison with analogues, did the rest. Are there any competitors of Samsung i700? Of course. And even in the Russian market? Here are also available. Most similar to our "rabbit" i-Mate Pocket PC. Slightly more expensive, this device is equipped with twice the RAM and a little quicker and smarter, judging by the results of synthetic benchmarks. In addition, the remarkable in-body antenna. Otherwise, he loses the i700. Thus, integrated VGA-camera in i-Mate has a fixed structure, and comes bundled with only one battery. As can be seen, each of the machines has its pluses and minuses, and therefore decide which one is best - the very thing the buyer, because objectively, they are roughly equal. In conclusion, dating from i700 briefly dwell on the minutiae of the complete model and the software part. Especially in this context is remarkable cradle. Really compact, fairly stylish and quite comfortable, it is interesting for two lights located on the front. The first of these is responsible for charging the device and the second - for the filling of additional battery power. The red color lets you know about the process, and green - on the end. Another nice little thing i700 is telescopic stylus. Very easy to use and quality, it has one drawback. If necessary to make soft-rezet account each time to untwist it, which will agree, not too comfortable in the light of glyuchnosti OSes Microsoft. Not too happy and a way to extract it - down, ie not from the top end, as usual, but from the bottom, as, for example, have the same ASUS MyPal A730. The last notable, from our point of view, accessory i700 headphones are complete. Standard medium in quality, they look very stylish. The software part is not particularly i700 feast. Of course, besides the standard set of platforms there are a number of predefined softinok, but their range is small. There is no program for data backup, no utilities adjust the frequency of the processor, there is no application for editing images imprinted, etc. In general, the existing set of proprietary software leaves much to be desired. However, it is notable for a number of exceptions. Particularly interesting is very functional, and ergonomic utility to work with the camera. Will also be useful for softinkoy recognize the voice commands - nice and quite fancy. Otherwise, nothing worthwhile is not found, which, incidentally, can be easily corrected by a third-party software, so that particularly discouraged about the avarice of Samsung is not necessary. We summarize. Samsung i700 can not rightfully be called a novelty. Under a bright wrapper we find not too relevant device. Stripped of wireless module, is not very mobile and very expensive ($ 700-750), this device will have to deal with competitors for their customers. However, at present those in the domestic market is very small. Yes, and gunpowder for i700 enough. The model is notable detail: the convenient and mobile cradle, a great stylus, with two batteries included and integrated camera. Good looks seamlessly completes the whole a very good portrait. The truth is hardly a new product worthy of large-scale exhibitions. More suitable for personal exposure in a small room among many of their kind. The authors, translation:

Top secret MiTAC Mio 136: opening the veil of secrecy

Go to the Taiwanese company MiTAC can be treated differently, however, deny the weight of its position in the PDA market is impossible. That it pleases us, not only extra-products, but also very "tasty" foods that are worthy of the finest still lifes. To recall the best of their time Mio 558 or the first Pocket PC with integrated GPS - Mio 168. Hardly anyone dares to deny a fair palatability devices, wearing the logo. Especially interesting to the last of them. Debuting on the market GPS, MiTAC, it seems, is going to seriously develop this area. Indeed, the area to be extremely promising and yet malonasyschennaya. On the part of stand-alone receivers, such as active now declare myself a Garmin and Magellan. In the case of CCP in the context of the case altogether bad. Models with the ability to receive signals from satellites, can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and successful among them are quite small. The same from the Garmin iQue 3600 turned out so specific that its sales in Russia are limited to a few dozen. However, it is much better things all at the same Mio 168, on which we reported in our recent survey, as well as his latter-day competitor from Compal - Palmax z720. So that the scarcity of range the appearance of any new product - a real joy for the audience interest. And the joy of a double if the product of MiTAC, the first attempt which did not come out lumpy, and the second - just about will be ready. It is a little known, even regular readers HPCru novelty - Mio 136. This PDA was quietly announced at Computex 2004, as we will, if you remember, reported. And now the handheld reached Russia and is preparing soon to appear in court PDA to the public. To test your humble servant visited an engineering sample, which is considered below. But first a slight digression for those who are not quite aware of the latest trends. Today we can safely say that the GPS (Global Positioning System navigation and position) - this is not an idle pastime for the elite. With a price tag of $ 100 or even cheaper, navigators can significantly ease the lives of stray, on the occasion of the vagus or intentionally, and thus no monthly fee. Many people naively believe that our legislation is, firstly, still prohibits the use of GPS-equipment because of its extreme accuracy of positioning, and secondly, that this has no relevant maps of our vast country and, finally, thirdly, that for every minute or megabyte received / sent information needed to pay this, or, in extreme cases, would charge "abonentku. Ready with our inherent competence to refute just three errors in one fell swoop. In the legislative arena has long adopted the amendments. Maps really little, but they appear like mushrooms after rain, and, for the most part the efforts of enthusiasts. Same fee for the use of all the charms of GPS with nobody you will not be charged - no subscription or any other. Bought the device and use it where and how much you want. Well, believe all the stereotypes shattered, and the remaining fragments of destroyed, and therefore can safely proceed to the consideration of a very interesting device, directly relating to the topic of satellite navigation, - MiTAC Mio 136.

MiTAC Mio 136 - the first GPS-PDA running Windows CE.NET

As we have said above, Mio 136 - the second PDA with built-in GPS from MiTAC. This device is not officially represented and came to us in Russia in a single copy in the form of pre-sale sample. The official release was scheduled for August 26 but has not yet been held for unknown reasons. Because no detailed information about filling the device unavailable. No card for him. Russification, of course, too. Equipment is also far from final.In general, we were in testlab broke this Spartan, as the saying goes "what MiTAC born, but made him even more imposing, straight from Athens ... oops, sorry, of course, from Taipei - Asian forge sporting achievements of the process industry.

MiTAC Mio 136: unusual, even at first glance ...

As usual, we start with the exterior. Clearly, this is the most subjective element in any thing, so try to look at Mio 136 detached. So the first thing that catches your eye when you first take in hand the standard reserved for MiTAC two-color (white top and dark bottom - back side) body Mio 136 with slightly rounded edges - this is in contrast to his predecessor, Mio 168 in favor of similarities with ordinary navigation receivers. Recently, however, is only partly true, because not all the specialized GPS-receivers are made in the "horizontal" form factor. Of the more popular it may be noted, perhaps, Garmin GPSmap 196. He also, like the MiTAC Mio 136 has a range of controls to the right of the screen, and the display is "rotated" 90 degrees, ie in a horizontal position. True, the antenna is a brainchild of Garmin is to the right, while MiTAC put it on the left. But this is irrelevant distinction. More importantly. Screens models are very similar, unless, of course, do not assume that the GPSmap 196 is equipped with a monochrome display. But the latter - a typical feature of ascetic receivers. But both screens are quite large and occupy the entire front surface, free from the controls. Moreover, the resolution they have the same - 320 x 240 pixels. The impression is that MiTAC did not bother to design development and has adopted a "something for Garmin. Well, this step can be considered justified.

Tot is the Garmin GPSmap 196 ...

First, the reasonableness of Garmin products no doubt. Each browser has a minimum ergonomic failures and still has a number of interesting decisions. Second, re-invent the wheel - not an easy task and not always rewarding in the end, and therefore be tempted to creative plagiarism is quite obvious desire. However, we, the ordinary users, of course, wondering "how" and "why", but more importantly "what", and so let's look at ergonomics Mio 136.

MiTAC Mio 136 exterior design is similar to a number of automotive navigators, for example, Garmin GPSmap 196

Garmin GPSmap 196 we thought accidental. Mio 136 is really much like the navigation brother. Of course, with proper weight overall and reservations. However, for the ease of use, Garmin is still ahead. This is especially felt when you start working with a PDA and you realize that buttons are really close to each other. Under normal circumstances, it can and is allowed, except that gamers smorschat nose, but a pro-CCP frowned. However, as soon as it comes more or less extreme conditions, it becomes clear that wearing gloves is quite possible to make a mistake, and not once, not twice, but much more - so small these controls. Navigation joystick out better - a clear, fairly large, separated from the "litter" of the other keys to the same, even with the action function, that is, allows you to run the selected application. We were pleased with and highlighting management tandem.It has the orange color and very successfully combines a moderate brightness with the pleasant, in general, a great solution, better could be wished. Under the orderly rows of buttons and a joystick is loud enough, and moderately high-quality speaker, of course by the standards of the CCP. Only when working with controls, he closes his hand - agree, is not the most sensible solution. Beside him is a cozy place for a logo. Judging by the photos from the latest IT-exhibitions, there should be positioned standard label Pocket PC Mio, however, as we already mentioned, to our tests came predreliznogo sample device, and therefore is appropriate "scratches" as long as free. By the way, when you restart the on-screen handheld proudly flaunted logo NAVMAN. If this manufacturer of navigation equipment manufactures Mio 136 for MiTAC, obtained a very amusing picture. After all, we know MiTAC as OEM-manufacturer, which itself provides "turnkey solutions" for other companies (eg, Letter of Rover Computers or nearly native "VERSION"). However, most likely, NAVMAN developed a navigational component of the new items, since the latter has long been a respected brand in the world market of satellite navigation.

Mio 136: "unit" of buttons and a joystick-managers

Well, we're a little distracted, and yet the hardware buttons remained forlornly without detailed description. Unfortunately, as we have said, the CPC has been tested in Spartan conditions, and maps out the lion's share of the keys is devoid of a functional binding. Yes, indeed, we do not make a reservation: five of the six buttons are used for navigational purposes. Sixth - On / Off button device. The rest, as we can only speculate on drawing icons on them, are responsible for setting the creation of a waypoint, switching to it, as well as increasing and decreasing the scale of the map. Such a collection, of course, inferior to the saturation analogues of autonomous navigation, but the most important thing is, but because we will not quarrel. With the PDA functions more difficult - the hardware, they are not "tied". However, and this can be found an explanation - soft filling.

Mio 136: desktop

Mio 136: Control Panel

The main "twist" and a clear disappointment in one person has an operating system 136 and Mio software suite of PDA. The fact that the machine runs under OS Windows CE.NET 4.2. What motivated this MiTAC prefer to put it mildly, a very specific platform for the modern Windows Mobile 2003 SE? Of course, the ubiquitous, but there still seems to us, needless mercantile spirit. So, if a license for Windows Mobile costs producers something around $ 30, plus or minus discounts, bonuses, penalties, etc., Windows CE.NET is on order (!) Cheaper. And that, not counting an additional set of office suite, PIM-applications, as well as other embedded softinok. Agree, the temptation is great to save. Unfortunately, MiTAC he gave in, and obviously made the right decision. From this very much affected the functionality of the final product, which has lost a huge library of software, thus approaching the specialized navigators. Moreover, because our software pre-installed and the Spartans did not boast of what it was, just did the OS and its components like Windows Explorer and the like.Needless to say, sheer frustration - which was originally on this "computer" can not even listen to MP3 or view JPEG, not to mention the more complex tasks that are available in the standard set of PDA with Windows Mobile.

Mio 136: Windows Explorer

Mio 136: scraps of information about the system of "first hand"

Hardware MiTAC Mio 136 - truly a dark horse, since before the official release of producer cleverly hides the device specification, and the computer like echoes, trying to get away from the most direct question the answer to our questions. The only thing we know for sure is that the basis of a typewriter is a "pebble" PXA255 from Intel - the solution is not the first freshness, and the amount of RAM is 32 MB - barely large enough for the full realization of the full potential inherent in new product. First to somehow compensate for the lack of competition and scarcity of software for CE.NET. A second miscalculation is fighting the expansion slot standard SD / MMC, located on the left side. It was with the last handheld "fed" a memory expansion card. Unfortunately, regarding SDIO support, we can not say anything, because the corresponding periphery of the hand was not, and specifications, as mentioned above, are not yet available to outsiders. By the way, for conventional GPS-receivers expansion slot - a rarity, but because of their background Mio 136 looks very functional. Of course, now seriously spoil the restrictions imposed by your OS. However, despite such a high "fence", Mio 136 is still a real PDA with all the attendant. On the right side has a headphone output, which, coupled with an expansion slot of the computer makes a good player - the best of mobile and quite comfortable. There is also a scroll wheel and, more precisely, its standard for MiTAC replacement in the form of rolling lever. In any case, with the help of this stuff would be comfortable to read books on PDAs. Especially because the screen is initially horizontal orientation. This, of course, does not matter - most bookreaders allows you to select the desired mode, but it's nice. With regard to the characteristics of the screen Mio 136, it unfortunately came out not very bright. My own Dell Axim X5, lying side by side, only slightly inferior to the new product. Moreover, there is no opportunity to adjust this parameter. Brighter than the new GPS-PDA was his predecessor - Mio 168. Well, if we remember that, and Dell Axim X5, and Mio 168 are far from ideal by brightness indicator, can be questioned in the "all-weather" our hero.

Y Mio 136 does not adjust screen brightness

Compare screens: MiTAC Mio 168 looks obviously brighter than its new sibling

But "pick" (in terms of reception quality) Mio 136 should be enough for trips in the car and for walks in the woods, and walks in a metropolitan area with dense buildings. For these purposes, PDA equipped with folding antenna. In addition, for a truly reliable reception of satellite signals, developers have provided the last connector, which can connect remote antenna. "Place docking prudently covered with a rubber stopper, so that for his safety you should not worry. Concern is quite different. Namely - itself built-in antenna. In terms of reliability. As we have said above, this outer flap option, like the one that has a Mio 168. Naturally, we did not conduct tests on its "endurance", because in our hands was the only instance in Russia handhelds. However, we can safely assume a short-lived life of this element. Oh, it hurts hlipok. Generally, this is not the only weak point of the exterior Mio 136. I was not the feeling of brittleness of high-tech device that, and drop the fear, not to mention the more serious tests. Massive and exceptional reliability, for example, Garmin navigators in the case of MiTAC replaced the usual PDA fragile. About any waterproof or shockproof and not a speech. That's why (and not only) will allow myself to doubt the attractiveness of the apparatus for avid travelers. Another disappointment for the itinerant folk ctanet power system PDA. Not only that machine is equipped with a non-replaceable battery, so more time and it works very modestly, by GPS-measurements, and on Pocket PC standards - six and a half hours (6:32), autonomous functioning in various applications without using GPS. Given the design of the battery, this picture is really depressing.

Back of the Mio 136: non-replaceable battery and hard reset

Well, here we gradually come to the end of the review and usually sopustvuyuschim his conclusions. Agree, always a pleasure to talk with "one and only." So with the Mio 136. No matter how controversial new product from MiTAC was, in the end everything turned out as an exceptionally nice rendezvous. However, the mutual feelings of warmth would not prevent the imposition of strict and impartial verdict, which is expected of us readers. Unfortunately, or fortunately, we have to tell our Spartans decisively: "Goodbye!" We have with it is clearly different paths. Anyway, in its present form. New product from MiTAC built on very questionable OSes, equipped with a minimum of necessary hardware, so the domestic market has a very illusive prospect. Judge for yourself.What is a Mio 136 in a GPS-navigator? Unreliable, lacking binding Shock and water, and optional bonuses such as a magnetic compass and barometer, too feature-rich for serious hiking, but because malorabotayuschy in standalone mode, but still requires a wall outlet after each discharge due to non-replaceable battery design. In general, obviously not the best choice, even excluding a car and small truck minuses. Then, perhaps, Mio 136 is good as a PDA? Again the past. Doubtful OSes, horizontal "orientation" screen without the possibility of its regular shifts, not impressive filling and lack of hardware controls, which was originally attached to the computer software somewhere, which in its usual form (eg, backup data, or picture viewing, games, finally) and absent. Well, there is only one option. Perhaps as a result of the Mio 136 will turn a nice hybrid of PDA and GPS? But even here the novelty of MiTAC looks, frankly, far better against Palmax z720 and MiTAC Mio 168. What to say Windows CE.NET 4.2, compared with Windows Mobile 2003 SE for z720 and four times smaller amount of RAM, as well as many others failures. Thus, the new PDA MiTAC leaving no market chances. It is hoped that the final version of the Mio 136 will take into account all the shortcomings of the test sample and can be a truly competitive product, having redeemed himself and his ancestor. PS examined and tested the new MiTAC Mio 136, we do not let slip a word about the cost of the curiosities in the Russian context. This forgetfulness is not accidental. Blame the illusory nature of the future of the CCP. At this moment it is unknown whether he will do before and when it happens. But there is evidence of the alleged price if our hero still decide to set foot on Russian soil. It is $ 400. Naturally, in such a way no one will sell the new product, so you can safely throw another $ 100 for a navigation system. Well, $ 500 - quite frankly, no small sum for such a controversial product. However, to put an end to this review, we would poostereglis, still waiting for the final version of the device.

From the Editor

We asked Dmitry Havzhu, director MakTsentr "comment on the article and assess the prospects for the new handheld in Russia. Mio 136 joined us for about 3 weeks ago from a company MiTAC for study and testing. We had to compare this new device with well-established Mio 168 and understand whether you can use a novelty in the kit PocketNavigator.

At first glance, this idea seemed very promising for the following reasons:
• Mio136 cheaper Mio 168 to 20 - $ 25
• Mio168 positioned it as a navigation device, rather than PDAs, which contributes to the horizontal position of the screen and hardvernye buttons, built-in GPS and a comfortable fit in the car.

Perhaps all the other arguments we have not seen.

Having conducted a series of tests, we received the following information:
1. Mio 136 has no interface that could provide input via pager, cell phone, etc. COM-port is missing, USB host - also, BT or Wi-Fi, not even the IR port not found. For the navigation device is a huge disadvantage, because there is no possibility to enter information about traffic jams, to which many users have already begun to get used to.
2. Slight decrease in prices only slightly offset the inconvenience that a user will face as a result of failure of Pocket PC.
3. The idea that the horizontal screen location is more convenient to navigate, very controversial. Much more convenient vertical location.

Summing up the pluses and minuses, we got a negative result. While Mio 136, we will not deliver, and a set of Pocket Navigator as before will include the Mio 168. Although further changes are possible. The authors, translation:

HP iPAQ rz1710: snap

Hewlett-Packard PDA market with confidence and with enviable persistence pierces its path toward the sun. After the departure of Sony from the U.S. market, Palm OS platform markedly lost in the appeal, giving way to more ambitious and assertive Pocket PC with a solid priest Microsoft for the frail shoulders. Many of the fans of Japanese giant after this act peremetnulis into the enemy camp. Almost certainly we can say that their choice was HP, with its great products. In all the polls, it is a series iPAQ is the most popular line of handheld platforms Pocket PC, h2210 is the most popular PDA with Windows Mobile 2003 OSes, well, herself HP now that the year with confidence and with a noticeable margin takes the top spot selling Pocket PC, is rapidly approaching to universal supremacy, that is, the overthrow of the king's giant palmOne. The next step on the way to the light at the end of the tunnel for the company to become a new line of handheld computers. How do you do about it have not heard? Yeah, come on. Of course, have heard - we have all ears buzz. Yes, and it is impossible not to notice even the most ordinary products of such a giant in the big world of small computers, which is the HP. However, no mistake, firmly believes in the fact that a number of fresh CCP contains only innovative products with a corresponding price. Not at all! There are here and quite a mundane state employees - rz1710. Modelka just a week ago came to the modest shelves of our vast country, do not preminuv immediately look to us "at the light." We only added fuel to the fire of their curiosity, turning an innocent rendezvous in vsamdelishnee test for vigorous newcomer. Let's see how this young man cope with all the obstacles. Packaging - this is the first metamorphosis of new iPAQ. rz1710 comes in a compact and stylish box, rather than predecessors. Sam handheld curious looks from a transparent "window", trying to find a faceless crowd of his future master. Our copy of itself found themselves quickly, and immediately found himself on his hands, without waiting for the arrival home. That's so romantic - the subway - and began our acquaintance with him. But what is it? Seeing a novelty, a passing young man unceremoniously stops me and starts to shy to ask, Is not this the most. Yes, yes, of course, the one with the here and now. Took from his pocket an old man, what's out there, this veteran of the current standards of HP iPAQ h1930, inquiring passerby looks at me: "Well, where's the point?" After thinking a little bit, I'm jealous of tidying up his new assistant, and brisk gait, going with his guest house. All the rest of the way I did not leave doubt - what if the novelty is really not new. It seems and looks very different, and slightly different hardware. However, looking ahead, stating: our casual acquaintance was right - the biggest innovations rz1710 lie in the design. IPAQ'a appearance of a new budget level differs from its predecessors is very noticeable. Smoothness and style gave way to organic deliberate angularity. This gives a peculiar charm of novelty technology products. rz1710 gives the impression of some newfangled machine parts from the factory of the future or at least parts of the body of robot-transformer of the relevant cartoons, which were so popular when the Teletubbies with a pokemon was not there, but it was green grass, blue sky and a "mouse" with the balls. As is the case with their predecessors, rz1710 has a light top and dark bottom - almost a standard solution for many of today's Pocket PC. However, earlier models (iPAQ h1940 and h1930) looked much more organically. The fact that the front face of a metallized rz1710 not completely - the domain of hardware buttons calling application match for the rear of the chassis is painted black. Equally mourning color adheres to "cap". In general, the new design has turned on the fan. It is hardly necessary to reproach HP's lack of taste, but we think the former solution is more reasonable - a stylish, organic and lovely. However, we believe that there is a mass of users who will attract a new conservative and austere style.Arriving home and have enough to enjoy the sweet society of strict new items, I finally turned to the contents of the box. Alas, nothing extraordinary there could not be found. Moreover, HP is clearly greedy, saving on the cover and cradle. Thus, a complete set rz1710 consists of the device, charging and synchronization cables. Naturally, there is a complete set of manuals and CDs with the software. Despite the scarcity of supply, rz1710 does contain what is needed to complete the work and therefore does not overburden its owner seeking optional immediately after purchase. Completely adequate solution to the looks and the usual replacement cradle cable. Of course, no doubt, head of the table clearly lose in reliability without the element of bizarre, but hardly worthy of budget-pocket Camogo. Subordinate to the same cost and without much detail, but will be able to minimize your luggage on vacation or business trip. Cable as opposed to the stand does not burden the additional burden, and the dimensions of tangible savings. Finally, we have all the same budget item, and any shortcomings can be forgiven him. From the pleasant things is to provide a stylus. He certainly succeeded, as is usually the case with HP. Cute and comfortable - what more could you want from the pen? Perhaps more is not necessary. But the control is clearly not enough. Left and right ends stripped of their all, but at a lower opening located just soft rezet and connector for synchronizing with a desktop computer and recharging. By the way, is the standard cable and to feed into the CCP, but because it will always be with you, even if synchronization is not required. Perhaps it would be wiser to supply the handheld separate hole for such purposes. But do not let the bad news, because we have not yet dismantled the top end, and it contains many interesting things: on / off button, an expansion slot, IR port, microphone, headphones and stylus holder. Claims for a "geography" is superfluous - all very reasonably configured. Controls the lower front panel are standard. Here are four key application buttons and the navigation joystick input function. Buttons can be nominally assign two actions at once - a single press and long-lasting hold. This feature is very useful in the past were required third-party software. It's nice that HP is so caring for the user. We were pleased with the composition and ergonomics - and the joystick and buttons will not cause strong criticism, except for minor carping about intimacy. Having dealt with the analysis of looks, let's begin our consideration of the internal world of our hero. As it should be government employees, rz1710 has a minimum of functionality. The result is very mild in every sense of the CCP - sort of, palmOne Zire 31 platform Pocket PC. Rz1710 processor has a clock frequency of 203 MHz - hardly enough strap for the demanding user. Of course, will fall by the way utilities for overclocking, but without their help, the picture is rather depressing. Not happy, and memory. RAM is only 32 MB and the size of the user area and even fewer - 25 MB. But the ROM offers 10 MB of additional master volume, which is also-volatile.Memory expansion and opportunities rz1710 is, as usual with compact handheld through SD / MMC slot supporting SDIO. The final touch hardware portrait rz1710 - battery. Unfortunately, this smear did not add model plus. The local has a replaceable battery design and high capacity. Available 1000 mAh lasts for 2 hours 56 minutes in normal operation and at exactly 8:00 of music playback with the screen turned off. Finally, the screen. Perhaps the display rz1710 - a ray of light in the darkness rz1710. Having a standard for most Pocket PC settings (3.5 "320 x 240 pixels, 65,536 colors), the screen is endowed with a remarkable - an enviable level of brightness that exceeds the corresponding figures even more expensive models. It just so happened that my guest, we found two more old pals - Dell Axim X5 and the ASUS MyPal A716. It is clear that the devices are not very suitable for the new tenant of my pocket, but for want of a better and this prospect was tempting. Short time delay, all three handheld dutifully lined up in a friendly row, where it became immediately clear who was on that much.

Left to right: Dell Axim X5, HP iPAQ rz1710 and the ASUS MyPal A716

As can be seen, rz1710 very confidently look at the competition. Not able to compete with the cheerful budget-even a fancy and therefore very expensive A716, not to mention quite dull and not much cheaper X5. In general, HP has once again demonstrated its leadership in the development of displays for Pocket PC, which are only slightly inferior to counterparts from Sony. Incidentally, some time ago there were rumors that companies are cooperating in this direction, so have the best screens in their PDAs. Well, the credibility of these conversations no one checked, and if tested, the results did not reach us, but the only thing we can say with a bold confidence: the HP in most PDAs are set excellent screens, and rz1710 just a clear confirmation. Admit, for us it was a pleasant surprise to see in low-cost product as a quality "face." What is the flip side of the screen? That's right, rear. And here the rz1710 is not too many elements. Worthy of attention only speaker. He has surprisingly good sound quality for its modest size, thereby organically complementing different "voice" in the PDA headphones. However zadnetortsevoe location of this element somewhat mutes the sound of the CPC, while keeping the computer by hand. The software component of the rz1710 is based on the latest OSes Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. However, besides her and the attendant standard applications are available in purse "rz1710 some proprietary utilities. The main highlight of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition is a full-time opportunity to turn the screen without rebooting. Perhaps the main innovation coft-rz1710 is a trademark launcher for Today. This simple but powerful tool. It puts the main screen large buttons for the most popular applications, allowing you to easily and quickly access them.

Corporate launcher for HP iPAQ rz1710

Operates as a normal applet softinkoy-complement, including the disabled in the corresponding menu Today. Another nice surprise is the manager of profiles, which allow maximum flexibility, and just as quickly adjust to changing conditions. There have rz1710 and built softinkoy for viewing pictures - the same as usual at HP - a functional and comfortable. As you probably know, usually at the Pocket PC button "on / off" in long-term retention in charge of lighting. In rz1710 is different: here it "tied" pop-up menu of options, which allows more functionally ordered this control - lock keys, turn off the display, go to the manager profiles or choose one of the existing ones, and much more. On the one hand, it is not very convenient, since the same manipulation of lighting will produce two steps instead of one, well, on the other - at your fingertips is a "brood" of options, instead of one. In any case, with regular features can always override any of the buttons to suit your needs, based on personal preferences. Among other things, there is a preset package rz1710 and a good solution to the problem of multitasking Windows Mobile - Task Switcher. Note that it is not bad, not even good, not to mention excellent. Remember, its counterpart - iTask, who attended many of the earlier models, was much more interesting. Here in the presence of a simple pop-up dialogue with the minimum of options. It is a pity that HP is a step back. Latest anecdotal evidence, worthy of our attention to you, is built infomercial on Flash. He played well in the embedded player and colorful form tells about all the virtues of the model.Something similar happened with the desktop version of Windows, starting with version Me. In general, the software suite pleased. It would, at least, it is unreasonable to require the budget items for something more. The only thing really missing is a backup utility. This application was part of the other iPAQ, and its absence in the rz1710 - undoubtedly negative, albeit small. It would also be nice to have on hand softinkoy to adjust the speed to conserve energy and even enhance performance. Speaking of the latter. It turns out that a more functional and attractive iPAQ h1940 for sale in the shops' computer in the palm "for the same $ 299 as the iPAQ rz1710. It is understandable, after all Pocket PCs for their time h1940 price level more than a year, and rz1710 appeared just now. Well, in any case be interesting to compare the two devices for performance than what we are going through benchmerka SPB Benchmark latest version - 1.0.0, Build 36. That's what the tests showed: The figures speak for themselves - rz1710 in all respects inferior cvoemu unexpected competitor. Well, we do not get used to the slowness of the available Pocket PC. It seems that the owners rz1710 should forget about video quality and reasonable emulation of some Roma Sony Playstation, as well as consoles like her. What do we still get a result - only slightly updated h1930 in fresh wrap or is it a completely different product? Definitely - the first one. Despite much powdered cheeks and tinted eyes, the rz1710 is clearly traceable features of its predecessor. The notable differences are only a new operating system and the exterior has changed markedly. The rest of metamorphosis are insignificant, making the new budget-HP only fresh mentally. However, rz1710 can not be called a failure of the model, rather standard, of which the market is already in excess. As statistics show, the budget niche Pocket PC is gradually losing ground, and in light of this prospect is not so rosy rz1710, especially if you remember his predecessors. However, if and buyers were much less demanding. The absence in the PDA Bluetooth and a replaceable battery, as well as the scarcity of hardware stuffing force users to think seriously before you purchase. In fact, on the one hand, rz1710 draw in more affordable counterparts - RoverPC P1, Palmax z710, and even the same HP iPAQ 1930. On the other, obviously hindering more functional price competitors - most notably, HP iPAQ h1940. True, the latter is withdrawn from the market, and rz1710 just come onto the market. Therefore after some time, we should expect falling prices for this device. Then, quite possibly, the model will be in demand. The authors, translation:

Design + spetssoft = HP iPAQ rx3715

On the eve of Russia's presentation of freshly baked series of handheld computers from Hewlett-Packard, which will take place in Moscow tomorrow to introduce you to materials prepared by their foreign counterparts mini-review of one of the most interesting members of the future of the action, - HP iPAQ rx3715. This handheld, endowed with lush prefixed Mobile Media Companion, by many indicators can claim first place in the hit parade of future user preferences. When thinking globally, the Hewlett-Packard is one of the leading providers of handheld just for the corporate sector. In this market, HP is definitely succeeded, so much so that in the hands of a typical European or American manager, you will likely see the iPAQ, and not to any other Pocket PC. In popularity among office workers only communicators RIM Blackberry (and completely unknown to us) can be compared with the iPAQ. In short, the real success, but Hewlett-Packard does not want to dwell on corporations, and now all thoughts are directed at the consumer market. And here I must say that it is dominated by ordinary users in Russia and, hence, a giant PDA industry began to focus on us. The company recently announced four new models of iPAQ, two of which are designed for the mass buyer. First - rx1715 - belongs to the initial level (wait for her review HPCru very soon), but we are more interested in her older brother, rx3715, which she calls the HP Mobile Media Companion. Today, the CCP on the Pocket PC platform can not boast the variety of designs: most of them clad in a light silver body, they are all working on software Microsoft Windows Mobile and even the presence of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth has become a familiar option. Different Pocket PC, rather, the power set of the processor (which is not very important for home use), the amount of installed memory (more is better) and the size of the navigation keys (this is a matter of taste). So the issue of the CPC, in stark contrast appearance from its competitors will undoubtedly be provocative, but a logical step from HP. Difference - that's what tactics chose HP, bringing to market rx3715. The new building smooth gray leaves in the past strict office silver the previous models. Forget about the standard screen Today, his uncompromising replaced by a new startup screen that gives users quick access to all multimedia functions at once.

The new interface HP iPAQ rx3715 - Replacement Today

The first button on the screen activates the control applet built-in camera. rx3715 has a 1.3 megapixel camera allows you to capture up to 1280 x 960 (160 x 120 320 x 240 640 x 480 - your choice). The camera is also capable of writing video resolution of 160 x 120 176 x 144 or 320 x 240 pixels. I must say that the camera at the rx3715 is not easy, but with five predefined filter (black, white, sepia, negative, cool), the individual settings, white balance (auto, sun, tungsten, fluorescent) and a useful timer. In ROM rx3715 sewed their own utilities HP Image Zone, replacing the Windows Mobile Pictures and allows you to view and edit the captured images. The bundled and have a desktop version of Image Zone for the interaction with pocket. The second large button new home screen is called the Mobile Media. It opens up another "page" where you can find all the stored multimedia files, or download streaming video there. The latter is done through Wi-Fi network, so that the need to install on your PC Utilities Mobile Media for PC. Unfortunately, this is only possible if the desktop runs Windows XP. If you use another OS, you have to find the appropriate software on their own.Incidentally, the variant works over Bluetooth, so wireless users machines is provided. Here you can also plenty naigratcya and "side-effect of the evolution of the CCP - an infrared port. Hewlett-Packard rx3715 uses software solutions from Nevo for streaming video, so the ROM "enclosing" More and utility Nevo, allowing the use of infrared as a remote control home appliances. Sluggard get their hands on a versatile tool, suitable to all types of devices that have infrared receiver.

Built-in utility Nevo to control home appliances with HP iPAQ rx3715

In this programmki already have a set of settings for different TV, VCR, DVD technology, but nothing prevents configure it to control the specific hardware models. For example, you can make profiles for different rooms of your apartment or for different users, and then activate the touch of these peculiar macros. Included with the PDA is detailed printed user manual clearly explains how to handle all these functions. In addition, the rx3715 is installed the following software: screensaver Dockware, displaying the date on top of any image, PocketTV MPEG player and utility iTask, capibility switch between applications. Now this program can choose to display data from portrait to landscape and vice versa. This is done by pressing one button, without the applet Settings. Have our PDA and the utility of data archiving, which somehow did not want to send data to a PC via the wireless network. And although each of the innovations model rx3715 can recreate themselves on almost any other PDA, a combination of all three brand new features, namely: the installation of useful software in the ROM memory, a large amount of this very memory (152 MB user available memory - it's a lot for Pocket PC ) and a new start screen - all this makes the HP iPAQ rx3715 truly unique palm. Somewhat surprising lack of machine program for reading electronic books Microsoft Reader. Any user CCP may very natural desire to read a book on the road, so I would like to make it easier reader was also installed in the ROM memory of the PDA. However, it's not an issue. Most of this review is devoted to program stuffing rx3715 is not accidental, because it is very likely, in addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, will be the deciding factor when choosing and buying a Pocket PC user. Now, little attention has hardware. On the top of the case is an SD card slot that supports SDIO peripherals. On the left side of the body, usually located where the scroll wheel, the buttons on the camera. The remaining four keys on the body, which should be routinely run applications on Windows Mobile, now activate the screen Mobile Media, an image viewer HP Image Zone, Nevo remote control of the utility and iTask. Included with the rx3715 comes a stylish black cradle to synchronize with a PC and for charging batteries (the cradle can also charge the battery while the machine is installed in it). Resolution integrated camera allows you to make good shots, but as is the case with all the built-in cameras, it is hopelessly behind, even from digital cameras, entry-level. You can not finish the review without mentioning the battery life. To find out the life of the CCP on a single charge, has been used a standard test for the duration of playing MP3 files.Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have been disconnected, the screen is included with the half light. The Speaker has worked at full volume, and the infrared port is turned off. The first warning of low battery popped up on the 22 th minute of the fourth hour playing. The handheld is completely switched off after 6 hours and 20 minutes after the start of the test. This is a very good result for the Pocket PC. HP engineers had to make remarkable efforts to achieve such targets. As for any multimedia-oriented devices rx3715 performance is important. On it, we'll talk.

Performance

Performance in real applications has been tested on the following set: run the game Anthelion, Snails and Z-Raid, played out Trailer of the animated film "Shrek 2" - in MPEG format with bitrate 650 kb / c, in the format of Windows Media - with a bitrate of 250 and 500 KB / c and in the DivX format with a bitrate of 500 and 1000 kb / c. Were also listened to several MP3 files. To view a video of the program were involved in Windows Media Player, PocketTV and Beta Player. The quality of video playback was at altitude. No complaints, no program has not caused. The picture does not twitch or jump. Here, the full order. In games rx3715 also hit the dirt face. The only problem was discovered in the game Z-Raid. She ran quite quickly (60 frames / sec), but flatly refused to shoot. This is obviously a programming error, because after the migration of shooting at another key, nothing has changed. In other applications, all the buttons worked properly. Just have to wait a patch from the developers. Other games have worked well, demonstrating that the capacity of the processor enough to enjoy any games. At the moment there are no applications that can uniquely evaluate the performance of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but, I felt the first testers, the sensitivity of both modules links - canceled. "Golubozuby" allows you to easily connect to the cellular and GPS receiver without wires. Wi-Fi - is also good. Below are the tests made benchmark Spb Benchmark. The file system has demonstrated very good results. By working with graphics rx3715 is not the fastest, but it is quite ample opportunities for comfortable use. ActiveSync also showed a high speed file transfer. And here is the combined test, under which our hero at the 4-th place. Excellent overall estimates show that the performance rx3715 turned out very well-balanced model.

Conclusion

Embodied in the HP iPAQ rx3715 their original decisions, HP declares serious intentions with respect to the mass market device. Still too high a price - $ 499 - may make potential buyers iPAQ opt for Palm OS devices, or more urgent earlier models of Pocket PC. In any case, it will be very interesting to see how the market will perceive as an interesting model. Perhaps, HP went the right way, focusing on the unique combination of unusual design and programming filling. Time will tell! Sources, Materials: