Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX 420: Flea podkuem, but the dumping will not be!

Even in cold February, the new model in private conversations representatives Fujitsu-Siemens Computers have promised to the CeBIT-2004. Spring came, turned green trees, the first flowers have blossomed and finally we waited for Pocket LOOX 420. Waited, as it turned out, not in vain! The Company applied the same to the "thin" PDA, but still have not forgotten to integrate its latest two wireless adapters.

Appearance

The first impression when you take into the hands of the CCP - what is he small! It even seems that the screen he must be less than the standard 3.5 inches. But, crossing (put), you know - we're just not used to seeing these babies with the words LOOX, but from the HP iPAQ h4150 size it does not differ greatly (izmereno!). But the design on it LOOX 420 is completely different: rectangular shape with beveled edges, "toshibovskoe" button layout. Of course, the administration sketched is not a one-in-one ", but catches the eye" squareness "hot keys, joystick and button input. Has traditionally been for the Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, one of the buttons causes the firm shortcuts SpeedMenu. The menu is very convenient, but in a test instance for some reason the brakes when a what irritated at work. However, the performance will be covered in another chapter. Alas, the CCP has suffered the loss of the standard - there is no scroll wheel, is now alone on the left side is a button recording. Although the small PDA is convenient enough to use the joystick to read books, but I just hung up on the side button functions to scroll down - it just created to put pressure on her thumb:) Centered on the edge of the front panel is made of the power button - I like this location more than a variant of 'side', because here the key harder to press accidentally. Nearby, but at the upper end, located slot for SD. Slightly to the left - a standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. On the bottom plane located connector for synchronization and power cord, as well as window Reset. It should be noted that either a stylus for the last time, "stout", or click Reset "sat on a diet" - the pen tip to get it can not, and to perform a soft reset must peel off the cap of the stylus - boring, I assure you, the operation. At the rear, but the inscriptions that we face such a PDA, which is located under the cap ... No milk in the saucepan is not there, but there is a battery, as you already understood, removable. In appearance he was small, but the average capacity - 1130 mAh Right end PDA is pretty empty.Where is the infrared connection? Maybe he, too, was sacrificed to miniaturization? I found him only the second time - the window the receiver neatly inscribed in the curve of the lower-left corner of the CCP. In general, the design remains favorable impression: small size, finally, will be LOOX even in a shirt pocket, although the scroll wheel is removed, but handy control can help to put up with this loss. Add a little objectivity, more subjectivity, but on the side: non-specialists who have seen me in the hands of 420-th model asking "How much?". Moreover, the thicker model (with two expansion slots) usually do not like the response: "Do I need this PDA?." (It is clear that the right response professionals, only one - "Give potestit":) Oh bundled my information may be incomplete: in my arms was the first instance in Russia, it even Russify have not yet. Except for the PDA in the box was cable synchronization (cradle not provided), power supply with cable (the same as the Mitac 168) and two adapters for European and British outlets - so England was left out not only the Schengen area, but also across Europe. I was especially pleased that spare stylus - Something for nothing. A collection of programs I use my own, and corporate full kit consists of a Fujitsu-Siemens Computers (FSC) SpeedMenu, FSC Backup, FSC Key Lock (key lock), Pocket Outlook, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Calculator, MSN Messenger, Pocket Internet Explorer, Microsoft Reader 2.0 for Pocket PC (read electronic books), Windows Media Player 9 for Pocket PC, Pictures (picture viewer), Terminal Service Client, Jawbreaker, Voice Recorder, Microsoft Active Sync 3.7.1.

Engine Room

Surprisingly, the filling in the PDA rather inexpressive - 400 MHz processor RHA255, 64 MB RAM and 32 MB of ROM, apparently in such dimensions is not yet possible to pack more impressive "figures." Supported memory card formats, MMC, SD, and SD-periphery. The last hand was not, but with SD and MMC new PDA works fine. However, the wireless card in the SD vctavlyat not have to. Engineers have managed to stuff into the body of a 420-d model of wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11b), and, antenna hidden inside, unlike the predecessor of today's news, LOOX 610 BT / WLAN, although in the latter body more and kind words, to pack the antenna. Again, unlike the previous model be started once the two protocols - you can try to make the CCP Bridge:) What can I say about the display? Resolution offensively familiar - 240x320 pixels, sorry, that FSC did not dare to use the VGA-screen perspective. Time to measure the brightness and contrast was not: the samples are spread indicators, in addition, each user their color-and svetovospriyatie. I liked the display, although the image quality is not perfect, but very good. The range of brightness variation can adapt to environmental conditions in most cases: in the first division of the screen barely lit, ie, in the dark do not have to put the battery and the eye, and at maximum light bright enough to work indoors. However, the LOOX 610 and HP iPAQ h5550 subjectively screens look brighter. In general, the display is clear, the picture it fits well in the beauty of design. Despite the apparent unique miniature, size LOOX 420 slightly smaller than the main competitor - iPAQ h4150 - 113,1 X70, 6h14, 1 mm. Also new to the minor 7% lighter machines from HP - weighs 125 g.

Firings

"A lot eh cow gives milk?" I mean, how many LOOX420 operates on a single charge? Enough, as it turned out:) In the e-book handheld worked from 5,5 up to 10 hours (minimum and maximum brightness, respectively), and MP3 files when screen is off losing 8 hours. The result is comparable with the performance of major competitors.Despite its small size and use of outdated processor, the newly formed CCP could gallop over the dough SpbBenchmark gait (see table) - the general index 1523 - only 5% slower than its rival iPAQ 4150 - one of the fastest PDA. Moreover, according to my observations, from model to model test results provide approximately 8% case the standard deviation, so the above difference is in most cases the error.

Conclusion

Finally, Fujitsu-Siemens have reached his hands to compact multifunctional device. All it turned out good: and beautiful, and fast, and wireless interfaces simultaneously included - in short, a full-fledged competitor iPAQ h4150. Approximate price in the Russian retail - 450 euros. I do not think that at the time of occurrence in a broad sell PDA will be more expensive sibling from HP, but just dumping not have to wait. Well, then, for all the good paying. According HPCru, Pocket LOOX 420 will be available in local stores in late June. PSDa, along with the hero of our today's review comes out and its light version, Pocket LOOX 410, with 300 MHz processor and free Wi-Fi for 320 euros. The authors, translation:

Viva Handspring! Treo 270 and 1990

Did you or did not know our business together - the family came to Palm. Well, not home, of course, Palm, and licensees - the company has released a new model for Handspring Treo communicator at number 270 and Treo handheld computer 90. These things happened to a significant event on Monday, March 27 - a gift to the beginning of the working week :-) We were pleased with our company if Handspring or upset - now let's see.

Treo 270

So, Treo 270 - the first color smartphone from Handspring. Externally, except, of course, color screen, it is no different from its closest relative Treo 180. Also uses the keyboard, which is in the model, where all the "right» Palm - Graffiti area, also has a nice lid with transparent window and a built-in microphone in it. The most interesting thing that Handspring has no plans to release a similar device with graffiti (think model Treo 180g), but can it, in the case of the device and not need it? After all, the keyboard proved to be the best light, and all the functions that were previously available through graffiti, with the same success and work with the keyboard. Button in the Model 270 is now highlighted - a small but nice addition. In addition to the keyboard has a scroll wheel control, which Handspring calls in his own way - Rocker Switch, in honor of the company, to integrate into the operating system. In continuation of the story on the governing bodies should be mentioned on / off button ring, which is located on the top bar, next to the antenna and an LED.

Screen

The company Handspring decided, apparently, a few to save on this part of his creation. As a result, the Treo 270 screen can display only about 4000 colors (12 bit) and made it the technology CSTN. This is a passive matrix, akin to what is in the Palm m130, but various sources say that the Treo screen is slightly smaller than most "home» Palm. Coming soon only here refers to the model 500y series, because the less 100y - it's just digital watch some! Nevertheless, it remains the standard resolution - 160 by 160 pixels. Recall minus such screens is that, thanks to backlighting, readability in bright daylight, to put it mildly, not on the level. Itself Handspring, incidentally, also mention it.

Memory, speed and other characteristics

New memory device is not deprived - 16 megs, but the processor and operating system is pumped up - Motorola DragonBall processor 33 MHz, OS 3.5. For storing the operating system, as in the 100-th line of Palm is used not writable mask-ROM, so that the operating system if a sudden there will be such a fantasy, update will not succeed. The only way out - so-called patches - software patches. One such patch is already in the plans of the company - it should allow the new device to work on a protocol GPRS. In the Treo 270 is installed Li-ion battery, according to the manufacturer's promises for up to 2 hours of talk time (when using the Treo as a mobile phone, of course) and up to 180 - in idle mode. Actively use the new device as the organizer can be one week since the battery is fully charged before their discharge. Fans stands for synchronization - the cradle will be somewhat disappointed to learn that the bundled are only cable and the charger, though, the coveted accessory you can buy separately.

Telephone part

Nothing particularly interesting. Available in two versions - 900/1900 version for America and 900/1800 - for Europe. The technology used is simple - the user or spread out and brings to the ear phone itself, or enjoy going to the bundled headset. Dial numbers can be either directly on the screen using a special program, either through the hardware keyboard. The announced price of this model - $ 499 with a contract for the connection and 699 without it in America.

Treo 90

Handspring have long promised to abandon its line of Visor-s. Talked about it directly and indirectly, director - sales on the site, when coupled with handheld computers offers modules Springboard - business cards Handspring. And here, on Monday the general public were presented the results of these rumors - The Treo 90. Very roughly speaking this is what happened when the model 270 tore the phone. Apparently, it will now be such PDA Handspring - get used to it. In some respects, Treo 90 - a step forward compared with previous models. For example, at last, there was an SD slot and the operating system 4.1. According to the site Palminfocenter transition to a more recent version of the system (in the early models of the company with an enviable tenacity has used a specially adapted version 3.5) is due to the inclusion in the design expansion slots standard, Secure Digital, as it is accepted now, "palmovyh. The slot, however, another story - it does not support the SD Input / Output short SDIO, which limits its use only to the memory card - Bluetooth Card will not work. Promise to fix this problem a few months later release a special patch - the operating system in the Treo 90 is traditionally not an upgrade. Treo 90 - keyboard model and, as in the case of 270, with the option to do graffiti no one is going. It is unclear why Handspring decided to leave the graffiti - can statistics showed that keyboard models are a great success and can guide the company decided to make the keyboard of its regular business card .... Nevertheless, the hardware, in addition to the lack of built-in phone and dial controls, anything from Treo 270 is the same: the same screen, processor, same memory. Dimensions - 107 x 71 x 18 mm. Weighing in at only 114 grams - the lightest handheld on the market. For American users of the novelty will cost $ 299. With all the comforts of the keyboard it has one big disadvantage - the relative complexity of localization. That would not just crack to write - and then there's the keyboard driver is needed, and engraving or a sticker still one set of characters required. So that for Russia, both devices have yet to finish. But a start has been good, is not it? The authors, translation:

Journey into the depths of Revo and Revo Plus

Before you two motherboards: RevoPlus, you can see above, and Revo Classic (below). They look like, is not it? Motherboard Revo Classic, an image that you see - one of the earliest versions, she uses to reflash the flash-memory (suddenly employees Psion mistake :-)). Later, when production has reached full capacity, flash-memory chip has been replaced nepereproshivaemym (Masked Rom). Normal motherboard Revo Classic is more like a Revo Plus, thanks to this change. The most obvious difference is the Revo Plus another 8 MB EDO RAM. REVO CLASSIC

Casio BE-300 FAQ. Second edition, complemented by

Table of contents

• Part 1 - Table of Contents
• Part 2 - General
• Part 3 - Operating System
• Part 4 - Alternative shell
• Part 5 - Iron
• Part 6 - Networking
• Part 7 - Synchronization
• Part 8 - Problems

Here is the first part of the FAQ (aka FAQ) for the wonderful machine Casio BE-300 Pocket Manager. A list of questions and answers will be constantly updated. If you know of a tricky issue, and the more you know the solution, write, and your information will be included in the FAQ.

Common questions

What is the Casio BE-300 Pocket Manager?

Casio BE-300 - Pocket PC "average", which occupies an intermediate niche between low-end (entry level) Pocket Viewer and top models from the Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002. In the Casio BE-300 has a 64-bit processor 166MHz NEC Vr4131, 16 MB of rewritable ROM and 16 MB of RAM, used to run programs.

What are the key differences between BE-300 from the E-125?

Screen with a passive matrix and slightly smaller, there is no speaker, microphone, infrared port. Plus an interface designed by Casio, it is not similar to the Pocket PC, non-volatile flash-memory recording (memory, as in a desktop computer, is actually divided into "hard disk and RAM).

How long does the battery last?

When working together with sound and moving images - about 3 hours, reading books and not the brightest illumination of up to 5 hours.

And what does "battery lasts for a week of work?

Casio specialists call this number, according to the fact that the average time ispolzovagniya machines - half an hour a day. Then it turns out that four hours of continuous operation (on average) is enough for about a week.

How to install the program on BE-300 without a PC Connect?

Install and run on a large computer Microsoft ActiveSync. Then locate the folder for the program with a file extension of *. cbea, copy the Cassiopeia and run (double click or a knock "OK"). Reboot - the program is installed. If there is no synchronization program, but there is a device for reading flash cards, file *. cbea can be stored on the card and run from there. Note: This operation can not be performed using the standard File Manager supplied with - he can not run.

Is there HaaliReader for the BE-300?

Yes! Here.

How do hard reset?

As such, hard reset on the BE-300 no. The usual press digging Reset clears all opertivnost memory. If you click Reset, hold down the "OK", BE-300 will enter into Safe Mode, where you can restore the factory settings from the supplied CD-ROM.

I can listen to MP3 BE-300?

Yes, either using a standard Music Player in the sales package, or by setting the "pocket" version of Microsoft Windows MediaPlayer, whose sound is noticeably better.

I am able to write / read files on Word'ovskie BE-300?

Read yes, using the Quick View Plus, and edited yet. Text editors for the BE-300, those that can be found in the present moment, in terms of functionality consistent Notepad.

I am able to write / read Excel files on BE-300?

Yes. There is a program SpreadCE, which "understands" the files *. xls.

What file formats are generally "aware" BE-300?

If you use only standard software obechspecheniem included in the package, then:

• BMP - Photo Viewer
• GIF - Photo Viewer
• JPEG - Photo Viewer
• PNG - Photo Viewer
• MP3 - Music Player
• WAV - Music Player
• CMF - Movie Player
• TXT - Notes
• HTM (L) - Internet
• URL - Internet
• DOC - Quick View Plus
• XLS - Quick View Plus
• PPT - Quick View Plus

What is MyCasio?

This is a service department, which develops multimedia content (movies, music, etc.), specially optimized to work on the Casio BE-300. Use the results of her work, visit the site www.mycasio.com.

What is Windows CE.Net for the BE-300 and where can I take?

Detailed information on this subject can be found here. End of

Operating System

Which operating system is used in the Casio BE-300?

Windows CE 3.0. But! In order to reduce the cost of the final product, Casio did not purchase from Microsoft a license to use graphical user interface (GUI) Pocket PC. Therefore, the "external" (that is what we see on the screen), BE-300 is different from other PDAs on the Windows CE 3.0. There are also internal differences - on the BE-300 is set slightly "stripped down" version of Windows CE 3.0, which does not hvatatet several libraries (system files) that exist in other PDAs with this operating system. Therefore, many programs written for Pocket PC is not working for Casio BE-300.

Can I install the Pocket PC for Casio BE-300?

None.

Can I install Linux on the BE-300?

No information about any one successfully installed, but distributions can search here (ie for MIPS, but BE300 list of supported devices is not) and here (here netbsd).

How to start a program, if there is a *. exe or *. cbea file?

Using any File Manager, but standard - double click or click "OK"

Can I install the software for BE300 Windows CE?

In principle yes, but with some reservations. Firstly, (see above) in the OS BE-300 lacks some of the libraries, so that before attempting to run the program for Windows CE is to install the patch (see link at the end of the paragraph). Further. Practice shows that usually run the program for Windows CE 2.11, than for Windows CE 3.0. To run the program you want to transfer the executable (*. exe) on the BE-300, and then run it using the File Manager GSFinder. If you put a file in the folder \ Storage Card \ Program Files corresponding icon will appear in the Top Menu

How to install the program on BE-300 without a PC Connect?

Install and run on a large computer Microsoft ActiveSync. Then locate the folder for the program with a file extension of *. cbea, copy the Cassiopea and run (double click or a knock "OK"). Reboot - the program is installed. If there is no synchronization program, but there is a device for reading flash cards, file *. cbea can be stored on the card and run from there. Note: This operation can not be performed using the standard File Manager supplied with - he can not run.

How can I easily switch between tasks?

Indeed, the use of memory settings, just to close the current application is not too convenient. It is necessary to download one of the numerous applications for the management of current programs, such as here.

How to make was not a squeak every 30 seconds when the battery gets?

Disable the "squeaker" in the Settings>> Volume & Sounds>> Buzzer switch>> "Off"

How to assign other programs icon under the screen?

With this program, Button Mapper.

What is Windows CE.Net for the BE-300 and where can I take?

Detailed information on this subject can be found here.

How to restore factory settings?

Run PC Connect, divert BE-300 in Safe Mode (OK + Reset), press OK again to calibrate the screen, select the PC Connection. Insert a disc that was included in the CD-ROM, a PC Connect select Tool>> Restore>> Restore Factory Defaults. End of

Alternative membrane

As in EpodXP enter Russian letters?

Quite successfully working crack RussKey BE Lite (Lite - the keyboard only, without the Russification of the interface).

But the interface itself EpodXP Russify not?

Possible. Read here and here.

How to add icons to the desktop SQPL?

These shortcuts in folders hryanyatsya Nand Disk \ Program Files \ SQ \ 1 and Nand Disk \ Program Files \ SQ \ 2 (first and second pages of "desktop"). Accordingly, by adding or removing icons in this folder, you can regulate what appears on the desktop, and rename the labels can also create a folder "3", "4" and "5" (no longer) and increase the number of pages of the desktop.

Why when you start Internet Explorer in Epod XP offers a lot of windows?

Need to close the process facelift (cross right, bottom) and it is better to move to version Epod 2.0 and above.

PC Connect does not work from under EpodXP 1.9!

It happens. For someone working who do not. Solutions there is no problem.General recommendation: The higher the version Epod, the smaller glitches.

How do I uninstall EpodXP

Nothing. Restore factory settings from the disk or restore your own "backup". End of

Iron

Which memory cards are supported?

Operate any card format, Compact Flash, including the IBM Microdrive. To work with the IBM Microdrive Casio recommends to download an update (BE300update.zip) here from this page.

I have heard that BE300 some unusual screen?

Despite that unusual call :-). Unlike most modern PDAs have BE-300 is not TFT-screen display with a passive matrix (the so-called family DualScan). The screens used in the early notebooks. They are cheaper than TFT, but have a smaller viewing angle, great "reaction time" (ie the image of "retarding" and not updated as frequently as in the TFT). And yet, the controller operates the display color in the representation of 16 bits, but displayed only 15 bits.

How does the memory of BE-300?

In the BE-300 is a 16MB RAM and 16MB Flash-Memory While, for example, Shell SQ sees only 12MB instead of 16MB. When booting Windows CE 3.0, sewn into Flash in the archived state, unpacked and written in the RAM. Also unpacked the so-called "Casio-vskie" files located in the internal Flash-memory and have an CPK. These files are also copied to RAM. The remaining memory is used by the programs launched for storing data and executable code.

Is there a modem for BE-300?

Yes, for example in the form factor Compact Flash, such as Pretec CompactModem 56K 3.3V (see here). End of

Networking

Can I access the Internet via a cell phone?

Yes. This requires a phone capable of transmitting data and the corresponding cords. Some information on these cords can be obtained here on the website Casio.

Can I get online with the BE-300 through a desktop computer?

Yes. To do this you need to download the program here, install it on a desktop computer, the settings "Beshka" tick "use proxy" (use proxy) and set the address that the program will show in the "HTTP". A detailed review of procedures is available here.

Is there a modem for BE-300?

Pretec CompactModem 56K 3.3V - $ 115 in "The computer in the palm." End of

Synchronization

What is the difference between PC Connect and Active Sync?

Only with the help of PC Connect can synchronize mail and contacts with your desktop computer. In addition, when installing programs via ActiveSync, you must manually transfer the file with the extension *. cbea on the BE-300 and there to run it through GSFinder or another file manager. But with the help of ActiveSync is much more convenient to transfer files to and from the BE-300. In addition, ActiveSync less hangs.

PC Connect hangs!

Probably the most common question in our conference. It hangs when transferring large files, sometimes when you synchronize. The majority of problems helps patch, make the most of Casio. If he is powerless to try to use the program ActiveSync (in this case, the BE-300 will need to install this utility here). ActiveSync is much more convenient to transfer files, but will not allow you using the standard Top Menu synchronize with Microsoft Outlook.

Can I transfer files to the BE-300 without using Active Sync?

Yes, of course, though somewhat "crooked." In the PC Connect is a function of "Folder Syncronization" ("Synchronizing Folders"), which performs this operation. You must specify a folder on the BE-300 and the folder on the desktop and their contents will be "equated".

Why connect to the PC Connect does not start when I insert the BE-300 in the cradle?

First, make sure the feature is enabled automatically connect to a PC (there is a tick in Coonections>> PC Connect>> Automatically connect to PC). Second, be sure to shut down Active Sync. It is not enough to simply click on the cross, to the list of processes (called by CTRL + ALT + DEL) "kill" the process wincecomm. If not help, restart your computer. End of

Problems

Mobile Video Converter can not convert the file!

First, wait. The program works very slowly and should not be upset that it hung until it really did not. Secondly, with files larger than 100 MB really have problems and there's nothing you can do.Third, make sure you use a file format, AVI or MPEG. And it was an AVI and not expand *. avi, namely, such movies have a resolution DivX (also known as MPEG-4) on CD-ROM. Such files can not convert the program.

PC Connect hangs!

Probably the most common question in our conference. It hangs when transferring large files, sometimes when you synchronize. The majority of problems helps patch, make the most of Casio. If he is powerless to try to use the program ActiveSync (in this case, the BE-300 will need to install this utility here). ActiveSync is much more convenient to transfer files, but will not allow you using the standard Top Menu synchronize with Microsoft Outlook.

What to do when a terrible hang: just a white screen?

Press both the Power and Reset, the BE-300 will be initialized until the screen inscription Starting ... nachazhat Reset + OK, and Casio is normally released in Safe Mode. If this does not work, wait until just sit Battery - up to zero, then charged again.

Time may not display: 7.00 instead of 19.00 even nastoroykah on a 24-hour format. What should I do?

This bug first version of localization RussKey BE 1.0. Swing update from www.be300.ru, the problem is corrected in version 1.11

Is it true to the BE-300 buggy calculator?

True, true. But this is, like, only the interest - they can not take it. The rest is working properly.

Why does a list of meetings begins to scroll, even though I did not click?

This is a well-known terminology, "not a bug, a feature." That is, it's not a bug, so developers have conceived. Uncomfortable, but nothing helped.

PC Connect does not work from under EpodXP 1.9!

It happens. For someone working who do not. Solutions there is no problem. General recommendation: The higher the version Epod, the smaller glitches.

I moved to the BE-300 a few pictures, but the Photo Viewer does not show all

Most likely, the images have a resolution higher than 640x480. To view photos (and other pictures) with this program, they must be in JPEG (*. jpeg, *. jpg), BMP (*. bmp), GIF (*. gif), PNG (*. png), resolution should not exceed 640x480 pixels. Larger images can be viewed by third-party applications, such as Resco Picture Viewer.

After working in the network off feature auto power off. What should I do?

The system is configured so that prohibits auto power off during a session of data transmission. So after work on the Internet then restart BE-300 (soft reboot), then turn off and turn it on again. Auto Power Off function is restored.

Why connect to the PC Connect does not start when I insert the BE-300 in the cradle?

First, make sure the feature is enabled automatically connect to a PC (there is a tick in Coonections>> PC Connect>> Automatically connect to PC). Second, be sure to shut down Active Sync. It is not enough to simply click on the cross, to the list of processes (called by CTRL + ALT + DEL) "kill" the process wincecomm. If not help, restart your computer.

Russian keyboard cut to the width of the control panel installed in the shell Xpod, although functioning

Setting RussKey BE Light, in the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ ControlPanel \ Sip \ DragStyle need to change from 1 to 0. After that, the keyboard will be displayed fully. The authors, translation:

Sasio BE-300: Feeding with a spoon

Small capacity internal battery - one of the main drawbacks in general, very good cars Casio BE-300 Pocket Manager. We already wrote about some ways to "extend her life" and one of these methods, you will recall, was an external charger for batteries. Soon these "boxes" for sale in MakTsentr, but so far why not make this device yourself? Especially because it is a snap. The easiest option in the assembly generally takes less than 10 minutes. Slightly more complicated is useful to you, if you intend to use nickel-cadmium batteries. They are the cheapest, but most likely to light up when closed. So what we need. Pin DC power diameter of 1.7 mm, and a box of four batteries with a lid and switch, fuse 1 amp. All this is easy to get on the radio market, or in the appropriate store. In addition, you will need some wire (good fit wire from the headphones, bifurcated into two halves - it is flexible). And of course the soldering iron and the battery yourself (this can be battery powered) such as AA (the usual finger). Proceed. Remove the lid boxes for the batteries, unscrew the screw that holds the battery cover switch inside the box. If necessary, cut through the plastic joints and remove the battery cover switch. Under the hood there are two wires (usually black and red). Pull them with tweezers, and then remove the soldering iron from the switch. Wire from the "plus" contact (usually red) better to pull out of the box, so as not to melt it (here, however, it all depends on what will fall box for batteries). Join the fuse polampera the switch. It must be soldered to the negative leg, where there was (if you have the same type of boxes) black cord. Solder the new cord to the free end of the fuse to the positive battery terminals. Pass the wire through the hole in the hull and tighten knot. Replace the battery cover switch, fasten the bolt and slightly oplavte around the edges for strength. Solder the free end of the wire pin.Came out here the following scheme: and now this box: Practice shows that when using alkaline batteries life expectancy "Beshka" uvelichivatsya approximately two times, and slightly less than prolong her life nickel-cadmium batteries. So that life is worth trying. The authors, translation:

When the handheld machine requests a

Once all the PDAs were fed by replacement elements ... Glorious was the time. Problems prematurely shrunken the battery simply does not exist. But there was (as yet!) The problem suddenly depleted batteries. Especially in the first family of computers Windows CE. Were hungry machines. However, "unexpectedly" with interchangeable elements did not exist. Battery life does not end suddenly. It is a process, and gradual, which has many special features. Here are flashes of the discharge. Here again blinked. Here is the computer the screen went ... off? Yes. A battery - live. Two weeks, feeding the computer's memory and thereby saving the user data from the irreversible destruction. Since the battery is another matter. Even the most comprehensive and long-life lithium-ion batteries lose exchangeable elements on many items. And to the temperature they are too sensitive, and "die" with virtually no warning, and the state of deep discharge (when the balance of power is barely enough to maintain data integrity) as a horror not like it ... Let's talk about food? The problem, then the most that neither is pressing, relevant for all, without exception, owners of PDAs. True, on the old typewriters speech there. What we hold on to the ruins of luxury?

Battery "fingers"

In the handheld computers used two types of replaceable batteries - size AA and AAA. The first serve of keyboard computers Psion 5mx. Second - in typewriters Palm m105, m125, HandEra 330, and probably even in some clones of Palm, which I have not had a case. Battery Battery discord. Manufacturer strongly recommends the use of alkaline elements, which in the west referred to as "alkaline". And Palm itself and said - only Duracell Ultra and nothing else. Like, only in this case is guaranteed to work the computer for a month ... But what - a month? Half an hour a day? Hour? Four hours? With the backlight on the screen, or without it? With the use of peripherals, modem, memory card? It is not clear. Let us say at once - Palm computer models with monochrome screens (all up to modern m125), receiving power from replaceable elements, have the longest operating times. If you are going on a long trip, and even in places where finding an electrical outlet can be problematic, it is best to bring a Palm m125 and a pocketful of batteries.

Palm m125

Such situations are not as rare as it might seem. Electricity is not available, not only in the taiga, or more often on the shores of a forgotten god of the river (where the hell gave up the computer?), But also in the car long-distance trains in the airliner cabin or in a provincial hotel, where, besides Sherbatov carafe of the hallmarks of a civilization is only cockroaches . In fact - as recharge the battery is stranded on the train "Moscow - Khabarovsk? A pocket computer in a busy rail travel that magic wand. Sleep has no strength, books still ended two days ago, but a small computer - so he is always with you ... And how to recharge the battery in the cabin of a luxury foreign aircraft, where the outlet seems to be there, but all some strange, not ours? .. The apparent goodness of replacement elements there are also clear disadvantages. Moreover, the cost of batteries leave behind, because it is something just not essential. Tridtsatirublevy kit alkaline elements are not razzorit any PDA owner, even though the high cost has been criticized holders Palm `s that are tailored to your machine nickel-metal hydride batteries, size AAA. Sets of disposable items, even at very intensive use (with backlight on, which increases power consumption two to three times) is enough for at least three or four weeks. However, only in the case of high-quality batteries. But cheap items apply not only unprofitable (die like flies weakly winter), but also dangerous. Alkaline batteries will never flow. They are produced by the most advanced technology of the most well-known companies, and the dog eats in the production of chemical power sources.A nameless Chinese batteries may leak, did not even really worn out (electrolyte leakage occurs at extremely low battery discharge when the zinc glass, used as one electrode and the reservoir at the same time, worn down to the limit). Imagine what would happen to your computer for chemical attack caustic liquid ... Another problem arises when replacing the battery discharge fresh. In the computer, Psion 5mx has a back-supporting power of memory and preventing the erasure of her information. Therefore, replacement of batteries in the 5mx pushover.

Psion 5mx

And in the Palm `s backup battery no. Instead, it uses ionistory - large capacitors that hold the electric potential (and provides power chip RAM CPC) for a minute. Gape slightly, and the data are lost. And the road is a real catastrophe - a desktop machine next to no, can not be restored. However, a minute is not that a little time. In fact, the data lost is not so much from the clumsiness of the owner PDA, but on the low-quality ionistorov (which are susceptible to aging and loss of the initial characteristics). What do you do? For Palm m125 output is obvious - use a memory card with capacity of at least 8 megabytes for complete system backup, or at least to store basic programs that may be needed to restore the system "in parts". For older machines m105 and m100 have to buy attachable to the system connector of the flash memory. It works like any memory card, but with nothing is not compatible (and are more expensive flash memory cards - about $ 70 per 8 megabytes, the other modules of capacity does not happen). However, it is enough before you go to replace polurazryazhennye items fresh. Yet thirty-trip Tmutarakan befall extremely rare. Usually have to be away from home is not more than two weeks. And this term monochrome Palm `s and their batteries are quite capable.

Cordless fun

We, users of handheld computers, we must be prepared to ensure that replacement batteries obsolete. Very soon (we can say - today) all PDAs will be colored. A power color screen and backlight, such that the dry cells did not pull. That is, all handheld computers of tomorrow will be equipped with only the internal battery. And again - battery Battery discord. For example, a family of computers Pocket PC (I suspect that not all) establish replacement batteries. That is, a user can open the lid, turn off the regular battery and replace it svezhezaryazhennym. Example - the first Russian handheld machine Rover P6.

Russia's first PDA Rover P6

Roughly the same are arranged and some clones Palm, in particular - Computer Sony PEG-T415. True, the conclusion is made vpriglyadku - I just saw on aluminum Sony battery cover, but can you replace the battery yourself, do not know ... But just know that at all "native" typewriters Palm, starting with the m130 and older (and also on the vast majority of non-ferrous clones), such replacement is impossible. Computer case is made one-piece, and non-removable battery (although gold hands and a light head barriers do not exist). Multimedia capabilities of handheld computers - multi-colored display of information, audio and video - requires sacrifice. However, in this respect a little easier to have the owner of a color Palm, because the battery life of these machines is greater than the Pocket PC (due to lower power CPU, the lack of sound chip, a modest-sized screen and simply due to the lower intake power electronic components).Computers Palm m130 and m515 from a fully charged battery will live an average of 7-8 hours. This time depends on the mode of backlight, which can be enabled by half (from m130), or the disabled at all (in m515). Seven hours is enough for two or three days of moderate use of machines or a week - as the organizer (ie, under the system of warning of upcoming events, brief addresses to the contents of the address books and so on). But reading books in the car long-distance trains are already in question. Not to mention trips to the "wild" region ...

Long-liver Jornada 720

Exit - to use replaceable batteries, and if it is not possible, then external power sources, including fueling. All computer makers Pocket PC released their handheld external battery packs that increase battery life by about half (optional battery pack to the computer keyboard Hewlett-Packard Jornada 720 extends battery life up to 24 hours - an absolute record for a PDA). The disadvantage of such devices is a considerable cost (here in Russia from 80 dollars) and is not quite pocket size. With docked battery "jacket" modest-sized machine Casio BE-300 is similar to wow brick. Additional power supplies that can be used to recharge the batteries run down - it's containers, which can accommodate four dry cells connected to the power connector, and if it is not (like Palm), then to a system connector - to the appropriate contacts. A special selection of voltage parameters (usually 4-6 volts) is not required, fresh batteries will recharge the battery until it stranded until the potential difference at the terminals are not aligned. This should avoid two things - the reversal (reverse polarity battery to the power connector), which is fraught with literally explosive lithium battery and connectivity discharged batteries. In this case, the situation may change, and the battery drained even more podzaryazhaya "half empty" dry cells. The design of the external power supply on replacement elements are so simple that it is useful to construct a device to force any more or less "rukastomu" to the user device. Although if you want (and, of course, if possible) can find the device manufacturing industry, which produced both here and abroad. Incidentally, the battery unit further is better to use nickel-metal hydride batteries rather than disposable items, and, very large format. Still carry a computer, and this homemade (or homemade - no matter) are not going to block - is inconvenient. A turn at night to recharge - simply ... one more sad features built-in batteries. The service life of lithium-ion battery does not exceed two years. Then, the battery must be replaced. But housing construction PDA Palm does not do this, change will have the entire machine. In the case of expensive models, this means that we must be prepared every two to three years (most likely the producers hedged and the battery will last a little longer claimed the term) to spend 400 dollars on the purchase of new machines. Although the old (in the case of the Palm) the owner is completely satisfied. Even worse owners late model Palm `s. In the m130 and m515 install a lithium-polymer batteries, which differ in a very short survival for the sake of compactness. Truly - ideal computers do not happen.

Not so bad and all

For a moment digress from handheld computers and look at cell phones. Why is the problem of limited duration of the cell phone we are concerned (to be confirmed - specifically me) less than the problem of untimely "landing" PDA batteries? Very simply - cell phone only works in metropolitan areas and their surroundings, and therefore take it with you on a journey to the Russian province does not arise and thoughts.Should not in this case to reconsider its attitude to Pocket PC in general? This is not a standalone device capable of providing any user's needs. This - the mobile extension of PC. And because too long and too long absences from the main working machine (personal computer) are meaningless. For such journeys need a different technique. Let's just say - a laptop that rests until a certain time in the luggage of a computer-wanderer, and a pocket computer, which frees the owner from the need to rummage endlessly in suitcases, pulling out a portable machine to remember the right address or kill an extra hour of anxious to move. And then everything falls into place ... By the way, the digital photography autonomous power supply problems are magnified. Somehow, but a pocket machine is powered by built-in battery during the day. A digital camera - a little over an hour. But no one needs from a digital camera is impossible, since it too - the extension. It turns out that the life of an itinerant intellectuals centered around a laptop. Starts with all the mobile fun, and the rest - only optional (but very nice) for details. So is the PDA, which I so foolishly, so easily "hooked". The authors, translation:

Handspring future in Russia

Karmannye computers Handspring Visor American companies have won great popularity all over the world and recently have started to enter Russia. Distribution of these devices in our country is engaged in Company MakTsentr. Continuing the theme of the recently raised PDAs, we asked the director of "MakTsentr Dmitry Havzhu to answer our questions about the fate of Handspring in Russia. - What channels are now coming Visor PDA to Russia? In what quantity? As far as they are visible in the Russian market? - System supply of these devices in Russia is quite complicated and cumbersome. Headquartered Handspring is in America. In Europe, a branch of the company - Handspring Europe, which gave the right to work with certain countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Hungarian company MDS Holdings. MDS, in turn, signed a distribution agreement with our company. Number of units delivered is relatively small, but their share had reached 15% of the total CPC family PalmOS. This fully corresponds to the proportion Visor, which they occupy in the global sales structure. - You have an exclusive agreement with Handspring? Does Russia have other distributors? - To date (January 2001), we are the only partner of MDS in Russia. The term "exclusive" we try not to use because it does not exist in our contract with MDS, or MDS in agreement with Handspring. Uses the term sole disributor, which can be translated as "unique", but the difference in this. However, the effect of the current version of the agreement with MDS completed and can be expected in Russia there will be other distributors of products Handspring. - What is the reason the possible transition to a different model of distribution? What companies can still take the case? - Management of MDS is not completely satisfied with the results Visor sales in Russia. They believe that the presence of 3.2 distributors significantly increase sales. We believe that the problem lies elsewhere. Firstly, the business model of Handspring very little work closely with the channels. This company apparently still does the basic rate on direct sales to users. This is reflected in the fact that our purchase prices are very low, at 6.1%, differ from Handspring prices for end users. This low margin is greatly reduced interest in the product from our dealers. Validity of price protection only 2 weeks, which means that goods can be ordered only in small portions. There are also many other restrictions that are very difficult job in the ducts. Secondly, the Handspring on the market there were some real competitors, which have seriously challenged the benefits Visor. The most serious of the existing - Sony CLIE. Very soon, and Palm with an expansion slot in the format of SD. These devices are deprived of basic marketing Visor argument - the possibility of using the device independently, without a desktop computer, now it can do, and others. - But the Visor as he was, and remains the most expandable PDA through the use of slot Springboard ... - Yes, it is certainly true, but in Russia these arguments are very blurred. What are the most interesting plug-ins Springboard? First, VisorPhone, Visor turns into a telephone. To sell these devices in Russia is required to pass a certification process in the State Communications and Rostest. It costs about 7,000 dollars. On one such costs are not ready to go. The second interesting module - GPS receiver. Sell ​​it in Russia too it is impossible before the patch in the law on state secrets. So it remains a bit of interesting extensions - Backup Module, MP3 Module and Modem. - You mentioned a new handheld Sony CLIE. Can he really drive the other PalmOS devices? - The success of the CLIE is entirely in the hands of Sony. In itself, the device is very interesting and very competitive.It all depends on the determination of Sony to promote this model to the market, you know that Sony will be a very serious battle with Microsoft for the game console market, which in this situation will mostly remain the resources to promote hand-held computers - time will tell. - Back to the devices the company Handspring. What other company can qualify subdistribyutora? How might this affect the market? - I think that in Russia, very few companies who may be interested in such work. First of all, Elekton "and" Camelot. " Perhaps, "Notebooks theft alarm." No one else comes to mind is not. Widening the circle subdistribyutorov likely have no impact on the price situation, because right now profit in this niche is close to zero. Picture may change qualitatively, only if we achieve a more favorable working conditions of MDS, or be able to establish direct relationships with Handspring, eliminating intermediaries. Sources, Materials: