Following the latest fashion trends and the intricate design delights, the vast majority of mobile devices are becoming smaller and smaller, while decreasing the size of the display, removed the "extra" keys, and so on. No exception, and smart phones with OSes Windows Mobile. Communicators was close in size to ordinary cell phones. It would seem that everyone should be happy, but no, there are still people of the old school, accustomed to a large display, which sadly gazed at the windows, cluttered devices with a diagonal screen 2.8 inches and smaller. But once it all started with a classic PDA-shnyh 3.5 inches ... But now, large monsters like the Qtek 9090, 2020, 2020i, very popular on the secondary market. The only thing that perhaps they do not have - a built-in GPS-navigation and a VGA display. However, new products with features and large (3.5 "display) is announced not long ago. However, there is one exception - a hero of our today's review of the ASUS P550 PDA with a screen 3.5 inches. This model, in addition to the big screen (alas, with QVGA resolution), has a built-in GPS-based SiRFStar III, complete set of wireless interfaces, rather nimble processor and runs Windows Mobile 6. At first glance, ASUS P550 is huge and quite weighty. Almost the entire front surface has a large 3.5 "screen, under the which is located a block key management device. The materials of the assembled device, command respect and a sense of reliability. So get down to familiarity, which normally start with the characteristics of the device.
Technical data - Operating system: Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional, Russian version
- Processor: Intel XScale PXA270, 520 MHz
- Memory: 256 MB ROM, 64 MB RAM
- Screen: 3.5 "transflective TFT, 240x320 pixels, 65K colors
- Expandable memory: miniSD (supported formats of memory cards miniSD / SDIO / SDHC).
- Mobile networks: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, GPRS Class 10, UMTS 2100.
- Communications capabilities: Bluetooth (2.0 + EDR, A2DP), Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), USB 1.1.
- GPS: SiRFStar III, A-GPS support
- Camera: 2 megapixels
- Battery: Li-Ion, 1530mAch, removable
- Audio: microphone, speakerphone, speaker for phone calls
- Dimensions and weight: 121 x 70 x 16,5 mm, 188 g
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Specifications are not bad communicator. At the core of the device a fairly powerful processor, large screen, there is support for 3G-networks, and GPS. True, the permission for such a large screen is low. Unpretentious camera is only 2-megapixel camera that, for modern devices have not even average. By the way, there is no front camera, the presence of a typical 3G-devices. Competitors with equal diagonal display at the ASUS P550 are not. If we take into account other characteristics, as opponents ASUS P550, we have chosen old man Qtek 9090 (with unofficial firmware WM6), ASUS P750, Gigabyte GSmart MS800, glofiish X600, HTC Touch Cruise and RoverPC N6.
Supplied
Supplied standard for most modern navigational aids. Thus, opening the box, we see:
- ASUS P550 Communicator
- Stylus
- USB / miniUSB sync cable
- Storage battery
- AC adapter
- Automobile Power Adapter (via the cigarette lighter)
- Car kit for mounting the device on the windshield
- Wired stereo headset plugs into the connector 2.5
- Cover for your device
- Navigation software Navitel Navigator
Given GPS-functionality of the device, package it seems logical and self-sufficient.
The stylus is traditional for the majority of WM-communicator - he is small, neteleskopichesky, but quite comfortable. Discomfort when you use does not cause. Slot for the stylus is located in the upper right part of the body. Hang in there securely.
Appearance
ASUS P550 - a classic piece with rounded edges. Housing in the apparatus consists of two materials. The front panel of a partial setting of the lateral surface consists entirely of brushed metal. The back part is made of a dark, almost black, soft-touch plastic. Metal can be sure that the device can operate in a variety of conditions, and this kind of plastic does not slip and feels nice in your hand. This combination looks really good. Assembling all the parts done well. Obvious gaps were noted.
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Size (121 x 71 x 17 mm) and weight (189 g) unit standard does not call. Is partly dictated by the presence of a large screen, partly - capacious battery. And the metal constructions device leaves its mark. In any case, in your pocket, this device will be very good. Fortunately, the fixture on the windshield of the car comes complete in itself quite robust. Business card of the device - 3.5 "touch screen located in a natural way on the front. Above the screen is located in the center of the notch speaker for phone calls. Right speaker - the status light device.
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Under the screen, a short distance away, a block key with which the overwhelming number of operations with the communicator. Buttons a lot. Describe their location from top to bottom left to right. Upper part is imperceptible at first glance, the metal strip in the center split in half. Every part of this band consists of a two-position rocker, which ultimately gives the user the opportunity to perform four actions. Clicking on the edges of traditional implements two soft keys. In the center of the same, there are special buttons to switch targets and call recorder (however, these actions can be reassigned to any other). The keys are not marked, but above them on the body, apply a small engraving of the icon corresponding action. Under the above described keys, are more traditional key confirmation (receiving calls) and calling the system menu (left side) and "OK" button to cancel the (end of conversation).These keys are quite large and it is hard to miss, even to the touch. In the center of keyboard unit is metal square 4-way navigation key with activation button in the center. It is noteworthy that the 4-position key is executed even convenient to work with it blindly - the outer face above the surface and excellent tactile feel.
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The backlighting is even, clearly visible in the dark.
The left side housing ASUS P550 provides top of the wheel, resembling a jog-dial phones from Sony Ericsson. Ie it serves up / down buttons, as well as being able to exercise choice by pressing. This crane is framed by their edges two buttons - the top "call WEB-browser" below "OK". Besides the buttons below available to us the hole to reset the device (reset). At this filling the left side is finished.
The right side is richer in a variety of accessories. Firstly, at the very top is a slot for the stylus. Just below, a connector for external GPS-antenna is securely hidden under a plastic cover. Just below the connector is a slot for memory cards miniSD (just hidden under the cover). A short distance from the lid memory card slot, the lock switch is located outside the device keys (hold). And below the switch, a button calling the photo / video.
The bottom end machine in the center is equipped with 2.5-jack for wired audiogarnitury and miniUSB. And at the right edge, we can find a small hole for the microphone.
At the top end in the center there is only a button on / off.
On the back of the device from the top, above the battery cover is a metal block on the left where we can see a 2-megapixel camera (under a protective piece of glass), and the right - the speaker, loudspeaker, nestled under the holes. All the principal place from the bottom is the battery cover. Under it - Battery Li-Ion, 1530mAch. And underneath the battery - a compartment for SIM-card.
Screen
Screen at ASUS P550 - in fact, his business card. But despite the 3.5-inch diagonal, resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The number of colors is not ideal - only 65,000 colors. Nevertheless, the display good viewing angles. Stocks brightness and contrast - are acceptable. While the bright sun to work with the screen will be problematic even at maximum brightness settings. The brightness is regulated by only 8 steps. Minimum level of just extinguishes the backlight. The penultimate comfortable for reading in the dark or under dim lighting, and the maximum would comfortably see the image of the day in the car.
Subjectively, the screen is clear and the problems with the perception of the information he does not call.
Speed and memory
With the speed at ASUS P550 all wonderful - quite quickly affects availability of the processor. Noticeable, perhaps, run heavy applications (eg, GPS). Take a look at the numbers provided to us by an impartial Spb Benchmark.
As can be seen on the outcomes, performance, ASUS P550 slightly above average. In tests the CPU and graphics device ahead of competitors on the basis of Samsung and Qualcomm, surpassed only more balanced Marvell. However, overall performance depends not only on the number of megahertz, but also on other parameters, such as memory and speed of working with her. There ASUS P550 has shown himself not with the best hand. The table shows that the speed with built-in memory is not the strong point of the communicator, hence the low speed performance indices. Traditionally, we have conducted additional testing and using player TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) version 0.72RC1. The result is shown in the table:
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All measurements were performed 3 times. From the plate it is clear that ASUS to its fullest use plus a small resolution and powerful processor - even a VGA-quality video it is easy to play, is even a kind of stock performance. The practical meaning is quite simple and enjoyable - watch films and clips on the device you will be extremely comfortable (big screen, no slowing down even in heavy files). In terms of memory ASUS P550 nothing remarkable not stand out against competitors. RAM is only 64 MB, the size of ROM - 256 MB. In addition, the unit supports memory cards miniSD - miniSD / SDIO / SDHC with the ability to hot swap.
Sound
Sound external speaker for ASUS P550 is good, loud.His well heard in the room, and on the street or in a car behind the wheel. Wired stereo headset claims the sound quality does not cause. Headroom is pretty good, sound is clear. It is noteworthy that the headset on the block, where the microphone, there is a mechanical volume control. In addition, in the settings of the device itself can limit the power the alarm, leaving the headset.
The sound is good for phone conversations, the interlocutor can be clearly distinguished even in a noisy environment.
Sociability
Telephone module ASUS P550 is designed to work in networks GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) networks and third generation 3G (UMTS 2100 MHz). From the minutes of receiving / sending data supports GPRS (Class 10). Work on GSM networks is normal data transfer via GPRS is acceptable. It is strange that the official specifications, there is no word on support EDGE, and besides, the machine never showed a treasured icon "E", testifying to the presence of EGDE. Nevertheless, the speed of Internet connections are almost always reliably kept at a level of 50-60 kbps, while EDGE on devices where exactly is missing, the rate of less than 33 kbps. On this basis, we dare to suggest that EDGE device still supports it. Check the 3G-functional, unfortunately, failed.
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Communicator is equipped with wireless modules Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (including the profile A2DP) and Wi-Fi (802.11b / g). The Bluetooth does not satisfactory. Files are transferred quickly, wireless headsets are defined and connected without problems. Connected Stereo Bluetooth-headset worked without interruption. For Bluetooth printing is possible and Synchronization ActiveSync.
Wi-Fi module specification supports 802.11b / g, which allows you to easily use the features available hot spots. As a test of reliability and stability of the Wi-Fi was used a mobile VoIP-client fring. Voice passed without failures, the sides heard each other perfectly (used for testing network fring, Skype, Google Talk and SIP-provider sipnet.ru).
In general, the opportunities for setting up wireless interfaces, the communicator is standard and similar to the vast majority of WM6-communicators. In the wireless settings, we found, just the ability to monitor and if necessary interrupt the transmission of data produced by the operator of cellular communication (eg GPRS).
USB 1.1, unfortunately, does not provide a high speed. Nevertheless, works without problems.
GPS
ASUS P550, as we mentioned above, a built-in GPS-based SiRFStar III. By itself, the chipset has already proven itself. We only note that in this device, the satellite was rapidly and in sufficient numbers, even in dense urban areas. A-GPS support is expressed in the presence of pre-program, which allows the Internet to load the actual ephemeris.
As a navigation program with the ASUS P550 comes Navitel Navigator with an overview map of Russia, and detailed maps of one region of your choice. It is worth noting that as a navigator, ASUS P550 deserves the best praise. On display 3.5-inch navigation is a pleasure to use.
Capabilities built-in camera
Lens is the built-in ASUS P550 2-megapixel camera is covered with bits of glass and is its only protection. On the other hand, the camera itself is located on the body so that it pretty hard to get your fingers when shooting. The camera itself is not equipped with neither autofocus, nor flash. Interface photos and video footage, unfortunately, is not designed to control the fingers. Often, it is necessary to use a stylus - piktogrammki actions are so small and placed too close to each other. True, you can call the general menu and select all shooting parameters using the joystick, but it takes some time, so I can not say that the interface is ergonomically comfortable. Themselves as possible to take a fairly standard and similar to the vast majority of WM6-communicators. Photography is possible with permission from 320x240 to 1600x1200. There are presets for different shooting modes:
- Auto
- Night
- Sports
- Daylighting
- Clouds
Of the hallmarks of standard features, you can highlight the possibility prostanovki GPS-tags for each photo shoot. Included in the settings of photography. A pleasant surprise was the visual setting white balance and brightness of the picture - when you are directly looking at the result coming from the camera can adjust these settings. There are the camera settings is another unusual section - options for MMS. It can be a time to format video and photos to send MMS. Then you get the opportunity to quickly activate the recording mode "for MMS», which is always available to you.
The quality of images rather mediocre, especially if you shoot a subject at close range. In principle, this camera can do the usual photo for display on the Internet.
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| ASUS P550: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 434,1 Kb) |
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| ASUS P550: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 260,6 Kb) |
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| ASUS P550: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 438,2 Kb) |
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| ASUS P550: an example of the photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 216,4 Kb) |
Video can be saved in two formats: 3GP and MP4. And, second, allows you to record higher-quality resolution for pictures. 3GP admits shooting at resolutions 128x96 and 176x144, MP4 - 128x96, 176x144 and 320x240. In principle, it is understandable - 3GP format generally requires that the phone sending video via MMS.
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| ASUS P550: an example of video (MPEG4, 320x240, 726 KB) |
Runtime
We remind that the capacity of the complete battery ASUS P550 is 1530mAch. This is a pretty decent rate - clearly above average. However, given the navigation and a full set of wireless interfaces, the use of capacious battery is completely justified. Let's see how this decision came out balanced. Traditionally, testing is done by the conventional method for our resource. Maximum load. Vykruchena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker, too, included all wireless modules (including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), via Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. During playback device twice reported that the charge comes to an end - for the first time in 2 hours and 30 minutes for the second time - 10 minutes before full discharge. Battery life in this mode was 3 hours straight. Reading of the text. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set at the penultimate level (this is enough for comfortable reading). On the PDA started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. During playback device twice reported that the charge is on the wane.The last time - in half an hour before the trip. Opening hours were 27 hours and 55 minutes. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off. Screen repaid. Listening comes through the headphones at maximum volume. Used a standard Windows Media Player and composition with a constant bit rate (192 kb / c). During playback device twice reported that the charge is completed. First time - 18 hours 35 minutes. At last - an hour before switching off. Total operating time in this mode was 25 hours and 45 minutes. The test confirmed the suspicion that the wireless interfaces consume the lion's share of energy surround the battery. Although even with these loads, the communicator is held worthy of the competition. However, where the communicator is not used at full capacity, just shows remarkable results.
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At the same mixed mode device lives of two to three days.
Software stuffing
ASUS P550 runs on Windows Mobile 6 Professional. In our surveys we have repeatedly described the features of the OS, why dwell on it will not. Tell only about non-standard or proprietary software, preinstalled in the unit. You should start with the application Asus Launcher, which is associated with the left soft key. In fact, this proprietary wrapper that makes it easier to work with your device and make it easier to manage with your fingers without a stylus. All possible actions for the communicator are grouped in 12 sections, each has a characteristic piktogrammku and name. Within each section are the menu items to one or other preinstalled software. In general, it's pretty convenient and logical. List and composition of the menu can be configured individually to meet your personal needs.
In the settings of the communicator is noteworthy item profile, where you can flexibly adjust the device profiles.
Item Autocleaner allows you to customize application behavior when you press the close button on the system, as well as black (which is always closed) and white (which always turn off) lists.
About limiting the power of sound in the headset, we have already mentioned.
Mode switch allows you to configure four arbitrary applications, among which you can switch to the proprietary button.
Asus Assistant allows you to have at hand the most needed features that you may require at any moment.
CPU mode lets you control mode of the processor device.
Configuration of wireless interfaces are standard, except that you should pay attention to the possibility of automatic shut-off device or wireless modules based on a specified schedule or conditions.
GPS Catcher - a program that allows to use A-GPS (downloading ephemeris through the Internet), including automatically.
Location courier («Courier location") - another utility associated with the GPS-device capabilities. With it you can record your route, send your friends your contact information, etc.
Newstation - unpretentious RSS-reader.
There is a player streaming video or audio.
UrTime - asusovsky analogue world time, which are stylish wristwatch and alarm clock.
Control for Power Point - a useful tool for those who frequently conducts presentations using Power Point. The utility allows you to be a communicator wireless (bluetooth) remote control of your presentation. Journal of movement - GPS-software that allows you to create routes, save and use them in future. Is the base of POI.
My Secrets - store private information.
Backup - a simple but useful utility for backing up and restoring from backups of important user data (including "My Secrets"). Everything else is consistent with the standard stuffing WM6.
Price issue
In chain stores MakTsentr - Computer in the palm of the cost of ASUS P550 is 20,780 rubles.
Conclusions
ASUS P550 was pretty good machine. If you do not confuse its size and weight, the characteristics of the device will use it in a fairly wide range of tasks. Big screen (even considering that it is not VGA) primarily useful for GPS-navigation, watching videos or reading books. A capacity battery will stretch the process to a greater amount of time. The combination of large screen and all advanced wireless modules that enable comfortable solve Internet problems in a convenient place for you.
Pros: - powerful processor
- screen 3.5 "
- 3G support
- GPS
- good time performance on a single battery charge
- fast video subsystem
- complete set of wireless modules
Cons: - large size and weight
- Weak camera
The authors, translation:
Vitaly Nikolaev
