Our today's hero - i-mate JAMA - another rookie, arrived at the regiment cost smartphones running Windows Mobile. I must say that the lower price segment of the market is still emerging, credited mainly due to product manufacturers who have come to the market relatively recently (for example, Voxtel). Gradually the process of connecting and such grandees as HTC with his communicator HTC P3400, and the company i-mate. We recall not so long ago, both companies played in the same field. HTC manufactures mobile devices, i-mate sold them under its own brand. However, with the release of the first shadow of partnership was terminated. i-mate actually dropped out of the race. However, after some time, the company again announced his first announcement, and then the presentation of the i-mate JAMA, and the more expensive line of Ultimate. I must say that i-mate time to respond to the market request. WM-budget class of devices has only recently emerged into the light. So now it is possible to win back some former position, proposed to allocate the competition decision. In general, let's look at the characteristics of JAMA.
Features: - Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition AKU 3.2
- Processor: Samsung SC32442X with a 300 MHz
- Screen: 2.4 "TFT c 320x240 pixels, supporting 65 000 colors, no backlighting
- Memory: 64 MB RAM (39.45 MB available), ROM - 128 MB (61.26 MB)
- Memory Expansion: microSD
- Communication: GSM 900/1800 MHz, GPRS Class B, Multi-slot standard class 10, Bluetooth 1.2, MiniUSB for charging / synchronization
- Camera: 2 megapixel with a mirror for self portrait
- Battery: removable Li-Ion 1020 mAh capacity
- Dimensions and weight: 106x52.5x15.6 mm and 110 g
- Price: 12 thousand rubles
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So, the first difference from the ordinary budget models, is striking - it's processor power. In the JAMA installed 300 MHz stone, in defiance of the majority of my classmates, equipped with 200 MHz. Tests show that our hero is actually faster than its competitors, but on this below. Another difference, though not one - is the diagonal: 2.4 "vs. 2.8" for most. On the one hand, the small screen does not add to the attractiveness of the device, and the other at the expense of such a solution can reduce the size of the unit to almost conventional telephone, as well as extend battery life. And so it was a case of JAMA. However, first things first. Among the devices and competitors of our hero can distinguish these state employees from other manufacturers like HTC P3400 and Voxtel W520. From the first, our hero has a more compact overall dimensions of the screen, and the second - the lack of Wi-Fi. In addition, JAMA equipped and more powerful processor with 300 MHz vs. 200 MHz rivals, as well as a slightly lower price at the start. Well, if you go into the details, then each of the aforementioned devices, a type of expansion slots: the i-mate is a diminutive microSD, a HTC P3400 - Classic SD / MMC / SDIO, and at Voxtel W520 - miniSD.
Set
i-mate JAMA will be delivered as usual for an inexpensive device included:
- Mains Charger
- miniUSB sync cable
- Stereo
- CD with software
- User
- Battery 1020 mAh.
As can be seen, no frills. Everything is strictly the case.
Design
i-mate JAMA looks like a typical government employees - a very low profile. Case color - light gray graphite. Plastic, as befits an economy version, inexpensive, and therefore not very resistant to severe mechanical stress. Meanwhile, JAMA is not devoid of elegance in the form of compact size and small screen. And, characteristically, is more attractive from behind than in front, through the camera lens, decorated with a large silver-rimmed with the grille on the sides.
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The main advantage of JAMA - is its light weight and super sizes. According to these indicators, our hero is almost champion, if not taking into account the latest HTC Touch, presented by the other day. The reverse side of such a compact - a stripped-down to 2.4 "diagonal screen. Let us estimate the appearance and ergonomics of the device. FACIAL seems too concise and simple. Hlipkovato executed block navigation keys that are protected by a transparent plastic plate coated with a notation. In the process of using fears are confirmed: buttons do not differ very adequate tactile feedback, that is not always clear whether there was depression. In addition, confusing sometimes confuses slow response of the system. All the buttons - four: two regular phone (reception and hang up calls) and two soft keys. Left at long-term retention is the Start menu, right to operate the button "OK". Unfortunately, it does not indicated on the buttons. But in any case, glad that, thanks to this dual function buttons, the device can be operated practically without a stylus. For simple manipulation committed on the run, the pen "discovery" is not necessary. individual problems is a key drop call, combined with the power button. It is only for one second overtime it as JAMA, blinking screen, turn off, instead of turn on. Perhaps this is costs of the engineering model. Let us hope that in the serial device, we're not confronted with such problems. However, the management of the device would still have to get used to. Four-way navigation button, as well as the confirmation key, inscribed in its center, almost above the surface, so that manipulate it is not very convenient. Directional buttons also are not as sensitive as we would like, can not be said about the confirmation button. With her in this respect is just fine. However, all the above points are not critical. To manage JAMA quite possible to adapt himself.
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The only thing you can not get used to - it's a stylus, or more precisely, the process of its withdrawal from the foam. First, the pen is mightier than recessed into the slot, and, secondly, on his arm practically no clues, which usually rests on the nail when you need to get it. Thirdly, the location of the foam - in the lower right corner - also facilitates the procedure. In the end, remove it from the nest can only be the second or third attempt. Perhaps this is again a "childhood diseases" of the engineering model. It would like to hope so. The more so that the stylus itself - is quite good and comfortable, sliding design.
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With regard to the location of other elements, everything is simple and logical, all in their places, except for the expansion slot, which is usually located on the top, but in our case, handed down on the left side. On the right side there is a large and convenient volume control buttons, normally fail in their duties, as well as a camera launch button that can be reprogrammed for other tasks. Slightly lower, as already mentioned, posted silo.
At the top end is a loop for attaching lace, rare in communicators. True, in this case it is justified, given the phone size and weight of the machine.
And just below, at the end, there is a standard miniUSB connector for charging and syncing the device, coupled with a 2.5 mm jack for a headset.
Back, as usual, contains a battery compartment, covered by easily removable lid. Above the bay is eye 2-megapixel camera with a self-portrait mirror, surrounded by a grille. Assembled unit on a "four", since little squeaks and "play" battery cover. For the design of JAMA also deserves a four, but with a minus for not fully thought-out ergonomics.
Screen
Features screen i-mate JAMA, in general, the standard for the device - it transflektiv with a resolution of 320x240 pixels, 65,536 colors, if you do not take into account several smaller diagonal of the unit - with the usual 2.8 "to 2.4".
Disadvantages of this size are obvious, and plus - a clearer picture than the "colleagues" with classic diagonal. However, the brightness of this display is clearly lacking. So much so that we tested did not copy was provided of its turn-based regulation, which is available to all communicators. Thus, the screen can either disable or enable. Available brightness, of course, is not enough to work with JAMA in the sun. However, for artificial light and total darkness the screen is read without problems, but not impressive richness of colors. Viewing angles of the matrix - tolerant.
Speed and memory
As mentioned above, i-mate JAMA 300 MHz processor installed Samsung - not the low-power version of the possible. On the contrary, most affordable device uses 200 MHz OMAP. And, as confirmed by our tests, it is due to the advantages of 100 MHz, our hero goes around its major competitors.
The full test results can be found below.
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| Spb Benchmark: test results |
Subjective observations confirm these figures, almost all the tests, i-mate JAMA showed results higher than those of competitors, with the exception of tests on the performance of the graphics. Machine really works with virtually no brakes, applications open almost instantly. Test using TCPMP only confirms these results.
And here JAMA confidently traverses competitors. You may well be able to look at this phone video resolution of 320x240, which his rivals simply do not pull. As for memory, there could hardly expect any surprises. On board the standard 64 MB RAM and 128 MB of permanent memory. Of the total amount of RAM available for use 39.45 mb and the total volume of ROM for storing data and installing programs allocated 61.26 MB. For the first time this reserve may be enough for undemanding users, but then still have to buy a memory card. The supported standard - microSD up to 2 GB.
Sound
Audio capabilities JAMA - standard for the class. On the back of the camera lens are located around the speakers. Despite attempts to equip the unit in stereo speakers, no visible effect to no avail - too little distance between them. In general, the sound coming out of them - average quality, with a characteristic hoarse on bass. By voice dynamics have no complaints. Always good to hear about at a moderate level. Sound, which give regular headphones, as the average. However, those who are going to listen to MP3 on this unit is still better to include other "ears".For these purposes, will have to stock an adapter from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. With regard to call volume, it will have i-mate is very average, it is better to set it to max, so as not to miss a call in noisy environments. Vibrate force is also low.
Sociability
Telephone part in JAMA - not the strongest. This device operates on GSM networks only in two bands of 900 and 1800 MHz. However, this will be enough for our latitude. EDGE support is also not available to the users received a standard GPRS class B, which is able to secure a decent job with the Internet and e-mail. For web-surfing a few screen is too small, however, for quick access to information that is enough. With regard to other wireless interfaces, here we only have Bluetooth version 1.2. Supports all common profiles including A2DP. Set common stack from Microsoft c familiar laconic driver. Module works flawlessly: no problem get in touch with a mobile phone, PDA and sends / receives files, and also connects to a wireless headset. Unfortunately, the device is not Wi-Fi as opposed to one of the major competitors - Voxtel W520.
Runtime
i-mate JAMA is equipped with a lithium-ion battery of 1020 mAh. Let's see what the results will show the product on our standardized tests. 1. Maximum load. Backlight is turned on, the speaker volume set to maximum, including Bluetooth module via Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was - 5 hours and 40 minutes. 2. Reading of the text. All wireless modules are disabled. Turn on the backlight. On the PDA started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was - 21 hours 10 minutes. 3. MP3 Playback. Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. Used a standard Media Player and composition with a constant bit rate (192 kb / c). Hours - 19 hour and 20 minutes. Well, the result is quite exemplary. With an average load device is able to work a maximum of 2.5 days without recharging, so before the third day of his better recharge. But the results look like i-mate against the backdrop of "classmates".
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In most cases, despite a less capacious battery, our hero is able to last longer than others, because, apparently, very inexpensive to power the screen (without backlighting).
Luggage
Camera installed in the i-mate JAMA, too mediocre, to give it much attention. This is a 2-megapixel CMOS sensor, a fairly high noise level. Of the additional "linkage" is present only self-portrait mirror. There is no flash or autofocus. In principle, it would all be forgiven for state employees, if not the quality level of the resulting photographs. They are usually not so cut that cast doubt on the desirability of the camera itself. More or less satisfactory shots out only in bright sunlight. Virtually everything done in the premises, does not hold water. You can take pictures at the following resolutions: 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480, 352x280, 320x240, 176x144, 160x120.The settings are available: capture modes (photo, video, portrait, series, self-timer), the quality, brightness, contrast, white balance and 6x zoom. Video can be recorded only in the resolution of 176x144 pixels. Examples of the photo look a little lower.
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| i-mate JAMA: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 469,9 Kb) |
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| i-mate JAMA: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 958 KB) |
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| i-mate JAMA: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 329,4 Kb) |
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| i-mate JAMA: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 255,4 Kb) |
Software
The device runs Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition AKU 3.2 with a standard set of software. Interestingly, in respect of additional software for i-mate, things unexpectedly well. Of course, we can not say that the machine is packed full program, but for an inexpensive device such selection is not typical. Judge for yourself. First, the JAMA preinstalled proprietary software suite from i-mate, which includes the following programs: i-mate 1-View - an application for sharing files with remote users directly from your device. After registering your account at your fingertips 100 MB on the server i-mate, where you can upload any data in that volume. If you want more volume, will subscribe for an additional fee.
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i-mate BackUp - backup software that allows you to save valuable data on the same server, i-mate, in the same amount not to exceed 100 MB. i-mate Profile Controller - simple program to work with phone profiles with a limited number of the add and settings within the profile (you can adjust the volume, ringer type, name).
Second, to the user to do the same antivirus eTrust Antivirus and emulator Java.
Another of the additions can be distinguished Today-plugins manipulated profiles and Windows Media Player Mobile.
And finally, best of all, that the list of regular games supplemented by three nice gizmos - i-Mate 3D Bowling, i-Mate Dominoes and puzzles i-Mate Number Place. All these toys are well made, exciting, and quite capable to brighten up the leisure user the first time.
Price issue
i-mate JAMA should appear on sale in late July of this year. At the beginning of sales of retail price costavit about 12 thousand rubles. This is one of the most inexpensive communicators today.
Output
i-mate JAMA, of course, stars from the sky is not enough. This humble workhorse for those beginners who are not set on going to spend on a mobile phone running Windows Mobile more than that amount. However, for all its shortcomings (the controversial design and ergonomics, there is no backlighting, poor camera, etc.) the merits of the novelty still more. Among them, first of all, affordable starting price, along with balanced performance (not the low-power processor), as well as good results, which showed our character in the basic tests. For clarity, as usual we expand all the pluses and minuses on the shelves.
Pros: - ultra-compact dimensions
- high performance for budget class
- good selection of additional software
- Good battery life
Cons: - ergonomic flaws (the removal of the stylus from the slot, power button failure, combined with the drop call)
- lack of backlighting
- Weak camera
The authors, translation:
Alexander Skusnov
