Virtually every new announcement of HTC's always been preceded by numerous rumors, speculation and fictitious publication specifications. And it is not surprising, since many new items carried in themselves something really unusual and promising. Everybody remembers Qtek s100 (HTC Magician), finally killed the popular opinion that the PocketPC-communicator can not be small, or Qtek 9100, became the first (or at least the first commercially successful) signs in the slider form factor with QWERTY-keyboard. One may recall the recent HTC P3300 (Artemis) with handy control RollR, as well as the flagship HTC X7500 (Advantage), which only begins to sell. Strange but true - for a long time HTC was not paying attention to the budget sector, in which, under favorable circumstances can get high sales. Were in the model number is not only very expensive devices that are approaching obsolescence, as the cost to the budget sector. However, the true cost of communicators in the arsenal of the Taiwanese manufacturer was not. Rather, it was not until this moment, now has a HTC P3400 (Gene). Nothing extraordinary from this model is not expected. Least because the basis for its establishment has served as a platform HTC Prophet (Qtek s200). And if you do not consider the differences in design, the differences between them are not so significant: P3400 deprived of Wi-Fi-module and an IR port, while the s200 and the possessed, and others. In addition, the novelty is much lighter than its predecessor. But in the beginning, let's look at a list of basic specifications.
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Technical data: - Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition (AKU 3.2).
- Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP 850 201 MHz.
- Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB of Flash ROM.
- Screen: 2.8 "transflective TFT, 240x320 pixels, 65536 colors.
- Memory Expansion: SD / MMC / SDIO (supporting cards up to 4 GB).
- Communication capabilities: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz, GRPS (Class 10), EDGE, Bluetooth (2.0).
- Camera: 2 megapixels, no flash, no autofocus.
- Battery: Li-Pol, 1250 mAh, removable.
- Audio: microphone, speaker, headset jack ExtUSB.
- Dimensions and weight: 109 x 58 x 17.65 mm and 126 g (with battery).
- Claimed battery life: 3.5 - 5 hours of talk time, 150 - 200 hours of standby time.
After reviewing the specifications, you will notice that instead of the 2.5-millimeter headset jack, which was a Qtek s200, HTC P3400 is equipped with a connector you are already familiar ExtUSB. In other characteristics have not changed. The same screen, the same amount of memory, similar to an expansion slot, camera with identical features and so on. Novelty will compete mainly with the nouveau-Voxtel W520, which is similar in characteristics, but has the advantage of built-in Wi-Fi-module. However, and it costs a little more expensive. Yet, oddly enough, is the only competitor to Gene. If you believe the rumors, the company i-mate in the near future, too, intends to present a budget model (most likely, and not just one but a series), but the R3400 has already sold before the appearance of new competitors could feel quite calm. Well, let's estimate the complete set of device and its appearance.
Supplied
Low-end models can rarely please the rich set of accessories in the box. Recently, however, among communicators observed a strange trend: regardless of the value supplied is the same. Necessarily cover the headset and the necessary minimum in the form of USB-cable, and charger. Some manufacturers, of course, pleased with something big. Let's see what is hidden in a box P3400:
- communicator himself;
- stylus;
- battery;
- charger;
- USB-cable;
- wired stereo;
- case to be worn on the belt;
- plenochka protective screen;
- user manual;
- CD with accompanying software, as well as with MS ActiveSync;
- warranty card.
That's really very good for a budget model. Very pleased with quality and complete accessories. Case is a classic bag, designed to be worn on a belt. It is fastened tight metal bracket that holds the pouch on his belt rather tightly. The very same handbag made of synthetic leather, cap fixed magnet. Serve it for sure for a long time. Protective film is most ordinary - hardly about it can say anything. The headset, in principle, too, but of her we will say a few words below. Pleased with the stylus. He is a metal, with plastic ends, the length slightly shorter than the standard, the thickness - a little thinner. Working with him is very conveniently enough, we had no gripes there.
Appearance
In photos HTC P3400 does not look very attractive and rustic. On the one hand - this is normal for the budget-class device, but on the other - not very typical for HTC. After a close acquaintance machine did not look expensive or otherwise more attractive. But it seemed pleasant to use, it is very comfortable in the hand. This is due not so much a compact, rounded shape as the body. Lateral faces slightly chamfered and moving smoothly into the rear panel. Corps has no right angles, allowing device is easy to carry in your pocket and get out quickly. With regard to size, they practically do not differ from those of the Qtek s200. However, visually HTC PZ400 looks smaller because of the round. The main material of the body - of course, plastic. The front side of it dark gray, and the rest of the hull painted in black and are coated soft-touch (on the tactile sensations - something reminiscent of nubuck), through which improves adhesion to the skin. This coating is resistant to scratches, but it also clearly visible fingerprints. And wipe it much more difficult than the varnished surface. Color version is the only one - a gray-black. A mini-poll about first impressions, as always, brought a very rashozhie results. People who rated the device on the eye, as a rule, saying "nothing special", but the one who took him in hand, have always noted the convenience of the form. Well, move on to more careful consideration. Central place on the front side, as always busy screen. Below that is a major hardware keys, and at the top - the voice speaker, hidden behind a mirrored flap, and a pair of LEDs. Latest perform familiar functions: right blinks blue, informing of activated Bluetooth, and the left - green / orange, indicating a working GSM-module and charging the battery.
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Hardware buttons on the front panel of eight, they are located in three separate blocks. In the right - a key rebound, reset button on the Today screen and a soft-key, the left - the menu button "Start", "green tube" and the second soft-key. Between them is a four-way navigation button inscribed with the confirmation button. To find fault with the execution of these elements is almost impossible. They stand out above the surface of the body about 1 mm, when you give a clear response and have a sufficient reserve. Size of the keys to our mind is not enough, but thanks to a convex shape to work with them to be comfortable even large fingers. Illumination of the keys do not. Rather, only highlighted the call key and hang up. But for him it is quite possible to navigate to press other keys.
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With regard to the convenience of one-handed without the stylus, in this regard P3400 can offer exactly the same as any other besklaviaturny communicator. True call key "Start" menu and back button on the screen Today, which is often neglected by other manufacturers, some facilitate the management of the communicator. Let us turn to the ends.At the top you can see an expansion slot (SD / MMC), covered with a plastic cap and press the on / off the unit. At the corner (or rather in the place where the upper end goes in the right sidewall) is located stylus holder. Pen comes fairly tight, "sitting" safely and retrieved without any problems. Stylus itself, as already mentioned, in the very comfortable - no problem with him does not arise.
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Infimum contains connector ExtUSB / miniUSB, which connects and sync cable and charger, and headset. Not the most convenient solution, but it has become commonplace for the production of HTC. To connect your favorite headphones have to purchase an adapter from ExtUSB to a standard 3.5-mm jack.
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Next to the connector on the bottom of the slot is a microphone, as well as the recessed button for a "soft reset" (soft reset). And on the right (or rather rounded) we find the eye for the strap. Right sidewall contains only two buttons, one of which activates a built-in camera and carries the shutter, the second is to enable recording. And we have seen on the left rocker to adjust the volume. It almost does not act on the surface of the body, but has a convex point that makes it easy to grope her finger and adjust the volume during a call. As always, talk time, this key changes the volume of voice dynamics, and in standby mode - in the system. The latter, incidentally, is located in the same place, that is, at the confluence of the lateral face of the back.
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On the back of the almost empty. Mark can only be a lone camera lens. Next to him there are no tiny mirror for self shooting, no LED flash. Himself a "photo-eye is no cover up and even without delving into the case, so that over time it appears fingerprints and minor scratches. However, because it is located in the same level with the surface of the body - it is convenient to clean.
The battery cover is held tightly, there is no backlash, even if strongly compress the device in hand. It is easily removed, habitual movement of the thumb. Under the hood - a familiar pattern: the battery and the SIM-card, access to which can be obtained by taking out the battery.
Summarizing the external examination, we note the good implementation of hardware buttons, convenient location stylus holder, high build quality and materials used. Appearance HTC P3400 does not hide the affiliation to the budget class, but here we use plastic quality is not an example to others kommunkiatoram from the same price category.
Screen
Display at the HTC P3400 is the same as that of the Qtek s200. With a diagonal of 2.8 inches (which has long remained the smallest among the WM-communicators), 240 x 320 pixels, up to 65000 colors. Matrix sufficiently bright and moderately rich. She does not concede on these indicators closest analogues.But the viewing angles could be better. When I try to look at the screen at an angle to the right or the left - the image is almost not distorted. And if you look at the top or bottom - the colors start to change even with a slight tilt. However, the budget communicator is quite excusable.
The brightness is regulated in just four steps, which in our opinion is not enough. Minimum level makes it comfortable to read from the screen in the dark. He does not tire the eyes and does not seem excessive. Maximum level sufficient to preserve readability in the sun. True, reading the screen in this case still would not be convenient.
And perhaps that is all we can say about the screen. We proceed to consider the hardware component of the P3400.
Speed and memory
Here again we see the Texas Instruments OMAP850 processor with a frequency of 201 MHz, the use of which HTC is openly abused. And if by that you can chide navigation P3300 (Artemis) or P3350 (Love), which is positioned as a multimedia solution, then the budget P3400 him the place. Performance of this processor is enough for basic tasks kommunikatornyh, moreover, it is very economical, which will favorably influence the performance of battery life. Using in this case the processor from Intel only would increase the final cost of the apparatus.
Testing has traditionally begin with the Spb Benchmark from Spb Software House. As you may recall, in this test, we trust only the results of the CPU tests, and estimated performance when working with graphics. Look at the results.
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| Spb Benchmark: summary indexes |
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| Spb Benchmark: the speed of the graphics |
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| Spb Benchmark: CPU test: MWIPS |
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| Spb Benchmark: CPU test: MOPS |
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| Spb Benchmark: CPU test: MFOLPS |
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| Spb Benchmark: a table of test results |
The results were easily predictable. As you can see, HTC P3400 keeps almost level with his prototype Qtek s200. Slight difference in favor of today's guest editorial can be attributed to testing error, though you can still talk about optimizing the platform. Voxtel W520 in comparison with the novelty from HTC looks worse, especially noticeable in graphics tests. If we talk about the subjective impressions of the work, there is serious remarks did not occur. Communicator without any visible delay gives you access to all menu items. The weak performance of the processor becomes more noticeable when you open hefty PDF-files, as well as their scale. Three-dimensional games are significant delays. Also noticeable minor freezes while viewing the call list. Good results when testing with the player TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) version 0.71 is not expected. But nonetheless, let's see, as shown by a HTC P3400 in comparison with its closest competitors.
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And here the picture is already much more interesting. A slight superiority over the Qtek s200 P3400, but the difference is very small. Advantage over Voxtel W520 is available. Due to this, of course, a processor, since none of the subjects are not equipped with a graphics accelerator. Despite the same frequency, OMAP850 copes with rollers better than its "little brother" OMAP730. However, returning to the R3400, we say that it can be quite comfortable to watch videos at a resolution of 320 x 176. 2.8-inch screen, the picture looks quite smooth, and transcoding in this resolution will save a lot of movies on a memory card. The average movie resolution of 320 x 176 "weighs" around 250-300 MB. As for memory, everything is up to standard pain. The communicator has on-board 64 MB RAM and 128 MB of Flash ROM.In reality, the situation is as follows: under the system RAM is allocated approximately 43.5 MB of which is free to remain around 24.5 MB, and for storing information is available only 49.16 MB.
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Small amount of internal memory is compensated by the fact that the role of the expansion slot supports full-height slot SD / MMC. Communicator supports cards up to 4 GB, so that the problem with lack of space is unlikely to touch the future owners of HTC P3400. In addition, the communicator lets you connect peripheral SDIO-device, which may include a GPS-receiver and Wi-Fi-module.
Sound
The location of the system dynamics is completely exclude the possibility that he would hide behind his hand during the conversation. Do not turn off your sound and if the unit is on the table. So that the melody of a ringtone will always be heard well. Maximum volume is enough to not miss a call even in a noisy environment. For most cases, the maximum volume is generally not required - enough midrange. The headset comes with sounds like any other standard headset. She was quite comfortable, you can use to talk or listen to music. However, if you consider yourself to be discerning music lovers, you will probably have to buy an adapter and use better quality headphones. On the other hand, the device supports the profile A2DP, so that, perhaps, does not make sense in buying a wired headset. However, a Bluetooth-capabilities we will discuss below. Pleasantly pleased and a microphone. When recording in a quiet voice perfectly written from a distance of 6-7 meters. That's not bad. It must be noted and auto sensitivity control (in a localized communicator this menu item called "Microphone AGC"). As stated in the description, in this case, the microphone sensitivity will increase if the recorded voice is quieter, and decrease when someone speaks loudly. If you use a microphone in a quiet environment in the vicinity of the source - it works fine. But to use this feature in the street for obvious reasons is not recommended. The voice speaker is traditionally good. Here again we have to restrict cliché that it sounds match for most modern mobile phones. Caller's voice sounds clear and recognizable, without any distortion. Sufficient volume, makes it comfortable to communicate, while in the subway or on a busy street. FM-tuner, P3400 does not have, but here is a convenient interface for music playback. But tell you about it later.
Interpersonal skills, telephone features
Telephone module HTC P3400 supports GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz networks, as well as data transfer protocols GRPS (Class 10) and EDGE. To tell here, basically, nothing. Running all this economy is very stable and correctly - no complaints. Calls, as usual, made through the application Phone. It is worth noting that the local skin looks nice, but the on-screen keys are too small - they are not convenient to press with your finger, so I have to take out the stylus.
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The call can be set any song in the formats MIDI, WAV, MP3, AAC or WMA. On the sound volume dynamics we have already spoken. It remains to note vibrate, which pleasantly pleased. Vibrating device is very strong - it can feel as out of pocket, and when the device is hanging in a case on your belt. True, the trials had one amusing incident. The device was lying on the edge of the table is about 5 inches from the edge. And while your humble servant heard the vibration and ran from the other end of the office - machine is vibrated on the floor. Fortunately, the experimental device was safe and sound. After that, was wondering how far creeps housing for one vibration cycle. It turned out a little more than a centimeter.So be careful! Wi-Fi module, as we have said, the P3400 is missing. Infrared port too. But Bluetooth is implemented illustrative. Module version 2.0 supports all current profiles, including:
- SPP (which lets you connect the device, emulating a COM-port)
- FTP (allows you to transfer files between two devices)
- HFP (to connect your Bluetooth-headset)
- A2DP (which implements the reproduction of music via wireless headphones)
- AVRCP,
- PAN (replacing DUN),
- HID and so on.
For a complete happiness is not only sufficient to support EDR and a set of drivers from Broadcomm. The control is performed using standard software from Microsoft. However, the special problems this causes. To manage the wireless interfaces used traditionally application CommManager, which is preinstalled on all the latest communicator from HTC.
Feeling "blue tooth, we connected Bluetooth-headset from Jabra and SonyEricsson, synchronize your device with your desktop PC via ActiveSync, transfer files from your Nokia 6021 smartphone and Nokia E60. During the tests, no complaints have arisen - module works, as befits a stably.
Capabilities built-in camera
For technical specifications, built-in camera HTC P3400 totally different from that of the previous Qtek s200. 2 megapixel, CMOS-matrix, lack of auto focus. However, comparing the obtained images, we can speak of a higher quality photos from the P3400. About this below. In the meantime, let us recall that a number of the lens there is no LED flash, no mirror for self shooting. Concerning the latter is unlikely to be distressed, but would not have prevented the outbreak. Interface when shooting exactly the same as for all the latest smartphones HTC, so we will not dwell on it in detail.
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Photos can be done in five resolutions: 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 or 160 x 120. And to set the degree of JPEG-compression has four positions. At maximum resolution and size as one picture is about 400 KB. White balance, not as an example mentioned Qtek s200, in most cases determined correctly, and therefore the need to use the preset is rare. And they are a pain to set a standard - day, night, incandescent and Fluorescent. With regard to special effects imposed on the pictures, they, too little: a black and white, cool tones, sepia and negative. And speaking of shooting modes, it is worth noting shooting for contact sports mode (several frames), shooting with frames and record video for MMS. However, the video we say below, but in the meantime take a look at the examples that have traditionally been made at the maximum resolution and maximum quality settings.
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| HTC P3400: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 472,6 Kb) |
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| HTC P3400: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 322,9 Kb) |
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| HTC P3400: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 244,2 Kb) |
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| HTC P3400: example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 575,4 Kb) |
Conclusions must be that you have already done themselves. And we add that places without AF do not prevent completely tolerable frames. Especially in clear weather. If there are parallels with Voxtel W520, then the images are comparable in quality. From video recording, of course, is not so great. The rollers can be written only in two very low resolution: 176x144 and 128x96. You can record video with sound as well as without it. Of course, in this case will be different size, but not significantly. Below is an example of the camera in video mode.
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| HTC P3400: the example video (mp4, 1600x1200, 472,6 Kb) |
Runtime
The last and most important point of testing - the battery life. Recall that the capacity of the battery pack is 1250 mAh. This will make the assumption that very good results. Also by HTC has always kept pretty well. Let us recall the HTC P3300 (Artemis). The technique has remained unchanged, a look at the results. 1. Maximum load. Vykruchena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker, too, including Bluetooth module via Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was - 5 hours 37 minutes. 2. Reading of the text. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness set to minimum level. On the PDA started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was - 20 hours 44 minutes. 3. MP3 Playback. Bluetooth, screen, and the phone module is disabled. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and composition with a constant bit rate (192 kbps). Hours - 20 hours 12 minutes.
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And in general, as you can see, the results are excellent. They are better than the recently reviewed Voxtel W520. Especially when it comes to maximum load. True, it is necessary to make a reservation, that a competing device was, among other things, burdened with included Wi-Fi module. Results higher than the Qtek s200. And in general, are among the highest of all.Claimed battery life in talk and standby times is contradictory, the manufacturer explains that the figures are highly dependent on network operator settings and other things-things-things. In our daily use, which includes approximately 20-30 minutes of talking, a couple of smaller sessions Bluetooth-sync, as well as reading and short plays MP3, PDA consistently lived two days. In this case, there were still a little charge. With less active use of it can survive even three days.
Software stuffing
Selected software looks very impressive. You could even say that the first time, you can do without installing additional applications. Of course, only if the P3400 will be your first WM-communicator. And now in order. Media Hub. This is a shell for easier access to multimedia content on your device. Shortcut to run it initially placed on the screen of Today, so that access is fast. Nicely done interface - see screenshots. Here we allow ourselves to make a small digression. Recent changes in the interface of WM-units can not but rejoice. At the 3GSM World Congress trade show, Samsung introduced a keyboard communicator F700, which is based on Windows Mobile with a completely overhauled user interface. Devices from various manufacturers on a regular basis demonstrates our extra prettiness of individual menu items, or shells. It is logical to assume that this trend will continue and by the end of the year the market will fill the device, offering a more refined version, rather than dull menus standard Windows Mobile.
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But back to the media hub. This shell is designed for quick access to the standard application Pictures & Videos, Audio Manager to the program and the equalizer in the localized device called audio assistant.
Special attention should Audio Manager. By and large, this player is very similar to standard Windows Media Player. Its interface seemed to be more likable, but the possibilities are identical to those of the WMP.
In addition, there is a program to run Java-based applications that will run the game (3D-functions, however, are not supported), and applications originally written for mobile phones. Needless to say, that many of them are very friendly applications? ..
There is also a zip-archive, which hardly needs any introduction, as well as Acrobat Reader LE, intended for reading PDF-documents. Work with it quite convenient, only opening and scaling of documents due to the weak performance of the processor - the process is relatively long.
Also present task manager that allows you to close applications rather than minimize them.
In addition, the drive comes bundled with Spb GPRS Monitor, which allows you to closely monitor the traffic, as well as Sprite Backup - one of the best applications for backup and data recovery. In short, the set of predefined software for HTC P3400 uniquely happy.
Price issue
At the time of publication of this material retail value communicator HTC P3400 (Gene) in the chain stores' computer in the palm "is 13,000 rubles.
Conclusions
It's time to summarize. HTC P3400 does not offer anything new - it's Mighty quality device-state employees. He is modest in CPU performance, devoid of Wi-Fi module. However, for those who plan to purchase the communicator as a replacement for an ordinary mobile phone, P3400 can be a very attractive solution. He has long worked on a single charge, lightweight and compact, easy to use, carries an impressive array of software and is sold at a very affordable price, which over time will become even more accessible. If we talk about competing models, it can be attributed to those that did Voxtel W520, which is characterized by the presence of Wi-Fi module. However, it is less productive and costs a little more expensive. If you are targeting a low-end models, and the availability of Wi-Fi is not your determining factor, or you're ready to purchase an external SDIO Wi-Fi module, then perhaps you should pay attention to the P3400. And in the completion of the review is traditionally recap all the advantages and disadvantages in the relevant fields.
Pros: - compact size and low weight;
- good indicators of battery life;
- good equipment;
- good set of preinstalled software;
- low cost.
Cons: - low productivity;
- not applicable standard (2.5/3.5 mm) connector for headsets.
The authors, translation:
Victor Zaikovsky
