That left Dell X30 - the first PDA running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, built on a processor-based next-generation Intel XScale 624 MHz. We represent your attention of his review, made from high-tech enthusiast, Ed Hardy, editor in chief of the site Brighthand.com. Editor HPCru supplemented this article information about the performance of new items. As soon as the handheld will be in Moscow, HPCru submit it to a full review of what is called the "first hand". The new Axim X30 is an updated version of the model Axim X3i. Like the predecessor, the H30 combines compact size with a good memory and ability to work in networks of Wi-Fi. In addition, Dell has added a new processor that runs at 624 MHz and fashionable wireless adapter Bluetooth. The most important innovation in the H30 include the use of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. Thanks to her, H30 can work in portrait or landscape mode to display the data.
Appearance and ergonomics
Design H30 repeats the X3i. Dell did not change a thing, rightly believing that the best is the enemy of the good. We see the same form, screen, keyboard.
The width of the body is about 7.5 cm length - 11.5 cm, not counting serving at half a centimeter antenna. H30 has a medium size, and although small it can not be named, he's pretty fit comfortably in a pants pocket. When using the bundled cover machine significantly adds to the volume.
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Screen in the H30 has a standard 3.5-inch diagonal supports 16-bit color at a resolution of 240x320 (QVGA), which is the bottom of the screen resolution at today's PDAs. Matrix - transflective, which makes using the PDA as comfortable in the room, even though the air is also no problem. Frankly, I calmly read the text, placing the screen in direct sunlight. The main body of H30 is placed seven different buttons. First draw your attention, most likely, the power button. In addition to performing their duties, this key displays stage charging process: amber during and after the green. In addition, he serves as PIM-manager, shimmering green when activated programmed reminders. Directly below the screen are four shortcuts to launch applications. By default, these buttons cause the Calendar, Contacts, Inbox, and Today. Just left of the visible power key recorder, a microphone that hangs slightly above the screen. Between the keyboard shortcuts to launch applications fit a standard five-way Directional Pad. I used him mainly for games. On the opposite side of the voice recorder button is the key management functions of wireless communications. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules consume a lot of energy, so it's best to disable them when they are not claimed. Unfortunately, the button can not be configured so that it is activated only one module. Rarely have I needed the work of both adapters simultaneously, so most of the time I used the soft keys for power management Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. All buttons are reprogrammable Dell X30. Using this, I hung it on a launch Pocket Internet Explorer, and the other to switch between portrait and landscape screen. On the left side of the housing is located a scroll wheel. Scroll wheel can be pressed by selecting the highlighted item on the list.
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At the "top" is a slot for SD / MMC card with support for SDIO. I did not fail to test my SDIO peripherals - everything worked perfectly. Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition allows you to use a card with dual functionality. For example, Wi-Fi card from SanDisk, which works just like a memory card. For obvious reasons, H30 do not need it, but in future we may see some very interesting komboresheniya-based SD-ins. At the upper end of H30 also fit the infrared data port - very handy thing to control your TV, especially in public places:)
Inside
As I mentioned, the H30 - the first PDA running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC. Wishing to consult the overview of the OS, I ask here. Axim X30 charged 624MGts latest processor Intel XScale. Spb Benchmark test gave me a result in 1764 points, which is 524 points more than the result Axim X3i, and more than any other Pocket PC, which I have ever seen. However, the testimony - expected, considering the frequency of the processor. X30 is equipped with 64 MB RAM memory, virtually all of them available to the user. Also, the CCP has 31 MB of internal flash memory for storing files, a 4 MB less than the X3i. That is all for H30 is 95 MB for user programs and files. Agree on the PDA market has little models PocketPC, equipped with more memory.
Programs
Despite the fact that Microsoft, at the request of users, has corrected many flaws in Windows Mobile, coftvernomu giant, there is still work to do. In the Second Edition is still not close the program by clicking on the cross in the title bar - the application simply minimizes and continues to work in the background, taking up valuable memory resources. Of course, you can collapse softinkoy manually, but agree that failure to do so the usual way a strongly irritating. Fortunately, the H30 comes with a utility Switcher Bar. Run it - and at the top of the screen appears a special icon, which displays on the first click the list of active applications. With Switcher Bar, you can easily switch between applications and close them. Concern about the Dell user touches to the depths.
Software included
I will not fully describe all the programs bundled Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC. But if readers are people who choose the H30 as its first PDA, then they think it will be interesting to know in brief, on what this machine. One of the most frequently used applications for Pocket PC is an address book and calendar. H30 comes with the latest version of Microsoft Outlook, taking on those concerns to themselves. You can synchronize Outlook with a list of its desktop version, which is always handy.
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In addition, the H30 comes with the standard versions of Pocket Word and Pocket Excel. Their functionality can be described as "udovletvotvoritelnuyu. Of course, they can not, and a small fraction of what they know how their desktop counterparts. For example, you receive a letter with attachments to a file. Doc, Pocket Word will open it without complaint, but did not show any of the inserted image. And if you change anything in the document and sends it back, your recipient will see that the images disappeared altogether from the document. Yet the very ability to view documents in the letters - it's not too bad, even if the editing can cause problems.
Multimedia features
At H30 was originally installed Windows Media Player for Pocket PC, which plays mp3 files and wmf. The standard headphone output is located on the left side of the handheld, but put the headphones themselves have forgotten. The monaural speaker is located on the rear. Speaker of the rather loud, so you can hear quite well.
Wireless communications
Two built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will help you stay connected wherever you are. Wi-Fi can use when you are in range of the access point. Due to their low cost, you can buy one for home and one at the office. In addition, access point Wi-Fi now installed in many hotels, airports, shops and cafes (we are talking about the United States - Ed.). H30 pleased me long distance communication. I tested it on a cheap access point installed in my home. Limit range was the road not far from my house. I calmly connected to a point anywhere in the house. This - the best result among those PDAs with Wi-Fi, which I tested. Thanks to built-in antenna, carefully placed Dell in the top cover H30. And, thanks to Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition the process connection is very easy for the user. Once I turned on Wi-Fi module in a PDA, such as Windows found my point and asked if I wanted to connect to it. A few seconds later I surf on the internet. Being outside the networks of Wi-Fi, you cmozhete use your cell phone if it supports Bluetooth. The speed of connection, of course, will be less than Wi-Fi, but it is quite sufficient for email and network. Finally, in a PDA and a Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with the ability to operate simultaneously. In the near future it will be possible to write a letter to the special Bluetooth keyboard and quickly send them on Wi-Fi. Do not forget - the green light on the antenna H30 indicates that operates Wi-Fi. Blue light reminds enabled Bluetooth.
Work on the Internet
At H30, as in most other PDAs, once installed web browser and email client. Pocket Internet Explorer supports a standard set of technologies: CSS, SSL and JavaScript. The Internet is more convenient to work, switching to landscape mode. H30 makes it easy to do it.
Many sites posted the text in multiple columns. Pocket Internet Explorer allows you to combine them into one and display a single CPC column. Inbox application takes your email using POP3 or IMAP4. Is a function of the spell checker. By letters can be attached to attachment. All this is easily synchronized with Outlook on your desktop PC using ActiveSync.
Performance Axim X30
As is known, Axim X30 is equipped with the latest model of the processor for mobile Intel XScale PXA270 Bulverde. The elder line of Axim X30 machine running on 624MGts processor, the other two - on his 312MGts-variants. Using the Power applet control panel, you can manually set the modes of the processor. There are settings Maximum Performance, PowerSave and Auto. In the first case, the processor runs at a maximum (or 624MGts 312MGts - depending on model). Economical PowerSave keeps 208MGts frequency, which is sufficient for most applications. In Auto mode the processor tries to dynamically adapt to the needs of applications, giving maximum frequency when working with multimedia and benchmarks, and in periods of downtime is kept to 208MGts. All Axim from Dell uses the memory type of Intel StrataFlash. It is more expensive than NAND memory, but runs faster. Since the NAND memory is not enough bystrodeystvenna, OS has to load into RAM, taking up megabytes of the user. StrataFlash is free from this drawback, since it has sufficient speed for the OS, saving RAM. On assurances of CNET Labs, Axim X30 with 312MGts processor operates at an average 15% faster than the Toshiba e805 (400MHz Intel PXA263), and his elder brother 624MGts - 35%. Apparently, the new Axim PDA are the fastest to date. These machines perfectly plays video and can easily handle multiple applications running simultaneously, even when PowerSave, when the processor is clocked at 208MGts. In CNET Labs test, the duration of the model X30 (312MGts) of video playback with maximum backlight and disabled communication modules lasted 4:00 46 minutes.In the test, pretending to normal daily use, time of life between charges is 16 hours. Elder X30 (624MGts) lasted, respectively, 4 hours and 30 minutes and 14 hours. Pleased and modules Wi-FI and Bluetooth, showing a quick search for stations, a large operating range and stable connection. Site Pdabuyersguide.com also conducted several tests on the performance straight from the tin Axim X30. Given the new processor Intel XScale PXA270, all we have come to expect from his high rate, but the results exceeded all expectations. Testers used a package of SPB Benchmark, installed on the Axim X30. Other software is not involved. We compared the model Dell Axim X5 Advanced, HP iPAQ h5555 and Dell Axim X30 312 and 624 MHz models. The more numbers the better the result. Maximum values are highlighted in green. And here is a comparative table of the results.
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Detailed information about the nature of each of the tests here. As can be seen in all parameters Axim X30 (624MGts) won a convincing victory over the other models. Despite the fact that somewhere in the X30 times faster than the competition, we must remember that he competes with (alas), obsolete models, having a technological advantage over the latter. But now it is only produced in series PDA to the latest platform Wintel (XScale PXA270 + Windows Mobile 2003 SE). So compare what we have. Dell has made very good progress, first released ultra-CCP. Now the turn of the other manufacturers. Everyone knows that the CCP's flagship industry - HP - intensely preparing for the presentation of promising new products, it is capable to move the Dell on the pedestal of technological leadership.
Battery
Machine is equipped with 950 mAh lithium-ion battery. My H30 lasted 3.5 hours on one battery charge. Sometimes I used the Wi-Fi, but for the most part, communication modules have been disabled. Sometime after 2.5 hours of Wi-Fi module refused to run - Windows Mobile is not allowed because of the ability to quickly drain the battery. At three o'clock I got the first warning about the level of charge. Half an hour later PDA disconnected. Fortunately, the battery is replaceable. You can add more storage, 950 mAh, for $ 49 or spend $ 99 on huge 1800 mAh.
Stylus
Some believe that the stylus is not such an important part of the CCP, as, for example, the processor. But if you ever used a cheap stylus shabby construction, then you do not need to explain the importance of this piece of plastic. Stylus H30 has an average length sufficient for comfortable work. He is a little flattened and takes up little space in the building machine. In his hand "fits" quite comfortably.
Cradle
I liked Cradle for H30. Designed in the style of "metallic chrome", it looks cool on my desk. Besides the basic functions, the cradle has a slot for charging the replaceable batteries.
Cover
Comes with a very decent leather case. It can hang up and wear on your belt.To some, he'll like, well, someone certainly turn their attention to third-party cases.
Conclusions
Dell has taken the best of the X3i and added something else - so was born the current top handheld - H30. Of course he is not as beautiful as the HP iPAQ h4155, but costs less. For $ 350 (in the U.S.. - Ed.) We get a combination in the form of faster processors, large memory and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes buying H30 very seductive. Model with 624MGts processor - this is not the whole line of Axim. In addition, within it came out and had already sold Axim X30 Low and Axim X30 Mid. So if you are not to powerful 624MGts engine, then for $ 279 you get the same set of features, but with 312MGts. And if you do not need no Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi, and even then you can buy a stripped-down Axim X30 Low for $ 199. (Again, the price given in this article are relevant only to the U.S.. In Russia, all of these PDAs will cost about $ 50 more expensive.. - Ed.) Editorial HPCru. On the timing of deliveries to Russia of all three new products yet officially not announced. According to competent sources, Dell Axim X30, most likely, will be available in July and August. Sources, Materials:
Brighthand.com
The authors, translation:
Oleg Supreme
