Communicator is a very attractive thing. To be always connected, informed, and at the same time - to have at hand a tool for working with text ... Dream, not technology. But there is a formidable communicator several drawbacks. The first - the price. Communicators expensive kit from a handheld computer and cellular phone, and considerably. The second shortcoming - the inability to separate the components of the communicator. If the battery sits down, you lose once, and communications, and computer. In addition, there are strict limitations on the use of smartphones, for example, in the cabin. I do not know whether it is possible in these situations to use handheld computers, but it seems to me that you can. Next - PDA somewhat larger in size and weight than a PDA. Not much, just a little bit, but it's enough to feel the difference (in a shirt pocket communicator will not fit - at least not everyone). Compare the size of the Nokia 9210 and, say, any of the Pocket PC Psion (5mx or Revo, the repose of their computer god innocent soul). Finally, there is at least one good reason to abandon the acquisition device in favor of retrofitting PDA cell phone. The reason for this - he PDA. Agree, change regularly work machine which you are absolutely satisfied, albeit at a very interesting, but not rasprobovali still a novelty, a risky business. Sell used handheld is virtually impossible nowadays - the market is saturated with the newest models, and old cars (especially the family of Pocket PC) become obsolete as fast as desktop computers. Looking for very good reasons to spend at least 600-800 dollars on the communicator, gone a long desk drawer fully working PDA. And this despite the fact that the cell phone that can turn a PDA into a complete device, it is worth less than $ 200. However, this has already written a pile of papers. Will not be repeated. Better evaluate the proposal today - and the PDA market, and market mobile phones. And try to gather the most functional and at the same time the most accessible of the cost of the mobile unit. It will work no worse than the corporate communicator, but something may be convenient and practical. I hope that turns out to be ...
Part I - computed
In a privileged position are the owners of the most modern machines with integrated wireless adapter Bluetooth, such as iPAQ 3870 and Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX 600. Enough to buy a miniature phone Sony-Ericsson T68i - and the device (and even a PDA!) Ready.
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However, this option is rather expensive. Judge for yourself - almost $ 700 computer, about 370 - the phone ... The cost of the laptop. Are there too? .. But functional. Bluetooth interface gives the bond "PDA phone" that degree of freedom, which is not in a wired connection. After all, with infrarkasnym port is much worse. For the smooth operation of their PDA and phone infrared transceivers should be placed as close as possible, directly against each other. In this case, IR-sensor Pocket PC is on the top edge of the shell, and the phone is usually on the side. To pair devices work together seamlessly and does not deliver further ado, it is necessary to find a flat, horizontal surface on which to expand the computer and phone ... But what about typing? And what about surfing the Web page? After all, when you connect to the Internet via cell phone to take the machine into the hands of not ... Will not help and folding (or portable) keyboard. Inserted into the slot PDA keyboard is almost vertical - with a slight tilt back. To attach the phone? How to orient the IrDA that communication is not interrupted? .. And here again should remember computers Psion. They are designed so that the window of the infrared transceiver is easy to orient to the same phone box without any tweaks. However, for this too, will have to find a horizontal surface, but the work will then be more convenient - the keyboard is a keyboard.Stuffing letters or messages in the pocket version of the "ICQ" through the keyboard is much easier than print pen Graffiti characters or the aim of the virtual keyboard buttons. Psion, regardless of the model, in general, the fittest for the text of the typewriter. But they, unfortunately, has no future. Have not enjoying considerable demand, they are gradually disappearing from the shelves of computer stores. Stocks are not unlimited ... what Palm `s? They are suitable for use in conjunction with a cell phone? Of course, the suit - just like the vast majority of PCs Pocket PC. Outlined above restrictions do not remove - with the relative positions of the CCP and the phone will pomudrit. But to work, "pocket-telephone" system would be (without the inherent beauty of the Pocket PC). Whatever heaped praise on their computers supporters Palm `s (I, too, among them), but viewed on screen (color or monochrome) with a resolution of 160x160 pixels normal web pages quite uncomfortable. As for WAP-resources ... But who they are, in fact, necessary? For this indulgence is enough for a miniature display of the phone. Although ... someone like ... Technique for PDA and cell phone are somewhat different from working with a laptop or desktop computer. Small amount of memory that does not allow you to save Web pages for delayed viewing, again a small screen resolution (even on a more or less spacious screen Pocket PC page has no end to move), and finally, the relatively high cost of wireless Internet connection, all this leads me to usual course of action ... At first we prepare to send a letter, remember the address of the page you should look into. Then - connects to the network, send and receive emails, load a Web page, turned off ... Basically, you can even cope without holding PDA in their hands. Separate discussion on the exchange of messages via ICQ. It simply sending-receiving can not do. Graffiti or other handwriting recognition program for obvious reasons, are not particularly suitable. It remains just a virtual keyboard, which can operate at a horizontal position cars, when the user is forced to lean over a PDA, like a scholar, a first grader ... Yet there is a sense in communicators, all of which are filling, and telephone and computer, located in the same enclosure? Of course there is. So that users able to spend a lot of money on a new fun, it's better to spend it, buying the same high-grade device.
Part II - Telephone
With computers seem to be sorted out ... But you have to specify - machines without an infrared port for Internet access via cell phone unusable. For example, the Casio BE-300, which would seem, "God himself commanded to" a portable terminal, an infrared port no. But the available cable for connection with a cell phone ... I think that comes as've only seen him on the site Casio, but in real life - no. In addition, this cable is not universal and is suitable to a limited number of phone models. Not worth the candle ovchinka ... Let's say your machine - Palm `a, Psion` or a Pocket PC - IrDA is. What pick up a phone? Let's look closely. But first, we reduce the balance requirements. Phone to work in conjunction with Pocket PC must have a built-in infrared port - this time. This phone must support the data exchange protocol GPRS (different to what this whole idea of mobile internet?) - That's two. Finally, the device should provide a stable relationship and have all the necessary "telephone" quality - that's three. On the road (the "branding") machines do not pay attention ... Why? Yes, because the same Sony-Ericsson T68i, equipped with triple-in Bluetooth and a color display, in itself a great PDA. In any case, this outstanding smartphone is quite functional soft filling, converting it into a powerful electronic organizer. Very cheap phones for use in conjunction with handheld computers simply are not suitable because they have no support for GPRS and IrDA. Remain an average price of phones. And the best of them (in my personal opinion) are devices Siemens S45 and ME45.
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The first model - Siemens S45 - equipped with everything you need for mobile connectivity to global network resources. The phone has an infrared port and built-in modem. In the S45 is fully implemented protocol support GPRS. High-capacity lithium-ion battery provides enough battery life. And so on and so forth - the device is indeed remarkable.
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The second model (it has roughly the same cost - less than $ 200) - ME45 - different performance waterproof housing, more durable and constructs similar to the S45 features ... For mobile operation (when up hill and down dale, here today, gone tomorrow), the best choice will probably, Siemens ME45. While the S45 has a more traditional design and looks ... let's say - intelligent. Such phones let out and other companies. But the best combination of consumer characteristics (eg, cheap Nokia phones with infrared supplied is not very comfortable in the daily handling of nickel-metal hydride batteries, and Motorola phones are obscenely large sizes) at an affordable price have it listed models from Siemens ... The first results. What we do with the money? What is the bottom bracket?
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Take the budget and now the most popular Palm m130 (in the first place - because of the color screen, long battery life and low cost). Supplement his phone Siemens ME45. $ 250, plus 200 - turns 450. And it is with considerable tolerance toward increasing prices, the reality set will cost U.S. $ 20-30 cheaper. Good value? Excellent! Color PDA Handspring Treo 270 is much more expensive ... and you imagine, or better yet, try to practice to chat with someone via communicator. Just talk as the usual phone. I am afraid, will enjoy lower than average.
Part III - how it all works
I assure you - works. Immediately and unconditionally. They say that the Pocket PC has no problems. Palm is working without any kind of special handling. The main thing - to include an infrared port in System Preferences machines. On the disadvantages of an impromptu "Communicator" we said. But all can be overcome. For example, I took advantage of the wonderful bag Samsonite (Travel Series 300, if my memory does not fail) with a "hairy" bottom. Bag is specially designed for PDA keyboard (there are smaller - for the Palm `s), but because there's plenty of room. A computer attached to the underside by a pair of round stickers "Vel-blood." Total included four stickers. Two I have pasted to the back of the Palm `a, two - to the cellular phone. Before a session connection pull out the phone from a lap cover, fix it in the open purse in front of the CCP - a window to the window. And - to work. Though on a park bench, at least on the move ... On the move is not convenient - bag big. In the car, if I have it was even easier. Decompose all of this economy on the seat and - connect. True, the car is better to use an external antenna for greater stability of connection ... What do not like it categorically? The first - the kind of web pages on-screen Palm `Yes. Alas, a good browser, I could not find it, and those that are not particularly functional, ... But what can I say? What screen resolution of cars, so is the demand. Second - difficulties with attachments in emails, rather, with the attachment format. Palm does not work well with large attachments, and most of the popular formats (images or documents) does not recognize. There are elementarily simple way out - when downloading the contents of a mailbox to leave a copy of messages on the server.That will not be able to read on your PDA, read later on your desktop. It seems that all ... And that like? Instant and ubiquitous access to e-mail. And the opportunity to talk about "ICQ" in the "field" conditions, and, for mere pennies. And what you want - GPRS! The authors, translation: