We have already talked in detail about the Pocket PC ASUS MyPal A620, which went on sale this summer. However, recently the company ASUS Computer has released a redesigned handheld, on the basis of the same model, which received the module Bluetooth. By our hands got one of the first production models of this computer.
Old Acquaintance
External computer A620 and A620BT impossible to discern. The twin brothers carried out in identical plastic cases. Metal frame is made only display frame that provides structural rigidity and protects the display from external mechanical influences.
For a more detailed description of the case and authorities advised to apply to medical card model in the previous review. We will not go into details here. I must say that the positive aspect was the fact that in this sample was further developed compartment lid for cards and expansion modules. If in the previous model, it was fixed quite freely and rattled all the time, then A620VT sits in its place is very tight and almost merges with the body. We must assume that in future all serial A620/A620VT with lids will be a full order. Has not changed and delivery. Like the previous model, the box was found the cradle, a synthetic cover, AC adapter and a CD with drivers.
Iron
What we see, looking under the "hood" updated MyPal A620? The same processor Intel PXA255 clocked at 400MHz and operating at 200 MHz bus, as in most modern PDAs. However, your computer's performance is impressive, especially when working with graphics and video!
For comparison, results of tests SBP Benchmark A620BT and popular today iPAQ h2215.
Although the CPU clock speed of 400MHz and, there is a strong suspicion that the mode for hardware acceleration (ARE) developers it slightly dispersed. Painfully high index of processor and platform. A performance in graphics A620/620VT has no analogues among existing handheld computers - graphic index of almost one order of magnitude higher than other device. The only handheld that performance in graphics approaching A620VT is the iPAQ h1945. You can now proceed to describe the differences between A620 and A620BT.
Unlike the first: a memorable
Unlike his brother, ASUS'a A620, this model has increased the size of ROM - 64 MB. In fact, its volume remains the same - Windows Mobile 2003 fine is removed and a 32 MB, and increased special area of memory - Flash Disk. These "extra" 32 megabytes allocated for the needs of users and serve as a built-in memory card. At Flash Disk'e can be placed particularly valuable data and Backup-Files without the fear of losing them after discharge the battery.
The claimed amount of RAM remains the same - 64 MB. As usual, some of it is given to the needs of the system. The page model maker marked the available capacity in the 58.7 MB (56,7 MB for oriental languages), but the real figure was slightly less - 55.29 MB.
Unlike the second: sinezuboe
Company ASUSTek Computer Inc. Not so long ago has been producing hand-held computers for Pocket PC (A620 is only the second model), but in spite of limited experience, is in step with the times, and sometimes ahead of their better-known competitors in the PDA market. It is in the handhelds ASUS was the first to implement a wide choice of operating modes of the processor. If the other computers could choose 3.2 mode, the A600 they already had seven. So now, after the company Palm Inc, Sony, Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba, ASUS has equipped its handheld wireless communication module standard Bluetooth. Strictly speaking, the friction in abbreviation of the name of the computer and indicates the presence of the embedded module.
Unlike the third: a price
On the shelves of local stores ASUS a620 has already appeared. Its estimated price - $ 450. Younger brother, A620 without the blue tooth, you can buy in the shops "on the palm computer for $ 379, that is, the right to possess a wireless model will have to pay.
Software
On both PDA running the latest version of OS Pocket PC - Windows Mobile 2003.
To work with the wireless module in A620BT a special application - Bluetooth Manager. This program is produced by WIDCOMM. The same is on the iPAQ h1945 and h2215. Only the hero of this review - a later version (build 50), which, inter alia, supports the work with a wireless headset.
How does it work "Managing Bluetooth'om? From beginning, through profiles Explorer a Bluetooth device, the application searches for other devices within range (about 10 m) equipped with "blue teeth". In our case, we "crossed" with A620BT iPAQ h1945.
After connecting to the iPAQ h1945 is possible to choose the serial port.
For Bluetooth-channel can be quickly and easily share files. This wireless method is much more convenient than the old infrared port.
Well, one of the most "delicious" radio applications - setting the wireless Internet connection, but more on that below. What is beyond that "can" Bluetooth-master? Let us examine the example of some program options.
- Provides the ability to connect to the Internet or through a modem or through a dedicated line profile Connect to the Internet
- Organize your personal network of Bluetooth-enabled devices, or connect your Pocket PC to your existing network of information exchange option allows you to Join a personal network
- C using the Partner with a cell phone can connect to a mobile phone that supports Bluetooth for both communication (music, images and photographs) and to access the Internet using a mobile phone as a GPRS-modem (of course, the latter is possible if your phone equipped with GPRS-module). In our test, we used cellular Siemens S55 and Sony-Ericsson T610 - everything works fine.
- ActiveSync via Bluetooth profile allows you to sync with your desktop computer equipped with a Bluetooth adapter. In this case, when connecting to the PC emulates COM port via Bluetooth-interface.
- Browse Files on a remove device lets you share files with other Bluetooth enabled devices adapters.
- Connect a headset
If you have a cell phone with a Bluetooth-adapter, then you certainly are a happy owner of a wireless headset and have the opportunity to talk on the phone, as they say, without taking it out of pocket. This is, in many cases is really convenient. Now, thanks to option Connect a headset you can plug in your headset and a PDA. The sound quality of music leaves much to be desired (not stereo), the true music lovers cast aside my stones, but the music is in principle possible. In addition, using the headset can do voice memos using your Pocket PC voice recorder - in this case it plays the role of a wireless microphone. Unfortunately, we could not yet meet with stereo Bluetooth-interface, but can be represented by how little they hold out, if unpretentious headset allows only 3-3,5 hours of continuous playback.
- To ensure the safety of the wireless connection provided sleuyuschie features: authentication, Authorization and user authentication, Authentication, requesting a password. In the process of authorization, in addition to the password will need to get more and confirmation of access by the computer to which you want to connect.
- Of the embedded software is worth noting the utility SmartKeeper, which allows the automatic or manual mode to save backup file, either on the CF-carrier, or on the Flash disk. In automatic mode, the application itself creates a backup of your system as soon as the battery charge is close to zero.
Runtime
Battery life - this is one of the greatest strengths of both A620 and its Bluetooth-cobrata. Cudite themselves.
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We comment on the chart.In the e-book reading with automatic scrolling of the text (25-28 characters per minute), pocket computer lasted from 15.5 hours (at a minimum illumination) to 5.5 hours (at maximum illumination). With backlight OFF result of approaching producers claimed 17 hours of work and is 16 hours and 15 minutes. In the audio playback (display off) battery lasts for 16 hours of continuous operation. But with video playback, the situation is worse - from 6.5 hours (minimum light) to 3 hours 50 minutes (maximum backlight). But this is, in general, it is understandable, because while reading and listening to music, the computer is in "rhythm of the economy" - Power Saving Mode, but for normal viewing movies it should switch to turbo mode. So, if your application does not require much processor usage, we recommend to switch to a regime with lower productivity, which corresponds to a lower energy consumption. Those who choose may seem too difficult, may not particularly bother and restrict the automatic settings, which work quite well.
Conclusions
Remember the television ads with the slogan: "How often is what we are used to open for us a new way? I think that this motto is fully fit for A620VT. This PDA compared with the previous model got more of ROM, and wireless communication capabilities. In addition, when there were all the advantages of the model: small size and light weight, easy management, bright display with excellent sharpness, high performance, including video playback, excellent scalability (due to slot the most common and inexpensive format, Compact Flash Type II), a choice of several modes of the processor, great battery life and low cost. Thus, for relatively little extra money (compared to the A620) you get more of a custom non-volatile memory which can store a backup system, as well as built-in wireless connection standard Bluetooth, which allows you to connect to other devices that exchange data using a headset and (in the presence of a mobile phone with GPRS and Bluetooth-adapter) to go online. A620BT - a PDA for those who, in addition to high performance, light weight, compact size, importance and mobile devices. Delivery Pocket PC ASUS MyPal A620 to Russia has already begun. Open to all model is available to order online shopping "computer in the palm." The authors, translation:
Doctor Pocket
