This summer dawned devastatingly hot. Business activity decreased, and the first surrendered to the parliamentarians, retiring in a lengthy and well-paid holiday. Many businessmen have begun seeing immense beaches, emerald lagoons, palm trees and cypresses. However, one industry, which the summer - not summer, and the heat does not cause interference, in Russia there.
As you might guess, it's telecommunications. Last summer on the field financial groups combined, concentrated and hard-fought for the redistribution of metropolitan and regional markets, and the activity around the cellular red-hot environment, like a cyclone from the Sahara.
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Manufacturers of subscriber terminals were also unable to relax and fall into seasonal slumber. Competition can not relax for a minute, forcing vendors to continuously update the model line. In July-August, Motorola and Samsung provided new devices that will enable them to strengthen their presence in this sector of the cellular market. The most ambitious plans for a Korean company. At the presentation of the general director of the Moscow representation of Samsung Dong Joo Lee stated the problem of their subordinates: push terminals in the sector of the three leaders of Ericsson. Do marketers have Samsung and strategic objectives - Don Joo Lee hopes that a year or two in the minds of Russians, Samsung and Sony catch up, as two brand-leading digital technology. I note that about a year ago, the principles of segmentation of range of most manufacturing companies were unified, and the unwritten legislator was Motorola. In line with the principle of segmentation, it identified four sub-segments: consumer-grade devices (mass, economy class), business-class machines, devices under the theme "Fashion" and the apparatus for the Pioneers, fans of technical innovation. However, such a strict division does not mean that in a single sub-sector manufacturer can produce 2-3 models, differentiating features. For example, Motorola offers two new Economy Class Talkabout 191/192. What the producers have proposed a subscriber? First, all devices, regardless of class, have the support of the WAP. But today only a few models offer work on a protocol WAP (v.1.2). This means that trading and banking transactions with the proper protections are not satisfied. On the other hand, manufacturers of AT has finally paid attention to the technology SATK, embedding its support (class3 / class2) in most models. It is on this basis we can already implement procedures to secure financial transactions. Secondly, it should be noted increased functionality models. Voice dialing and voice control, voice recorder, organizer - these features and capabilities can boast not only a model of business-class and lower level. New models support many functions and services of GSM phase 2 + - for example, such services as conference calling with which you can arrange a conference call with five subscribers. From the perspective of a corporate customer service is extremely helpful and provides some alternative trunking. Yes, and for the mass subscriber conference calls today, one year ago was much more attractive and easier to understand than the controversial WAP, which marketers cracked incessantly, is clearly heating up interest in the service maloaktualnoy. However, services that have real practical value, has reached the consumer with a clear delay. But as they say, better late than never. Here, domestic customers carried. Only competition makes the Russian operators to implement this or that service. If in August, Bee Line GSM network was launched to provide conferencing services ($ 2.5 per month), then a month later began offering a similar service and MTS.Interestingly, when the Russian subscribers to obtain access to conference calls, if VimpelCom postponed its delivery?
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And finally, work with digital information. Here, to paraphrase one of the classics, we can say that the technology of GPRS, which is so long spoke producers, is still far from full realization. In fact, the company plans to start mass production of most antibodies with GPRS support is scheduled for March quarter. However, today the release of mainly produced by a single model. And the producers do not speak about the full GPRS, but only on the AT type B, and then only with the possibility of mode 3 / 1 or 4 / 1. Here we note another aspect. It is no secret that the producers are cunning, when lead time in different modes. These figures, of course, valid for the mode of voice communication. But the data transfer process to be three time slots, which reduces the given time has tripled. If we consider that information processing processor consumes extra energy, the numbers that determine the mode of data exchange, will receive very comforting. A full-fledged GPRS - seven time slots for the exchange of information - yet just out of reach. It is no secret that the processors having the desired performance (for the mode of information processing in the 7 time-slots) on the market there. However, the consumption of power does not suit designers AT. As a result, none of the manufacturers did not dare to enter the market model weighing about 170 - 200 grams, which is due to the appropriate processor and the battery would fully realize the possibilities inherent in the GPRS. Therefore take the liberty to assume that manufacturers a full AT mode GPRS, despite a broadcast statement, the flow of handouts and timid attempts to bring new models of class B (3 / 1), while it is rather desirable tomorrow, rather than actual today! In this review we have included consumer-grade models and models of luxury.
Motorola Talkabout 191
In this segment of the Russian cellular market position of Motorola's most powerful and have very strong reputation. Models M3hhh in the past two years have been bestsellers not only in Russia but, perhaps, in Europe. Model Talkabout 191 miniature and surprisingly light, only 80, she as much as 27 grams lighter than its nearest rival on the Nokia 3310. These parameters yesterday could boast only a model of luxury.
Despite the miniature size, it has a large five-line display, a good time, talk time / standby, and a wide range of functions. Here we note voice control, the ability to send group SMS, Animated SMS. To conserve battery life can be programmed on / off the phone for hours. Talkabout 191 - High-quality low-cost handset likely to appeal to customers who value a stable job and do not require functional redundancy.
Motorola Talkabout 192
This unit is likely to highlight the upcoming season - a model of economy-class technology to support GPRS. For its owners work on the Internet will become much more efficient. In Talkabout 192 has support for most services and functions, but thanks to the GPRS phone, a number of new features. Firstly, it is SMS-chat - exchange of SMS messages in real time. In fact, a relationship that many have already mastered through the Internet, but now the dialogue is available mobile subscriber. In addition, opening the notebook Talkabout 192, the owner will see at once labeled those numbers whose owners at the moment connected to the network and can lead SMS-chat. Another possibility, which appeared due to GPRS, - network games. In real time you can fight against a particular partner or a computer. But this service must support the operator. The device also allows you to create and maintain a standard SMS-message, for example, a letter template.For music fans have the opportunity to download two favorite tunes. If we talk about design features, the Talkabout 192 - this is one of the first Motorola models with built-in antenna. Bad contrasting four-line display. Here we note the ability to view text SMS-messages on the screen in an enlarged scale of 1:2, which is convenient for users with impaired vision. The above-mentioned advantages, combined with a reasonable price probably will attract fans of mobile innovation.
Samsung SGH-R200
Its parameters and functionality, this model can be positioned as a tool of economy class. Except, perhaps, the two parameters. Firstly, the display (128x64 pixels.), The size and quality of which is clearly higher than that of some vehicles business class. Second, - the price. It is slightly higher than that of competing models in this class. A magnificent display provides comfort when working with the organizer, which includes a calendar, to-do list, scheduler. When you work with WAP, and R200 support this technology, size and quality of the display even weightier. Specify that the device is not installed the latest version of the WAP-browser and an earlier (v.1.1), which is somewhat limits the ability of the device in the future.
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In addition to WAP device supports SATK (class3), which started to learn Russian operators and probably will be used in financial transactions carried out via mobile phone. According to RS-232 device can be connected to the PC. Bundled software lets you synchronize the contents of your phone and PIM organizer PC. Price not supplied connection cable - $ 100. The device also supports many of the services and functions of the GSM phase 2 + (conference calling, SMS, Caller ID, call forwarding, etc.). So if you need to have not just on the phone, and multifunction assistant, pay attention to the SGH-R200.
Models of luxury
Motorola V.66. Miniature unit continues the line of Motorola V.36xx, in which the display is mounted in a hinged lid. V.66 supports GPRS, and the reception he can support up to 4 time slots, which is now the maximum possible among the produced models. But opening a real wireless data access, Motorola designers have been faced with the alternative - either to keep the display size of which does not correspond to the problem of displaying web information, or to sacrifice weight and size characteristics and to establish a larger display. Selected the first option - apparently, miniaturization for this model has a priority. V.66 full of features and is clearly aimed at customers who want to emphasize their originality and style. Here and in the choice of backlight (three choices: red, orange and green), and three variants of decorative hinged lid, and 32 versions of personal ringtones and voice recorder that allows you to record 5 blocks comments total duration of up to 180. The model can be used as a basis for a mobile office. To her, you can connect your laptop or PDA to RS-232 or USB. The latter can be met only in innovative phones. In addition, Motorola has prepared for this model cable that lets you attach the phone with a PDA type PALM III / V. In this device, even the most demanding subscriber find everything you need. It's nice that its functional saturation apparatus is simple in mastering, as well as in management.
Samsung SGH-A300
In this model, Samsung continues his favorite line - the phone-book, ie uses a design with a hinged lid. This tiny, feature-rich device immediately attracts the attention of the original solution: on the outside of the flip cover is placed an additional 3-line display. Without opening the phone, the subscriber can control the degree battery charge, signal strength from the base station, and also check the current time and date. When a call appears on the screen number of the caller, and in the presence of this number in the phonebook and caller's name.
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The main display is large (128x128 pix., 7 lines + 2 lines of icons) and designed to work with textual information. Viewed on this screen, the contents of the WAP-site or sent SMS-message can not straining the eyes. Of the functions to be performed by the apparatus of this class, not only voice control dial and menu functions. For communication with a PDA or laptop provides infrared IrDA. Sync provides job with a calendar, scheduler Affairs in the computer and transport changes in the organizer phone. The machine must appeal to people with a taste that requires the elegant phone of high functionality.
Samsung SGH-A400
The result of competitive companies, manufacturers of cell phones may not be a decrease / increase in share prices, leaving companies with a market or the appearance of another model is easier to 1,5 g, than the competition. Specialists Samsung made a move that suggested itself was a long time and that is called at arm's length. However, the new design solution as simple and obvious, and so stunning. Complex microelectronic stuffing "packed" into the body, styled powder box, red or pearly, and ... turned miracle telefonchik. Obviously, the model focuses on the better half of humanity. This underlines the software, which was introduced in memory of the machine - biorhythm chart, the calculation of excess weight, the table of calories, a calendar of women's cycle. Technical capabilities of the model will satisfy even the most demanding of the fairer sex. SGH-A400 can work with WAP, has an infrared port, a large display (128x96 pixels.) Organizer, the memory 100 rooms, support services and functions of the GSM phase 2 +. Note that reducing to a minimum weight and size characteristics (weight model 80 g), the designers reduced the operating time in standby mode up to 70 hours, forcing possessor "powder-" almost every two days using a battery charger. Without a doubt, the model could become the most popular in the coming season, but its price ($ 390) narrowed the range of possible clients to a business lady and the wives of wealthy businessmen. And sorry, students and housewives would probably not resist the temptation to buy a trendy thing.
Let's compare ...
So you are planning to buy an inexpensive modern cell phone. If we start from prices, T191 variant is optimal. For those who must work with data, we should dwell on the model T192 supports GPRS. However, this model has no interface for PC connection, which limits the functionality. If you select are important display settings, the R200 is clearly preferable. For subscribers who frequently use the organizer on your phone, for sure need to sync with your PC - it is only at R200. However, this model does not allow to connect the car kit, Hands-Free and has a voice dialing control, and menus, and its price is highest. Models of luxury more individual, so we restrict transfer pro and contra. V.66 - the easiest device has three options for the display backlight, support GPRS and enables the USB interface to connect your PC or PDA, the memory unit to 500 rooms, built-in voice recorder with a 180, there is a voice control and a set menu. However, the display V.66 today is too small, no memory organization by groups. A400 - this unit is versatile and will be a magnificent gift to representatives of the better half of humanity. A300 - less like him, there are two displays, the main (large informative) is clearly more attractive than its competitors. This phone's memory can be organized into groups. However, the A300 is limited time in standby mode, no tape recorder, he has no voice dialing control, and menus. To the machine can not connect the car kit Hands-Free. In general, the choice - an individual case, and all the models will find their supporters. Sources, Materials:
Newspaper "Modus"
The authors, translation:
Alexander Korsunsky
