Mobile Review: Palm Tungsten T2: Tungsten-squared

The release of the Palm operating system of new generation under number 5.0 followed by a release of its 5.2.1 version with a pleasant in all respects handwriting system and increased levels of data protection. Technique also did not stand still - have won universal popularity model with transflective type of display, and 16 MB-barrier here was about to be overcome. Indeed, a remake of the old model of mid-range level Tungsten T said long ago, but today Palm Inc introduced to the public the completion of the family of tungsten Palm'ov. Live to see the Palm Tungsten T2, we have not had a chance, but based on the first model, a review and press release the company, we try to tell what is a "concentration of power" from the Palm - is the motto of the developer is going to move the handheld.

Completion

The package includes the computer itself, a stylus, a plastic transparent cover for the screen, cradle, AC adapter, 2 CD with software, a description and a bunch of promotional and informational booklets.

Design and Ergonomics

First impression - yes, it is the same Tungsten T, which I saw half a year ago. The only external difference - it is a logo. Designed by developers did not change. All the same well proven metal casing (the color, though slightly changed). Dimensions and weight - are similar. A little unclear why the developers have kept the old domain Graffiti, as the new system of handwriting Graffiti 2 (better known as Jot) allows you to write in any part of the display. Y Tungsten C and Sony TG50, for example, the area handwriting is not physically. It would be more reasonable, if so keep the old design (and admittedly it is pretty good), say, extend display just due to this area (let it be like a Sony 320x480). While, on the other hand, fans of the old Graffiti will be satisfied.

Of the nice things is also worth mentioning that no longer have to constantly push the computer to enter the text you want (I suspect that most owners of new items will use the built-in physical domain Graffiti is very rare). That is why, in spite of the same design, we can safely say that the computer in general has become more compact:)

The computer implemented control strategy with only one hand. For this purpose the Five-way navigation key - a sort of joystick. If the device is switched off, then lightly pressed in the central part of the navigation buttons, call for a second time information, double click on this button to turn on the computer.

Using the navigation buttons can also trigger and control applications. For example, a two-second hold button in the down position will cause the software menu. Or another example: in the address book click on the right side of the joystick will cause the search function, pressing again will a list of possible connections (Bluetooth, phone, SMS, etc.).In general, conveniently enough, especially if the second hand is occupied by a bag or a phone number or if you're in public transport.

Specifications

What then are the main differences?

Operating System

The computer has the latest to date version of the operating system Palm OS 5.2.1 with support for Graffiti2, ARM-processor and wireless connections.

Processor

Processor left the same - Texas Instruments OMAP 1510 (ARM) with a frequency of 144 MHz.

Memory

ROM-a - 8MB (1MB goes to the owner), but increased to 32MB of RAM, of which 29.5 MB is available to the user. We have already told in our news that a little later may come out and model srednednego price level with 64MB of memory, which will cost a little more expensive than today's news. As exemplified by hi-end PDA Tungsten C, 64M for Palm-s - this is not a fantasy but a reality.

External storage

Memory card standard SD and MMC.

Expandability

According to tradition, the computer comes with a good universal connector Palm, which allows you to use all the peripherals from the previous device families. In addition, the arms can pick up and plug-ins with the interface SDIO.

Display

In contrast, the new Tungsten T handheld has a very bright and high contrast display with backlight transflective type. Text perfectly perceived, even at the minimum level of screen brightness. We can read in virtually any environment. To understand what was going on to say that the display screen is very similar to Tungsten C or Zire 71. Resolution remains the same - 320x320 pixels. Number of colors - the same 65,000.

Multimedia

Built-in speaker, microphone and 3.5 mm-wavelength stereo headphones. Many thanks to the company for something that does not become embedded in the body 2,5 mm jack, but left the more common 3,5 mm (no need to buy a special audio adapter). The computer can work as a voice recorder to record audio to wav file, and subsequent transfer to a desktop computer during synchronization.

Food

Built-in Li-Pol rechargeable battery with 900mAch.

Indication

As well as the Tungsten T is equipped with new lighting, sound and vibration indication that accompanies the work handheld, which can be zaprgrammirovat to receive messages, reminders, etc. LED - monochrome. While charging, the light is one color, and when the battery is fully charged - off.

Communication capabilities

Integrated Bluetooth Adapter Class 1.1 with the function of a low-power (class 2). Antenna adapter built into the computer cover.

Security

As with the Tungsten C (or more precisely, in the operating system Palm OS 5.2.1) has a system of data protection with 128-bit encryption. This encoding is typical for corporate networks, so that the data integrity can not be afraid.

Dimensions and weight

Size - 101.9 (in the form of push 123) x 75.0 x 14.8 mm. Weight - 157.3, the

Runtime
Battery life, in the absence of a living unit on hand, to check failed. However, according to the developers on a single charge should last for 5 days normal use. It is true that specifically porazumevaetsya under "normal use", remains unclear. According to the test site PalmInfoCenter, machine lasted 7 days at the following scenarios: 40% brightness, 30 minutes per day of the organizer without using an external card and Bluetooth.

Tests

Since we could not get machine alive, then test its performance has not been possible. However, our colleagues were able to see and evaluate the T2 more impartially (for a review, however, in Chinese:). Test Results Palm Benchmark:

	Tungsten T2 (Palm OS 5.2.1)
Arithmetic	153%
Heap Management	149%
Data access	305%
Graphics	322%

Test results VFS Mark:

	Tungsten T2 (Palm OS 5.2.1)	Tungsten T (Palm OS 5.0)
File Create	170%	188%
File Delete	118%	110%
File Write	48%	49%
File Read	181%	127%
File Seek	274%	256%
DB Export	83%	115%
DB Import	366%	295%
Record Access	323%	242%
Resource Access	302%	234%
Total	207	179

If we compare the results of the test T2 with those of the model T, we see that the figures for some parameters obtained are similar, although T2 nevertheless breaks down the access time, memory access (about 1.3 -1.4 times) and its overall score above 15%. So the second Tungsten, probably not much quicker and smarter than its predecessor. However, it is safe to talk about it we can not.

Software

Phone Link
SMS
Dialer Telephone Keypad
Voice Memo
Card Info
Calculator
World Clock
Enhanced Security
On-Screen Writing Software

Adobe (r) Acrobat (r) Reader (r) for Palm OS
Dataviz (r) Documents To Go 5
VersaMail 2.5
Palm Photos
Web browser Pro 2,0
powerOne (tm) Personal Calculator
Documents To Go
BlueBoard - exchange program notes to other Bluetooth c PDAs
BlueChat - Bluetooth chat
RealOne (tm) Mobile Player - Audio Player
Kinoma Player - video player
Kinoma Producer
Solitaire

Price

In the U.S. model costs $ 399. When it appears we have not yet understood, as well as known at what price.

Conclusions

Apparently, the Palm turned out good upgrade Tungsten T: replacing display on a bright and contrasting, more memory, a new method of data input (Graffiti 2), and vpoloschennaya to life the concept of control device with one hand to make this computer a very attractive acquisition for a wide range of users. Should be stated that a remake of quite a success. The second "Tungsten" handheld went quite powerful, elegant and affordable at the same time. See also the discussion of Palm TT2 authors, translation:

Dr. Pocket