PalmOne Tungsten T5: performance on the move

palmOne Tungsten T5 - another brainchild of the producer deserved PDA - the model is just as controversial, however much awaited. I must say that on the palmOne Tungsten T5, released almost simultaneously with the release of a series of next-generation handheld Pocket PC, the platform advocates pinned great hopes, which, unfortunately, is not quite true. Of course, we can not say that the beloved producer greatly disappoint them, but the revolution in the PDA structure, which for so long talked-dreamed of users who do not cluchilos. In front of us until all the same OSes Garnet (in some form refreshed), familiar design, improved technical specifications, well-chosen set of software and a few unusual organization of memory, which became the main fichey Tungsten T5. We present you the review of the PDA.

Design palmOne Tungsten T5

Externally, the new Pocket PC is strongly reminiscent of palmOne Tungsten E, which confirms originally appeared in the online rumors about the upcoming Tungsten E2. On the relationship of a series of palmOne Tungsten T, in turn, recalled only the big screen. At this superficial similarity ends there. Slider that causes the most contradictory feelings among the users anymore. Due to the removal of this structural element, PDA a little "grown up" in length (7 mm compared to the Tungsten E). Width and thickness are practically unchanged. In addition, due to increased size machine potyazhelela on frivolous 14 grams. In general, compared to the Tungsten E, minor design changes. The body is made of the same plastic. Remain unchanged and controls. It's D-Pad and four reprogrammable hardware buttons. And, on the first button (with the image of the house) standard can "hang" only two applications - Applications and Favorites Selecting applications for the remaining three buttons - much richer. On the top panel is a slot for SD / MMC card with support for SDIO, so you can use peripherals that format. There are infrared port, headphone jack and power button. But not a single indicator light is not.As in all recent models of palmOne, the lateral ends totally exempt from controls. On the right is available only to the stylus holder. On the left - attachment to the protective cover. If you remove the stylus and try to take your computer in your hand, the thumb or other fingers (depending on where in your hand you hold the device) will rest against the sharp edge of the pencil box, sensation - not a pleasant one. Perot Tungsten T5 is absolutely similar to that used in the Tungsten E. It is all-metal with Teflon tip and twist-off plastic cap, which is a thin plastic needle to press the reset button. Reset button - on the back panel, next to the speaker. In addition, the updated interface connector. This is not mini USB, as the Tungsten E. And not a standard symmetrical Palm Connector, as a Tungsten T3. Connector was strongly reminiscent of the interface port on your mobile phone SonyEricsson. It is divided into two parts - a comb of contacts designed to transmit data, the second - to power the device. By jack can be connected to a special adapter with a USB cable. In the adapter provides connector for AC adapter and the hardware button synchronization. As you may recall, on the cradle palmOne has most of the first series has always attended such a button. So to reprogram one of the PDA hardware buttons for launching HotSync is not necessary. The power adapter can be connected directly to the interface connector, however, did not succeed podcoedinit USB cable. On the other hand, if you only need to charge the battery, you will not have to carry a sync cable. Upset about the lack of built-in voice recorder. It is a pity, because for business people or, for example, journalists recorder - irreplaceable thing. PalmOne decision not to embed the recorder in Palm Tungsten T5 has caused some serious debate in the forums and actually rejection users.

Complete Tungsten T5

Many believe that the package, which sold a PDA, has absolutely no value. Whether it's a cheap plastic blister or Mighty durable cardboard.Nevertheless, the box - this is the first impression of the product. In his "briefcase" Tungsten T5 looks solid and enjoyable, as befits a product of this level. Fortunately, the box failed due the quality of cardboard. Inside the box you can find the AC adapter, interface cable with an adapter, protective cover, two CDs with software (one for Mac, the second for Windows), lots of declarations, stickers and graffiti warranty. Protective cover similar to those that were on the Palm-oh 500 series. Mounted it on the right sidebar and special inconveniences in work does not deliver. At least, with its direct functions (display protection from mechanical damage and contamination), it copes well - PDA may be safely worn in the pocket of a suit. However, I can not say that the T5 cap has fallen to my liking. It looks a bit serious, is pressed against the display is not full, then it strives to unfold. Besides, with a small external pressure, the stress immediately transferred to the body so that you can accidentally press the hardware button. Much more convenient and more sensible it would probably realize a small latching mechanism, such as the HP iPAQ hx4700. Those for whom the structural reliability protective cover crucial, can be purchased separately aluminum case, which will serve a good service. Moderately strong, fairly compact and easy to measure - just what is needed for users with active lifestyles. However, with the task of protecting the CCP, I think, normally cope and the usual leather case, sewn from third parties, for example, Xigma or Krusell.

Iron fillings palmOne Tungsten T5

Processor

Remember the song "... and instead of a heart flaming engine ..."? So this is not about domestic aviation, but about a new processor palmOne Tungsten T5. The developers decided to provide the CPC one of the most modern at the moment of processors for mobile devices - Intel PXA270 clocked at 416 MHz. About how much is good, a little later.

Memory

Internal memory - is a separate matter of pride developers. Firstly, its a lot - 256 MB, of which 215 MB user available. Secondly, it is completely non-volatile, that is not in the drive SDRAM chips. But it's not ROM in its pure sense, since the memory performs the functions of RAM and features a flash drive. Engineers from palmOne gave her the name of Flash RAM (made on the basis of technology NAND Flash), that is a nonvolatile rewritable RAM. Simply speaking, you need not worry that the battery on your PDA have been charged at all times - the data is not lost even in a fully discharged typewriter. In addition, several lower power, because they do not need to update the state of RAM, as in most other PDAs.Conventionally, the memory is divided into two unequal parts - 161.2 MB and 63.8 MB. A smaller part is used in the same capacity, which had been involved in the memory of earlier models, but only for the storage of installed programs and data. Moreover, 10 MB of it removes the needs of the operating system. Much is known as "internal" and serves as a flash drive. These 161 MB can be used as an ordinary USB flash drive. Enough to switch the handheld into a special mode and drive mode cinhronizirovat with your desktop PC, and with the internal memory can be operated with the usual additional removable drive. Flick of the wrist Palm turns into an elegant (but rather cumbersome) USB flash drive. And if at this point in your Pocket PC is an SD card, then it will appear as additional drive. Speed, however, leaves much to be desired: USB 1.1 - it's still not USB 2.0. I'm sure many of you have already calculated that 161.2 MB 63.8 MB = 225 MB, but not 256 MB. The question arises: where are the remaining 31 MB? It's very simple. These same 31 MB are reserved for the work area (the so-called Heap), which serves to temporarily store applications and data during their execution. Decent size Heap area allows, for example, painlessly opening volume office documents and load large pages in the browser.

Communication

A computer equipped with wireless Bluetooth Class 1.1, which allows you to connect to other devices that connect to the Internet (using, for example, a mobile phone with features GPRS), check e-mail messages, conduct wireless synchronization with your desktop computer, etc. Computer pretty quickly "discovered" mobile phone SonyEricsson T630. True, the list of identifiable devices T630 model is not there, but when choosing T610 no connection problems have arisen. The only perhaps disadvantage is the inability (with built-in Bluetooth Manager) cross Tungsten T5 with a Pocket PC computer. For example, iPAQ H1940 his finds, but connect the data exchange can not, because it can not find appropriate services. Sorry. To exchange data had to be used as an intermediate carrier laptop. Another omission palmOne engineers regarding kommmunikatsionnyh features new items - no built-in Wi-Fi. However, the developers justify by the fact that to achieve the desired functionality by simply acquiring the WLAN transmitter separately on SD-card, but, first, a slot usually occupied by a corresponding expansion card memory, and, secondly, the integrated solution is always more convenient and efficient than separately purchased peripherals.

Display

High-resolution screen for the "top" models of family palmOne has long since become standard. Is no exception and the new palmOne Tungsten T5. T5 has a diagonal matrix 3.9 "- at the latest VGA Pocket PC, but inferior to the number of points in 2 times (320 to 480 against with 480 by 640 pixels).According to the magazine "Consumer: computers and software, which has developed a special technique for measuring the quality of the original displays, handheld computers, the maximum brightness of the display palmOne Tungsten T5 is 182 cd/m2 - is one of the most brilliant displays of PDAs on the market. The brightness of one of the latest Pocket PC PDAs - HP iPAQ h4700 costavlyala total of 150 cd/m2 and a maximum brightness of the display T3 was generally more than 2 times lower than - 77 cd/m2. Minimum level of brightness T5 - 62 cd/m2. As with all the latest models from palmOne highlighting ways staff can not turn off. The minimum level of brightness, in turn, greatly overstated. Normal matrices for handheld computers is considered a value of about 10-20 cd/m2, the magnitude of 35-40 cd/m2 - this is a sufficiently high level, and 62 cd/m2 - heavily overvalued rate. That there is something to compare, is such an example. The fact that the T5 is called the minimum brightness, a younger model Zire 31 is the maximum. So overvalued minimum backlight level - a significant disadvantage for two reasons. First, it reduces battery life. For the normal perception of the text would have sufficed 1910 cd/m2 brightness at a T5 would be spent on 20-40% longer than sixfold unrealistically high numbers. Secondly, too bright matrix interferes with comfortable perception of information (reading, watching videos) in complete darkness. Quickly tired eyes, and indeed there is a risk to plant a vision. Therefore, lovers of night reading we recommend include additional light sources, at least a table lamp or floor lamp. However, in the presence of background lighting shortcomings of high brightness backlight leveled. Accordingly, when reading in office lighting or in the subway for the eyes can not particularly worried. Already at the lowest level illumination the contrast reaches 1:60, which is more than enough for comfortable perception of information from the display in almost any lighting conditions, apart from direct sunlight. Outdoors (bright sunny day) can only read the text on the maximum level of illumination (1:5). Comfortable working in this mode, however, can not be called as required for the normal perception of the contrast does not lower than 1:8. Adjust the brightness via status bar (for details - just below). Brightness switch has 28 positions, almost as much at T3. The only drawback - the inability to switch the backlight levels using hardware buttons. Also a little upset at the lack of brightness adjustment of a scale, which is why it seems that the adjustment is continuous. However, it is not so, setting up a discrete, but to understand at what level it is, we can only roughly.

Lock hardware buttons

In the Tungsten T5, as well as in T3 provides the function of locking hardware buttons. The menu Prefs / keylock implemented a choice type of lock - never, "automatically" (as soon turn off the computer) and in manual mode. " In manual mode, blocking is enabled by holding the power button for 2 seconds. After that, the CPC will not respond to keystrokes. To unlock it, you will have to press the power button and confirm the release of the lock by pressing keys on the display.

Runtime

Charging time the computer is approximately 2.5 - 3 hours. Unfortunately, as with T3 at our hero is no light indication of the charging process and the degree battery charge. The only way to find out how fed battery, and, in general, whether charging - is to include PDA and select the icon with the clock in the Status Bar. It shows battery level and status (charged or not).Battery life was measured by a standard technique in several modes:

• in read mode program MobiPocket Reader with automatic scrolling speeds 26-28 characters per second
• during playback of mp3 files from internal memory program RealOne Player (display off)
• a video playback program Kinoma Player (320x320) test movie with a flow 640Kbit / s of memory

While working in all modes was measured before the first warning. According to the charging indicator, the first warning of low battery comes with 10% residual capacity. The results were as follows. Work in read mode depletes the battery for 4 hours and 25 minutes at maximum illumination, or for 6 hours with a minimum illumination. Playing video lasts 5 hours at maximum illumination of up to 7 hours on low. MP3 playback can last about 8 hours. If we compare our hero with their predecessors (T2, T3, Tungsten E and Zire 72), the runtime PDA demonstrates quite decent, but against the new Pocket PC handheld from the top looks like palmOne palely. For example, the flagship of HP - iPAQ hx4700 - capable of playing MP3 music and 16 hours, that is two times longer than the T5.

Performance

In recent years a tendency to equalize the technical characteristics of the family computers, Palm and Pocket PC. Of course, full equality yet. Processors with a frequency of 512 MHz and 624 MHz Palm OS handhelds is not used, but the PXA270 with 416 MHz already taken on board. A memory? 256 MB - a very decent size. Communication opportunities are also almost the same level, if we forget about the lack of T5 Wi-Fi-module. The reality is that the mere listing of technical parameters of a modern PDA is not enough to determine its capabilities, capacity and ease of use. Fundamental differences, of course, hidden in the operating system. Unfortunately, the universal means to adequately compare computers with different operating systems yet. The results of benchmarks can be guided only in one of the families of the CCP. Interspecies comparison is possible only in highly subjective form. Tungsten T5 slightly faster than the T3 (6%), 1,6 times more powerful than the Sony TJ27 and 2.6 times more productive compared to the Tungsten E. Subjectively, we can say that no significant "brakes" when the computer is not observed - not working with PIM applications, or when working with documents or video playback. Productivity at work was measured with a video already have become the standard method of using the built-in Kinoma Player test. The results are very, very decent - at the level Tungsten C. At least 30% faster than the T3, and almost two times faster than that of T2.

Software palmOne Tungsten T5

Embedded applications

Operating System for Tungsten T5 and the old and new simultaneously. More precisely, it is the same Palm OS 5, as with all PDAs, released by palmOne in the last 1,5 years. Differs only version - Palm OS 5.4.5. However, from the previous edition 5.4.5 is not only a serial number. Changed set of software, stitched in memory, and were ground has previously used techniques and components. Thus, among the major programs Tungsten T5:

• Quick Tour
• Calc 1.0
• Calendar 1.2
• Contacts 1.2
• Dialer 2.0.1
• Documents-to-go 7.000 (806)
• Drive Mode
• Expense 4.5.1P

• Favorites 1.0 - a program to create your own Application launcher. You have four tabs, each of which has 8 fields.

Each cell can assign your own name and assign the application.

• Files 1.0 - a complete file manager with "older" features.

With it you can not only view the data files, but launch the program. For known file types (if you select a file) will automatically launch the appropriate application. If you select a file with a digital photo, then activates the program Media, if the MP3, then RealPlayer, etc. And, finally realized Tap-n-Hold principle of file operations. If you hold the stylus on the file, then the result will be a familiar menu, file management, which includes items "rename", "Open with ..." etc.

• Memos 1.2
• Note Pad 2.3
• SMS 4.5.1P
• Tasks 1.2
• Word Clock 2.0.

Ranked Among the communication programs are present:

• Bluetooth - a wireless software settings, the Bluetooth adapter
• Versa Mail 2.7.1

• palmOne Blazer 4.0 - Internet browser with a familiar user interface of Windows Internet Explorer. There are buttons Back, Forward, Refresh, Home, History and Bookmarks.

This browser supports the technology and formats: HTML 4.01, xHTML 1.0, cHTML, WML 1.3, SSL 3.0, HTTP 1.1, JavaScript 1.5, CSS 1.0 and 2.0 (partial), GIF (including animated), JPEG, PNG, BMP, Cookies. Of the multimedia software from T5 Immersed:

• RealOne Player 1.6.0 - program for listening to audio

• Media 2.00.50 - for watching video and digital images. In addition, the application allows you to sort the images, organize them into albums, copy, straighten on Bluetooth, SMS or email and make the images of graphic notes.

System and utilities:

• Card Info 4.5.1P
• HotSync 5.0P
• Preferences 1.4
• AddIt (bluefish 3.59) - find and download applications from the network.

As with the Tungsten T3, PIM applications "fifth" can directly sync with the program Outlook (can not praise palmOne for attention to multi-million users of the program), and about Palm Desktop willing (or rather unwilling) can now be forgotten. Need only install the program Microsoft Outlook Conduits with supplied with a PDA disk. As far as a powerful office suite, Documents-to-go 7, then he is now "sewn" by default.

Additional programs

Peruse installed on a desktop computer software:

• palmOne Desktop 4.1
• File Transfer
• Microsoft Outlook Conduit
• Quick Install
• DataViz Document To Go Desktop
• RealPlayer Desktop
• Web link to Audible

Additional software installed on the PDA:

• Phone Link Updater
• DataViz Document To Go Conduit
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• eReader
• Solitaire
• Web link to VPN
• Web link to Websphere Everyplace Micro Environment
• AOL Mail access software.

Status Bar

Innovation of this control can not be named. Status Bar for the first time appeared at the Tungsten T3. It is a line that is located at the bottom of the screen (like a desktop system tray), consisting of icons most frequently used applications on your computer.

• Home - this button to call the application list, press again which starts the Favorite. Long-term retention of the icons is a list of six recently run applications.

• Find - a standard search function.

• Menu - Call menu in the application.
• Clock - system information.

This window shows a lot of useful information: battery level (in percentage), status (plugged in or not), free volume only internal memory (also in percentage), backlight brightness control, sound mode selection.

• Attention Manager - Manager reminder, here is information on all the reminders that can be done in the standard PIM applications (Calendar, Note Pad, Tasks), the program Word Clock.
• Bluetooth - Call Manager Bluetooth.
• Full Screen Wright - mode handwriting in any area of ​​the display. True, when you enter must comply with entry rules, as usual Graffiti 2. Need to mentally divide the screen into two parts by a vertical bar. In the right pane, you can enter numbers on the left - the capital letters, on the border of two areas - capital letters. Moreover, the same principles I work and landscape display.

• Rotate Screen - switch to landscape and portrait mode display orientation.

• Input - display the input area.

If you hold the stylus on this icon for a second, then a list of virtual input panel (classic graffiti, graffiti with three zones, and keyboard). Because of the presence of a permanent status bar the actual display area is the size of 320h448, not 320x480.

Price and buy palmOne Tungsten T5

The network of shops "computer in the palm" palmOne Tungsten T5 can be purchased for $ 399. Despite improvements in the technical parameters of handhelds from this manufacturer, their initial cost depends on positioning. Recall that the ex-flagship palmOne Tungsten T2 and T3 also began their way to the market price at $ 399.

Results

Cons

• a strongly overvalued minimum backlight
• lack of Wi-Fi
• no voice recorder
• inconvenient design lid
• not very good stylus holder.

Pluses

• High-quality display with a resolution of 320x480
• Built-in Bluetooth Adapter
• high performance
• large amount of internal memory
• the whole internal memory - volatile
• the possibility of using the computer as a USB drive
• availability of hardware button HotSync
• low cost
• synchronization with MS Outlook or Palm Desktop for choice.

The main competitors palmOne handhelds on the market have always been handhelds from Sony and representatives of the camp competitors, Pocket PC. This year, Sony withdrew from the PDA market, and only by inertia holds 9% of the total pie. PalmOne company has currently a third of all users of handheld computers for several losing conglomerate Pocket PC. For all the seeming backwardness of the technical parameters of products from palmOne direct competitors, of course, that part of its audience the company to maintain and increase. It is safe to say that the share of tangible user techniques for working with Palm OS PDA closer and clearer than with the Pocket PC. Unlike last palmovye less universal, but seriously sharpened by the particular solution of problems. The authors, translation:

Orsio n725: small, but deletion

The recent exit from the shadow of gray eminence smartfonostroeniya, the Taiwanese company HTC, is not a reason to relax. In other words, it does not mean that the market will no longer appear devices clones under different names. In addition to her on the glorious island of Formosa, labor and other manufacturers operating in the same way. True, in our case, the relationship is not so obvious. Speech - about the ODM-производительнице Quanta, which produced the hero of this review - the communicator Orsio N725. The fair's sake, was first released on the same thing for the European mobile operator O2, known as Atom XDA Exec and different from the N725 externally. Thus, the device (as it did not you call - Atom or Orsio) is essentially an ideological continuation of the hit this spring - Communicator O2 XDA Atom, interesting, in addition to a full wireless kit, a powerful processor and an integrated FM-receiver. The new Exec installed just over a high-speed stone, more memory, resulting in increased productivity. But now, with the release of a new wave of devices, such as the Glofiish X500 and HTC P3300 relevance of this unit falls. Features Orsio N725 draw more on the class of devices an average price level, because it has no built-in GPS-module. Nevertheless, he really has something to please their potential owners. Let's see how consistent Orsio N725 his class. The time of the first. In the sale will go three versions of the device - Orsio N725 Basic, Orsio N725 and Orsio N725 GPS, which differ in bundle. Complete with the latest will go the external Bluetooth GPS receiver, a set for the unit is installed in the car and the charger from the cigarette lighter. This equipment will help to partly solve the problem of lack of built-in GPS, however, pay for it will have a few more. Here we describe a variant without a satellite receiver.

Here are its specifications:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition
• Processor: Intel XScale PXA272, 520 MHz
• Memory: 64 MB Flash RAM (RAM) 192 MB Flash ROM (ROM)
• Screen: 2.7 "transflective TFT, 240x320 pixels, 262 thousand colors
• Expandable memory: miniSD slot
• Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth v.1.2 (Supported profiles: Headset, Hands-free, SPP, DUN, A2DP), Wi-Fi (802.11b), GSM 900/1800/1900, GPRS Class 10, EDGE, IrDA (Infrared )
• Camera: 2.0 MP (the maximum resolution of 1600x1200 pixels)
• Radio: FM-tuner
• Battery: Lithium-polymer battery, 1530 mAh
• Audio: Microphone, stereo speakers, 2.5 mm stereo headphone jack
• Dimensions and weight: 58x102x18.5 mm, 140 g.

Among close as possible to Orsio N725 can be distinguished communicator E-Ten M600 + and Qtek s200. Compared to the last, our hero is equipped with more powerful processor and large amounts of persistent memory - 192 MB vs. 128 MB. In addition, the N725 more capacious battery 1530 mAh vs. 1200 mAh, which we will test the endurance of the relevant chapter. If you remember, the results Qtek s200 in this parameter were on top. As for comparisons with the E-Ten M600 +, the latter outperforms Orsio Total internal memory (256 MB ROM to the declaration above 192 MB), but nominally loses expense of slightly less powerful processor - 400 MHz vs. 520 MHz. In addition, the M600 + does not support EDGE. And, finally, both are inferior competitor to our hero in terms of size: Orsio N725 - smaller and lighter. True, and the diagonal of its screen - a bit less than they did: 2.7 "vs. 2.8". Here's a mini-duel. Compare yourself these communicators can be as usual in the "Catalogue of the CPC on HPCru. Finally, we can not fail to mention is that Orsio, in addition to O2 Atom Exec, appeared in the domestic market is another "brother" - this time a twin, which will be released soon under the brand RoverPC G5. Both communicators released in the same buildings and differ only in name. Here is a platform from Quanta - one in three persons. But we will return to Orsio N725 and continue its review.

Supplied

Inside the Box Orsio n725 is impressive:

• spare stylus
• cradle
• Leather Case
• AC adapter
• miniUSB cable for synchronization
• lace to be worn on the hand
• Headset Hands-free
• quality protective film (on technology Brando)
• stereo adapter (2.5 mm - 3.5 mm) to connect standard headphones
• CD with software and drivers
• User's Guide.

Agree, rarely in recent years manufacturers communicators zhaluyut us in such a march set. Convenient desktop cradle replaced by cheap miniUSB cables, cases - entirely of artificial leather, laces and they buy themselves. And as such is really necessary things, as a protective film or an adapter which will connect to the unit normal headphones, so do not bother nobody. However, by us to the test without the N725 got all this wealth, so that assess the quality of the components set, we can not.

Design and Ergonomics

Orsio N725 - very small, lightweight and made of a soft-touch plastic, and therefore equally organic will look like in a man's hand, and the female palm. In the first case, the machine can even be mistaken for krupnovaty phone from some top-Series Nokia, if not too watch. Finally, communicators begin to approach in size to the cell tubes. Hence, close to the day when the device to distinguish from the usual tube-to-face is not so easy. Design N725 - universal and severe. Basic color - matte dark gray with silver trim on the edges. The screen is framed by a black border, why work when he looks noticeably brighter and more spectacular. But the face buttons in conjunction with the protruding mesh speaker, in my opinion, look somewhat outdated. However, it is a matter of taste. Maybe someone will like this duet. When you take the first typewriter in hand, there is a feeling that the body is made of cheap plastic. You press a little and creak. An-no! No matter how I twisted the phone, no matter how squeezed - no backlash side walls, no deflection is not found. The body is made of conscience - and that's a plus Orsio. In terms of location of connectors and other elements are all arranged as standard. MiniUSB and headphone output - bottom slot miniSD - from the top. Infrared placed on the right side. The camera, like all the phones on the back. At first glance, the use Orsio N725 will be familiar and comfortable. But, nevertheless, a minor difficulty is still present. However, not all as smooth, rather, everything is very even smooth. The stylus is so tightly seated in the body that get it can only be caught with a fingernail.If the majority of models you will spend your finger along the side wall and clearly feel where the small ledge pen where it can be easily removed, then the surface of the N725 in the silo - almost flat. The touch does not show up. Still, the stylus is made almost flush, that is flush with the end. Is this good or bad? On one side is good - the problem of spontaneous loss of the stylus just does not apply to this unit, on the other hand - for some time have to get used to taut the stylus. True, the pen itself - a convenient, albeit slightly tonkovatoe for my taste. Next lack Orsio - hardware buttons located below the screen. Those buttons ("Accept Call", "Reject", "Start" and "Postal Customer") that are located around the joystick, copes with its responsibilities. They, of course, an unusually harsh and are not very good returns, but still getting used to them you can. However, the navigation button - a separate conversation. Due to the very center of the convex buttons, four buttons surrounding it are not as "responsive and comfortable as we would like. We turn to the buttons at the ends of the device. On the left side is a volume control. Actually, her have one question - is unusual, confusing labeling. Why invent some new icons, and once more confusing to the user regarding the appointment of the buttons? As for convenience - everything here is excellent! When the device is in your left hand, buttons are just below the thumb, adjust the volume to be easy. Button, despite the fact that virtually no stand out above the surface, pressed very firmly. On the right side are placed the same poluspryatannye, but with a completely clear labels, buttons, run the camera and call recording program. These keys, you can "hang" and call any other application. By the way, is rather strange that the majority of producers (including Orsio) neglected hardware soft keys - many contemporary models are available, makes it difficult to control the communicator in one hand. In part, this problem can be solved, reprogram key launch mail client for the operation of the right soft button. Left button corresponding to the default per-call "Start" menu, to use for similar purposes is impossible. As a result, we have formed a rather mixed picture. On the one hand, the device is small and portable, and with another - not all seem manageable. In any case, buying advise you to pay attention to the buttons and easy operation of the communicator.

Screen

Orsio screen has a standard size for today - 2,7 "and the resolution of 240x320. The quality of the matrix screen height. Viewing angles inconvenience in not cause. Backlighting has 10 divisions, so you can adjust it with a jeweler's precision. Even in the middle position ( brightness - "5"), the screen looks very bright and contrasty.

Speed ​​and memory

Oh what a new device is not deprived, it's fast. Processor Intel PXA272 520 MHz should be able to very much what we saw during the test. However, with the first test - Spb Benchmark, we went out lining. I do not know why, but on our engineering sample, this program is totally crashed. Therefore, we tried to evaluate the performance in real applications. Take, for example, video playback in MPEG4.Most of the processors installed on your device may not be able to fully, without inhibition to play such videos in a normal computer resolution. I do not argue, if you take the time to recompress a movie in the resolution of a handheld device - 240x320, the file will be played without problems on almost any machine. But nevsegda want to spend time on it. Agree, the ideal: to copy a movie from your desktop computer to a memory card device, and immediately view. Not every machine capable of it. Therefore, this time try to evaluate the full performance of the processor Orsio N725 using a player TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) version 0.72RC1. According to standard procedure, the normal playback speed is rate of 100%, but since TCPMP shows the average result, decided to take the norm of 120%. Of course, the more the better. Test spots for the player, compressed codecs DivX and XviD in the most popular resolutions, is freely available on the website developers player. The table below shows the test results in comparison with other popular devices. So, for the two most popular permit compression, 640x480 and 640x352, respectively: - 114% and 152%. Excellent. For this machine video from your PC to convert just do not have to. Judging by the test, the stone Orsio has excellent performance. So we can expect to work with no brakes in almost all applications. Now, as usual, about memory. The total amount of RAM and ROM at a novelty more than most competitors - 64 MB (RAM) and 192 MB (ROM), and therefore the user's need to play about 150 MB. I'm not inclined to believe that large amounts of memory - it's undeniable dignity. In any case, need to purchase an additional memory card, but the extra 32 MB - a pleasant trifle.

Sound

Opportunities to work with sound in Orsio n725 most common. Speaker, by the way, stereo, good volume. Call you will not miss even in a noisy environment. Audibility and detailed sound - very good for "Tweeters". Vibrate - medium strength. The headset that comes bundled, will, at best, hear each other and play games, where sound quality is not important. For music, a music lover this is always cooked good headphones. As I have said to Orsio they can be connected via an adapter that goes in the kit. Sound quality - at the level of most MP3 players. Finally can not resist one more little comment. As communicators, as well as in phones, stereodinimiki - it's pure fashion. No stereo speakers, located at 5 cm from each other, in principle, impossible to obtain.

Communication

Phone

At first glance, everything is simple, you want to call - press "Call" button, enter the number and talk, the conversation has finished - click "End". In fact - there are difficulties. In the apparatus there is a distinct lack of buttons, there is the usual key doubles soft keys. Because of this, for example, when it is necessary not just to dial a number and get in a notebook, you will need a stylus or your finger to open the "Contacts". Partly the problem may be solved with a button marked "envelope", when clicked, by default you are in the "Messages". This button can be reprogrammed at the entrance to the "Contact Us". And another button, marked with «Windows», on which opens the Start menu, does not allow for reprogramming. In addition to the calls at your disposal the mobile Internet via GPRS (Class 10), and faster, but it is not always working - EDGE, which is an advantage of the machine.

Bluetooth

PDA without Bluetooth support is now no longer available. Moreover, it is slowly gaining popularity a new version of the standard 2.0. Strange, but not implemented Orsio newest Bluetooth v.1.2, albeit with a large number of profiles supported: headset, "" wireless headphones », Hands-free, SPP, DUN. The inclusion of a wireless Bluetooth interface is made directly from the desktop. After that, the passing standard procedure for entering a session password, you can share files with other Bluetooth devices, transferring them directly from Explorer.

Wi-Fi

In addition to the "blue tooth», Orsio supports Wi-Fi 802.11b. "Slow" standard Wi-Fi, personally for me, is ambivalent feelings. On the one hand, I understand that the fast Wi-Fi (802.11g) with data rates up to 55Mbit / s to put on bestolku communicators. Neither device will not work with slower 802.11b standard to its fullest. That is, if your device supports 802.11g, speed Wi-Fi networks is you do not really add. Let me explain. Reset a friend a few photos or music - faster than using Bluetooth, you configure both devices Wi-Fi connection point to point. " Exit is on the Internet with megabit speeds on a free hotspot in any cafe or shopping mall, you will also not allow limitations contained therein. That is, the existence of "fast» Wi-Fi on your device today - it's useless in 99% of the option. On the other hand, in the model, which claims to novelty, I would like to see Bluetooth and Wi-Fi next generation. But back to the review. To enable or disable the wireless interfaces on the device provides a standard controller for wireless connections. But we are interested not he, but a handy utility to configure the Wi-Fi. This program allows you to configure general Wi-Fi connections, such as: choice of channel, setting the data rate. In addition, the program helps to effectively manage power consumption: enable power-saving mode, forced to reduce the power level of the radiator to allow the automatic shutdown. Next tab of the program contains information about network settings (domain, IP address, DNS, the presence of DHCP). Well here is the button «Ping» - an indispensable function for any beginner Wi-fayschika. Button allows you to check the correctness of the network and perform an analog command «ping» on the desktop. Previously, this possibility is provided only to third-party software developers. The last tab tool you can view a list of available networks.

Multimedia

Luggage

Luggage Orsio n725 differs quite modern characteristics. Matrix - 2.0 megapixel maximum resolution - 1600x1200 pixels, LED flash. Setting up the camera - pretty standard. Select the resolution, the recording quality shots, forced on / off the flash, multiple shooting modes, etc.

Orsio N725: camera settings

In addition to the photos you can capture video at resolutions up to 320x240. Video can be stored directly in MPEG4. Number of frames in video footage to 16. When you turn the camera mode, the screen shows a few additional icons Management (flash, settings), the current picture resolution, digital zoom, etc. In addition, it is possible to save pictures directly to a memory card, insert a typical sound "klats, appearing during filming. Convenient option - Timer: you can run to catch friends and also get into the frame. Now experience. Recently, portable technology 1.3 megapixel camera was changed to 2 mp. The addition of megapixels for super compact optics, in fact, image quality does not add. As for other communicators, and mobile phones, camera Orsio can be used only for the simplest of goals and certainly not as a replacement camera. On the device, images look good. You can even do quite tolerable photo pals and display their photos on the screen during calls. On the desktop computer image to full screen is better not to deploy. Matrix of noise. In general, anything new, everything like everyone else. As for flash, or more correctly - LED illumination, it can illuminate the subject at a distance of 1-1,5 meters. At longer distances should not count. Nevertheless, the presence of flash, plus a clear, not all of its competitors can boast. Video that takes the camera well suited for viewing, especially on the device itself.

FM - Tuner

Orsio - a regular winner of built-in FM tuner. An indispensable thing for those who love music but do not want to be limited to collection of mp3 files. Receiver works only when connected to full-time headset performs part-time as an antenna. The program for setting up and navigating the radio - very convenient and easy to use. Once set the receiver, then you just switch between stations. But the radio - it's not all. Orsio N725 - the owner of a rare recording features songs directly from FM tuner. All the features promised by the manufacturer, of course, work. Unfortunately, FM tuner is not too sensitive. In the room listening to it will hardly be possible, though for the street - at the time. The function of recording music directly from the air allows you to save a file to wav file with not the most ideal, but acceptable quality. Interested parties can download a piece of musical composition written Orsio radio "Europa Plus" weighing 240 kb.

Runtime

The battery in our test, despite the low weight, rather capacious - 1530 mAh, so expect good results. Testing the battery life was the standard scheme. 1. Maximum load. The brightness set to maximum, the speaker volume - also included Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth, the Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was - 2 hours 10 minutes. 2. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set to the second division of the account (ie, average). On the PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was - 15 hours 20 minutes. 3. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with bitrates 192 KB / c. Hours - 8 hours 15 minutes. The results are quite good, especially when you consider that most of the time, most users use smartphones have to read books. In this regard, Orsio especially good. Now look how it stacks up against competitors. As regards the work as a whole, will have to recharge the unit with an average load of not more than once in two days. Good result for the device.

Soft

A few words about the software that comes bundled. As in the case of a complete set, here is where to roam. So, on CD with Orsio n725 delivered a working version SPB PocketPlus. For the version with the GPS device will go further navigation program (what exactly is unknown). Among the pre-software - a very good set. Firstly, a special version of the popular reading room Haali Reader for Orsio. Secondly, JAVA, responsible for the execution of Java applications, and therefore allows to install any java-toy or a program from. MMS Compozer - A utility for making MMS messages (choose the picture, fill in the fields - "who", "message", can attach an audio file.) Wi-Fi Utility - A utility for configuring Wi-Fi connection, which we described above. In addition, on the Today placed handy plugin, demonstiruyuschy battery charge, the number of busy / free memory and enables the adjustment of screen brightness.

Price issue

Retail price Orsio n725 is about $ 630 for a model without GPS-receiver, and about $ 740 per kit with GPS-navigation.

Conclusions

Orsio n725 - certainly an interesting option, which, though not without flaws. On the one hand, "for" the machine says a great performance, a full set of wireless interfaces, vivid screen contrast, a rich and complete set of FM-tuner, and the other "versus" somewhat awkward navigation keys. In any case, we finally decide to help only a personal acquaintance with the device - for ease of use and acceptability of the design. Otherwise, the list of pros clearly outweigh the negative impression.

Pros:
• quality assembly
• compactness
• excellent performance (no need to convert videos for playback on the device)
• Good battery life
• rich equipment (leather case, a film on the screen, an adapter for headphones)
• complete set of wireless interfaces, including EDGE
• presence of FM-tuner with recording function with ether
• good selection of additional software.

Cons:
• uncomfortable and hard buttons on the front panel.

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