"The fifth front" work, Toshiba

Yesterday in the Moscow hotel "Holiday Inn Vinogradovo" held a press conference organized by the representative of Toshiba in Russia. For two hours in a dozen reports which have articulated four managers, in turn, successive, was told about the outcome of the fiscal year and new products the company. According to director of sales in Russia, Toshiba agreed to replace the familiar image of the laptop manufacturer, and sent part of the effort to develop line of handheld computers and wireless solutions. We recall that the European PDA-market the company entered last year with its debut model for OS Pocket PC 2002 - the French version of the PDA Genio e 570. As explained at the press conference, this machine even had time to become a hit model, and all thanks to its broad multimedia capabilities: playing video and audio files (supports the popular MP3 and MPEG4). In addition, last year she became the first Pocket PC to new OSes Pocket PC 2002, equipped with two expansion slots for memory - Secure Digital and Compact Flash. However, it is impossible to say that the PDA-Toshiba penance after her first success in this market has become one of the full activities of the company. Rather, it can be called "fifth front work" after the brand-name laptops, electronic equipment, servers and projectors. By "the fifth front" attitude as the fifth front. Briefly and vaguely presented specifications of two new models, extends the range of Genio - e310 and e710. At a makeshift booth attended the very debut e570 and which has no outward signs of identification pocket machine in silver casing. It later emerged that this - the new E310, which will soon be sold in Russia. Maybe she will go on sale next month. Meanwhile, at a press conference was presented, judging by their appearance, developer version of this device: a thin awkward for handheld Pocket PC 2002, weighing 180 g with a beautiful screen, not inferior in quality display, hi-end Pocket PC Compaq iPAQ, the original matrix from Toshiba. Features screen - 3.5 "TFT, 240x320 pixel resolution, 64 thousand colors. However, nothing special, this PDA is no different - StrongArm processor with a clock frequency of 206 MHz, 32 MB (RAM), 32 MB (ROM). From the older model did not inherit For some reason the two expansion slots. There is only one - size Secure Digital. Although it can boast of new lithium-ion batteries, which allow to work continuously for 10 hours.

Synchronization connector Toshiba e310

The upper part, SD slot, Toshiba e310

Incidentally, another interesting trend - new laptops from Toshiba are now equipped with an expansion slot such as Secure Digital - it seems that this standard is slowly gaining popularity among manufacturers. Yes, and also fits into the overall concept of the CCP-direction from Toshiba - as "a reflection of company's capabilities in the integration of wireless systems." All present at the press conference device can actually be made ​​to work together, as most of them support wireless Bluetooth or 802.11 standards, or at least has an expansion slot, which can connect the appropriate peripherals. As for the second new items - e740, focused on corporate clients in Russia, it has not been brought. This is a very recent model and it is unknown whether it will even be sold here. Yesterday, even photographs of the cars in Moscow of representatives was not. And here is a snapshot of what we found on a French site.

e740 (left) and e310 (cprava)

Tell you more about it. It is noteworthy that the e740 will be equipped with the new processor XScale c 400 MHz and carry on board two times more RAM - 64 MB, as well as to support the wireless standard Bluetooth, 802.11. She, like the corporate model will have more opportunities to expand: in addition to SD, and even CF-clot. In conclusion, our theme at the press conference it was said a few words about that as mobile wireless systems are used worldwide. However, we are writing about this almost every day in our news ... The authors, translation:

Future without wires - GPRS today and tomorrow

First, give up due jaded cliches ... World of the future will be mobile. It will be mobile in all respects, especially in the information. Had trouble with what we know about it instantly - much faster than we learn today, on broadcast channels or through the press. Information has long been a hot commodity, but these days it becomes a necessary condition for normal functioning. A huge number of people around the world to earn money outside the office. Work at home, work in a way, the work on the way from home to work ... Over time, this nightmare will become commonplace, and many of the usual Today things have changed beyond recognition. For example, money. They probably will not do - in the sense of cash. Will electronic money (which is complete and now - in the form of payment credit cards) will be even more e-money (for payments via the Internet map itself is not needed, need a bank account and its details), will be the virtual equivalent of money, having no physical counterpart (all wealth in the mobile phone - for crying out loud). So, the world of the future will be mobile, and it's nice ... Just as we have today? Else wants to live, and without delay, without looking enviously over the horizon. In principle, we already are mobile to impossibility. Wireless Voice is available to anyone with at least some money ... Not exactly - the farther from the Garden Ring, the smaller the wireless because of reducing the number of those who have money. In some villages in our northern and eastern regions of ordinary people and something you have not seen, not that mobile. But that's another topic ... Until recently, when a cell phone in Russia is still "ustakanivalsya, throwing fake white clothes expensive toys and clad in shabby overalls worker, our mobility is limited opportunity to talk on the phone directly on the run. On a serious work, but angry valuable suggestions or hurried negotiations over trifles, and speech was not. No, the "mobile Internet" was, is and will be. Can be directly from the phone (look into a gray screen in an attempt to disassemble - which is where translit indicated), we can by phone with a handheld computer, you can with the laptop. But - speed. 9.6 Kbps - is not available. It is only in the WAP-e jokes to read. Mobile Internet, as well as "mobile office" (an office in your pocket, palm, armpit, and so on) - an empty sound to ever since, until he is provided with high-speed, reliable and cheap wireless ... More recently, the largest cellular operators in Russia have introduced a service that we were looking forward to - supports GPRS. And since then our lives and in fact became mobile. That is - can become if we evaluate the possibility of GPRS, and operators will not be too lazy to develop this remarkable technology.

What's in a name?

After a magnificent entry into some technical information. GPRS - General Packet Radio Service - a system for packet data in a cellular network GSM. It increases the rate of exchange of information over wireless networks, does not overload the communication channels at the same time is very cheap channel for data transmission. Immediately the question - how much cheaper? Imagine, less any other available today, wireless communication channels. If the idea of ​​signalers transfer of fixed telephone lines on time payment to become a reality for many of us, GPRS will be a real alternative to wired access to the global network - the difference in cost would be negligible ... How can this be? Is GPRS the user does not pay for connection time? Are cellular operators will be used for the introduction of special rates for internet users? For operators - pure devastation. But the fact of the matter is that for the transmission or reception of data via GPRS we do not have to pay the total connection time, but time spent on information-sharing and the development of the service - only traffic. Secret - the technology GPRS. This protocol uses a data-free channels, giving priority to voice communications.Moreover, data transmission is carried out in several packages (the number to seven, although it is used less) free channels. This process is as follows. To call the operator and running on the PDA, Smartphone, PDA or laptop browser or mail program, we send a request to send or receive information. The base station receives the request, generates an array of data pieces of information - packages, looking for free channels and transmits in parallel. If the data rate on one channel does not exceed 14 kbit / s (normal to date figure), then using the GPRS technology, the exchange rate is doubled, tripled and so on (up to seven times) - depending on the number of channels used. Simultaneously, the base station converts the data from the GSM format in formats that are used by TCP / IP to communicate on the Internet. Transfer rate (ie number of channels on which there is an exchange), the value is not constant. The larger the network load, the exchange rate is less, since both free transmission of voice data channels are also smaller. But in a more or less free time (at night or early morning), the exchange rate increases - due to the simultaneous use of more free channels ... One of the benefits to GPRS, which is difficult to overestimate, is not to overload the normal channels used for transmission of voice data (in other words - for phone calls), even with heavy traffic of wireless Internet connections. Phones, communicators and smartphones with full support for GPRS at the hardware level, to allow a telephone conversation and connect to the Internet simultaneously. In this case, no one feels uncomfortable - the data is transferred exclusively to the free channels. And if someone does not have enough air in place, "channel that is the transfer of data must be released immediately for voice communications. And the base station is immediately looking for another free channel. However, is able to do only the most perfect (and probably most expensive) class of communications equipment - the so-called class A terminals GPRS. Only he can simultaneously support voice communications and to exchange data. A more democratic type of terminal GPRS - Class B - "can" work in voice and terminal mode alternately. That is, when you connect to the Global Network of voice, especially telephone device functions are not available. To this class are the most massive models of phones with support for GPRS. The third type - class C - it joins the device to laptops or handheld computers. They are made in the form of cellular communication modules supporting GPRS. Format of the modules - cards PC card or CompactFlash (in principle, possible device in a format any memory cards or simply connected to the ports on your computer). Such a module makes a PDA or laptop into a powerful tool for wireless communications. Most often uses a combination cell phone, into Class B, and a laptop. The link between your phone and PC is made via an infrared port or a data cable RS-232, last used more often, because in practice turns out to be more reliable - Infrared communication is subject to interference. Less frequently used tandem of cell phones and PDAs. The point, again in practice. CCP only in words is useful for viewing web-pages. The small screen forces the user to endlessly move the screen scroll bar, or up to a limit to scale down the page in the browser. A lack of high-capacity drives can not keep the PDA any significant amount of information ... But sounds appealing - the whole world in your pocket. " Is not it? Yet the most seductive look smart phones - a computerized cell phones with built-in email clients and viewers WAP-resources.In addition, they are wireless modems for connecting desktop, laptop or PDA to the Internet, they are able to use network resources on their own - at least to accept and send email that is very, very much.

Today and tomorrow

It is quite clear that we are at the beginning of a long road. That while the GPRS technology has more in words than in deeds. This is evidenced by a small number of customers who use charms GPRS least to some extent ... But the number is growing frightening pace! At times, dozens of times and every day ... This is not a statement, a hypothesis is only partially supported by the facts. What prevents the widespread dissemination of GPRS? First, it is not entirely clear prospects wonderful technology. Cellular operators are not rushing to invest heavily in the improvement of base stations, without having a clear idea about the possible demand for wireless data services. Part of the problem goes away with the scandal-time wage talks on wire lines. In the regions under a deal providers rushed to the limit to reduce the price of your Internet connection. Today, the cheapest Internet must be sought not in Moscow, but somewhere in Voronezh or in Vologda. Cellular operators, having rough calculations and concluded - wireless Internet access using GPRS can cost no more than wired - if I time payment for the use of fixed communication channels, of course. Moreover, if sufficiently widespread GPRS it is possible to reduce the price (it is better to get a ruble to a million users, a million to a handful of what some nouveau riche) ... Imagine, in some developed countries (eg Japan), wireless access is already cheaper than wired! Add to this the convenience of mobile access - possibility to check the mail in the car or while walking ... The second reason (go back to the aforesaid transfer) curbing the proliferation of GPRS someone may seem controversial. This is my personal speculation, but it seems to me that it is not particularly distorts the truth ... It's about the complexity of configuring GPRS. The technology is very comfortable - in their work. But in order to properly set up your phone and your computer will need to look at the website operator and become familiar with the "wow" statement ... Not quite a direct parallel - with the introduction of new services "Bee Line" beeinfo ". This electronic directory of cell phone menu. That is in the handset's menu for its inclusion of the SIM-card memory overwrite the pre-filled back rooms of service centers. Information services - Weather forecast, exchange rate, other background information (availability of tickets at theaters, horoscope, addresses, organizations, and much, much more) - are provided in the form of messages SMS, who come to the phone user. But it does not have to remember or make a phone book list of numbers on which you can get an information service. These numbers are entered in the phone as a text, clearly marked and easy to read paragraphs - "Jokes", "Aphorisms," "Holidays" ... The same without cost is available to all subscribers of Bee Line. Only to select the service (by the way, most are not free) is necessary to open special reference booklet attached to each phone and dial the appropriate number. That's it. You know, it's a great marketing ploy - to bring their goods (in this case - the service) to the consumer, make it simple, understandable and easy to use. Is there time for housewives or the eyeballs busy working business person to play with these horoscopes (in the sense - with the settings dial, its storage in the phone address book)? And if this horoscope is just a button on-screen with a Russian inscription - and why not? Around the same thing should happen with the service GPRS. Automatic, or at least, extremely simplified set up your phone, followed by a paper comic book (like the Japanese, supplying sophisticated electronics guide "for babies"), and even better - a pop-up help screen.And on the box with the phone write: "This thing is able to connect to the Internet and receive - send e-mail without taking off your pants last." Success is practically guaranteed. Without a little fanfare, but true ... The third leading cause of - the technical plan. To effectively use today's GPRS rates of exchange via GSM is not enough. Hence the first task - increase in rates of exchange. The second objective - improving the technology of parallel transmission of data packets over the free channels, ie, increasing the number of channels simultaneously involved. And what other problems are real and doable. It's safe to say - will demand service, will do the rest. Technical re-equipment (as well as research in this area) requires considerable investment. In the meantime, as we have said, the prospects are covered by a haze of uncertainty ... Which in the eyes of the dissipated into mist.

Phones, phones, and I'm a little

We're talking about GPRS, how about something not readily available. Meanwhile, take advantage of this beauty can be today - just look at the sites of the Moscow operators or visit the nearest phone shop (how much their in the capital). True, we need an appropriate apparatus ... Also, in general, not a problem. Choosing a new phone, we draw attention to its list of service functions. Well, there's WAP, email, organizer ... A must watch for the presence of support for GPRS! Then everything else is simply attached. (What is GPRS without mail and browser?) Descriptions of current models, because of their multiplicity, is omitted. Better think about it - what would have wished. What will be in stores soon and what should be chosen. There are many vkusovschiny. Someone like machines unusual - with built-in QWERTY-keyboard or players MP3. Some prefer ultra-secure phones that although the ground, though on the wall - still work. And who will choose the device with a large screen - not to squint, as if Blinded chicken. I like the sound devices (and who does not like them?) And multifunctional. I do not see much point in using a handheld computer, if I had a multifunction device. But at the same time it must be small in size, like a cell phone, and with the ability to synchronize with a laptop - and, not only for updating the phone book ... Appears, say, a phone with a screen Panasonic GD95, with POP3 and SMTP mail client (in the Panasonic already has), infrared, and even better with a Bluetooth port, but still ... with chitalochkoy for e-books, I would not hesitate to get rid of his pocket machines and would have worn in the pocket only this machine. But it's me (who else but not a role model). Other users need from your phone other possibilities. For example, the built-in camera, color screen, large memory, the same player MP3 ... The abundance of new models of the listed functions - a merit of developing cellular standards, including GPRS. In fact, that the proc from the built-in digital camera when shot from it can not be sent via radio communication to their respondent or myself - to my computer? But the shipment through the usual connection is capable of ruining anyone (and frazzle your nerves the expectation of the end of the protracted transfer of the session). That is why we and looked for new vehicles more from a theoretical point of view than from the practical. Now we can not only watch, but ask the price - thanks to the introduction of GPRS. As for handheld computers in their classic form, then the future for hybrid devices - for communicators. Though small PDA screen, but it is at times more than the phone display.Though easy to use advanced cell phones, but you can download and run on a PDA computer programs a great deal. How to configure your phone to fit your needs? How to take advantage of its considerable computing power (and in every cell phone is living a very good computer), if needed programs in its permanent memory no? Not such a trifle. Remember how we (those of us who are old and very very unpretentious phones) enviously eyeing the owners of vehicles with built-in calendar and organizer, multifunctional ... Pocket PC - an optional thing, we begin to actively use them only accustomed to, "sitting down" on this entertaining Things (by the way, happens very quickly). A cell phone is always there. Without it, as without hands ... Hence - one more assumption. Should take the machine with great potential. Organizer - is a trifle. But the infrared port and built-in modem support GPRS, browser WAP (that's really not necessary) and mail client (which is - on the contrary) is very desirable. Today, wireless access to Internet seems to us self-indulgence, but tomorrow it could be that we will run into the store hoping to exchange the phone for something "GPRS-Noah '... Now you can look at the showcases of cellular stores. There are plenty to choose from, right?

Beyond the Horizon

In Russia, for all the latest stories Perepetui unique situation. We have nothing to upgrade, everything has to be rebuilt. We are not burdened with a cargo of outdated technology (not applicable for their complete). This gives hope that the latest advances in communications technology will have hardly any faster than the ocean. In principle, and is happening. We catch up with the West in terms of implementing high-speed communication protocols. So it's not far away and a new generation of devices - with the possibilities of multimedia data, view the displays of their phones movies and plays through high-quality headsets of good music. Say - a fantasy? So far - yes. But give the time ... Yesterday the cell phone was just a head and a very wealthy businessman. Today the cell phone is in the string bag ordinary man in the street - next to the radishes and the morning paper. Who will surprise this once prestigious thing? The widespread introduction of cellular networks it took us about five years. How long will it take for the widespread introduction of GPRS? And more ... Imagine what tears lament originator of fixed telephone lines per povremenku. Probably the same as they were crying postal service, shoot in the early nineties, its cash cow - the system of delivery to subscribers of periodicals. Interesting - happen again if this story? The authors, translation:

"Comtek-2002: report" insofar as &quot

Pavilion "Forum": view from above ...

One of the formerly large Russian computer exhibitions "Comtek" this year, organizers decided to rename the "Week of high technologies". In contrast to the calendar, this week will last four days, but one hour in general, sufficient to meet a poor exhibition of the year 2002 computer. Comtek crushed, "yellowed" - virtually the entire core of the Pavilion "Forum" is ubiquitous 1C. The impression that the whole country broke accounting ...

Toshiba Genio e570

Comes along and across the three pavilions, we found only two (!) Of the stand, when there were relatively new PDA. On display in the first were spotted Series Compaq iPAQ 3800 and Toshiba Genio e570 - French version of the elegant Pocket PC e310 on Pocket PC, which in May will be sold in Russia.

In the meantime, SPT1700 rest ... )

The second, which was stand Corporation "Pilot" - industrial PDAs, long known to us, terminals for data collection from the Symbol SPT1500 and SPT1700. These PDAs are designed to automate accounting, warehouse processes, retail and wholesale sales, data collection in different areas (production, transportation, medicine) in extreme conditions, in short, to the dusty work. "Pilot" offers besides themselves PDAs - the original software for them, which, of course, simplifies inventory and reduces costs associated with them.

Expansion card memory from Lexar

Of the items of interest to us at the exhibition have been seen as memory expansion cards from different manufacturers - cheap Chinese and Japanese presentable from Lexar. On the stand of the distributor are three types - the Running Compact Flash (64 and 128 MB), is not particularly popular, and Smart Media cards in a certain form factor Memory Stick (64 and 128MB), which promotes Sony. Own memory cards have been exposed to all the stands, where exposed Sanon digital cameras, Olympus, Sony.

Sewing Machines "move" on Comtek ...

And next to our attention a lovely sewing machine, which is embroidered !..))) Mezhpavilonnoe space was decorated pretty pathetic, except for the handsome motorcycle BMW, designed to symbolize "the world of speed" Intel Pentium 4 processor in combination with Windows XP and two balls - yellow labeled 1C and blue of the journal Upgrade. Honestly, this picture was drawn to sign something like - "Day Upgrade" or "nursing mother - a symbol of Comtek 2002" and spend some vague analogy, but let's not ... Just a picture from the exhibition, which somehow and there is nothing more to tell. The authors, translation:

Excel and Word on the Casio BE-300

Casio BE-300 Pocket Manager is positioned as an electronic assistant, not a PDA. The computer assumes office applications, but it turns out that they also have an assistant. Let us find out what kind of programs and how they cope with their responsibilities.

JW Word Processor

Probably one of the most anticipated applications for the BE-300 - Karaman Word. Probably one of the biggest disappointments. In the preview, the version with the usual installation files, which is in the network, you can not even download. To install it requires more than 5 MB of free RAM, while generally in the BE-300 for the user's needs is allocated only 4 "with a penny." The only option - take this one file, unzip it and hands to move it to the BE-300 in the folder \ Program Files on Nand Disk or on a memory card. Secondly, the program can not open Word files from your desktop computer, such as, by the way, and documents "pocket" versions of Word. Here's what happens instead of cookies:

Open the file *. doc

JW Word at all originally created as the Anglo-Japanese program, so many of its useful features are focused on Japanese language or to convert between Latin characters and Japanese characters. The latter, incidentally, also two types - "printed" and "cursive." Accordingly, for Russian users, in most cases, these functions are of no interest.

How much can be done with the Japanese language!

Russian language is also supported (with localization RussKey BE, but there are some problems. Firstly, normally only open files *. txt. Secondly, the opening must specify the correct file type: either the ASCII, or UTF-7. If offer the program itself to determine the type, is the following: And finally, an incorrigible glitch when typing Russian text: the spaces between the letters and the width approximately equal to the very letter. It turns out very ugly, uncomfortable and, most importantly, because the gap is nearly equal to this gap, which is why it is difficult to understand where one word begins and ends another. The text Latin typed correctly.

Latin and Cyrillic at JW Word

Output actually is. In the standard (non-Russified) keyboard to switch to the tab AXNT, where the characters "umlauts" (dots and dashes above the letters) and type them up, know what Russian letter corresponds to each. However, after each application, the keyboard comes back to native mode, so that option is clearly "on the fan." But the text looks like a man. With the disadvantages seem to be finished, proceed to the merits: a program surprisingly functional for Pocket text editor. JW Word otkrytmi can hold multiple documents, and we can close the current one or all at once, switch between them. There's even a list of recently opened files, as in the present Word'e. In the menu Edit - Multiple Undo (and repetition), search (up and down from the current position) with the ability to view all open files at once and AutoCorrect. Formatting can be set for a separate paragraph, as well as for the whole file as a whole.As in "large" Word'e, regulated field, page orientation, headers and footers, you can even write a Summary - a summary of the document. Moreover, there is even a full dictionary with the ability to connect additional units and write the words the user. Would not even the dictionary of Anglo-Japanese! .. There are many settings and intefeysa. For example, you can specify that close when you click the X in the upper right corner - the program or the current file. There is a set of screen fonts, position of the scroll bars work with the clipboard, font cache. Summary: if the program was able to open files even Word for Windows CE and to work properly with the Russian language, the prices would not it have been. At the same time working with it brings more trouble than positive emotions.

SpreadCE

Sad impression of "kasiynogo" analog Word fully compensated by the magnificent "kasiynym" analog Excel - program SpreadCE, incidentally, the owner of a prize ZDNet PDA Software Award for the best software for Windows CE. First of all, no problems with the formats. No problem opening the files desktop Excel, and tables to be converted into "pocket" format with the conservation of all defined on the worksheet functions. Second, works fine Russian. With support for Unicode, Excel table book with Russian letters was opened on the BE-300 when it was not a crack installed. Another thing is that you create and edit pages in Russian needed RussKey BE (Incidentally, in the coming days, will be released a new version).

With the Russian language in SpreadCE okay

The program functionality is not inferior to Excel on the desktop. SpreadCE "stand up" 256 columns by 65,536 rows by 32,768 sheets for only a limited amount of free memory at the same time the number of open files. The program "understands" the 317 features (full list available here) and retains 49 macros for creating custom functions. SpreadCE working with array formulas, supports all the editing operations (can be separate copy, cut and paste formulas, numbers, and formats), is the AutoComplete feature. The program also performs all standard operations with cells, rows and kolnkami (add, cut, hide, etc.), sorts the data according to different criteria. Formatting a cell includes, in addition to size, number format, alignment, format, font, borders, shading, setting "Zoom" and protection. Another program is able to draw graphs and charts.

Charts in SpreadCE

The only thing I would like to add - the function of screen rotation. The only thing I would like to remove the - sign that the program is shareware. The full version costs $ 20 SpreadCE. However, no restrictions other than those mentioned labels, pop-up when you open each new file, I have not discovered. In addition, use the program so convenient that $ 20 is not too bad.

Pocket Paint

On the BE-300 and can draw. Pocket Paint on the possibilities are virtually identical to the similar applications on the desktop. True, Paint on the BE-300 is not able to open and save images in JPEG and GIF.

Our logo on the BE-300

Scaling is done not so easy: either the original size (its way, you can change by setting the length and width in pixels), or a great approximation to the eye, approximately 400%. Cancel previous action works, you can flip the image and reflect a mirror.Program explicitly ported to another PDA, so, for example, the dialog for setting the image size and its color comes out off the screen, as well as the upper panel with buttons. Standard set of tools: selection, eraser, fill, color determinant, a pencil, insert the printed text, line, square, oval. As in "adult" version, you can customize the color.

Primer

This program is designed for viewing files *. pdf (those on the desktop opens Acrobat Reader). Primer is not intended for the BE-300, so it has to be set through Active Sync. In the dialog setup ActiveSync on offer to write files to the default directory, ignore the warning BE-300 that the Primer is not designed for it and work on it will not, and then use the file manager transfer program folder in Program Files directory on the card or in internal memory. Everything works.

Works

That is, works in the sense that the *. pdf files are opened. Written in Latin - with no problems, the Cyrillic alphabet - like this:

Not working

In the settings you can disable the greeting, specify the search parameters, the scale and number of pages to be loaded by default. Mozho also adjust the overall image quality and the amount of system RAM (the more the faster "turned over" the page). The bottom button on the right menu is designed to manage bookmarks.

Total

In contrast, multimedia, office capabilities BE-300 is not too impressive. In this aspect the machine does not run from your PDA Pocket PC. Basically, of course, the impression is made up of the lack of a functioning replacement for Word (a substitute for Excel is beyond praise). Additional problems arise in connection with the use of Russian language. However, programs for Casio BE-300 Pocket Manager continue to emerge and it is hoped that soon the office suite for "Kaskiv" expand. The authors, translation:

EpodXP in Russian!

One of the most popular skins for Casio BE-300 Pocket Manager - EpodXP - now will please user interface in Russian. To do this you need to download this one file and copy its contents into the folder \ Nand Disk \ Program Files \ Patch. After the reboot, the menu will be displayed in Russian, like so: However, after rebooting lost all the programs in the menu "Start". To solve this problem by creating a folder \ Nand Disk \ Program Files \ Patch \ Start Menu and rewriting it in the folder contents \ Nand Disk \ Program Files \ Patch \ Programs folder. Once again, reboot and main menu in order. The names of the programs still remain British, but because it labels, they can be independently "translate into Russian. Desktop shortcuts remain the same. However, the language of their titles can be (and it was possible) to change to Russian. Labels are in the folder \ Nand Disk \ Program Files \ Patch \ Desktop. As a result EpodXP will look very "Russified.

Shortcuts on the desktop, too, can "become Russianized"

In addition, Russified menu in File Explorer (Epod), Internet Explorer (which, however, still does not work) and the Recycle Bin.

Russian menu in File Manager - is now difficult to accidentally remove valuable file

PS Recently completed beta testing a new version of localization for a standard interface RussKey BE 2.0b, so that we can say that the BE-300 is becoming increasingly available for Russian users. The authors, translation:

Palm OS 4 or OS 5 face to face

For those who do not follow the news, we offer a sort of digest of major changes in Palm OS 5 as compared to its predecessor - OS 4.

Processor Support

Palm OS 4. Honest 16-bit OS. Palm OS 4 supports the work of the processors series Motorola DragonBall 68000. At this point, all Palm OS PDA is equipped with various models of this series of processors. Palm OS 5. Will be enabled support for ARM-processors of different manufacturers (Motorola, Intel, Texas Instruments). From the perspective of users, this means roughly a tenfold increase in performance, given that the OS will be 32-bit.

Work programs

Palm OS 4. 4-I system is single-tasking. This means that per unit of time may be running only one application. For example, if you move from Notepad to Addresses, Notepad will be closed, and only then start addresses. Palm OS 5. 5-I system is multitasking. That is, multiple applications can run simultaneously.

Backward compatibility

Palm OS 4. All applications written for older versions of compliance with the recommendations of the Palm, is quite efficient for the fourth system. Palm OS 5. Taking into account the interests of developers and users of 5-th redundant system maintains a set of instructions API fourth system. Thus, all applications created with the requirements of the fourth system that will run on the 5th.

Khaki

Palm OS 4. For beginners: hacks - it's makeweights to the operating system that extend its functionality. Hacks are running OS 4, but not officially supported by Palm. Palm OS 5. Current hacks in the bulk of these work on the fifth system will not. However, most likely in the new OS will have its own ways of implementing hacks.

Security

Palm OS 4. Built-in protection system provides a password prompt when you turn on the device and hidden entries in the database. However, both the security system is not very reliable. More advanced ways to protect your information, such as 128-bit encryption, are implemented only in the third-party products. Palm OS 5. Protection of information given much attention. 5-I system by default includes a fairly strong remedies, including those implemented at the OS level 128-bit encryption, as well as services SSL, used in the Internet. The new authentication system designed to meet the different methods and data access layers, and using the methods of authentication, biometric data (voice, fingerprints, handwriting) and smart cards.

Wireless connections

Palm OS 4. In the fourth system built-in drivers and API with support for protocols, Bluetooth, GSM, CDMA, and 2.5G/3G networks. Palm OS 5. Fifth system extends the range of supported protocols: now you can work in 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless networks.

GUI - graphical frontend

Palm OS 4. Standard screen resolution for the 4th of 160 to 160. And, for example, Sony managed to modify the OS so that the system is running at 320 to 320. Palm OS 5. Includes support for the resolution to 320 by 320. Improved fonts, icons, graphics and other elements of the GUI. OS includes built-in support for themes and color schemes.

Multimedia

Palm OS 4. Extremely bad support for working with sound and images. Palm OS 5. Support for audio and video at a new set of API-calls that can be used to integrate multimedia functions into applications.

Web

Palm OS 4. OS built-in browser is not. Available good third-party solutions. Palm OS 5. PalmSource will develop built into a web browser that meets the requirements. Sources, Materials:

Windows CE. NET - a new word in the Microsoft operating system for handheld computers

As amended HPC.ru got the first PDA that uses as operating a new solution from Microsoft WindowsCE.NET (detailed review of the machines read in the next few days). In this connection, we decided to write about what constitutes a new operating system and how it differs from their predecessors. As the company says Microsoft, the developers of devices based on Windows CE.NET and users of such devices can have many innovations and improvements over the previous version of OS Windows CE 3.0. Among the major: support for wireless technologies, software emulation of different devices, rich networking and multimedia capabilities. Developers should please the Master platform, which enables plants to use presets to create new devices. Thus, more.

Wireless function

Bluetooth

In Windows CE.NET system is carried out (without installing additional drivers) support for wireless technology Bluetooth, which allows two devices to communicate if they are located within 10 meters of each other. In addition to the CCP, this technology may bring your headphones and headsets, printers, modems, etc. Built-in support will allow, for example, a PDA running Windows CE.NET, use the "sinezubye" cell phones as modems, share files and data with similar devices and join a wireless local area networks.

Object Exchange (OBEX) Protocol

Object Exchange (OBEX) Protocol - an efficient binary protocol that enables devices of different types quickly and without any additional setup to exchange data and files. In Windows CE.NET OBEX works via Bluetooth and IrDA (infrared).

MediaSense

This feature helps the user navigate the wireless networks. MediaSense reported the presence of different applications to the network (ie, whether the user's device within range of a wireless connection) and allows network programs to work off-line.

802.1x/Zero Configuration (Zero configuration)

This feature was first included in the operating system Windows CE. It simplifies the process of connecting to wireless networks, 802.11, and built an extended authentication protocol (Extensible Authentication Protocol - EAP) provides greater job security in such networks, verifying a user name and password, digital certificate, as well as allowing OEMs to use its own funds protection.

Windows CE.NET - Open communication platform

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

This protocol is used to access Microdoft Active Directory, where users can remotely store addresses, phone numbers, descriptions of upcoming meetings and other personal information.

Remote Access Service (RAS) Server

Windows CE.NET can remotely connect to devices running Windows CE with the help of broadband networks and manage them.

TCP / IP

The presence of a standard TCP / IP protocol allows PDA Windows CE.NET is not only connected to local and global networks, but also to serve in their servers.

Universal Plug and Play (UPP) Device Host and Control Point

This protocol makes it easy to connect peer-to-peer PCs, wireless and other "intellekutalnyh" devices in a network. UPnP Control Point allows the PDA to locate and control any device that supports Universal Plug & Play.

Remote Desktop Protocol ...

... allows from a PDA to manage processes on your desktop PC using LAN, WAN, коммутирумого access, ISDN, DSL or VPN.

System changes

To ensure reliability in the core of the system was included compact control system processes and functions to prevent the stop priority processes. To make the system takes as little space has been increased its "fragmentation" - all useful functions raznenseny for individual modules, which are razarbotchik mobmlnogo device may or may not use their own choice. The very same nucleus - a necessary component - is a new OS just over 200 kb. Windows CE.NET is supported by most modern processors: ARM (ARM720T, ARM920T, ARM1020T, StrongARM, XScale), MIPS (MIPS II/32 with FP, MIPS II/32 without FP, MIPS16, MIPS IV/64 with FP, MIPS IV / 64 without FP), SHx (SH-3, SH-3 DSP, SH-4), X86 (486, 586, Geode, Pentium I / II / III / IV). By sraneniyu with the previous version improved security system. In Windows CE.NET using Kerberos Security Protocol, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for network communications, encryption with smart cards.

User Interface

The new OS will provide and developers and users more options for customizing and personalization of the interface. Poddezhrzhivaetsya: Customize the appearance of control, profiles, simultaneous work on multiple monitors, fonts, Clear Type, a custom directory for loading fonts (fonts in a PDA with Windows CE.NET can be stored on a memory card).

Multimedia

Finally, the new operating system boasts a rich multimedia capabilities. There is full support for Direct 3D, interactive three-dimensional applications, DVD-Video (with appropriate hardware read only memory on the Windows CE.NET will be able to play movies at DVD quality is no worse than the one which offers a home player. Pooderzhivaetsya also DiriectX and Microsoft DirectMusic. The new OS will also be transferred to handheld computers all codecs Windows Media Player eighth version of the system and the DRM (Digital Rights Management). The included OS web-browser will now be recognized by servers as Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5. All the above - only a few basic characteristics of the new OS. Full list of features and changes compared with earlier versions can be found here. In addition, all this is only a theory, proposed by Microsoft. How the device with Microsoft Windows CE.NET operating "in life" you can learn in the near future: on our website will be posted review of the first into our PDA edition of the OS, the Korean DOT320. The authors, translation: