Last week kicked off CeBIT 2007. This year it runs from March 15 to 21 in Hannover. For Russia, this exhibition is particularly interesting because this year it comes as a partner of CeBIT. However, many note that CeBIT is going through hard times. Many large companies have refused to participate in it, including rejected asylum-seekers »- Nokia, Lenovo, BenQ, Dell and many others. It is expected that next year's CeBIT concept will significantly redesigned, the exhibition will be less long and will focus to a greater extent than on consumers and on business segment. Nevertheless, the exhibition is not so little interesting as it may seem, looking at such sad statement. With CeBIT came a lot of interesting news from the region of communicators, smartphones and PDAs. Company E-TEN Information Systems timed to CeBIT his loud premiere - a new device Glofiish X800. This model is a pioneer for E-TEN on three items - the first smartphone from E-TEN with support for 3G cellular standards and 3,5 G (WCDMA and HSDPA), the first device from E-TEN based on the new operating system Windows Mobile 6 the first device from E-TEN, receives display with a resolution VGA (480x640 pixels). Gigabyte Communications Company demonstrates its new GSmart q60 communicators and GSmart t600. Do not ignore the CeBIT and the company ASUSTeK Computer, has presented her long-awaited ASUS P526 communicator with a numeric keypad and GPS-capabilities, as well as a new smartphone ASUS M530w, made in a candybar with QWERTY-keyboard. Of course, this is not all the interesting events happening today in Hanover. On this, as well as all other significant events CeBIT 2007 will soon be found in a separate article on HPC.ru. And now let's talk about events that occurred outside the exhibition, the benefit of their accumulated as much.
ASUS A626: just a PDA in a stylish steel casing
Despite statements by many prominent analyst firms that market simply PDAs declining sales and PDA without the support of cellular communication are falling, the company ASUSTeK Computer continues to improve its range of PDAs. Of course, she does not forget at the same time expand their still meager portfolio of smartphones, but the fact remains that, unlike many manufacturers, switch to a more communicative model, ASUSTeK waives the direction of the classic PDA. It should be noted that according to those same analysts, one reason for the decline of the PDA market - the lack of new models from many manufacturers, who continue to exploit the solutions presented by a year or more ago. Last week ASUSTeK announced the release of Pocket PC ASUS A626. This model represents the CCP in its pure form, without any extra bells and whistles, such as integrated GPS-module. If you continue to refer to analysts, the segment of handheld computers with GPS-functionality is one of the islands of salvation, which still pull the PDA market from extinction. The answer to the question of why the manufacturer is not rigged to the novelty of this useful feature is extremely simple - such a model in the arsenal of ASUSTeK already there. New »ASUS A626 is actually a twin brother model ASUS A686. The biggest difference between them just in the lack of A626 integrated GPS-receiver. Accordingly, it is designed for a slightly different target audience.
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New positioned as a stylish, versatile model. As the elder brother, the CPC concluded in the case, which uses stainless steel, which gives the appearance of solidity. In this case, it is sufficiently thin that flatter many fans of modern trends, as well as those who like to wear a cell phone in a shirt pocket or pants. Thickness is 15.7 mm, however, as in the case of A686. However, unlike the latter, ASUS A626 a little easier - 158 gr. with the battery, instead of 165 gr. He has a full range of communication features that characterize this contemporary PDA.Supported the work in wireless networks Wi-Fi, and on the Bluetooth interface and IrDA. As an added bonus, ASUSTeK provides application «Remote Presenter», allowing to control presentations on a computer from a PDA by connecting the interface Bluetooth. Special mention deserves the design model. He focuses not on the user any particular mode of orientation, no horizontal or vertical. Controls on the front panels are made symmetrically on the sides of the navigation keys are the lattice for one of which is hidden speaker. Thus, equally convenient to use the model, as in horizontal mode or vertical, at some one embodiment, the manufacturer can not insist, leaving the choice up to the user.
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In general, the characteristics ASUS A626 more than the average. However, this can not be called an omission, but rather sharpened under its own niche. This is the youngest model in the ASUS A626, A686 and A696. The first two PDAs in it are similar in features, as we have said, the main difference in the support of GPS, the eldest same model additionally received a great amount of internal memory and a more nimble processor. Apparently, releasing the A626, the company expects to users who need "just a PDA, not more. As an extra bonus they offered a stylish exterior. Despite the fact that the model is available after the submission of a new version of the operating system, the manufacturer left it on the basis of Windows Mobile 5.0. Also does not offer some innovative solutions or "above average", such as high-resolution screen, powerful processor and large memory. The model is definitely not aimed at so-called «techie», fans of the latest technologies, preferring to buy the most functional devices are available at the moment. On the other hand, paid much attention to making the facilities available as convenient as possible. One of the important parameters for such decisions - this is the battery life. All three series are equipped with lithium-ion battery 1200 mAh, which is the average result for the modern PDA. However, reportedly tested the devices resources, these PDAs are different enviable longevity. We give a complete list of characteristics specified by the manufacturer:
- Operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC
- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with QVGA (240x320 pixels) with anti-reflective coating
- Processor Marvell XScale 312 MHz
- Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
- Slot for memory cards SDIO / SD / MMC
- Support for Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g), Interface USB 1.1, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and SIR 115,2 Kbps (max)
- Microphone and speaker
- 3.5-mm headphone jack
- Removable lithium-ion battery 1200 mAh
- Dimensions - 117h70, 8h15, 7 mm
- Weight - 158 grams
As reported by ASUSTeK, on the A626 is currently available on a limited number of markets, among them named and Russia. The main competitors with whom the novelty of ASUSTeK encounter, you can call HP iPAQ hx2190, which loses the support of Wi-Fi, as well as the Acer n311, which is equipped with a larger display with a resolution of VGA. In fact, the main issue in the success of new products is the price.
Another corporate model from HTC
The network posted information about another new product, supposedly forthcoming in the bowels of the Taiwanese company High Tech Computers. Information shared online resource PDAdb.net. Naturally, so far not confirmed officially, and is preliminary in nature. This is one aimed at the corporate market models, from which the first maximum expected returns for the functionality and usability for its price, not the diminutive, lovely, or multimedia. Communicator codenamed HTC Panda is likely to be released by the manufacturer as the HTC P6300. He obviously does not claim any of the small size, nor the special styling. The design is simple and is not burdened thingies.Display the standard for "just a communicator" QVGA (240x320 pixels) to do more, do not save on the size of the device - a diagonal of 3.5 inches. Here is an obvious nod to the audience - a rare corporation wants to pay more for the ability of workers to enjoy higher-quality graphics or video, while a larger display would be helpful for many workloads. Also, the lack of desire for miniaturization, but taking care of your wallet and the convenience of future users, said the use of "large" flash memory cards SD. They are cheaper for the same volume, as well as more functional and capable of great spaciousness, as compared with use in many new models of miniature communicators, but more expensive and limited as long as 2 GB of roominess, flash cards microSD.
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It is curious that in many settings, pointing to a budget solution, the manufacturer does not skimp on features such as processor and built-in memory. Processor is sufficiently productive to HTC - Samsung's clocked at 400 MHz. It is unusual, because many HTC models of consumer-grade limited to 200-MHz OMAP 850 processor from TI, even sharpened under such a general, resource-intensive tasks such as GPS-navigation. A prime example - HTC P3300 (Artemis). Although it should be noted that, as shown by tests, Artemis copes with navigational charts (and this is the main "feature" model), but the retarding on the processing of video and rich graphics for games. If we talk about consumer models of smartphones, then HTC is gradually began to form a standard distinction - a model for third generation networks installed Samsung processor at 400 MHz, and the only model for GSM networks get TI OMAP 850 200 MHz. Communicator HTC Panda is no exception - it does not support third-generation networks, but still got the processor more nimble than he was supposed to be based on this law. Embedded memory for HTC Panda is also a bit more than average - 256 MB ROM, but the amount of RAM is standard - 64 MB. With regard to communication capabilities, they just look suspicious and suggest crept into the material PDAdb.net error. The fact is that according to this source, the model only works in three rather than four frequency bands of GSM networks and the standards for data transmission only supports GPRS, and EDGE - no. This approach is very much not typical for HTC. On the other hand, supports both wireless Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Despite the fact that the model is clearly corporate, remove the camera did not. However, the lack of built-in cameras sin less and less business-oriented mobile devices. The camera uses 1.9-megapixel without such "frills" like auto-focus function or a built-in flash, but with support macro mode. We give a complete list of the characteristics listed on PDAdb.net:
- Cellular Communications - GSM / GPRS (900/1800/1900 MHz)
- 3.5-inch touch screen TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels), 65K colors
- 1.9-megapixel CMOS-camera
- Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
- Memory - 64 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM
- Slot for SD memory MMC, SD / SDIO
- Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1 and RS-232
- Lithium Polymer Battery 1300 mAh
- Dimensions - mm 129h70h18
- Weight - 160 gr. (With battery)
As we can see, the device is quite bulky, but relatively subtle. Of the extra features worth noting the presence of RS-232 port, apparently it's also nod to the work tasks, or, more likely, another error in the informal data. By the way, release is expected very soon - in April. Well, in this case, wait for confirmation or, alternatively, a refutation from the manufacturer is left for long.
HTC Nike: a gifted communicator slider
Another anticipated but not yet formally presented the new product by the company High Tech Computer stands, codenamed HTC Nike. As expected, the release model will be called the HTC P5500. This device, made in a rare moment in the form factor of a simple slider. That is not to slide out the side of the QWERTY, but with a simple numeric keypad, slide out like a regular slider phone. According to their tactical and technical characteristics the model is fairly advanced, but in light of the latest innovations presented at the exhibition held in February, 3GSM Congress, it can hardly be called impressive. For all its positioning as an industry leader Windows Mobile devices, HTC is very conservative and does not offer anything revolutionary simple users. Issue One's flagship solutions such as HTC X7500 (Advantage) is unlikely to change the perception of the main mass of potential buyers, it is too far, such a model from the people. This year communicator HTC Nike will be perceived as high-end solution but in the middle class, not as a top model in the full sense of the word model.
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Display device a bit smaller than average - 2.6 diagonal inches, not 2.8, as in most modern models. The resolution - QVGA (240x320 pixels). Judging by the announcements of manufacturers, this year would dramatically increase the number of communicators with displays supporting resolution VGA (480x640 pixels), that is, once again emphasized that the model is not high-end solution. Unfortunately we can not say with certainty whether the device gains from the small screen in terms of overall dimensions, because the source did not mention the size of the unit. Judging by the image and technical features, it is unlikely the communicator will look petite. Performance of the device provides a standard for 3G-models from HTC Samsung processor with 400 MHz and 64 MB ROM and 128 MB of RAM memory. Communications capabilities are broad, to say the maximum for a given moment - work is supported in third generation networks and 3,5 G, network GSM, wireless Wi-Fi (802.11b / g) interface and Bluetooth. The infrared port is traditionally not used in new models of HTC. We should also mention that the source of promises to not only support high-speed standard HSDPA, which over the past year, stocks are already fairly frequent opportunity and HSUPA. In contrast to HSDPA, which is designed for fast uploads data to the user terminal, the standard HSUPA provides high speed data transmission from user terminal to the base station. It is expected that the first services on the basis of this standard will appear in the first half of 2007. Support for HSUPA is also expected to have a model HTC P4550 (HTC Kaiser). At the same time to a secondary device for features such as GPS-navigation, photo opportunities and the like, the company came in detail. If you believe the source, the main camera for taking pictures in the future novelty better than normally used HTC - a resolution of 2.8 megapixel with autofocus and flash. There is also additional, forward-facing camera with VGA resolution for video calls. Following the commitment made by the manufacturer at the rate of «GPS anywhere" device is equipped with a GPS-receiver. Of the additional bonuses can also be called an integrated FM-tuner. We give a complete list of tactical and technical characteristics, published PDAdb.net:
- Cellular Communications - GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), UMTS / HSDPA / HSUPA (800/850/1900/2100)
- 2.6-inch touch screen TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels), 65K colors
- 2.8-megapixel CMOS-camera with autofocus and flash
- VGA CMOS-camera for video telephony
- Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
- Memory - 64 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
- Slot for microSD memory cards
- GPS-module
- FM-tuner
- Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0
- Lithium-ion battery
- Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
Based on these characteristics, we can conclude that the model will be positioned as an advanced station wagon with an emphasis on design and entertainment. The company definitely sees the target audience for models of simple consumer rather than corporate customers. It will be placed an emphasis on small business functions, and more - on communications capabilities, style and design, navigation and entertainment features. The main focus of the model is exactly the "chips", well understood the consumer and that you can brag to your friends. In principle, the category of "chips" can be attributed, and a new operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Most likely, HTC Nike is largely focused on the youth segment. From currently available for competitors performed in the same form factor, we can note O2 XDA Stealth. He loses novelty of the future size of the display - 2.4 inches diagonally against 2,6, and the communication capabilities - are not supported by third-generation network, the weaker the camera and no FM-tuner with GPS-module. However, at the time of release, which is expected only in September, HTC Nike will face in the market with such a monster as i-mate 5150 Ultimate, announced by i-mate in February. Device from i-mate is the holder of such virtues as a 2.8-inch display with a resolution VGA, more nimble processor, twice as much memory as the ROM, and RAM. But he got weaker camera does not support HSUPA, and has integrated GPS-capabilities. Thus, much will depend on how the expectations and the price set by the manufacturer. Based on the available information at this time, more definitive conclusions difficult to do. The situation is much clearer after the official announcement.
Announcements O2 Germany: the inside of HTC Elf and Windows Mobile 6 on HTC Herald
Operator O2 Germany has sent a press release that represents two of his new device, built on the base platform from HTC. One of them, the communicator Xda nova is created based on the platform codenamed HTC Elf. In this operator's version has all chances to become the first embodiment of the platform, which has not yet received any official confirmation. On the example of Xda nova can already see that from the preliminary information proved correct, and that, in contrast, did not come true. Expected, HTC Elf is an inexpensive model with an emphasis on style and design. According to a press release, the device is designed for GSM, can operate in four frequency bands, supports standard data transmission GPRS / EDGE. Which looked initially doubtful about the support networks of UMTS, which suggested PDAdb.net, indeed refuted, the possibility of a third-generation networks for new items not stated. On the other hand, according to preliminary data device does not support wireless networks Wi-Fi, while the press release states, this function, which can not but rejoice. However, as is proved by numerous examples from practice, versions for different brands, built on the same platform may vary in details such as the presence or lack of support for Wi-Fi. Another difference from what was expected - the use of memory cards not SD / SDIO, and compact cards microSD.
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In other preliminary information is confirmed by the operator. Communicator works with the TI OMAP processor clocked at 200 MHz, onboard memory 128 MB ROM and 64 MB of RAM. The display has a diagonal of 2.8 inches and QVGA (240x320 pixels), shows up to 65K colors. The camera uses a 2-megapixel. Also supports interface Bluetooth 2.0. Working model based on the new operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Overall, the model produces the impression of "just a communicator" in its modern sense, plus some unusual design and originality. Communicator will certainly be in demand as a youth budget, but stylish Windows Mobile device.This contributes to the price - at the conclusion of a two-year contract with the operator, it is 100 eur. Room O2 Xda nova without a subscription has not yet divulged. It is expected that sales of new products in Germany start in June this year. The second announcement concerns Communicator O2 Germany O2 Xda terra, constructed on the basis of the well-known platforms HTC Herald, on the basis of which the end of last year was released HTC P4350. Issue regular operator's version, the event in general, ordinary, but in this case, it bears the "good news". The fact is that, unlike the model HTC P4350, O2 Xda terra version is not running Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC, and running the new Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Thus, it gives hope for an early release to upgrade to Windows Mobile 6 for the current versions of the HTC P4350, working on the basis of Windows Mobile 5.0. Otherwise, it's the same HTC Herald - quite slim slider with a sliding side QWERTY-keyboard layout more precisely with the German QWERTZ. Stop again at the excellent study of tactics and technology capabilities, we will not. The curious can read the review of the HTC Herald at the Library on HPCru.
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Briefly about other events of the week
Rumors panorama of the week
Update GSmart i: plus communication and memory, minus the TV-tuner? One appeared last week rumors says that the company Gigabyte Communications is preparing to release updated models GSmart i. It is expected that the device will be called GSmart i +. According to sources, the changes relate to communications capabilities - will support EDGE data transfer standard and the version of Wi-Fi 802.11g, as well as the amount of internal memory - ROM will increase from 64 MB to 192 MB. Is not entirely clear the fate of the main "chip" model - built-in analog TV-tuner card, as this possibility for some reason not mentioned among the talents GSmart i +.
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HTC expects sales growth of sources associated with Taiwanese manufacturers of components for mobile devices, told reporters that by their calculations of HTC expects sales growth. According to them, in the second quarter, shipments will be HTC 2-2,4 million units, about 20% higher sales projected for the first quarter of the year. Recall that in February, the company reported its earnings fall that caused a certain resonance in the market, since before that for a long time HTC cheerfully report a marked increase. On the other hand, the first quarter is traditionally considered "off-season, and sales growth in coming quarters is completely natural. Spy photos of Sony Ericsson M610i device in the network issued a picture, supposedly representing the upcoming smartphone Sony Ericsson M610i. Presumably, this is one of the two heirs of the communicator Sony Ericsson M600i. Recall that the latter is based on the UIQ 3 platform running the operating system Symbian. He did not get a built-in camera, no support for wireless networking Wi-Fi. Rumored one of the heirs will be released with the camera, and the second - with integrated Wi-Fi module. The photographs show the unit, received the 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus. It should be noted that the photo shows the hull of the future innovations, and the image of the whole apparatus is "reconstructed" in these photos.
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Google produces a mobile application with a rich intuition Google has patented a curious development. According to the description of ideas, is supposed to create a system of predicting details of the user's search query or recruited them to text in a message based on its location, search history and time. Thus, it is expected to reduce the number of required text, which should dial to get interesting results. Example: The user starts to make a request on Saturday night, and the application issues a list of bars / restaurants, based on statistics of similar requests in the past. Or late at night - a list of taxis. Apple will license the OSes iPhone, of course, hearing and panorama of the week could not do without a fresh portion of rumors about the cult phone iPhone from Apple. The most incredible ear for the last week can definitely be considered a statement that Apple is going to license the iPhone-version of the OS X operating system to outside companies. This was stated by an internet resource CrunchGear citing insider sources. According to him turns out, that will be issued a license for OS, the famous Multitouch interface and some soft stuffing. Knowing how Apple does not like to issue a license on their own designs, you can quite easily make a conclusion about the plausibility of such a hearing. But the dream is always so nice:)
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Soft-panorama of the week
AdapTex: tekstopredskazanie for Windows Mobile smartphones British software developer KeyPoint Technologies has released a version of its application AdapTex for smartphones operating on the basis of the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. In fact, an application that predicts words and phrases that users enter. According to the description of the developer, this predictive system dramatically accelerates typing. The program allows you to switch between languages, using SMS-style and the various acronyms and the like, has a system of learning, adapting to the user, as well as many other convenient features. The program works with smartphones equipped with both digital and QWERTY-keyboard.
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sFTP-client devices on Windows Mobile zaSFTP - a new sFTP-client for mobile devices, which began to create the same developer that zaTelnet, client to work with protocols Telnet, SSH, SSH1 and SSH2. At the moment the project is in beta testing and the application itself is free.For those who want to change any of the files on your server or upload / download any files, such a client on the Windows Mobile device can be very useful. zaSFTP intended for use both on smartphones and communicators and PDAs based on Windows Mobile. You can upload to the server, downloads, commands for creating new directories, delete directories, as well as other operations protocol sFTP 3.0. To manage local and remote files using a graphical user interface. There are also other useful features. It is not clear whether there will be a free application with the release of the final version.
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Access and manage your documents right from the Today MyDocs - this is a useful little utility for those who work a lot with different kinds of documents on your mobile device. It is a plug-screen Today, you can easily manage documents. Documents can be sort out in sections, they are icons that are available on-screen Today. As promised the developer, the utility supports all types of documents, which recognizes the mobile device. It is designed for smartphones and PDAs based on Windows Mobile 2003 SE Pocket PC and Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC.
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S60-based devices have access to. NET-applications in the world Symbian-smartphones an event whose significance can hardly be overestimated. The company Red Five Labs, finally released a library. NET Compact Framework for S60 operating system Symbian. Last summer it was reported on the development of the first beta version of the library, but now the library is available as a CTP-Release (community technology preview). It is compatible on a bilateral basis with the library. NET Compact Framework (CF) 1.0 from Microsoft. So, this library will allow you to run applications created by Microsoft. NET CF 1.0 on S60-based devices without making any changes to these applications. This approach significantly expands the base of applications available for users of Nokia smartphones and many other manufacturers. In the plans of developers and version of the library for the platform UIQ.
Business panorama of the week
Last week, HTC held a presentation in Moscow three new devices for the Russian market. Both were represented by an impressive communicator flagship HTC X7500 and a smartphone-slider with QWERTY-keyboard HTC S710, which were announced by the company in February exhibition 3GSM Congress. Was also presented budget model HTC P3400, the disclosure of which mysteriously appeared and disappeared within a few days in February with the site HTC. Learn more about the event and updates can be in the record of a press conference at the Library on HTC HPC.ru. Windows Mobile Outlook: the most intuitive to set up a mobile e-mail client to interesting conclusions came to analyst firm Strategy Analytics, which conducted research among end-users of mobile devices. Analysts tested the standard email clients for platforms Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, S60 and UIQ 3.0. It was found that users of the easiest to configure your POP3 account for email using Windows Mobile Outlook, while the Beats BlackBerry BIS and e-mail client for S60 and UIQ 3.0, lost in this competition. In addition, Windows Mobile Outlook surpassed rivals to parameters such as speed and user satisfaction from working with him.As analysts, plus a master settings, installed on the device, evaluate all test participants, while the BlackBerry Internet Service setup was not intuitive, and the client for the S60 platform is difficult.
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Hard-panorama of the week
ASUS P735 will be available in versions with Windows Mobile 6 Company ASUSTeK Computer announced good news for all those who fell in love with a model ASUS P735. As promised the company in mid-May will be released version of the device based on the new operating system Windows Mobile 6. At the moment, ASUS P735 running the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition. Recall that the device is designed for third-generation networks. It is very similar to the model of ASUS P535. The main difference between them is the lack of support for 3G, ASUS P535 and the absence of an integrated GPS-module for ASUS P735. Intel has entered the market SSD-drives, Intel has finally evaluate the prospects of flash drives as a replacement for hard drives and announced its withdrawal on the market SSD-drive (Solid State Drive). She announced the launch of the its first product in this class - Intel Z-U130 Value Solid State Drive. Before the hard drive and removable USB-drive SSD are pleased benefits - less load time, the use of data storage in embedded systems, fast data access and lower power consumption. Such parameters are especially important in all sorts of mobile devices. The main disadvantage of flash drives in its class - the price, but recently manufacturers have been paying this segment increased attention, and so soon the problem will be solved. This model can not boast of a singular capacity of - its size ranges from 1 GB to 8 GB, is also reported to use interface USB 2.0. It is planned that future models of the series Intel Value Solid State Drive will have a variety of storage capacity and can support various industry interfaces.
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SDHC Ultra II: the speed is set to speed memory card is especially important with the growth of their volume. , SanDisk introduced a capacious and speedy Card SDHC Ultra II. At the moment 8 GB - this is the maximum capacity has been reached manufacturers in standard SD. Potentially larger SD 2.00, which correspond to the map SDHC, you can create storage capacity to 32 GB. The company promises to 8-GB SDHC Ultra II cards write speed is equal to 9 MB / sec. and a read speed - 10 MB / sec. It is expected that the issuance of this card will be held in June, and the approximate price will be about $ 240.
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