Voxtel W740: a humble dude

In the summer of 2006, Voxtel, known as mobile and cordless phones proizvoditelnitsa, officially announced the release of WM-market of smartphones and communicators. This news came as a surprise, but did not cause much excitement. First signs of Voxtel has a budget smartphone W210, which has been appreciated for a very attractive ratio of its price and capabilities. Did this unit in late September. Behind him came out and the first communicator Voxtel W420, also featuring a good mix of features for the alleged money. Announcement of the third one WM-devices, Voxtel W740, took a few days ago, and the sample (by the way, engineering, and completely ready for sale) has appeared in our editorial board a few days before the event. Again, exclusive, however, for this you are already familiar:) The main trump Voxtel to entry communicators has aggressively low price of the proposed solutions. Voxtel W210 smartphone at the time of occurrence was worth about $ 300, a communicator Voxtel W420 - a little over $ 400. Newly-born Voxtel W740, sales of which have not yet begun, will be available for about $ 500 (13,999 rubles). If we talk about positioning, then in front of us the middle class with a value approaching the price of low-end models. And most surprisingly, this device, despite the not too prominent hardware power, produces a very good impression. Its strengths - a 4-megapixel camera with autofocus, an unusually compact dimensions and, as we just said, very reasonable price. Well, the opening was delayed slightly, it's time to start a detailed examination.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
    Specifications:
  • Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition AKU2.2
  • Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP730, 200 MHz
  • Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB Flash ROM
  • Screen: 2.4 "transflective TFT, 240x320, 65536 colors
  • Memory Expansion: microSD (Trans-flash)
  • Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 1.2, GSM 850/900/1800/1900, GPRS Class 10
  • Camera: 4 megapixel, autofocus
  • Battery: Li-Ion, 1100 mAh
  • Audio: microphone, two speakers, 2.5 mm stereo headphone jack
  • Dimensions and weight: 110 x 55 x 15 mm and 120 g.
Traditionally, briefly go through the main points. First, let us say a few words about the TI OMAP 730. This stone is, as you know, very economical and cheap, has a positive effect on the cost of the device and battery life. True, it has to pay for the rather weak performance, which, however, usually is enough to perform basic tasks. The second important point - the screen. Recall that the first company that decided to reduce the size of the device by cutting (up to 2.8 inch) diagonal screen, was HTC, which released a platform Magician (Qtek s100/s110, i-mate JAM, T-Mobile MDA Compact). Since this size - a sort of standard for the majority of smartphones. Voxtel went further and reduced the display of up to 2.4 inches. Good or bad, try to figure below. The third key point - the size of Voxtel W740. In this sense, our hero does not yield to the modern smartphone, and even conventional mobile tubes. And among the communicators, and is aiming to do is an absolute record. Indeed, in this regard in the competition it can be written (and then only with great reserve) Qtek s200 and a few older models. Among the latest novelties there are no devices that have the elegance could be compared with the W740. As a result, at the moment Voxtel W740 - the smallest device on the basis of Windows Mobile. Oh, and the fourth difference - is, of course, an advanced built-in camera W740, which may well replace the owner of a bar of soap budget.

Supplied

Cost (or close to this class) communicators rarely pleased with the rich user supplied. It is the prerogative of the top models. So this complete lack of any bonus in the box came as no surprise.
    The set - the minimum standard set:
  • stylus
  • Mains Charger
  • sync cable connector miniUSB
  • Wired Headset
  • CD with accompanying software
  • user manual.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Stylus for W740 - rather thin, telescopic, with a plastic tip and the main metal part. To find fault with its execution is very difficult. Can be noted that decomposes it somehow too easily, while most of these designs require for this little effort. In the case Voxtel w740 quite literally wave the pen. Silo located in the lower right corner of the device. Problems with removing the pen from him you will not. Headset from the category of "normal." Standard headphones, earplugs, issuing a bad sound, fitted with a pin for fixing the wires on my shirt and answer button. For the volume control has no place, and the plug has a cross section of 2.5 mm. Nothing more if they wanted to say about the headset can not. So let us move on.

Design

Visually Voxtel W740 is very good and if not design a keyboard unit, a common style (and light!) Which "podsmotren" from phone Motorola, we would not refrain from loud epithets. Looks pretty strict machine and at the same time effectively: black hull, straighter lines, lack of any designer frills. The screen is surrounded by a thin glossy insert that visually makes it a bit more, which in our case does not seem superfluous. At the bottom of the screen placed rare today touch buttons that add the device some personality and a kind of charm.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Separately want to mention housing W740 - virtually all metal, except for a U-shaped plastic inserts on the front side and the area surrounding the hardware keys. Despite this, the machine is very easy - just 120 g and dimensions are also pleased. With full confidence we can say that this is the most compact device. Its dimensions are 110 x 55 x 15 mm. For comparison: the parameters of the smart phone Nokia E60 - 115 x 49 x 17 mm, Nokia N72 - 109 x 53 x 22, and Qtek s200 (aka HTC Prophet) - 108 x 58 x 18. True, the width of our hero is not shown quite honestly. We measured: the thickness of the body without acting on the rear of a camera - 15 mm, and with it - 17 mm. W740 still get a little leaner same s200 and much easier. The front side of the case presented quite commonplace and familiar set of elements. Central to this is the display in the lower part of which is a thin strip of soft keys. Under this track are the hardware buttons: four-way navigation key with inscribed in the center of the confirmation button, and the phone buttons "call" and "lights out". Soft keys not, but their lack of fully compensate for the aforementioned touch buttons. A total of five. The first reason that duplicates the functions of the "green tubes", the second is the mail application, third - contacts, the fourth - Windows Media Player, and finally, the fifth takes you back to the screen Today. The same, however, can be done by clicking the "lights out".
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Returning to the hardware buttons, say that their style and technical design copied from the best-selling phones from Motorola. However, they are well fit into the overall style of the communicator. But implementing them is almost impossible to find fault, except that coverage may not be too persistent.Cruising the buttons - a small, but clicking is pretty tight and snaps, allowing tactile determine whether a key is pressed. Backlight is soft and does not hurt your eyes in the dark. It's a pity only that she could not manage: it automatically shuts off after two seconds after a keypress. Above the screen you will notice a notch voice dynamics, decorated with silver inserts. Frankly, where we expect to see the usual LED indicators. However, they did not have anywhere else. On the one hand, small problem. But on the other, for example, your obedient servant, which is hardly inattentive man who forgot to turn off Bluetooth when testing time mode MP3 playback. As a result, had to swear loudly and run the test again. But it is a trifle. Far worse would be if you forget to turn off this voracious module and the battery would have sat right in the middle of the day. So with the indicator (at least one) worse just would not. Hopefully, the manufacturer will consider it in the future. By the way, continuing to talk about something that is not worth mentioning places without a single button for on / off. Her partially replaces the button lights out. With its long-pressing device completely off. A transition to standby mode automatically after a specified period of time. Not here, and the keys to a "soft reset". Essentially turning off the device and is a soft-rezet. But the hard reset is carried out from a menu of programs, in which there is a corresponding label.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Will continue to inspect the building from all sides. On the right side wall is a pair of keys for volume control. As usual, when talking with them by voice speaker volume control, and in standby mode - a system. Rather, the system: the Voxtel W740 are two of them, but that we shall speak below. Under the volume control is key to activate the built-in camera and the shutter to the realization that there is a serious remark. As you know, the W740 has a camera auto-focusing. This means that the shutter key works the same way as in conventional cameras: first, we just pritaplivaem her for guidance on the focus, then click through for the shutter. So here, this key has a very small stock of progress and tactile difficult to determine whether it is recessed enough to focus or not. Further pressing is carried out even tighter, resulting in what can inadvertently pull the hand that negatively affect the quality of images at high shutter speeds.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
On the left side of the case, we have an expansion slot and a headset connector, which are covered with plastic plugs.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
The upper edge is completely empty, but at a lower connector is miniUSB, serves to connect the charger and sync cable, and cut the microphone and stylus holder. On removing the pen, as we have said, no problem.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
And finally, the back side of the case. Here is camera lens, and LED lights for it and the battery cover. The lens is placed on a small ledge, which adds a couple extra millimeters of thickness of the shell.I must say that the "eye" camera does not covered, and especially its location only increase the likelihood of mechanical damage.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
The battery cover - a metal, rather thin, but durable as the body as a whole. Extracted it tugovat, but almost adjoins tightly, without creating a single reason for the appearance of backlashes. Hidden under the battery the most usual slot for SIM-card.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Summing up the interim, we say that, despite some minor inconveniences, design and ergonomics Voxtel W740 is not bad. Communicator looks quite stylish, we have quite convenient, and its size can carry it anywhere. By the way, Voxtel W740 - the apparatus, which is very flatteringly the fair sex. And if any visitor immediately gets the title of "brick" or - even worse - "Pandora", the novelty of Voxtel was greeted with an unusually warm.

Screen

According to its physical size screen Voxtel W740 is similar to the communicator display Gigabyte s-Smart i128, and g-Smart i120. To date, these devices - the smallest among the display of such devices. No inconvenience as a small diagonal does not deliver, even on the contrary, due to lower point size, the picture looks much smoother. And for the ordinary user of mobile handset display Voxtel W740 and does seem high. Characteristics of the screen are the same: a resolution of 240 x 320, 65536 colors. Viewing angles - very bad, the contrast is consistent with the latest standards.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
As for brightness, it is regulated in six steps, including the zero division. Minimum level can quite comfortably read the text on the screen in the dark without eyestrain. A maximum should be sufficient to maintain readability in bright sunlight.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
By the way, a strip-regulator for the other is clearly displayed and the number of divisions on which the slider.

Speed ​​and memory

All the advantages and disadvantages of the processor Texas Instruments OMAP730 you should be well known. About them repeatedly stated in our materials and we briefly told about them at the beginning of the review. Will not be repeated, but before proceeding to the results of testing and analysis, share subjective impressions. When viewing contacts, notes and tasks, as well as sorting and other standard kommunikatornyh loads processor behaves quite normally. Special slowing down is not noticed. When making calls, e-mail and the Internet all too smoothly. Tangible "brake" can be seen only when you open large text documents, Excel-tables or working with graphics. For example, saving pictures from a camera takes a W740 for about two seconds, and image scaling to the original size when viewing could take 10 seconds. Of course, in this case about a comfortable viewing video or the ability to play modern games, however. However, for all of us here will say the tests. Evaluation of the overall performance of traditionally carried out using a test suite Spb Benchmark from the company Spb Software House, in the case which, as you know, paying attention only to be results-points and CPU Index Graphics Index, respectively, demonstrating the overall performance of the processor and the speed of the graphics.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Some tests have been errors, but that does not stop telling us that the performance of W740 is lower than the Qtek s200, which is set OMAP 850 processor with a similar frequency. And if the s200 was not much rapidity, that in our case the situation was slightly worse - the device is not strong, but lagged behind the latter. Now let's see what will show us new from Voxtel when testing the speed of video playback. To this end, we once again resorted to using one of the most popular player TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) version 0.72RC1. Test clips downloaded from the official site TCPMP, encoded the two most popular codecs (DivX and XviD) and use the most common resolution. According to the procedure for comfortable viewing of videos at the specified resolution sufficient rate of 120%. So, looking at the results.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
The results were predictable. The same would be expected, and the conclusion: for comfortable viewing of video with a resolution greater than 320 x 176 pixels, our hero does not fit. However, on its screen such clips look better, than on a standard 3.5-inch QVGA-display. Much memory Voxtel W740 - pretty standard: 128 MB ROM and 64 MB of RAM. From these volumes available to the user a total of about 87 MB. Not a bad number.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
The expansion slot allows you install a microSD card up to 2 GB.

Sound

In terms of implementing sound possibility W740 looks a bit better than most smartphones. It is worth to note the presence of the second speaker, through which our hero sounds much louder than any analog. You can guarantee that no call will not be missed, and as a general alarm, he will not be equal - raise the dead! Both speakers are located on either side of the upper body, so that if you hold the device in hand, they do not hide behind, and the sound is not jammed. Voice speaker - too bad. In the area of ​​good reception the sound is clear and the caller's voice is always recognizable. On the headset, we have already discussed in the "Set". There is hardly anything you can add on this occasion, besides the usual recommendation to use alternative headphones if you're going to listen to music on the device. However, for these purposes will have to buy an adapter, since the audio jack W740 has a cross section of 2.5 mm.

Sociability

In terms of wireless interfaces, Voxtel W740 looks very modest by today's standards. The device is equipped with a Bluetooth-module version 1.2 and the phone module, designed for quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz with support for GPRS Class 10 (3 slots for reception, 2 transfer). Popular nowadays high-speed data transfer standard EDGE, unfortunately, is not supported. All calls are made through the program Phone, which is part of Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition, which is called by pressing the green button with the image sensor or the first button on the additional panel.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Bluetooth-module controlled by a set of drivers from Microsoft and offers a pretty standard features: file transfer, connect a wireless keyboard, headset profile, DUN (Dial-Up Networking) and newfangled A2DP, to listen to music via Bluetooth Stereo headphones. During testing, the interface is no problem we have not emerged: the communicator regularly works in conjunction with headsets from Jabra and SonyEricsson, but also to establish contact with the PDA Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox C550 and the Nokia 6021.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
To centrally manage all wireless modules used by the program Wireless Manager, which should be well familiar to you.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude

Luggage

Finally, we got to the most interesting item in the review of W740. Luggage our hero - really good. Moreover, with full confidence we can say that she is the best among all Windows Mobile smartphones, so we will talk about it long and detailed.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
To begin with, that it uses CCD-matrix, has auto-focus function, but the resolution matrix is ​​4 MP. Such a high resolution integrated camera we have already met once - in the communicator RoverPC S5. Was there and AF, however, the quality of finished images still left much to be desired. The only communicator with more or less quality camera was ASUS P525. In daylight obtained quite nice pictures, which was not ashamed to show friends. Therefore, we will compare the W740 with it. Thus, pictures can be done to save the following resolutions: 2304 x 1728, 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 384 x 288, 320 x 240 and 192 x 144. The digital zoom is, oddly enough, is not provided, although it has never been such a very necessary function.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Automatic white balance works much better than any other device.However, it still sometimes mistakes happen. In daylight (and it does not matter in a sunny or cloudy weather), no problem - if the balance is not perfect, it is very close to that. But when shooting indoors is better to use presets, of which provided a total of five: auto, day, incandescent, fluorescent lights and night. In addition, there are also additional effects: black and white, old, cool colors and warm colors. As for modes, there are only three: portrait, self portrait, and continuous shooting. The latter due to the weak performance of the processor is unlikely to be in demand, and portraits can easily be removed and in normal mode. So all of this, by and large, self-indulgence. Preservation of images is possible only in the JPG, and the size of finished pictures at maximum resolution and quality is an average of 350 - 500 KB. Here are some examples of built-in camera in various conditions: When shooting outdoors, indoors, macro photography and so on.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
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Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Agree that the street photos taken by our hero, look at the order of magnitude better than any other built-in device camera. Well, as a model for comparison, we took the ASUS P525 and made a series of comparative images in the same conditions. First there are pictures of ASUS P525.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
And now the same species, but made Voxtel W740. As they say, feel the difference.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
Voxtel W740: a humble dude
As you can see, in all cases Voxtel W740 camera surpasses its counterpart installed in the device from ASUS. So it will fit perfectly as a replacement for any budget digital cameras. Well, or at least on the image quality will be located much closer to her other peers. As regards the video, they are not as good as photo opportunities, but also not bad compared to other devices. The device writes video to WMV format with the only available resolution - 192 x 144, but with sound. By default, the maximum length of video is limited to 30 seconds, but if you want this restriction can be removed and record as much as allow the amount of free memory. Settings for shooting video - the same as pointing the focus is carried out before the shooting, in the process will not succeed.

Runtime

Before the tests for the battery recall to you that the battery capacity is 1100 mAh W740 and measurement of time was made in three basic modes. 1. Maximum load. Vykruchena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker, too, including Bluetooth, a Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was - 4 hours 36 minutes. 2. Normal operation. Bluetooth is turned off. The brightness is set to the second division of the account. On the PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was 8 hours 38 minutes. 3. MP3 Playback. Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used Windows Media Player and files with a bitrate 192 Kb / c. Hours - 8 hours 44 minutes. The results mean, and so high while working at maximum load due to the fact that this same load for the W740 is created only by the inclusion of Bluetooth-module. For example, the same Qtek s200 has been burdened in addition also included Wi-Fi. With ordinary use, which includes 20 minutes of calls a day, listening to music, short sessions synchronization via Bluetooth, and a little reading, have to charge the battery about once every 1.5 days. With increasing load the machine, of course, have to feed more often, and if we use the W740 as just the phone, he can easily live for two days.For clarity, as usual, contains a chart showing the results Voxtel W740 in comparison with the communicators of competitors.
Voxtel W740: a humble dude

Additional software

Here we have nothing to say. Included with the W740 is not available, no additional tools except a program to configure the connected GPS-receiver.

Price issue

Price communicator Voxtel W740 at the time of the start of sales should be about $ 500 (13,999 rubles). Device will go on the shelves simultaneously with this review.

Conclusions

Voxtel W740 - the very middling, which is lacking to complete the picture and select. Until recently purchased a decent communicator or smartphone for moderate money could only waited a while until the new model does not cease to be new, and its price will not fall to an acceptable level. More and more manufacturers make us happy is quite worthy of attention budget decisions, which are available at reasonable prices in the very early sales. Voxtel And one of them. Submitted by the unit differs extremely compact dimensions, comparable to the size of an average mobile phone, a nice design and beautiful built-in camera. He certainly would not hurt to Wi-Fi module, but let's not forget that it would increase its cost. In addition, some spoils the overall picture of weak performance, but it is unlikely for the majority of potential owners of cars it will be critically important. Following a review we can say that Voxtel W740 is quite likely find a buyer. Presenting a summary of all the traditional strengths and weaknesses of our hero.
    Pros:
  • pleasing design and ultra compact size
  • metal housing
  • great camera
  • low starting price
    Cons:
  • poor performance
  • poor set of pre-installed software
  • Some minor blemishes on the part of the ergonomics
If you talk about the debut of the market Voxtel Windows Mobile devices in general, it seems successful. All three models were released at the optimum functionality cheaper closest analogues, and it is, pardon the pun, is expensive, especially on the eve of New Year:) We, the translation:

X-Files - HTC communicators in 2007

Attention! We have also the same article in English, please, follow this link: Rumors: HTC Communicators 2007. Editorial HPCru collect all accrued rumors of the upcoming in 2007, updates from HTC. For the accuracy of these data will not vouch, as it is still subject to change. But, apparently, we can expect a very promising year, or rather even first half. To look further - a thankless task. We offer you the first part of the review, the continuation will not take long. Conventionally, new items can be divided into two categories. First come those which are already known to most online media. Among them: a cross between a smartphone and UMPC - Model HTC X7500 (Athena), communicator HTC P3350 (Love) and a smartphone HTC S650 (Cavalier). About these devices already described in the news and mobile panorama, also next year we can expect appearance of the third - "X" while with the only known representative of the HTC X7500, so here we shall not dwell on them, providing you with mostly pictures of them.

HTC S650 (Savalier) and HTC P3340 (Love): Picture files

During the preparation of this article our editorial staff also lucky enough to get at the disposal of exclusive pictures of starting early next year, devices known to our readers on the news by romantic names - Smartphone HTC S650 (Savalier) and communicator HTC P3340 (Love). Indeed, a sweet couple;) recall separately for each of them. So, the first smart phone built on the platform of Cavalier, is a remake of the recently introduced HTC S620 (Excalibur). Externally, these models are virtually identical, and the hardware specifications of almost no change, except for the installation of more powerful CPU of 400 MHz and the new support cetey third generation (UMTS / HSDPA). In the rest on board, HTC Cavalier is still the same full arsenal of wireless: GSM / GPRS module with support for EDGE, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a unique control - lateral sensory strip JoGGR, performing, among others, and the function of the scroll wheel.
X-Files - HTC communicators in 2007
HTC S650 Cavalier
As for the second novelty, the communicator HTC P3340 (Love), it also provides a lightweight GPS-tuning the model HTC P3300 (Artemis). But unlike its predecessor HTC P3300, this unit is not equipped with a GPS-receiver. Due to some features, such as special software and hardware buttons direct access to the content model will be regarded as a musical. Otherwise, HTC Love - almost a copy of Artemis, if you do not take into account a slightly modified design of the case. The legacy of the communicator got a spectacular appearance, all wireless modules (from a phone GSM / GPRS / EDGE to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi), FM-receiver and a 2 megapixel camera, as well as corporate control - jog ball. Remember, this is quite handy miniature version of the trackball, which replaces the joystick.
X-Files - HTC communicators in 2007
HTC P3340 Love
Shortly after the new year will be published on HPCru reviews of both devices.

X-files, or flagship-2007

Well, finally we can not fail to mention the image model, which will become the new hallmark HTC in 2007, succeeding Universal. Close to reality, data and pictures of models HTC X7500 (Athena) have just recently leaked to the online edition. This new product is difficult to be attributed to any particular class of devices, and that's HTC, difficulty in classification, gave her the name of «X». In fact, it's the future leader of the 2007, which will replace the HTC Universal, and probably set a new high bar for the entire industry.
X-Files - HTC communicators in 2007
HTC X7500 Athena
    Here's how it looks characteristics:
  • Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition
  • Processor: Intel XScale, 624 MHz
  • Screen: 5 ", 640x480 pixels, TFT
  • Memory: 64 / 128 MB RAM, 128/256 MB ROM
  • HDD: 8 GB
  • Expandable memory: miniSD
  • Wireless interfaces: GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS / HSDPA (2100 MHz for Europe and 850/1900 MHz for USA), Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0
  • GPS-receiver (supports AGPS)
  • Battery: 2100 mAh
  • Camera: 2 megapixel main or 3 megapixel for video - VGA
  • Dimensions: 133,1 x97x20 mm (plus 4 mm pad)
  • Weight: 350 grams with battery.
This model is tentatively shown in the first quarter of 2007 and its price will be around $ 1700. That turned a trio of models, which are already in full buzz world wide web. Probably, these models will be available in the near future. As can be seen from the characteristics, HTC P3340 and HTC S650 are quite standard devices to date, while the HTC X7500 - something new, yet not giving a clear classification. But this is not all that is conceived in HTC, details, see the next section: X-Files - HTC communicators of 2007 (part 2). The authors, translation:

Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change

For a company HTC, Pocket PC giants-building, 2006 was a very "fruitful" in terms of production of new devices. It would seem that it is time to stop and catch your breath and look back, in order to evaluate the work done and to look through the eyes of competitors, but there it was! Toward the close of the year HTC has made a gift to his fans - the new communicator HTC P4350. Perhaps, it is quite possible to say that the novelty has long awaited. In fact, the range of HTC PDA keyboard is somewhat incomplete: on the one hand, the lowest price segment, the old model Qtek 9100, which for a year, on the other - hi-end device is HTC TyTN. In light of the latest design refinements HTC (P3300, S620, etc.) would seem logical appearance keyboard device without special technological refinements, the already proven platform, but with a new design. About the way it came out, and today we present to the court of readers HTC P4350 (code name - Herald, which translated means "herald" or "messenger").
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
    Specifications:
  • Platform: Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition (AKU 3.2)
  • Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP850, 200MHz
  • Memory: 64 MB RAM (44Mb of user) and 128 MB of memory (43Mb available)
  • Screen: 2.8 "(72 mm), TFT, 240x320 pixels, 65536 colors
  • Memory Expansion: microSD / SDIO
  • Wireless interfaces: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MGts, GPRS / EDGE class B / Multislot class 10, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b / g)
  • Battery: removable lithium-ion battery, 1130 mAh
  • Audio: microphone, speaker, headphone jack extUSB
  • Camera: 2.0 megapixel without autofocus and flash
  • Dimensions and weight: 109 x 59 x 17 mm, 168 g with battery.
The closest competitor HTC P4350 can be called the Glofiish M700 - also the keyboard device. However, at a stretch, since Glofiish M700 has a built-in GPS-receiver in contrast to the HTC P4350. In fact, the new HTC - this is a slightly modified Qtek 9100. However, first things first.

Completion

    HTC P4350 comes in the now standard HTC configuration:
  • Battery
  • Charger
  • Sync cable
  • Wired stereo headset with call answer key and a volume control connector (extUSB)
  • CD with software
  • User's Guide.
For an extra fee you can buy: branded leather case, car charger, Bluetooth-headset monaural, stereo Bluetooth-headset. It is puzzling why the HTC «clamped" case - apparently, the model is considered the budget, and decided to save it. If you recall the Qtek 9100, he has a case, too, was very "budget" type - not leather, but from a thick nylon fabric. Well, it's not critical now. Typically, a complete cover immediately replaced by more convenient, for an additional fee.

Appearance

Perhaps one can say that the HTC P4350 continues the tradition with their design colleagues HTC P3300: the same smooth lines, rounded corners and the buttons of unusual shape. True, no innovation on the part of government is not seen - pure classic. Sorry, but the convenient scroll wheel, as in the HTC TyTN, HTC P4350 in no place. Apparently, this is still the top-level ownership patterns.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
The enclosure is made of rough to the touch plastic, which is sometimes referred to as soft-touch. Engineering samples are the colors of dark graphite with black insert in the middle of the perimeter of the housing, commercial same device - all black, and the block of buttons made of frosted silver.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: to open the QWERTY-keyboard
In his hand the device is not bad, except for one thing: the camera lens is somehow made fairly bulging out sideways, and the sharp edge of the ridge on the back of the little bumps in the finger, no matter what hand you hold the device.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: back, camera
On the front panel (by the way, the metal!), As usual, the screen above him - two LEDs (network / charging / alarm / Bluetooth / WiFi). Under the screen - the block of buttons: two command buttons, Windows Mobile, two phone buttons, the Start button and "OK", plus a joystick with a central button. All the buttons are flat and not marked, so that the touch to determine where to click, is somewhat problematic. The whole key block, except the joystick, illuminated nice white color, and, lighting is not associated with the screen.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: key block
At the top end is only the power button. Left - the camera button, slider, volume control, reset button, microSD card slot under the rubber cap and a loop for a strap.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: top end
Right - the call button Comm manager, voice dialing and a silo.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: right and left ends
On the bottom - a familiar already familiar brand extUSB connector and latch-lock the back cover.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: bottom end
On the back of the plug sockets are for connecting an external antenna, external speaker port, camera lens and mirror for self shooting. Under the hood - the battery bay and connector for SIM-card. Despite the fact that the SIM-card is not underneath the battery, remove it without removing the battery, do not turn out - tricky latch connector should move down, which is possible only when the battery is removed.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: rear view
Rear cover - the only fly in the ointment concerning the design: the bottom it has only one point of attachment (latch), which is shifted from the center that allows you to easily hook it over the edge and is strong enough to push from the main body, forming a large gap. I think that is mounting - not the most reliable, and the latch is probably time permission or excuse. Otherwise, the quality of performance hull claims no - everything is done perfectly.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350: a battery compartment
It is time to remember about the basic "flavor" model - a sliding keyboard. In HTC P4350 utilizes a new mechanism for a sliding keyboard with avtodovodchikom ": is it worth to push the keyboard by about half, and it automatically pops up in full, the same thing at the closing. Little innovation: a keyboard now extends not to the left, as Qtek 9100 and HTC TyTN, and the right, which is somewhat unusual. Pushing on and close the keyboard, you can assign a beep (or even disable it). This "fashionable" feature is clearly targeted at young audiences.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Keyboard itself has undergone a fair change from "ancestor» Qtek 9100 and even later HTC TyTN. Now the keys occupy practically the entire surface of the sliding block (it's a stone in the garden TyTN, where for some unknown reasons, the sides left a fair space) and become square. Perhaps, P4350 - the first device HTC (except for the Qtek 9000, but it's very different sizes), where the keyboard is really easy to use, size of the keys fit the holder of his fingers of any size. The keys have a fairly clear course and touch rubber - I personally thought that this is the rubber coating, but could be wrong. In addition, the keyboard status LEDs are present the Fn and Caps, almost as a "big" computer, which is very convenient (for instance, the state TyTN keys displayed in the bottom of the Windows Mobile and not always correctly). The keys light up blue-white color, they can be clearly seen in the dark. HTC P4350 claimed as thinnest keyboard device, but this HTC little slukavila, pointing to the characteristics of the device thickness of 17 mm. In fact, this shell thickness at the narrowest point, near the camera body is slightly thicker, about 2 mm. But in any case, the device has turned out, as it were better to speak ... very straightforward - the word is most appropriate when you look at P4350. True, the weight compared to Qtek 9100 has increased.

Screen

Here, perhaps, lies the main intrigue: for some reason (most likely in order to reduce the cost), HTC P4350 used in the screen without the mirror backing (which is interesting - in engineering samples had normal transflective screen). The main result to which it leads - the screen less readable in the sun. Otherwise, it is quite typical for modern HTC devices with a diagonal screen 2.8 ", 240x320 pixels, 65536 colors, with excellent viewing angles. Backlight levels of 5, which is somewhat little.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change

Processor and memory

As mentioned above, P4350 is basically a variation on the theme Qtek 9100 (Platform Wizard), the differences mainly only in the design of housing and the version of Windows Mobile. Accordingly, the hardware filling is already familiar to the pain: TI OMAP850 processor with a frequency of 200 MHz, 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB of RAM. Memory expansion is carried out using cards microSD, card slot is located conveniently enough, and is closed to clean the rubber stopper. Today, the presence of a microSD slot can not be considered a disadvantage, since available cards with 2GB and their price is not very different from those in terms of miniSD.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Below we present the results of testing of P4350 using the program SPB Benchmark. Apparently, miracles do not happen and the speed of the new device is virtually identical to its predecessor, Qtek 9100.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Performance Testing using TCPMP player has once again confirmed the results of the above test. Recall that testing in this case is conducted as follows. The unit test are run commercials for a player TCPMP, compressed codecs DivX and XviD in the most popular resolutions. Normal playback speed roller deemed figure of 100%, but since TCPMP shows the average result, decided to take the norm of 120%. Of course, the more results the better. The table below shows the achievement HTC P4350 in comparison with devices of competitors and predecessor.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
So, play unconverted video, our hero, as expected, will not pull. More or less go to him videos with a resolution of 320x240, and then delayed. Subjectively, the machine is still running quite quickly, almost podtormazhivaya when performing tasks common to the communicator. Delays are observed, it begins to objectively for its CPU time-consuming work, such as opening large files (documents or photos). In such cases, we have to wait sometimes for 10-15 seconds.

Battery

P4350 is equipped with a battery pack with quite a modest capacity 1130mAch (which is even less than the Qtek 9100, approximately 10%), so that some records on the runtime can not count. Communicator was tested in three different modes by the standard procedure. 1. Stress test: GSM-module, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, the brightness and volume - the maximum, the communicator lost in a cycle of "hard" video. Hours - 4 hours 15 minutes. 2.Reading e-books: GSM-module, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned off, the light - in the first division of the minimum, the reading program was carried Haali Reader mode avtoskrolla memory card. Hours - 19 hours 20 minutes. 3. Audio playback: GSM-module, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the screen - are off. Play was performed on a regular headset. Used the program GS Player, files with a bitrate of 192-256 KBps played with the memory card. Hours - 11 hours 45 minutes. But looks like our hero from the competition.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
As can be seen, the results are very respectable for such a weak battery. However, practice has shown that under normal use (talking, reading books, some of GPRS and Bluetooth) battery life is pretty enough little more than a day, so get ready to charge P4350 frequently (almost - every day). Just in case, always carry a charge.

Sound

Audio path has not undergone significant changes: P4350 traditional "issues" sound is very decent quality, without any impurities or interferences. Remains the only available option - to activate or deactivate the automatic volume control microphone. When used as a sound recorder can record at distances where a 1.5 meter on the volume and quality of entries fall considerably. Established headset is not habitually a distinctive sound quality and plug extUSB make a difficult test search headphones to replace staff. Fortunately, not so long ago, HTC has released a special adapter with a "proprietary" connector to a regular 2.5 mm audio jack, but whether it is available from us - I do not know. In general, the audible during calls with the device - very good. Call itself by a rather loud speakers hard to miss. In an extreme case, connect to business vibrate mode, on-then certainly will not fail.

Wireless interfaces

As usual, the wireless interfaces P4350 convenient way to manage (enable, disable and configure) from the "corporate" applications Comm manager, which is probably familiar to you.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change

Phone

Because this is still the same phone module processor TI OMAP850, then some special differences from the other HTC devices on the same chipset, it is difficult to expect - it's the same quad-GSM-module 850/900/1800/1900MGts with support GPRS class B multislot class 10 and EDGE. Constantly updated only version of phone software is responsible for working with GSM-equipment - bugs are fixed. Over time, using the phone I could not find any problems - everything worked well, to make and receive calls, GPRS working, SMS and MMS sent. The quality of connection, too, no complaints - all at a very high level. Perhaps the only complaint (which applies equally to all devices on the TI-platform) - the phone is not very quickly searches the network (compared with, say, TyTN, using chipsets Qualcomm). But this is somewhat subjective assessment of someone with her and can not accept. One of the innovations (the truth, but rather refers to the Windows Mobile, rather than to a phone module) - this is support for sending SMS via GPRS, but this service should also support and mobile operator. The ringer volume is at P4350 - average, vibration - powerful enough to not miss a call while the phone is in a case on your belt. Recently, HTC became very serious about the quality of the telephone module (and remember, for example, about old problems Qtek 9100/S200 network "MTS"). All new devices are thoroughly tested for correct operation in the networks of Russian mobile operators, which involved several engineers and a large number of devices simultaneously.

Bluetooth

HTC claims full support for P4350 standard Bluetooth 2.0 (and this is perhaps the only hardware platform unlike the Wizard), but I was not able to check whether there is support for enhanced data rate EDR, because of my lack of such devices. I think that, as in the HTC P3300, this functionality is not supported (yes, it would be strange to see such innovation in a budget model, if it is not even in Hi-End devices). Continue to use standard Bluetooth-stack from Misrosoft supported by a set of profiles is also quite typical for a device with AKU3:
  • GAP (Generic Access Profile)
  • A2DP - stereo audio output through Bluetooth-headset
  • FTP - the ability to view the file structure of any other device with built-in utility FTP Explorer
  • PAN (Personal Area Network) - an opportunity to use the device as an access point to multiple computers
  • OPP (Object Push Profile)
  • GOEP (Generic Object Exchange Profile)
  • SPP (Serial Port Profile) - serial port emulation
  • SAP (SIM Access Profile) - the ability to access the numbers on the SIM-card with car system with Bluetooth Handsfree
  • HSP (HeadSet Profile)
  • HFP (HandsFree Profile)
  • HID (Human Interface Device profile)
  • AVRCP (Audio / Video Remote Control Profile)
  • SDAP (Service Discovery Application Profile).
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
It is interesting that since version AKU3 Bluetooth-stack from Microsoft does not support Profile DUN (Dial-Up Networking, Remote Access), which does not use the communicator as a modem, as it can be done with devices based on AKU2.x. On the one hand, the setup when using PAN profile is easier on the other - the older devices (eg PDAs), about the PAN did not know.

Wi-Fi

The work of Wi-Fi is traditionally at a height, but the P4350 can not boast too good sensitivity. A similar situation with the HTC TyTN, maybe it has something to do with the sliding design of the device. Settings manager - a standard Microsoft, setting a minimum, but this is quite sufficient for normal operation. The only innovation AKU3 - Support wireless data encryption standard, WPA2, which is important for corporate users.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change

Luggage

The communicator is equipped with a P4350 which has recently become almost a standard for HTC camera with a matrix resolution of 2 megapixel. Close-up, in contrast to the TyTN, there is no flash either. Set of options as is typical for devices Pocket PC Phone: resolution, image quality, white balance, special effects (sepia, black & white, etc.), adjust the sharpness, saturation, contrast, timer mode (photo / video / ... ), etc. About them, we have repeatedly been told, so do not dwell on this detail.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
The quality of shots is not bad enough, but only in good light. Worth a try to take pictures in low light or shade - just the problem starts, and the macro P4350 has been difficult. Below are examples of photographs taken by a camera of our hero.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change

Software

HTC P4350 is powered by the latest (for now) version of Windows Mobile 5.0 AKU3.2. In addition to standard applications, HTC added a few more set, including its own design.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
ZIP - utility for working with ZIP-files on your device. Has already become the standard for all new devices, HTC.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Adobe Reader LE - software for viewing PDF-documents, replaced used hitherto ClearVue PDF.Midlet Manager - virtual Java-machine from the company Tao Group to run on the device MIDlets Java. Functionally very stripped-down version that does not support many advanced features J2ME. Task Manager - with this program (more precisely, the applet in System Preferences) you can make the application actually closed (and not just went "on background") when you click on "x". You can adjust the type of depression - a single, pressing the retention, or both. Audio Manager - application incomprehensible proprietary HTC, for listening to music. Why is it needed in the presence of embedded Media Player - a complete mystery, since it does not know how virtually nothing.
Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
Voice Speed ​​Dial - also the de facto standard software for HTC voice dialing from a company Cyberon.

Price and Availability

Currently, HTC P4350 is already on the domestic retail price of 20,990 rubles (about $ 800).

Conclusions

Communicator HTC P4350 (Herald): a herald of change
HTC P4350 - purely an evolutionary product that uses the proven platform and a good form factor side slider. Recall that his predecessor, Qtek 9100, became the first device made in such a case, then this a good idea has been taken note of the producers and the beginning replicated. Its main trump card - a full QWERTY-keyboard in a compact size. So, our today's hero is ideal for those who want to buy a keyboard model, but the performance and features GPS prefer modern design. Any particular innovations in the device is not, except for an improved sliding mechanism, the keyboard itself and impressive appearance, so its current price is very high, especially given the more advanced competitors facing less. However, this model introduces a certain variety in symmetrical rows of virtually "identical to the face of" smart pipes, not differing design refinements and, therefore, attract a new audience. Let us as usual we expand our impressions on the shelves.
    Cons:
  • weak fastening the rear cover
  • lack of a standard headphone jack
  • low productivity
  • inflated starting price
    Pros:
  • catchy look
  • excellent keyboard with a new mechanism of disclosure
  • partially metal body
  • good battery life.
The authors, translation:

Rumors: HTC Communicators 2007

Attention! The same stuff you can read in Russian. Follow this link: X-Files - HTC communicators in 2007 This material is based on rumors, circulating Internet lately. For accuracy of all data we shall not warrant, as can still change. But, apparently, we are expected with very perspective year and half-year. This is the first part of an article, we'll have some more info a bit later, you'll find links at HPC.ru main page. Nominally novelties could be divided into two main categories. The first category includes those, which are already known to the Internet-media: HTC X7500 (Athena), PDA phone HTC P3350 (Love) and smartphone HTC S650 (Cavalier). These devices have already been reviewed on the news and in the mobile panorama; therefore we will not dwell upon them here, but will mainly present their photos.

HTC S650 (Savalier) & HTC P3340 (Love): photo-files

During the preparation of this article we managed to receive exclusive photos of the new devices, which the mass-media provided with their romantic names - Smartphone HTC S650 (Savalier) and PDA phone HTC P3340 (Love). Really, a sweet couple. ;) We shall remind separately of each of them. So, the first clever phone, constructed on the Cavalier platform, represents a remake of the recently presented HTC S620 (Excalibur). Externally these models are practically identical, and hardware characteristics almost have not undergone changes apart from a more powerful 400 MHz processor and the support of the third generation networks (UMTS / HSDPA). In other respects, the HTC Cavalier has the same full wireless arsenal: GSM / GPRS module with the support of EDGE, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and also a unique management element - the lateral touch strip JoGGR (alternative of a scrolling wheel).
Rumors: HTC Communicators 2007
HTC S650 Cavalier
The second novelty - HTC P3340 (Love) - represents easy tuning of the GPS-model HTC P3300 (Artemis). Unlike its predecessor (HTC P3300), this device is not supplied with a GPS-receiver. Due to some features, like the special software and hardware buttons of direct access to the content, the model will be considered as musical. We can say that the HTC Love is practically a copy of the Artemis, if we do not take into consideration a slightly changed design. The device is equipped with all wireless modules (GSM / GPRS / EDGE, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi), an FM-receiver and a 2 Mpxl camera, as well as with a branded management element - jog-ball. It is a convenient variant of trackball, replacing joystick.
Rumors: HTC Communicators 2007
HTC P3340 Love

X-files, or Leader in 2007, HTC X7500 Athena

Well, and at last we should say a few words about another fashionable model, which is going to become the new HTC image in 2007, replacing Universal. Close to the truth data and photos of the HTC X7500 (Athena) model have recently appeared on the Internet. It is difficult to class this novelty, and the HTC gave it the name "X". As a matter of fact, it is the future leader-in 2007, which will replace HTC Universal and may probably establish a new high rod for the whole industry.
Rumors: HTC Communicators 2007
HTC X7500 Athena
System information:
  • Operational system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition
  • CPU: Intel XScale, 624 MHz
  • Display: 5 "with the resolution of 640x480 pixels, TFT
  • Memory: 64 / 128 Mb RAM & 128/256 Mb ROM
  • HDD: 8 Gb
  • Memory expansion: miniSD
  • Wireless set: GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 Mhz) and UMTS / HSDPA (2100 Mhz for Europe & 850/1900 Mhz for the USA), Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0
  • GPS-receiver (with supporting AGPS)
  • Battery: 2100 mAh
  • Integrated cameras: main 2 Mp or 3 Mp, VGA for video phone calls
  • Dimensions: 133,1 x97x20 mm (plus 4 mm keyboard)
  • Weight: 350 g.
This model is supposed to appear in the first quarter 2007 and its price will be about $ 1700. These three models are actively discussed on the internet. Probably, these models will appear on sale in the nearest time. HTC P3340 and HTC S650 are usual devices for today, while HTC X7500 is absolutely new, so far uncomplying clear classification. But it's not all from HTC, look details in next part of the article: Rumors: HTC Communicators 2007 (part2). The authors, translation: