Mobile Review

CeBIT-2006: UMPC at the start

The first unit of the project Origami, has received as a platform final name for UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), were presented March 8, 2006. And already at the show, just a couple of days later, the visitors an opportunity to own hands to feel the first copies. And I must say that exhibited UMPC aroused mixed feelings. The idea of integrating a large number of specialized devices in one, of course, attractive to the buyer and the manufacturer. But, unfortunately, any flexibility at the present level of technology development is achieved only through compromises. In the case of UMPC tradeoffs are manifested in the form of the comparative severity and cumbersome devices, conceived as a mobile. Not solved the problem of short, 1-3 hour battery life, as well as the monstrous heat (which, incidentally, is connected to each other). Functional richness and abundance of the claimed areas of application developers to make very small area to collect the constructor of a decent amount of controls (buttons, joysticks, shuttles) and connectors of various nazacheniya. This leads to an obvious design errors. For example, the Samsung Q1 power connector have exactly the midst of his right hand, so to keep two hands connected to the UMPC is very inconvenient. Likewise is the case with a USB connector. Management and approaches to work the UMPC platform can not be attributed to the intuitive. Device management requires habits. Users will have all certainly familiar with the guidance and, apparently, to face several challenges. Those wishing to admire the interface of these devices can take a peek here and let us tell you about the first concept based on the new platform.

Samsung Q1

Option UMPC from Samsung, Q1, causes mild surprise at the quality of manufacturing, assembly, and actually design. Lacquered black finish, so good looking at the promotional photo, as soon as you take it in his hands, covered with sloppy stains on your fingers. Casting quality also makes an impression similar to those that arise in the form of products begins Chinese electronics manufacturer. Buttons and joystick buttons are not clear.

From design flaws, as noted just above, above all, prevents sticking right into his hand the power plug.

On the credit side, we have smart without stammering and complaints work of the basic Windows XP interface, developed mechanism to switch screen resolutions (between physical and virtual interpolated), high sensitivity touch screen. Round half the keyboard on the edges of the screen for text input with your thumbs work clearly, text typed, although the process requires some skill. If you take out of the Samsung Q1 all the wires, the UMPC fits in your hand very nicely and uhvatisto. One of the average male hand is unlikely to get a long to keep the computer on one side only in the middle of the palm. In the women - even less chance. Basking in the idling Samsung Q1 strong, but not critical.

On the back of the Samsung Q1 designers have provided a nice folding podstavochku, to be put on the table and UMPC to watch a movie or ponabirat text on the external keyboard. Stated on the stand when alternatives Samsung Q1 on sale in the European market - April-May. Price - up to 1000 euros.

Look at the Samsung Q1 from all sides here.

Asus R2

Asus has its own UMPC Asus R2 showed only showcase the hands to get the computer failed. However, on the screen spinning commercials, so that the device will likely work. Design Asus R2 square order, the amateur. There is a built camera, fingerprint scanner and a GPS module. Unlike the Samsung Q1, UMPC wire on either side will not interfere to keep it in your hands. Asus R2 terms of occurrence in the market have been declared the second quarter at a price of just over $ 1000.

It is curious that stand assistant misspoke about the fact that the ASUS is in the bins yet another development on UMPC. However, further rasprossy resisted. However, in practice, applications for booths to believe you can not always. Rate Asus R2 on all sides here.

Amtek

Quite unexpectedly, your obedient servant, ran for another yet another member of the platform UMPC, this time from the company Amtek, codenamed Amtek T-700. It is striking that the Taiwanese company released its completely finished product on the UMPC platform almost simultaneously with the "big" Microsoft partners on this topic. However, the development is done, most likely under the order, because the recently announced line of UMPC TabletKiosk V-700 is actually the same product.

In general, the machine caused a sensation about the same as the Samsung Q1. This is not too sleek lacquered body, rather Loose controls. But the most striking impression - this is the case temperature in operating Amtek T-700. Despite the noisy fan, e-filling warms the body is very noticeable. Wants to change hands.

Another nuisance was less sensitive to the touch of a finger touch screen layer. The stylus works wonderfully, but when you try typing with your thumbs unexpected sensory layer to work almost stopped. Stand assistant complained to the sensor and advised him to grow on thumbs nails to the point of contact with the screen was smaller, and iron could confidently identify the center of depression. Perhaps, it is necessary to make a list of requirements for users:)

Otherwise, no substantive comments there. Within five minutes of acquaintance Amtek T-700 is not hung, worked quickly. Unlike all other models, the final price on Amtek T-700 should be around 800 dollars, that's interesting. Promise to "surrender" to the market a couple of months.

UMPC Founder MiniNote

Perhaps the most pleasant and dodelanny UMPC - is Founder MiniNote. He ECS H70 (Elitgroup Computer Systems). Great layout, nice quality performance, although clearly masculine design. Buttons - crisp, the screen on your fingers without long nails withdrawn gangbusters. Heated moderately, everything works.

More and say there is nothing (as usual the good:)), except that once again called for a term issue the second quarter of 2006, and over the price data do not.

UMPC in dry figures

In the plate just below you will find the characteristics of the heroes of this material. Some of the parameters is still unknown.

First UMPC clod

Of course, the exhibition samples often differ for the worse from the retail units as well as mainly in the stands get prereliznye version. It is possible that the ultimate UMPC will lack many of the bugs or defects. This is especially true of body parts and organs of governance. In general, my impression is that the first generation of these devices a few vymucheno manufacturers. Most likely, most of the models is vyalovatym response partners on the political will of Microsoft, thinks that, well, it's time, let's do something about it. After all, the idea and the project Origami, seems to have at least a few years. So none of the manufacturers while not particularly want to invest their own money, because the prospects are not clear platform. Stated prices on the first generation in poor agreement with their field of application. They should be cheaper by at least one-third, to become really interesting for the mass users. However, Microsoft has repeatedly argued that the one who has enough money to be persistent and to alter their practice's failed at first production, in the end, will receive the market. The classic example - the way this company on the first Windows CE handheld to the current dominant position. It's about besklaviaturny machines. Here the software giant had enough money. In general, we will wait and in this case. If the case goes, we may see a really nice multi-purpose UMPC with a duration of at least 5-6 hours, dostochno thin and weighing about 500-600 grams, with a good clear screen, and the price is not more than 600-700 dollars . Otherwise, a pair of PDA and laptop for many will be preferred, although even more expensive alternative. The authors, translation:

Acer n311: small spool, but precious

Acer is difficult to identify a significant player in the PDA market. Handhelds this manufacturer had never used such a demand, like their counterparts from Hewlett-Packard or Fujitsu-Siemens. But all the models, starting with a series n35, have a nice set of features at very tempting prices, which in its time and made the Russian Internet users look at the Acer products more closely. This year the company opened a production of a series of handheld machines Acer n300, which has caused a stir among advanced users. And there is something really surprising. As amended HPCru visited older model a new line - Acer n311. About it today and we'll talk.

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0
Processor: Samsung S3C2440 400 MHz
Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB Flash ROM
Screen: 3.7 "transflective TFT, 640x480 pixels, 65536 colors
Memory Expansion: SD / MMC
Communications capabilities: Bluetooth 1.2, Wi-Fi (802.11b), USB-host
Battery: Lithium-Ion, 1200 mAh, removable
Audio: microphone, speaker, 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
Dimensions and weight: 110 x 70 x 14 mm and 135 g.

As for younger versions, n310, then the CPC differs only in the absence of the module Wi-Fi. Direct competitors of the new Acer is also difficult to distinguish as clearly define the class of the device. On the one hand, we have a PDA with VGA-screen - a distinctive feature of the hi-end class, as well as a complete set of wireless interfaces, but on the other - with very low on sraneniyu with similar price, in essence, provoked excitement. In general, the cheaper and pared down a few hi-end. However, compared with this new innovation, in our opinion, could still be just such fellows as the Dell Axim X51v, HP iPAQ hx4700 and Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 718/720. The fact that a new wave of VGA-models are only moving to the Russian market. As you know, soon expected to become even more handhelds such class - FS Pocket Loox N560 and C550, for example. But all this only in the long term, and we, meanwhile, estimate that there are.

Supplied

Complete set of machines can be called average. In the box Acer n311 collected everything you need: battery, USB-cable, charger, cradle with removable transparent stand, fabric cover, CD with software and crack, and of the user manual.

Credle Acer n311 - this is another story, because unlike its counterparts, consists not only of the base, but separately and attached transparent podstavochki, which serves as a holder for connecting PDAs. The fact why do we need this thing will tell a little lower, led by USB-host.

On the back of the cradle are connectors for connecting the charger and the USB-cable, and also launched USB host - one of the main trump cards of this novelty. Another plus docking station - an extra bay for recharging the secondary battery. Oddly enough, but installing it today neglected by many manufacturers. However, the work of this economy, we'll talk.

With regard to the complete cover of Acer, it is good except to protect the PDA from dust during their stay on the shelf. So even for wearing PDA in your pocket you will get more serious case.

Appearance

"With face a" new creation Acer looks quite attractive. The elegant building is designed in two colors - black and silver, which, as usual, are the spectacular duo. The screen is marked on the sides of a thin frame, under the metal. " Above and below the display are two black patent leather inserts, which fades into the rear of the PDA as a broad band with a notch brand and logo is Acer. In terms of design n311 can be considered as generalists because it would be equally appropriate to look at and in the hands of the student, and in the women's hands, and on the table a solid leader.

Trump Acer n311 - an unusually small size and light weight. Our hero - a champion for compactness, not only among the analogs with VGA-screens, but also one of the most elegant compared to most WM handhelds. See this as a possible use the "Compare devices" in our "Catalogue of the CCP, and just by looking at the photo below.

FS Pocket LOOX 720, Acer n311, and HP iPAQ hx4700

Now carefully consider the n311 from all sides. Under the screen, as usual, are hardware keys with five-way navigation joystick in the middle, and over the screen - two LEDs. One of them is activated when you turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and the second indicates a low battery. At first glance, everything is in place, but there are minor ergonomic flaws that are found only in the process of using the device. For example, do not quite understand the logic of applying a glossy coating on the hardware keys. At such brilliant buttons are usually very noticeable fingerprints, so that the active use of keys considerably worsen the appearance. Well, all this small stuff.

But the fact that the control buttons and the joystick are too close to the bottom of the CCP, to accept no longer so simple. Of course, it is clear - the fight for every inch. Plus, the PDA - it's not a phone, in any case have to use a stylus. But, for example, when playing or reading, when turning the pages with one hand using the joystick, this shortcoming becomes very noticeable. Machine, that and look, jump out of hand. On the other hand, it is the only negative point in ergonomics Acer n 311. All the rest of its developers certainly succeeded.

Flipping record keeping Acer n311 with one hand, is not very convenient ...

We continue the examination.At the bottom you can find a connector for cradle, and the hole in which is hidden a button to soft-reset your PDA.

Right end Acer - empty, and on the left are located the power button and switch to Hold, blocking controls and the device's screen. Scroll wheel, for which many commentators praised model Acer n35, our hero, unfortunately, is absent. Meanwhile, it would have to be fitting, given the not very thoughtful position joystick.

Top placed 3.5 mm audio jack, slot SD / MMC and stylus holder, and two LEDs that indicate the process of charging and operation of wireless interfaces.

On the back side of the case is a grid dynamics and the battery cover. It is worth noting that the cap is fastened securely enough and fits very tightly. About any backlash can not walk and talk. In general, the quality of assembly Acer n311 does not yield models from HP or Fujitsu-Siemens.

Screen

Display Acer n311, despite its resolution can not be called outstanding. No, no, do not think anything bad. Just for color and contrast, this matrix is markedly inferior to the competition - the same HP iPAQ hx4700 or Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 720. As for performance, here we have a diagonal of 3.7 inches, the resolution of 640x480 pixels and 65,536 colors displayed. Viewing angles - not bad, and not as good as our competitors, but when I try to look at the screen at a steep angle above an unpleasant yellow color, characteristic of, for example, HP iPAQ h1930. (Of course, the screen on the picture below, photographed alive, does not correspond to reality. In fact, the display Acer - clearer and more vivid. - Ed.)

Display backlight is regulated at about 20 steps. The minimum brightness level, in my opinion, not much inflated, under normal lighting to work with the CPC - is quite nice, but in the dark eye strain when reading almost immediately. With regard to the maximum level of illumination, it is a bit weak, that is, for comfortable work in bright sunlight it is not enough. However, this is my subjective impression. According to colleagues in the sun and everything is in order.

In general, the screen is quite good and if you do not keep the Acer n311 in hand simultaneously with the HP iPAQ hx4700, the majority of users do not notice the difference.So, summing up the interim, we can say that the build quality Acer n311 deserves evaluation "excellent" for the design gets a "good" and the screen can be described as "satisfactory."

Speed and memory

"Heart" Acer n311 processor is Samsung S3C2440, clocked at 400 MHz (by the way, the same as that of pozaproshlogodnego PDA HP iPAQ rx3715). Preference for this processor "stone" from Intel explained, firstly, the lower cost, and, secondly, the economy in terms of power consumption, which should ultimately have a positive impact on battery life. Generally, after a bitter experience with one of the first PDA with a VGA-screen Toshiba e800, looking at the characteristics of the Acer n311, involuntarily come to doubt that this frequency will be enough for comfortable work in this resolution.

Let's see how smartly the CCP manages to perform its duties. To resort to using Spb Benchmark test package in this case it would be inappropriate. The reasons for this - a few, and you about them, I suppose, has heard. First, this test case with VGA-screen incorrectly calculates the graphics performance. Second, for all devices running the Windows operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 benchmark suffers large discrepancies in the assessment of memory speed. At Acer n311, we have something, and more. It turns out, trust the results of this test can only be one item - the index of the processor (CPU Index). Therefore, this time instead of the usual tables of results we will share subjective impressions about the speed of this model. Just check the PDA in the field: we will open large documents in Word Mobile, download weighty pdf-files, watch pictures, play videos, listen to MP3s. So, to work with pdf-documents on the Acer n311 hard. Firstly, a very long time is opened. Secondly, the CCP seriously "thinks" when zooming. I must say that in this respect, our hero works as slowly as a communicator Qtek 9100 with its 195 MHz processor. But if the latter is mainly used for phone calls and other needs, then n311 - PDA in the classic sense of the word, one of the main tasks of which is precisely the same job with text files. The situation with Word Mobile looks better. Large files, of course, open for 20 seconds, and even for a minute, but still it is not so critical, and work is possible. Normally behave and undemanding (in the chart) games optimized for resolution 640x480 (for example, Snails from PDAMill). Bright enough to "run" and emulators consoles, namely PocketNester, issued on the Mountain 8-bit console Dendi and Pocket SNES - gaming system Super Nintendo. Well, with music and downloading large playlists, no problems at all. Today it is one of the most undemanding to resources of the CCP problems. We now turn to testing the handheld video capability using BetaPlayer 0.096.

As one would think, no surprises. The results of the Acer n311 were regularly below the achievements of other VGA-models. According to the testing methodology BetaPlayer, normal playback speed is 100%, but since the final result is an average figure, the figure should be taken with a small margin - for example, 120%. Theoretically, the n311 can watch the video and in the resolution of 320x240 (figure of 105.96% - it's still all right), and smaller. But what in this case, the advantage of VGA-screen to QVGA?! So, with the tests sorted out, now let's see what we have with memory. Volumes, in principle, is standard for this class of devices. We have 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of Flash ROM.There is only one expansion slot - is familiar and the familiar slot for Secure Digital and MultiMedia Card, supports up SDIO-peripherals, such as GPS-receiver or camera. Full of happiness, of course, would like more slot Compact Flash, which have and Dell X50v/X51v, and HP iPAQ hx4700, and Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 720. However, the dimensions of the Acer n311 to complain about his absence - a great folly.

Sound

By the sound of all the latest models of PDA is difficult to find fault. No exception, and Acer n311. It sounds pretty loud (although, for example, to the ASUS A636 in this regard him away) and to the best quality, of course, if you connect to it good headphones. By the way, way out for them from Acer provides a standard - 3.5 mm, so no adapter is required. In general, those of you who are going to use the PDA as an MP3 player, will not be disappointed. Be heard anytime and anywhere, even in the subway. As for sound quality, issued by the speaker, it is normally lower than the average, well, then it can not be helped. The only thing that could perhaps cause some inconvenience - it is the location of the speaker. His window is placed on the rear. At this location, he will fall akkurat arm, resulting in a sound will be much to lose in volume. However, most of us are accustomed to using headphones, so this minor defect is quite possible to turn a blind eye.

Built-in Acer microphone records sound good only at close range, up to 1.5-2 m from the object, then the recording quality is seriously declining. Do not save the position of any automatic gain control of sound, provided in the options, no manual adjustment.

Sociability

As can be seen from the list of technical specifications, n311 is equipped with all existing wireless "joy". Lacking only the infrared port. Although, in practice, today it is not used very often.

Bluetooth

To work with Bluetooth (version 1.2) installed on the n311 the most convenient and popular to date set of drivers from Broadcomm. Detail about it makes no sense, since most of our readers long familiar with its capabilities. For everyone else say, that Bluetooth on the Acer works flawlessly and does everything you want from this kind of communication - from access to the Internet using your cell phone with the same "blue tooth" to synchronize with your PC. Also in this version newfangled profile A2DP, allowing play stereo-quality music via Bluetooth-headphones, for example. However, in this case, we must remember that the CCP is discharged much about two times faster than usual, because of the voracious Bluetooth. But the tests on battery life - just below.

Wi-Fi

But as Wi-Fi, then here you have to resort to using software from a third party (eg the Wi-Fi Companion), becausestandard utility WLAN Utility offers a modest set of features. Coglasno specifications of Acer installed WLAN module Samsung (SWL-2455), which supports the most popular Wi-Fi protocol IEEE 802.11b, with data rates up to 11 MB / c and support standards for protecting the connection WPA, WPA-PSK, WEP and TKIP. I easily managed to establish a connection and get online with my home access point D-Link DWL-1000AP +. Low level was almost equally good in all four test points of my treshki. In two public places visited by the subject, he also showed a fairly consistent reception, with rare exceptions.

USB Host

With regard to the implementation of the USB host our PDAs can be called exemplary model. As we have said above, this connector from Acer launched into the cradle. A very cradle is designed in such a way that it can be installed both vertically and horizontally, through the very transparent removable stand. This approach allows us to work with the n311 is not only in the usual portrait, landscape modes and screen orientation. In general, a PDA can connect USB-keyboard on a desktop machine and typing in a familiar landscape that at times more convenient than fussing with extra cables in the case of Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 720. As shown, our hero is easily recognized by most USB-keyboards and Flash-drives.

Connected to a handheld mouse, we did not. Yes, and what is the point ...:)

Runtime

Battery capacity of Acer n311 by today's standards the average - 1200 mAh. Set in a larger PDA battery, apparently, did not allow the size proposed by the designers. At the same time, our hero had been planned two hungry wireless module and no less hungry VGA-screen. Processor, as we mentioned above, was chosen unpretentious, eating scraps from the master's table.

Maximum load. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are included, brightness and volume are maximal, was played in a series of "heavy" video. Time work was - 2 hours 17 minutes.
Normal operation. An attempt to simulate some "average" conditions. Wireless modules are disabled. Brightness of the light - in the middle position. Reading in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling, interspersed with periodic work with contacts, notes, Mobile Word. Hours 6:00 was 51 minutes.
Read mode. 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 - 10 hours 47 minutes.
MP3 Playback. The screen is off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with bitrates 192 KB / c. Hours - 13 hours 30 minutes.

In general, indicators of battery life with Acer n311 can be called quite good. As expected, the CCP has conceded almost all the tests more "long-playing" Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 720 (with its 1640 mAh) and HP iPAQ hx4700 (with him and did a record 1800 mAh). If you translate all the words in the evaluation, the five-point system, Acer n311 deserves a solid four. Although the record before him, of course, far away.

Soft

A set of pre-installed on the CPC program does not contain anything interesting. One can only note the utility Backup Restore, which as the name implies, is designed for backup and recovery, as well as a very average quality video player PocketTV.

Stable operation

During his stay in the model of the author of this material is no problem in not observed, but, nevertheless, we must warn you about possible difficulties faced by some of our colleagues. Single copies Acer n311, after some time of use can tightly hang when trying to make coft-rezet. In all cases nablyudalaetsya the same pattern: after a soft-rezet CCP suddenly found himself in a "coma," not wishing to be included and demonstiruya same screensaver Bootloader'om - a program responsible for the preparation of the OS to its initialization. Here are some way to find solutions craftsmen from the site PDAGold. So, you need to zip-file update ROM, which can be downloaded from the FTP Acer, Card SD or MMC memory capacity of not less than 64 MB, a fully charged battery and a little patience. First of all, the memory card to FAT16 and make sure the battery is fully charged (3-4 hour charge for this would be enough). Then unzip the downloaded file to your memory card. List of files in it should look as follows:

Now you're ready to download updates. Make sure the handheld is disconnected from the cradle, charger, etc. Make him a hard reboot. To do this, hold the top two buttons on the front panel (showing the house and envelope) and at the same time, press the end of the stylus on the pin button soft-reset. Then immediately press and hold for a few seconds the power button device.

This displays the following message:

The loading process will begin automatically. Then the device will reboot, but after that the unit may freeze again. Do not worry. Perhaps the above procedure will be repeated again. After that, everything should work. In general, Acer should take an example from HP in terms of convenience and ease of downloading firmware updates.

Price issue

The network of shops "MakTsentr - Computer in the palm of the" cost PDA Acer n311 at date of publication of the material is $ 385.

Conclusions

With the outlined congestion on the PDA market was not expected decisive action from the company Acer. And, meanwhile, produced a modest producer of Velvet Revolution, ahead of champions with the release of affordable VGA-model. Now, perhaps, the major players somehow hasten the presentation of similar new products and will focus on the bar (quality and price) established by Acer. Excellent design, compact size and light weight, large screen with a resolution of 640x480 pixels, though inferior competitors for brightness, contrast, viewing angles, all the available wireless interfaces and of course, a great starting price of the new product will provide great interest from users. At the time of visiting shops Acer n311 is much cheaper competitors in the face of HP iPAQ hx4700, Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 720 and Dell Axim X51v. If the attempt to systematize all the advantages and disadvantages of the model, we get the following picture:

Stylish Design
compact size
lightweight
VGA-screen
the presence of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
excellent starting price
support for USB Host
good battery life
convenient stand and cradle design for a keyboard

not very high performance
not the best quality screen
inconvenient location of buttons and joystick
ckromny set of additional software
potential problems with stability

The authors, translation: