When the handheld machine requests a

Once all the PDAs were fed by replacement elements ... Glorious was the time. Problems prematurely shrunken the battery simply does not exist. But there was (as yet!) The problem suddenly depleted batteries. Especially in the first family of computers Windows CE. Were hungry machines. However, "unexpectedly" with interchangeable elements did not exist. Battery life does not end suddenly. It is a process, and gradual, which has many special features. Here are flashes of the discharge. Here again blinked. Here is the computer the screen went ... off? Yes. A battery - live. Two weeks, feeding the computer's memory and thereby saving the user data from the irreversible destruction. Since the battery is another matter. Even the most comprehensive and long-life lithium-ion batteries lose exchangeable elements on many items. And to the temperature they are too sensitive, and "die" with virtually no warning, and the state of deep discharge (when the balance of power is barely enough to maintain data integrity) as a horror not like it ... Let's talk about food? The problem, then the most that neither is pressing, relevant for all, without exception, owners of PDAs. True, on the old typewriters speech there. What we hold on to the ruins of luxury?

Battery "fingers"

In the handheld computers used two types of replaceable batteries - size AA and AAA. The first serve of keyboard computers Psion 5mx. Second - in typewriters Palm m105, m125, HandEra 330, and probably even in some clones of Palm, which I have not had a case. Battery Battery discord. Manufacturer strongly recommends the use of alkaline elements, which in the west referred to as "alkaline". And Palm itself and said - only Duracell Ultra and nothing else. Like, only in this case is guaranteed to work the computer for a month ... But what - a month? Half an hour a day? Hour? Four hours? With the backlight on the screen, or without it? With the use of peripherals, modem, memory card? It is not clear. Let us say at once - Palm computer models with monochrome screens (all up to modern m125), receiving power from replaceable elements, have the longest operating times. If you are going on a long trip, and even in places where finding an electrical outlet can be problematic, it is best to bring a Palm m125 and a pocketful of batteries.

Palm m125

Such situations are not as rare as it might seem. Electricity is not available, not only in the taiga, or more often on the shores of a forgotten god of the river (where the hell gave up the computer?), But also in the car long-distance trains in the airliner cabin or in a provincial hotel, where, besides Sherbatov carafe of the hallmarks of a civilization is only cockroaches . In fact - as recharge the battery is stranded on the train "Moscow - Khabarovsk? A pocket computer in a busy rail travel that magic wand. Sleep has no strength, books still ended two days ago, but a small computer - so he is always with you ... And how to recharge the battery in the cabin of a luxury foreign aircraft, where the outlet seems to be there, but all some strange, not ours? .. The apparent goodness of replacement elements there are also clear disadvantages. Moreover, the cost of batteries leave behind, because it is something just not essential. Tridtsatirublevy kit alkaline elements are not razzorit any PDA owner, even though the high cost has been criticized holders Palm `s that are tailored to your machine nickel-metal hydride batteries, size AAA. Sets of disposable items, even at very intensive use (with backlight on, which increases power consumption two to three times) is enough for at least three or four weeks. However, only in the case of high-quality batteries. But cheap items apply not only unprofitable (die like flies weakly winter), but also dangerous. Alkaline batteries will never flow. They are produced by the most advanced technology of the most well-known companies, and the dog eats in the production of chemical power sources.A nameless Chinese batteries may leak, did not even really worn out (electrolyte leakage occurs at extremely low battery discharge when the zinc glass, used as one electrode and the reservoir at the same time, worn down to the limit). Imagine what would happen to your computer for chemical attack caustic liquid ... Another problem arises when replacing the battery discharge fresh. In the computer, Psion 5mx has a back-supporting power of memory and preventing the erasure of her information. Therefore, replacement of batteries in the 5mx pushover.

Psion 5mx

And in the Palm `s backup battery no. Instead, it uses ionistory - large capacitors that hold the electric potential (and provides power chip RAM CPC) for a minute. Gape slightly, and the data are lost. And the road is a real catastrophe - a desktop machine next to no, can not be restored. However, a minute is not that a little time. In fact, the data lost is not so much from the clumsiness of the owner PDA, but on the low-quality ionistorov (which are susceptible to aging and loss of the initial characteristics). What do you do? For Palm m125 output is obvious - use a memory card with capacity of at least 8 megabytes for complete system backup, or at least to store basic programs that may be needed to restore the system "in parts". For older machines m105 and m100 have to buy attachable to the system connector of the flash memory. It works like any memory card, but with nothing is not compatible (and are more expensive flash memory cards - about $ 70 per 8 megabytes, the other modules of capacity does not happen). However, it is enough before you go to replace polurazryazhennye items fresh. Yet thirty-trip Tmutarakan befall extremely rare. Usually have to be away from home is not more than two weeks. And this term monochrome Palm `s and their batteries are quite capable.

Cordless fun

We, users of handheld computers, we must be prepared to ensure that replacement batteries obsolete. Very soon (we can say - today) all PDAs will be colored. A power color screen and backlight, such that the dry cells did not pull. That is, all handheld computers of tomorrow will be equipped with only the internal battery. And again - battery Battery discord. For example, a family of computers Pocket PC (I suspect that not all) establish replacement batteries. That is, a user can open the lid, turn off the regular battery and replace it svezhezaryazhennym. Example - the first Russian handheld machine Rover P6.

Russia's first PDA Rover P6

Roughly the same are arranged and some clones Palm, in particular - Computer Sony PEG-T415. True, the conclusion is made vpriglyadku - I just saw on aluminum Sony battery cover, but can you replace the battery yourself, do not know ... But just know that at all "native" typewriters Palm, starting with the m130 and older (and also on the vast majority of non-ferrous clones), such replacement is impossible. Computer case is made one-piece, and non-removable battery (although gold hands and a light head barriers do not exist). Multimedia capabilities of handheld computers - multi-colored display of information, audio and video - requires sacrifice. However, in this respect a little easier to have the owner of a color Palm, because the battery life of these machines is greater than the Pocket PC (due to lower power CPU, the lack of sound chip, a modest-sized screen and simply due to the lower intake power electronic components).Computers Palm m130 and m515 from a fully charged battery will live an average of 7-8 hours. This time depends on the mode of backlight, which can be enabled by half (from m130), or the disabled at all (in m515). Seven hours is enough for two or three days of moderate use of machines or a week - as the organizer (ie, under the system of warning of upcoming events, brief addresses to the contents of the address books and so on). But reading books in the car long-distance trains are already in question. Not to mention trips to the "wild" region ...

Long-liver Jornada 720

Exit - to use replaceable batteries, and if it is not possible, then external power sources, including fueling. All computer makers Pocket PC released their handheld external battery packs that increase battery life by about half (optional battery pack to the computer keyboard Hewlett-Packard Jornada 720 extends battery life up to 24 hours - an absolute record for a PDA). The disadvantage of such devices is a considerable cost (here in Russia from 80 dollars) and is not quite pocket size. With docked battery "jacket" modest-sized machine Casio BE-300 is similar to wow brick. Additional power supplies that can be used to recharge the batteries run down - it's containers, which can accommodate four dry cells connected to the power connector, and if it is not (like Palm), then to a system connector - to the appropriate contacts. A special selection of voltage parameters (usually 4-6 volts) is not required, fresh batteries will recharge the battery until it stranded until the potential difference at the terminals are not aligned. This should avoid two things - the reversal (reverse polarity battery to the power connector), which is fraught with literally explosive lithium battery and connectivity discharged batteries. In this case, the situation may change, and the battery drained even more podzaryazhaya "half empty" dry cells. The design of the external power supply on replacement elements are so simple that it is useful to construct a device to force any more or less "rukastomu" to the user device. Although if you want (and, of course, if possible) can find the device manufacturing industry, which produced both here and abroad. Incidentally, the battery unit further is better to use nickel-metal hydride batteries rather than disposable items, and, very large format. Still carry a computer, and this homemade (or homemade - no matter) are not going to block - is inconvenient. A turn at night to recharge - simply ... one more sad features built-in batteries. The service life of lithium-ion battery does not exceed two years. Then, the battery must be replaced. But housing construction PDA Palm does not do this, change will have the entire machine. In the case of expensive models, this means that we must be prepared every two to three years (most likely the producers hedged and the battery will last a little longer claimed the term) to spend 400 dollars on the purchase of new machines. Although the old (in the case of the Palm) the owner is completely satisfied. Even worse owners late model Palm `s. In the m130 and m515 install a lithium-polymer batteries, which differ in a very short survival for the sake of compactness. Truly - ideal computers do not happen.

Not so bad and all

For a moment digress from handheld computers and look at cell phones. Why is the problem of limited duration of the cell phone we are concerned (to be confirmed - specifically me) less than the problem of untimely "landing" PDA batteries? Very simply - cell phone only works in metropolitan areas and their surroundings, and therefore take it with you on a journey to the Russian province does not arise and thoughts.Should not in this case to reconsider its attitude to Pocket PC in general? This is not a standalone device capable of providing any user's needs. This - the mobile extension of PC. And because too long and too long absences from the main working machine (personal computer) are meaningless. For such journeys need a different technique. Let's just say - a laptop that rests until a certain time in the luggage of a computer-wanderer, and a pocket computer, which frees the owner from the need to rummage endlessly in suitcases, pulling out a portable machine to remember the right address or kill an extra hour of anxious to move. And then everything falls into place ... By the way, the digital photography autonomous power supply problems are magnified. Somehow, but a pocket machine is powered by built-in battery during the day. A digital camera - a little over an hour. But no one needs from a digital camera is impossible, since it too - the extension. It turns out that the life of an itinerant intellectuals centered around a laptop. Starts with all the mobile fun, and the rest - only optional (but very nice) for details. So is the PDA, which I so foolishly, so easily "hooked". The authors, translation:

Handspring future in Russia

Karmannye computers Handspring Visor American companies have won great popularity all over the world and recently have started to enter Russia. Distribution of these devices in our country is engaged in Company MakTsentr. Continuing the theme of the recently raised PDAs, we asked the director of "MakTsentr Dmitry Havzhu to answer our questions about the fate of Handspring in Russia. - What channels are now coming Visor PDA to Russia? In what quantity? As far as they are visible in the Russian market? - System supply of these devices in Russia is quite complicated and cumbersome. Headquartered Handspring is in America. In Europe, a branch of the company - Handspring Europe, which gave the right to work with certain countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Hungarian company MDS Holdings. MDS, in turn, signed a distribution agreement with our company. Number of units delivered is relatively small, but their share had reached 15% of the total CPC family PalmOS. This fully corresponds to the proportion Visor, which they occupy in the global sales structure. - You have an exclusive agreement with Handspring? Does Russia have other distributors? - To date (January 2001), we are the only partner of MDS in Russia. The term "exclusive" we try not to use because it does not exist in our contract with MDS, or MDS in agreement with Handspring. Uses the term sole disributor, which can be translated as "unique", but the difference in this. However, the effect of the current version of the agreement with MDS completed and can be expected in Russia there will be other distributors of products Handspring. - What is the reason the possible transition to a different model of distribution? What companies can still take the case? - Management of MDS is not completely satisfied with the results Visor sales in Russia. They believe that the presence of 3.2 distributors significantly increase sales. We believe that the problem lies elsewhere. Firstly, the business model of Handspring very little work closely with the channels. This company apparently still does the basic rate on direct sales to users. This is reflected in the fact that our purchase prices are very low, at 6.1%, differ from Handspring prices for end users. This low margin is greatly reduced interest in the product from our dealers. Validity of price protection only 2 weeks, which means that goods can be ordered only in small portions. There are also many other restrictions that are very difficult job in the ducts. Secondly, the Handspring on the market there were some real competitors, which have seriously challenged the benefits Visor. The most serious of the existing - Sony CLIE. Very soon, and Palm with an expansion slot in the format of SD. These devices are deprived of basic marketing Visor argument - the possibility of using the device independently, without a desktop computer, now it can do, and others. - But the Visor as he was, and remains the most expandable PDA through the use of slot Springboard ... - Yes, it is certainly true, but in Russia these arguments are very blurred. What are the most interesting plug-ins Springboard? First, VisorPhone, Visor turns into a telephone. To sell these devices in Russia is required to pass a certification process in the State Communications and Rostest. It costs about 7,000 dollars. On one such costs are not ready to go. The second interesting module - GPS receiver. Sell ​​it in Russia too it is impossible before the patch in the law on state secrets. So it remains a bit of interesting extensions - Backup Module, MP3 Module and Modem. - You mentioned a new handheld Sony CLIE. Can he really drive the other PalmOS devices? - The success of the CLIE is entirely in the hands of Sony. In itself, the device is very interesting and very competitive.It all depends on the determination of Sony to promote this model to the market, you know that Sony will be a very serious battle with Microsoft for the game console market, which in this situation will mostly remain the resources to promote hand-held computers - time will tell. - Back to the devices the company Handspring. What other company can qualify subdistribyutora? How might this affect the market? - I think that in Russia, very few companies who may be interested in such work. First of all, Elekton "and" Camelot. " Perhaps, "Notebooks theft alarm." No one else comes to mind is not. Widening the circle subdistribyutorov likely have no impact on the price situation, because right now profit in this niche is close to zero. Picture may change qualitatively, only if we achieve a more favorable working conditions of MDS, or be able to establish direct relationships with Handspring, eliminating intermediaries. Sources, Materials:

Vendors do not think about Russia

On the PDA market in Russia, about how personal digital assistants (PDAs) will evolve in the future and the problems that arise with them in Russia, we talk to the director of "MakTsentr Dmitry Havzhu. Yuri Sakun: What is the structure of sales of pocket PCs in Russia? Dmitry Havzhu: Our findings are as follows: PalmOS - 65%, PocketPC - 22%, WindowsCE - 3%, Psion - 10%. Structure of sales of handhelds in Russia is very similar to the average picture, which shows the IDC, however, there are some differences. Firstly, the share of Palm OS in Russia a little less European and American. Although I do not believe those figures in sales Palm, which lead to the U.S. - 75-80%. This estimate seems very high. The second difference is the Russian market - the structure of niches PocketPC, besklaviaturny PC. In fact, in America, pretty much sold iPaq Pocket PC company Compaq - their sales significantly overlap the sale of Cassiopeia. Noticeable Hewlett Packard with its Jornada 545/548. In Russia the opposite situation - iPaq computers sold very little, HP is not at all. The fact that Compaq officially imported to Russia, only one batch of these devices, about twenty pieces. Everything else - is "gray" delivery. But dealers are not interested, because the supply of "gray" channels too small, the conditions - not interesting, there are problems with maintaining the equipment. Unlike Casio Compaq position is quite active. The company has representation, which also deals with handheld computers, and therefore Casio PDA for sale in Russia quite a lot. JS: By the way, on the iPaq: I saw an example in which almost the entire Russian representative office of one of the firms was equipped iPaq ... DH: I do not know any other company in Russia, except for Microsoft, which would have worked on the iPaq. JS: A demand for iPaq is? DH: Yes, quite high. Despite the fact that the iPaq (Model 3630 and 3650) - pretty whimsical and often break the machine. The failure rate - 27%, ie more than every fourth owner of the PDA iPaq appealed to the service. JS: And what's the problem? JH: Problems of three. First, sometimes the iPaq comes off the inner loop, because of what the image on the screen becomes a mirror. The second problem relates to the design of the screen: the iPaq matrix is ​​separated from the shield thin air layer, which sometimes hits the dust. Mote looks like a broken pixel. Pull the speck out impossible, Compaq also has not yet figured out how to solve this problem. And when the user accesses this problem in the service, he usually says that did not need to use a computer in a dusty room. Other problems - with buttons and snaps the stylus (if you accidentally insert the stylus is not so, as expected, then the stylus latch is broken). In general, the demand for iPaq is, even despite the fact that today it is - the most problematic car. YS: How Well then demand? DH: First of all, the iPaq screen is totally unique: it has only a PDA, which can operate in direct sunlight. On the screens of other computers with nothing to be seen. Secondly, Compaq - a brand that is appreciated by many. JS: In your opinion, what is now the most successful model of the PDA market? DH: It depends on what class of devices considered. If we talk about the Pocket PC, the most successful, in my view, the model - Cassiopeia E-125 and more stylish, EM-500. They are in sufficient quantity supplied to Russia, and they are quite popular. Unfortunately, according to unofficial information, Casio is going to curtail the production of E-125. This affects the supply in Russia: an application in March-May for the supply of PDA from Russian suppliers have been satisfied with just 10 percent. JS: If we talk not about the absolute figures of sales of pocket PCs, and on the dynamics, then how big the increase in the PDA market? DH: The market is very dynamic. Sales volumes are growing at 80-90% per year. Although it is clear that this dynamics is only possible when initially small volumes of sales and eventually sales growth rates drop.JS: Who is the buyer of handheld computers? DH: We ourselves are very interesting. From time to time we conduct a study to clarify this issue. Typically, handheld computers are not buying as much for themselves, "how much for a business to use them in their work. But users are buying them for ourselves, not by companies. Corporate buyers slightly, the share of corporate sales do not exceed 10%. If you look at this issue from the perspective of sex buyers, the buyers are more men than women. JS: Can we now create a PDA-based mobile office? DH: It depends on what to keep in mind a mobile office. If you invest in this concept is the possibility of normal operation with the text and table documents, databases and presentations, the ability to connect to the LAN, then, in my opinion, better focus not on the handheld computer and a laptop. PDAs more convenient to use as an adjunct to a desktop or laptop computer for quick access and editing of information transferred there, as well as for solving a class of other special tasks in this example is clearly visible difference in the approaches vendor to the creation of handheld computers. One professed manufacturers of devices such as Palm, another - manufacturers of PDAs based on Windows CE. The former believe that the CPC needs only the simplest and most necessary human services: address-phone book, notepad, email etc., but they should work flawlessly. What makes Microsoft a part of Pocket PC, differs fundamentally from this approach: the Pocket PC is literally all that there is a "big" computers, all that is needed for "cruising" the business. These computers, in theory, should be totally replaced by a man and a laptop in part - a desktop computer. In fact, the PDA is not always a good thing. But many buyers believe that this approach is better - if the device offers more services and greater opportunities, so it is better. Often, however, many experienced users, having worked for some time with the Pocket PC, go back to Palm: they understand that more important - comfortable work and quality execution of multiple services. JS: And what is the idea, in your opinion, is more promising? Which of them as a result will win? DH: I think they will live together. But I am closer to the idea of ​​Palm, PDA focused when only the most necessary functions, everything else handed to other devices. The most beautiful, this idea will be implemented shortly, will come when Palm'y with an expansion slot where you can insert anything you want: the MP-player, and a modem and other devices. YS: What is missing from modern PDA? DH: Of course, modern PDAs are not enough modules exchange information with each other by radio. Bluetooth or something like that. If this option appears, it will transfer all of the platforms to a new level. And of course, virtually all manufacturers of PDAs are working on implementing a wireless network access. The one who can do it better and faster, can count on the leadership. JS: In the future there will be several platforms for PDA or will a single standard? DH: I think there will be several platforms. Only the distribution between them in the market change. Proportion of Pocket PC will increase, and Palm - reduced, albeit marginally, PalmOS in the foreseeable future will dominate. As regards the distribution between vendors Palm OS devices, now working here are basically three companies: Palm, Handspring and Sony. In Palm now - about 75% of the market, but the intention is to oust klonmeykerov Palm. The situation in Russia with Handspring is not entirely clear, but Sony has even officially in Russia does not supply its handheld computers (and other computer products). And in Europe, Sony officially announced its PDAs. YS: The Russification no problem? DH: The main problem is that no one vendor does not take into account in their designs that they will use in Russia. In connection with these developers Russifiers have to spend quite a lot of effort to ensure that Russify PDA coming to Russia. This area of ​​development has become quite competitive and is now on every platform there is some good quality software localization.YS: Softonic sold separately? If I had brought some PDAs, say, from the U.S., what should I do? DH: For the Palm and other PalmOS devices can purchase from us for $ 30 package "Russian Palm", which includes the crack and a set of akssessuarov to facilitate the life of Russian users: a table with "graffiti" sticker on a keyboard with Russian letters and Silky Board - an original development of the Russian firm SoftAVA, virtual keyboard, which is glued not to the working of the screen, Palm, and the one where the icons are placed, causing a variety of programs. In addition, the disk placed over a dozen other useful programs. This package - our breakthrough, it significantly helps us in promoting the platform. As for other platforms of Russification, the situation was. For EPOC32, there are two good commercial localization: "Elbrus" - our development, and "Everest" from Paragon. Our name has appeared before, but in the "Paragon" decided that their crack should be addressed to a high mountain and named it "Mount Everest". These products, according to independent experts, are very similar in function, serious arguments in favor of this or not, moreover, that our support normal printing on all popular printers. Approximately the same situation with the Russification of Pocket PC, there are competing programs from the company - "Paragon" and "FizTehSoft. We distribute both. The authors, translation:

Valery Babanov now knows the measure

Rather, they have recently met. Icy, unapproachable, he surrendered the fortress, opened on 10 minutes, stone embrace. True, not even allowed to bring a camera to film it in a moment of weakness ... "6310 m" - growled the altimeter on the clock. Valery stood on the highest point of the peak. To the right preparing to attack the black clouds of snow, the sun shone on the left - and no nails! ... "Mountain - a kind of active meditation, or purification through physical hardship, - but hardly our hero, purified and enlightened, in those moments was aware of it. The goal was achieved. All thoughts, limiting concentration on the route retreated, giving the place of weariness. He stood there, got in touch with a partner, Igor, who was on duty in high-altitude base camp somewhere very bottom at around 4000 m and blurted out the good news: - I'll try to get closer to the precipice, so that you could see me! - Do not do it! - I still really want to look down the cliff! - DO NOT! .. Valery Babanov: The camera was just below 150 meters from the top of the peak. As I stood at the top, I really wanted to shoot a few frames. Finally! I'm here! But then some inner voice, intuition (the voice of God! ") Prompted me:" Do not get down now! ". If you go, then the back has not come back. Gore seemed opened to me a few minutes of the corridor and allowed to stay on it for a while ... very short time. According to legend shark fins, leading to the peak of Meru - a road to the Center of the Universe. Over the past few years there have been about 15 attempts to reach the coveted top, but they all failed. Only a famous American climber Peter Takeda tried "ride" Shark's fin is threefold: the last one was this spring (at the same time and Valeri was doing his first attempt), but the mountain once again did not let him. More than three attempts will not put. Takeda and tried to forget about it. VB: We sent him a letter as soon as I descended. It has been almost two weeks. So far, no response from Peter, even though we where with him and his partner this spring with storm peak, very good friends. Perhaps only one could "miss" measure. But all these expeditions - there were so many. Some tried to take it one fell swoop, while others starve. But all as a result of retreating. Every time climbed to 4 - 6 people ... And it could take, as I now think of only one. Valery, of course, did not say "elected". But it turns out he is elected. Work on the route of such complexity requires unfathomable to the average person a concentration, perseverance and, necessarily, a great experience. We must live in the mountains, to own such a technique of movement, so to feel them to be able to talk to them. He spent 25 years of his 36, "working routes. His "experience, the son of hard errors" had been raised and brought up 200 expeditions. VB: Of course, I became a solo climber at once, somehow gradually came to this. The fact that the team I do not feel too comfortable, I do not have freedom of decisions and actions, I can not improvise on the fly. And then somehow I got used to count only on themselves. In my opinion, it is quite logical. Itself, one can predict itself can be trusted or not trusted in certain situations. In the team scheme is much more complicated. Olga Gorbonosova (HPCru): So you actually simpler and easier to work on one route? VB: Of course, otherwise I would have been the man command. OG: This time it's easier dalas this mountain? VB: That's not to say. Generally, the bigger the mountain, so it is more expensive. In all senses: the harder given, and the more expensive it cost to rent a corridor on her. OG: So you paid for each meter? VB: No, of course. If the mountain in India is higher than 6500 m, it is more expensive.My top came up under this tariff. She was a little lower. At least according to my measurements. By my watch. OG: Is it possible to believe in your watch? VB: And why not? We have already checked them in France, and they have not sinned. Valerín hand decorated with smart watches Protrek, gigantic size, given to him by the French association of mountain sports, where he works as a coach. It seems that they can settle the cuckoo !:-)) What they just do not know how and what properties does not only possess, except that the coffee is brewed !:-)) Most of Valerín route ran along the ridge. VB: I went to the back side of the mountain wall, two meters away from the comb, and if you draw a route on this picture, it will be dashed. :-) The place to which I got, not entirely a high point. The highest - it snow cornice, it was up to five meters. If it stand, it could collapse. Where I stood, was not visible base of the mountain, the wall slowly go down somewhere in the distance gleamed Glacier, 2 miles below me. And I wanted to Igor saw me on top and was headed to show off the ledge. But he was dissuaded, saying that the ledge could collapse, and the Spaniards I've seen. At this time the measure intended to storm still two whole expedition Spanish and Japanese. Valery had arrived, and perhaps this fact as the highest impact on the decision to allow the Office of the heavenly possessed by the idea of holy svyatyhJ. During the ascent the weather was unusually nice and warning. VB: On the ascent took me 6 days. During this period, I almost did not rest, except sleep, and slept little, began to operate the route at night, hours are 3-4, so we have a long throws. Afternoon light your support. If you start in the morning, then finish the evening for sure. Can not see anything, tired. At night, the weather is more stable. But the cold and scary, shoes like tin cans on your feet hang peremorozhennye ... Valera bit stingy on the words and a very benevolent at the same time, so we must try to grasp his thinking on the fly. Sometimes you catch ... This man is damn infectious and somehow child-like laugh. Adult child who is not afraid to dream. Himself a magician. For the type of fragile, low, but the extraordinary strength lives in his trained body. And still he needed the insurance, the feeling, if not firmly under their feet, then to the outside world. At least on the radio. Need to have someone waiting at the bottom. This time - partner Igor, in the past - his wife, Olga. And, of course, letters from home. VB: Igor gave them to me directly by radio. For all 6 days I have been in touch with Igor. The day came during the ascent of 2-3 letters. As a rule, from the closest people. During my recovery Kaskiv not only supported me in a moral sense, getting my mail, but my companion. He has a strong toothache, he was tired of the order of seats in the camp in a tent and had already begun to ask home, suddenly found himself a pleasure. Toys on the Pocket PC. At this time, before climbing high-altitude base camp visited HPCru correspondent Andrey Kuznetsov, who debug the PDA, so much so that he began to regularly take even a remote mail. In addition, Andrew has brought a solar panel, which quickly managed to feed the voracious color handheld. Good, and the weather was sunny, very convenient for feeding :-). O.G.: The last time the Americans you were named Russian James Bond for such technical equipment of the expedition, as well as this time responded to the handheld computer and satellite phone Spanish and Japanese climbers? VB: Well, most of all, of course, surprised the Japanese. Especially because they have something other than the receiver was nothing. Two days later they came to me to send mail and receive letters from home and very happy this opportunity, and then we went on the routes. OG: And you had the feeling that all will turn out? VB: Yes, of course. I've programmed yourself for success. Firstly, to calculate precisely the time that I needed, changed the route. Yes, indeed for the very top, not the route I'm doing it. Painfully attractive and difficult it is! She draws you like, makes up for it. And then on top of one was not. But the way to the top seem easier than it really is. Knowingly array measure called the center of the universe. While Shamballa I did not find :-)). OG: And to us at the last your letter seemed to have found ... :-)) VB: Just me overwhelmed emotions, feelings. I re-lived all the climbing. When the top 200 meters left, I remembered that I forgot the camera in a backpack, but decided not to return. I had a feeling that I came to clean the mountain, and must be absolutely clean. Two kilometers from Meru were black clouds. It seemed to me that they seem frozen, missing me, so time to return was not. I overcame a 15-minute firn slope and ended up on top ... ... Valery stayed on top in just 10 minutes. Not more - not less. He again some inner flair caught the moment when we should leave. The audience was over. No sooner had he a little satellite, as the sun disappeared, and one after another ran the clouds, forming a black canopy over the crown of the measure. Gore was tired of his visitor, she was going to sleep ... Yes, and the day was coming to an end and our hero had time to reach his home - a small mobile platform, left at the bottom. The next day, Valery was already in high-altitude base camp with his friend and wrote us the latest on this expedition letter ... VB: first sat down to write out of duty, but then got so carried away as if anew all survived. It was very important to my friends learned everything as quickly as possible on myself, I was eager to record all his experiences right there on the spot, at the foot of Meru. I already knew it, I saw a neighborhood with its top part of my soul will always remain with her. When Valery wrote a final letter, he discovered that the screen is Kaskiv few suffered from emotional injuries from the stylus. At the bottom clearly look through the point-target, the appropriate shaped as letters virutalnoy keyboard, so much so that you can blindly, with the screen off, learn to type on it :-). The authors, translation:

Closing Remarks: New products from Casio

Yesterday the company and the company MakTsentr Sasio Computer held a joint press conference on the Russian market the output of a number of new products from Sasio. According to Dmitry Havzhu, director MakTsentr, the share of sales PDAs Sasio on world markets Windows CE-devices is now about 44%, while in Russia this figure reaches 85%. According to popular devices Sasio stand in third place after the Palm and Psion (20% of Russian market of PDA). Thus, we can safely say that Sasio - leading manufacturer of handheld Windows CE. It is interesting that in a conference attended by Mr. Okun Takayuki, head of the Sasio in Moscow. The journalists had an excellent opportunity to ask him any questions personally. True, we can not say that the questions were many, but some explanations Okun-san still did. But more about that shortly. Product range can be divided into five categories: handheld computers Cassiopeia, subnotebooks Cassiopeia Fiva, electronic organizers Pocket Viewer, a family of "smart" watch Sasio and digital cameras. I must say, the device proved to be quite interesting. Sasio remained true to himself throughout: covered all areas of modern life "mobile" people, from professional activities, ending with only an amateur pastime. Each new product is aimed at specific target groups, and if used in the manufacture of high-tech products to the main account was placed on "advanced" users, but now there is a significant shift towards the masses. A good example of this are at least three of the demonstrated devices. However, start all the same with a very intelligent pocket-Computer literacy Cassiopeia E-125, calculated on a fairly narrow category of users. E-125 is positioned as "an indispensable tool in any business" and "mobile office in your pocket." Do not know about the first but the second statement is completely untrue. New Cassiopeia essentially no different from the previous model E-115. It is important that the device operates at an advanced processor (32-bit RISC (NEC VR4122) with a frequency of 150 MHz) and supports USB. According to Andrey Kuznetsov, head of mobile development company MakTsentr, Cassiopeia E-125 is a logical development of the line handheld business class from Cassio. The second model presented PDAs, EM 500, at first sight surprising atypical devices Cassiopeia design. Control buttons, of course, remain the same, but reducing the size and angularity of the body disappeared firm. Fashion today colored shell (5 colors) make a device design particularly relevant. It should be noted that the Cassiopeia EM 500, mainly aimed at young people. Talking about the device, Andrey Kuznetsov stressed new opportunities to work with a cell phone standard, GSM. In this regard, Sasio made a significant step forward. Model EM 500, as well as E-125 supports USB. Another pocket-sized novelty from Casio - Pocket Viewer PV-250X. The device operates on the basis of its own operating system Casio.According to Dmitry angrily, manager of potrebitelstkih goods Casio, this rather simple and inexpensive electronic organizer sold more than a PDA Cassiopeia. This is not surprising, because the Pocket Viewer is designed for the mass market, the device can even be classified as electronic notebooks. Asked about the plans Casio work with any other operating system except Windows CE OS and Casio, Mr. Okun said Takayuki very vaguely like the fact that "the market situation changes, the OS improved and we are keeping pace with the times, so anything is possible ... "But apparently (or more precisely - on the market success of Casio Windows CE PDAs), will soon support other operating systems is planned. Presented limelight subnotebook Cassiopeia Fiva MPC-102Series made a good impression at all. At least a few people have called him the best of today such devices. This pocket sized notebook with a videotape running with a full version of Windows 98 is fully compatible with the PC. What at first glance attracts Fiva - a stylish and surprisingly compact. It's time to tell you about the most amazing updates from Casio. Oddly enough, this watch. New Casio digital watch is difficult to call for hours, as they have built such complex devices like MP3-player or a GPS-receiver. Perhaps, from the James Bond spy devices, embedded in all imaginable and unimaginable items of equipment, the watch is distinguished by only a few limited technical capabilities. Today, "007" can be almost everyone. Only the picture on the clock (model Wrist Camera with built-in camera) will turn out not very clear and only black and white. And the batteries in the MP3-player (model Wrist Audio Player) is enough only for 4 hours. Well, the GPS-receiver (model Pathfinder) is not very accurate. Nevertheless, a multifunctional clock more pluses than minuses. If anyone needs a convenient player for the morning runs - the clock on the arm, the wire through the hose and go! The most primitive and most compact version of the electronic organizer - a watch PC-Unite. Overview of the device from Andrei Knyazev already exists in our Library. At a press conference Casio has introduced two digital cameras: QV-2300 QV-3000. Igor Glushchenko, coordinator sales representative in Moscow, Casio, very detailed account of their abilities and characteristics. Casio QV-3000, as the name implies, is a 3-megapixel digital camera with the possibility of tripling. The camera is unique. One of the best semi-professional digital cameras. Not so long ago I had a chance to work with this device, and a digital camera the results were not bad. But, frankly, in terms of quality and convenience of digital cameras is still inferior to film. Digital Camera, QV-3000, as a simple model QV-2300 is equipped with a USB port and, of course, a slot for memory cards. The standard delivery includes CF card on an 8-MB, but it always seems too little. Said QV-2300 - a brand-new 2-megapixel digital camera. Its distinguishing feature - the ability to rotate the lens at 270 Co. This allows you to shoot the sky, not raising his head (agree, it is convenient), or even yourself. In the latter case there is no need to give your precious camera in the hands of random passers-by or run out quickly when shooting with a delay. When you create a Casio QV-2300 tried to make how much friendlier user interface, but the principles of navigation, in general, are the same as in the QV-3000. Light weight (245 grams without batteries) and compactness make this device very suitable for non-professional photography.Summarized description of the QV-2300 can be the words of Igor Glushchenko: QV-2300 - a high-quality amateur chamber. Digital Camera, QV-3000, as a simple model QV-2300 is equipped with a USB port and, of course, a slot for memory cards. The standard delivery includes CF card on an 8-MB, but it always seems too little. Said QV-2300 - a brand-new 2-megapixel digital camera. Its distinguishing feature - the ability to rotate the lens at 270 Co. This allows you to shoot the sky, not raising his head (agree, it is convenient), or even yourself. In the latter case there is no need to give your precious camera in the hands of random passers-by or run out quickly when shooting with a delay. When you create a Casio QV-2300 tried to make how much friendlier user interface, but the principles of navigation, in general, are the same as in the QV-3000. Light weight (245 grams without batteries) and compactness make this device very suitable for non-professional photography. Summarized description of the QV-2300 can be the words of Igor Glushchenko: QV-2300 - a high-quality amateur chamber. , Casio has provided one of the camera QV-3000 for the drawing among the invited journalists. Happy owner of a digital camera is Vladimir Bogdanov of the magazine Computer Press. I congratulate all my heart! Would like to hope that Casio will continue to delight us with "intelligent" and stylish gadgets. The authors, translation:

First pilotovka in Moscow

November 9, 2000 held an event that had been brewing for a very long time. Long and well (though in absentia) familiar to conference people in one way or another connected with the PDA Palm, gathered together to meet and resolve the issues that are difficult to discuss with the help of electronic means. The action has already started about seven in the evening, when near the entrance to MakTsentr where and held the first meeting pilotomanov gathered the first fifteen people. Actually, the appointed time (19.30) in the dining room MakTsentr present for about forty people, which was a complete surprise to all. According to the experience of similar collections from St. Petersburg, expected about 10-15 people, but Moscow - a city more, and interest in the CCP appears to be higher here. So that the chamber of the situation did not work - dining room was apparently small:). This does not prevent communication and exchange, electronic business cards and programs on the IR port. The meeting started with a few uneasy, but as soon as all the little obzhilis, began a fruitful discussion and heated debate, were born Palma of all sizes and colors, flashing infrared ports (that nobody saw, of course). As promised, Alexander Moiseev gave a hand, "elephants" in the form of tips for the stylus, which were analyzed with the greatest eagerness, as already very well known and does not scratch the screen. Conversion in action. On the tables there were cakes, sweets and tea. From hPCru on the tables appeared Sony Clie c Memory Stick, Visor Deluxe with the module SpringBoard Xircom Modem, TRG Pro, as well as a folding keyboard for Palm V (Vx), finally Russified and running without glitches. Large and well-deserved interest was the Sony Clie: easy, fast, stylish, with the right, in the opinion of many, backlight and clear screen. In general, the materiel was the most diverse. At present several pilotovke Palm IIIc with my very happy owners, many PalmV, several Palm Vx, Palm III, IIIe, IIIx, and at least two TRG Pro. None Visor, except maktsentrovskogo noted. Talked a lot about systems, GPS. It was as a GPS receiver, and how their relationship with the CPC, as well as the currently available maps and a map to a grid. Odzhin of working with the Palm variants was demonstrated by Comrade. Stirlitz (aka Boris Yeltsin in the recent past), for which a dense group of the most desperate had to go to an already frosted patio. Especially waiting for Mr. Aleshin, which represents the standard Windows CE, which is indeed often the case using GPS. Upon arrival, Aleshin dense group made a secondary round of the courtyard, where they were on the right to assess some of the advantages of Cassiopeia in relation to GPS.True, the intricacies of wires connecting GPS receivers and PDAs, have caused some skepticism. At the meeting, the participants appeared, and all without the CCP. Very sober reasoning that such a meeting can learn much more than the sellers stores, they zadvali lot of questions that received no less than pleased to answer. Present were even two people from Dnepropetrovsk with questions about the use of Palm and QuickSheet for automated collection of information on production. On the sidelines were talking and Palm M100, its success / failure as a mass device. Widely and sadly condemning the subject incomprehensible demise of the St. Petersburg team sites palm.spb.ru. Details, so no one knows. Another big topic of conversation was the discussion of organizational issues: what to do next, how to organize pilotovki etc. It was clear that for such gatherings wall maktsentrovskoy dining room too small - we were preparing for an influx of less. That resolution, adopted unanimously: 1. Pilotovki will be held once a month every second Thursday of the month.

Conference Report Palm: development trends and prospects

December 7, the company's office MakTsentr held a press conference devoted to new products and news from the major manufacturers of handheld platforms Palm. At the conference were invited journalists from the main Russian komyuternyh publications. "We asked you to come at this particular time because, as we thought we had accumulated a lot of interesting new information that I would like to bring to you. There are new models of Palm` a, new software, new models of Handspring, a new and yet The only model Palm platform has appeared at Sony "- said Dmitry Havzhu, deputy director of the company MakTsentr. Palm - is the most popular Pocket PC platform today. PDA market is constantly evolving, and Palm is not standing still. Jeffrey Barry, a spokesman for MSG in Russia, in the latest issue of Fortune Magazine's technology, developed by Palm Computing, was named the fastest growing technology in the history of the world: over three years was made ​​about 6 million units. Not so long ago, Palm Computing has introduced a new software suite Mobile Internet Kit (MIK), which includes all the necessary applications to access Internet sites and e-mail via mobile phone. In MIK includes WAP-browser software to send and receive SMS-messages and e-mail, and 30 programs to get information from the leading internet sites. On the enclosed CD, only 30 programs, but the site Palm.net them around 450 - that is the number of Web resources available through the Palm device using the technology of Web Clipping. Directly on meeting have been demonstrated MIK: for Palm V was install the program Yahoo! People Search (1.0), and then through a cell phone connection to the site occurred Yahoo! and the query was executed to search a specified person. While that MIK is available separately and costs about $ 40. The next year will be version 4.0 operating system Palm OS. Most likely, version 4.0 will include a software package MIK. In addition, Palm OS 4.0 will be more suited to the national languages ​​than modern versions. The difficulties faced by Russian developers Russifiers primarily due to the fact that the establishment of localization for Palm OS was a little thoughtful or not provided Palm Computing. During the conference, representatives MakTsentr phoned Nilenu Ulrich, manager of distribution of the German Mission of Palm Computing. By the way, answering questions from journalists, Ulrich Nilen reported that Palm is going to develop a Russian localization for Palm OS, which has caused a lot of surprise for all attendees. For the first time such an intention was made official. But when it happens - a big issue. Apparently, very soon. The representative of the Palm reported a lot of other interesting details about the company's plans. According to him, prices ustroaystva remain unchanged until 1 March 2001, and then the situation will change with the launch of new products.All new devices will run on bazee faster processors. Palm Computing plans to unveil a new Palm V with an SD expansion slot at CeBit 2001 in Hannover. The prototype card SD, the size of a coin pyatirublevuyu, was demonstrated to journalists. As for Palm V with a color screen, no information on the timing of appearance of this device yet. Dmitry Havzhu reported that the main problem that developers are trying to solve the Palm vc - is the lack of time the batteries. Andrey Kuznetsov, Head of Mobile MakTsentr development company, made a presentation of new devices from Handspring: Visor Prism and Platinum. Both models operate on the basis of processors with higher clock speed - 33 MHz. Color screen Prism differs significantly from the screen, Palm IIIc: the standard for Palm OS screen resolution of 160x160, the number of colors displayed increased to 65,536. On the new device was less visible pixelation. Prism features allow you to view a photo album and even play videos. And Prism, Platinum, and first presented in Moscow. All information about the devices available on the official website of the manufacturer. By the way, Andrew said that the new colors of the two models gave the CCP a more noble form: "Such a device is not ashamed to get out of his pocket." Much has been said, and new modules Springboard. Of those that have appeared in Moscow, the most interesting SpringPort modem from Xircom. This is not just a standard modem to 56 kbps, but in GSM-modem, 700 KB additional flash memory and a set of software for email and internet. It is worth the modem exactly how many, how many and CF-modem: $ 130 in Russia. Innovation, which raised questions from the journalists - it VisorPhone. Indeed, an interesting device. "All in one: a PDA flick of the wrist into a cell phone. Maybe it's not very convenient, because the size of the device will be compared with the latest models of mobile phones. But with the VisorPhone users have the mass of new features, including working with SMS, email and the Internet. The authors, translation: