CeBIT. Part 1. Pavilion N13

March 24-25

CeBIT - a huge exhibition. I did not expect such a huge. In one, only the first pavilion can fit the present Comtek with all the giblets. All around is impossible, so we need to focus on the most interesting. Let's start with the pavilion a happy number 13.

PDA as a guide for the exhibition

Right at the entrance of Hall 13 is a small black stand on the perimeter on the tables attached various PDAs. If in your pocket accidentally found a computer, you kind of stand assistants a couple of minutes download via infrared port on your Palm, Visor, Psion, iPaq and Cassiopeia mobile exhibition guide. With this guide you can learn the location of booths in the halls, pavilions position themselves, as well as the calendar of conferences and other information up to the location of restaurants. Moreover, the guide will help you plan a thematic tour of the stand dedicated to, for example, technology Bluetooth, the best possible way. This function is allowed to save tons of time, as to run around the whole exhibition over three days is just impossible. On the question of what device is mainly people come serious synchronization operator (pictured) said that for the most part he communicates with the owners of Palm, so the m100 on the stand already 6 pieces. Nearby are 4 Pocket PC from the sponsors of the stand - the main producers of this platform (Casio, HP, Compaq). Still, there are two Psion. When we copied the data to the three Palm, the lucky owners of other platforms beside was not found. Another interesting observation: in the hands of visitors constantly flit Palm OS device various calibers. And many prefer to stand assistants Revo +. Pocket PC were seen only in exhibitions stands.

Palm is a long time presented new items

On the stand of Palm, as promised, demonstrate new models: m500, m505, m105. You can hold them in your hands and poke at the screen. Models 5-Series definitely succeeded. Dimensions and weight remained the same. New Palm'y found a "waist" and a slot SD Card. Contrary to expectation the screen resolution remains the same, but the CPU only sped up to 33 MHz, against the expected 66. Color model was thicker than usual Vx of a millimeter, and quite imperceptibly heavier. However, from the color screen does not expect anything extraordinary. Passive matrix, but the screen must be perfectly visible in the sun. Verify this fact, unfortunately, could not - the weather the sun is not spoiled. According to official information, Palm, sales of black-and-white m500 will begin in late May, and color m505 - by the end of June. In connection with the release of new models retail price Vx will be reduced significantly in the coming days. This is not speculation, and official information from Palm Inc. Frugal m105 completely lost among the older brothers would be, if not a colorful variety of front sockets. Now you can select socket from pink to gray-brown-flecked crimson. Still have caps colored finally started to do something ... By the way, published a few days ago the news about Palm bepokoystve competition from Handspring, to put it mildly, was somewhat exaggerated. Palm is interested that sales increased in all licensees of Palm OS. About this clearly indicates the position of division Palm Germany, urging its partners to increase sales of all Palm-oriented devices. And at the booth Palm licensees devoted an entire showcase titled Palm Economy.By the way, some of the clones in the window differ from the original just the title or body color. Another remarkable moment: on the bench Palm'a allowed developers a variety of useful gadgets and accessories. All you can touch it and even try to connect to your Palm. Therefore narodischu so that prtolknutsya impossible. Relatively easy to talk only on the second floor of the stand.

Speaking of third-party developers and accessories

Finally, manufacturers aksessurov woke up and paid attention to handheld computers. In the absence of any clear and inexpensive offers interesting peripherals from major manufacturers, emptiness in a hurry to take a small Taiwanese firms and firmochki. At their booths can detect such things, about what a year ago mozhnoo could only dream of. For example, we encountered a few options outside Igor Blinov for Palm, including a flexible, minimizing when moving into a tube. Cables for Palm now makes just lazy. GPS-module for the Palm have done no less than five, not counting Vizorovskih and GSM-nozzle and Springboard generally not amenable to accounting and control. As well as modems: external to Springboard, CF and PC cards. Plus, Recorders, Players, Backup-heads, camera ... In a great number of manufacturers proliferated Flash-memory. The vast majority of accessories anyway svyazyano platform Palm. For Pocket PC third-party showing much less interest. For example, a keyboard for the popular Cassiopeia only does the firm LandWare. Many of the developers of the original decision because they fear for their innovations, even prohibit photography in the stands. So, as soon as I point the camera on a flexible klaviaturku how fragile girl rushed to her as a recess, and begged not to take photographs. Attempt to remove from afar, too failed because heroically stand assistants covered the secret of technology with their bodies. So we had to restrict color catalog, which presented photos of the secret key in printing quality with all the details. One more stand us the biggest secret revealed an adapter with MMC on Compact Flash. Without any irony, the prototype for today is truly unique, and the developers have a chance to do good business. Most funny people - on Motorolovskom stand. Banned photography showcase with conceptual models of papier-mache. Yes, not very much and wanted to have found something to hide. Exhibit, called.

MMC

It seemed nothing could awaken the interest of producers to the standard expansion cards, MultiMedia (MMC) or Secure Digital (SD). However, the cost Palm'u seriously interested in this standard - and all moving. Palm and Hitachi have already demonstrated their plug-ins for SD-cards, followed by Taiwanese, and others were pulled. It turned out that the SD-card can do all sorts of devices entirely of microscopic size. The exhibition shows the memory cards, modems, audio players, and GPS-receivers. Something we have to look at work. Palm has made some sort of SD expansion module Springboard. Just insert the card into the slot, and posted on it on there, among other applications. Card is ready to work in a couple of seconds after installation. Took out a map - the software has disappeared, you can install another. Everything works just fine. Expandability new Palm'ov - a serious test of competitiveness Handspring, Sony, and TRG. They now have to find new arguments for their devices.

Visor Edge, multicolored metallic

Nail stand Handspring - the new Edge.Almost half as thin Deluxe, but without the slots Springboard. More precisely, the slot is available, but lies in a box separately and connected as needed. Almost like the iPAQ, only free. Feel the trend? Palm makes its handheld expands, and Handspring, on the contrary, from his vaunted expandability refuses. Externally Edge thin, angular and metallic. Whole. Body, cover, buttons and even a pen. And some parts have completely industrial look, and some all too reminiscent of lathes and milling machines of the old times. Inside, there is nothing remarkable: the system 3.5.2, the old processor, 8 megabytes of RAM and everything as usual. ROM is still blacked out. Cool device, and many like it. However, I have to many of these do not belong, Edge is not going to fly, and leave yourself a black Deluxe. The man who today hryapnul the asphalt so that the people stood around and looked back. I picked it up - but nothing was broken, the data is not lost, and in general as if he did not fall. There are miracles in this world ... The stand is very similar to stand Handspring Palm, only instead of the blue is dominated by yellow. Same crowd, same-party developers, partners for individual tables. Standists hung with Springboard, headphones and microphones. Very noisy and hard to talk. But the most conspicuous place Edge in human growth with a color plasma display.

Penbex

You know what this is? I did not know until recently. This is a new operating system designed for ... Language does not turn it called handheld computers. Let's just say: for the expansion of electronic organizer with pen input, are in the lower price category. Type Pocket Viewer. Open system, development tools are available freely. Already several manufacturers have adopted this system, the exhibition shows their prototypes. Dogadayets from once, what they all look like hell? :)) More will try to explain a little later, when the information from the exhibition will be processed and systematized.

Mobile Linux

This is not fantasy. Devices on Linux really sold in Japan under the brand Zaurus. Sharp took the stand on their European presentation, with great success, I must say. With proper marketing and support of normal new PDA from Sharp is quite able to oust Pocket PC into a niche of multimedia devices. More information about the news of mobile Linux - later, the records of the exhibition.

Smartphones

It seems that the waiting period ends, and in the sale is about to appear real smartphones - telefonokompyutery. First, rumors of the death of the joint brainchild of Casio and Siemens have been exaggerated, and Siemens has demonstrated a prototype of a brand new SX-45. Outwardly it is a bit sanitized Cassiopeia E-125 with an antenna and a jack for a headset. SIM-card is located under the battery, which should be enough for a day of work. No information on the new product is not, Siemens is justified: "Yes, we only collected it ... I do not yet managed to figure out what was inside, and opisanitse do ..." Nokia revealed its version of telefonokompyutera - Model 9210 Communicator - much more detail, at least 15 tables could feel pre-sale samples, and then take a thick catalog with information. Very pleased that finally something you can open files in Word and Excel directly to your PDA, edit and save again in the "large" format. Finally, work with e-mail may proishoidt normal way, and Windows CE is deprived of a serious competitive advantage. Very good looking screen. Incidentally, he does not touch what is unusual - we always want to poke. However, the interface is very well thought out, and work with the keyboard does not cause any problems, and reminds me of the good old Psion Series 3c. Now the negative impressions.Despite all the unicode operating system EPOC Release 6, no trace of the Russian language in 9210 could not be found. A Symbian only commented that the implementation of Unicode capabilities of the new OS is caring licensee of the manufacturer. If one believes that in addition to English and other languages ​​in the world do not, it is his right. That's Nokia, it seems, and counted. Still surprised that the device is noticeably slows down. Open application requires 10-15 seconds, some menus are turned on for 2-3 seconds. A couple of years ago it would have been acceptable, but today you can not understand such an approach. I hope that in the serial samples, everything will work much faster, otherwise it is difficult to count on success in the PDA market. Smartphones are a few more vendors, but that I will share impressions later.

Psion: Today orders are not sent ...

In that sense, what is most interesting on the stand Psion - it's the stand. Any new products we have not seen. Anyway, in the public domain were only familiar 5mx Pro, Revo + netBook'i so rare ...

Sony Clie

To stand among Sony laptops almost lost the old model of Sony Clie 300 and the next one more empty cradle. We managed to find a manager, presented itself responsible for the product, and ask him a question: - Does the Sony official selling their PDAs in Russia?

1945 - a victory!

Rumors of updates from the company Hewlett-Packard earth is full from the late winter of this year. After the presentation, Windows Mobile 2003, when it was possible to "evaluate" these handhelds only for the "eyes" in the form of electronic presentation, I began to doubt that to get them "alive" until the autumn. But Russia, Mongolia, and this summer new chick Hewlett-Packard reached out to us. Most recently you can see an overview of the "first swallow" - iPAQ h2200/2210. Now, I hope would not remain indifferent to one more replenishment of the family - younger model h1940/1945.

What's in a box

Seeing for the first time the box, I could not believe my eyes: I ordered something, in general, iPAQ h1945, but I got iPAQ h1940. Naturally turned to the manufacturer's website, where he took a close look into the technical characteristics of the models to understand where I was deceived. After spending about half an hour, I was not able to detect the difference. Then I thought that the model h1945, most likely intended for the U.S. market, and h1940 for Europe. But then I made a mistake. It turned out that computers are really no different (from the appearance and ending with the price), simply, Hewlett-Packard is positioning them for different market segments. H1945 is designed for private use, and 1940 - for corporate clients. Would have seemed, I now use my computer exclusively for the purpose of making money:) We turn finally to the study of new items. In the box, no less: he pocket computer, AC adapter, USB cable for synchronizing with a desktop computer, a removable battery, CD with software and drivers, and audio adapter. Unlike the previous model h1910, which were equipped pretty mediocre headphones, the new model is equipped with a special audio adapter (passive adapter 2,5 mm - 3,5 mm), allowing you to connect to the computer standard stereo headphones. Now that's a sensible decision - given a choice of accessories to the user.

Complete iPAQ h 1940/1945

Completion is quite typical and wealth of accessories, the inherent expensive models h3900 series or h5400, is no different. Personally, I'm terribly missing the cradle and the protective cover. But since the model budget, then have to buy additional accessories separately. On the one hand, it's good, because the choice is entirely up to you (you can choose exactly what you want, not what you sell), and, on the other hand, prepare to shell out an additional $ 100.

Design and Ergonomics

External computer is no different from its predecessor iPAQ h1910/1915. The same graceful lines, the same plastic housing with a metal skeleton frame, the same control buttons and exactly the same stylus. In general, it is understandable why change what is already a very well-proven. In my opinion, the case h1940/1945 - this is the most successful (and aesthetic, and ergonomic considerations) decision ever implemented by Hewlett-Packard in the field of handheld computers. About the design of this machine, you can talk a long time: it really is the smallest, thinnest, lightest and most beautiful handheld family Pocket PC. By its dimensions and weight of this model can easily compete with the best design solutions from Sony and Palm Inc. In such a small volume combines all the attributes of a handheld computer: flash application buttons, navigation buttons, IR port, stylus ... The power button on and off is also a light indicator. If the LED flashes green - it means that a message was received and if flashing red - then the process of charging, if permanently lit red, the battery is charged, and if the flashing blue (the color is some reason it seems to blue), then this works Bluetooth adapter. Model does not have fond to many users scroll wheel (like the Jog Dial on SONY), but its function successfully executes the navigation buttons. Note: To scroll through the pages for reading electronic books can successfully use the voice recorder button, reprogram it to swipe. Navigation button, deserves special attention, it combines directly responsible for five functions: in addition to "down", "upward", "left", "right" also "run". The button is large enough so that it is convenient to manage even the thumb. Directly below the navigation button is the speaker. At the bottom there is a port for connection to a PC and connect the AC adapter ... Top fit a microphone port, SDIO, earphone output and a loop for neck or wrist strap ... Such a miniature computer can be worn around the neck, like a cell phone or a miniature camera. To install the removable battery is a special battery compartment (back), covered with a plastic lid. If you're not going to use a PDA for more than two or three years if a battery you have enough for a whole day of work or you have a chance to recharge it, the advantages of a removable battery, you do not appreciate. However, if you are one of the above, it is acquiring the removable battery, you can always quickly and at the right time "feed" your pocket pet.

Technical Features

Processor

As the processor in the new model uses a pioneer for handheld Pocket PC family of solution: CPU Samsung S3C2410 (architecture ARMv9) with a clock speed of 266MHz. According to rumors, the new processors allow you to increase your computer's performance as a whole, while reducing power consumption. But it's anecdotal. The situation as it actually can be found below, to get acquainted with our tests. The processor has full compatibility with applications written for the family of XScale.

Memory

The amount of memory is quite typical for models of Pocket PC Pocket PC of the middle class: 32MB ROM and 64MB of RAM (of which 56.66 MB user available). There is a special section of nonvolatile memory "iPAQ File Storage" volume of 13.24 MB, for storing personal data or a backup-system.

Expansion Slot

As a memory card you can use regular flash card format MMC or SD.The computer is equipped with an integrated adapter card that supports SDIO interface devices of this type.

Method of data entry

Data is entered using a stylus or the virtual keyboard. You can also use an external wired or wireless keyboard.

Multimedia

A computer equipped with a microphone, speaker and 2.5 mm stereo output for headphones.

Display

Resolution of 320x240, number of flowers 65535. Transflective LCD with backlight. As with all screens of this type, even at the lowest level of brightness lamps, the display turns very bright and clear. Conversely, when illumination is switched off normally receive the information from the display can only be under the bright sunlight, it is only work on the street. Illumination is regulated at five levels. The first level off the backlight, the second - 25% level, a third - 50%, fourth - 75%, while the fifth - the maximum illumination.

Battery

Miniature removable Li-Pol battery capacity 900mAch. Externally, no more battery from my mobile phone Siemens S55. In addition, there is an additional back-up-th embedded Ni-MH rechargeable battery.

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions 113.3 h69, 8h12, 8 mm and weight - 124g.

Communication capabilities

In addition to becoming the standard for handheld infrared port, there was an integrated Bluetooth-Adapter Class 1.

"Cinezuboe winking"

Bluetooth interface allows data transfer between the iPAQ h1940/1945, and a second device with a Bluetooth adapter (PDA, laptop, cell phone, printer). Joining forces with mobile phone Siemens S55, I was able to share their tunes with them to call and go on the Internet (for GPRS). There is a possibility to display documents for printing via the wireless interface Bluetooth, "on the fly." Printer with integrated Bluetooth adapter not found, however, is a Bluetooth adapter to interface LPT, which was attached to an office printer, Hewlett-Packard. Printing was surprisingly quick and easy. Such an exotic way of printing out long documents collected half of the office, after which the people's ears could not be detached from "sinezubyh brothers." For a wireless connection to various devices using an updated master joints, which is administered by a very simple and intuitive. Connection with the mobile phone took about five seconds.

The following profiles:
• General Access Profile
• Serial Port Profile
• Generic Object Exchange Profile
• File Transfer Profile
• FAX
• Dial-Up Networking Profile
• LAN Access Profile
• Object Push Profile
• Basic Printing Profile
• Personal Area Networking Profile.

Unfortunately, all the profiles to try failed. For corporate clients, provides wireless connectivity with an external Wi-Fi (via SDIO) adapter.

Tests

As testers, I chose three very popular programs: VOBenchmark, BMQ, SBP Benchmark. Test results VOBenchmark: And that's what showed BMQ: And, finally, brings up the SBP Benchmark from the St. Petersburg company SPB Software House: For completeness, I compared it with the previous model h1940/1945 h1910/1915, and Pocket PC Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX 600 c integrated Bluetooth adapter. Advantages of the new operating system and new hardware is available. All the characteristics h1940/1945 higher than h1910/1915, and in many ways a new computer leaves behind even a powerful 400MHz th Pocket LOOX with XSsale-processor-native, second only in integer calculations and floating point operations. Remarkably, all the aggregate indices of the test SBP Benchmark (the first five lines of the table) at the h1940 is higher than the Pocket LOOX. In tests it appears that a new machine with new OS, and new stuffing really faster than some computers with processors, Intel XScale PXA 250 (400MHz) running PPC2002.

Working with Video

Immediately wanted to check the above results into practice. As a test clip I selected preview of the movie "Lord of the Rings 2: The Two Towers." Encouraged by the results VideoTest, I first started the film with the flow of 600Kb / s (typical for most Pocket PCs). Playback was carried out using the program MVP Player. The entire movie was in the computer memory. As expected - zero frame loss. Next auditioned videos streaming from 1200 to 1600Kb / s. Large values ​​of the flow is meaningless for the CD, let alone a PDA. Imagine my surprise when, on the most "heavy roller" fall only 1-2 frame.

Video Stream	number of frames per second	percentage of missed shots	percentages show the frame
320x240, 25kadrov / s, 1200Kb / s	25	0%	100%
320x240, 25kadrov / s, 1300Kb / s	24,99	0,13%	99.87%
320x240, 25kadrov / s, 1400Kb / s	24,99	0,13%	99.87%
320x240, 25kadrov / s, 1500Kb / s	24,99	0,13%	99.87%
320x240, 25kadrov / s, 1600Kb / s	24,99	0,13%	99.87%

The convincing victory of joint creativity Samsung, Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft! In general, the computer "strongly recommended" to view video and 3D games (those who do not understand how you can watch movies and play on the screen with 320x240 resolution, please skip this offer:).

Runtimes

It remains unclear just one question: how long the new machine can not operate without recharging. In synthetic tests I do not believe as they do not measure battery life in all the right applications to me.

CeBIT. Part 2. Good communication - the key to success

At the current CeBITe largest stands does not belong to producers and sellers of computers. None. Dominant position in the exhibition are telecommunication companies, providers of communications services and suppliers of relevant equipment. One of the most impressive in size exhibition stands belongs to Germany's largest wireless and wireline companies - Deutsche Telecom - and occupies a good third of the pavilion rather big N 26. Take a quick look at the directions, which involves developing communications industry at the junction with handheld computers.

Pocket PC moved. Aside smartphones

For some reason, the traditional producers of Pocket PC on CeBIT'e behaved surprisingly modest. Unlike Palm-oriented competitors, they are not satisfied with entertaining shows, rallies and demonstrations. Casio booth located in Hall number 1 among suppliers of industrial and printing equipment. Tables with Cassiopeia'mi and Pocket Viewer'ami, discreet plakatiki obviously bored managers. Here on display - industrial terminals. Our question about the plans for the production model Casio Cassiopeia E-125 is one of the stand staff, turned out to be the manager for Pocket Viewer, readdressed to his colleague, who was responsible for digital cameras. A few minutes later it became clear that an expert on CPC somewhere came out and asked us to wait five minutes. Ten we got bored and we went on. On the stand of HP (in the same huge first pavilion) in the corner were the good old Jornada 720 and Jornada 545. Juzat they were not allowed, but no one specifically and did not try. Expected novelties are not held. What caused such apathy - is hard to say. I would not want to repeat the situation of 1999-2000, when producers in droves stopped doing keyboard for Windows CE PDAs. Although today the situation is different (but the producers are the same:)) IPAQ'i with radios were seen in large numbers in the hands of the stand staff Microsoft. Unlike vendors PDA, cell phone makers seem to confer on the Pocket PC high expectations. As many as three large manufacturers - Siemens, Sagem and Mitsubishi Electric - showed products based on the Pocket PC. The most interesting of the family of PPC-Smartphone seemed to me Andromeda - a joint creation of Siemens and Casio. About this project recently hodilo many rumors. Ostensibly he was stopped, allegedly the product does not appear. Manufacturer Casio generally reluctant to commenting on the theme of joint smartphone. Nevertheless, the device appeared and was shown to journalists and the general public. Andromeda outwardly similar to its "mother" - Cassiopeia E-125 - but it has a streamlined body and a small antenna. From her that the novelty has inherited a beautiful screen, synchronized with your computer via USB and the operating system Windows CE 3.0 for Pocket PC. We do not just try to work with Andromeda, but even got a call from her to another phone and told each other a few words. Everything works, but only when the headset is plugged. Without a headset and microphone to use the Andromeda as a phone can not even dial the number will not succeed.

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The lifetime of the batteries should last for one day of standby time. Alas, in this and other smartphones are not provided by a separate battery for the phone and private - for your computer. So what if the only battery smartphone village before the evening, the owner automatically loses not only information but also mobile phones. And vice versa. At least to the nearest electrical outlet. In such a situation the best selling accessories for the Andromeda could be the car charger, extra batteries and solar cells to recharge:) Andromeda aroused genuine interest in writing and electronic media. We had to almost pull the device out of the hands of journalists to at least a little look at it. In the sale of novelty will arrive in July and August under the brand Siemens SX-45. Price in Germany is expected within DM 2000. Near Andromeda smartphones from Sagem and Mitsubishi Electric (phone brand Trium) looked a sort of gray mice. Monochrome displays, and all just 16 MB of RAM. But a half times lighter and thinner than SX-45, and allows you to talk on the phone without connecting headphones. Outwardly, the two devices are quite similar. Despite the black-and-white screen, no Sagem, or Mitsubishi can not guarantee longer battery life than its promises to Siemens for Andromeda. Again, it does not provide separate food and PDA phone. Very close to a color a competitor is expected and the price of both new products: about $ 1000. Data not yet offered through the normal channel of GSM. Although the Trium Mondo, and includes support for GPRS, it has the support of only two channels and is not a particularly remarkable achievement. Of course, all the producers promise to equip their products with support for GPRS in the very near future. When it comes - time will tell.

And EPOC there too ...

Quite a different type of smartphone revealed Nokia. To be faithful to the end, the Nokia 9210 - a phone-PDA. Retained the same concept as in the models Communicator 9000 and 9110, only instead of running GEOS get the latest Symbian EPOC OS Release 6. Version of EPOC for 9210 has some very serious differences on the operating system that we used to see on PDAs Psion Series 5mx and Revo. So, Nokia has refused to touch the screen, are very convenient to work with the keyboard. Something like this work was organized on the PDA Psion third series. By the way, the user interface of the new Nokia awakens downright nostalgic memories of the good old Psion 3c. The same icons, the same movement arrows and control by hot key combinations, easy menu system. Some teams are made ​​for quick access from the main menu on the right side of the screen and called four special buttons on the top cover. Ekran just wonderful. More precisely, the two screens - the phone outside and inside the computer. Computer-made color, so in the shadow of the stand looks great. However, in our experience, these screens are virtually invisible on a bright sunny day.

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Communication capabilities fully meet its 9210 title and purpose of the communicator. Nokia supports synchronization and file sharing on your PC, send and receive faxes, e-mail. Built-in MS Word and spreadsheet Sheet can open attached files like Microsoft Office 95/97/2000, and save your own documents in these formats. Provides even viewer presentations MS PowerPoint. Device has two built-in browser for viewing HTML and WML (WAP) pages of the Internet. Owner of 9210 can exchange electronic business cards, not only with other communicators, but also with all kinds of PDAs based on EPOC R5, or Palm OS. But the Pocket PC do not support the exchange of vCard, so there will not be able to share contacts. We have managed a little experiment. Transfer cards with the Palm Vx was successful, but in the opposite direction did not work. Visor generally refused to communicate with the communicator to the IR, but it is a problem of Palm OS 3.1, with its curves of an infrared port. Also, we were not able to pass on the 9210 photograph from a camera Casio QV-3000. I admit that I just acted improperly by trying to include infrared cameras (used it for the first time in my life). Our colleagues from Elekton "were more fortunate. But their picture is transmitted from 9210 to Russia by e-mail to the addressee was not reached. Did not like the Communicator significantly slows. When downloading an application, the computer thinks for 7-10 seconds, and only then reluctantly began to draw a picture. When you open the menu delay is less tangible, but will have to wait a couple seconds, and the menu is painted pieces. The speed of these operations like Cassiopeia A-11 with one notable russificator:)), and by today's standards looks just not right. Manager of Nokia, talked with us, explained that it presents a series of working prototypes, and the final version everything will be fixed. Want to believe it, because pesky little things are quite capable of spoiling the future of the whole a very interesting device.

Something new

Another concept of the smartphone was seen at the stand of Taiwanese cell phone manufacturer Sendo. Sendo Z100, the size of slightly more popular Siemens SL-45, only the screen is made of colored and enlarged two times. The unit operates under the Microsoft Smartphone Platform - a special operating system for mobile phones, also known as the Stinger. A sort of truncated Pocket PC, even superficially similar. Integrated applications let you store a large notebook, keep diary, making notes, etc. Implemented synchronization with MS Outlook and the ability to create and install additional applications. The screen is not touch-sensitive, so the pen input is not in principle, is supposed to use only a small alphanumeric telephone keypad. Although the developer offers a system of predictive text input T9, is unlikely to work with the text will be convenient and quick. Firms Landware and Targus worth thinking about folding keyboard for smartphones such, it will clearly be an accessory N1. Able to see the only real working prototype of the Z100. A feeling that it was indeed snatched from the hands of designers before the exhibition. Apologizing for a bad screen (much inferior to the images on the advertising leaflets), the manager Sendo assured that by the time of launching the model into production (approximately the beginning of next year) all deficiencies are corrected, and the screen quality is much better. The authors, translation:

Palm Tungsten T2: Tungsten-squared

The release of the Palm operating system of new generation under number 5.0 followed by a release of its 5.2.1 version with a pleasant in all respects handwriting system and increased levels of data protection. Technique also did not stand still - have won universal popularity model with transflective type of display, and 16 MB-barrier here was about to be overcome. Indeed, a remake of the old model of mid-range level Tungsten T said long ago, but today Palm Inc introduced to the public the completion of the family of tungsten Palm'ov. Live to see the Palm Tungsten T2, we have not had a chance, but based on the first model, a review and press release the company, we try to tell what is a "concentration of power" from the Palm - is the motto of the developer is going to move the handheld.

Completion

The package includes the computer itself, a stylus, a plastic transparent cover for the screen, cradle, AC adapter, 2 CD with software, a description and a bunch of promotional and informational booklets.

Design and Ergonomics

First impression - yes, it is the same Tungsten T, which I saw half a year ago. The only external difference - it is a logo. Designed by developers did not change. All the same well proven metal casing (the color, though slightly changed). Dimensions and weight - are similar. A little unclear why the developers have kept the old domain Graffiti, as the new system of handwriting Graffiti 2 (better known as Jot) allows you to write in any part of the display. Y Tungsten C and Sony TG50, for example, the area handwriting is not physically. It would be more reasonable, if so keep the old design (and admittedly it is pretty good), say, extend display just due to this area (let it be like a Sony 320x480). While, on the other hand, fans of the old Graffiti will be satisfied. Of the nice things is also worth mentioning that no longer have to constantly push the computer to enter the text you want (I suspect that most owners of new items will use the built-in physical domain Graffiti is very rare). That is why, in spite of the same design, we can safely say that the computer in general has become more compact:) The computer implemented control strategy with only one hand. For this purpose the Five-way navigation key - a sort of joystick. If the device is switched off, then lightly pressed in the central part of the navigation buttons, call for a second time information, double click on this button to turn on the computer. Using the navigation buttons can also trigger and control applications. For example, a two-second hold button in the down position will cause the software menu. Or another example: in the address book click on the right side of the joystick will cause the search function, pressing again will a list of possible connections (Bluetooth, phone, SMS, etc.).In general, conveniently enough, especially if the second hand is occupied by a bag or a phone number or if you're in public transport.

Specifications

What then are the main differences?

CeBIT. Part 3. More smart, good and different

Palm and his ilk

Recent Smartphones Palm OS, at first glance, almost none. Produced by Kyocera (formerly Qualcomm) does not count because it only works on CDMA networks, and can not be considered a novelty, even a stretch. Is that the Samsung was lit, but the seriousness of his intentions until the doubt. However, to be closer, it becomes clear: manufacturers of devices on the Palm OS simply does not have to expend energy on the creation of specialized devices-smartphones. Their approach: making and selling such handheld computers, which if necessary can be turned into smart flick of the wrist. The basic idea: the concept of separation of CPC and the cell phone - perfect. The user is more convenient to have two little handy device than a single relatively large and not too convenient. Just the right moment CPC must easily and securely connect to your phone, making him whole. In the long term for such a "transparent" connection can be applied BlueTooth. So far, no physical contact devices can not do, Palm offers turn your PDA into smart phones via special modules, tips from third parties. A pair of samples was represented at the Palm booth companies Ubinetics and RealVision. His version of GSM-module, complete with various services offered by OmniSky. Thanks to the openness of technical documentation production of such nozzles can do anyone. The cause of Taiwanese took, and has proposed several options for relatively low-cost GSM-modules for Palm Series V. The most advanced units can exist separately from the PDA, and used at the same time to receive calls and incoming SMS-messages. To read messages, post your own and dial when calling to add Palm to the nozzle and run a special program. If you prefer, you can rewrite some phones from address book to Palm SIM-card phone. Some units have built-in memory chip for long-term storage of information about incoming calls and text messages, and even a microphone with a speaker to communicate without the Hands-Free. By separating functions of the phone and the computer user can work with each device separately, combining them together only when necessary. In addition, devices use different batteries, so if you discharge your phone, you can safely continue to use the PDA. The same approach was that the company Handspring, actively promoting VisorPhone - Cell phone GSM or CDMA Pocket PC Visor various modifications. Only if the communication between the Palm Vx and the GSM-module is serial, then in the case of the Visor GSM-module connects via an expansion slot Springboard. We should expect that with the advent of new Palm'ov series m5xx inevitably appears a miniature telephone with SD-card interface. The total cost solutions Palm + GSM-module or Visor + VisorPhone ranges from 700 to $ 900 Price depends on the model of Pocket PC and ambitions of GPS-equipment supplier. And yet. One of Taiwan's firmochek shown at the exhibition messenger for Palm Vx, in the shape of the plug. The cost of this device - 50-70 dollars, far below the cost of GSM-module, and can be used for one-way communication.I am afraid that cheap pagers for Palm overdue for a couple of years, and today they are unlikely to attract a lot of fans.

Motorola secret in

After a not too successful completion of a joint project with the smartphone Psion, Motorola showed no special novelties. More precisely, a new smartphone on the stand still had - Accompli 008. Very interesting development, the size of slightly more than a pager. Good graphical display 320x240, but is physically much smaller than the Pocket PC, besides actually use less space than advertised. Naturally, the possibility of a good organizer with synchronization system Starfish. Touch screen, entering data with a virtual keyboard, a handwriting recognition system or voice commands. Ports the exchange of RS-232 and IrDA. It is curious that the Accompli 008 has two language versions - English and Chinese. The smartphone allows for the development and add more applications, but development tools for the 008 model yet. It can be assumed that Motorola would not violate the usual principles and publish the SDK in the public domain. In addition to the Accompli 008, some previous models of smart phones and conventional phones, Motorola's booth was a showcase of the conceptual developments in the smartphone field telephone. Nothing particularly outstanding, with similar products made from papier-mache can be in the range found on the pages of the WWW, however, the cost to get the camera as one of the stand staff started moving in my direction with a known gesture, "remove the camera." Strange people, why show at the exhibition that it is impossible to photograph? The desire to shoot at Motorolovskom stand (quite incidentally, a dark and expressionless) I was lost, so 008 pictures you will not see here.

Ericsson is also well put new items

It was rumored that Ericsson shows a new device. Like, someone even saw it, and even photographed ... but on the company's stand at 26-m pavilion is nothing like a smartphone I could not be found. If such is certainly not regarded as an unfinished R380, which exhibited more than modest. But some innovations in the field of data transmission Ericsson yet demonstrated. For example, a R520 phone with an infrared port and support for GPRS. I could not resist the temptation to pretend tea: - Is it true that the production of rolled Ericsson mobile phones? Guy Erickson typical form, hung with telephones, pagers, headsets and other wireless Baubles, replied: - It's all nonsense! We just handed over the mass production of the third company to focus on major developments and tabloid journalists trumpeted to the world ... We have talked a bit about the problems of outsourcing. Then he kept telling me about the benefits of technology Bluetooth. Then he complained about what went fingered visitor - they have two days were separated from the tables of a bunch of tubes. And then I went to watch the development of a series of Home Products. The most interesting was, of course, Cordless Web Screen H610 - home plate for viewing Internet pages. Next to the phone jack installed base station and Web Screen can be worn on an apartment anywhere. Screen - above all praise, especially when you consider "home" nature of the device. There is a special stand to read the table. However, for domestic users Web Screen - useless thing, because of the existence of the Cyrillic alphabet, it does not know, and teach her Russian is not possible due to lack of necessary tools. Ericsson still showed some strange device like a radio with an e-mail, fax, SMS, WAP, GPRS, and all such other things. Lie, of course, the features have been smaller, but still do not understand why all this is necessary. It is a pity that it was not possible to see interesting products on EPOC, but pretty boring R380. Hid everything so that the dogs did not find.

Speaking of Symbian

Stand development company near the cellular giants looked modestly. Prototypes and concepts are not shown, the people was breaking. Still working. The emergence of devices on the Quartz not expected until late summer, and did not specify that it will be for the device. Quartz for distributing free SDK, for Crystal and Pearl - yet nothing is done, come back tomorrow. As promised, EPOC R6 supports Unicode, let alone how to use this support to vendors - this is purely in their competence. Therefore the work on localization devices R6 may not be less interesting than it was with the previous R5. We will wait for good news.

Matsushita is working on the Japanese market

Matsushita presence at the exhibition was more than noticeable, thanks to numerous balloons - mobile phones Panasonic - in the hands of children and adults, as well as in the skies over the show. On a blue bench Panasonic drew my attention phone GD95. - And with a computer it can be synchronized?

While the display is lit

Market for handheld computers gradually matures and acquires the features inherent in the increasingly market for personal computers or laptops. Talking about it and more and more increasing number of models of PDAs, and reducing the cost of computers themselves, and, of course, the emergence in this market segment growing number of manufacturers. No wonder that with such an incredible variety of computers (and in our review of them will be 24), the user is practically impossible to select the PDA itself, but the information coming from the computer itself is so scarce that an accurate opinion about any handheld computer is difficult. Take for example a typical configuration of PDAs running PocketPC 2002: Intel XScale processor 400 MHz, 64 MB RAM and 32 MB ROM, 3.5''screen. What is it? We now find it difficult to reply so soon, what is the computer: it can be Toshiba e740 or ASUS MyPal A600, but maybe this Pocket LOOX 600. It seems to be the same set of parameters, and how much can be different computers. There is a fair question, but maybe they're all the same, and the need to buy any, which will attract more design or who just turns out to be cheaper? To answer this question unequivocally, first, we reviewed all publications on handheld computers in print and online in the last couple of years. And paradoxically, the answer to our question in its entirety could not be obtained. The information was completely fragmented and the overall picture did not develop. For example, a characteristic of such a statement: "This handheld runs 4:00 in the second division of illumination, but this one - 6 hours on the same second division." Which PDA is better? Probably the one that works longer, but if placed next to these computers, it would appear that the same division of the display of the first CCP will be two times brighter than the second. And, indeed, as you can compare the PDA with each other?

What should I test?

To select the comparison, first and foremost, we must understand why you do need a PDA.

Display

Most of the time (approximately 90-95% of the time working with PDA) happy owners of handheld computers use them as a device for obtaining visual information or data entry. It's - reading electronic books, e-mail, edit documents, notes, notepad. Less often - to listen to music, watching videos or work in games. But in all these cases, except for listening to music, we are working with the display, viewing any information from this same screen. And most of these cases - is to work with text. Perceptual quality of the text a person determine the contrast and brightness. To determine the quantity of contrast used the following method. Simulated conditions equivalent to reading e-books under different conditions of ambient lighting. PDA display was illuminated at an angle of 40 °. The detector of optical radiation intensity meter was used, taking into account the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. The distance between the detector and the surface of the display was 30 cm then displayed a chessboard with black and white cells and measured the brightness of the white (Bmax) and black (Bmin) cells. Then the well-known formula to compute the optical contrast. All measurements were performed for four types of exterior lighting: in total darkness, in conditions equivalent to the coverage of a train underground, in conditions equivalent to office lighting, and strong solar illumination. Built four curves the values ​​of contrast, depending on the level of backlight: backlight is switched off by up to a maximum illumination. Immediately say, that in the case of light off the contrast in the dark is always zero. The range of brightness displays all PDAs can be seen on the chart. All PDAs are divided by type of backlight into two categories: computers with a reflective backlit transflective with backlight. For the former, the maximum contrast does not exceed 82% (1:10), for the second better than 94,5% (1:36).The first category includes: DOT 320, Palm m515, Palm Tungsten T, Pocket LOOX 600, ASUS MyPal A600, Rover PC P5, Mitac Mio 528. The second category: Sony Clie PEG-SJ22 / U, Sony Clie PEG-SJ33 / U, Clie PEG-NX60/NX70V, Sony PEG-TG50, Toshiba e750, Dell Axim X5 Basic / Advanced, iPaq H1910, Palm Zire 71, Rover PC P3 / P3 Plus, ASUS MyPal A620, ViewSonic v35, iPaq H3970, Sony PEG-NZ90 / U and the iPaq H5450.

Runtime

PDA in the first place is attractive because, no matter how corny it sounds, it is pocketable. What does this mean? This means that the size of a computer small enough to fit in your pocket. Consequently, it can always be with you, did you not burdened: not in the office, on the road, often where there is no access to electricity. Consequently, the computer must, simply must have a long battery life. And that is true, what kind of computer that has a battery sit down after 1-2 hours. Second, after the display quality, the requirement for a PDA - it's battery life. To check the battery life in read e-books has been selected program iSilo. This application starts with auto-scroll text (when we read, we do not just look at the screen, while leafing through a book or on their own using hardware buttons or use the autoscroll feature - both consumes some portion of battery power). Speed ​​auto-scroll chosen the same for all measurements 20-25 characters per second. In this way, we measured the battery life, depending on the level of illumination (backlight from completely off to maximum brightness). Since even the lowest brightness of the display is enough to read in almost any ambient lighting condition, then the graph shows a comparison of computers in autoscroll mode, the text with a minimum display brightness. Battery life when playing music defined by the time playback of MP3 files with the flow of 128Kb / s with the screen off PDA (where possible). Battery life for video playback was determined with the same brightness displays 30Kd/m2 time play the file with the flow of 600Kb / s..

Performance

Performance requirements Pocket PC depend on the type carried out their tasks. By types of tasks PDAs can be divided into four categories: organizer, music player, video player, game station. To work on documents, notebook, calendar, diary, organizer and e-book reader does not need a special performance, are all available in the market of PDAs cope well with the function of the organizer. To play music in greater need is not high performance computer and hardware capabilities. Most modern PDAs running PocketPC 2002 have the opportunity to work at a lower frequency of the processor (power-saving mode - usually with a frequency of 200 MHz) and thus actually increase the battery life of your computer. If such a regime exists in the CCP, for reading electronic books, or organizer functions, I strongly recommend to switch to this mode. Loss of performance, you will not notice, but the increase in battery life will feel like. Performance plays an important role when it comes to video playback. To real-time video decoding with the flow in the 500-600 kb / c, you must have a high performance handheld computer.To analyze the performance of video playback for computers running Pocket PC 2002, used the program of video playback Pocket TV Enterprise Edition (specially adapted for processor PXA). In order to evaluate the performance of the CCP, the video played out four different resolutions and different values ​​of the data stream: 240h120, 300 kb / c; 288h208, 400 kb / c; 320x240, 500 kb / c, and 320x240, 600 kb / c. By launching all these videos from the memory of PDA, compared with the numbers falling in the second frame (for all the clips were originally 24 frames per second). By the number of "dropped" frames estimated, to play some movies fit this pocket PC. Gaming applications for both PC and Pocket are of two types: not requiring high performance handheld computer (board games, card games, puzzle games), and vice versa, with more claims to computer resources (arcade games, simulators, "Shooter" ). To analyze the overall performance of the handheld computer (only in case of Pocket PC 2002) used the latest version of the synthetic test from the company's Virtual Office VO Benchmark 3.0 with built-in test plots.

Cost

At a cost of all handheld computers can be divided into three categories. The first - a category of low cost computers. The cost of the CPC is low and does not exceed $ 350. Usually it is computers running PocketPC 2002 that differ from their more expensive brethren truncated ROM, or PDA with Palm OS entry level. The second level - are computers the middle class. This is a classic Pocket PC or a PDA running Palm OS 5.0 or equipped with a built-in wireless connection standard Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or with higher specifications. And finally, the third category - an expensive business model for those who need high performance and wireless capability. This is Sony's handheld with built-in Bluetooth, camera or PDA PocketPC with built-in 802.11b, Bluetooth and a fingerprint reader.

Test

On the basis of the above characteristics, I have tried to analyze the specifications of most commercially available handheld computers. Description of new products was carried out in more detailed form, unlike older models, PDA.

Ericsson R380 - an elegant solution to pressing problems

Virtually no one is there is no doubt that the development of cellular phones and handheld computers are parallel courses. But in contrast to the parallel lines they are destined sooner or later cross. The only question is what form will be mobile devices as a result of this intersection. Will this PDA-phone (as, for example, Visor with snap-on module of the phone) or phone-PDA. Ericsson is believed that the second option more likely. As proof of his conviction Swedish phone giant has released a smartphone R380, which will be discussed in this article. So, Ericsson R380 - is familiar to amateur mobile innovations on some of its predecessors, a hybrid cell phone and PDA, combining their features into one convenient package. By the way, this is the first cell phone running on OS EPOC (shell, created by Symbian - Union Ericsson, Nokia, Psion and Matsushita). In this review, the author considered a subspecies of R380s, which is a dual-GSM version (900/1800MHz), designed for European and Asian markets, although the American version and not long to wait. As always, start with the design. R380 design is impressive. Performed in a conservative blue-gray and greenish tones, smartphone, it seems, is aimed at business users. The only disadvantage of the design is that behind the model is painted under the metal, and therefore easily scratched. In addition, rumor has it that the battery compartment several "walks", but the tester did not have these problems. R380s can work in two orientations - portrait and landscape. When operating in landscape orientation, it acts like a standard cell phone, is that big already. Its size, by the way, 12.7h 5.8 x 2.54sm and weighs 170g. Since our site is dedicated to all the same for the most part PDAs, I dare suggest that PDA features R380 interested us a bit more than than the telephone. My only comment is that the last level with the requirements to the best cellular family members for business users. From the moment when the R380 keyboard appears, he appears before us in all its glory. The fact that a few seconds ago is a small screen resolution 120h116 pikcel becomes 320h160 display capable of portraying just a paragraph of text. This becomes possible due to a change landscape to portrait. Manage the touch screen with backlight, you can use cleverly concealed in the battery compartment of a feather. When working in the PDA, R380 offers six main options, access to which can be obtained through a rather large icons, conveniently located on the screen. Among these options are as follows: - PHONE (Phone) Here the user can change the configuration of the phone settings, view incoming calls and make calls using the technology hands-free. - CONTACTS (Contact) In this section, the user can create, view and edit an already created address book entries. - MESSAGING (Communications) Based on the title, this section is intended to send and receive SMS messages and e-mail (R380 supports POP3 and IMAP4 standards). - CALENDAR (Diary) Here, the owner of a smartphone creates, maintains and changes its schedule, whether for a day or month or year. In addition, we can obtain access to the partition of the Cause. - WAP SERVICES (Services WAP) With the help of this section, it becomes a way of navigating the Internet. - EXTRAS (Other) where the user expects a wide variety of applications. Notepad, recording in which can be viewed and edited, Clock, Calculator, Games - all this can be found here. From here you can also change the configuration of PDA-mode R380. According to the tester, in these applications is even nothing. True, at times, they are somewhat slow running (for example, there is a delay in the opening address). Perhaps this is explained by the peculiarities platform EPOC, which is written mostly in Java and C + +. At some donastroyke, pauses may be avoided. Although without it, does not run quite digestible. Generally, EPOC made a lasting impression on the lucky winner, to use the phone for three months. Icons are large and easy to read. The very same system is intuitive and user-familiar MAC or WINDOWS PC. In other words, to resort to the instructions on the use of R380 will very rarely. For the three months of use were not observed system failures, which also speaks in its favor. Entering information with the stylus can be done in two ways - via a virtual keyboard on the screen, or by means of software that recognizes handwritten letters. This text input easier to learn than Graffiti for Palm, but it is still far from recognizing software from Newton2000. Program for synchronizing data with the R380 desktop PC available, unfortunately only for PC owners. It provides a link with most existing and most commonly used PIM (Personal Information Manager) applications. Thus, the smartphone can download and diary Microsoft Outlook, and business, and address, and notes and even e-mail. True, our tester idea to download your mail, a daily amount which is not less than 10 megs on 1.2MV R380s, seemed a little sadistic. Despite all the positive characteristics, there is no limit to perfection, and therefore always have something to criticize and improve. For example, sometimes there is a desire that the R380 can be used only as a handheld computer to deactivate it dial the essence. This makes sense especially in situations where the use of a cell phone is strictly prohibited, for example, in airplanes or in hospitals. True, PDA-Smartphone portion can sometimes operate separately from its Siamese twin - the phone. This occurs when a disabled R380 awakens a reminder about the meeting. On the other hand, it would be nice to see a closer link with the mobile device. Tester said that the option "do not disturb" in the diary would be welcome. When a call comes in, R380 would have checked a check mark in this option and, depending on its availability, would direct it to either the phone or to voicemail. Another obvious omission of the manufacturer R380 is the inability to download additional software on your smartphone applications. Thus, the user, to some extent limited and completely tied to the fact that it chose Ericsson for a couple of Symbian. This factor is even more depressing because of the rather large amount of free memory. Even before scoring a failure address book and diary, is the order of one megabyte free. True, despite all these shortcomings, no doubt about the fact that the R380 - a good phone and a pretty decent PDA. Being the Version 1.0 product, this smartphone is quite an impressive demonstration of the possibilities EPOC. Talking about the price of the product, it's worth noting that it varies from country to country. Mostly it depends on the amount of the contract with the mobile operator. In any case, this miracle of technology will cost several hundred dollars. Despite some uncertainty in the price, many are happy to pay for the convenience to have a device that combines the capabilities of cell phone and PDA. Costs, by most accounts, pay for itself with a vengeance. Note that the R380 is only a first step in a new line of similar products.The only thing that can slow down the popularity of these smartphones - the limited band GSM, which increase dramatically with the widespread introduction of GPRS and UMTS standards. With the introduction of these standards is expected and the expansion of services offered by smartphones. In general, the idea of ​​synchronizing the phone with a desktop computer rather attractive. In addition, Ericsson R380 is really stylish and sensible model. And because the expectation of further cooperation fruit Ericsson and Symbian could be really worthwhile. Sources, Materials: