HP iPAQ H2210 and Windows Mobile 2003: A very sweet couple

Due to numerous requests to present to your attention a more detailed overview of the new machines from HP - the long-awaited iPAQ h2210. Preview of the article published on our website earlier this week, was devoted mainly to the appearance and ergonomics of the model. Now let's talk about its inner content. The intrigue is that this PDA has become one of the first equipped with the new operating system Windows Mobile 2003. In order not to send readers fully to the previous review, some repeated. Thus, H2210 is executed in silver casing, the front part of which - a plastic, and the back - a metal. Equipped with excellent color transflective display with support for 65000 colors diagonal of 3.5 inches. Special interest is the uniformity of illumination and sensitivity. Touch stylus recognize immediately and accurately. On the case there is no such common control as JogDial button and start the recorder. Shortcuts Application - less than the previous model H1900 and quite strongly recessed into the body: "responsive", but a little zhestkovatye. H2210 carries a 32 MB ROM, of which 3.84 MB set aside for non-volatile storage of user data. Here you can create archives of databases from PIM-applications and store important files. Here is a program of Nevo, with which the CCP can make a universal remote control home appliances. Memory device is 64 MB, of which 57.11 MB available to the user. The heart of the handheld processor is Intel XScale Cotulla PXA255 clocked at 400 MHz. Say that the machine has turned brisk - to say nothing! Speed ​​is visible, as they say, to the naked eye. Using the menu, scrolling, launching of programs - everything just flies:) It is noteworthy that also dramatically increased the speed sync and share files with your desktop computer. Documented all testified program to test the Pocket PC SPB Benchmark from the Russian company SPB Software House. Those who are interested in numbers, we offer a look here. At the request of Microsoft, in Windows Mobile 2003 supports all the features of the new processor PXA255, it is possible to expect that work with applications that are optimized for this platform will be more comfortable than before. It remains to wait for the release. And now, more to the point. Talk about "fichah" PDA.

Features

Siemens SL45 - 3 in 1

So what-what, and the choice of the mobile market boasts more than any other. Today it presents a variety of different models of different manufacturers is that "omobilit" can a man with almost any taste, hearing and thick koshelka - be he the most inveterate student. Naturally, with such a diversity of supply in the market highlighted the model for the representatives of quite different backgrounds with very different levels of income - from the "youth" Nokia 3310 with changeable skins veselenky rastsvetochek to respectable smartphone that just 3D-accelerator cards are not integrated. However, the main function of the handset is still an opportunity to make and receive calls - it is still born a telephone, and not a hybrid computer, voice recorder and intellectual coffeemakers. I do not accidentally distracted by verbiage and came to the conclusion that a mobile phone - is primarily a phone. Although considered in this material model, it has all the prerequisites to get into the category of "smartphones", she, like no other combines all the features of the phone with a wide range of additional services, while remaining exactly convenient phone. Thus, Siemens SL45. Specification of the device described many times in the web - for example here. The new machine represents one of the latest models of this company in the mobile market of reputation has the 25th series, and well-established today with the popular series 35. It would seem, to do something more enjoyable than the M35 (for youth) or C35 (for all others) are difficult, but the company's engineers stiffened, and gave SL45, unwittingly making parallels with the German car the same, the letters SL to the body which are close to numbers 600. From the narration, talking about what can be seen at once - the phone is surprisingly beautiful. Despite the very compact size (105h46h17 mm), the new machine has a sufficiently large screen and very comfortable in the hand. At the same time - almost weightless - 1988 design is executed with an emphasis on the classics, no association with the soap box, or vice versa, with the brick does not cause - but the "classic": not devoid of shades of "modernity": that in support of the original silver color, raised buttons and amber-orange backlit display. Such a course designer is justified - in the hand of a businessman phone looks expensive and harmoniously, especially being "dressed" in the skin, but the youth does not look like a policeman in the disco. Navigating the menu is traditional for Siemens is clear and simple - the more so because under review copy was Russified. More user-friendly menus boast except that devices from Nokia, though, in my opinion, all a matter of habit. The menu is so convenient that the use of virtually all functions of the apparatus can be immediately took him in hand - everything is very structured, it is intuitively clear and simple. Again: advanced menu system promotes "adult" screen size - most of the functions (incoming call, SMS, etc.) nicely animated, that in general it may be noted phrase "user friendly" - a phenomenon important and necessary. Mobile phone - a very personal thing and it is better to rid yourself of unnecessary negative emotions (what occurs after use, say, Motorola), for which, incidentally, as my grandmother used to say, "money Ploce. Navigation through the menu via the four-button-joystick and two auxiliary buttons. Stiffness clicking on the keyboard is optimal - just enough to not call someone by accident, when the phone is in the jeans pocket. However, if you have a very tight jeans, is provided to lock the keypad from accidental clicks. All manipulations with the keyboard sounded muted clicks of confirming that you really clicked, and you do not seem. Naturally, there is a system of predictive text input SMS-messages T9, which traditionally does not support the Russian language. Sound and reception quality on a scale we can safely estimate of 5. External antenna, allowing an average (on the passport and in comparison with competitors) power apparatus confidently held network, showing the field strength of about 75%, where some competing model saw the signal as 30 percent.Sound and dynamics, and when using a headset, hands-free clear and loud - really, when you use dynamic "effect of the bucket," ie, an echo is present. Naturally, the apparatus of a rich selection of tunes - their 42, not counting the fact that you can record your own on the flash card. Tunes very loud, vibration can be duplicated - in a word, you can only miss a call on purpose. All of the above concerns precisely those functions that allow you to talk about the unit as a good, well-made and thoughtful phone - however, these functions are not limited to SL45. The main difference between this unit from the mass of cell phones - a built-in MP3-player. To store the music to the phone includes support for flash memory cards standard MMC (MultiMediaCard). By default, comes 32 Mbaytny option, but theoretically nothing prevents the use of higher-capacity cards. The player itself is implemented is quite simple - there are all the standard features needed to play files standards WMA and MP3. Tags are read correctly, but the maximum bit rate, which may play a file is 128 kbit / s - which, incidentally, is a normal quality for portable devices. Play is possible via the supplied with a telephone headset that also allows voice control of phone. Playback controls for the standard: among the available options, shuffle, repeat, next / last track, play, stop, pause. For the convenience of the buttons to switch between tracks made on the side of the phone - running them easy to find by touch switch track or start / stop the music. Time with the track displays a ruler bar, which is painted as playing a file. Generally speaking, the device is advertised as a "phone-player", but to me it seemed all the same phone - the same player is just what the Americans call features, that is more nimble nice lotion. It would be logical to assume the existence of a digital voice recorder - he was on the phone is taking place. Quality voice recording sufficient, however, compared with professional specialized devices a few plays through the microphone. Output can be recorded messages on a schedule - a sort of convenient "reminder." The thought occurred - recorded - put the time to recall - was a reminder. You can record messages of up to 20 minutes, and their number is limited only by the capacity flash cards. The scheme, to be honest, comfortable - but as a rule, similar features enjoyed by people with a unique temperament, characterized by thoroughness and scrupulousness. Standard for the latest Siemens, the machine is built modem with data transmission at speeds up to 14400 baud. With the PC phone can be paired, not when the children say, as non-contact - via the infrared port and through the lace. And then it was discovered an unfortunate misunderstanding, which is not to mention impossible. The fact that the device has extensive functions as an organizer, for example, comes with the phone software is provided with a diary sync Outlook, etc. In the end, the phone regularly want to download music - but this is only possible by an archaic cable . "By air, that is, through the infrared port, can not do this - the software that came with the device, do not care that the infrared port available and the system is, in principle, sees the phone as a device. Just when you install among the ports, which connected the device, you can choose either COM1, or ... correctly, COM2. In connection with this - you're doomed, the poor user to carry around everywhere lace, or use the phone as the organizer can be only at home or only at work, as well as change the music on a flash card. Infra same port can only be used when connecting the device as an external modem. But here, too wrong - Windows 2000 nefunktsionalen this modem, as a phenomenon. Well, no drivers, just to Siemens for W2K, and the standard "modem 14400" working with an error that is not working at all. Agree, it would be foolish to move from Win 2000 to 98 just to be able to use the built-in SL45 modem via infrared.Thus, I can state that the infrared port in this device - no more than an extra payment of money the user, a defect of the company and the only thing in this phone is not thought to shine. To summarize, we note that Siemens SL45 - excellent modern phone that will please user almost everywhere. The only nuance, because of which I have not rushed to buy it right away - its price. At present it is about 500-odd dollars, frankly, a little expensive. But, with volume shipments (ie, through a couple of months) the price, according to representatives of the Russian office of the company, will fall significantly. If by "substantially" means at least $ 300 at retail, the phone will become a very coveted purchase. And if the situation with the infrared port to fix, then we can safely say that the hit took place. Sources, Materials:

Clinical examination: ASUS MyPal a620

Review of the PDA can be compared with a visit to the polyclinic. Thorough "washing stones" of the test is strongly reminiscent of the severe medical board. Therefore, an analysis of the new Pocket PC ASUS MyPal A620 has been decided to hold similar medical examinations. Well, that will go to the doctors?

Therapist

The package that came with the computer includes: cradle, made of transparent and black plastic, synthetic cover, AC adapter and a CD with drivers. Cradle tiny and light - nothing more, but it fairly stable, the computer is inserted into it without any additional effort, and just as easily removed from it. Case, though not leather, but made very carefully. In the front and back walls are sewn hard plastic insert that protects the well-screen computer from accidental damage. In addition, inside cover provides a pocket for memory cards or expansion compartment lid. Zip samozastegivayuschayasya that prevents accidental loss of the machine cover. Externally, the patient looks pretty good: the young and athletic tightened - which has recently become very fashionable silver plastic case has a thickness of 12,5 mm. Dimensions and weight of a computer too small: the closest in size and weight of the analogues are Mitac Mio 338, Rover PC P3 +, and ViewSonic v35. However, the appearance and the interior of computers at such similar sizes differ quite strongly. The first thing that catches your eye, it's no scroll wheel: on the sides, there is only an IR port and special grooves for mounting of expansion and a stronger adhesion to the cradle. On the issue of lack of scroll wheel, the developers stated that since the computer is positioned as a budget model, then to reduce the cost of all cars from this structural element was dropped. Functions of the scroll wheel itself has very successfully made the navigation button joystick. And fans of electronic books to flip through pages can use a voice recorder button which is located in a rather unexpected place - right above the display. This solution has several advantages. Firstly, to voice recorder button is equally easy to reach, no matter what hand (left or right) you do not keep a computer would. Second, flip through pages by using this button is also very convenient to both the left and right hand. Below the display are located: navigation joystick and combined in a pair of application buttons. Since all the buttons on a computer can be programmed to your liking, then shown on the icon button rather relative - it is rather a tribute to tradition. Directly under the buttons there are two lattice: left-hand grid false, but under the right speaker is placed on your computer. The presence of two lattices is due, most likely, an eye for the future: stereo speakers can only be welcome. Headphone jack is located on the top panel (so that music can be, without taking the computer out of pocket), symmetrically with built-in headphones is the stylus holder, but directly between connector CFII, covered by a small plastic cap. Removable cover that allows you to connect to a computer different expansion modules format CF, such as jackets handheld iPAQ. It should be noted that at the moment is the smallest and lightest PDA with an expansion slot format CFII. Given the high popularity and a large number of peripheral devices to handheld computers carried out in this format, we can safely say that fans of this computer will be enough, because in this case, you can not throw the already existing expansion device. The only design drawback is the performance of CFII slot cover, she secured loosely enough. And if the slot is not occupied unit standard CFII, it just rattles. The bottom panel has a connector for a network adapter, so that, going somewhere, you can not take a cradle (if you just do not need to transfer data to a personal computer). The stylus is made of molded plastic with a solid tip, without any frills, but quite easy to use.

Oculist

Display, in contrast to the previous model A600 with transflective backlit. Backlight is very bright, almost the same as the iPaq h3970. All products with a brand label, ASUS, whether it's motherboards, laptops or handheld computers necessarily differ if there were any proprietary technologies. Are not left out and the A620, it is also full of their "widgets". One of them is the ability to adjust the brightness of the display of CPC 256 steps, none of the other PDAs such a smooth adjustment of brightness is not there. Zero level corresponds to turn-off, and 255 - the maximum brightness of the display. When completely off illumination to perceive the image on the display is difficult. With the backlight off, you can work only outdoors in bright sunlight. However, even a minimum level of brightness is quite sufficient to operate at any ambient light. Optimal conditions for the perception of images - from the 50-th level of brightness.

Surgeon

Processor	Intel Xscale PXA255, 400MHz
Memory RAM / ROM (MB)	64/32
Display	3,5 "TFT, 320x240, 64K, trancflektivny
I / O ports	IrDA, USB 1.1
multimedia	output headphone / speaker / microphone
removable media	CFII
battery	built-in Li-Ion battery, 1300mAch
Dimensions / weight	125x76.8x13.3 mm/141g

How easily can be seen next-generation processor PXA255 clocked at 400MHz. Of the stated 64MB SDRAM user accessible only 38.8 MB. ROM, as with most PDAs 32MB. Unlike the earlier model A600, a new computer user is deprived section of flash memory (My Flash Disk). To save the settings on your computer is a special program Smart Keeper, which saves the settings to a CF card or in automatic mode (when the battery is almost completely flat) or manually. Lack of wireless communication modules is not a disadvantage, because the model is positioned as a budget (cheap) handheld computer, available for the masses. In total seven modes: Power Saving, Power Saving + Advanced Performance Enhancement (APE), Standard, Standard + APE, Turbo, Turbo + APE, and the automatic mode, in which the computer chooses one of the modes depending on the type of running applications. For reading text, listening to music or working with CPC as the organizer is quite suitable mode Power Saving. If you are working with large office documents or presentations, then select Mode Standard. If you love to watch movies or play on your computer, your choice or enhanced Turbo Turbo + APE. In addition to the computer's performance, the regimes are different, and battery life. If the Power Saving PC can work about 11 hours, the Turbo + APE only 5 hours, doing the same application. So, if your application does not require much CPU load, it is recommended to choose the mode with lower productivity, which corresponds to lower energy consumption. Those who choose may seem too difficult, may not particularly bother and restrict the automatic settings, which work quite well.

ECG and X-rays

To test the efficiency and physical condition of the patient's use popular benchmarks PDAs Virtual Office Benchmark 3.0, BMQ 0.31 and SPB Benchmark from the St. Petersburg company SPB Software House. For a more visual assessment can be reduced compared with a fairly powerful pocket PC Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX 600. As seen from the A620 tests showed surprisingly good results, especially when working with video. Of the tests became clear function Advanced Performance Enhancement. It's kind of a button afterburner, which speeds up the memory and graphics. On integer calculations, the inclusion afterburner is not reflected. To test the suitability of your Pocket PC as a personal video player made videos to DivX format with different values ​​of the flow (from 300 to 1200Kb / s). Make a video with more than 1200Kb / s stream for viewing on screen with a diagonal of 3,5''no longer feasible. Two-minute preview of the movie "Invisible Man" is reproduced from memory with the maximum cache size (12MB) using Pocket MVP. At the end of roller measures the average number of frames per second and the percentage of skipped frames during playback. Red marked area where the video is played almost no loss (more than 2% of missed shots), yellow - the boundary region (3-4% missed shots). It turned out that a computer capable of playing videos with very high flows in the 1200Kb / s - result for Pocket PC is fantastic. A very long time it was thought that the best possible video playback without loss of the PDA can not have a thread over 600Kb / s.. A620 successfully break those stereotypes. It is best suited for video mode turbo or turbo + APE. On the standard is better to watch video stream 400 Kb / s; standard + APE pulls 600Kb / s, and Power Saving + APE sufficient only to 300kb / s videos.

Physical Cabinet

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.