Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February

The main event last week in the world of mobile communications has become the Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona, ​​formerly known as 3GSM Congress. It started on Monday, February 11 and closes on Thursday, February 14. After last year's premiere Windows Mobile 6, which was held at the 3GSM World Congress, there was little doubt that at this time, Microsoft will provide another update mobile operating system - Windows Mobile 6.1. Nevertheless, for some reason premiere never took place. In that update will be shown soon enough doubt, however, does not have - access to a range of new products submitted by manufacturers of Windows Mobile devices has been limited, and some of the expected new products have not been declared.

XPERIA X1: brilliant debutant

Star Windows Mobile Premier at Mobile World Congress 2008, you can safely assume debut from Sony Ericsson. Communicator XPERIA X1 - first attempt at writing the Swedish-Japanese alliance in the field of Windows Mobile. The device has attracted at first glance, technical specifications are also impressive. Here and a 3-inch WVGA-screen, and a sliding QWERTY-keyboard, and navigational AGPS-function, full set of communications capabilities and more. Design XPERIA X1 is unusual. In contrast to the traditional side-slider with QWERTY, here sliding mechanism is slightly rounded, as a result of the module with the display slightly lifted at an angle to the keyboard when opening. Dimensions communicator more than compact. In size, he is noticeably smaller PDA Toshiba with similar display size, it is even less than the HTC TyTN II, which display has a diagonal of 2.8 inches. The figures speak for themselves:
  • HTC TyTN II: 112x59x19 mm
  • Toshiba Portege G910: 117x64x20 mm
  • Toshiba Portege G900: 119x61x22 mm
  • Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1: 110h53h16, 7mm
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Representing X1, Sony Ericsson is launching a new brand XPERIA. One of the main features of the model has an interface using the so-called panels XPERIA, which facilitate the management of your fingers without the stylus. A detailed description of the interface by the manufacturer is not given, also quite a few white spots in the specification, moreover, the reporters at the exhibition did not allow enough "play" with the new. All said that the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is just one of the novelties, which no longer works with Windows Mobile 6, and based on the new Windows Mobile 6.1, and a blackout caused by the requirements of Microsoft in connection with the delayed announcement of the mobile operating system updates.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 will be released in the second half of the year. Among direct competitors include communicators Toshiba Portege G910 and G900, which he immediately wins a minimum of compactness and the presence of finger-oriented interface. It remains to add only that the price for the novelty has not been disclosed, but Sony Ericsson is never shy with the cost of its top products.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February

HTC: modest premiere

HTC has introduced the Mobile World Congress 2008 is only one entirely new product - PDA HTC P3470. This model is the middle class and stars from the sky is not enough, it has some pluses and minuses. With some stretch device can be called a successor to last year's budget news - HTC P3400 (Gene).Compared with its predecessor have HTC P3470 doubling of internal memory (256 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM), added support for GPS-functionality, a slot for SD memory cards changed to microSD. Parameters such as standard 2.8-inch QVGA-display, TI OMAP 850 clocked at 200MHz and the lack of wireless support Wi-Fi networks remain unchanged. If the HTC P3400 can be easily ranked as the budget price range, the HTC P3470 is more on the middle class. Recommended price corresponds to the European market, it is 449 Euro, that is about 660 dollars U.S.. The main reason for price changes, apparently prompted appeared navigation functions. Traditionally, for HTC, will be used by navigation software TomTom. Issue in Europe to be held later this month. At that price for HTC P3470 will be a number of fairly strong competitors, including communicators glofiish from E-Ten, which though do not have the internal memory, but equipped with a processor and support Wi-Fi. How it can compete with them not on paper but in real conditions, tests show.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
In addition to the HTC P3470, at Mobile World Congress 2008 was shown updated communicator HTC Advantage - HTC Advantage X7510. It is noteworthy that in a press release the company reported modest "future version" Windows Mobile, reports from the exhibition referred to more specifically - Windows Mobile 6.1. In contrast to the classical version of the HTC Advantage, to update the changes are not too many. The first is an increased amount of storage built from 8 to 16 GB. In this hard drive has been replaced with a flash drive that will affect in a positive way on a variety of indicators, including reliability, speed and power consumption. In addition, a re-designed keyboard, the package pre-installed software and proprietary interface VueFLO. We should also note the appearance of a new Advantage interface TouchFLO, based on the management of your fingers without the stylus. The rest is still the same in all respects an impressive communicator, both in size and technical characteristics.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February

Toshiba: compact GPS

Very interesting novelty company presented Toshiba. In addition to the previously unannounced Portege G710 smartphone and communicator Portege G910, was first broadcast communicator Portege G810. The model has the original, although somewhat controversial, the design with touch keys. It is compact and thin, just a little more successful communicator HTC Touch, but much more functional novelty. For technical capabilities of its more comparable to HTC Touch Cruise, also supports third generation networks and Wi-Fi, Qualcomm processor with forensic 400 MHz, twice the amount of memory (256 MB ROM, 128 MB RAM), a 3-megapixel camera FM-radio and, of course, GPS-receiver with A-GPS.Deserve special mention communications capabilities - have Portege G810 is supported not only high-speed standard HSDPA, but paired him HSUPA, that while rare in mobile devices. In addition, the device is running an updated version of Windows Mobile under the number 6.1. Release device is expected in the second quarter if the company does not delay it and would not be rude to the prices, the Portege G810 can do it much better known among manufacturers of Windows Mobile devices. In Portege G810 will definitely find its fans.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February

E-Ten: the expected sensation

As expected, the February exhibition company E-Ten announced two new series Communicator glofiish - M810 and V900. Model glofiish M810 is a further development of the sliders with sliding side QWERTY-keyboard. This successor to the glofiish M800 with a new, more compact design. In appearance M800 and M810 are noticeably different, the company knowingly promised a "new, special design." The performance characteristics of the model is all still the same multi-function GPS-communicator with extensive communication capabilities, with one exception - the display resolution changed from VGA to QVGA. In Russia in connection with the actual lack of third-generation networks, instead of the M810 will be available glofiish M750 for GSM, which should positively affect the final cost. About the price of new items of precise information yet.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
glofiish V900 - a fundamentally new to the E-Ten products. In addition to the GPS-module of the traditional series glofiish, here there was a receiver of digital broadcasting standard DVB-H, DVB-T, T-DMB and DAB. New "stuffing" adds a new modern design with a screen "without upstands and oriented interface to control the fingers. The top model in the whole, the communicator is based on the new processor is Samsung, equipped udovoennym amount of RAM memory (128 MB). The price is also not yet established, and the issue is expected to close by midyear.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February

Gigabyte: a parade of new products

Gigabyte Communications Company showed multiple communicators. If the model GSmart MS800 and GSmart MW700 were announced quite a bit in advance and in detail the characteristics, then on some models, the company said the first time. As mentioned earlier GSmart MS800 and GSmart MW700 - is an extension of GPS-direction in the portfolio Gigabyte. Thin and compact models, among themselves, they differ mainly in communications capabilities. GSmart MW700 works in networks GSM / GPRS / EDGE, and GSmart MS800 additionally supports UMTS / HSDPA.Unlike its predecessor, GSmart i350, it uses a slightly larger display, but at a lower resolution - 2.8 inches diagonally with a resolution QVGA.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Gigabyte GSmart MS800
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Gigabyte GSmart MW700
GSmart MS820 - this is another GPS-new product from Gigabyte. The main highlight was the motion sensor MS820 involved in a "user friendly" interface, in simple terms it is possible to control the communicator, moving it in space. In the remaining specifications MS820 significantly intersects with GSmart MS800, including supports networks WCDMA / HSDPA.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Gigabyte GSmart MS820
GSmart MS808 still a worthy cause communicators Gigabyte with an emphasis on watching television. However, this matter is not limited to, the functionality of the model if not a record, or at least aspiring to this title. In one case Gigabyte has managed to combine the support of cellular networks, 3,5 G, mobile TV formats, DVB-T, DVB-H, T-DMB, ISDB-T, and integrated GPS-receiver. This is complemented by 2.8-inch display in a diagonal with a resolution VGA, Marvell PXA310 processor clocked at 624 MHz, built-in memory to 128 MB of RAM and 256 MB ROM, and a 3-megapixel camera with autofocus. Probably worth all this splendor will not be enough.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Gigabyte GSmart MS808
Communicators GSmart MS804 and GSmart MW998 is positioned as multimedia. GSmart MW998 is made in the classic form-factor, is equipped with 2.6-inch display with a resolution of VGA. By design it is virtually indistinguishable from new items last year, GSmart t600. However, unlike the GSmart t600, a new device does not support mobile TV. This then is their main difference, for other technical characteristics are practically twins.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Gigabyte GSmart MW998
GSmart MS804 has a bright personality. The original device has a sliding form factor. Unlike conventional sliders are shifted module with display up, not down the keyboard module. In the autumn of last year about this model already zips information, then this GSmart has been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has called O2 XDA Denim. Form factor - the main feature GSmart MS804, otherwise it's just pretty productive communicator with 3,5 G and Wi-Fi, a processor with a clock frequency of 520 Hz, 256 MB ROM and a QVGA screen diagonal of 2.6 inches.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Gigabyte GSmart MS804

Samsung: modest and immodest Windows Mobile Symbian

Among Windows Mobile devices, Samsung has made quite modest. The only present the premiere of Samsung devices in this segment has become a smartphone SGH-i200. This is a very simple-looking device with a classic design, and a numeric keypad, but rather broad communications capabilities. By and large this is a model for those users who want just a phone, but "smart." On the background of these are not expressive parameters such as 2,3-inch display with QVGA resolution and a 2-megapixel CMOS-camera, there is support networks GSM / EDGE and UMTS / HSDPA, as well as interfaces Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and USB 2.0. The work done by Windows Mobile 6 Standard. The smartphone should appear on sale in the spring on a very small price, approximately - about $ 200.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Samsung SGH-i200
Where Samsung has not acted modestly, so it's in Symbian. Among the models that have been displayed previously, was released photos of a flagship Samsung G810. Smartphone platform S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 is an advanced camera phone. 5-megapixel CMOS-camera equipped with optics with 3 x optical zoom and Xenon flash. Supports autofocus, face detection, a built-in editor. In fact, the camera is inherited from the recent news Samsung G800, which is just a phone, not a smartphone, with more narrowly focused specialization, without extended beyond photography functionality. Samsung G810 is not limited to just an impressive camera. Unlike Samsung G800, a smartphone supports not only GSM networks GSM / EDGE and UMTS / HSDPA, and wireless Wi-Fi. Additionally, there are functions of GPS-navigation. For greater convenience of future users is integration with Web-search services like Google, Google Map, Gmail. As the functionality is a serious competitor to the smartphone Nokia N95, released last year.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Samsung G810
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Samsung G810

Nokia: navigation, not only

Unfortunately for Samsung, Nokia does not become easily rest on their laurels after the release of Nokia N95. By the Mobile World Congress 2008, it prepared a new "bomb". When looking at the specification of Nokia N96 is clear that the smartphone is designed on the principle of "everything and more. GPS-functionality combined with 5-megapixel camera, FM-radio, extensive communications capabilities and support for mobile TV standard in DVB-H. Apparently, that's for sure no one doubts "who is in charge", the smartphone is not only equipped with 16 GB of internal flash memory, but also, in case they will be filled in completely, gives you an opportunity to use the cards microSD. Frightening to think just a few years ago in a stationary computer, the height of happiness was a hard drive with 1 GB ... Interestingly, the Nokia N96 is going to sell complete with built-in DVB-H module, only in some countries, users of this smartphone is without a built-in DVB-H receiver will have to seriously smash his head, before to be able to fill all the available free memory unit. Recommended price for Nokia N96 is set the same as in its time for Nokia N95 - 550 euro, of course, excluding taxes and discounts. This monster must be on sale only in the third quarter.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Nokia N96
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
In addition to the new leader? Nokia has revealed three more smartphone easier. Nokia N78 with the best traditions of the series N7h - a simple design, good functionality, without fanaticism. 3.2-megapixel CMOS-camera with autofocus and Carl Zeiss lens is complemented by a GPS-module, FM-radio with FM-transmitter, support for Wi-Fi and all service Ovi. Smartphone Nokia 6210 Navigator, Nokia 6220 classic does not support Wi-Fi, but also have navigation capabilities. As a raisin Nokia 6210 Navigator supports an electronic compass, and the Nokia 6220 classic - 5-megapixel camera with geotag, and speech coding system for a comfortable communicating in noisy environments.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Nokia N78
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Nokia 6210
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Nokia 6220

Sony Ericsson: UIQ People

Representing a fundamentally new XPERIA X1, Sony Ericsson has not forgotten about the platform and UIQ. P-series smartphones while continuing not received it, but introduced a new series, consisting so far of the two models - Sony Ericsson G700 and G900. Apparently, the G-series will develop low-cost solutions for everyday needs. In low-end model has a 3.2 megapixel camera on is not supported by work in wireless Wi-Fi networks and the emphasis is on simple and convenient work with calendar, contacts, scheduler and so on. At the highest 5 Mp camera with autofocus, supports Wi-Fi, finger-oriented interface, a bit reminiscent of XPERIA, focuses more on working with photo albums and other multimedia functions.
Issue of February 11 - February 15 "width =" 300 "height =" 400 "/>
Sony Ericsson G900
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Sony Ericsson G900
Both smartphones are capable of working in third generation networks, unlike the P-series smartphones fairly compact and light. According to their model parameters give the impression of "friendly to the people" version of the Sony Ericsson W960, without the emphasis on music features. They should be on sale during the second quarter. The price will be about 260 euros for Sony Ericsson G700 and 320 euros for Sony Ericsson G900.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Sony Ericsson G700

Android in the prototype

Quite a lot of attention at the exhibition attracted a prototype device running on a platform Android. Company Texas Instruments introduced a platform for future Android-smartphone and prototypes based on it were shown by several companies. Similar smart phones will run on a processor Texas Instruments OMAP 850 CPU at 200 MHz, support networks GSM / GPRS / EDGE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Of course, this is just one of the options a smartphone based on Android. Prototypes in the form of a monoblock with QWERTY-keyboard work demonstrated several applications, including Google Media Player and Google Maps. They did not provide full functionality, but before the first commercial Android devices is still quite far away. Launch the first Android-smartphone is expected in the second half of this year. Among the manufacturers that plan to produce smartphones on the new OS, there are such well known brands like HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung.
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
Mobile panorama of the week. Issue 11 February - 15 February
The authors, translation:

Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class

Complete upgrade of the model range of Palm, happened in the past six months, completed the release of the mainstream news Zire 71, which has many impressive qualities. Our colleagues from the site Brighthand.com were among the first users, to evaluate the pros and cons of fresh models. Bring to your attention to look at the functional and exterior Zire 71.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
By design Zire 71 handheld is a bit like the original entry-level Zire, and the fundamental differences can be found only in a color scheme of the case. If "easy» Zire is made of white plastic artless, then the 71-th differ-coloring - dark blue with silver - and the lower part is made of silvery metal. Apparently, the purpose of this design - to protect from damage your digital camera, hiding behind a metal lid.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
On the front side of the device is placed a large display, unfortunately, "cut" area for handwriting Graffiti. Given that soft Graffiti 2 (Recognition Systems Jot), which is equipped with this PDA, you can write anywhere on the screen, the logic of this design is not entirely clear.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
Below the display are four "hardware" button, the default is responsible for running the most frequently used programs (calendar, address book, view photos, and notes). In the center is five-way joystick, touch on that at any time to display a larger font date and time, and holding the analog stick pressed, we turn to the "home screen" to run any installed application.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
Considering the device "in profile" can not but notice that Palm continues to avoid installing any buttons, connectors, or wheels for scrolling on the side walls of the CCP. Even at the lower end of the PDA, we find only entrance Universal Connector.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
But at the top of the whole "pandemonium" - slot Secure Digital, infrared port, headphone jack, stylus, and the power button. Dimensions Zire 71 - 114 x 74 x 17 mm and weighs 150 g. In these settings, it is quite suitable for carrying in your pocket. Some shortcomings in the design Zire 71 can be called that, by the typewriter fit only a few cheholchiki and cases. Established "odezhka" This model has a rather awkward: it will not be able to remove with one hand. A popular case-flips with the Zire 71, it seems, can not be used. And yet, housing design deserves evaluation "excellent".

What he does

Until recently palmovoe family could not boast a variety of fashionable technical twists, like a Pocket PC, has long been flaunting wireless modules, excellent color displays, fast processors and huge amounts of memory.Now, through the efforts of the producer situation is completely changed: the Zire 71 has everything to compete on a par with any other handhelds medium price range. Hardware: Advanced Operating System Palm OS 5 is not brought too many new things. The user interface of large changes have occurred, except that the screen fonts and icons have become clearer. But for "iron" part of the progress is very significant: 33 - and 66-megahertz Motorola Dragonball processors are disappearing, giving way to "rock» Texas Instruments OMAP, clocked at 144 MHz. It is a pity that part of the memory of such a breakthrough has not occurred, and Zire 71, like its predecessor comes to ridiculous standards Pocket PC module of RAM - only 16 megabytes, of which 13 MB user available (greater volume of palmovyh has only a top-model Tungsten C) . Still, for "large" flash cards dramatic decrease in the functional "close" RAM does not cause. Multimedia importantly, what is new palmovaya really corresponds to the current level - is the ability to work with audio and video data. If the Tungsten T was ready to play music technically, but did not have the appropriate software, the Zire 71 fully meet the expectations of fans. The model comes with the player RealOne, which provides a truly professional sounding music, either through headphones or when connected to an external powered speakers. Plays MP3 and RealAudio files pleased with the rich palette of sound and purity of sound.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
For working with video Zire 71 meets Kinoma Player 1.5.1 and its desktop-addition Kinoma Producer. Run the benchmark with a trailer for the movie Men In Black II showed the exorbitant rate of processing of video - 162 frames per second. Although in fairness, we note that the visual playback of this movie-was not entirely smooth (this, of course, may be due to shortcomings of the file). Luggage main part of the list of exceptional "fichey" this device - of course, a digital camera. Despite the quite standard for "integrated" camera settings - 640 x 480 pixel, VGA-quality graphics and auto exposure - crisp shots pretty decent.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
The camera automatically turns on when the user moves the rear panel. Button at the bottom of the sliding panel is a "trigger" the camera. And the touch of a button and immediately called an application that controls the camera and the screen begins to work in the viewfinder. Photo program lets you change the resolution of images, store them in RAM or on a flash card and send to the desktop. The LCD matrix, which is equipped with the Zire 71 has all the necessary characteristics to work with graphics in photo quality: the resolution of 320 x 320, 16-bit color (65,536 colors). Since the display is transflective, it behaves a little worse when working outdoors in bright sunlight, but indoors it has not quibble - the owners of Tungsten T with a reflective matrix can only dream. Communication great disadvantage news is that at the moment it does not work with Palm Bluetooth Card, and hence will not be able to use this computer for mobile internet access in conjunction with Bluetooth / GPRS-phone (for example, Sony Ericsson T68i). More precisely, we certainly have the opportunity to connect the PDA with a mobile phone via infrared or cable, but these tandems is rather inconvenient for our "Wireless Age" will not do.Periphery to the SD / MMC slot of the PDA can be connected to the corresponding flash cards and additional equipment (equipment for presentations, external digital cameras, etc.). Also to interact with peripherals can be used connector Universal Connector. Meals: Ability of prolonged battery life remains the most important advantage of PC Palm. Fortunately, the transition to more powerful TI OMAP processors do not impact on the economy of the PDA. Charge lithium-ion battery will last device on the week's work in normal mode or 5 hours of continuous music playback MP3. Minus the Zire 71 to supply parts is just that the battery on this model can not be replaced, that is, take a trip several charged power sources fail. System software: First, by using the operating system Palm OS 5.2.1 in the PDA can change the visualization interface using the "Desktop Themes". Secondly, the system of handwriting Graffiti 2 allows you to write by hand, not only in a special area, but across the screen. In addition, you can make "electronic ink" for a few moments lingered on the screen before you turn into typed text. This greatly facilitates the entry. Among other programs - well-known standard palmovye applications: synchronizer Quick Install, e-mail client VersaMail 2.5 and some others. Surprises only the absence of the office suite Documents To Go, which appear to now be the exclusive membership of computers Tungsten, aimed at corporate users.

On cups weights

When quite "reasonable" price of $ 299 (U.S.) Zire 71 is very functional, qualitative and miniature devices. With his digital camera that is hidden behind a sliding panel novelty turns into a great tool, "Digitization of reality." But with a software player RealOne, the computer becomes a powerful portable audio system. And despite the abundance of technological "bells and whistles, this PDA is not moving away from traditional brand Palm priorities: a truly" pocket "size, simple interface and ability for long battery life.
Palm Zire 71: the most powerful middle-class
The only (but controversial) minus the Zire 71, of course, is the lack of wireless capabilities and that the model does not support external card Palm Bluetooth SD. With the latter, however, have to put up all the owners of devices based on Palm OS 5 OSes. But even so, Zire 71 with more than enough "fichey" to dispel the stereotype that palmovye handhelds are among the technologically lagging relative to competitors on a platform Pocket PC. And finally, the timing of the appearance of new items on the Russian market. First Palm Zire 71 will come to Moscow in mid-May, so get ready for the meeting:) However, a personal impression, which immediately share with you, to work with cars, we hope in the near future. Follow our news! The authors, translation:

CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year

Barely managed to finish in Russia to celebrate New Year and begin the orderly celebration of Orthodox Christmas as kicked off the first major exhibition of IT-2008. Completion of CES 2008 coincided with the first working day, making some confusion in the news columns. Now that the show has died down, you can easily make out the material and discuss the sensation. Traditionally, CES is devoted to consumer electronics as a whole and not to fixate solely on mobile topics. Nevertheless, the most impatient manufacturers of mobile devices of varying degrees "umnosti" were not put off their latest in a long box to the profile February Mobile World Congress, reasonably believing that at CES for their development are much more likely not to be lost.

Bright digital future through the eyes of Paul Otellini

One of the highlights of the exhibition along with the swan song of Microsoft founder Bill Gates has become a sensational speech Intel CEO Paul Otellini. Despite the fact that at CES at the head of Intel was enough interesting topics for the introductory speech - at least, the debut of 16-a new family of Penryn - he dedicated it to the concept of mobile Internet - "Internet in your pocket." The basic idea boils down to being able to get any information at any time and anywhere in the world. For example, visiting Beijing, users from around the world will be able through special Web-services institutions to translate signs, menu items catering and even conversations with representatives of the local population. All of this visually or in sound - it does not matter. The main thing - at any time took a small device - and now, all the information the world is on your hands, no brakes, and procrastination.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Towards achieving this ambitious goal Otellini identified four global challenges that lie ahead:
  • Mobile devices need to get a sufficiently powerful and yet economical microprocessors;
  • infrastructure of wireless broadband networks to be deployed widely enough to ensure universal broadband access to the Internet;
  • Internet should acquire a more intelligent search facilities that result does not depend on the case;
  • user interfaces must become more comfortable and natural using voice and gestures.
To achieve a brighter future, Otellini took the world by three to five years. At this stage of the IT-industry it does not seem unattainable slogans like "Communism and the 80 th year." In many ways last year, you may have noticed that mobile devices in their current understanding reached the ceiling of development and we are on the verge of breakthroughs that will radically change the world. According to Otellini, this will be the most radical change in the essence of consumer electronics since the invention of television. In addressing the first two problems Intel is actively involved, improving microprocessors and wireless connections. The last two issues are also not gone unnoticed Intel, but the primary responsibility for their decision still rests with the other giants - Google, Apple and many others. In support of the activity was presented to Intel chip Canmore - first product class SOC (system-on-a-chip, system on chip) for consumer electronics. According to the description Canmore combines processor core class personal computer, providing high-speed processing of audio-video supporting resolutions to 1080p and multichannel 7.1 audio, three-dimensional graphics accelerator to work with attractive user interfaces and online games, as well as technology support for broadcast television. He is scheduled for release in the second half of this year. In addition, during the first half of the year will begin delivery devices based on the platform Menlow. It includes a chipset codenamed Poulsbo and Silverthorne processor five times more compact in size and ten times more energy efficient than processors with ultra low power consumption for portable devices, presented by Intel in 2006.As a basis for universal broadband access Otellini agitating in support of the standard WiMAX, which is ready for widespread implementation. It is predicted that by the end of 2008 to be connected to WiMAX networks are already some 150 million users. The concept of MID (mobile internet device, mobile internet device) was first proposed by Intel yet, at the spring IDF in the past year, at the recent CES it was supported by more active and, most importantly, the compelling evidence in the form of working samples of devices. Not forgotten the idea of ​​ultra-mobile PCs - UMPC, the exhibition showed improved and new models in its class. Since there is a clear misunderstanding of the difference between the concepts, Intel recalled the major differences. UMPC - this device is a business-class, working with such "heavy" OS like Vista and optimized for use with office applications such as Excel and Word. MID - a consumer-grade device that works with lightweight operating system, providing quick start, such as Linux. MID is optimized for playback of multimedia content and Web-surfing. Planned for 2009 based devices Moorestown platform will be treated exactly the class of MID. Total has been demonstrated quite a bit of both classes of devices, have attracted the most attention are MID and UMPC: BenQ, and Lenovo introduced its first device-class MID. Device from BenQ has a 4.8-inch display, is based on Menlow and Wi-Fi support with HSDPA. Design does not possess an original, simple and easily recognizable in the Chinese style. MID from Lenovo also based on Menlow, and is equipped with 4.8-inch touch screen. On the technical parameters while virtually nothing is known, however, shows that the device will definitely attract attention. The reason for this interesting design with the original keyboard, located on the side.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
MID from BENQ
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
MID from Lenovo
LG and Toshiba also made its debut with its first UMPC. LG UMPC is made in the familiar form factor of a horizontal slider with a sliding QWERTY-keyboard. The main highlight in the increased compactness - the display device has a diagonal of 4.8 inches and weight is placed in 590 grams. Toshiba model is still at the concept stage, but is in itself interest both in terms of both design and in features. Navigation buttons are made under the 5.6-inch display, the solution is quite controversial and unusual. For large screen size than the LG UMPC, Toshiba UMPC weighs considerably less - only 410 grams. Such a result is reached, probably mainly due to the lack of keyboard and the use of SSD-drives instead of Winchester. Both UMPC based on Menlow platform and running Windows Vista.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
LG UMPC
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Toshiba MID
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
UMPC Toshiba
Also on display were presented new versions of already known models of ultra-mobile PCs. Q1 Ultra Premium Samsung's become much more productive with the new processor Intel Core Solo U1500 ULV, but it has not lost in such parameters as battery life, which can now reach 7.5 hours, almost twice longer than its predecessor. Model OQO O2 has got the option SSD-drive capacity of 64 GB and support for standard mobile WiMAX.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
OQO O2
Journalists Engadget managed to get a prototype of the very "iPhone Clone from Intel" and made him a little photo shoot. Recall that this is a Class MID actually resembles a cult iPhone lack of control buttons and a display of the entire front portion. It is interesting that according to the author Engadget, the device is built on the platform Menlow, instead of Moorestown, as previously assumed. If this is true, then the device based on this prototype could be on sale earlier than expected, but there will be less attractive in terms of energy efficiency and other indicators.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
prototype Intel

Classics of the genre and new trends

Among the classic smart phones, communicators and PDAs have also been shown many interesting things. Motorola has finally been formally introduced a smartphone index Z10, rumors of which wandered for several months. This was indeed the heir to "media monster" Motorola MOTORIZR Z8, which was released last year. New inherited a slider, curving to the shape of the cheeks during the opening, as well as one of the main features - the lack of touch screen despite the work of running Symbian UIQ. In the Motorola Z10 multimedia producer increased focus by improving its ability to shoot photos and video. First, the resolution of the camera is now 3.2 megapixel vs. 2 megapixel earlier, and secondly, the camera became a rate of fire. As a result, the novelty is positioned as a mobile studio. User Z10 can take up to 3 pictures per second at full resolution, and video - at a rate of 30 frames per second.For a complete sense of self as an experienced user video creator software installed, you can edit clips, create transitions between scenes, titles, images and even add a soundtrack. Given the emphasis on large amounts of "heavy" content in the smartphone incorporated support for memory cards with an eye to the future - micro-SD up to 32GB. While in the sale, and then for some diligence, you can find the 8GB micro-SD card. Motorola Z10 smartphone definitely hints to future users - removed a lot of stock and not worry about that stuff would not fit in memory. It is significant that Motorola did not try to catch up with the megapixel race participants, apparently realizing the hopelessness and futility venture at this time. The concept of a smartphone Z10 looks pretty exciting and it could help to ease the American manufacturer of the protracted crisis.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Motorola Z10
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Motorola Z10
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Not too well known to consumers a simple company Wistron, which specializes in ODM-contracts, could produce a sensation. But little did not have time, and the sensation was held until only the company said. Smartphone marking GW4 could be, but until he became the first true "guglofonov. Demonstrated at the show specimen was running far less romantic MontaVista Linux 2.6, and from this has lost the lion's share of charm, becoming just another piece with a QWERTY-keyboard oriented horizontally display and boring performance characteristics. If you believe the developers, then in March of this intermediate product would be a finished product running on a platform of Google Android. According to forecasts of most Google, the first device based on Android will appear in the second half of 2008, so that Wistron still have a chance to become a winner in the race. Under what brand of smart phone will go on sale is not yet known, she Wistron vague hints at the world-famous brands.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Wistron GW4
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Wistron GW4
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Wistron GW4
Another debut, this time to the present, was held for the operating system from the company Soleus Intrinsyc. The famous producer of computer components MSI introduced the first phone based on the OS. Model called the MSI 5608 is designed for GSM networks and supports the GPS-navigation.Zest phone is the new platform, the touch-based gestures, interface. As can be seen in the photo, the menu is arranged in a piktogrammok located wheel that can scroll with your finger. Recall that the Soleus platform was developed as an alternative to Windows Mobile and is built on the core Windows CE. The first installment MSI 5608 will soon appear on the Asian markets, and subsequently scheduled for release in Europe and America. It is worth noting that the manufacturer is considering the release of this smartphone with support for the WiMAX standard later this year.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Phone MSI 5608 on OS Soleus
Manufacturer Qualcomm has decided to prove that the Snapdragon chipset actually exists in the real universe, showing prototypes Fairbanks and Anchorage. Model Fairbanks - it's just multi-media player with navigation capabilities, and Anchorage is a communicator with the QWERTY-keyboard. Demonstration sample Anchorage is powered by Windows Mobile 5.0, but it is not an indicator, since the mass production of devices Snapdragon is scheduled for late 2008 - early 2009, and by the time you may receive the new generation OS. Recall that in the Snapdragon part of the processor with 1 GHz, a cell module for third-generation networks, controllers, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Qualcomm Fairbanks
With these prototypes came out pretty complicated story, which was originally eyewitnesses described the exhibition as their models based on Snapdragon, it is obvious that they are remembered by the readers of news around the world that way. However, the closing day of CES resource Engadget has published the news under the headline: "This is no joke: Snapdragon-prototypes do not use the Qualcomm Snapdragon". As explained in the article, the editors asked the representatives of Qualcomm asking slightly adjust the original news. Supposedly prototypes represent "an example of opportunities to be enjoyed Snapdragon-device", but it uses a different chipset. It remains unclear how the current chipset can show the same features, which will advertised Snapdragon, but leave it on the conscience of PR-managers Qualcomm.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Qualcomm Anchorage
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
History of Internet Communicator Sony mylo will be continued. Over the past since the release of the first mylo concept of "My Life Online" has increased markedly, resulting in a toy for young people, loving communication via IM, began to turn into a multifunction device with good potential. The second-generation mylo has got a touch screen is much larger than before, the size and resolution. At 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) can already be relatively comfortable viewing Internet sites, the difference is noticeable after the 2.4-inch QVGA-display. In addition, there was a built-in camera, support not only the 802.11 b, and 802.11 g, backlight on the keyboard, and plus the reduced price. At the time of the announcement of Sony mylo's recommended price was $ 350, while Sony mylo 2 - for 300 dollars.The company pretty well taken care of software and then work with widgets, email, RSS, client installed popular IM clients AOL, Yahoo!, Google and Skype, Web-Browser Netfront with Adobe Flash Lite 3, which is designed to work with Flash-oriented sites media player and other pleasures of life. From minus-one Sony mylo 2 can be noted preserved the lack of support the Bluetooth interface and the problems with the installation of third-party software.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
Sony mylo
An unusual series of devices LimePC the Chinese Tsinghua Tongfang once again showed how illusory is gradually becoming a distinction between classes of "mobile computer" and "Pocket PC". The series includes three raznogabaritnyh device with almost identical features. All of them are built on the mobileGT from Freescale, supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and equipped with a touchscreen. The main difference in size and used drives: the LimePC UMPC uses the hard drive from 30GB to 100GB capacity, while LimePC HandheldPC and LimePC PalmPC - 8 or 16GB of flash memory. LimeOS operating system based on Debian Linux. The smallest of the series - LimePC PalmPC - positioned as a very small device class desktop PC. The dimensions of the device are only 110x58x15, 9 mm, weight - 130 grams, which is comparable with most modern smartphones. As promised Tsinghua Tongfang, a sale of new items will arrive in mid-2008.
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
CES 2008: Mobile trends of the new year
The main impression from CES 2008 in terms of mobile innovations can be stated succinctly: "To be continued." We definitely see a lot of interest in a month at the Mobile World Congress. The authors, translation:

PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket

Apparently, the first handheld computer to operating system Linux, which have reached end buyers, was Helio company Vtech. It cost $ 180 with the cradle (at the time - summer 2000 - it was simply unthinkable cheap). Next was the Agenda VR3 from Agenda Computing; his detailed description of a retired colleague, imbued with the idea of ​​Unix in your pocket. Immediately after him came a truly popular - the funds for its development were collected by a charitable foundation - the Indian Simputer, which hit all of the initial multilingual support, voice recognition, screen 240x320 and 32 MB of RAM - and it cost less than $ 200. For all of these devices makes sense to use Linux Embedded was to avoid paying licensing fees or Palm, or Microsoft. Devices on this platform for a long time remained the lot of buyers who did not want to pay big bucks for a PDA, at the appropriate enthusiast sites have appeared unimaginable nature of the program for Linux-based handhelds, users were satisfied, and the big world of adults who did not take all this seriously. This continued up until Sharp has not released Zaurus SL-5000 (final version - 5500). This machine had a very serious performance (Intel StrongARM SA-1100, 32 MB ROM/16 MB RAM, Screen 240x320) and, most importantly, it was realized an interesting design solution: sliding front panel with hardware keys, which opens at the keyboard. A similar solution we see in the Palm Tungsten T, just under a sliding panel detects no keyboard, and the area of ​​graffiti. The idea was very appealing, and sold (and now sold) SL-5000/5500 very good. After he was released MI-E25DC and SL-A300. Linux Embedded devices ceased to be a lot of exceptionally low price category. In mid-December last year in Japan, began selling the new PDA by Sharp at running Linux - Zaurus SL-C700. Machine immediately attracted attention for its technical features: Intel XScale PXA250 exposed to 400 MHz, 64 MB of ROM (of which 30 are available) / 32 MB RAM, screen resolution of 640x480 (sic!), expansion slots, Compact Flash and Secure Digital - in short, not Low-End. During its development were taken into account comments and suggestions of users of previous models range Zaurus. Initially, the company did not involve quite a novelty display outside the Japanese market, where it cost about $ 500-550, but after submitting it to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, revealed that consumers in other countries also abound. In Sharp did not really want to engage in the localization of the new Zaurus, but I had - and this year it went on sale in U.S. for $ 700.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
SL-5000 and has not been sold in Russia, only a few copies on hand were representatives of trading companies. But the SL-C700 is quite himself may soon appear on the shelves: the company "MakTsentr" come to grips with its Russification and somewhere in a month it will sell for about $ 800.

Zaurus outside

Looks like the new Zaurus is very stylish and solid. The body is made of plastic beautiful silvery-metallic color, a little sad that this class of PDA is not equipped with metal housing, but on the other hand, it is already not easy: 225, the coupon book looks like a much smaller notebook: folded its dimensions are 119x83x18 mm. Almost like a laptop are the expansion slots, ports and connectors: left to the private neat rubber cap on the USB output to synchronize with your desktop computer (new comes with no cradle), right (in besklaviaturny position that party becomes the top) slot Compact Flash Type II, stylus headphone / microphone. C700 can record sound as the microphone and, like some machine on the Pocket PC, with headphones. At the back are pyativoltovy charger connector slot Secure Digital / MMC, IR, power button and scroll wheel korotkohodnoe. The wheel does not work the key, as is done in other handhelds.But in the immediate vicinity of it are OK and Cancel, which, as became clear during the operation even more convenient. Compact Flash slot, a plastic plug from dust, SD / MMC - no. On the body there are two LEDs that indicate the arrival of new mail and the process of charging the battery.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Upper end: the vision of an open CompactFlash slot and headphone / microphone
At the bottom of the unit is rechargeable lithium-ion battery of 950 mAh (3,7). Thanks to a special latch to get her chance is impossible. It's nice that the battery is made of removable: lithium-ion batteries do not last forever, and the company expects that within two or three years when the battery sits, the buyer will still be pleased with his palm, and does not want to change it, in which case he can just buy a new battery has run down instead (unless, of course, be able to get it). Unfortunately, some manufacturers also take care of customers, most of the solder batteries tightly, citing the fact that "after three years out of date and PDAs will have to change it in any." Removable same batteries can be found, for example, in devices Mitac and Dell. All of the previous Zaurus models were also equipped with removable panels.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery of 950 mAh (3,7)
Reveals the SL-C700 in the manner of some tablet-transformer. The keypad is very neat, the buttons are sorted by functional groups and highlighted. At first glance, at once singled out: the cursor arrows, numbers, the switch function buttons, OK / Cancel, four buttons, causing the default calendar, address book, e-mail program and the application manager. All these keys can be easily overridden by the user's choice.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Zaurus is decomposed in the manner of Tablet PCs from Acer
Even in the off position considerably, the screen is very good quality. Cover with a display you can deploy (just in case there is a sticker on the side with brief instructions on how to do it right), like the latest models of Sony. In this position the scroll wheel and adjacent buttons OK / Cancel are just under the thumb of his left hand, and the silo is traditionally the top right. It turns a classic PDA, but stout and without hardware keys. Below the screen there are five assignable soft keys, four of which by default duplicates the corresponding buttons on a keyboard (Calendar, Address, Mail, and Home), and one is clock / timer. Looking ahead, I note that virtually all applications can work in both modes and switch between them automatically or manually.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Under the button «OK» / «Cancel» is the scroll wheel to the right of an infrared port and SD slot
After turning on the PDA first thing that catches your eye is the quality of the screen. Of course, Sharp has always been famous for its displays, but the quality stands out even in comparison with other development firms. Color VGA LCD, with a diagonal of 3.7 inches, it has completely grown-resolution - 640x480.The picture is very clear, all the information perfectly readable from almost any angle. Visible to the smallest details. The sensational proprietary technology Continuous Grain Silicon (CG-Silicon) with built-in glass substrate electronics provides unprecedented brightness, but it is not reflective and does not trasflektivny display, as on other pickpocket - this is a common active matrix, as in laptops, and the reflected light from the outside it does not work. The new Zaurus, incidentally, the first PDA, equipped with such a screen. Whole divisions in a little dimmer - five. At the maximum level of illumination to work simply is impossible and harmful for the eyes, the optimal level (not taking into account the energy consumption) is the third or fourth division. Quite comfortable, you can work on the second. In accordance with the custom settings when running on batteries, the unit of time is automatically dims the screen brightness to a certain level of the owner. When batteries run down, regardless of settings, brightness is reduced to a minimum. Active illumination can not be disabled at all, it is controlled so that a minimum residual level of image brightness is identical to that exhibit displays the traditional handheld computers to reflective and transflective matrices with backlight off. As a touch panel screen, too, does not disappoint: the surface is soft and sensitive, the force pressing the required minimum. And yet this display is a debatable point that for someone may be decisive, although the only drawback of the hardware C700.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
This screen appears when you restart the SL-C700
The fact that the screen resolution, again, quite a nekarmannoe: 640x480. This gives the whole stunning clarity, but at the same time ... One case where such permission is a nine-ten-screen laptop, or at least 6.5-inch (16.5 centimeter) screen Sharp Mobilon HC-45001. It is quite another thing when the conversation is about 9.5-cm screen. For this size expansion is too large: all of the fonts look very small, all the time necessary to strain eyes to see the details. I have a very decent eyesight, and I've always liked to exhibit an acceptable maximum resolution screens of desktop computers, with whom I worked, to as much information fits on the screen. Usually around find that I have all the "too small". But the picture Zaurus'a for me too miniature. CCP has the function of zoom in / out, which can cause as from the main menu and the keyboard. She would in theory solve the problem of small fonts, but in practice not all applications support it. Some completely ignore the use of the zoom function, some change the font size of any one area while leaving the font menu, messages and settings intact. The sensitivity of the screen, as mentioned above, at the height sharpness too, but put the stylus the required value in any dialogue is extremely difficult: just hard to get the pen tip to the desired point. Simply poke "somewhere there" and put the value up / down keys on the keyboard. In the original Japanese version of the CCP is no such problem, English-speaking users also can download from the web and install larger fonts. Let's hope that soon there will be Russian fonts larger - to date them yet.

Linux Inside

Thus, within the SL-C700 installed Linux (Lineo Embedix) with kernel version 2.4.18. Immediately I must say that if the user has never worked with Linux on the desktop and has no desire to learn it on your PDA - it's not a problem. Feels people who have dealt with Pocket exclusively at my request - to check the "intuitive" interface - to control the development of SL-C700 takes less time than the development of PDAs on the Palm OS and Pocket PC. The new Zaurus provides opportunities to address common tasks assigned to the PDA, and much more.To use it, no need to delve into the subtleties of the system - everything is simple and very clear. In general, except for some flaws, which will be discussed below, chatting with Zaurus left me with a wonderful feeling, which does not cause any Pocket PC, or Palm OS: developers care about the user. I do not want to say that the usability of Palm OS or Windows CE does not (although in the last platform, the performance of the PDA - not to be confused with the speed of the processor and stuff! - Obviously leaves much to be desired), but I got the impression that engineers Sharp all day sat and thought: Why would this be done to make it pokomfortnee work? Nowhere in the Zaurus does not meet obsessive "master" and offered help without asking, but always this assistance can be obtained within a single mouse click. Work with applications useful settings and menu items are exactly where expected. In all the Sharp Zaurus PDA using Qtopia graphical shell company TrollTech. On subjective feelings, she took the best (or at least the most usual average user) from the interface of desktop systems - such as a button to launch applications "as in iksah, or if you wish, as in MS Windows, as it looked through some of the features third-party managers for the Palm OS. At the bottom is a horizontal strip of the taskbar, ending on the left that same button with the logo of Qtopia and the right clock. Habitual way of the icons of running applications are built on the left and icons information - sound card, battery, connection, etc. - On the right. Just want to commend the developers of the most information icons - they are not simply call the appropriate application, but also displays all the information you need. The same icon of the horn, known to all with God knows what version of Windows, has the bottom of the strip, representing the signal level, the battery icon changes color depending on the level of charge.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Shell QTopia in portrait orientation. Visible at the bottom of the taskbar.
General manager, application is made is very beautiful and functional. He attracted attention as early as the model Zaurus SL-5000, and developers are very well done and decided not to change it, but only to improve, in accordance with the wishes of the user. Programs are divided by default into four groups, we can certainly add your own and move the existing optional: Applications, Java, Games, and Settings. All icons are shaded, smooth transitions between colors. The shell has two modes: large and small icons and fonts. Large visible to the naked eye, with small need a magnifying glass.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Information about the system. And how are you seeing?
Meanwhile, it should be noted that in the process of significantly retarding Zaurus. This is particularly evident when you turn the screen machine off and then turn on: the reorientation of the running application is not instantaneous and takes a few seconds. Applications run does not immediately (in some cases the time comes to load a second, but usually, of course, less), a pause between transactions are often almost half a second, larger data files are opened too very long. Loading the operating system is generally improper time: 2 minutes 15 seconds. Perhaps this is due to the implementation of file system or at a speed of flash memory (most "brake" is observed when working with files), may - with the shortcomings of architecture XScale. Standard means the CPU clock can not be changed, to find out whether it goes down automatically under certain conditions, I could not. The Internet has not yet seen third party tools for this operation, but it's clearly a matter of time.More information about third-party programs for Zaurus will be discussed below, and performance results can be found at the end of the article. Zaurus SL-5000 came with a simple text editor. In the SL-C700 has two major applications of mobile office Hancom: HancomMobileWord and HancomMobileSheet, which are the word processor and spreadsheet, respectively. To last no complaints: it is made perfectly, has a clear, large menu, and allows one-touch in a very wide range of zoom (on the screen can display the table sizes from 3x4 to 18x27 cells). All necessary functions for working with spreadsheets are present, Microsoft Excel documents, it opens without problems. MobileWord same functionality like no Microsoft Word, but rather WordPad and leaves on a sense of crudely made products. First, the functions he is clearly not enough to be called a word processor: there is not even such a primitive, as justifies text. Secondly, the menu items and pop-up messages ("A file with that name already exists. Replace?") Have indecently fine print. To read the message, we have to stare at the screen, and there is no way to change the size, to use the zoom feature editor generally does not react, which is somewhat baffle. You can only manually select the font size of the typed text - acceptable, in my opinion, the type size starts with 18. Test document of large size (the novel of Mikhail Bulgakov's Master and Margarita "in English takes megabytes of pure text; strained, two or three minutes, but surely it is opened in any Pocket PC or Palm) HancomMobileWord generally failed to open - died in the process . What is unclear, so is that he could not even open the document in text format, ie without having to convert. Documents smaller in any format, it opens without problems, although a long time. By the way, both products Hancom when trying to open large documents from the file manager warned of large size and possibly a long time the discovery that it is convenient - can always be developed so that poked by mistake, wait a minute or two as in the case dvuhmegabaytnogo file is very boring. It is possible that financial considerations Sharp bought from Hancom truncated version of a text editor, but in this case is not clear why the same fate touched the spreadsheet. Generally, HancomMobileWord left a very heavy impression, especially in contrast with his brother.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
HancomMobileSheet
Since I started talking about the text, we must mention the input system in the Zaurus. The fact is that in addition to "Iron" key text in the handheld can be administered in three ways. Firstly, it is familiar to all users of PDA screen keyboard. Secondly, a proprietary development TrollTech Pickboard. Original decision that a rational use of space on the PDA screen, depending on the orientation of the latter. Its essence is that the letters of the alphabet are collected in groups of three, and the choice of each of the following group CPC automatically offers a list of matching words. All together it resembles T9 from cell phones. And finally, thirdly, a PDA is a system of handwriting recognition. It should be noted that above it, in contrast to that used in Pocket PC, worked really good professionals. It's not as recognition (although it is at a height, at least, no worse than other systems), and usability: at any given time, you can configure the system to their preferences, to see what kind of writing each letter expects the handheld and either adjust their write, or add it to the database device. Very convenient that all of these settings are on hand at the expected location at the right time and not have to look across the control panel. Here you can practice or read about how to most quickly and with better quality pen to input text.Enjoyable moment is that the system has high reception recognized boundaries: if the letter is recognized, for example, 60% (which almost always means that wrote another letter), then it will not be accepted. That is, if you have written is not clear, then, the system is likely instead to display gibberish, will not bring anything. For some (again, probably commercial) reasons, instead of the browser Opera, comes with the SL-5000, the SOFTWARE SL-C700 is NetFront; also, however, worthy product. E-mail client to satisfy the most demanding user: folders, filters - all in place, of course, used notebook. The program for viewing images, too, has all the necessary functions and is convenient. Traditional PIM-applications no complaints: all complaints, which caused a calendar, address book, to-do list and notepad in previous models, have been taken into account by developers and disadvantages eliminated. To record from a microphone or headphones are used the program Voice Recorder, which, in particular, to adjust the microphone sensitivity. Media Player by default is able to play files in formats MPEG1, WAV and MP3. The program itself looks for all multimedia files on internal memory and expansion cards and displays them in one big list. You can create your own playlist. The player left behind only a pleasant impression, taking into account the wishes of users, the developers added a button to disable the display, and general redesign of the program. Back screen can be enabled for some reason, pressing "Cancel".
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Media Player. Supported, by the way, plugins, and many
The remaining applications are made at the proper level and cause no special emotions. Nothing stands out a calculator, world time, the backup program on the expansion card. An interesting solution may be noted analog clock, which can cause the default soft key. It is unclear why the programmers have included in the functions of the watch timer, but forgot about the alarm.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Configure network connections
Adjusted Zaurus can be many things, but apart from the main: the size of system fonts. But there is a set of sound, color, energy saving, the screen (you can even include a screen saver - when it starts the display shines even white light). The package does not include a standalone utility for use with expansion cards, which, for example, would be the formatting function. But when inserted into the PDA memory card in the system tray icon will appear, pointing to which you can disable it for safe eject.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Backlight settings
In the Zaurus a very good control system installation and removal of applications, essentially looks like an RPM from Red Hat Linux, and resembling the Add / Remove Programs »Windows. The program scans all the cards and the internal flash memory for installation packages and when you start offering select a location to install the application. On the Net, by the way, you can download the FreeBSD-like manager of the installation. Several ill-realized work to control the batteries. It is impossible to see the charge level, there are only drawing the batteries, which changes color from left to right, even without interest, that is, of course, not serious.Especially bad is that Zaurus, of course, gives a warning of low battery, but in the case of critical voltage drop across it just shuts down tightly and does not react more than anything. Involved, he can then only after several minutes, the charge will be made obligatory reboot (all user data and settings will remain intact). The main body of the device itself is a LED that lights up during charging. Zaurus, however, not able to tell its owner that its battery is fully charged. In any event, staged at night to recharge the handset in the morning everything is also signaled "charging" indicator lamp, and when you turn demonstrated drawing charges the batteries, and this despite the fact that a few hours ago, shut off the power supply PDA showed 100% charge level. Many users SL-5000/5500, unfamiliar with Linux, reprimands and file manager. The directory root baffled unprepared person, and not everyone at once guessed that files with an expansion card to be found in / mnt/card0. In the C700 is the opposite: the file manager only allows access to the catalog, which includes the directory user documents (all operations are performed as root) and expansion cards, and everything else you can see from the terminal or by using third-party solution. Why the developers did not make the switch simple / advanced - is unclear. Built-in File Manager can not copy / move files other than through the Copy / Paste, but if you hold the stylus on the file displays the shortcut menu. For each file type has a nice icon, a little of this, images are cached in the pictographs (thumbnails), which is displayed instead of icons. Very comfortable and beautiful, especially when viewing a directory with different files.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Very beautiful and yet functional icons
Java applets are only two and they have clearly come to demonstrate the capabilities of Insignia Jeode - PersonalJava virtual machine from Sun. Java support is included in the Zaurus as an alternative platform for third-party applications. Ever since the SL-5000 is the only program (except, of course, console and system utilities like that the same volume control) that can not work in full screen. The size of change, however, is impossible. Incidentally, on the one hand, such a resolution is quite sufficient already appears to offer the user nepolnoekrannye solutions, and with another - at this size display is clearly unnecessary. Here's a Tablet PDA Skeye.Pad with its screen with a diagonal of 8.5'', 800x600 resolution, it looked natural and resizing of windows would make sense. To 3.7''is much more useful "lens".
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
Both a Java-applet working together, in the background Media Player plays MP3-file
From all the toys attached to the SL-5000, there was only analog Tetris, the classic arcade game "shooting jumpers" with blood stains and Asteroids. On the Net can also find lots of ways to kill time with the Zaurus, including emulators several gaming platforms, including Nintendo GameBoy and ZX Spectrum. Set of KDE-shnyh games ported to the Zaurus, written in Java games and Javascript. Hardcore bearded yuniksoidy can rest assured: XBill (which here is called KBill), of course, available. Adventure in different guises, too. Often when buying a PDA is a strong emphasis on came with it on, then, of course, the most advantageous to look for devices Windows CE: always standard solutions in the form of Word / Excel / Reader / Explorer.For some reason, few people comes to mind that the value of computer software - whether desktop or PDA - is determined not so much how much software is sold with it (although it is important and convenient, no doubt), how many more or less freely available software for the platform. Under a freely available, I understand, in this case not only free software, but the number of it. Unsurpassed leader in this respect is the Palm OS, which is due to wise policy development with respect to the authors by them from the beginning. Free Software for Windows CE, frankly, a little bit. Pay software is not cheap, and even if you use pirate sites, still leaves much to be desired range. While writing this article I found with some surprise that the Sharp Zaurus software is already available in the network more than for Windows CE, and almost all of it free. For the most part this development enthusiasts and ported to the "big" computer utility. I managed to find only a few applications that support the resolution of VGA, but this is clearly a matter of time. Expectations of management Sharp, which is releasing the first models of the Zaurus, Hopefully it will be written by the linux-community is clearly justified. On the Internet for Zaurus can find many programs with a variety of applications: text and HTML-editors, network monitors and encryption tools, fax software and databases, dictionaries, and perevodchiki2 alternative shell and file manager, there is even an alternative OS image system, which fixes some bugs, removing unnecessary work for the excesses and the added ability to clean unnecessary system modules, thanks to the free for the user flash memory is increased from 30 to 40-45 MB. You can install emulators variety of "embedded" platform ported to the Zaurus (in beta), even POSE - Palm OS Emulator, Emulator Palm OS, which allows you to run the program for this platform. Access to additional video players, such as commercial, such as tkcVideo, which supports MPEG 1,2,4 (DivX), RealVideo, MJPEG and AVI, as well as audio compression formats MP1, MP2, MP3, and free like Opie Player 2. You can download the plug-ins to the standard player, which add functionality and support for different formats. There is a program for recording sound from a microphone directly to mp3, audio console and video players. Available engines for speech recognition in multiple languages ​​(Russian, of course, not).

Console - the joy yuniksoida

For those who are pleased with the very presence in the pocket of Unix, and who had to deal with it on a desktop computer, written by this section. Members who are far from Linux, I can skip it and not read. So, running the terminal (only one copy at a time, unfortunately), we obtain a shell Bash 2.05 (default). In the settings you can set favorite coloring of the green on black. " At the sight of my reflection and I worked almost mechanically scored the most important command: man. I was bitterly disappointed - such Zaurus does not know. However, having thought a bit, I realized that it simply renamed help with all the consequences. A brief analysis showed that the default setting is almost all that is needed for a normal life: utilities such as ls, du, grep, and the like carefully worked out its functions performed properly mount / umount and even uptime. What was amazing to me is the fact that by default, even wget. What nedolozhili developers, freely available on the Web: ported to the Zaurus less, Midnight Commander (!), Emacs, Joe, vi, jed, archivers z, zip, bzip, and many more.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
ls-la in the home directory of root
It should be noted that working with the terminal is very hard: the twelfth font size on such a small screen has to ustavaemosti quick eye and a lot of stress. I decided to edit Terminal.conf directly from the console and then reflected.I was wondering: if the CEO of a combination of the editor vi - Shift-ZZ - you can do on your Zaurus, then what about Joe and his ilk? Ctrl key on your keyboard is missing. I agonized for a long time, but by logical inference, came the same to the desired key combination: Shift-FN. As a result, the file was edited with a view to issuing the fourteenth pin instead of the twelfth and saved. Result is somewhat discouraging: the next time the terminal window machine angrily exposed the seventh point type, and I had to, armed with a magnifying glass, set in the menu twelfth. Investigation of other configuration files for fonts has given nothing. In general, work with the console Zaurus can be pretty comfortable, except for the size of fonts, of course. If you are familiar with - your work with the CPC will be fast and convenient, as the quantity, quality and variety of command-line utilities for the Zaurus is sufficiently large and steadily increasing.

Conclusions

So, what happened at the Sharp? Very, very interesting device. Developers of both hardware and software side worked hard and, except for a few minor shortcomings, what is called a tricky word "usability" - usability - a new Zaurus at altitude. Thought the mass of detail is visible everywhere, and caring about the user. SL-C700 is able to synchronize with Microsoft Outlook and Palm Desktop, and sync with Lotus Organizer, ACT! and other PIM-apps on the web you can find free libraries. Similarly, with cell phones: to synchronize your notebook with Siemens phones need to download additional software, and hrupalovskuyu "Nokiyu» Zaurus understood immediately and sent via the infrared port of entry from the address book is handled correctly.
PDA Sharp Zaurus SL-C700: Linux hits the pocket
By SL-C700, you can connect a large number of all sorts of peripherals, the only question the drivers. Available today and is guaranteed to work with the novelty of digital cameras, adapters, wired and wireless networks (not all, for the Palm Bluetooth SD adapter is available only beta drivers, the author is no guarantee), modems, and more. April 16 Sharp has launched a large-scale project Sharp Space Town, which is a powerful system for geographical positioning. Japanese users to provide a wide range of services and support services that they can get, for acquiring the $ 160 external GPS-module production CFGPS2 IO Data Device. Sharp has managed to make a device that fits both the users who like to delve into the depths of your computer and adjusted his "under itself" and people who want to start working here and now. " Analogues of all the programs that are included with the Pocket PC 2002, the C700 is. Missing just a program for reading electronic books, for some reason it did not survive the localization, and in those devices which are available English-language users, it is not. On the Internet you can find many third-party solutions, such as convenient program Just Reader. Most of the programs needed in everyday life, can also be found on the web, basically they are not, however, tested and approved to C700 and do not support high resolution screen. Most often, this does not prevent them from functioning normally. Number Russified programs for Zaurus is measured by units. Company MakTsentr well localized interface GUI and accompanying programs, and also introduced the ability to enter text and read Cyrillic documents. But a large number of Russified party applications will soon rely obviously not worth it. If, however, with the English you are OK and Russian interface of all programs not crucial - you are welcome. Only advise you to go to an optometrist and stock up on glasses - you need them. Appendix: Results of testing Sharp Zaurus SL-C700. For comparison, RoverPC P5 and Asus MyPAL 600. Methods of test: a large amount of text (the novel "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov, translated into English, 1,5 MB) all the words «the» replaced by «ooops».Similarly, was formed xls-file with random data size slightly smaller than a megabyte, and it had been replaced everywhere combination of digits "12" to "34". As mentioned above, opened a test text file HancomMobileWord failed, so the shows (which, as you can see the results, not quite correctly) the results of a console editor Joe. We also tried to back up the console ZIP four files: doc, xls and two bmp total of 4 MB.
Test Sharp Zaurus SL-C700 Rover PC P5 Asus MyPAL 600
Word «the-ooops» 0:02 4:40 4:29
Excel «12-34» 12:15 2:54 3:00
ZIP 0:31 0:42 1:04
The figures speak for themselves. Performance HancomMobileSheet extremely low, according to subjective feelings HancomMobileWord works at the same speeds. Console programs are running on the orders faster. Measure dropped frames in Media Player Zaurus'a was not possible due to the absence of such a function in the program, but it should be noted that the test clips were shown hideously slow, irregular. Tellingly, the use of console-making part and decided this issue - when playing video console video player was not noticeable juddering, all showed relatively smoothly. Opening hours on one battery charge. Playing a list of four mp3-files (56, 128, 192, 320 kbit / s), the backlight turned to maximum, the sound is off.
Sharp Zaurus SL-C700 Rover PC P5 Asus MyPAL 600
2:05 3:01 5:04
After about two hours came the first warning of low battery life, five minutes later came next, after which the device is disabled. According to subjective feelings while working with the PIM-device applications, text files and command-line program at the minimum backlight level is about five hours. Sources, Materials: