The official premiere Gigabyte GSmart i128 in Russia took place almost three months ago. It all began with a lavish presentation, which took place within the walls of the Moscow Hotel "Cosmos". By daring conceived Gigabyte, a new device had to put the era of mobile TV in Russia. And it was not about the rapidly emerging standard DVB-H, and the possibility of receiving an analog signal and view the currently existing channels on the screen of your device. Sounds interesting, does not it? But is it attractive in practice? Generally, from a technical point of view, to equip your device an analog TV tuner - is not difficult. Much more difficult - to achieve good reception. However, the absence of such models on the market can be explained, rather, hopelessness. And really, who now need to develop an analog television, when almost one in three media players and mobile phones in the world equipped with a DMB-tuner allows you to watch TV anywhere and anytime. However, the above does not apply to Russia and the former Soviet space. There seems to analog television for a long time not lose cvoey relevance. Therefore, Gigabyte, and presents his i128 with us. This model is devoid of relevant and in demand now GPS-receiver, but may offer the possibility of watching TV and listening to FM-radio. Is it worth the money that asking for a smartphone? In this we now have to sort out.
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So, to start us be clear: GSmart i128 and just GSmart (no alphanumeric prefixes) - different models, which often confused the authors of news on some online resources. Difference between these two models, especially the form factor. If the original GSmart was made in the slider, and like a trendy mobile phone, a model for the index i128 has a rather strict view, rectangular in shape and resembles, rather, a media player rather than a communicator. Fundamental functional differences between the devices do not. But in Russia, officially for sale yet only GSmart i128. So, to start take a look to the specifications of the device.
Technical data: - Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Edition
- Processor: Intel XScale PXA272, 416 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB Flash ROM
- Screen: 2.4 "transflective TFT, 240x360, 65536 colors
- Expandable memory: miniSD
- Communication capabilities: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz, GRPS (Class 10), Bluetooth (1.2), Wi-Fi (802.11b)
- Multimedia: TV Tuner, FM-tuner
- Camera: 2 MP, flash, macro mode
- Battery: Li-Pol, 1300 mAh, removable + optional 920 mAh
- Audio: microphone, speaker, headset jack
- Dimensions and weight: 106 x 53 x 20 mm and 130 g.
What catches the eye - the size and weight of our hero. But you must admit that for a device with such an impressive arsenal is more than acceptable performance. Overall weight and dimensions on the characteristics of GSmart i128 easily stand comparison with most smart phones and many mobile phones. Otherwise, nothing unusual. Processor Intel XScale PXA272, clocked at 416 MHz, recently encountered quite frequently. It is hardly necessary again to repeat the list of his virtues. The amount of memory as RAM and ROM, by today's standards seem standard. A little disappointing lack of support for EDGE. Perhaps this is all that can be noted by looking at the list of characteristics. It remains only to emphasize that the TV tuner works well in our environment, but we'll talk about it separately below.
Supplied
With such an abundance of all sorts of functions the manufacturer simply did not have the right to supply their offspring with a standard kit that includes the required minimum of accessories. On the one hand, the contents of the box GSmart i128 is impressive, but on the other - seems like something is missing.
So, inside the box was the following: - two stylus
- two lithium-ion battery is 1300 mAh and 920 mAh
- sync cable connector miniUSB
- charger from the 220V
- cradle for charging a spare battery
- wired headset
- case to be worn on a belt and a small strap
- adapter for connecting a standard TV antenna, as well as for Bluetooth headsets and a 3.5 mm jack
- CD with accompanying software
- user manual and documentation.
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To start that great. The first is the presence of two batteries, one of which is less comprehensive, but more compact. The second increases the thickness of the device for a couple of millimeters, but the operating time of about one and a half times compared with the battery at 920 mAh. Yes, and have on hand a spare power supply - always comfortable and practical. Oh, and the test of time working on a single charge we will deal below. Looking ahead we can say that the results were slightly higher than those expected, but still leave much to be desired. Availability of spare stylus - a mere trifle, which, nevertheless, enjoyable. Both the pen quite the same: they made of metal, with plastic ends, have a telescopic design. The thickness of slightly less than the standard that the first unusual, but literally a day or two of you will no longer pay attention to it. With regard to the standard headset that comes, then it deserves the same words, like any other packaged. The only thing that deserves mention - a cunning connector into which it is included - this is not a standard 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm. Being connected to this terminal, it acts as an antenna for TV and FM-tuner. When purchasing a headset with the usual 2.5 mm jack you will need to use an adapter that goes in the kit. The same can be said for connecting a TV antenna. Incidentally, one of the visitors to our forum rightly remarked about the length of headphone wire - length clearly velikovata and "ears" are often confused, that carries a number of inconveniences. However, you yourself know very well what are usually the standard complete sets. But the case is objectively good. More correct to call it a purse. Communicator lies in her pretty tight lid on the concealed and magnets. The inner surface is finished a rough cloth, reminiscent of suede, which acts as a napkin every time you remove the device from the case. The only pity is that instead of the usual metal bracket attached to a belt pouch small ear. This is, firstly, it is inconvenient, because wearing the device on the belt without the belt in this case is impossible. And secondly, because the basic material - leather, there is a risk that one "perfect" moment this ear will not stand. However, just in case the included strap to be worn on the wrist. Well, the last thing worth mentioning - the presence of cradle for charging the second battery. It can be connected to the USB-connector and charge from your computer or use an electrical outlet using the power adapter. Sometimes, it is very convenient. There is only one question: Why in this box was no place for a universal cradle, which would contain a connector for a home TV antenna, charger, and would turn the GSmart i128 in a small home or car TV. It, s over, it is clear that the main purpose of the device - TV viewing is called "on the go", but the cradle included would be very helpful. However, fine. As you see, and without that, package is very solid.
Appearance
As we have said, visually GSmart i128 is more like a PMP than the communicator. Obviously, this design is intended to emphasize multimedia oriented machine. Anyway, looks like he throws and not pretentious, and rustic, but quite stylish. The hull shape - rectangular, rounded corners, and colors has only two colors - black and silver.Because of their small size and rectangular shape, great communicator in the hand and does not restrict your movements, even in a jeans pocket. For comparison, can be reduced, for example, the size of our recent guest, ASUS P525 (116 x 59 x 19 mm) or Qtek s200 (108 x 58 x 18). A length, width and thickness of the shell g-Smart i128 are respectively 106, 53 and 20 mm.
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Well, now look at the front panel of the device. Here we have traditionally seen the screen, opening a voice dynamics and the key block. The speaker is located, where it and put - at the top, center. On display will be a separate conversation, so I estimate the implementation of basic controls. On full-fledged one-handed control, unfortunately, can not speak. However, if you do not need to dial a new number, then the i128 as a phone number you can easily use one hand, without using the stylus. On the realization of hardware buttons nothing bad to say it is impossible even with a strong desire. All buttons are of sufficient size to avoid accidental pressing. Directions navigation button is responsible for volume control and playback of audio or video, and two are located above the keys - for a context menu (right) and a call log phone calls (left). Of course, each key can be assigned to additional features through the press and that it is sometimes very handy.
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You can find fault with only a small reserve and lighting, which is very fleeting and uneven highlights key. That is, the LED is lower, resulting in a lower key "burn" the top brighter. The icons, however, still a good idea to distinguish, but looks light, figuratively speaking, ungraceful. Mechanical edge device is not burdened with unnecessary elements. At the top end is a small button on / off the device, which will have to push, not without effort (ideally with a fingernail), and a pair of LEDs, whose purpose is no different from that of the majority of smartphones from other manufacturers. One can only note the fact that one of the LED begins to glow purple in the presence of unanswered calls.
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The bottom end connector sheltered miniUSB, through which can be plugging into a PC or a charger, as well as cut the microphone, stylus and pencil case eyelet for strap. MiniUSB himself covered by a plastic flap, which does not allow dust to get into the housing. By the same plugs, by the way, covered and all the other connectors: and an expansion slot, and garniturnoy entrance. As for the holes for the pen, it is located is not the most convenient way, but the upper end of the stylus allows you to retrieve it without too much difficulty.
As for the side faces, they also do not look too stretched. On the right side wall is located slot for cards miniSD, next to it - the headset jack, and just below - the slot for access to the key "soft" reboot.
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On the left side we can expect a pleasant surprise in the form of the scroll wheel and located next to power button built-in camera / shutter. Wheel performs standard and familiar to any user features: volume control (as in standby mode, and directly in conversation), scrolling pages, and when pressed in center position - function confirmation. A very pleasant thing. It remains to talk about the back side of the case. Here we can see the notch speakers, camera lens, next to them - a switch to macro mode and a bright LED which can act as a flash and a flashlight. The battery cover is combined with the battery itself. On the one hand, it is convenient: simplifies access to the SIM-card slot, but on the other - if you suddenly scratch the back cover (and make it easier than if you do not forget about the increased thickness of the battery to 1300 mAh), it is necessary to change the battery and . Removing the battery is pretty easy, without excessive effort. The same can be said about the SIM-card holder.
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And, of course, it is worth noting the quality of assembly. It is impressive: all the parts are tight and do not give the slightest hint of a backlash. Battery also fits pretty tight. Not entirely clear just why the switch shooting mode "walks" like a choppy and harsh. In general, over the workmanship Gigabyte GSmart i128 smartphone can deliver "excellent." We now turn to the screen.
Screen
The first thing that catches your eye when viewed from the screen i128, - small compared to other communicators, a diagonal matrix. In GSmart i128, it is only 2.4 inches, it's almost half an inch smaller than the standard in recent years. It is not too good in mind the obvious focus of the multimedia device, but the convenience of working with him completely no effect.
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Characteristics of the matrix are quite standard: 240 x 320 pixel resolution, supporting 65,536 colors. And thanks to the reduced diagonal image on the screen looks pretty smoothly - you can even enable font smoothing and not worry about the "muddy" font, the effect of which is shown on all devices with screen sizes from 3 inches. Viewing angles are very good, if we close our eyes to the distortion of color when viewed at an acute angle from the bottom, so it is quite possible to watch TV together. By contrast, and color have no complaints - these figures are completely on the level. And here is to adjust the brightness provides only 5 divisions. Minimum level does not tire the eyes when reading from the screen in total darkness, and the maximum you can work with the communicator in the bright sun.
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However, the picture is still nonweak fade, good though the text remains readable. In general, sorry that does not provide more options to adjust the brightness. In our opinion, the best option would be 8.10 steps, five still not enough.If you compare the quality of the display of the closest analogues, it is possible to recall a recent ASUS P525. The truth of it, as you recall, the diagonal was a little more - 2.8 inches.
Speed and memory
About Intel XScale PXA272 processor in our review stated a lot. In the case of the Gigabyte GSmart i128 he was clocked at 416 MHz. Well, before moving to testing, we note that appreciable slowing down during normal use are not observed. Under "normal" should be understood to work with documents MS Word, contacts database, spreadsheet in Excel, read pdf-files, music and video. As we shall see below, with playing a very high-quality movies communicator handles obscenities, but overall it works pretty fast. Application to manipulate a clock speed of the processor is, unfortunately, is not, so have to rely on auto mode. Well, to test the overall performance, as usual, used Spb Benchmark test package from the company Spb Software House. And once again we have to note that because of the new organization of memory in the OS benchmark incorrectly calculates the speed of the platform and the index of the file system, and therefore we will only pay attention to paragraphs Graphic Index and CPU Index. However, the test is passed with a few errors, because of which you can compare just a couple of points. It is hard to say what the reason, but Spb Benchmark stubbornly would not take place without errors. So let's look at the results.
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For comparison, we selected two current models of smartphones running operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. This does not mean that they should be written in the competitors GSmart i128. Direct competitors in this phone no. Again, our hero does not have integrated GPS-receiver, but has a FM-tuner and analogue TV signal receiver. Of course, you can try to compare with our recent guest of the Glofiish X500. However, by and large, i128 - one of a kind, so the comparison is simply with the latest commercially available models. The index of overall processor performance was very close to the result shown Mio A700. Processors - similar, but the frequency of the latter slightly higher - 520 MHz. If we compare with similar frequency processor communicator ASUS P525, we can observe a noticeable lag unit from Gigabyte. This is particularly evident in the results of testing the video subsystem, which was held on the player The Core Pocket Media Player (TCPMP) version 0.72RC1. To evaluate the performance using standard test clips from the official site TCPMP, which have different resolution, and coded by two popular codecs - DivX and XviD. Thus, for comparison, were chosen the same Mitac Mio A700 and E-Ten G500, joined by more and ASUS P525.
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So, with high rollers permission GSmart i128 poses serious difficulties. Maximum speed of playback RL_HQ (640x352) at 60% is not enough for comfortable viewing of movies with such a resolution. And as for the higher quality video (RL-XQ - 640x480) and did not speak - there was a figure below 50%. In the case of the other permissions everything is in order. Results are quite allow us to recommend to watch videos on this device. True, to change the resolution movies from your home collection will benefit through appropriate programs, many of which are completely free and available in the "Program for PDA" on HPCru. As for memory-i128, here we have 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB ROM - standard option for the vast majority of modern smartphones. Although, again, for a multimedia device it would be nice to have more megabytes of on board.
In any case it is necessary to use an expansion slot. Recall that it is designed to miniSD card format and supports up to 2 GB inclusive.
Sound
Audio section Gigabyte GSmart i128 has nothing very remarkable. Let's start with the external speaker. At full volume it sounds very well, that will not let you miss a call while in a noisy place, and when watching TV or listening to music, it is heard well from a distance of two to three meters. The voice speaker is also quite good: sounds loud and clear. In general, many observers, including the strength and Western, have ceased to pay attention to this element, since the majority of new products with the voice quality is no problem. Indeed, when comparing the i128 to staying on testing communicator RoverPC S5 and W5, as well as with the Nokia 6021 smartphone and Nokia E50, was not observed practically no difference. In all devices, speakers sounded loud, and caller's voice is transmitted without interference. With regard to the standard headset, then all is clear. Music fans will have to acquire something more serious and be prepared to ensure that use of the new headphones have an adapter. For not too versed in the sound say that the quality of audio - the average, the volume is also missing, you can quite comfortably listen to music. True, the sum is not very pleasant feeling that part of the sound goes on deaf ears. On the radio, we talk separately, but once it is noteworthy that it is reproduced only (!) Via headphones, and only in mono. But the sound from the TV, you can easily take on the external speaker, while the headset will act as an antenna. His microphone i128 also does not stand out against other vehicles. In a quiet location, in the absence of interference, the sound is well written from a distance of 4-5 meters. In noisy places, things are much worse. Applications for voice control on the unit simply does not provide, but pleased with a collection of other software tools.
Sociability
And now, in fact, that so GSmart i128 is positioned as a communicator - on its wireless capabilities. The device supports only work in networks GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz), as well as data transfer protocol GPRS (Class 10). Support for third-generation networks (eg, UMTS 2100 MHz), or the possibility of using EDGE can not speak. Signal reception quality at work in the area of GSM coverage can be characterized as "good." The device reliably kept in touch in places with weak signal and correctly found all of the available GSM-network in search mode. All calls made using the standard application Phone, and the call can be placed almost any song format, MIDI, WAV, MP3, AAC or WMA. The same applies to the SMS-messages.
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From wireless modules there is Bluetooth 1.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11b. Infrared abolished as unnecessary. The work of Bluetooth-module can be said has already learned phrase that it works stable, no censure. Available support profile A2DP, which allows you to listen to music via wireless headsets. So that the holders of such headsets might not worry about the unusual connectors and adapters. To test the Bluetooth-module was carried out as standard: PDA with no problems sync with your laptop via Bluetooth, wireless headset Jabbra perceive and communicate with your Nokia 6021 and PDA Fujitsu Siemens Pocket Loox C550. The only thing I would like to draw attention - is a set of drivers from Microsoft, which, unlike the drivers Broadcomm can not boast of a friendly interface and easy to use. However, this is quite possible to reconcile.
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The same can be said about the application to set up Wi-Fi connections. It's pretty easy to use and is able to offer only the required minimum capacity. However, most users will be enough. For everyone else there is a section of PDA software on HPCru, where you can find many comfortable and managers free Wi-Fi.
Capabilities built-in camera
Of course, after reading capabilities built-in camera Communicator ASUS P525, all other cameras you want to watch with a malicious smile. However, if we ignore the latter, then we can say that the camera g-Smart i128 is quite good. Auto-focusing is not here, but there is a macro mode and the possibility of an honest digital zoom. White balance is not always determined correctly. This is especially true when shooting in low light or when unusual lighting conditions. Try to make a few shots coming in the night club and you will see that we have in mind. Preset white balance is only five: automatic, night, day, cloudy and lyuministsent. Available as a few special effects: sepia, black & white, negative, solarium, etc. No use of them, as you can imagine, no. Photos can be done in the following sizes: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960 800 x 600 640 x 480 320 x 240 and 160 x 120. Maximum digital zoom only twice, in addition, it adversely affects the quality of the finished photos. Therefore, you are unlikely to ever become to use it. Macro mode is activated a special switch located near the camera lens. Video capabilities allow you to record videos in formats 3GP, MPEG4 and WMV, but permit only one available - 320 x 240. Video quality to match the pictures - mediocre. Below you see a few examples.
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Subjectively, the picture quality is about the same as that of the Mitac Mio A700 and the same E-Ten G500. Although in some situations (eg, in macro) images with GSmart i128 look much nicer.
TV and FM-tuner
So we reached the main highlight of Gigabyte GSmart i128 - built-in TV-and FM-tuner. Let's start with the radio. As you know, it works only in mono, the sound can be reproduced only through headphones. If your headphones off, then the sound comes through the speaker. But since in this case, earphones act as an antenna, there's nothing you can not hear through the speaker. The reception quality is comparable with any other mobile radio, and much depends on the area location and position of the headphones.
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The program, through which the control FM-tuner, to create a database in a few cities (the default in Moscow and St. Petersburg) and save it for each of 10 radio stations, and then switch between them will be from the main window. Another advantage is the ability to record radio broadcasts. Moreover, the record can be as a memory card, and in its own memory device. The situation with TV tuner - almost similar. We have already noted that through an adapter you can connect a normal TV antenna and watch TV at home. The quality of reception but will be no worse than that which is able to show your home TV. But in the case of using headphones is not as smooth as we would like. During the movement - the image is seriously deteriorates. But at idle in traffic or simply on the ground, shows GSmart i128 is not so bad. However, for a full view of mobile TV broadcasts, our hero is not very useful. The picture shows a TV tuner card - a full-size, that is, the whole screen. Receiver settings are displayed immediately, with a scene like an ordinary TV. In terms of working with a TV tuner it is possible to automatically search for channels, as well as manual adjustment of frequency and saving presets. From the picture settings are present brightness, contrast and color. Here, perhaps, all that can be said about the two main features of this device.
Runtime
Before you see the results of battery life, it is worth recalling that the communicator Gigabyte g-Smart i128 comes with two lithium-ion batteries, one of which has a capacity of 920 mAh, the second - 1300 mAh. All the tests we carried out a standard and familiar to our readers technique for high-capacity battery. If we take 920 mAh battery, from the results below should take about 20%. 1. Maximum load. Vyctavlena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker - also included Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth, the Windows Media Player in a loop in the loop play "hard" video. Battery life in this mode was - 3 hours 40 minutes. 2. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set to the second division of the account. On the PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was - 7 hours 35 minutes. 3. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with bitrates 192 KB / c. Hours - 9 hours 30 minutes.
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The results, frankly, weak. The diagram shows clearly how long the working g-Smart i128 in comparison with other communicators. And, as you can see, the picture is not the most joyous. Under the maximum load the brainchild of Gigabyte, in principle, shows itself well. But in other modes, its success is not so obvious. However, we should not forget that included a second battery, which can slightly increase the results. Claimed battery life of up to 3.5 hours of talk time and about 125 hours of standby time. In normal use, and not too lengthy sessions, talk battery, 1300 mAh lives about one and a half days. Index - an average. Sometimes, of course, and worse. But you remember how it is better - at least on the example of the same ASUS P525. If you are actively going to watch TV and use the wireless interfaces, we recommend that you always carry a charger or spare battery. Not be ruled out that otherwise, you can stay without a connection near the end of the day.
Software stuffing
In contrast, battery life, a set of preinstalled programs Gigabyte GSmart i128 is very impressive. First of all, it is worth noting convenient organization of the menu "Programs" (Programs), which in addition to the standard folder "Games", there are three newcomers to conveniently screened applications. For example, a folder "Phone Manager" includes applications such as: the black list, contacts, SIM, speed dialing, etc. Folder Multimedia compile programs to work with radio and TV, as well as an image editor, voice recorder and more. Well, the name of the directory "Tools" speaks for itself. Detail about all software is preinstalled on the device probably does not make sense. Therefore, we have traditionally short walk to the most interesting. Thus, among the telephone applications showed very necessary at times a "black list" which will automatically ignore these numbers. You can also prevent receiving calls from unknown numbers or those that are not defined.
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Among other phone features worth noting are very interesting program that can be imposed on any background to your conversation by choice - for example, the sounds of the airport, subway or a busy street, etc. Agree that such support will come in handy sometimes. There is also an answering machine, for which again you can set a background sound. How do you like this version: "I'll call you back", flavored with the sounds of the subway.According to authorities, it sounds very convincing and believable;)
The Java program is designed for playing java-midlets. So fans of mobile gaming can be quite comfortable playing them at g-Smart i128. However, written in java and many useful programs.
The program "Editor" offers a simple action over the images and set of features were more like MS Paint, rather than Photoshop. But nevertheless, it is sometimes very helpful.
Turned out to be a good application for recording and can record for quite a long melody in the format amr, which can be used as ringtones. Recording is possible as to card, and in its own memory device.
Well, among the utilities found the following valuable copies: zip-archive, quick menu (that have provided an analogue combination Alt + Tab), application for backup and recovery, as well as the tab to activate the "hard" reboot, and applications for people with impaired vision, allowing larger fonts.
Price issue
At the time of publication of this material retail value communicator Gigabyte GSmart i128 online stores MakTsentr - A computer in the palm is $ 729.
Conclusions
Well, it's time to take stock of our long-running story. Competitors Gigabyte GSmart i128 is not, and compare it in general with any other models will not be entirely correct. Therefore, the choice may be something like this - to buy or not. " If yes, you get a very functional and yet remarkably compact device that easily replace your phone, PDA, radio and, if desired, television. If, however, to reduce all the advantages and disadvantages of the model in a familiar list, it will look as follows.
Pros: - rich delivery
- nice design
- compact size and light weight
- availability of TV and FM receivers
- excellent set of pre-installed software
- perfect quality of performance
- the presence of a scroll wheel.
Cons: - Reasonable performance
- low battery life
- small number of levels of brightness and a small diagonal display
- not very high quality TV reception on the move
- lack of EDGE.
In general, the impressions of the device are positive. A small battery life is compensated by the presence of a second battery box. Have to accept, perhaps, only with a small screen size and lack of EDGE. Price $ 729, of course, also get to think, but with this set of features, it looks quite adequately. So, if you need something more than just a communicator, the GSmart i128 can also try the case.The company Gigabyte, by the way, on our laurels is not going to stop and will soon present new modifications of this apparatus with which we are at this time to introduce you immediately. The authors, translation:
