In recent years, managers of HTC's definitely drawn on classical mythology (perhaps they have suddenly discovered this hitherto unknown and alien to the Oriental world). Whatever it was, almost all of the latest model HTC receive as the title for some ancient deity, such as Titan (HTC TyTN, also known as Hermes, also known as Mercury). The hero of this review - HTC P3300 - also got a beautiful and sonorous name of Artemis (in translation - Artemis). Frankly, I have long tried to understand the logic of the creators, but no connection to ancient fertility goddess could not be seen. Apparently, they just liked the pretty name. And the very ancient goddess, they say, was very pretty, and partly a hero (heroine?), Our review also boasts elegant forms. HTC P3300 in one sense be called a completely new product for HTC. This is a communicator with integrated GPS-receiver. Of course, the inquisitive reader may say: "Excuse me, but what about G100? After all, there was also a GPS-receiver ", and will be right, but only partly. Model G100 - HTC first experience in the field of GPS-devices, and the experience was not too successful (working GPS-module it causes a lot of complaints). Furthermore (and this is the main difference), the G100 is no phone module. It seems that while the HTC has been associated with the contract with HP, under which she could not for some time to release GPS-communicators, so as not to compete with the line of HP 65xx (also not very good). But here's the period of abstinence ended, and give birth to new HTC device. I think the first thought that when this comes to mind: "Finally!" I would say even a little bit late. On the market already has a number of GPS-communicators (for example, from E-ten, and Mio), so that HTC in this niche serves as a catch-up. By the way, as you probably already noticed, the novelty has received a new alphanumeric code P3300. Under this system will be called all new models: Pxxxx - Communicators (on Pocket PC) and Sxxx - smarftony (on Smartphone). To a little intrigue readers, I will say that these two letters range of HTC will not be limited, so wait for announcements. In addition to the GPS-receiver in the P3300 is another new feature, first introduced in the device HTC - FM-radio.
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Features HTC P3300 HTC fairly typical for today: - Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition with Service Pack AKU3
- Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP 850 200 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB RAM (RAM) and 128 MB ROM (ROM)
- Screen: 2.8 "transflective TFT LCD, 240x320 pixels
- Expandable memory: microSD slot
- Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EDGE / GPRS Class B, Multi-slot standard class 10
- GPS-receiver: SiRFStar III, 20 channels, integrated antenna
- Camera: 2 MP
- Radio: 87.5 - 108.5 MHz FM
- Battery: Lithium-Ion 1250 mAh
- Dimensions and weight: 108x58x16 mm and about 150 g
Completion
Standard equipment for HTC P3300 includes the following: - Power Adapter AC
- Stereo headset (which also serves as the radio antenna)
- Car Holder for suckers
- Car power adapter
- External GPS-antenna
- Leather Case
- User guide and CD with application software
As we have seen, a complete set is very rich, have everything to make full use of the device as a personal GPS-navigator. In addition to the standard prichindalam to use the device in the car, which supplied almost all GPS-communicators, there's even an external antenna.Since the tests in the editorial went only preprodazhny sample, we could not photograph it with the whole "give".
Appearance
Over the appearance of an ancient goddess namesake, the designers did their best: P3300 immediately attracts attention. The device turned out very graceful (another epithet find difficult), some air and a bit unusual. Housing color "dark gray metallic looks like a slightly narrower in the center (but it's just an optical illusion, in fact it is rectangular). In addition, P3300 - very thin. For example, compared with an elegant Qtek S200, our hero is thinner by 2 mm. With regard to other dimensions, here the device is completely identical. Weight is not specified by the manufacturer.
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Particularly unusual look front panel. Under the screen instead of the usual five-way joystick, all we see some strange wheel and something resembling ... the trackball! Yes, yes, that's exactly it is. Officially, the control consisting of a ball and a wheel manipulator, called RollR (Scooter). The first impression when meeting with him - "highly unusual". But by starting to use the P3300, you know, that something in this. Begs comparison with touch panel HP iPAQ hx4700 (which also produces HTC), but experiences from the use of fundamentally different. After a little practice to get used RollR and do not feel much difference with a joystick. However, for games, he probably still fit worse than a traditional joystick. But for scrolling maps and general navigational purposes - it is simply indispensable thing, which is much easier to traditional joysticks and navpadov.
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Wheel, as it surrounds the trackball, spinning in both directions and is located just so it was convenient to turn your thumb while holding the device with one hand. And believe me, it's extremely handy thing, the wheel does not even have to get used to - use them simply and very naturally, so that this innovation HTC is to be commended. Watch the video with a small story in English about how to work RollR at this link. We also note another interesting point. Since the HTC P3300 has provided a trackball instead of a joystick, a completely logical step was added to the system functions of the mapping of mouse cursor - for special judges. Special value in this mode, in my opinion, no, but someone may seem convenient to use the device without a stylus in one hand.
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In his hand is P3300, a glove. Plastic housing several rough and very pleasant to the touch, and generally causes a feeling of expensive housing and soundly to do things.The remaining controls on the front panel is standard: the command buttons WM5, click OK, «Start», GPS, «Call" and "Reject", however, they look all too very nice, not a loose general style of the device. Above the screen there are two LEDs - multicolored lights of the network / charge, as well as GPS-receiver, Bluetooh and Wi-Fi.
On the left side - only a voice dialing button, volume control and reset hole.
On the right - the power button and camera button.
Lower - Connector miniUSB (more precisely, ExtUSB - a proprietary socket HTC, combines a miniUSB connector and headphone jack). The back side - the camera lens, a mirror for self shooting and the battery cover.
Located under the battery slot for SIM-card and (oh, horror!) Slot for memory card standard microSD. Yes, history repeats itself with the Qtek 8500 - the memory card can be replaced, only pulling out the battery. Of course, the standard microSD card a large amount are not uncommon, but still the device of this class slot with "hot-swap would be much more preferable. Alas, this is how I understand the costs of miniaturization - a slim P3300 place slot for the card failed.
Screen
About the screen is nothing new I can not say - all the same rather qualitative transflektiv Diagonal 2.8-inch touch foil a 320x240 pixel resolution as that of the Qtek s200. From the good, as usual, do not look good.
The truth is still not enough divisions to adjust the backlight. Their total - four, but, surprisingly, for optimal settings missing. In the dark, better to choose the second division, and in bright light with a maximum bet. Well, as best as you have already guessed, is the third.
Processor and memory
It P3300 is no different from his colleagues S200: the same is not the fastest processor TI OMAP 850 200 MHz and 128 MB of RAM PZU/64. Frankly, after seeing this performance, I was somewhat disappointed (although I'm not alone). Indeed, the general view of the TI can be expressed in one word: "slow." Alas, the "Achilles heel" of the chip - "narrow" data bus (only 16 bit) - does not allow him to fully demonstrate their ability to rather decent.
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However, subjectively P3300 runs slightly faster than S200 (for example, there is no inherent latest "inhibition" when you turn). Perhaps, HTC little "cleaned up" code system to optimize its operation. However, this is only speculation. The general conclusion can be drawn is this: any outstanding speed P3300 is no different. SPB Benchmark test results did not differ from the results Qtek S200, so I will not bring them here and everyone look at the numbers beg to apply here. By themselves even add that the greatest "Ping" processor P3300 displays for tasks that require processing of large volumes of data, such as when playing video games with lots of graphics, etc. However, such resource-intensive applications such as navigation software with maps of the area, our hero, "turn their" no problems. Delay, of course, have a place to be, but exactly the same place where bottlenecks and more nimble fellow, for example, when a route. A conventional telephone apparatus and responsibilities at all to cope "with a bang."
Battery
Battery Capacity P3300 is almost the same as that of the Qtek S200 (1250 mAh vs. 1200 at the latest). As a result, the battery life in typical conditions, these devices are virtually identical (again, see the test Qtek s200). Here we will only say that the high results that demonstiruet machine, to some extent be regarded as compensation for low-power processor. Apparatus confidently stand for two days of active service (8-10 calls a day, 1-2 hours browsing through GPRS, some reading, and music), while in standby mode can actually survive for five days. Of course, the foregoing is true if you do not listen to the radio and do not use a GPS-receiver, otherwise the time on a single charge rather decently decreases. And once again, noting that if we use the P3300 as an onboard computer, the battery life is not such a critical parameter, because you always have the opportunity to recharge the unit from the power cars.
Sound
Y P3300 sufficiently loud speaker, which allows even listen to music without headphones, and be sure that important call you will not miss. The sensitivity of the staff more than a decent microphone, the sound is clear and without distortion. You can record from up to 4 meters. Included headphones - very mediocre "gag", but others to a device not directly connected, as a special slot for them, as we mentioned above, is not provided (there is only one for all purposes of proprietary socket extUSB). Thankfully, HTC has just released a special adapter that allows partially address the lack of connectors.
At the other end of the adapter - the two ports, one of which is designed for charging and syncing, and in another, in the meantime, you can plug in your headphones and listen to the radio or music.
Wireless interfaces
P3300 continues the glorious tradition of his predecessor, G100 and stuffed in every possible wireless interfaces (except for the IR port). As usual, all the functions of connection control application Comms manager.
Phone
In P3300 used the same module, and a Qtek S200: quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900MGts) with support for GPRS / EDGE. HTC spent quite a lot of effort to phone worked fine with all networks, so any problems with the Moscow operators for all the tests were found. Calls made and received in the normal mode, GPRS works, and when will automatically switch to high-speed EDGE - in general, everything is as it should be. Audible at both ends - normal.
Bluetooth
P3300 supports Bluetooth version 2.0 (but again without EDR - enhanced data rate). All major sections Bluetooth, including an audiophile's heart is so cute A2DP, to listen to music through a wireless stereo headset, and PAN, FTP, and DUN. A very decent set.
Wi-Fi
Here, frankly, no special news - all the old: support for wireless networking standard, 802.11b / g. Working properly, the battery puts pretty, in general - all as it should. For lovers of digging in the settings we recommend to use third-party software.
Luggage
The risk of being unoriginal, but again I will say that the quality 2-megapixel camera P3300 absolutely standard for the latest HTC, ie fairly average. Application functionality, working with the camera, too, have not undergone much change: white balance, simple effects, several shooting modes (single shot / Burst / video / ...), etc.
Unlike other HTC devices with similar cameras (S200, TyTN), P3300 have no macro mode switch, which, however, does not interfere with the camera is not bad in him to shoot. With photo examples can be found below.
Radio
In addition to the GPS-receiver, radio - one more "zest» P3300. Charge of a special radio program that runs only if your device is connected to a wired headset in the kit. This is a standard approach for all devices of this kind, which lack only one thing: you can not listen to radio via the Bluetooth-headset. So that the user willy-nilly will have to carry a wired headset.
The program, responsible for working with radio, is quite simple: the memory for 20 stations with the possibility of automatic and manual settings, audio output to an external speaker (in this case headphones still need to be connected - they are used as an antenna) or a headset, stereo or mono sound and the ability to automatically turn off after 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Search works very smartly and easily find all the radio stations that broadcast on the air. Receiver sensitivity is also at a high enough level. Sorry, the subway does not work:) Works on frequencies - 87.5 - 108.5 MHz FM.
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Unfortunately, standard headset HTC usually made several hlipkovato, and, according to numerous reviews of users do not last long. In the case of a breakdown after the warranty period to the headset to find a replacement may be an insoluble problem (plug something unique, "firm"). HTC is a thorny path, which has already been covered by other manufacturers and stubbornly clings to her with anything not compatible connector. Perhaps the life (or rather, user complaints) will be able to force the company finally changed approach. In the meantime, you can only give one piece of advice: love to listen to the radio - Take care of your headset.
GPS-navigation
Unlike its predecessor (Qtek G100), P3300 boasts a simply superb quality of the GPS-receiver (despite the fact that both devices use the same chip SiRFstar III). Even in the narrow lanes with houses hanging over the head positioning accuracy better than good. With the same external antenna, which comes complete, GPS works in general is excellent. When you first turn the receiver takes a few minutes to catch a satellite. When you switch it is much faster. In addition, the P3300 has a function of A-GPS, which lets you download from a dedicated server satellite data, which greatly accelerates the search and improves the accuracy of positioning. Runs this pretty obsessive application QuickGPS, which (if the satellite data are outdated, which is approximately 2 days after download) begins to constantly offer updated information about the satellites via the Internet. On the one hand it is convenient, on the other - someone so overly intrusive service can be annoying.
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I tested the operation of the device with several programs for GPS-navigation, as foreign (Destinator, TomTom), and domestic (PocketGPS Pro) developers. Some special problems with any of the programs have not arisen, everything worked fine. The main complaint - the quality of cards, all programs, it is far from ideal.
Software
A set of programs for P3300 Standard for Windows Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition, plus added a few new applications: the familiar program to listen to the radio, the utility QuickGPS, program to work with ZIP-archives, as well as new program Internet Sharing, which replaced the "Wireless Modem as amended AKU3, allowing the use P3300 as a modem simultaneously from multiple computers via Bluetooth or USB-cable.
In addition to the Today screen appeared "brand" plugin from HTC, which placed some useful buttons: call applet power management, screen rotation, Comm manager, setting lights, and utility QuickGPS. It is unclear why not used the entire width of the screen - could well add another couple of hot buttons.
Of course, P3300 supports functional Push Mail, as well as all other models of HTC, running WM5. According to unconfirmed reports, P3300 will be bundled with navigation software of one of the prominent developers. Unfortunately, the more accurate the information I have at the moment.
Price and Availability
For sale HTC P3300 should appear somewhere in October or November this year. Price of the device is not yet known, but given the complete set and characteristics, it is unlikely to be lower (and probably higher) than the Qtek S200 from the start, that is about $ 750-900 (price at this time to be confirmed).
Conclusions
Despite the fact that HTC had to try on a not entirely peculiar to it the role of catch-up (and, consequently, the rush to release the device), the second pancake with GPS in the series came out lumpy. The device, in addition to a cool and original design, has excellent luggage capacity, and supplied more than generous. I think this kind of "dumping" HTC P3300 will win the hearts of the audience.
Pros: - Excellent design + User friendly control is unique - RollR
- Radio
- Very high quality of the GPS-receiver
- Rich package bundle
- Solid battery life
Cons: - Not the fastest processor
- high enough ctartovaya price (presumably)
- The unique headset jack - extUSB and no additional connectors
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