Mobile Review

CeBIT 2006: Mobile TV and a little more pleasant novelties

Now, when the main flow of information after the CeBIT 2006 has subsided, you can stop, catch your breath and look back, noting that the dominant themes in the exhibition were held GPS-navigation and mobile digital TV. In our news lately almost every day passes information about the announcement of mobile phones equipped with the so-called DMB-TV. Not far removed from phones and PDAs and svezheanonsirovannye UltraMobile PC (UMPC). The main supplier of news about DMB-devices - the company Samsung Electronics, which provided for the last exhibition, many devices that support DMB. So in this article we describe what is, in fact, DMB, as well as along the recall of curious novelties that have not been mentioned in our resportazhah from the show.

Abbreviation DMB stands for Digital Multimedia Broadcasting, is to say digital multimedia broadcasting. For multimedia broadcasting includes both DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting - Digital Audio Broadcasting) technology, which has long been used in many countries, as well as DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting - Digital Video Broadcasting), which started recently and is gaining popularity on mobile devices. If desired, of course, manufacturers machines could begin mass production of devaysov supporting this technology a year or two earlier. This year, however, as you know, held the World Cup and this event is considered by many market players should play into the hands of the popularity of mobile TV. Many fans of this sport are not able to sit at home watching TV (because of work, travel or other reasons), while the mobile phone is now almost everyone. And for the opportunity to watch the matches directly on the cell are very many will be willing to buy a model with the support of DMB, and even the very service. Actually, the first model equipped with a DMB-receiver, appeared in the last year, but the greatest concentration of new products was fixed at CeBIT-2006. Technology, DVB (digital video) today is divided into two main areas - DVB-T and DVB-H. The first focused on television sets with large screen and stationary power, and the second - on mobile devices (phones, PDAs, media players, etc.) with small displays and self-powered. Standard DVB-H, on the one hand, we can assume a direct heir to the standard DVB-T, on the other - an extension of this technology. However, unlike DVB-T, where for the compression of video and audio signals using MPEG 2, DVB-H could be involved is gaining momentum H.264 algorithm, or analogs, organized by the same principle. Compressed data of a flow of IP packets. This allows the use of energy saving algorithm, which is very important for stand-alone devices that operate on battery power. Digital DVB-signal goes from the satellites, of which there are already running multiple pieces. Moreover, the signal reception is possible when driving at high speed, which makes it possible to view TV in the car. For motorists, however, produced specialized systems, but nobody forbids to use in such cases and mobile phone. In addition to marked differences from the DVB-H DVB-T, the standard is implemented a seamless transition from the coverage area of one transmitter to another area. Thus, the border crossing user is not faced with any problems such as signal distortion or interference. Many projects will be organized jointly DVB with mobile operators, which seems quite logical. By early 2006, the world has completed several pilot projects to test the standard DVB-H. It is already known about the existence of finished projects in Germany, Finland, USA, England and, of course, Korea. According to experts, the spread of this standard in the next couple of years it will happen very rapidly. So very soon, the digital mobile TV will be available for residents of North America, Europe and many Asian countries. Of course, over time these joys of life and to reach us. However, more or less intelligible information on this subject yet.As for manufacturers, for them DMB-equipped devices receivers is not a difficult technical challenge. Company Texas Instruments, known for its developments in the field of processors for mobile devices earlier this year introduced the first chips for the reception of the European standard DVB-H (is it will be used in Europe) and ISDB-T (Japanese equivalent will be DVB-H) . The difference between this chip is only in the frequency range: Receiver DTV1000 (DVB-H) supports a range of 470-750 MHz and 1.670-1.675 GHz (L-band), and DTV1001 (ISDB-T) - 470-770 MHz. As you can see, the indices of models differ only by one digit. Of course, for owners of phones with support for DMB service will be provided for a fee. On its size is difficult to say. But at the moment it is difficult to name a high price. With further development of technology, of course, it will be cheaper and it is possible that a few years and will be completely free. On the impending mass of this technology says at least the fact that a dozen booths are not too well-known Taiwanese firms actively demonstrated vserazlichnye solutions to support DVB - from the USB stick to multimediakombaynov. Well, now briefly enumerate some of the most interesting models to support digital television, which were presented at CeBIT 2006. Let's start with an interesting DVB-model presented by iRiver. V10 device can not be attributed with certainty to any category of PDAs or phones to class. Rather, this compact media player, which, among other things, will be equipped with a TV receiver. Novelty has a very compact size - the thickness of the shell is only 10 mm. In this case, the unit boasts a very impressive performance.

iRiver v10 - media player with support for mobile broadcasting

Volume of the player's memory is 4 GB, and thus its main advantage is the 3-inch screen with a resolution of 480x272, which displays 262 thousand colors. In the role of the OS here is Windows CE 5.0. True, the immediate availability of yet unknown, as well as on price. Particularly marked at CeBIT in terms of assorted DMB-making omnivorous Samsung. However, here we talk only about one novelty Korean giant - SPH-M8000. While this device is planned to be released only in Korea but it is quite possible that in future the unit will come on the European market, albeit in slightly modified form. So this model SPH-M8000 is the first communicator Samsung, working in a network WiBro, which is an option gaining momentum standard WiMax (wireless broadband standard). This device runs on Windows Mobile 2003 SE (can later be released update to WM 5.0) and also has a DMB-tuner. A nice addition to the fiche has a TV output that enables you to watch DMB-broadcast on the big screen. M8000 enclosure is made in the slider form factor with a nice lid come. On the sliding part is located QWERTY-keyboard and a display on the upper half of the body - the standard keys. The screen itself has a diagonal of 2.8 inches, resolution - 240 x 320 pixels and displays standard 65536 colors.

By design SPH-M8000 is very similar to its predecessor, i730.Of the visible differences can be noted the presence of cameras on the front side of the device, which will be designed for voice and video conferencing. The rear panel is another camera that has a matrix with a resolution of 3.1 megapixels and is designed for photo and video. As the processor uses a high-performance chip, Intel XScale PXA 272 520 MHz, the power which should suffice for all tasks assigned to the M8000. Once Speaking of Samsung, then, as promised, we will tell you about yet another device from this manufacturer, which was not mentioned in our previous articles. It is about Samsung i750. This Windows Mobile-device was showcased at last year's show even CeBIT, but its release was repeatedly postponed, and the latest data is now scheduled for the second half of 2006. It is, of course, about the European release.

The model also performed at the slider, but unlike the above SPH-M8000, equipped with no QWERTY-keyboard and a regular digital, like ordinary cell phones. Samsung i750 works in networks GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz with support for GPRS / EDGE, running Windows Mobile 2003 SE and is equipped with 80 MB of memory. Of the curious fichey can distinguish a business card scanner and 2-megapixel camera with auto focus and flash. Of the wireless interfaces declared Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. But price is not reported. As the curtain represent yet another debutant CeBIT - the company Everex, known to connoisseurs for its models based on the products E-Ten. This Taiwanese manufacturer has shown in his stand communicator Neon, which is apparently an updated version of the device Qool Pocket PC from a Singaporean company Qool Labs.

Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition
Processor: Freescale I.MX21 clocked at 350 MHz
Screen: 2.8 ", resolution - 240 x 320 pixels and the ability to display 262 thousand colors
Phone: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS
Wireless Modules: Bluetooth 1.2, Wi-Fi 802.11b and IrDA
Expandable memory: miniSD slot

The device is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera with video recording capability, its dimensions are 109 x 57 x 22 mm, weight - 145 for a set of features and size to compare this device can be with cars on a platform of HTC Magician (Qtek s100, T-Mobile MDA Compact, i-mate JAM). Price and release dates are not announced Neon. At this point we do not end the cycle of materials of updates to CeBIT 2006. In the near future you will find a separate article about the devices on the new mobile platform UMPC with first impressions of working with them. To be continued ... The authors, translation:

Exclusive review of Qtek 8500 Smartphone

The Taiwanese company HTC recently punctually pleases its fans with novelties. However, most devices produce revolutionary difficult to call. HTC prefers to follow the path of evolution, building on the success of models, a well-proven in the market. The main innovation of the last time was the transition to Windows Mobile 5.0, which, however, some tend to look more like a disadvantage, because of certain "wet" the new version. The model number of the company is now represented by two main areas (in terms of most HTC): PDA Phone (PDA with phone module, that is, communicators - type model Qtek S100/110, S200, 2020i, etc.) and Smartphone (smartphones - such as , Qtek 8020, 8200, 83xx). The hero of our review, Qtek 8500, the second group. Qtek 8500 - is not the first smartphone HTC, running Windows Mobile 5.0, and, besides, is not the most outstanding in performance, as we shall see. But still a novelty can be considered as a kind of experiment, HTC, this is the first clamshell in the phone line company.

I must say that the flip phone conquered the market relatively recently through the efforts of Asian companies such as Samsung and LG. Prior to this major European phone makers - Nokia, SonyEricsson and Siemens - studiously avoided the subject (apparently wanted to avoid association with Motorola:). But gradually the "clamshell" became popular, and the same Nokia could not ignore this fact has already released quite a decent amount of models in this form factor. HTC also has not yet been able to please their fans some special design delights - all Smartphone models are similar, if not twins, then certainly like brothers. In part, this seems to be the bad influence of Microsoft, which likes things to be uniformly and exactly as she sees fit. But it seems that the ice slowly starts trogatsya (or HTC has dismissed all the old designers and gained new ones), Qtek 8500 but absolutely no resemblance to his "colleagues in the shop."

Qtek 8310 and Qtek 8500

However, as we shall see later, the appearance of otherness in the ground and the only thing, filling the device is quite standard for today and the almost identical model Qtek 8300, which appeared on the market about six months ago. By and large, the difference is only in the absence of a model 8500 integrated Wi-Fi.

Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition
Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP850 195 MHz
Memory: 64 MB RAM, 64 or 64 MB flash ROM
Display: internal 2.2 "transflective TFT, 240x320 pixels, 65,536 colors, an external 1,2" TFT, 128x128 pixels, 65536 colors
Expandable memory: microSD card
Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 1.2, without the support of EDR, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS Class 10, EDGE class B
Battery: removable Li-Ion Battery 750 mAh
Audio: microphone, speaker jack for stereo (nestandartnyy!)
Dimensions (folded) and weight: 98.5 x 58 x 18.2 mm and 99 g

Direct competition with smartphones based on Windows Mobile smartphones can be called the Series 60 line of the Finnish company Nokia (for example, Nokia 3250): the same lack of touch screen and keyboard control.A closer look it becomes quite obvious that the interface of MS Smartphone is done with an eye to the Series 60, and many of the ideas (for example, two control buttons coft with varying depending on the context of the signatures on the screen) just "borrowed" from Nokia. However, that nobody is surprised. It is worth noting that the "borrowed" option is not always as successful as the original. True, the button has nothing to do with it, not too easy to blame the organization of the interface is still not completely adapted for the soft keys. Unfortunately, the testing we got an engineering sample, so the appearance of the box cause we can not. However, a relatively complete set you can say the following. In the box there is a battery, charger, cable for synchronization with your desktop computer, stereo headset (handsfree), pouch, CD with ActiveSync 4.1, user's guide. Qtek 8500 is equipped with a standard for all HTC devices plug miniUSB, and some special, more narrow and long. This is due obviously to the fact that the thickness of the halves of the phone is about 7-8 mm, and miniUSB just do not fit on it. The headset is quite standard for HTC (with the exception again of corporate non-standard connector) - earphones and a microphone with answer button on the call. Charger and sync cable is also very common.

Appearance

Here, finally, we got to the most important thing - the look of Qtek 8500, which immediately attracts the attention of others. Indeed, the phone is somewhat unusual. When your humble servant, risked his life smuggling carries the machine through Russian customs, it has been caught red-handed, and customs for a while with genuine interest attached to the novelties of the telecommunications industry. However, released to the world, gave the phone or even demanded money. Originally planned two options coloring apparatus: black with silver and black with red. Then it was added to a strict all black version, which we consider here.

With flip closed attracts the attention of the external display of the phone - a small square in the middle of the display is a mirror of the circle. It looks very stylish. Above the display - the camera lens in a brilliant chrome bezel. At the bottom under the screen - the buttons control music playback (express music buttons, already familiar to some in 8300). Even lower - two small LEDs - display network, battery and operation Bluetooth.

Opening the phone, we see an unusual keyboard: flat, hardly protruding above the surface of a button. No joystick, instead of round two keys, one inside the other. In the test sample on the keyboard as if milled three brilliant circle, which gives it a very classy look. Unfortunately, in the final version will be only one - around the navigation keys.

From each other by the number keys are separated purely formal, with small notches on the panel keyboard. But the actual buttons are large enough even for large male fingers, so that problems with them, no one should arise. The keyboard backlight - a light blue and dark it looks even more mysterious. In a word, mainstream. In addition, the device is equipped with a light sensor, and the backlight is activated only if you really dark. On each side of the upper part of the apparatus are buttons for volume control, voice dialing / voice recorder and the camera (by the way, the buttons without labels, so I have to remember that where there is).

Side on the bottom half - only 12-pin connector for charging cable or headset (one at all).

The back side is nothing remarkable - just the battery cover (underneath is also a SIM-card and slot for microSD) and a connector for external antenna under the rubber plug.

The workmanship of the phone calls only positive emotions - and to look at, and feel everything is done very soundly, something stylish and into the hands of her brother is very nice, despite the plastic housing. Screen Qtek 8500 - one more reason to be proud. Yes, there ... He's just great! For comparison, I put a number of 8310 and 8500 - the last screen noticeably clearer and brighter, and this despite the fact that the time difference between the yield not so much. Technology does not stand still, and it is gratifying. On the quality of the display screen is very reminiscent of the latest smartphone Qtek S200, only the lower diagonal (2.2 "vs. 2.8") at the same resolution (240x320), so the point is smaller and the picture looks sharper (photo, of course, does not reflect the real picture ).

Viewing angles - great for sun screen can be seen, too bad. The brightness is not adjustable, standard for all smartphones. As a device for reading electronic books 8500, probably not the best option - because of screen size and battery life quite modest, and Web pages are viewed - not the most pleasant experience. As for the external screen, it is primarily intended to display performance information such as signal strength, battery, etc. In addition, this screen can be displayed an animated screen saver in the form of hours (to select several types are available) or a background image, date and time, and data music player - the duration of the current track, volume, etc.

Now leave aside the enthusiasm for the appearance and close Let us ease of use. And here we are waiting for a slight disappointment: the phone is clearly designed for long fingers. Anyway I could not get normally open it with one hand. Of course, the persistent practice give the effect, but an adequate response that does not work: effectively reject the flip fingers of one hand does not work, we have to use the second hand. That is impressive, with a bang, close the flip - it please:)

Keyboard is convenient to use, no complaints there, the keys are arranged well and pressed easily and clearly. But before the buttons located on the upper half shell (flip), fly so far, not every petit ... in the sense dotyanet every finger. Anyway, my this is not possible.Without interception machine I can only press the button on the camera or voice dialing, volume up lacking. If you have long fingers, the situation is not so catastrophic, and you may well manage with one hand.

Processor and memory

In the Qtek 8500 is installed the same CPU as the model S200, 8300 & 8310, - TI OMAP 850, clocked at 195 MHz. Therefore hold benchmarks we do not, moreover, that visual and practical performance is not much different from those vehicles.

In the test device - 64 MB of RAM (of which programs are available for approximately 26 MB) and 64 MB flash memory (of which about 13 MB available for storage). In the Qtek 8500 is used slot standard microSD, which, in general, it is logical, given the small size of the device. Located as it is extremely uncomfortable - a SIM-card, so about "hot-swappable cards can be immediately forgotten. Alas, the beauty demands victims. With the volumes, however, there are no problems - the microSD card is now available up to 1 GB, so the problem of replacement cards should not be particularly relevant: a card more - and all the cases.

The sound quality and voice recorder

Speaker at the Qtek 8500, despite the small size of the device, very loud - do not miss a call with a warranty, in addition, there is a vibrating alert. Internal speaker is also pleased capacity - at full volume the phone to your ear, even applying is not necessary, everything is audible. Using the standard stereo audibility is also at altitude. Voice Recorder also works well, but the special quality, especially in a crowded place, do not expect from him - the noise obtained fairly decent, even indoors.

Wireless capabilities

In terms of wireless Qtek 8500 is not an extraordinary machine: there are quite standard by today's GSM / GPRS / EDGE and Bluetooth 1.2. The quality of connection and the speed with GPRS / EDGE no claims arose - everything is functioning very well. However, the voice of your devices HTC has no direct relationship - all the radio-filling has been developed by Texas Instruments and is licensed by the manufacturer. With regard to support Bluetooth, then here we have good news for audiophiles: Qtek 8500 works with the profile A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). Thus, you can listen to music in stereo through a Bluetooth-headset.

Generic Access profile
Serial Port profile
Headset profile
Object Push profile
DUN profile
Hands-free profile
Generic Object Exchange
Human Interface Device
Advance Audio Distribution
Audio / Video Remote control

As we mentioned above, another wireless standard, Wi-Fi, our hero, unlike his fellow series 83hh not support them. However, with such a battery is not surprising. Infrared port on the device either, but it is now rather an anachronism, since it generally dominates Bluetooth. All wireless functions, the user can operate through the now familiar application Comm Manager.

By the way, pay attention to the middle button c "3" in the left column Qtek 8500. This key controls the function of Microsoft Direct Push, which appeared in Windows Mobile 5, version AKU2 (it's something like Serivce Pack 2 for Windows Mobile). Now, if your company uses a mail server is Microsoft Exchange, you can enjoy the benefits of the new service Push Mail. All that is required - this is GPRS-connection, and no additional settings. When using the Push Mail client e-mail program does not need to constantly check e-mail - the mail server itself loads a letter to your mobile phone as they arrive.The process itself is simple enough: through ActiveSync installed HTTPS-connection that the server and sends the data directly on the Qtek 8500. In practice, it works quickly and without problems:)

Luggage

Qtek 8500 camera is equipped with a standard resolution for today - 1,3 Mp. In general, it shows pictures of pretty average quality, when compared with the 2 megapixel camera Qtek S200. Settings include: self-timer, zoom, white balance, resolution and image quality, a place to store photos (internal memory or card), the availability date and time the picture, shooting mode (photo, video, MMS-photo or video for "Contacts" , the picture for the theme and the sports mode), effects (black and white photography, sepia, cool colors).

There is a camera Qtek 8500 is another interesting option, intended, apparently, to shoot a TV screen or monitor - sync on a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz to avoid flicker. Examples of photos taken by camera Qtek 8500, will be available later.

Runtime

Despite the rather modest battery (750 mAh), HTC promises 2,5-5 hours of talk time and 100-150 hours of standby time. Subjective sensations (on the exact measurements simply do not have the time), it's about the truth. Anyway, the ever-active GPRS-connection and enabled Direct Push, when batch of letters (more than 10 per day) from the server and performing a small number of calls, the phone worked for a little over two days on one battery charge. It seems that when using Bluetooth and listening to music this time will be reduced to about one day, and sometimes less.

Software

Software stuffing Qtek 8500 also absolutely standard for smarftonov based on Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition: browser Internet Explorer, ActiveSync, PIM-application (Tasks, Calendar, Contacts), e-mail client, Windows Media Player, File Manager, software for working with photo- and a video camera. In addition, the device pre-installed package of ClearVue Suite, allowing you to view documents in PDF, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint. If vac interested in the details of a selection of software and recommended programs to be installed on the device, you should look into the relevant chapter of the review of Qtek 8310.

Qtek 8500 will be delivered to Russia with the Russian version of ROM. The quality of translation at the time gave rise to violent criticism of Microsoft, and as far as we know, the software giant, finally responded to her by hiring professional translators edit all found flaws. True, this applies only to applications written in Microsoft. Their own applications on HTC Russified independently, so that sometimes turns out pretty funny. For example, instead of the usual over the "Connections" we offer a "connection", or instead of "View status" - "view state":)

Term of appearance and price

According to available data, the starting price Qtek 8500 costavit about $ $ 500-600. In the Russian retail novelty appears around the end of May.

Conclusions

It seems that a rough idea about the Qtek 8500 you already have happened in spite of our cursory acquaintance with him. Therefore to sum up a little. So, Qtek 8500, primarily a fashion device. If you want a smart phone, as stuffed with all sorts of "twists" with the latest technology, this option is not for you. But if you - a music lover, a connoisseur of stylish clever gizmos, albeit at the expense of functionality, this new product is clearly to your taste. Also, recall that at your disposal will always be Windows Mobile co all available parks for smartphones - from assorted Organizer to programs for reading, watching videos, as well as a variety of toys.

low battery life
non-standard connectors for the headset and charging / synchronization
no radio (with a pronounced musical direction smartphone)
inconveniently located slot for expansion cards (under the SIM-card) and some buttons (camera, voice recorder, volume)

cverhkompaktnye size and weight
spectacular design - one of the first clamshell phone running Windows Mobile
gorgeous screen
stylish and comfortable keyboard
external buttons for the player

PS Photos Qtek 8500 can also be found here. The authors, translation:

E-Ten G500, or how not to get lost in the urban jungle

Marketing striding across the planet. Which only tricks are not resorted manufacturers of various technical devices to raise revenue - and sometimes can not be assumed. Naturally, this trend has not spared the market and pocket PCs. Still, it would seem, only recently attention has shifted from manufacturers of traditional PDAs to communicators, and now we face a new round of technological race - fashion on the GPS. Fairly well-known company E-Ten, apparently decided to be among the first to learn yet another trendy niche and released device, equipped with a GSM-module and a GPS-receiver - E-Ten G500. In fairness, I must say that fast all came up to install a navigation company communicators HP - champion of innovation, which spied on the idea of the company Garmin, are produced in different years is not very popular Pocket PC with GPS - is running Palm OS, is based on the Pocket PC. But back to HP. The first pancake, as usual, came from this manufacturer lumpy, and the communicator HP iPAQ hw6515, which was charged with so much hope, has not won acceptance among users. The reason for that served mostly to relatively high starting price of the device and square screen (240x240 pixels resolution), a stripped-down, in pixels, because it placed under the QWERTY-keyboard. Nevertheless, GPS as a new feature for buyers has been estimated mobile device manufacturers, software companies software and miniature embedded satellite receivers. So after some time, many have begun to report the news of the withdrawal of communicators, navigators. Among the first publisher of such a device actually turned out to be E-Ten. You've got to say that the G500 is basically a remake of her latest popular model M600. Only in new items Wi-Fi module replaced today demanded GPS. Let's see what can offer this device.

Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition
Processor: Samsung S3C 2440A 400 MHz
Memory: 64M RAM (48 MB user available) and 128 MB Flash ROM (80 MB available)
Screen: 2.8 "(72 mm) transflective TFT, 240x320, 65536 colors
Expandable memory: miniSD Card
Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 2.0 (class 2), GSM 850/900/1800/1900, GPRS Class 10
GPS: SiRF Star III
Battery: Li-Ion, 1440 mAh
Audio: microphone, speaker, 2.5 mm stereo headphone jack
Dimensions and weight: 119 x 62 x 23 mm and 186, the

Of the next class and capabilities of devices for E-Ten G500 can be distinguished already mentioned here iPAQ hw6515, big brother E-Ten M600, as well as communicator Mio A700 and the upcoming apparatus FS Pocket Loox T830, Qtek G200. Compare these machines can use the "Compare devices" in the "Catalogue of the CPC on HPCru.

E-Ten M600, E-Ten G500 and HP iPAQ hw6515

Supplied

As expected from the handheld GPS-enabled, E-Ten G500 is equipped with a set of accessories for mobile navigation, which consists of the usual rod-holder with suction cup to attach to the windshield and car charger. Complaints to equip new cars not only upset the lack of a spare stylus and cradle.

communicator
charger
USB-cable for synchronization and charging
Conveying Charger
Stereo Headset
Car Holder
cover
User guide
software.

Appearance

It seems that E-Ten, finally ceased to experiment over the appearance of devices and have developed their own style. The new communicator is quite recognizable - the same black plastic body with silver lining on the sides. A distinctive feature of the new machines - a bright luminescent band framing the screen and keys. Light color - fashionable today bright blue. Looks like designers have taken this decision at Motorola, with its now popular RAZR V3. At the very least, a sense of borrowing design is present. You can not call it a solution uniquely enjoyable - past the key now is impossible to miss, but the light is strongly straining his eyes in the dark.

Machine itself looks pretty big and heavy. Although it is not very strong difference in size and weight with the Qtek s100 (traditionally taken as a reference point when comparing modern communicators with display 2,8 "), the new device seems to be more cumbersome. Nevertheless, due to non-standard ratio of height to width, in hand, he is quite comfortable. Arrangement of controls is not quite traditional, as the control keys are not only under, but over the screen. Below, under the display unit passed from the control keys and joystick. Designation of their habit: "Call," "Hang" and two shortcut soft keys used by Windows Mobile 5.0. Joystick large, square shape, with a dedicated center button. And the joystick and buttons are clearly separated by a plastic illuminated strip, use them conveniently.

Above the screen, around the hole dynamics, there are two more buttons. By default, they are responsible for the launch of utilities and Frequency Dial M-Desk, but they can be reset. Above the buttons are two LEDs - battery and the wireless interfaces.

Upper end of the PDA is pretty empty, all other controls are located on each side of the device.

On the left side are buttons run the camera and voice recorder, a slider for volume control and reset button, which should push the stylus.

On the right - the power button and a slot for memory cards miniSD.A little awkward that the charger can not be connected directly to a PDA, it must be done via USB-cable. So if you plan to take with you when you travel charger, and still have to take an extra cable.

At the rear of the G500 business as usual: a camera with a mirror for self portraits and a connector for external GPS-antenna, covered by a rubber plug. Under the removable cap resting battery, under which slot for SIM-cards.

In principle, the body produces new items rather favorable impression. Maybe somebody does not really like a solution with backlit keys, but overall the company E-Ten to be congratulated on successfully. Finally, the quality of the performance of its units reached a stable level.

Processor, memory and performance

Here, everything has remained unchanged since the previous model, E-Ten M600. All the same processor Samsung S3C2440 and the same amount of memory - 64 MB RAM, of which the user can use 48 MB and 128 MB Flash ROM, where for the personal use of allocated 80 MB. Since the E-Ten G500 is not only a communicator but also the navigator, it makes sense to just buy a memory expansion card, for navigation systems - rather extensive piece. Expansion slot in the new device is now more compact than its predecessor - the format miniSD. This - a smaller version of the same SD, so that complete them usually go adapters that allow use of the new stick in the more familiar SD slots. With regard to the maximum available amount of these cards, but now you can easily get 1 GB miniSD. In the near future, the producers promise to release a 2 GB card for this standard. For the price they are slightly more expensive than their relatives. In general, problems with memory, you should not have, so let's get on to the next chapter - testing. Measurement speed E-Ten G500 produced by means of the program SPB Benchmark. No surprises - the results coincide with the ETen M600 up to several percent, which is quite possible to justify the measurement error. Machine was one of the fastest in its class.

CPU speed

file system performance

Complete test results can be found in the summary table, but we must remember that not all the tests package Spb Benchmark is correct (for example, test the graphics subsystem), so the final result (the index of the platform) can not be called objective.

Similar results were obtained when testing the video program BetaPlayer. Communicator is easy to cope with "the mobile" video and hardly reproduces not converted into a mobile format movies.

Subjectively, the E-Ten G500 works pretty quickly, except for intensive tasks such as navigation and viewing of heavy video. I must say that with a slight deceleration in the navigation programs are facing almost all owners of mobile devices, so it's an inevitable moment when dealing with such a machine. However, for too long the communicator will not make you wait, but this just below. In regard to the video, it is simply Burn source movie, and everything will be okay. Another thing, he wonders if viewing on a small screen. Large pdf-files and documents Word Mobile machine opens up pretty quickly. With a fairly high-quality toys and copes with a bang. In general, to perform basic tasks of its future owner's performance device is enough.

Screen

The new device is installed the same screen as that of the M600 - transflective, 320x240 at diagonal 2.8 inch (72 mm). It's smaller than most PDAs, but the standard for communicators. So that those who "transplanted" from handhelds to G500 or other smart phones have become accustomed to a more compact display. It seems that G500 increased brightness compared with its predecessor, the screen at maximum backlight makes it comfortable to work with data even in bright sunlight. The matrix has excellent viewing angles, no artifacts were not observed.

At 10 levels of backlight brightness, which is enough to adjust under any lighting. If it is completely off, the screen remains lit by dim light, making it easy for continuous operation in total darkness. Still not possible to specify backlight level separately for battery and AC power. Also unchanged were automatic adjustment: "Autoadjust by battery's cap" - change the backlighting depending on battery level, and "Autoadjust backlight by idle time" - a smooth decrease in light as the omission of the CCP.

Battery

E-Ten G600 is equipped with a lithium-ion battery 1440 mAh, as his predecessor. Capacity is quite decent, but let's not forget that we face communicator, so even with the GPS-module, which in itself is pretty hungry. So potestiruem time.

Stress test. GSM-module, Bluetooth and GPS enabled, the brightness and volume maximum, the unit lost in a series of "hard" video. Hours - 1 hour 50 minutes.
Normal operation. GSM and GPS-module is included, Bluetooth - off. Speaker volume was set at half the maximum brightness - in the first division of the minimum. Device is lost in a cycle of regular video. Hours - 4 hours 50 min.
Reading e-books. Bluetooth - off, the lights - in the first division of the minimum, the reading program was carried Haali Reader mode avtoskrolla. Hours - 7 hours 20 min.
Play audio. Bluetooth and the screen - are off. Play was performed on a set of headphones attached.Used the program GS Player, files with a bitrate of 192-256 KBps played with the memory card. Hours - 8 hours 40 min.
Playing audio via Bluetooth-headset. Bluetooth-enabled module, the volume put up half. Use headphones Sonorix OBH-0110. Hours - 4 hours 17 min.
Standby mode. Opening hours - just over four days.

But looks like the communicator on the background of "classmates":

In general, E-Ten G500 can not be assigned to the record for most time of work, but poor results of his test, too, will not name. As with all the neighbors in the class, the machine is designed for the average work day. Active users are advised to always keep the charger nearby. Incidentally, the latter also not be confused especially small runtime system, because, being involved for car navigation, G500 can always a little "snack" on-board network. Fortunately, a special charger from the cigarette lighter is in his normal kit.

Wireless interfaces

Programm Wireless Manager - Centre for the management of all wireless capabilities of the device - from the phone module to the Bluetooth.

GSM

In the E-Ten G500 is installed quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) GSM-module. Data transfer may be a protocol GPRS Class 10 (3 slots to accept, 2 to transfer). Unfortunately, E-Ten has not embed into their communicators support vysoskorostnogo data transfer standard EDGE, it is not in the device. All phone functions normally performs built-in application Windows Mobile Phone, pretty easy to learn.

call barring
waiting
call forwarding
AON
Voicemail
index of the network and broadcast messages.

Acceptance and sending SMS messages in the standard application of the operating system - Messaging.

To create an MMS is a special supplement - MMS Composer.

For speed dialing uses a proprietary utility Frequency Dialing.

It is also possible to organize a "black" and "white" lists of subscribers using the utility Call Filter.

In general, the functionality of the phone module is absolutely the same as that of its predecessor M600, nothing has changed. With regard to such an important moment of the phone as the communication quality with the original G500 has a small problem, manifested for some users in the form of an echo effect or metallic voice. Resolve this issue will help audiopatch released E-Ten. Learn more about where to download and how to install the update can be found in our forum. By the way, there talked about the release of new firmware for the machines, which helps deal with a number of other equally annoying bugs.

Bluetooth

As stated above, our hero is equipped with Bluetooth 2.0, which is controlled by the drivers own production E-Ten, is built on standard Bluetooth drivers from Microsoft. For the first time such an option Bluetooth control was tested on a model M600 and it seems liked the producers and users. All necessary services are configured in a single interface, instability and disruption almost not noticed. The program is integrated Bluetooth Manager Utility Connection Wizard, which allows a novice to configure any service interface. Let's see what opportunities are "blue tooth" will be available to users of G500. Firstly, it is, of course, search and connect Bluetooth-enabled devices. For example, with a cell phone.

Secondly, work with Bluetooth-headsets and devices allowing hands-free communication.

Third, synchronization with your desktop PC with the ability to exchange data. And finally, work with the necessary data as a PC on your device, and with the device to your PC.

And finally, we mention another profile, which became available to users even in version Bluetooth 1.2. It's about newfangled A2DP, which allows voproizvodit (for example, through a wireless headset) stereo sound quality. About him tell you a little later.

GPS-navigation

You have not forgotten that we face not only the device, but the navigation device? Excellent! It's time to test it. Thus, in the E-Ten G500 navigation module is installed on the chipset SiRFstar III. Quite a fresh solution shows good sensitivity and positioning accuracy. However, we are repeatedly told about it (eg here). The first inclusion is performed on a conventional narrow city street in cloudy weather. After only a three minute cold start CCP saw 12 satellites and recorded signal from the 8 of them. The result is certainly worthy. Further testing was carried out using the navigation Systems Pocket GPS Pro (version 2.4.199) with a map of Moscow. On this program we are repeatedly told in our surveys, therefore, not repeat it here. Details about PocketGPS you'll find at her site - www.pocketgps.ru. On the possibilities of the latest available version is available here. The screenshots below you can see how the full version.

PocketGPS Pro: download the program

Settings PocketGPS Pro

Routing

Marshurt laid

G500 was placed under the windshield in the standard holder, an external antenna is not used. The results pleased. CCP loses its signal only where and relies decent GPS-receiver - a wide bridges and in tunnels. In other situations, ETen G500 does its job as "excellent." Especially gratifying is that now this device is sold complete with a fully functional commercial version PocketGPS Pro at a price per unit. Thus, the user gets ready to use navigation solution plus communicator "in one bottle."

Multimedia

Sound

Audio path remains unchanged. The sound is quite loud and clear.The headset is still equipped with a passive volume control and answer button, which can be reprogrammed. Unfortunately, the bass level is still quite weak, which is not very pleasant to those who are going to use the G500 as an MP3-player. It's nice that now the recording level can be adjusted separately for voice recording, phone calls and conversations with Bluetooth-headset.

Have E-Ten G500 is another interesting feature in terms of audio capabilities - to support the transfer stereo via Bluetooth, using the new protocol A2DP, which appeared in the version of Bluetooth 1.2. True, when testing this feature with headphones Sonorix OBH-0110, it was observed that the quality of the transmitted stream is poor.

Practically non-existent upper and lower frequencies, the sound quality would suit only a very undemanding users. By the very same functionality no gripes, headphones on the first attempt were "paired" with the communicator, no involuntary breaks connection was not observed.

With regard to the dynamics of E-Ten G500, then call in a noisy place and can not hear, will not save even activated vibration, working with the ordinary as a pair, so we recommend to use the headset if you do not want to miss anything. By the way, headset jack at the E-Ten G500 is not too comfortable - 2.5 mm, so that the selection of alternative "ears" and have to buy an adapter for them.

FM-radio

E-Ten G500, unlike its competitors has a very valuable fichey - built-in radio. However, until recently, take advantage of this with the owners of the device was not possible. Now, when the E-Ten has released a special program G500 FM Radio 1.0, allows you to work with the receiver, anyone can download it and install on your device.

In an antenna device supports headset, without the radio will not work. To install the program copy the contents of the archive in the folder \ windows on the E-Ten, then make a shortcut on FMtuner.exe and run the receiver. In the application everything is also pretty simple.On the main screen are buttons for the tuner search for stations off the screen (in the form of stars), the scale of the volume control and mute. The top is displayed the frequency at which is currently in the receiver, the radio station without a name or other information transmitted by FM.

Necessary wave is easy to find either through the usual rewind, or click on the indicator of the current frequency. In this case, you will see a box the exact input frequency, resembling in appearance a normal telephone panel with buttons Ok and Cancel buttons at the bottom.

Also in the annex provides the opportunity to bookmark your favorite radio station, hold the stylus on the 1.5 second socket on the right. In general, everything is simple and without any frills.

For the doubters in their own strength provides very short Help.

As for the quality of work, the receiver listens G500 noise and small distortion. In general, it is quite usable. In addition, good catches and holds the frequency. We tested the E-Ten at the reception at 107 MHz.

Luggage

Built-in camera, again borrowed from the previous model, resolution - 1.3 megapixel. No improvement in the quality of images has not happened. On the possibilities of the camera can be found in the review of M600. For the curious represent examples of photos taken at the G500.

Software

In the E-Ten G500 has the latest version of the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition, a list of full-time programs, which can be found in almost any of our review. Tell better about the additional software, which, of course, decorate and make it more user-friendly devices E-Ten. First on stage - handy plugin for launching applications QuickLink.

The second - a nice looking alternative shell for launching programs and quick access to system settings - M-Desk. The default is caused by a button with an icon Home. Has a lot of options and opportunities.

Another good thing - a program for Pocket PC voice control Voice Commander, which is quite easy to tame by a very good-looking of the mechanism of recognition: works with voice tags, as well as with conventional teams.

There have G500 and two graphics editor - to work with images (Image Maker) and for editing MMS (Image Wizard).

Branded utility Scenarios can help to quickly set up the brightness, volume and vibration alert mode.

G500 cmozhet render good service as a GPRS-modem for your laptop. With this program helps Modem Link.

As the curtain - a small plugin that shows battery life on the screen of Today, so it will not have to look into the configuration section.

Conclusions

E-Ten G500 - smartphone, designed to fill in the model number of the company formed as a result of market trends GPS-niche. In fact, we have the same E-Ten M600, in which Wi-Fi module is replaced with a GPS-receiver. It is this point to consider when choosing between the G500 and other apparatus. Thus, the device as a full-fledged navigator will be particularly interesting to motorists and users who lead active lifestyles.If you just need a Wi-Fi, but completely satisfied with the functionality of this machine, you can either take advantage of the market periphery in the form of WLAN-module on the cards miniSD (for example, from Pretec), or wait for the next device E-Ten, which, according to employees, will be a hybrid of the M600 and G500. Expected release date - this autumn. Another undoubted trump G500, as well as all the devices from E-Ten - this is their low price, usually fully justified. In this light, is particularly interesting that the communicators of the brand, supplied by "MakTsentr, completed the full version of navigation software PocketGPS Pro 2. At the same retail price of devices will remain the same - $ 670. Is called a kit - E-Ten G500 Pro.

turnkey solution for car navigation + communicator
FM-tuner
good set of embedded software
reasonable price

large size and weight
low battery life.

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