Communicator E-Ten P300: a relief for mobile professionals and amateurs

Our attentive reader may have already noticed long ago that the last year or two mobile phones mostly ceased to shrink in size (although some examples, of course, have a place to be) and have chosen to increase the number of different functions. Progress in this area is at such a rate that now is not so easy to make a clear distinction between the cell and, for example, smart phone, and even full-subnotebook. True, the "arms race" is not a gift for the appearance of these combo devices. The most fully featured of them, as a rule, heavyweights, no different noble lines. So that their owners have to sacrifice the compactness in favor of universality. But, apparently, more compromise is not necessary, because the producers did come down arms and to the miniaturization of communicators. On one of these fine universal solutions - extension range communicator E-Ten, already famous in Russia, and will be discussed in our review, but first ...

A little history

We have repeatedly talked about mobile phones based on the latest operating system Windows Mobile for Smartphone, which by its versatility is practically not inferior enjoying popularity among Russians tandem - in conjunction with a handheld mobile phone. Obvious examples here may serve as a Motorola MPx200 and i-Mate SmartPhone. Based on the lesser-known Symbian OS also created a lot of cell, which supplies Russia with Nokia and SonyEricsson. Such tubes as Nokia 9210/9210i, 7650/3650 for a long time, by the standards of the mobile market appeared in the domestic market and formed a class of so-called smart phones or "smart phones". However, handheld computers, or rather their producers, were also on alert and quickly counterattacked, that is, began to equip their machines phone module. Thus was born the class of communicators. The first pancakes, as usual, turned out lumpy. Suffice it to recall Siemens SX45 - a device with GSM / GPRS-receiver (and in some versions do not even have GPRS), made based on the Casio E-125. Then the device weighed almost half a kilo, and a small battery of working is reduced to "no" to all the advantages of such a decision. If one considers that even after removing the model from the production of its price did not dropped below $ 1000, then immediately ask yourself, why is created this technique.

Siemens SX45: this is the picture he is a little ...:)

A little later, began to appear more interesting news. If you continue to talk about «Powered by Windows»-solutions, then immediately come to mind not so distant past, when under different brands out pretty interesting communicators. Probably, the reader is familiar with Siemens SX56, QTek 1010 and O2 XDA - however strange it may seem, but all four do not differ much from each other (for example, QTek 1010 and O2 XDA vary only the logo). Particularly popular, none of these models are not used, although the chances they had, but apparently too high a price (originally about $ 1200) scared off potential buyers. However, recently the situation has considerably changed. PDA models were produced significantly greater, respectively, and the choice is made richer. Moreover, as noted by many reputable analysts are communicators and smart phones - is one of the most promising and fastest-growing areas of the industry of portable devices. On our site was even created a special section called "Communicators", which recently added to a curious novelty - a model of P300 from the Taiwanese company known under the brand name E-Ten. Recall that in the past year, the manufacturer has already debuted on the domestic market with their communicators P600 and P603. "Home" turned out good, so the E-Ten rushed to release a new model lineup. We note immediately unusually low for a device of this class price - only $ 549, for which a year ago, the average selling PDA functionality, and today - one of the best communicators. Although not get ahead of ourselves. Everything in order.

Appearance

P300 housing is made of soft-touch, high-quality plastic. Dimensions - 117x67x23 mm, weight - 165 g. In comparison with his older brothers dropped a good communicator in weight, almost 70 grams, which is also better reflected in its size. E-Ten looks much sleeker and nicer. So in that sense would be a relief for fans of the combo-making and a pleasant discovery for those looking for the universal "two-in-one. At the top of the front panel is cut the speaker LED which means charging P300 and the "eye" camera. Just above the antenna. Initially, its presence (or rather that it is not hidden inside the body) may scare off some users. In the life of the antenna does not prevent. Rather, even the opposite - it is very convenient to hide the stylus to get to is very simple. Under the screen is the navigation button, similar to the one that has a SonyEricsson T68i or Nokia 7650. Immediately present and keyboard shortcuts launch frequently used applications. The two sides in combination are responsible for receiving and removal of an incoming call in phone mode. At the bottom of the device is placed not only to the interface connector, but also a memory card slot MMC / SD / SDIO. To remove the card from the device, just click on it.Button "on / off" and a scroll wheel built into the left end. By the way, is the location button activation device seemed to us to be very successful: a finger on it falls just automatically (even though the direction in which his brother's hand drive). On the back of the mount is the battery. Then installed a removable lithium-polymer battery with 1050 mAh and is located beneath the slot for a SIM-card. The words, all as a mobile phone. It is convenient that the cradle has a special slot for charging additional battery that would be useful to those who are often on business trips, but not ready for a long time to live in the "off-line. The largest portion of the front panel, of course, takes the screen. Here, the producers have set Transflective matrix, the standard for most Windows CE-making resolution of 320x240 pixels, capable of displaying 4096 colors (12 bits). Despite the relatively small color, all images (including photographs) appear on the screen very well. In many ways, these new required physical size of the matrix - its diagonal is only 2.9 inches (compared to a cult iPaq'ov - as much as 3.9 inches). Quite naturally, and reduce the size of individual point. Due to this, the screen looks very clear, although sometimes some of the details seem to be too small. On the other hand, that most office functions (reading, editing of any documents and travel across the network) to P300 did not cause any difficulties. However, if you're a big fan of games in which you want to quickly and accurately get the pen in the small icon (say, a strategy where each unit is represented by just 5.10 pixels), then a novelty, we advise you will not. In all other cases, the problems should arise. Admire the E-Ten P300 in three-dimensional form, please visit the manufacturer. The presentation provided with captions.

Soft

Operating System, under which the E-Ten, called Windows Mobile 2003 Phone Edition. In general, it is customary for many Pocket PC-computer with some minor differences. In this platform built a special "phone" utility, responsible for communication with the outside world via the existing GSM / GPRS-module. A striking example - the application Phone. With it you can call anywhere, here you can also select a ringtone, alarm options (with or without the vibrator). Phone also opens automatically when an incoming call. Admittedly, not always quickly: If you are running any resource-intensive application, the machine may ring only for 2-3 whistles. On the other hand, this problem occurred infrequently. For example, we are faced with it when "chased" to type test SPB Benchmark. In everyday life, nothing like has not been noticed.Recall that the Eten P300 is a smartphone, we have also during the configuration of Internet connection. Taking as a modem Cellular Line (GPRS), you can connect to the network through an integrated module. In this case, by the way, there is no need even to prescribe the modem initialization string. No problems with setup and operation of GPRS-connection have been reported (Moscow network "MTS"). If the GPRS was not available (as is, unfortunately, still happens) and it became necessary to install the CSD-compound (even at 9600 bps), we have to choose a normal Cellular Line.

Features

A pleasant surprise was the presence of the device USB-Host. USB connector itself is located, as, for example, Rover'a P5, in the cradle (at the back part of it, the same place where the power plug is connected). But if the domestic PDA quietly worked with any USB-devices without external power, then to the E-Ten P300 a must connect the AC adapter. From my own experience can say that, for example, USB-drives (including the latest, with the support of USB 2.0) and so many cameras, and any other appliances like MP3-players that appear in desktop systems in the form of removable storage devices, without any problems and can work with the P300. A similar function will be very useful visiting journalists, reporters, and just fans of trips that each step tend to shoot at the camera. For example, buying an external hard drive (whether or Ziv Maxtor - does not matter), you will regularly be able to fold it made the day Photos by E-Ten'a. Say a few words about the built-in camera. The maximum frame size is 640x480 pixels. Of course, admire the staff for the sake of aesthetic pleasure will not work. But here it is sometimes necessary to take a picture of a man and immediately send it to photograph a colleague with the comment: "This man will come to you in two hours."

Eye of the camera is placed directly above the signature of the Pocket PC

Then, considering that the camera is on the front panel, not the back, like most similar devices, the device is very useful for spontaneous video conferencing. Benefit, NetMeeting or something like that right now there are virtually on any desktop PC, a GPRS support makes it possible to conduct such virtual meetings, while spending a minimal amount of money for the services of a cellular operator.

Runtime

Pleasantly pleased with the battery life. In real life, the device worked for more than two days at 15-20 minutes of phone calls and about 1,5-2 hours is not very hard work in PDA mode. In many respects, such a good indicator of merit is not only a relatively small (in area) of the screen, but also quite economical processor (here set ARM9, running at 200 MHz).

Performance

If we talk about the speed of the device, then give your attention the results of tests SPB BenchMark. From himself only to add that to work with office applications processor power enough "for the eye, but many of the new 3D-games do not work as fast as we would like. On the other hand, P300 and does not pretend to the title game console.

Russification

Communicator will be bundled with the system of national localization MacCentre Pocket RussKey 2003, which will provide a complete Russification of text input and translation of all the built-in device applications.

Price

Eten P300 purchase will be for $ 549 in the near future stores' computer in the palm, while wholesalers can now see the "live" examples and begin to make reservations.

Output

Cons:
• Small physical dimensions of the screen
• External Antenna
• You can charge your device only through the cradle

Pros:
• Small size and weight
• High functionality
• USB-Host
• The presence of a camera
• Careful placement of buttons
• Memory card slot MMC / SD / SDC
• Long battery life
• Replacement battery

Thus, E-Ten P300 is perfect for those who need to work with e-mail, mobile Internet and various Web applications. Moreover, quality and comfortable work. A small example - a utility that allows you to display on your desktop communicator, self-updating page Today rates. Those to whom such information is extremely important, certainly appreciate the option of wireless data on mobile devices. In addition, E-Ten P300 against the brothers in the class really stands Stylish design, small size and long battery life. In this sense, the device can easily replace a cell phone and PDA, and the cost will be cheaper than a kit. In a word, and a shirt pocket is not much draw it out, and the purse is not very easier ...;) authors, translation:

I-mate Pocket PC: a true friend to technocrat

The first clumsy attempts to adapt the GSM-transmitter and antenna to the Pocket PC family of computers is nothing but tears did not cause. No, devices like the Siemens SX45, if desired could be used, but neither the size nor the low battery life was not allowed to call it a pleasure. The huge box weighing about 200 grams did not fit in any pocket, and a belt, a holster, there is a burden. Moreover, a hasty pristraivanie telephone functions to an existing operating system led to the mass of small and big trouble - from the inability to change the ringtone to something beyond the standard five tunes to a complete loss of touch with the world at a low battery in the middle of the day. However, the rules of the "worst-first" has not been canceled - appeared and the next generation of devices, such as mmO2 XDA. They were better, but also has a "complex character". The first smartphone based on the Pocket PC (there are already Windows Mobile), to which it is impossible to find fault, has become the latest i-Mate Posket PC, which not only copes well with issues of communication, but is one of the best to date PDA with an extremely high performance. Even without opening the box, you start to enjoy it. Even the picture is clear that the design of the apparatus compact, all angles lovingly smoothed, and most importantly - no antenna! That is, the external differences from the CCP are minimal and, therefore, in appropriate amounts, the communicator without any problems can be carried in a pocket. Looking ahead we say that the way it is, in his pocket, he feels quite comfortable, and the owner comfortable. Inside the box are pleased with your great. Except for the device with its battery and branded CD, in the enclosed kit contains several books with instructions chubby, cute silver cradle with slot for charging a second battery, AC adapter, an adapter for recharging the PDA on the road (without the cradle), a stylish silver stereo headset has an arsenal of controls (volume control wheel, the buttons start and end the conversation), spare stylus and a case. Stylish black case requires a separate story - usually these sell for a lot of money. It is made of very high quality synthetic leather, has a hinged top with a rigid lid pocket for memory cards, as well as a complete disconnect with locking plastic clip, which remains on the belt, when the owner picks up the PDA in its case. In addition, all controls and camera lens are available, cover only covers the SD slot and universal connector device. If you tilt the lid cover, and they are available. In general, the equipment meets many opportunities and the price i-Mate. The computer itself after the first introduction also creates a sense that money well spent. Metal body, combining the smooth and corrugated surface has a small width and great grip. Wear it in a case on his belt - a pleasure, but also in a shirt pocket too bad, there really helps the absence of the antenna. The front panel is solved a bit unconventionally, but soon, it seems, such a solution would be a classic for communicators. Under the screen is Five-way navigation key and the left and right of it - the Talk button and the End. Here - the microphone. Above the screen, left and right of the speaker, there are two buttons applications by default are configured to your address book and diary. Over the buttons - two lights, one of which advertises on Bluetooth, and the second shows the status of your network and charging the battery. The location of the slot SD Card (supports SDIO), IrDA port and off button - standard on the top. Here, from pencil-box is removed the stylus, rather long and thin. Its central part is made of a pleasant, slightly rough metal and plastic ends. The back side of the case surprises: here is the camera lens, licensed VGA (640x480). Directly below an objective - a small convex mirror, looking into which you can photograph yourself. All this is not just type in handsets, but among the Pocket PC is a solution yet exotic. Accordingly, on the left side, except for voice recorder button and the slider (it replaces the scroll wheel and is pressed), there is a button activate the camera. Under the thin metal cover is hidden battery, having a good but not record-setting capacity - 1200 mAh. To prevent accidental disconnection, it is fixed below a small catch. Under the battery - a convenient slot for the SIM-card, reminding shalt have old phones Motorola. Well, finally, on the bottom there is a thin connector universal port, deeply recessed reset button and headset jack hands-free, covered by a neat rubber cap. The location of the nest, in general, failed because the device makes it difficult to wear in your pocket. However, the haters of all kinds of wires can rejoice: this phone supports voice profile of Bluetooth, and, hence, local radio can be used not only for wireless synchronization, but also for talking! If we forget for a moment about the communication functions, the i-Mate is a very perfect PDA, equipped with the latest PXA263 processor from Intel, 128 (!) MB of memory, internal flash disk for important data at 15 MB and the already mentioned "goodies" in the form camera, Bluetooth and SD Card. Transflective TFT-LCD pleased tsvetonasyschennostyu good and uniform illumination, but its brightness is not a record. The lowest level before shutting down the backlight brightness, contrast, would cover less space. Despite this, the screen comfortable to use under all lighting conditions. Very interesting opportunities "backpack", which is available for this model and, unfortunately, are not available in Russia. This jacket is available slot, CompactFlash, extra battery, as well as output to connect the PDA to monitor or TV. Screen resolution in this case reaches 800x600, although it is not clear why it might be useful if all applications are designed for 240x320. However, presentations and videos has not been canceled. And, both played on the i-Mate is excellent, because it is one of the most powerful PDA based on Windows Mobile 2003. Among today's competitors, the communicator is inferior in performance only "purebred" PDA ASUS MyPal A620 and HP iPAQ H4150.All other PDAs, and certainly all the other Windows-communicators left far behind. Meticulous study of the reserve on the test results SPB Benchmark, and themselves back to the communications functions. Communication Module i-Mate is a tri-band, so it can go, even in America. GPRS is configured - on the user's request, he can operate in a Class 8 (4 +1) or Class 10 (3 +2). Telephony functions are already known to us the enclosed "Phone", which displays the classical composing keyboard provides access to convenient protocol calls and a long list of repertory, and also allows you to send SMS and configure network functions of the device. SMS editor is indistinguishable from the client e-mail, so we are particularly it shall not stop, saying only that EMS does not endorse, and concatenated messages, by contrast, understands perfectly. Settings such as choice of tone, change the network and include network features (call forwarding, voicemail, call barring, etc.) were in previous versions of Communicator. New opportunity - is receiving broadcast SMS ("infokanalov). Other network services that previously were not supported, implemented as separate applications, as well as in the control panel, but they are just below. Unfortunately, the traditional problem besklaviaturny communicators, dialing with one hand, and has not been solved. Need to either poke a finger in the on-screen buttons, or excel in the scrolling address book. Voice dialing is not implemented. But speakerphone available. To switch to the need for long press Talk. In talk mode the touch-screen button you can turn off the microphone to discuss anything secret from my subscriber, and can conversely, run the application "Notes" and make audio recordings of conversation. However, I have the impression that the voice recording is the interlocutor in so far as external microphone "hears" the sounds emanating from the speaker. At least, the noise in the room could hear the recording is better than it buddy. Additional applications of "telephone" wing of i-Mate - a few. They are designed to compensate for the lack of some functions that are in mobile phones, but not in the PDA. For example, Photo Contacts application allows you to group users, and assign each contact with the SIM-card and address book personal photo. It appears on the screen during an incoming call. Another application is eloquently called the MMS Composer. In essence, it allows you to send no more information than a standard e-mail client, but there is an important nuance - that information can be sent to your phone, regular phone. Naturally, on a large screen device to prepare MMS - a pleasure. Simultaneously visible text and image, and the band sound clip, access to all settings. This same application, despite its name, is engaged and receiving MMS. Taking into account the two above functions expanded application Album. It lets you view images in the memory of them and arrange a slide show, but send your favorite applications via MMS or assign them as a photo-contacts. SIM Toolkit application shows the cameraman menu SIM-card, through which simplifies obtaining useful information (weather, currency rates, the trailer, near bars, etc.) and manage his personal account, well, SIM Manager allows you to view the card and import your address book stored on the "SIM cards" contacts. Crowned this orgy of sociability application Wireless Modem, which allows the use of i-Mate in the unromantic as GPRS-modem.Actually, the program is unpretentious - you need to select the port which will connect your PC or laptop (serial, USB, IrDA, Bluetooth) and click on Start. Next just have to enjoy the Internet on a large computer screen, occasionally glancing at the three indicators, blinking in the display i-Mate. I must say that on the test sample was apparently intended to supply the Arab countries. After the first start he illegally installed the few Arab applications, most of which need to disable and uninstall, but among them there is one very useful. It is called the Finger Clix and is designed to navigate the address book without using the stylus and buttons, just a finger. The screen has large buttons, like a telephone keypad, with which it is easy to type the first two or three letters of the name, but having found necessary - one click to start dialing. Until now, we almost did not discuss the built-in camera. Well, well, it's time to rectify that omission. When you start the application "camera" is almost occupied the whole screen image, broadcasted on the lens, and only a small icon at the bottom allow you to configure operating modes and to obtain information about them. Limiting resolution photography is 480x640, but there may be more low, up to 120x160. In general, the settings quite a lot more than normal phones with a camera. In addition to the standard for this class of devices, white balance settings (daylight, fluorescent light, artificial light, etc.), special effects (sepia, black and white picture, and so on.) And put a framework (albeit, the kit includes all two), there are more interesting settings: contrast, sharpness, tsvetonasyschennost, gamma. However, more importantly, that the camera can shoot movies with sound. Permission to them, as expected, low (240x320), but a variety of compression techniques available, including popular MJPEG and MPEG-4. The frame rate is low, 10 fps, you can only play videos on your computer or application "Album". Windows Media Player on the i-Mate does not see them. The quality of images on the display i-Mate is quite good, they do not look too grainy or blurry, they are often true to the color, ie white balance is determined correctly. In the night mode when it's dark, the image is very noisy, but this noise, strangely enough, a little distracting images on it is easily seen by the plot. The quality of filming, by contrast, is low, and the image is visible jerks are often blurred. Affects the overall lack of built-in cameras, the problem with auto focus and rapid adaptation to the lighting conditions. As for the audio subsystem i-Mate, then it is difficult to assess unambiguously. The quality and volume of sound during conversations is not satisfactory. The headset supplied allows not only to negotiate, but also happy to listen to music that is played through headphones and loud and full. But the volume of the tones is small. Even a sharp and upbeat melodies do not save, therefore, still need a headset.

Runtime

As already mentioned, the battery has an average, not a record capacity. Given the voracious screen, GPRS-and Bluetooth module, this means that active users will recharge your device every day. Waiver of BT and GPRS, and a moderate amount of conversations, minimizing the load of multimedia and the rapid off lights can extend the battery life of up to 2 days, but this is the limit. In principle, stock up on a second battery would be a good idea, especially because it is convenient to charge. In the synthetic tests, i-Mate with enabled GSM / GPRS-module (data transmission is not made) and at full brightness the screen stayed on the SPB Benchmark for 4 hours and 10 minutes. MP3 playback in Windows Media Player with the backlight off the display lasted for 8 hours continuously. However, to complain about high energy consumption as "heaped" model, the communicator would be strange - should pay for everything.

Localization

Test sample was national localization system Russified MacCentre Pocket RussKey 2003.

Price

The network of shops "computer in the palm" device i-Mate Pocket PC can be purchased for $ 1149.

Output

Despite some flaws, i-Mate, unlike its predecessors, is well thought out and does not cause serious problems in operation. It's good enough as a phone, no one loses an ordinary mobile phone, part of specific communications functions, is deprived of nasty bugs in the GSM-module. Well, if we consider that it is also functional PDA running Windows Mobile 2003, one of the best in performance and equipment, it becomes clear that these technocrats are obliged to fall in love with something new. Finally, note that i-Mate is developing quite well-known company HTC, which communicators are willing to buy many of the major manufacturers of mobile equipment and operators, so do not be surprised if you see on the counter aids Qtek 2020 or XDA2, like two peas similar to i-mate ...:) The authors, translation:

CeBIT 2004: Week of hi-tech fashion in Hanover

Since photo story about the exhibition CeBIT, I hasten to note that he did not claim to be meticulous and complete coverage of all mobile phone and PDA, part of this annual exhibition. Official and actual parts well covered by my colleagues on HPC.ru in the news. But there are many photographs, and large and clear.

That from the coming year? ..

• Expect a smooth transition to the Pocket PC at 640 x 480 pixels
• Quite a lot of decisions on car navigation systems and navigation in general, including with PDA
• Increase in the rate of Flash memory, the new MMC 4.0 and its prospects
• More dodelannoy periphery SDIO formats
• Improving the quality of low-cost peripherals
• A shift from 300K of embedded and mounted cameras to megapixel

In addition, the exhibition in 2004 decreased the number of prototypes PDAs and smartphones, leveled small producers.

Windows Mobile 2003 and 640x480

One of the most interesting exhibitions PDA can rightly be considered a new ASUS MyPal A730, equipped with a 640x480 VGA screen and 3.7-inch diagonal. Besides a large high-quality screen, this PDA has a 520 MHz processor, Intel, and a 1.3 megapixel camera. By the way, megapixel camera surely come to replace the 300K cells, but more on that later. See also specifications ASUS MyPal A730. Screen machines have really excellent, flicker is not noticeable color juicy. And another view of this remarkable handheld, but in the cradle. We are waiting will go on sale in Russia! It seems that the Army Pocket PC, led by Microsoft has prepared a major offensive on the hopelessly outdated standard screen resolution of 240x320, and soon we expect mass conversion to the new screens. This is directly related to the production of high resolution screens themselves and their price, as well as the adaptation of the OS and applications for emerging opportunities. With the advent of Windows Mobile 2003 SE and the second question is virtually eliminated, with the third-party developers on the same subject matter alone will not. As to the question first, then the screens are made specifically for the Pocket PC, ready to offer several companies. For example, the excellent quality of the screens we saw a Sanyo. In the lower right corner, I gave as-is without adjusting the image matrix. Make allowances for the optics, the camera matrix and glass showcases. In life, the colors look very saturated, and the screen produces a very nice impression. And this is just one of several representatives of the new family. Prices on PDAs with the new screens for the first time, of course, will be high. From the operating system it is likely it will reach more permits. For example, Samsung showed some interesting keyboard PDA with Windows CE.NET 5-inch screen 800 x 480 pixels. On the first experience I can assure you that working with this machine is very nice. Incidentally, in subject. Very funny look at the Windows CE.NET NetBook stand Psion Teklogix.

Palms from PalmOne

Was not new. Alas, did not show anything other than GPS-pack and a couple of dozen different solutions. Questions about the new Palm Tungsten E2, Palm Zire 31 pose the usual official position.

Sony: CCP, dog and bone

Sony stand in contrast to last year got rid of superfuturisticheskoy part, however zagonchik Aibo dogs and chelovekorobotami worked to the fullest. You can download a small QuickTime movie with a representation of an android. Oh, and who still do not know - read our old test this miracle of technology:) On the case as we showed Sony Clie TH-55, Sony Clie TJ-27 and Sony Clie TJ-37. That is nothing supernova.

ASUS, Mitac, E-Ten and other

Were made quite worthy. Besides the already mentioned ASUS MyPal A730, ASUS has shown a new model of ASUS MyPal A716 - a decent PDA for professionals. Excellent performance, powerful 1500 mAh battery. Connectors for expansion cards, Compact Flash and SD / MMC (SDIO). Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi do not leave questions about wireless connectivity. Communicator ASUS A8100 is also worthy of mention. Very nice-looking thing. Powered by WM 2003 Phone Edition. Tri-band GSM + GPRS, QVGA screen and built-in camera. Mitac refreshed lineup, but again not to the exhibition, and a little earlier. Were from the new Mitac Mio 168 with integrated GPS-receiver, a 300 MHz XScale. In addition, Mitac Mio 336 - a compact handheld average weight of 120 grams and a thickness of 14 mm. And the smartphone communicator Mitac Mio 8380 on a platform of Microsoft Smartphone 2002. 300th communicator series E-Ten will be continued in the Bluetooth version of the model E-Ten P300B. In the future, is finally expected to install TFT screens for the new models. Smartfonchiki BENQ forced to stop and examine yourself more closely. First - this is a tri-band BENQ P30 platform Symbian. Nice thing on the processor OMAP. Second - it's quad BENQ P50 PDA with Windows Mobile 2003 Phone Edition. For modest size 120 x 60 x 20 mm and weighs 150 grams, it features a 2.8 inch screen and delivers 200 hours of standby time and about 3-5 hours of talk time. From Nokia - Nokia 9500, and it's no longer news. Good continuation of the line 9210. Of course in addition Nokia showed a considerable number of smartphones on the species Symbian. GS PDA, the company reported last year communicator Zircon, this time presented a GS PDA Xplore at 33 MHz Dragonball VZ with a good screen, this time 160 to 240 points. Smartphone from LG - LG-SC8000. Met on several stands under different labels. WM 2003, XScale PXA-260, 128 Mb ROM, 64 Mb RAM, 2.8 inch screen. Nothing special.

Accessories and Taiwanese crafts

Electronic products of thought and industry in Taiwan, China and the surrounding area each year to exhibit the mass who are willing to release many of the company, and various prototype and crafts, only a small part of which is destined to be developed next year and possibly become widespread. Last year we saw a large number of varieties Flash USB drives and MP3-players. Only here and there has been more or less represented peripherals for PDAs. This year the situation has changed "our" favor. The number sold in the world of the CCP gradually makes the market for independent periphery "iron" manufacturers increasingly attractive. In addition, there is a clear transition from the form factor Compact Flash to a more promising SDIO. Particularly, we saw a lot of GPS-receivers of all possible kinds and sizes. It seems that finally got an inexpensive electronic components for mass production. In the media several times encountered the SDIO camera matrices more than 1 megapixel. Gradually, 300K camera obviously will progressively take their positions (and the embedded options, too) in favor of mega pixels. But the bottom-right of the photo you can see another interesting accessory - SDIO FM-receiver. And like even works. In the photo below - 1.3 megapixel SDIO camera with digital zoom Pretec 2x-4x and the backlight. The invasion of Bluetooth peripherals, too, makes you wonder. Mixed feelings cause BT keyboard made literally at the knee of some other, often older models. The efficiency of such miracles is not checked. Generally keyboards for PDAs found quite a few varieties. Maybe something will reach the Russian users, ie up to us to you. Laser keyboard also slowly moving in the nation. At least some quite serviceable (tested) models waiting to have probably close to an hour to appear on sale. Fashion trends and pick up the larger manufacturers.Just last week (April 1) HP has introduced a new line of fashion PDA called Futurum-Durum, among which are projected model handhelds. For more information on these and other revolutionary solutions can be found in our news. Well, it's about all kinds of headsets, I generally keep quiet quiet, so perhaps that one of the sample would like to show. Special model for Russia. And it is too offtopic, but also from Taiwan. Coffee cools. And overclockers may well and boil.

Photos and around and around ...

Of course, digital cameras, the exhibition was the sea, but HPC.ru they are somehow a bit out of topic, so just tell only some of them. The new Casio Exilim Pro EX-P600 has become a sort of pocket-monster with a sliding (and highly extendable!) Lens and a matrix of 6 megapixels. This unit is in size somewhere between the old models and the ruler Exilim QV-R, which successfully closed a year ago. Most of the back wall is very useful to busy screen. Control - distillation of the Casio accumulated over the past few years of experience. On the border between the simplicity and convenience. Manufacturers are thinking not only about how to make the picture better, but also about where it is easy to see and how to show. Appeared quite a lot of devices for reading cards, and store photos as well as sometimes for convenient display on the big screen. For example, Nikon showed a very nice-looking and outstanding drive Coolwalker MSV-01. Pretec DigiBank - one more photo storage and other data from the cards. About the size it is easy to judge by the number of cards lying CF. One of the important technical factors in digital photography - speed record still images on a memory card. A quick survey of several frames in a row it can become a bottleneck - the desired point will be missed. Stronger requirements are growing because of ever-increasing size of the photo. For example, 5 megapixel photos in RAW format can easily require records on the card is about 7 MB ... The problem is completely solved, and the producers of Flash memory vengeance demonstrated their high-speed products. Pretec (in addition to 12 Gb CF (!)) Showed the cards under the label of 80x, the speed of which is 12 Mb / s! Recall that the rate of conventional cards today - about 6 Mbps. Other vendors, such as, SanDisk also offers similar solutions. In the photo below SanDisk Ultra II with a write speed of 9 MB / s read - 10 MB / sec. Well, really quite a remarkable solution for data storage, cutting apples and patching nail. Swiss. Army. Albeit not as fast, but reliable, as safe. Victorinox SwissMemory USB 64-128 MB with lights and pen. At the stands of different producers came across quite a few portable media center to listen to music and watch videos. Some of them are equipped with very decent image quality and screen sizes. For example, Samsung YH-999 platform, Microsoft Portable Media Centers with the hard disk is 20 GB and a 3.5-inch color screen. Understands the formats MP3, WMA, WMV and JPEG. Or Toshiba Mobile Viewer with the same HDD 20 GB - excellent value for the size and functional. You can connect to external speakers. Understands MPEG4. And this, in my humble opinion, generally the best solution to view photos. Screen with wonderful color and great vibrant colors. Grain is almost negligible. Technology - Orgainc LED, also from Toshiba. Thickness - less than a centimeter. By the way, these devices are installed inside mikrovinchester form factor 1.8-inch (pictured below right). And on the left of the same photo you can see the concept of PDA-hours, which we recently wrote.

SD or MMC 4.0?

Interesting fight, it seems, will soon unfold in standards-in cards. The fact that the SD with all its pros have one big disadvantage for manufacturers - they have to pay a royalty on each unit issued. Standard MMC also known for its free limit on the expansion card speed (in terms of interface), which ceased to meet modern requirements. With the release in February 2004, MMC 4.0 standard, the situation has changed dramatically.This new format is in many ways superior to SD, including the speed of the interface and, moreover, royalty, as before, is not provided. The full backward compatibility is, of course, exist. A little more detail. Instead of 1-bit interface to MMC can be used 4-and 8-bit, operating frequency will rise from 20 MHz to 26 MHz and 52, and voltage can be reduced from 3.3 volts to 1.8 volts (this should reduce power consumption). Total in the "cool" case - 52 MHz + 8 bit - we get exactly the speed of the interface at 52 MB per second. The speed of the actual Flash-memory assumptions developers may well be time to reach this value. All this could be particularly taken lightly (little whether different standards?), If not a "but." Intrigue increases strongly with the recent entry into the association MMC companies such as HP and Nokia. In fact - one thing is the CCP, is another matter - cell phones and support for Nokia. Speaking of cell. Another way of miniaturization makes developers of both the phones and cards to think about the form factor even smaller than SD - MMC. Standard accepted on this account there, and every producer wants to do that - leaving the pin-compatible and interface changes the form of a card on his personal views. As a result, we obtain a wide variety of cards for a limited number of devices (eg, Toshiba miniSD, the bottom row of the photo). MMC Association and on this account has a specific view, claiming to be the standard. Form factor of maps MMC, likely will lead to a certain type. We are waiting.

Real Virtuality

3D modeling of all the closer to production. On the stand of the Institute Fraunhofer, a well-known for his work in the field of codecs were young people, and especially not straining, managed a three-dimensional detail, architectural projects, etc. Pay attention to the device tools that perform all the steps. Unfortunately, the usual picture can not convey 3D, so I have to take my word for it - is to wear the stereo glasses and stand behind the engineer, as before his eyes at his hands there is a very real object with which it works. Almost fantastic! In general, the number of people and mannequins with those tightly shrouded obscure instruments, surprised. Ranging from completely normal meeting about the architectural device of a blank, in general, a table (bottom left - the image on the monitor, which coincides with the fact that they see themselves members) ... ... And ending with a long immobilized personalities, hang in glasses with the words Just Relax. Right tremor takes to progress. Handheld computers (wearable) were also, as has been for several years, it seems, however, nothing new. More interesting looking concept of computer-implant ...

Computer-implant, or Terminator 4 ...

Still, on-life also has its obvious advantages. And almost in front of the mask with the words Just Relax.

GPS-navigation

It's all expected. Navigation boom began. Navigation software vendors are trying to make their hardware solutions, navigation hardware takes over more and more functional multimedia device. Look at the new Magellan RoadMate 700. From what can be seen in the exhibition - this is probably one of the most dodelannyh solutions. Unfortunately, uses its own platform, but provides for exchange of data with Palm handhelds and Pocket PC. Sharpened it, of course, under the Europe and Russia value of his small. A well-known software company TomTom showed its Navigator TomTom GO - pretty hefty unit. And here is an old friend of his oddball (and deceased), PDAs, Royal DaVinchi suddenly give birth to a good mind navigator on Windows CE. As I have said, diversity SDIO GPS-premnikov no limit. Many showed the ready-made solutions based on PDA, and, once with a complete set, including holders and chargers. Sony also showed its version of GPS-cradle for new models, Sony Clie. At Microsoft, as always its special own way. Modern cars are not quite suitable for the installation of navigation systems. But an American classic is well suited. Shot from the stand of Microsoft. Just not podkachala, dear ... Exterior ... ... and interior.

Fun German town

At one of the stands can be quite realistic measure their intelligence. The power of thought it was necessary to drag the ball lying on the table at his side. In this case, clearly won the men's logical mind. Generally, brain armwrestling has broad prospects. The only question in hardware and software. Maybe someday everyone can measure their strength of mind and on their PDAs, for example, via Bluetooth ... In the manufacture of the remarkable computer from a Swedish manufacturer was obviously used the positive experience of Pope Carlo. These masterpieces of wooden look very stylish and perfectly suited for an expensive interior. I must say that from the natural wood used in all body parts, remains a very good impression. Here on such wonderful scooter Segway, which we wrote back in 2002, rolling out with might and main representatives of the companies. Never gained wide popularity, these two-wheeled vehicles with a heightened sense of balance even attracted to this exhibition a lot of attention. Given the vast territory of CeBIT, Segway, perhaps, allow greatly save time. Only now fairly tight doors open pavilnov uncomfortable. And it's not always uverneshsya in the crowd.

Slightly concepts and originals

Motorola - Moto-to-new, motor-to-anyone-Moto in the original. Funny inverting the screen will certainly find its supporters. The idea of ​​Sanyo - phone + TV. Expensive but good. Concepts from Toshiba - removable functional skins for PDAs. Want to stake a keyboard, you want - fasten your speakers, he likes "joy stick" in the sense of the joystick ...

Afterparty

After a hard day exhibition, which may be better than to drive on bolide F1, even if painted on the roads, but with a full sense of presence. For lovers of the classics, too, there is a decent transport.Looks like it's just that good trains. Well, the curtain is not bad in the evening to sip something cold ... In our opinion, in German, of course ... ... Or lie under the whirlpool. By the way, the poor girl with the photo, it seems, spent whole days in this setup ... The word, this woman cosmonaut on IT. She is now no tsupovskie centrifuges are not terrible. I wonder how she feels now? .. Oh, and German towns and villages are very picturesque, of course. After a noisy and perelivayuschesya rainbow show a very nice break for March was quite spring open spaces, where the stillness and quiet. Thanks to all who got to the end of the article until next year! Incidentally, in 2005, according to CNews, CeBiT be held in Moscow ";) Authors translation: