Smartphone i-Mate: Windows in the device!

Cmeem hope that our readers are experiencing a genuine interest in handheld technology, heard about the newest platform from Microsoft - Smartphone 2002 and realize that this operating system is designed to "computerized" mobile or smartphones (literally - "smart phones") that combine the functions of cell and PDAs. These combo devices are also often identified with known you communicators (Nokia 9210, for example, or the O2 XDA), but if you really delve into the details, smart phones - a first means of communication, and then later handhelds (PDA with a sort of "phone person" ). Today our guest is the representative of the class "savvy tubes - i-Mate Smartphone manufactured by HTC, which is likely to become a pioneer of the Russian market. But first a little digression. Despite the fact that clovosochetanie Microsoft Smartphone from hearing devices based on this platform released so far very little, and in Russia they are little known. In the west smartfonostroenie (we do not take into account the communicators) is gaining momentum and represented nearly two major competing with each other directions - Concern Nokia, producing Nokia 3650/7650 on the basis of Series 60 Platform, a kind of Symbian OS, and, in fact, Microsoft, diligently lobbying into their ranks licensees. Nevertheless, numerous analytical predictions now portend swift and secure the victory of these "hybrids" over other mobile communication devices, including mobile phones. And here is one of the first "savages" - in our editorial. He hides in a modest white cardboard box with no markings. Is proving to be small, but smart, judging by the name, tube Smartphone i-Mate.

What's in the box?

The bundled i-Mate has almost everything to "complete happiness". In addition to the device itself, in a box were found: a miniature cradle for syncing and charging, AC adapter, the adapter AC-serial, stereo handsfree headset with a button to answer an incoming call, which can also be used to listen to music CDs with drivers and a case for wearing on the belt. The latter is made of smooth black leatherette, and looks very stylish, but the tube is there pretty tightly, and do not exclude unwanted keystrokes. So before you pack the device in the "armor" is to lock the keypad.

Form Factor i-Mate

At first glance, i-Mate is difficult to distinguish from an ordinary cell phone hi-end class: large screen, a joystick, a few extra buttons. The hull shape is associated with expensive models in Samsung. Consider the smartphone more closely. Above the screen are the speaker and the light. The device is made in a small package of plastic two-tone: his facial parts - silver, rear - dark blue. As expected, the antenna is hidden inside. Above normal for the cell phones digital keyboard are Home button to go to the main menu screen and the Back to go back one step back. Slightly above the standard keys are answering the call, call and cancel the five-way joystick. Directly beneath the screen hiding two additional unnamed buttons for working with menus. Incidentally, the display is a smartphone, as opposed to screen handheld computers are not susceptible to depression, so that all navigation is via the keyboard and above the keys. Generally, the display i-Mate merits of individual words. Completed it on transflective technology ensures bright and sharp image. Diagonal screen size is 2.2 inches (55 mm), resolution 176 x 220 pixels with support for 65,536 colors. Adjust the backlight level is impossible, but to save batteries, you can specify the time after which it must be shut down.In addition, quite quickly, the system automatically lowers the brightness level. On the left edge of the body placed the call button the recorder, adjust the volume, power-off button and slot SD / MMC. All keys - big enough and respond well to push, so that dialing and menu navigation is carried out fairly easily and quickly. But with a joystick things a little differently. This miniature manipulator has a high sensitivity, and often attempt to move with it "up" turns around, if you are not graceful ladies fingers:), say, launching programs or opening the file. In short, the user requires a well-known sleight of hand ... Case dimensions are 120.4 x 50.1 x 23.5, Weight - 105 grams.

Contents

The phone's

i-Mate is designed for use in cellular networks GSM 900/1800/1900. In this regard, it is almost not different from ordinary mobile phones, as it gives the user the full range of necessary services: caller ID, ​​call forwarding, call hold, send SMS / MMS and so on. Create and read the message in the program are the same Inbox and your email. In the multimedia message, you can insert text, write with a voice recorder, pictures, and photos from the attached digital camera (more on this below), as well as a variety of tunes that you can write directly on the phone, using a simple synthesizer. Built-in GPRS class C can access the Internet directly from the tube. Unfortunately, the class does not support working with GSM. This means that while you are connected to the web, the usual calls to penetrate will not. Configuring the Internet c follows the same pattern as on Pocket PC, that is, you must specify the access point IP address and DNS and a password. The network can go through the cradle and using the Pass Through settings in ActiveSync on the desktop.

CPC-component

By modern standards, PDA, i-Mate features not high, but let's not forget that this is primarily a telephone. The handset is based on the ARM720 processor with a clock frequency of 120 MHz. Memory is 16 MB, of which the user is allotted only 12.53 MB. It is enough to store several dozen e-mails, MMS / SMS, information in the diary and notebook, but for the music will make an additional memory card.

Operating system for mobile

Smartphone 2002 inherited a little of almost all platforms, Microsoft, and users that experience with desktop or handheld versions of Windows, will quite simply get used to their small "telephone" edition. "Desktop» Smartphone 2002 is very similar to the Today screen of the Pocket PC. On it appear the planned meetings and events diary, information about received messages and emails, missed calls and recently used programs. Additional hardware buttons, as mentioned above, is responsible for calling the main program menu (the analog Start'a) and quick access to your notebook. A set of installed applications, though not great, but It contains almost everything you need. PIM-utilities are the phone version of Outlook, the data from which you can synchronize with your desktop computer. Standard, it includes:

Module CompactGPRS from Pretec: convert CPC Communicator

Now available to the average Russian user who decided to connect your home PC for the World Wide Web, there are local networks, good old dial-up and cell phone. In short, there is at least choose from. Arsenal of the same for access to the internet users of mobile devices, the choice is not leaving. Here to help can come except that the mobile phone with support GPRS, the connection through a desktop computer or wireless networks. But ... Cell, usually in high demand for its intended purpose, access to the Web from a PDA via desktop devoid of meaning, and the wireless network while extremely poorly represented in our country. All of these "but" of course, may not seem so important an ordinary user, but those who need the Internet day and night, most likely agree with me. It turns out that the most acceptable version of the above - GPRS. Fortunately, this service offers almost all mobile operators. The question is only appropriate equipment to connect. Looking ahead to say that he seems resolved ... Not so long ago the company Pretec introduced in the Russian market a new communication module CompactGPRS, supplementing the usual PDA with a Compact Flash slot features a cell phone. This unusual device, and will be the subject of our review. Honestly, get a box with the module in the warehouse, I was determined quite skeptical. The chain of my reasoning, as an ordinary owner of the CPC was pretty straightforward. There are in fact the mobile phone market with support for GPRS or communicators - entirely self-device to access the network ... What else should a mobile user? I thought that hang on the Pocket PC more "gadgets", increasing it in size, mass and reducing battery life, absolutely not necessary. But in the few days that Pretec CompactGPRS had with my PDA, I completely changed my point of view. While exploring the contents of the box I waited a few pleasant surprises. In-proof packaging of cardboard were neatly packed in the module itself, a small CD with drivers, battery charger, mono hands-free. At the very bottom in a transparent plastic cover was detected, and PCMCIA adapter, which I did not expect to find here, I confess, very happy. The fact is that, apart from a handheld computer, I have a laptop. It turned out that "a new piece of metal" I can experience and on it. In general, the words - to the point ... What is a Pretec CompactGPRS? Housing unit is made of black plastic with a small "smiling" laths. In its upper part is a network light, switched on subtly gleaming green. Depending on the task that the device performs the moment, its color changes. During operation, charging, for instance, turns red. On the right edge of the body is an antenna. It is made of mobile and can be rotated 360 degrees relative to the attachment. In the stowed "position, it is convenient to deploy along the hull in order to save space. On the left edge are connections for the headset and power supply. For the first time, taking a module in your hands, I was somewhat embarrassed by the fact that it lacked any hint of connection to a SIM card. Sly developers put him deep inside the device. In order to make CompactGPRS really a full-fledged means of communication had to remove the top cover, after raising a special catch, and connect Simka directly on the board. In a detachable part of hiding a small battery that occupies most of the body. Thus, the preparation is complete and you can now go directly to the setup and operation of the device. For a start it took to install the necessary software. On the disk supplied drivers for the Pocket PC and PCs, as well as the software company BVRP. Desktop software supports virtually all operating systems from Microsoft, from "rudimentary» Windows 95 to WinXP. The application interface is implemented rather unusual - in the form of a nice mobile phone. This program "Cell" may be minimized to tray, almost reminding me of themselves at work. On the Pocket PC installation occurs without any problems (as on Pocket PC 2002, and on Windows Mobile 2003). For his work with the module responsible program PhoneTools. Appendix adds to the normal PDA functions inherent communicators on Pocket PC Phone Edition, such, for example, direct dialing the subscriber with the numeric keypad, a call from his notebook, receiving and sending SMS, GPRS-setting connections, work with Internet services and regular surfing on the network. However, virtually all the "features" are implemented through its own soft shell, but not integrated into the system. This, in my opinion, the main disadvantage of using the tandem-CompactGPRS PDA as a mobile. To receive calls, for example, want to keep the program running, and with it turned on the device itself. As a phone, the module can be used only when necessary. When you run the system will automatically search the network. Here programmers from BVRP users had great service, "scoring" in the database setup for a huge number of mobile operators around the world. Fortunately, the Russian side was not spared. When you first start with my SIM card PhoneTools easily identified "MTC" and suggested the use of the available presets. Generally, the program "learns" about 40 Russian companies, including regional ones. Of capital providers is also famous "Beeline", but users of "Megaphone" will make all the settings manually. Speaking of plants. These include a sufficiently large number of parameters - from the telephone support service to the attention of the GPRS-connection from the input of which (thanks to the developers!), The user is completely relieved:) In a word, turned on - and it works! As I have said, the program PhoneTools, in fact, allows you to turn your PDA running Pocket PC to your device, giving it the same opportunities, which gives Phone Edition, and even beyond that ... Firstly, this application allows you to work with full faxing. You can create them directly on the PDA, accompanying graphics and logos in the format. Bmp. In addition, there is an opportunity to add to the finished fax notes by hand, attach text files and documents Word. The program has several design templates from which you can choose the most suitable.Prepare a report, if necessary, you can send to multiple subscribers. In short, a full-fledged fax machine in your pocket! Again, you can only receive faxes when running the program. Secondly, the extended functionality in your notebook. PhoneTools lets you copy an entry from a standard address book on the SIM card and vice versa, one click to select contacts for sending SMS and faxes. For those who are constantly working with a large number of subscribers, may be useful ability to create multiple notebooks. Function is similar to the category of the standard "Contacts", but realized much easier. For example, in a phone book may be placed only a fax number or mobile phone and use it to create lists, and in the other - to record the working phones and so on. A few words on how to show a module in the case. " Pretec CompactGPRS tested for Pocket PC Mitac Mio 528 through the Compact Flash-jacket, as well as the HP iPAQ h2210 and a laptop running Win98. Also in the experiment "involved the mobile operator MTS with its tariff plan Optima Day." In all of the claimed device module has proven extremely positively. Complaints of exploitation have virtually none. It would be desirable, of course, be able to supply and battery charging via CF-slot: the moment when the laptop or PDA connected to the mains, it was not bad "feed" and the module. But, unfortunately, have to carry another charger and take sometimes a necessary outlet:) The speed of Internet connections is largely dependent on the workload of the network itself. The maximum rate when downloading, the manufacturer, is 85.6Kb / s. On personal feelings, during normal operation of the figure hovers around 36-40 kb / s, which is enough to get your e-mail, surf the internet and communicate on ICQ. Module keeps the connection is very confident, no crashes and hangs. For all the tests took place off just because the battery is depleted. His way, enough for about 5-6 hours of continuous operation GPRS. Frankly, getting Pretec CompactGPRS, did not really want to part with it. Home, not having fixed network connections (dialup in the calculation does not take), I could whole evenings chatting on ICQ on your laptop without having to download a cell phone. At the weekend, walking around town with a PDA in your pocket, instantly receive all necessary information about the nearest movie theaters and clubs. Fortunately, the web is enough places to do it:) While waiting to turn into a public institution I am very productive while away a couple of hours, participating in the mobile forums and answering emails. Unfortunately, the time allotted for the test module, and writing the review had expired, and return it to the warehouse. With CompactGPRS Internet was available than ever, and nowhere else. By good quickly get used to it ... And finally, a reasonable question: for whom does this device? At a time when almost every cell phone within $ 150-200 is able to connect to the web, such modules may seem superfluous. But it's not quite true. Pretec CompactGPRS - can be an excellent solution for users working with both Pocket PC and a laptop. We are talking about those who already have these devices and is not going to change them, but feels the need for constant access to the Internet. Feature-rich mobile phone is very good, but we must not forget that the phone is made primarily for voice communication. You probably noticed that sometimes requires the Internet and regular relationship at the same time, especially outside the office, business trips, meetings, retreats and many more where.In such situations, compact GPRS can become an indispensable thing, capable of quickly and efficiently meet the demands of the user, as in access to services global network and in organizing the "mobile office with fax and voice communication. Pretec CompactGPRS can buy in the shops of "computer in the palm for $ 270. The authors, translation:

Communicator T-Mobile MDA: like a PDA, like a mobile phone

Who among us is not fond of science fiction? Yes, navernoe all. In this case, you must remember that almost every singer of a brighter future "described in his novels or stories of unusual device, which easily operated on his heroes - individual communications. Moreover, variations on this theme have been a myriad of writers: the built-in rings and bracelets are universal to all possible com videophones and mikrotelefonov. But despite the diversity, almost all authors have sought to create in our minds the image of a universal "something" for instant communication anywhere in the world. According to the canons of the genre, the device was equipped, in addition, and a personal computer, and GPS-navigator, and systems for monitoring health and a lot more than that ... It seems that the very bright future has arrived, but as always casually, quietly:) Models with support for GPRS and Bluetooth are quietly beginning to afflict the primitive cell phones, cell phones, Microsoft devotes two operating systems, and gradually our eyes are born tiny device that is functionally approaching thus, fantastic. Yes, yes, we are talking about communicators - "hybrids" PDA and mobile phone. Well, it would seem, purchase something, and another - and live quietly, but no such luck.

Why do you need your device?

Imagine this situation: you are removing it from one pocket cell phone, dial the number and start talking. During the conversation, you have a need to get some additional information (e-mail, which you yesterday sent a colleague, or the text of the treaty, for example) and you currently are not in the office, and even worse - you do not have access to a PC or laptop and information as is always needed right now. What should I do? It's pretty simple - you pull out of another pocket handheld, which pre-recorded all the important data. And here you are standing somewhere on the street and are operating two devices simultaneously, as zavpravsky juggler. And if you want to burn something? Imagine, in one hand and a PDA in the other - a stylus, and the third - the portfolio, and cell phone wedged somewhere between ear and shoulder .... Oh, that's me! - Hand-then you have only two:)) What do you do? Headset, of course, saves a little bit, but it would be nice to all-in-one ": and the benefits of mobile communications and the ability to store, view and edit documents, and Internet access, and user-friendly screen, and a short note to leave, well, and Multimedia at your leisure. It is worth saying that such devices have often appeared in our reviews, and now the readers' attention is the communicator of the company T-Mobile - sleek and compact, but at the same time, functional and capable of solving a wide range of tasks.

Completion

Along with this telephone service PDA comes bundled with a protective leather case, belt clip for attaching to your belt, spare stylus, cradle, power adapter, AC adapter, headset, CD with drivers and software. At first glance, bloknotovidny cover makes pleasant impression: his flip-top lid is equipped with a magnetic clasp and adequately protects the display and casing of the communicator. Interestingly, in the "armor" T-Mobile does not lose its elegance. True, such a design cover some impact on the convenience of using the device during a call: the protective cover in this case it is better to bend the back, otherwise it slightly, but perceptibly begins to "iron" user on the head:)

Design and Ergonomics

Externally, the device resembles an ordinary Pocket PC family of Pocket PC: not the smallest sample, but not the biggest. The presence of an external antenna conjures up thoughts about the similarities with computers series iPAQ h5400 and h5500. Antenna sticking out - not typical for most handheld solution. In general (based on the design features of modern mobile phones), there is nothing to prevent producers to hide the antenna inside the device's true, then it would be very difficult to distinguish a device from the Pocket PC. A second difference is the layout of control buttons. At the bottom of the case instead of the usual set of five buttons, there were only three: the next five-way joystick with two buttons - "answer the call" and "cancel the call." The remaining two buttons (by default they are responsible for calling the application "Calendar" and "Contacts") moved into the upper part of the body and are located directly above the display.

Communicator T-Mobile MDA: a speaker and two buttons application

The location of a speaker and microphone must be admitted to be very successful because it is similar to the constructs of mobile phones. Therefore, even though the communicator and comes with a handsfree headset, you can completely do without her.

Communicator T-Mobile MDA: a microphone and lower controls

The microphone is not located in the center, and a little left of that, to a greater extent, it is convenient for righties. If you are in conversation like to keep your device in the left hand, then this bit will close the gap a microphone than to significantly reduce its sensitivity. At the bottom of the device is memory card slot MMC / SD. The only disadvantage of this arrangement - it's impossible to extract or insert the card when the device is in the cradle. The device just two button reset: soft reset button you can press the stylus, but to make hard rezet, the pen will roll out (inside there is a special needle). And finally, I note that to use the communicator would be an order of magnitude more comfortable if it were equipped with built-in Bluetooth. In such a case would be to completely abandon the wires and move on to the appropriate headset.

How would a PDA

T-Mobile is a full-fledged handheld computer, equipped with the mobile phone GSM-standard operating system Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition.

Processor

As the processor used is not the fastest to date, Intel StrongARM SA1110 processor with a clock frequency 206MGts.

Memory / extensibility

In Russia delivered two models communicator - Basis with 32MB onboard (31 MB are available) and Advanced with 64MB.RAM is my test sample is 64MB (of which 63.20 MB available), and ROM - 32MB. No special flash-disk to store user data there. As an external storage card, you can use standard MMC and SD. Slot, unfortunately, does not support SDIO, and therefore of any additional devices, performed in a standard SDIO, have to forget. The exception, perhaps, will make digital cameras from the company HTC Wallaby, designed just for this device. Of the other additional peripherals can use an external battery, tacked on to the rear panel.

Display

Backlit display of reflective type that modern PDAs is already an anachronism. All current models of handheld devices equipped with high-contrast display with backlight transflective type. Number of flowers is also not particularly happy: 4096 instead have become accustomed 65536. Resolution - the standard for Pocket PC - 320x240 pixels. Separately, it should be noted illumination. Unlike conventional handheld Pocket PC, PDA T-Mobile has steps adjusting the brightness, but if more accurate to say, there are only two positions: either the lights turned on or off. However, despite all this, the brightness and contrast is enough to take in information from the screen at any ambient light.

Audible indication

When an incoming call device can alert you via an ordinary tone (volume and type can be selected), the light display, vibrating alert, or all at once. You must click on the thumbnail image dynamics and choose one of three options: the sound is turned on, off or vibrate mode.

Food

As you know, it hurt any mobile phone and PDA - it's batteries. Requirements for miniature devices limit the size and weight of batteries, and developers have to find "middle ground" between size and battery capacity. Hybrid systems that combine two functions simultaneously, typically have very high demands on the battery, so it is not surprising that T-Mobile is set produced by the most advanced technology lithium-polymer battery for 1500mAch. However, the runtime can find below.

Performance

Performance was measured using the very popular now, SBP Benchmark test from the company SPB Software House. Frankly, the advantage of T-Mobile on the Pocket LOOX on all (except graphics) indices a little surprised. Old StrongARM not much inferior to the newer Intel PXA250 clocked at 400MHz.

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions - 129.5 h73, 7h17, 8 mm, and weight - 201g.Dimensions quite typical for most PDAs family PocketPC, but by weight of our device, but rather, closer to the handheld business class, like the iPAQ h5500 and Toshiba e750.

Software

Operating System Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition.

The set comes following software:
• Contacts
• Calendar
• Tasks
• Notes
• Inbox
• Pocket Word
• Pocket Excel
• Pocket Internet Explorer
• Microsoft Reader
• Microsoft Outlook (desktop)
• Terminal Services Client
• MSN Messenger
• Voice Recorder
• Windows Media Player
• Solitaire

How would the phone ...

Communicator has all the features of a standard cell phone, so customize it to the user already had to deal with cellular communications and is simple enough. Before working with a communicator should install SIM-card. To do this, on the left side of the case there is a special, closed the protective rubber cap hole.

Installing the SIM-card on the smartphone T-Mobile

Opening the rubber plug, insert the SIM card until it stops, as shown in the available in the same icon. It should be noted that the computer turns off as soon as you open the rubber plug - fuse (see photo). Be sure to close the lid after inserting the SIM card. From the perspective of the software Microsoft Pocket PC Phone Edition is different from just a pocket version of the OS built-in Phone application to manage and configure your connection. This program can be accessed from the menu, and when an incoming call, it runs automatically. When installing the SIM card Phone will ask the utility to enter the PIN code. Once entered the four-digit PIN code, the system will automatically find the mobile operator. Searching is also possible in manual mode. The top status bar appears a stylized icon antenna, which (if it was clicked stylus) provides information on network operators and the level of the received signal (the more "vertical bars" nabyudaetsya right of the antenna, the higher the signal level and the more stable bond). This icon also allows you to enable or disable the phone function. When switched GSM communicator module turns into an ordinary PDA - in this case the right of the antenna will cross. And, if you receive a call and simultaneous GSM-module and Windows Media Player the Player (play mp3), the level of music volume automatically drops, so you can answer it. Even if you turn the power off your device, GSM module continues to operate, as evidenced by the periodic "pomigivayuschy" green LED.When you receive a call, the communicator display turns on automatically and displays information about incoming calls. You have two options: to accept or reject the call. If you decline the call for one reason or another, you can later view the list of missed calls with time, when they were adopted. To make a call, you must use the stylus or your finger right on the screen to dial a number and press the green button. Phone application closely related to the Contacts. Dial a number you can directly from this list. Just "click" the stylus to "phone" specific subscriber - and it works like a hyperlink with an automatic call. In addition, it is possible to write ten most used phones on the keypad device (the function Speed ​​Dial), and then to dial these numbers will be sufficient to just click on the desired number and Knop Call button. With T-Mobile can not just call and send SMS-message - is curious that such a possibility is built into the mail application Inbox.

Phone Settings

For phone settings in the Settings menu item has a Phone, which consists of four tabs: Phone, Service, Network and More.

Phone

In this tab you can find your own phone number (if your mobile operator supports this service), select a sound scheme and a melody for the calls, enable PIN code to initialize the SIM card.

Service

Here you can select additional services: Caller ID, call forwarding, call hold, voice mail and sending short messages.

Network

In this menu you can set up automatic or manual search for a cellular network. In manual mode, the communicator will propose a list of all the GSM operators in the range of actions which he is, then you can choose desired. In automatic mode, the communicator will find himself a suitable mobile phone operator.

More

And the last item More, which allows you to set the keypad, the option is automatically lifting the handset after a preset time, without pressing a key or headset communicator. Additionally, you can build custom channels to transfer different data (weather, traffic jams, etc.), of course only on condition that your mobile operator provides such services. In addition, the menu Settings / System contains a large library of ringtones for calls (Menu Add Ring Tone), which can pre-listen. Another advantage of the device over a mobile phone - ringtones are a widespread standard wav and play them through the stereo headset can be. The quality of sound with polyphonic still not comparable:) There is a T-Mobile and the ability to monitor time spent on talk time. For these purposes, the menu Settings / Device Information tab there is a special Call Duration, which gives information on the total duration of all incoming and total duration of all outgoing calls. To prevent the loss of your contacts and other valuable information from PIM-applications have the option to save data on flash-drive with a further opportunity to restore them.

Keep your valuable data on flash-drive!

GPRS

The main advantage over a handheld device - is a built-in GPRS-modem, which allows you to receive email and connect to the Internet virtually anywhere, regardless of the local cellular networks. Unlike mobile phones T-Mobile has a fairly large display, so you can comfortably work in Internet Explorer. Testing the quality of communication was conducted in "MegaFon" and no specific complaints are not caused. At least, I could not feel much difference in reception quality between the T-Mobile and Siemens S55.

Motorola MPx 200 smartphone based on Windows: Russian debut

Yesterday (Tuesday, November 25) working day HPCru correspondent saw the press conference, organized by one of the largest manufacturers of cell phones by Motorola in conjunction with software giant Microsoft. At the event, where, as usual, journalists were collected from the majority of IT-editions, represented a new smartphone based operating system, Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphone. This "smart tube" will be one of the first devices powered by Windows, to arrive in Russia. In Europe and the U.S. has already sold its analogs, which we have repeatedly told in our news. However, our debutante is not much delayed visit to Moscow. Its supply to overseas markets began two weeks earlier. New made in not unusual for vehicles of this class form-factor clamshell. However, folder-type-Motorola phones have always been able to quite interesting and most successful models implemented in this type of housing. In fact, this is not the first device with Windows for SmartPhone as an operating system, to get to our market. Back in mid-September we did a full review of the i-Mate SmartPhone, which is not too active, but still sold in Moscow. In order not to repeat this text, we will not really describe in detail the features of the operating system, so we encourage pre-reading test i-Mate. Do i-Mate at the start of sales was only one serious problem - it's not too "good attitude" to the Russian language. In the case of the MPx200 things are much better. Russification of the device completed by Quarta Technologies, which once made the localization of the CPC from HP and Rover Computers. We must pay tribute, at the press conference was a model with a fully translated interface correctly processed Russian letters, web-pages and file names. Tell a little about how to position themselves novelty software companies. According to representatives of Motorola, in order to meet the needs of customers, Microsoft has developed the concept of smart phone (smartphone), through which employees of enterprises, traditionally used personal computers in their work, could for the most common tasks used regular phones. Since the machine is running Windows Mobile operating system with an intuitive interface, so users will be relatively easy to get comfortable with it. Unlike PDAs, smart phones have the following features:

• device is primarily intended for telephone conversations and work with data is important, but secondary in addition to the basic functionality;
• device offers improved ergonomics for use with one hand and not equipped with a touch screen, all management is carried out using the keyboard;
• "Smart phone" is equipped with PIM-manager, or otherwise, a standard set of PDA applications for use with personal data: calendar, list of meetings, tasks, etc.etc.;
• Microsoft is a provider of operating systems, the devices themselves are developing handset manufacturers, and Motorola is the first of such companies in the Russian market;
• software platform has an open architecture, the documentation to develop applications for the device is open, but the platform is familiar

Now let's talk about the technical characteristics of the Motorola MPx200. This tri-band GSM-phone (900/1800/1900 MHz). Its dimensions are 48h89h27 mm. Weight, unfortunately, could not figure out, but according to our feelings, it's something of the order of 120-150 grams. Of course, this is not a standard miniature, but in the breast pocket of his jacket fits the phone without problems, and any discomfort while using the device is not felt. Of course, there is support for GPRS (class B). Color screen, quite bright (very similar to that transflective), supports the transfer of 65,000 colors. Battery capacity too has remained a mystery, but, according to the developers, the device can operate autonomously up to 270 minutes of talk time or a little more than 110 hours of standby time. From add that during the event (2-3 hours in a row) unit is almost never for a moment let go by journalists. At the end of a press conference battery life indicator shows two of the three divisions.

Demonstration video

The core of the system is a standard for low cost PDA Intel XScale processor with 200 MHz. However, his power is enough to turn the video, which was immediately confirmed by playing on the Motorola MPx200 hilarious excerpt from the movie "Monsters Inc.". Indeed, it would be very strange if one of the most versatile smartphones end of 2003 would not be able to work with multimedia.

Motorola MPx200 Camera

From the technical features can not dwell on the amount of internal memory. The user is available 32 MB (the other 32 "meters" set aside by the operating system). If it is not enough, you can always buy a separate memory card. The device has a SD / MMC-slot. The developers claim that the new well-drawn with cards up to 1 GB (apparently, we are talking about SD'shkah), although it was lying in the pocket of MMC on the Nokia 6600, formatted for FAT, MPx200 is not apprehended. Also on the sidelines of the journalists were shown a special camera that connect to SD / MMC-slot device. Built-in "digit", no matter how awesome it now did not seem to have a smartphone is not :-)) but also external camera, like the memory card to work with the presentation model is not wanted. Venture to suggest that he is out of order slot, which had suffered enough for the evening. Now we can only hope that the sale will go to the serial model with a more robust slot.

Left - right: SonyEricsson T68i, Motorola MPx200, Samsung S200, SonyEricsson T610

At the bottom of the device was spotted jack miniUSB.Clearly, this connector is used for synchronization (for this purpose on a desktop PC, as in the case of any other Pocket PC must be installed ActiveSync), but the inputs for connecting the charger for your smartphone no. A little later, it became clear that for this purpose it uses the same miniUSB. In our natural question: "That is to connect the phone to the PC and at the same time it can not be recharged??" Was received very interesting response. It turns out, MPx200 without any problems can be charged via USB, using the power of the desktop (such as, for example, employs a large number of lapochek notebook, plug in the USB). Specifically for laptop owners who are known to stress, often issued to a USB noticeably below the standard, we developed a special power supply circuit, works correctly with such devices. In this case, however, simultaneously charge the phone and sync it will not work. Here for laptop users who may want to become owners of the smartphone, it may be advisable to think about purchasing an active hub of issuing a standard output voltage. Of the shortcomings of the new MPx200 note also the lack of backlight. Although this shortcoming to some extent offset by a very bright screen, light from which one way or another, but gets on the keyboard. But what really seemed terribly uncomfortable, so that's what all the buttons are flush with the body. That is the button you'll first need to see, and then manage to push :-) Also at the press conference, much attention has been given specific examples of using the device. On the one hand, all the expected areas of application have been typical for most devices of this class, but on the other hand, the market had long since reached the stage of development, when buyers "do not know what they hochut. Do not say that all the examples, in our opinion, were successful, but here's a couple of the most clearly demonstrates the possibility of Motorola MPx200 (yes, and for that matter, so many other smartphones and communicators, now existing in the market): 1. Manager, located on the path to the client receives a message that the time and place of the meeting have changed. Notice sent by email, as the organizers of the meeting must notify several of its participants, that is most convenient to set as it is by email. Letter comes to the mail server Microsoft Exchange Server, which initiates a synchronization mechanism ActiveSync with a smartphone. Managers need to either confirm their participation, or reject on the basis of information from your calendar, as well as the new time and venue. Synchronization leads to what appears on the screen of the phone notification of the request for a meeting, which the manager confirms or rejects, and then again to resume the process of synchronizing with Microsoft Exchange.

Motorola MPx200 and Samsung S200

Interface and the rules of the Exchange Server using the same phone with the principles of work on a PC with Microsoft Outlook: There are lists of folders including inbox messages, calendar, task list, contacts, etc. Finding a calendar invitation to another meeting, the employee is able to accept it, reject or accept conditionally, depending on how much time to reach a new destination - that is, do the same thing, what he would do at your desk. In addition, it is possible to view a list of contacts and global address book Microsoft Exchange, so that we can immediately call back to the organizer of the meeting and discuss the details. 2. Quite similar to Exchange Server will notify the manager of new messages, new or changed contacts, or tasks, ieall that is a very important part of productive work "mobile worker". Synchronization can occur either on schedule or on demand, or triggered by the mail server when receiving critical messages. The volume of information transmitted can be limited, but messages can be transmitted partially. Only in the event that the employee understands that the message for him is crucial, he can "order" it dosylku. In addition, the presentation of new items have been demonstrated ease of use mobile internet on MPx200 (present as a WEB-, and WAP-Bowser) and e-mail. Microsoft also drew attention to the built-in instant messaging system MSN Messenger. In the meantime, we can only add that this miracle of a foreign thought to be available to domestic customers in about a month - at the end of this year. Approximate price of new items - $ 550 - $ 600. The authors, translation: