Reflections on how Microsoft's catch up and overtake the company Palm
Only one condition missing from Microsoft, to accept the challenge thrown by Palm. This is lacking and PDAs Pocket PC. Despite the fact that they have more powerful processors, greater capabilities and memory sizes, more fancy operating system, larger displays and incredible multimedia features, all Pocket PC lacks only one condition, which would guarantee them a significant increase in the proportion of sales in the global market . I know what you're thinking. On the "LPs" batteries. Is not it? Indeed, a small battery life between charges on these typewriters - the real problem. High-tech products consume much energy and resources batteries often enough. Comes to the fact that the iPaq owners constantly have to keep carrying the charger, while users of handheld devices from Palm rarely think about it, unless, of course, they did not leave for a month. And what is interesting. You can be the owner of a remarkable portable computer, which is known worldwide, and its interface and features amazing all your friends, but at the moment when the life of the battery is running low, your iPAQ will turn into a wonderful good-for-nothing silver paperweight holding a seat at the table. Meanwhile, the increase in the duration of the Pocket PC devices on a single charge does not make a corporation Palm to lay his head prior to Microsoft. And if Microsoft tried to simplify its operating system? It is quite possible that the way she managed to gain the missing points. And, in fairness, it should be noted that the step in this direction has already been made, however, the situation has not changed. I really can not understand how to expand the list of functions in an already long menu could fix it. This list is so versatile that use it even on an ordinary desktop PC is not very convenient, not to mention the CCP. Why do not they just add one or more of the menu, ie do not go the way by which many manufacturers have gone, including the Palm? The answer to this question is quite simple: they still can not imagine Windows without its Start Menu. In order to determine the battery level PDA or adjust the contrast of its screen, I have to go dlinyy way. Computer designers Palm - among other things, they worked to create OS Windows 9x - thought that would be enough to put the icon battery indicator to where you are not hard to see it at any time. What would have happened if the indicator appeared today? By and large nothing. Necessary to improve the OS in terms of ease of use, the appearance of such an indicator would not be able to adequately solve the problem of Microsoft. What about size? Despite the fact that iPaq, Jornada, and 450, and EM500 are small and largely correspond to the concept "handhelds" in the truest sense of the word, unlike their predecessors, they still remain quite large and bulky compared to devices Palm V or m100. Ironically, the "graceful» iPaq when you add what ever devices that expand its capabilities, it becomes much more than their competitors. As you know, the computer iPaq is not any kind was an expansion slot, such slot for memory expansion cards - CF, or MMC. Their function is performed by an additional device, worn on the iPaq back. Therefore, Palm handhelds are still among the most portable. Nobody can deny it. And that's not the price. I understand that producers Pocket PC, compared with losses incurred by Palm. They use expensive high-tech components, while the assembly Palm devices are used slightly modified versions of the processors, which appeared in the company's Apple Macintosh in 1984 and for which the price is less than is currently $ 8. Suggests itself: the sad conclusion from all of the events. How is growing and developing industry, build homes, factories, brands and the very computer industry, which in the end, and produces these portable miracle device? Only by working together and vzaimoobagaschayas.In the case of the computer industry is possible only if the device manufactured by different companies are compatible. Not so long ago I was struck by the statement of the well-known manager responsible for making decisions on production PDAs, with whom I had the pleasure to interview. He managed to express in one sentence all that should make many members of the computer business: "All that we need to figure out this is how we are going to stand out among other competing companies." Most likely, the ignorance of their own history doomed to repeat them. And it could play a positive role. They openly ignore the lessons that all the presented PC-boom. Recall: the computer industry has flourished because of open standards and cross compatibility. All manufacturers have tried to produce computers that are compatible with the devices most successful computer company in the world - to IBM. They are so successful in this, that, in the end such organizations as the Compaq bypassed even the Big Blue, as many call IBM. The company becomes the first, thanks to the production of compatible computers that are constantly improved. But improvement is not so much as parts for the PC, but in service quality and customer support. It also increases the reliability of computer technology is always of the highest standard of quality. But despite the fact that computers are different from each other, they have always been compatible. Most likely, the ignorance of their own history doomed to repeat them. And it could play a positive role. They openly ignore the lessons that all the presented PC-boom. Recall: the computer industry has flourished because of open standards and cross compatibility. All manufacturers have tried to produce computers that are compatible with the devices most successful computer company in the world - to IBM. They are so successful in this, that, in the end such organizations as the Compaq bypassed even the Big Blue, as many call IBM. The company becomes the first, thanks to the production of compatible computers that are constantly improved. But improvement is not so much as parts for the PC, but in service quality and customer support. It also increases the reliability of computer technology is always of the highest standard of quality. But despite the fact that computers are different from each other, they have always been compatible. Once IBM has tried to end the companies' followers, creating a MCA (MicroChannel Architecture) - most of that time advanced architecture for the use of which require a license. However, the Corporation Compaq has done what needs to be done now: it formed a coalition opposing the Big Blue (IBM), in order to create its own open standard, called the EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture). Ultimately, the company made the Compaq IBM to abandon the idea of MCA. Thus, the industry, which manufactures personal computers, has again started to flourish, almost destroying more and possessiveness by Apple Computer. But, in fact, the last on the market and to this day, partly because Apple computers compatible with PC-drives and data sets. In addition, several years ago in their configurations were included PCI-compatible slots, hard drives are standard IDE and USB-ports. In the market of hardware »Pocket PC there is no clear leader. Microsoft could it be, if obliged to add another condition in the licensing contracts for the device: "For three years, all devices are sold under the trademark« Windows Powered », will be equipped with a single expansion slot and I / O port, a standard which will be determined Corporation Microsoft ». Despite the fact that I am an advocate of using Compact Flash, I would be glad to work with SD. The design of all devices should be such that the I / O port located in the same place, so that will ensure compatibility of the basic parameters of the devices. Thus, component manufacturers can create Peripheral ustrostva that will be suitable for all types of Pocket PC. That's the advantage of computers, and Palm.It was from them since the early days of entering the market, an advantage which has never had the Windows CE and Pocket PC. Of course, today the various PDA Cradle for Palm OS is almost as same as themselves, and handheld computers. But at a time when the market was in its infancy, medium and small producers were able to enter into profitable deals, letting their computers that are compatible with a single standard Pilot. Even today's Palm IIIxe, Palm VII and the TRGpro is still compatible with the majority of peripherals designed for the standard. When Palm has reached its critical mass, many developers peripheral devices began to follow the form factors of devices from Palm. Differences have ceased to be a problem since, as a huge number of people with such devices, which can always buy a variety of peripheral devices. Although there is some danger for Palm from the use of five different types of expansion slots: Springboard-module, Sony Memory Stick, Compact Flash, Secure Digital slot, and an old serial. Unlike other Palm handhelds is the closest to addressing a variety of devices. Pocket PC manufacturers are also forced to deal with this from the very beginning, all the while wondering as to why they can not make a breakthrough in the market. It's all about compatibility. They have earned billions of dollars, holding for more than twenty years of this policy. If you wish to create a new market, you need to be strengthened again function "compatibility" so that the periphery of the producers saw an opportunity to profitable investment. By and large only the only major independent businessmen were able to turn the computer industry into what it is now. PC manufacturers are surely doing their job, providing an open architecture who builds and creates. The same thing should be taken to the PDA market Microsoft'u in order to succeed. Even with the growing incompatibility among their devices, which is comparable with the crack in the armor, Palm may reassure ourselves that the developers Pocket PC never let them catch up. After all, they have forgotten their own history. Today, they lose their money trying to compete with Palm. Microsoft is now moving towards full "incompatibility". They announced that they will equip the new handheld operating system, each device that is compatible with it. This would allow programmers do not take into account the fact that they do not need. In other words, it would have allowed the company to Microsoft to license more varieties of its OS. Thus, both experts on hardware, and programmers will not have to support the majority of unnecessary code. But this concession on the part of Microsoft, will contribute to the development of various standards that lead to the fact that the compatibility between these devices are controlled by this "frankenshteynovoy" OS, it will be difficult or even impossible. PDAs are the same manufacturers that produce and personal computers. These people are "inhibit" the development of the computer industry, to market incompatible computers and computers with disabilities, one of which is the iPaq. I understand that this is a new trend, which is aimed at the destruction of computer history, and which aims to search for a new design, which should always be on the sidelines. New ideas will help producers to unite with the allies against a common enemy. If they are not careful, and lose control in this fight, they roll down the hill into the river, which classifies them into the open sea. Sources, Materials:
Direction for the Psion. Back to the Future?
Remember the famous scene from the movie? The hero, fleeing from the pursuit of inertia continues to run over a precipice without falling until until look down? Nothing is you do not like the world of mobile communications? No doubt web-mania is at the crest of a wave, but "Cellular fever abated somewhat. This has led, in particular, Ericsson to think about the production of smartphones, pulling into this business Psion and Symbian. Why? Yes, because the market conditions simply do not allow to spend money on the production of mobile phones with a function to access the Internet, while the connection rate remains extremely low, and the display of the phone is extremely limited in terms of the information displayed. Ironically, instead of developing their PDA-base, Psion has decided to bet on its 28% stake in Symbian, virtually ignoring the wishes and aspirations of its loyal customers and fans. Lily Ernst (Ernest Lilley) of Pen Computing Magazine has decided to propose a radical way out of the market situation for the company Psion (which, judging by recent events, she might listen): further improvement of the model 5mx. What requires the author of a pickpocket, to prevent further complaints of users in general and him in particular?
Design
A similar 5mx, or maybe a little smaller and thinner. The author advises us not to worry about entering information via keyboard, they say, will manage somehow. Despite the fact that Psion is proud of its keyboards, yet they can be improved.Ports
USB and IrDA. Do not waste time and money on a Bluetooth or a serial port. In addition, they take up too much space. USB-port must support USB-keyboard and mouse, which, in turn, when connected to a computer should work fine with all applications for PDAs.Expansion Slots
One slot for PC Card Type I and one for Type II. In fact, if you think for the normal operation needs both. One for additional memory, the other for communications, which should ideally be designed to work with: - BluetoothHave an opinion
This is a commentary on the news about releases Jornada 565/568, which was presented by one of our authors Oleg Kurapov. This is a personal opinion with which one can agree or disagree in our Conference. Today, Microsoft unveiled a new version of its OS, Pocket PC - Pocket PC 2002. It embodies a dream of monopolizing the corporate PDA market. Generally, it is felt that the specialists were set three main goals:
- work on the bugs;
- adding the functions necessary for corporate clients;
- poaching users Palm (or rather, to facilitate the transition to PPC for the staff of those companies, which are currently used by corporate decisions based on the Palm).
Reliability of handheld computers
In early 2001, we published the statistics on the reliability of hand-held computers sold in the Russian market. Now we have data for 10 months of 2001 and can show what changes have occurred, some models have become more and are less reliable. Data for 2000 were as follows: The coefficients of reliability of handheld computers for data service company MakTsentr for 2000:
Coefficient of insecurity was calculated as the ratio of the number of refusals (based calls for service) to the number of units sold during the period. Of course, such an approach is not entirely fair, as he puts in more favorable conditions over the rest of the models, which only began to be sold. However, bearing in mind that most of the problems detected in the first days of operation, this approach can be adopted. The most unreliable devices were found iPaq H3630/3650 with SR = 27% and Psion Revo with SR = 22%. Both devices have horrific problems caused by design flaws. iPaq often suffered the "mirror" screen and malfunctioning latch pen. Revo - improper charging of the batteries. The first 10 months of 2001 showed the following results:
Method of calculation was modified slightly. Taken into account in treatment service in the history of the sale of each unit, assigned to the number of units sold. This method smooths out the effect of several artificially high reliability devices, sales of which began recently, but this effect is not completely excluded. The calculation was taken as warranty cases caused by structural nedostatkmi devices, and negarantiynye related to improper handling. Leads the list of the most unreliable devices, our old friend Psion Revo. Problems, mostly old ones - indicating a violation of the charge leads to recharge batteries and unstable. But sales of Revo in 2001 were already very small, so that this issue maloaktualen. In contrast to the Revo, a model Revo Plus, has a quite decent performance, Kn = 5.7%. Problems with the charge still happen, but infrequently. If the user reads the instructions and charging device for the first time about 6 hours, the system charge in the latter works steadily. The second place got Psion 5mx with KH around 16%. This result is rather unexpected, sinceThis model has never been considered problematic. It turns out that by the end of the warranty period may occur wear plume is, in turn, causes malfunction of the display .. Frequently occurred and minor mechanical breakdowns such, sites like catch pen. All these faults are not fatal and easily removed the service center. Handhelds Psion come to Russia through various channels, the bulk comes through the company's Galaxy - the exclusive Russian distributor, but a considerable amount also comes from the Finnish distributors. Finnish Psion'y differ in some additional characters on the keyboard. We have not found any correlation between the channel of delivery and reliability. All these computers are assembled on a single production in China and the break with the same frequency. Again, the rate of SR = 15.7% not in any degree does not discredit the model 5mx. It's not a bad figure for a model with experience of nearly two years. Besides, it should be noted that the Psion 5mx is securely stores the data much better than doing it, for example, Windows CE devices. The following result, which immediately catches the eye - the company Compaq has significantly improved reliability of their devices. This was done without fanfare, the name of the models and their catalog numbers have not changed, but the design iPaq'ov improved. Now there are no problems with mounting the pen, the dust does not clog between the glass and screen. But there are new questions. Not always working steadily flash-memory. Not for nothing other manufacturers had to give up, this memory is rewritable and holds the OS code is not very stable. We also never been able to flash the problem by rewriting to achieve restoration of the OS, despite the availability of utilities. Questions also remain with the organization of the service process. Moscow Service Center Compaq, in principle, taken to repair or service any iPaq. True, they check the serial numbers on some blacklist, but we have never met with a refusal to repair the device, which channels they would not supplied, official and unofficial, from America, Europe, never mind ... The warranty period is 12 months from the date of sale to the user, but not exceeding 15 months from date of shipment of the device distributor. This latter date is never specified, it knows neither the dealer nor the buyer, so it's hard to tell what the actual warranty period for each individual customer. IPaq'i not accompanied by any warranty card, and it certainly looks a bit strange. Terms of repair obtained entirely unreasonable, up to 10 weeks! Service Center collects the defective unit and send them to Holland, some time is sending back. In contrast, for example, from Palm, Compaq does not replace the defective unit to the new, but actually their repairs. Four customs and two forward sometimes affected very badly for the health and appearance of the devices. Reliability of traditional and long-selling models Palm III and V series is determined by the KH 8-9%. Approximately half of the recorded fault does not guarantee, usually broken screens. Palma should be protected, not to drop them on the concrete floor, they do not suffer.
Replacing a damaged screen (more on the new replacement unit) costs 130-170 dollars. The devices V-series often fail buttons, they are rather weak. This problem has always recognized the guarantee, the device must be replaced by a new one. If the service employees dark and begin to ask different questions, like "Why did you do such a thing, but why so hard pressed?" Means to you is not an authorized center, and something else. After 8-12 months of operation often pass the internal battery. This is a common problem with all devices with non-replaceable batteries. It is difficult to understand the logic of manufacturers that make it impossible for easy replacement of batteries, specifically why create problems? Series Palm m100/105 has high survivability, KH-3%, there is no battery, uses two AAA batteries. The display is made of plastic and virtually unbreakable.Some time ago one of our customers brought us the m100, has survived a terrible fire in a department store. (Detailed story is in the library www.hpc.ru). Unhappy Palm melted, blackened, but completely preserved performance ...
Palm Company does not permit its distributors to repair the device yourself and just change the faulty patterns with new ones. All three Russian distributor have the necessary supply of equipment for the exchange, so the users of such a procedure takes place entirely painless. The most serious of "gray" suppliers to do likewise. In October 2001, service policies Palm has seen some changes. Russian distributors have received strict instructions not to take care unit with negarantiynymi problems. User is now in this case must apply independently to the service center at Palm eurosupport@palm.com, agree to repair the device, send the device to the specified address in England, to pay for repairs and shipping one way, and patiently wait for a similar reduced, not necessarily its , devices. This service is not cheap. Replacing the screen on the Palm IIIxe, for example, costs 85 pounds sterling. Sending a single device - 50-70 dollars. You can also expect problems with postal customs office in receiving and shipment. Obviously, this innovation did not please the Russian users, so we will try to convince Palm to change the decision. Reliability Jornada 720, normally sold only until the CCP from HP, however, increased. Duke fell from 9 to 7.8%. But most likely, it reflects the inaccuracy of the data, the device is completely changed. The main challenges are, as before, with the motherboard and keyboard. Damage to the trail that connects the motherboard to the display sometimes leads here to this "mirror" effect when the "click" on the right of the screen activates the left side.
Repair of devices involved in HP service center in Moscow and perhaps in other cities. If the repair is associated with the replacement of individual parts, and so is almost always, it may take 4-6 weeks. An interesting feature, we were never received Jornada 720 with a broken screen, apparently, it is strong and well-protected housing, other handhelds, these problems arise regularly. One of the users of "killed" the display by wiping it with liquid for notebook screens, the display is partially dissolved and went to spots like this ...
The last time we complained about the high reliability of all models of Casio. Although now KH has risen slightly to 4-5%, these devices are among the most reliable. Displays beating rarely, problems with the batteries, although they do occur, are solved very simply - the replacement battery, because it is removable! "Mirror" problems at all cleared, but there are others ... In accordance with its internal rules Casio admits the existence of a certain number of "broken" pixels on the display. Serviceable must be at least 99,99% of them. And at a resolution of 320 * 240, this means up to 7 allowable defective pixels, which are manifested in the form of points, such as green, like this:
Not all users, however, share this opinion Casio. Some even believe that for its 500-600 dollars they are entitled to all 76,800 employees of the display components.And remember, even the most advanced law on consumer protection. Service organization from Casio - the most correct. The firm provides the authorized distributors for the repair of spare parts and information, conducts training of service personnel. As a result, the user typically gets a quick and quality service. Although the life course, not everything is so rosy ... It happens that the ordered spare parts do not come for weeks, and then comes what is not ordered, but it is, hopefully, the problems of growth. Sony has entered the PDA market recently, but the quality and reliability of its devices can be envied by other manufacturers. Indicator SR = 2.4% typewriters Sony Clie displays them in a group undisputed leader. Indeed, It is a Sony! But the fly in the ointment, of course, there ... The fact that Sony is still not officially delivers these products to Russia. Everything that comes here, is intended mainly for the U.S. market. And although Sony Clie has long been certified by authorities Rostest, Sony service centers in Russia do not want to have anything to do with the Clie. If the problem still happens, one hope - to the seller. Very good reliability Kn = 1.9% received Palm m500/505. This is indeed a reliable series, controls better fortified than in the series V, broken screens has not yet been. However, very interestingly done mount palm in the cradle, remove it from the Palm can only be tilted forward. The fear is that the user can tear the root plug palm, if it is remove it from the cradle is not very accurate. Place the most reliable device took Diamond Mako, an American version of the Psion Revo Plus. In this model, while very few service calls. Most likely, the result is temporary, caused by a short period of sales Mako. Over time, this device will probably take place next to its European counterpart, ie somewhere in the middle of the list, closer to his best parts. The authors, translation:
| Compaq iPAQ 3630 | 27% |
| Psion REVO | 22% |
| Jornada 690/720 | 9% |
| Psion 5mx | 9% |
| Palm IIIe / IIIxe | 7% |
| Palm Vx | 5% |
| TRGPro | 5% |
| Visor Deluxe | 4% |
| Cassiopeia E-15 | 4% |
| Psion RevoPlus | 2% |
| Cassiopeia E-125/EM-500 | 1% |
| Palm m100 | 1% |
| Product name | KH |
| Psion REVO | 24,5% |
| Psion 5mx | 15,6% |
| Compaq iPAQ 3630/3660 | 10,4% |
| Palm III / IIIe / IIIx / IIIxe | 9,8% |
| Palm Vx | 8,6% |
| Jornada 690/720 | 7,8% |
| Psion RevoPlus | 5,7% |
| Visor Platinum / Prism / Deluxe / Edge | 5,4% |
| Cassiopeia EM-500 | 5,1% |
| Cassiopeia E-125 | 4,1% |
| Palm m100/m105 | 3,0% |
| Sony Clie | 2,4% |
| Palm m500 | 1,9% |
| Palm m505 | 1,9% |
| Diamond Mako | 1,5% |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Entre Rios
Not so long ago the company Ectaco proudly announced the release of "the world's first pocket electronic translator that understands human speech." Of course, we could not pass the first available for test sample and not to talk to Partner V6 with no keyboard, just like human beings. The reality is, as usual, was much more modest expectations (and promises). Declared in advertising and user's manual recognition feature set of Russian phrases from a tourist phrasebook was only a demonstration of intent, but not their successful realization. According to our experiments involving dozens of people with very different voices, Partner properly understood "by ear" about one out of 10-15 sentences of two to three times more frequently in the diagnosis wrong, and the rest is just chronically does not know and asked to repeat it (the there is at least hold a conversation). The situation was clarified Dmitry Murzintsev, director of marketing Ectaco-Russia. It turned out that Russian speech recognition technology developed so far only in the rough, and this feature is included in the Partner V6, only to show the consumer the potential (and assurances of advertising and board - a simple mistake compilers). According to Dmitry, pocket translator, who can really understand the Russian phrases, to be released in about a year. In fairness it should be noted that in addition to this major disappointments in the rest of the new Partner worked well so far. Now in order. Let's start with the exterior. Gold-plated plastic housing Partner V6 caused persistent association with a case for glasses. For pyatisotdollarovogo device is a rather dubious merit (except that thieves do not Pozar). Small screen (touch screen, monochrome, 9x5 cm, 240x128) initially appeared in some very faint. However, in almost any lighting conditions are more or less readable, and eventually to a deficit of contrast once you get used to. Perot made in the same style as the body: it looks cheap, gets a significant effort, but functional raises no objections.
Use the touch screen is quite convenient to print on a virtual keyboard after some practice turns quickly and almost without error (the handwriting recognition or "graffiti" is not). With the touch screen is one more disadvantage: if the device is open at 120 degrees and put on the table, then touch the pen to the screen often upsets "Partner". Non-virtual keyboard causes some confusion because a separate button, for example, send a fax (see below) is provided, but to introduce a point - you have to use the "Shift".
The device is powered by two AA batteries AAA («Partner" worked about 10 hours and left them in working condition), the power adapter from the network is not included. "Ectaco" explains the complexities of certification of electrical equipment in Russia, although this artless a thing as devyativoltovy power supply, it can be ordered and on some domestic factories. Partner V6 functionally can be divided into a dictionary (or rather several of them: apart from the main there are also sensible American Heritage Dictionary, a set of thematic, travel phrasebook), means learning English, organizer, communicator and entertainment resource kit.
The main thing - it is, of course, the Anglo / Russian-English dictionary. Its merits, perhaps redeem flaws ergonomics. Million entries - is really very much if publishing on paper - will be at least a dozen plump volumes. Use an electronic dictionary handy for my feelings, compared with a paper analog spend two to three times faster.For each of several values found variants may require translation, to clarify shades of meaning; look transcription; asked to pronounce the word (according to the "Ectaco" realized speech synthesis technology allows voice not only that inherent in the dictionary, but generally any British a word or phrase). Speaker on the display lid is not very good (my cat, for example, hearing "terminatorsky" voice of the announcer for the first time, a long time refused to get out from under the sofa), but has a reserve volume (for a smooth adjustment provides a convenient scroll wheel on the side), but no headphone jack, so to save others from pleasure to get acquainted with your phonetic researches there is no possibility. Advertisement Partner V6 have provided much useful for those who are learning English. The most interesting thing here, perhaps, the focus correction system: you choose from the list of words, say it and get an assessment on a scale. I must say that I and a few volunteers with this feature as something went wrong: the program we knew from the fifth to tenth (maybe it should not be attributed to the shortcomings of "Partner" and the virtues of teaching English at the expanse of our country, although we tried as best they could, repeat aspiration, speaker utters a phrase). Organiser primitive (phone-notes-schedule calendar), but the communication part is entertaining. In "Partner" embedded modem, so that by connecting to a phone line, you can send faxes and send / receive e-mails. Mail, of course, stripped-down, attachment not get the message size is also limited (but reasonable framework for the incoming mail - up to 32 Kbytes), but supported and CP1251, and KOI-8, and general problems with the encoding is not found. There are, however, and his own "but". First, to connect to a phone line (and to synchronize with SC5) to buy «Communication Pack» cost $ 80, that two "lace" with a special connector is represented by some self-seeking. Second, the Dial is silent. It's uncomfortable - can not understand that at the moment is with the modem. Busy signal is often not detected, in addition, for some reason does not always resets the timeout, so a few times "Partner" he assured me in a few minutes, "dialing" is still going on, whereas in the parallel phone auditioned for the dial tone. Third, when attempting to connect to the POP3-and SMTP-server first every time I got an encouraging sign «internal error at-00000000 press any key to reboot». From communicating with Dmitry Murzintsevym revealed that the program settings to enter the real domain name of your mail server, not the Elias which is usually stated in provider 'configuration instructions (for example, the server smtp.aha.ru real name cgate.aha. ru - to find the ends supported by a team ping [host]), but somehow in the manual about it does not say a word.
In organayzernoy part it is also impossible not to note the recorder - a very decent quality recording and convenient control buttons, but alas ... there is no perfection in the world - only 12 minutes. Describe all the interesting features of "Partner" in this note does not work, so that a couple of strokes in the end. In the depths of the menu revealed a long list of English names, and you can hear how they are pronounced correctly. Another curious detail - the solver of crossword puzzles, the length of words and letters are already known, he offers a list of possible options. What to say in conclusion? Honestly, leave the toy does not like. Powerful and easy to use a dictionary that is always at hand - this is very nice. And the flaws - who has not? I would probably have kept a typewriter ... evaluate the "Ectaco" their offspring about twice as less. So, let's slash. 1. What is quite funny: for example, when asked to translate the phrase "Good evening", in response often heard «May I have your name?».Apparently, the translator believes that the time for no reason to spend extra ceremony. 2. Not even frustration, but rather deceived hopes for a miracle. Advanced speech recognition technology is not yet in the teeth of even relatively simple and well-developed languages, like English, not to mention the "great and mighty", but still impose this task on a handheld device with very limited resources. 3. For one girl attempt to remove the pen almost result in the loss of long manicured nails. 4. The absence of the adapter is critical when using the communication functions, a battery not last long there. 5. To achieve synchronization with a PC I have not succeeded, not helped even the latest version of the software, kindly send Murzintsevym. I do not know what it's written off, strangely I use my computer cord defect or software glitches. According to the documentation, records organizer "Partner" can be synchronized with Outlook (for e-mail folders it does not apply). 6. Several times this error message appeared when working with other functions, most often in the course of trying "to understand human speech." Original Articles can be found at Kompyuferra. Sources, Materials:
 |
 |
 |
 |
Several amendments to the marketing research
Recently the company MakTsentr suddenly got a small report, conducted by a group of SmartMarketing, to study the PDA market in Russia. The document is called "Pocket PC: the forecast results of IV quarter of 2002." Since the topic of this for us is very interesting, and the conclusions of the report is seriously different from our data, we decided to comment on them. Apologize in advance for the meticulous and copious citation of the study. So, let's begin.
Ctrasti on PDA
Rhetorical question - when the PDA will become as popular as personal computers? When the number of owners of handheld machines at least close to the number of PC users? The answer - when the handheld computers will learn to perform tasks assigned today on the fragile shoulders of desktop machines. If you look at the most popular PC applications, and compare them with the applications of PDA, it appears that the differences are only in multimedia. That is a personal computer is often used for viewing video, audio and run the games. However, in principle, can be said about pocket typewriters, though none but - it's completely different level. Even the most powerful, most expensive PDA video view associated with converting files into a special format and the inevitable compromises. A "handheld" games with a textured graphics, there is no sound at all ...? Yes, with sound okay, but again, only in stereo ... Another question - whether a small computer surround sound and three-dimensional graphics accelerator. On business applications of PDAs such complication does not affect in any way, but very substantially raise the cost of computers. And yet, the user spent on a pocket-sized machine a few hundred dollars, waiting for the CCP more than he can give. For the mass market (to Whom is fully and I include myself), pocket computer - this is a computer, not a calculator with advanced functions. In the nearest future the situation could change very drastically. In the world of handheld computers come graphics accelerators. That is soon on his Pocket PC and even, to think only on Palm `s we can easily have fun with, say, Quake. Yes no resemblance to the primitive older "pisishnogo" brother, and textured with a full game. And the options for the gaming handheld for some quality games will surpass desktop machines - just think of the built-in Bluetooth wireless modules, and, accordingly, the ability to integrate handheld computers into the network. Multiplayer games at their fingertips. It would be nice ...
Briefly opportunities ARCHOS Jukebox MultiMedia can be described as follows. This is a portable external hard drive-based 10-gigabyte hard disk format 2.5-inch ("Notebook" standard), player audio files MP3 (and not just MP3) with the memory capacity of a giant, a digital recorder with stereo audio recording function in MP3, high quality digital Voice recorder with built-in or external plug-in microphone, digital camera and camcorder (in conjunction with the attachable module) and, most importantly, digital video recorder that allows you to play movies to MPEG4 (or DivX). Tiny ARCHOS Jukebox MultiMedia equipped with a color screen size of 1.5 inches, a video output for TV connection and built-in lithium battery for autonomous operation of the device for 8 hours of music playback and 3 hours of video playback. The picture quality on your TV is not inferior image quality video format, VHS, although the resolution is small - 352x288 pixels. Amazing stuff ... but MQ-1188 chip is able to transform a PDA into a digital video recorder, characteristics of which will be higher than the characteristics ARCHOS Jukebox MultiMedia, because the chip built-in and a hardware decoder and encoder MPEG4. That is, the computer can without strain (in the sense - not loading the CPU) not only play movies in the today popular computer format, but also to digitize video. We can only wait for the first models of handheld computers with built-in accelerators. Or - smartphones ... The full-length video of a cell phone? And why not?
The printer is equipped with every imaginable interfaces - IrDA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB and LPT, and therefore can work with any handheld, portable or desktop computer. The device has a decent resolution (208 dpi). The width of a sheet of paper - 110 mm. That is, printing on sheets of small size, but, presumably, does not prohibit the use of roll paper. The printer has used the principle of thermal printing of updates ... I have learned from news feeds and recalled their own experience with portable printers. This is a printer Citizen PN48, which I just tested in action, and the rather exotic places for our device - thermal printer Kodak, who faithfully served me for five years before going to another owner. Both printers are designed for laptops, but the Citizen should work with the CPC (with appropriate driver support). As for Kodak, he was released before the advent of handheld computers - in 1995. Besides, I got changed for the port LPT, for which there was no interface IrDA. Citizen pleasantly amazed almost laser quality printing and uncomfortable - the high cost of consumables. One roll of black ribbon was only enough for two dozen pages, with a pair of commercials sold for ten dollars ... The print quality Kodak `but it was worse, but no operating costs (the printer itself cost around $ 500). I still do not know anything better than an old thermal printer. Corporate commercial paper that was attached to the printer, ended immediately. Dismissing warnings from the manufacturer, I took advantage of our Russian fax a piece of paper. And Kodak has worked with her, like a clock. Never choked, never mess up ... However, the prints did not live long - until the first prolonged contact with more or less warm objects. Kodak itself was surprisingly small and could easily fit in your pocket. In it, there were no trays.Only two slots - to receive the paper clip and release the finished print ... Where are these devices? For "marching" applications better than to ... Expediency print from the PDA can be questioned. Indeed, large-format paper (standard A4), pocket computer will not display on screen. We are only a small notes and calculations ... But try to work in a desktop calculator with the press. When the entire course of the calculations is fixed on a narrow paper tape similar to the cash (she probably is). Handy thing! But certainly not for $ 500. Printers PDA released before - mainly for the Palm `s. But in Russian stores, they did not come across ... Printer Nomad attracts primarily for its versatility. And if this is a thermal printer, then - cheap consumables. If Nomad operates on the principle of dye sublimation printing, I would still prefer a time-tested portable Citizen (any model). And then one of the little "struynikov" Canon (for example, the model BJC-55). Drivers for these printers are part of the software keyboard for Pocket PC Jornada 728. Pocket PC, printer, cell phone ... Life is indeed becoming mobile. The authors, translation:
The new chips - new perspectives
Reports of release of chip graphics accelerator companies ATI (Imageon 3200) and MediaQ (MQ-1188) have not lost the status of hot news. While we are talking about the first industrial designs (although MediaQ already produces a second model circuit). Real embodiment in the form of multimedia Palm `s and Pocket PC - Multimedia in a broader sense than today - we'll see will not soon ... but it is a real technological leap, like the appearance of the PDA slot for removable flash memory card or the same module Bluetooth. True, it is not yet on the three-dimensional accelerator, whose presence in the home PC, we have already seen how a well-established standard. The new chip from MediaQ - a 2D-accelerator designed to offload the CPU from routine operations of drawing the screen. As a result, the speed of the graphics system of the CCP is expected to grow at times, and enegropotreblenie small cars, has weakened. On the other hand - and needed if today's PDA, so they are, 3D-boosters? On the small screen hard to see the shadows, background transparency, small parts, and other delights textured graphics. But the "flat" two-dimensional image is clearly slow. Look at the game Doom for Pocket PC. First, it leads the user in delight, but then, almost poobvyknuv, you begin to notice the "lethargy" pictures and graphic design to simplify the game. Three-dimensional graphics accelerators - the future of handheld computers. Their arrival will allow you to connect a small computer to a TV or monitor via a large built-in or external adapters ... It smells of serious changes in the field of gaming consoles. Do not you find? .. The new chips are endowed with diverse abilities. They are, for example, are able to derive the new qualitative level modules of digital cameras PDAs and Smartphones ... but I wanted to talk about another, equally desirable and popular functions of handheld computers - the video playback. Example of successful decisions portable videokonsoli may be a miniature multimedia processor ARCHOS Jukebox MultiMedia. Despite the relatively high cost, about $ 480, this multifunction device is actively sold (including Russia) and enjoyed a good demand. |
Not only games
Another news item that caused particular concern relates to peripherals for handheld computers. Namely - the printers. Company Mobile Command Systems has released a portable printer for PDAs called Nomad. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)