Invasion of the Palm Tungsten: new models T3 and TE

Representing a year ago, the revolutionary Tungsten T (TT), the company began to gather pace Palm and it looks like not going to stop. In the spring line has been expanded "messenger» Tungsten C (TC) with the keyboard module and Wi-Fi, in early summer, we saw the Tungsten T2 - Updated TT with an improved screen, increased memory and bug fix, well, now enter the market for two staff Brand Tungsten. Meet the Tungsten E (TE) and Tungsten T3 (three)! Let's start with the younger ...

Palm Tungsten E

The hull shape of the new TE brings to mind the classic series Palm Vx and its successors - m500/505/515. The length of the new PDA about an inch longer, but the typical "skinny" - a small thickness, will not go away. The layout is also a classic: no moving parts, square screen and handwriting graffiti area underneath. The control system has not changed, however, four-way navigation key at this time rectangular. This decision may be called controversial. Judging by the new form of a joystick, pressing the "left" and "right" to be more comfortable. However, more in demand, of course, the "up" and "down". Naturally, there is applied a bright and clear screen, which flaunt the Palm Zire 71 and Tungsten C - resolution 320x320 and 65 thousand colors, technology Transreflective TFT. The characteristics of the display - a great stock of brightness, good visibility in the sun, the perfect legibility, even at extreme angles. In general, a dream! Technical specifications of the new Palm nobody will be shocked, but still happy: TI OMAP 311 processor clocked at 126 MHz, 32 MB RAM (accessible to the user only 28 MB) audio subsystem with a microphone, speaker and headphone output. Apparently, no problem with headphones is not there - use a standard phone jack to 3.5 mm, which connect any headphones. Not forgotten slot SDIO, but the wireless Bluetooth module is removed (thank God, though the IR port left). PDAs, by all appearances, conceived as a budget, and the following facts only confirm this. Home bad news - the refusal of the Palm Universal connector. Toward a new non-standard connector instead of the usual cradle connects inexpensive synchronization cable. Hotsync program itself in the default settings run by pressing the icon with an asterisk. Closes the topic Cold-Iron description protective cover and battery. The first is a rigid structure of artificial leather, such staffing enhancements series m500. She otkidyaaetsya sideways, in the closed position takes up little space, and in the open brings a minimum of inconvenience. Nonremovable, rechargeable battery, lithium-polymer. His life there is no evidence, but expect to record hardly worth it. 6.7 hours of normal operation - it is a limit, because for capacious battery is full. Software content is impressive, especially given the expected retail price of $ 199 for Russia (without VAT and sales tax). Operating System version 5.2.1 is filled with small improvements that will make life easier for the user. Thus, standard applications, in particular, address book and calendar-diary supplemented by new fields such as to make data storage more convenient and improves sovmestitmost organizer with MS Outlook. In addition, the display mode, finally, are enriched with color-coded information to facilitate orientation in a saturated labor schedule. The settings can be noted minor but useful improvements - lock hardware keys, the lack of which had previously been the cause of many spontaneous inclusions PDA with subsequent unproductive Battery. Furthermore palmovskoy classics in ROM is well-established office suite Documents To Go (professional edition), email client VersaMail, programs to control the cell phone (SMS, dialer, etc.), and a full suite of multimedia software: Palm slideshow Photos, RealOne audio player and video player Kinoma. On the installation CD (this time it fits on a CD) you can find the "desktop" version of all these programs is extremely easy and fast data exchange between large and small computers, as well as some additional programs, such as the popular solitaire Magic Dogs, A powerful calculator PowerOne and reader electronic books Palm Reader. The conclusion from all of the above is obvious: in front of us beautifully balanced workhorse. Excellent PDA for a student or an accountant, freight forwarder or an engineer. No toys for tehnomanyakov, but great implementation of necessary capabilities. Especially it is necessary to note a great screen (probably the best at this price!) A large set of business and multimedia software. All this - in a stylish package and only two hundred dollars. New pricing will take an empty niche between the ordinary and Zire 71st. We turn to the more interesting parts of the program, the mystical third Tungsten'u T, rumors of which go a long time.

Palm Tungsten T3

Frankly, after seeing the first pictures, I thought it was a "duck" - a bit too unusual was the decision to cover the original sliding bar (slider) is not the domain of graffiti, as the TT and TT2, and part of the screen. Nevertheless, it is reality. In response to numerous requests, PalmSource introduced in PalmOS support non-square screens and rotate the image, while Palm has released a PDA that uses the technology. The main highlight of TT3, certainly - the screen with a resolution of 320x480, which until now could boast of only machines from Sony. The trouble is that Sony has such a large and welcome screen are a number of disadvantages - they are pretty overall and crammed with nonstandard proprietary technologies, such as cards MemoryStick or undocumented audio subsystem. Now we have a machine, devoid of these shortcomings. Screen is big, but thanks to firm "tangstenovskomu" Slider, the case remains compact. All technologies are open and standardized, so soon will the mass of programs that take advantage of the big screen and features 90-degree rotation (in landscape orientation of the image). But the machine can fly from the first day of sales, as the most important programs - Office, in particular, has "trained" to work with this screen. However, about this a little lower. Apart from bright and clear TFT-display high-resolution, TT3 boasts a 400-MHz processor, Intel Xscale, 64 MB of memory, of which, however, is available 56 MB, full audio system that includes a microphone, speaker and stereo headphone jack, slot, SDIO, standard connector Palm Universal Connector, and most importantly - the transmitter Bluetooth. All this luxury is packaged in a standard for Tangstenov T-Series enclosure, with the important difference that the panel hard buttons substantially revised.Navigation ring turned into navigation, uh, "oval", which, as in the previous new product, simply click the "left" and "right" than "up" and "down". Additionally, four classic hardware buttons this time gathered in a circle around the arrow keys, that, firstly, unusual and knocks motor reflexes, and, secondly, can do a disservice to the games. Recall that despite a year that has elapsed since entering the sale of the TT, many games are still focused on classical devices, joystick, which has only 2 directions, so as the "left" and "right" are often used buttons «ToDo» and «Address Book »(incidentally, these applications are renamed to Tasks, and Contacts). And the final touch. Dimensions when folded is 10,8 x7, 6x1, 6 cm, weight - 153 g, which is 7 mm longer than TT2, but 5 grams lighter. Miracles, and only! The inescapable conclusion - the battery is installed the same (Li-Ion at 900mAh), which means that in larger screen area, should not expect a record-long battery life. However, a detailed test of the living TT3, which will take place very soon, we will judge. Software palm in the past six months closer to the wealth of standard equipment for PocketPC, which is not surprising. Finally, there was a standardized and, moreover, powerful hardware. Here and in the memory TT3 can find lots of interesting things. New version of Documents To Go 6.0 has brought such pleasant surprises, such as support for password protection of individual files or data via Bluetooth. But the main thing is not it. Finally, the standard software from Palm is able to read the "native" files MS Office - doc and xls, without conversion! This means that downloading from a mail client or browser Versamail 2.6 WebPro 3.0 (they also have in mind TT3) document MS Office, you can immediately open it, view, edit or print. For the English language provides verification orofografii, and statistics on a text (word count), surely it will work in Russian. PalmOS version of TT3 is the same as a TE - 5.2.1. This means that all of these improvements will be present here, there will be a memory, and all these programs, office and multimedia. However, about one raisin describe in more detail, because in those not using it. It is about a virtual graffiti area. Under the slider in TT3, again, there is only one piece of the screen, and a piece of solid - 160h320. This means that text input in any event happening on the screen surface: the area of ​​graffiti, and the keyboard will be virtual. But even if the slider is pushed in and Graffiti area is not available at the bottom of the screen is a useful novelty - the status bar. There are 9 icons that allow you at any time to assess the state of Bluetooth-transmitter, find time to call the menu or the search function, etc. As usual, the icons are active, ie, clicking on status indicator Bluetooth, you can enable / disable the transmitter, and by clicking on the time - to cause a large panel with the indicating the date, time, battery level, and adjust brightness and volume. Here, in the status bar, the switches "to write graffiti in any area of ​​the screen" and "rotate 90 degrees. Summarizing all the above, we have to admit: we have a new candidate for the title of car-wagon. This PDA is equally well suited for office and multimedia tasks, but the combination of large screen and a little shell, of course, is a record in the market, especially given the suggested retail price of $ 429 for a Russia without VAT and sales tax.As correctly noted by one of their western colleagues: "There are only two choices: to buy or swallow salivating:) Sources, Materials:

How to prepare an expedition to Russia

The story begins on Friday, April 20. I call the central office MakTsentr and asked to take part in an important conversation. It is necessary, it should be. At the table sit several members of our firm and two visitors. I briefly introduce the state of affairs: someone is going somewhere in the Himalayas for some climbing on the mountain with an unknown name to me. Have an idea to give the expedition satellite phone and even some device to climber could send email to Moscow. Go to imagine climber dangling from a rope over a hundred-meter precipice and joy fills the PDA: "The weather is great, I feel good, relieve ..." During the conversation, start to clear up the details of the enterprise. The ascent is planned at the peak of Meru, located on the Gangotri, in the Indian Himalayas. By Himalayan standards, the top is not the highest ("only" 6500 m), but hitherto no one has managed to climb it. The main causes of failures of previous attempts proved: a complex rock-ice route on the way to the top and the unpredictable weather in this part of the great mining district. This year, the peak of Meru are trying to win two simultaneous expeditions: American and Russian. Training of Russian and engage our guests, representatives of the general sponsor - the company "BASK", the domestic manufacturer of equipment for travelers, and a representative of the provider Inmarsat satellite terminals firm RIEM-Division ". Americans are planning to climb together, a bunch in the "Alpine style" that is light on the shortest route. Our Valery Babanov sent to storm the alone, and he intends to handle the wall for many days with all seriousness. Valeria image created is a sophisticated solo ascents. Last year, he single-handedly set out to storm the walls of the top Kangtega that in Nepal. Having the hardest part of the route on the rock wall, he managed to reach the crest Kangtegi and heavy snowfall in almost zero visibility down to the high-altitude camp. And the climb was done in violation of all agreed deadlines and when Babanov time has not arrived in Moscow, my friends have experienced quite a few unpleasant hours. The fact that in past expeditions Babanov did not take any of telecommunications. News from Moscow in such a situation reached by chance, word of mouth ...

Hot summer 2003rd: digest PDA innovations and announcements

We will not soon forget the summer of 2003, which became the worldwide market for handheld computers, as is usually written in the Soviet press, life-changing:) The time of year, as a rule, poor in all sorts of events that has broken all records on the number of the models, announcements and news. Why are only the output of Windows Mobile 2003, Palm change of company name and the absorption of its well-known manufacturer of PDA, and now smartphones Handspring ... In retrospect, we can assume that the developers and managers of virtually all known manufacturers abandoned vacations and trips to the coast and most have concentrated on solving the CCP's objectives. Let's try to summarize this sverhproduktivnogo Travel USA.

Pocket PC

Windows Mobile 2003

... In the beginning there was Windows CE. Then I saw the light Pocket PC. In its place came the Pocket PC 2002. And so, in July this year, after a long training information, the public was provided the latest Windows Mobile platform 2003. "Faster, more beautiful, more extensible," - as described it themselves representatives of Microsoft, the OS has become one of the most anticipated new products of the season. Built on the new core Windows CE.Net 4.2, Operating System has provided significant performance boost to the already released devices and the added power of the new. Built-in support for wireless connections, Compact Framework, better work with new types of processors, software updates - all this has made the Windows Mobile 2003 with the latest operating system for handheld computers at the moment.

Hewlett Packard

Remarkably productive this summer bothered company Hewlett-Packard, presenting four new handhelds and announcing several more. One of the first appeared iPAQ h2210 - very good representative of the family "strong serednyachki" that is, the average price level. We can say that even before release, this handheld has become a hit. This model is eagerly awaited and discussed at each corner of the internet and did not seem disappointed ...:) PDA combines a compact handheld design junior series with the power and functionality of high-end-devices. The main "Fitch" h2210 includes a wireless module Bluetooth, Processor Intel XScale PXA255, traditionally high-quality screen. More importantly, and what machine is the first handheld company, equipped with two expansion slots - CF and SD. To top it all, h2210 faster than all got to the Russian market and introduced domestic users with its new OS. Heir no less successful series of cost handheld h19xx became the model iPAQ h1940. Along with it available to users enrolled module Bluetooth, a new processor and, of course, Windows Mobile 2003. Most inexpensive handheld computer was among HP iPAQ h1930. Similar c previous model, but with a weaker processor and devoid of wireless capabilities. Updated and Gaza hi-end PDAs. Here, HP is promoting its flagship Pocket PC series h5000. iPAQ h5450 was replaced h5550, as well as a somewhat simplified h5150. In addition to consist of new products, has been announced yet another series of handhelds, which received index h4100 and Wireless model Pocket PC with phone features. Despite not quickly release the data on them have already appeared. Just in time for Christmas boom in counters fall iPAQ h4155 and h4355. Both cars will be equipped with Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth. For the convenience of working with text iPAQ h4355 will provide a small hardware keyboard.

Dell

Despite the fact that Dell has not released during the summer, no new models, as usual, was quite a lot of noise with the upgrade of the operating system on handheld computers line Axim X5. Advertised sat down to supply the CPC on the new platform has been seriously overshadowed by the problems encountered compatibility and overall decline in performance under the new OS. However, things the company does go bad. Summer was announced by the new model Axim X3, in which developers have promised to implement most wireless capabilities while maintaining small size and low price. Apparently conceived as a device to quickly and aggressively win the custom of the heart, like his glorious ancestors. By the way, do not give the rest the laurels of the success of the latest Dell combo devices (PDA + cell phone) - communicators. On the early development of this handheld the company announced in July. Promised that the model will be equipped with "the full wireless program: built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi next generation, as well as GSM / GPRS-module for use in cellular networks.

Toshiba

With the release of Windows Mobile 2003 company Toshiba, like most other manufacturers, started a fresh install OSes in their models e355 and e755. For users who have purchased these machines before the premiere of the new OS, were offered special conditions for the upgrade. Continuing the series of announcements, Toshiba has announced their new items. By Christmas, the stores will be a model e805, equipped sverhbolshim for handhelds based on Pocket PC screen diagonal of 10 cm

ViewSonic

In early summer the company held in Moscow, a presentation of its new products, and dedicated public in its new concept of development, today announced the Visual Revolution. " Among other things, on a lush presentation was presented to one of the first PDAs to Pocket PC, equipped with a built-in digital camera. V36 (so he said), like all the new season, running WM2003 and to go on sale in September and October, that is, from day to day:)

JVC

At the new market this summer and made the company JVC, announced the release of models with a strong media bias. "Multimedia Station" as the developers have named their new brainchild, will be designed more for music and video playback than the performance of the functions of personal secretary. To this end handhelds will equip 128 MB of RAM and a bigger screen. However, as it became known today, the yield of CPC from JVC delayed. The fact that the developers and not releasing new product, set about designing a new generation of models, which will be "evolutionary continuation of the existing line in the bowels of handhelds.

Hitachi

Another major Japanese manufacturer Hitachi also caused a stir by releasing a mid-summer, high-end smartphone Hitachi G1000, is designed to work in networks of standard CDMA. Among the main differences from other "PDAs with telephone, you can note the presence of built-in digital camera and a hardware keyboard. It is a pity that the device is unlikely to be supplied to our market.

Samsung

Extremely interesting solution presented Korean electronics giant Samsung. The new handheld, the company, known as MITs M400 combines the functions of a handheld computer, mobile phone, GPS-navigator. In addition, the PDA has a built-in digital camera and a TV-tuner. It is difficult to imagine how the developers managed to cram into the body of cars is a huge number of functions. Given the still large amount of RAM, the model can lay claim to being "the most feature-rich PDA this season."

Gateway

Also this summer, announced his company Gateway, announced models 100X. However, the developers seem to have encountered great difficulties. So that the output of the CCP is delayed until Christmas.

Fujitsu-Siemens

Fujitsu-Siemens confined to the announcement that in November will see the light of the updated series Pocket Loox handhelds with an index of 610. However, the announcement was pretty tempting ... We'll wait:)

Palm OS

Palm

What happened in the camp palmovyh during the reporting period? Naturally, the big news was the decision on the merger of Palm and Handspring, rumors of which has long exaggerated the network. In the slender ranks of Palm handheld computers will soon have to join communicators and Treo. In addition, after the merger, the new company will have a new name. Palm officially be renamed palmOne. Occupied by the organizational work, the company has not released a large number of new models in the summer, as did other big market players, except the new version of "tungsten" PDA - Tungsten T2. However, despite the apparent silence, the Internet is still leaking spy data on the upcoming handheld. This week, information from informal sources was fully confirmed, and Palm showed the world the three new favorites Tungsten T3, Tungsten E and Zire 21. Acquainted with the novelties in absentia by using our review in hot pursuit. Next week we hope to share with you a more interesting experiences. Along with their new "pets" will come to Moscow European official palm does.

Sony

Summer for the Sony marked with publishing models Clie PEG-NX80V and PEG-NX73V. Both handhelds were a continuation of the excellent line of handheld computers Japanese manufacturer, has won many admirers in this country and abroad. But the company was not accustomed to stop there. Recognized by the legislator of fashion among the Palm, Sony has released two very unusual PDA PEG-UX50 and PEG-UX40. By design, these devices resemble rather a miniature laptop than a handheld PCs, and their ability to amaze avid Palmer.

Garmin

Rather unusual CCP introduced this summer in Garmin. Her new iQue 3600 PDA has a built-in GPS, and became the first device of its kind in the family of Palm.

Tapwave

Cluham to announce the first gaming console on the Palm OS with the great name Zodiac innumerable so far:) The first information about the device appeared in the winter, but the company Tapwave release of information is strictly metered, constantly stirring up interest in its development of new details. And at the end of summer to go public the most complete data model, which is expected to become a major competitor to the popular mobile game console GameBoy Advance. Summer 2003, indeed, dawned hot PDA industry. But, as can be seen, many manufacturers are preparing our excellent Christmas gifts. Spring-summer collection, as expected, will replace the winter and autumn. Output of many models is scheduled for this period, so that the most interesting - in front. Follow our news:) The authors, translation:

Handheld computers and satellite communication in extreme conditions of mountain expeditions

On June 7 press conference devoted to two mountaineering projects, technical support, which provided the Company Formation and MakTsentr our site. The first - a solo ascent of the Himalayan peak of Meru International Master of Sports in mountaineering Valery Babanov. Recall that Valery was equipped with a set of special equipment for communications with the mainland "and the media. Includes: Cassiopeia E-115 and a satellite phone Inmarsat. The second - an ambitious project "Russian way - the walls of the world." His manager from St. Petersburg, Alexander Odintsov. Project participants have set the goal to conquer the 10 most difficult mountain wall in the world. Five of them have already been taken by storm and entered into climbing directories. But here's the sixth refuses to surrender. It is a mountain Latok 3 in Pakistan. Its height is 6,950 meters and looks like it is, in the opinion of a beginner, innocuous. But last year, almost all the expedition members were seriously injured and had to stop lifting. June 8, they again depart to Pakistan once again to match themselves with whimsical wall. But this time we will be able to witness all the vicissitudes of this climb, thanks to set of communication, already proven in the Himalayas. True, the set of equipment slightly modified: instead of Cassiopeia E-115 mission will depart Palm 3xe. At the press conference were made by staff MakTsentr Anton Kuznetsov, who briefly summed up the Himalayan expedition, from a technical point of view and described the preparation of the expedition, "Russian way - the walls of the world."

Sony Clie UX40/UX50: Concentrate Technology

This review will discuss the model Clie PEG UX50, which we have for your convenience we will call simply UX50. In addition, Sony has released a handheld and a younger series UX, which was named UX40 and differs from his older "brother" only the absence of built-in Wi-Fi and, accordingly, has a lower cost. Therefore, all underwritten, except for Wi-Fi module, applies to the UX40. Sony's flagship handheld embodies several "know-how, fundamentally different from this handheld models and competitors: it is the original foldable design with a horizontal screen, and the proprietary CPU with a variable clock frequency, and a special memory module, divided into several sectors. In addition, Clie UX50 is equipped with a digital camera and with two wireless modules. Experts reputable site PalmInfoCenter one of the first shared their impressions of this handheld in a strictly systematic manner, starting from design and ending with a description of the battery. We decided to add their own comments page, and even individual small cupola, which the text will be bold.

Design

The first thing that you pay attention, picking up a computer Clie UX50, - is its compact size. Photos, unfortunately, can not convey how much is actually a miniature device. Its dimensions - 103x86, 5x 17,9 mm, the machine is slightly larger than the Palm Tungsten T, but successful ergonomic shape makes it visually less. Yes, and the weight is also quite acceptable for a model with a bunch of "bloat" - only 175 g, so that the CCP is really suitable for carrying in your pocket. If you compare him to the handheld with the previous models, then Decrease the weight up to 175 g really seem to achieve. Remember, the latest hi-end PDAs: NX80V tugged at 235 g, and the golden brick »NZ90 - all 292 should be noted that the materials from which made housing, also well-matched. Both the top and bottom halves of the folding model are made, apparently, from lightweight magnesium alloy. This decision, in addition to more than the plastic strength, has another advantage: the surfaces are made very smooth, but they did not leave any fingerprints or scratches. The new form factor, which went Clie UX50, users have already dubbed a "mini-notebook, although its design makes it possible to operate in the traditional tablet mode (the screen is set at 180 degrees and rests over the keyboard). However, in the folded GUI PDA still continues to operate in the "horizontal" orientation, which is somewhat difficult to work. Right of the display there are two LEDs that inform about connection over radio Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Around the display has a wide enough frame on which to place the application launchers. On the left "the fold," the handheld has a built in digital camera on the hinge, and there is right - the key shooting and naushnikovy output. On the left side of the PDA is two-color LED illuminates when the device and move into a mode of recharging batteries. Near - infrared port connector and a mini-USB, closed cap (synchronization with your desktop PC is only through him, as the cradle only brings food). Interestingly done the power button, combined with the button "hold". A sort of semi-circular lever with small protrusions, very conveniently falls under the thumb of his left hand, and looks pretty. In contrast to recent computers manufactured by Palm Inc. (Starting with the Zire 71), light displays, which will not turn off the screen at the UX50 can be turned off in the traditional way, by pulling the lever for food and keeping it in such a position a few seconds. In the lower left corner of the device has a large metal ring, intended, apparently, to using the rifle to wear a PDA to your belt or hang on the neck. Apparently, in Japan, so are ... Right next to the ring on the "facade" of the device is a microphone, and right - Jog Dial, Back button and three shortcut keys to launch programs (web-browser, mail-client and calendar). In the lower right corner is placed a silo. It must be noted that the mere "pen" as it is now accepted at Sony, like the size of a toothpick. In general, very thin and uncomfortable. The buttons, of course, flash, and you can "adjust" them under running any suitable applications. I recommend one of the keys to designate responsible for the operation synchronizing with a desktop computer. On the right side is a slot for expansion cards, Memory Stick format for all versions (just MemoryStick, MagicGate MemoryStick, MemoryStick Duo and MemoryStick PRO). Slots for CF cards, unfortunately, no. Directly above the slot has two LEDs. The one on the right, is illuminated when the tape recorder running or recorded video, but one that left, flashes orange when accessing the card MemoryStick. It should be noted that pull the card from the connector - not so easy. No longer enough to simply click on the flash drive. It is necessary, moreover, with great effort to pull it towards you. So, if you accidentally push the card during operation, do not worry - do not fall out and not get lost:) To the left of the slot MemoryStick can see a small cog in the battery compartment.I hasten to disappoint you, the battery is not removable, and unscrew the screw, this is only recommended if the battery fails. But on the battery and the time of its battery life - just below. The rear panel contains the elements of attachment and contacts for connection to the cradle or optional battery, speaker and reset button. By the way, a soft button rezet all developers have to say a special thank you from Sony. You know why? - Because it is - a big one. Now for the product of this procedure does not need to unscrew the stylus, since it will fit perfectly sharpened end. I would not say that in the process of testing the computer had often overloaded, but agree that in those moments when you need to do is unscrew the stylus or frantically search for a thin pin does not want.

Cradle

In the model UX50 Sony launched a new concept of cradle: now or on a Pocket PC or on the "crib" no HotSync connector. On the computer there is only a miniUSB, and on the cradle - a power socket. But because the computer is equipped with a wireless module - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the use of peripherals and synchronization can be done without wires.

Keyboard

Clie UX50 was the largest among the QWERTY keyboard handhelds Sony, and because of such size to use it quite comfortably. As well as on a normal desktop keyboard, on top of it posted a series of numbers, lower - the three "lines of letters, and underneath a large space surrounded by official buttons. In poor light conditions to work on the keyboard is quite possible - the good, the orange light is disconnected. To save energy, it will turn off automatically after 10 seconds of "downtime." The keys are made quite large, nearly eliminates the possibility of accidentally pressing two adjacent keys at once. The fact that the series of keys in waves rise significantly helps with touch-typing, but the buttons are placed flush with the body and the relatively weak spring loaded, and this, in contrast, interferes. Under the "blind stamped on the Sony UX50" the review authors seem to imply a fast printing with the thumbs of both hands (with the keyboard at a sufficiently high dexterity can not really look), but not desyatipaltsevym method. Unfortunately, the user interface Clie UX50 not adapted to navigation by keyboard. Moreover, when working with dialog boxes have now and then pull out the stylus and intercept the handheld, but even the arrow keys in this PDA only virtual. It is not just inconvenient. Functional model sharply narrowed, as the majority palmovyh games that used to control navigation button D-Pad, are incompatible with the Clie UX50.

Processor

Functions of a central processor Clie UX50 does a brand new chip Handheld Engine, developed by the firm Sony. Its uniqueness lies in the dynamic change of clock frequency, depending on your needs. That is, when performing intensive tasks "stone" can accelerate to 123 MHz, while in standby mode, "speed" drop (at least 8 MHz). The processor is based on the ARM926 core and is equipped with additional chips - CXD2230GA for graphics hardware acceleration (with support for 3D-akselleratsii OpenGL) and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for audio processing.Basic performance tests showed that the possibility of system resources Clie UX50 are roughly equivalent in power "hardware" model Clie, based on the 200-MHz processor XScale. None of the games was not noticed "brakes", and parallel playback of MP3-files and viewing web-pages of wireless Wi-Fi did not reveal any delays or disruptions. Unfortunately, our colleagues will not give test results, and not even known programs through which the test PDA. Our experience has shown that using a purely synthetic test (eg, utilities, Benchmark 2.0) is not suitable for measuring the performance of your computer with a "floating" clock speed. It seems that the processor does not consider the test task requires all of its power and strains "pebble" is not the full program. Something similar occurs when using the synthetic utilities are trying to measure the productivity of Pocket PC in the automatic mode. So, let's see how our results differ from those of foreign colleagues. Indeed, when working with PIM and office applications are no "brakes" did not notice. A performance of video playback UX50 even surpassed cvoego sharper youngest family member - NX80V - yet not in vain hardware graphics accelerator installed:) It is true that video playback from the Internal Media (in the table are marked with int.), A noticeable decrease in performance, and computer has already lost the same 200MHz-vomu brother. Despite this small misstep, the whole approach to designing their Sony handheld inspires great respect, and for this reason. Why put the powerful and expensive Intel-ovsky processor if you can create your own, simpler and cheaper and provide him with special accelerators for audio and video ...?

Memory

Storage devices that are received, this model is also very unusual. Memory of "physically" is divided into several sectors: 16 MB set aside for loading programs and files, an additional 16 MB - for dynamic paging (swap), an additional non-volatile block the same amount set aside to back up system data, and an additional 29 MB are essentially built flash card, with which the handheld plays MP3-music and video clips. At first glance, the total amount of memory a pleasant surprise - on board, UX50 stored 104Mb. But if you look, it actually available to the user of them not so much. The memory is organized as follows. The processor has 8MB of built-in operating memory types SDRAM. In addition, there is a classic in the form of RAM 32MB of SDRAM, of which nick owes exactly half - 16 MB. In the handheld and the installer application, it is called Handheld. Next comes the 64MB chip NAND FLASH, performing the role of ROM. For the user, available in two of its area - to 16MB of storage backup system and 30.2 Mb, which form the region, works as a built in card Memory Stick. Last sharpened by working with Sony branded applications for recording and playback of audio, video and photo viewing. In naladonike and installer applications, these are called 30.2 MB Internal Media. Works, this memory is slower than RAM, but faster than the external card MemoryStick. Curiously, this chip is a fully-volatile, that is, if you suddenly sit the battery, the data contained in it, will not be lost.Now, about 16 MB of ROM, intended for backup. Pocket PC usually has a special power saving mode (Preferences / Power Saving): even if the handheld is turned off, the RAM chip is still continues to consume battery power in order to not "lose" the stored data. If you are not long enough to use your PDA, then the battery will sit down gradually, and the CCP will lose all information in the RAM information. Therefore, when you are not using your computer, it is recommended to perform the following procedure. After selecting the power saving mode automatically makes your computer saving a backup copy of all data from 16MB RAM to 16MB of ROM and power on / off. The copying process takes an average of 30 seconds, depending on the amount of used RAM. After turning on the backup is brought back into RAM (the process takes seconds to 15), and your computer is ready for use again. Power-saving mode allows you to save energy when your computer is not working, taking you for a total of about a minute on backup and recovery. The only pity is that the Sony UX50, in contrast to handhelds based on Pocket PC, not the automatic backup in the event that the computer's power reaches a critically low value. However, to make BackUp - question a couple of minutes, and personal organization. To summarize this chapter: just as a result of subtracting the various Pocket PC user needs to share from the existing 104Mb-volume is 62.2Mb of memory. Agree to Palm'a - very nice ...

Screen

Display, inherited this machine belongs to the highest class. TFT-matrix 480 x 320 pixels, capable of displaying 65 thousand colors, subjectively perceived as being much more clear and quality compared to other screens with similar characteristics. This is because of this display area is somewhat less of others, and therefore the pixels "planted" a much denser. You can be happy and very flat illumination of the matrix, and sufficient brightness. Inside the image looks just fine and not so much fade on the street in bright sunshine. Brightness is that sufficient. Apparently, in order to reduce the total cost of the handheld manufacturers found less bright backlight. The maximum brightness of the display at the HP iPAQ h2210, that one and a half times lower than the previous model NX80V. Now for the contrast. Dims is apparently a tribute to tradition and the desire to distinguish themselves from competitors. The fact that the Pocket PC from Palm, for example, have a minimum brightness level at which the PDA to work comfortably. In my opinion, it is more correct approach. The fact is that when the illumination is to receive the information from the PDA is quite difficult. At least, when reading the text, you can easily "break the eyes, and a Sony UX50 it off in less than a minute. However, even at minimum brightness all in perfect order. True, in contact with direct sunlight the display is still recommended to put lights on the 5-8th division. Diagonal size of the new display costavlyaet only 3,2 ', as compared to the 3.8 "at NX80V lower by 27%. Display size decreased, but the resolution remains the same. In the "square" mode, when the resolution is 320x320 pixels, the screen becomes very small. Frankly, the display size is too small, and the picture is composed of very tiny pixels, it looks strange. As already mentioned, the screen has two "open" position: it can be located, the display is a laptop, or it can be put upside down at the keyboard, so that the CCP will look like a standard "besklaviaturny" handheld - or rather, a miniature tablet PC. But even in the latter case, the graphical interface of the system can not be set in vertical (portrait) mode. And this gives rise to a number of problems. First, it is not popular with every palmovoy program is convenient to work with horizontal screen (fortunately, Sony redesigned the entire standard set of software for Palm OS based features of "horizontal" work). Secondly, the applications created under the standard display high res +, is simply incompatible with the Clie UX50, and users will have to wait for the issuance of special versions of such software.However, with programs that support the "square display (320 x 320 or 160 x 160), no special problems. The difference comes down to the work that the virtual handwriting area is located right or left of the main window. But probably very soon all the difficulties will be overcome. Let's wait for the Sony release a patch system, which adds ability to rotate the image 90 degrees. Developers, I think, will be offered specifically for the new series of Sony original software interface that take advantage of the "mini-notebook." Part of the proprietary software going to drive Sony UX50 (Netfront, Flash Player, CLIE Mail and others), is optimized for horizontal screen orientation. But my favorite MobiPocket Reader does not support such a screen, so I had to read the program Palm Reader, is supplied.

Communication capabilities

With the Clie UX50 can use a mobile connection to the World Wide Web is almost constant, no matter where you are. At work or in public places operating "hot-spots", PDA allows you to install high-speed connection to the network protocol Wi-Fi (802.11b), and on the road or at home can access the Internet via cell phone, which communicates with the handheld built-in radio module Bluetooth (v1.1). Built-in Bluetooth module is executed on the standard 1.1 for data transfer and 2.0 standard for energy saving, which means that the transmitter has a relatively low power consumption. Checking the quality of communication has shown even better results Wi-Fi-connected (the radius of coverage and data rate) than the model-rival Palm Tungsten C. I wonder how many Wi-Fi networks (commercial and public) do you know? Known to me can be counted on the fingers of two hands. Yes, many would say, the popularity of wireless networks is growing, and in Moscow they become more and more, but it is not so much as in the U.S. or Europe. However, if you are often in business trips abroad, or simply prefer to relax abroad, working remotely watching the situation, then surely Wi-Fi-module is useful to you. Although, those who do not need it, can draw attention to the younger model - UX40. Web-Browser Netfront 3.0, which comes with Clie UX50, are also very pleased. He not only correctly displays all the GIF-pictures and tables and executes JAVA-scripts, but also very effectively scales the sites. As can be seen in the illustration, web page PalmInfoCenter before us almost in the same form as on a desktop PC and is devoid of awkward horizontal scrolling, which sin many "pocket" browsers.

Luggage

Digital camera that is equipped with this PDA is pretty standard features for the built-in cameras: 0.3-megapixel sensor, which has a three-time digital zoom (zoom) and allows you to capture a maximum resolution of 640x480 pixels. Minimum resolution for photographs is 160x120 pixels, there is the possibility of obtaining images with a resolution of 320x480 and 320x240 pixels. In addition, as in virtually all Sony cameras have a mandatory set of filters: black and white, negative, sepia, art, and solar illumination. The camera can adjust the brightness in the range of + / -2 and choose one of four modes of white balance settings. There is a 10-second self-timer. However, communication with the camera "live" has revealed some exceptional qualities, we can call this unit is one of the best. And for clarity, and color reproduction machine will handicap virtually all the cells, which receive the latest smartphones and PDAs, including Palm Zire 71, as well as eloquently frame, made with Clie UX50. These include praise and videos that machine records in MPEG4, 30 fps co / c, image size - 160x112 pixels. It should be noted that the maximum size of a movie - no more than 60 minutes.

Audio

In the Sony UX50 implemented multitasking when playing music, it is possible to listen to music in the background while reading e-books, documents or doing something more useful.

Battery

New tested less than a week, and during that time it was difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the possibilities of the battery at different load conditions. The average energy battery lasts for 4-5 hours in the most demanding conditions, with frequent use of wireless connectivity and a digital camera. More careful measurement of the battery of the computer yielded the following results. Frankly, we had high hopes for the automatic control clock speed of the processor. Expect, for example, a record high of battery life in read mode and music playback. We can say that hopes to some extent justified, the battery life at the UX50 in read mode is higher than the NX80V - 6,5 hours vs. 5.5 (with a minimum illumination) and 3.25 to 3 hours (at maximum illumination ). Above, but, frankly, expected more. But playing mp3 (from MemoryStick cards for the display is off) was about 14 hours! Most likely, this figure can be increased if the music files will be written not on the outside of the map, and in the Internal Media. For those who still hold battery life will not be invited to plug the battery-PEGA-ED40, increases the total "stored energy" tripled. Is it worth the $ 120 device.

Software

A few words about the software innovations. UX50 - this is the first Pocket PC from Sony is running the operating system Palm OS 5.2. As a system of handwritten input can be used Graffiti2, though without the possibility of making a record in any of the display. The text must be entered in a special area of ​​virtual Graffiti, which can accommodate both left and right of the main field. In addition, there is a second handwriting recognition Decuma, which we first saw in the previous models - NX73V/80V. Virtual input area for this system at the bottom of the screen, but does not replace an area of ​​graffiti. It would still be reasonable to these input fields used interchangeably, there will be a user to enter text and recognize it with two programs, and to switch between the two recognition systems to make a special switch. Decuma not russified and yet it is not clear whether all will be the Russian version of the system. As for the traditional Graffiti 2 handwriting, with the help of the national containment MacCentre PaPiRus 2003 it is possible to work on a "great and mighty," but more about Russification - just below. Curious and implementation lanchera applications. In addition to the usual shell, there is also a 3D lancher, which looks like a rotating three-wheel, like a slot machine "one-armed bandit." The idea is very interesting and most users will like. A set of software rather extensive and is divided into the following groups.

Proprietary software SONY Clie

• Audio Player
• CLIE Album
• CLIE Camera
• CLIE Demo
• CLIE Mail
• CLIE Memo
• CLIE Viewer
• Flash Player
• Movie Play
• Photo Editor
• Remote Cam - for remote camera control and Voice Rec
• WA Clock

Main Software

• Address
• Date Book
• Memo Pad
• Power One Finance Calc
• Power One Personal Calc
• SMS
• ToDoList
• Calc

Games

• Bejeweled
• Insaniquarium

System Applications

• Card Info
• HotSync
• Decuma
• Security
• Welcome
• Pref

Utilities

• CLIE Files
• Data Import
• Sound Utilities

Additional software

• Acid Solitaire - Game
• Balance Log
• Palm Reader
• Puzzle Bundle
• Street Finder
• Vindigo
• Net Front 3.0
• Crossword - Game
• Agendus - a popular organizer
• Contacts Pro
• Visto MessageXpress.

In addition, some software is only installed on your PC:
• PictureGear Studio
• CLIE Album Plagin - Transfer of albums between handheld and desktop computers
• Image Station library
• Image Converter - software for converting video and audio format PDA
• Giga Pocket Plugin
• Quick Timer 5.0
• Sonic Stage
• CLIE Mail Conduit - Sync Mail Program
• Data Export - Program to transfer data from your desktop computer to a memory card.

Russification

For Russification PDA recommend using a system of national localization MacCentre PaPiRus 2003. Last week came the light-version of the program, which adjusts system settings for your Pocket PC Russia, Russified handwriting and virtual keyboard. In the nearest future development - release the full version for UX-50, providing the translation of the interface for all embedded applications. This crack comes with the Sony UX50, if you get a PDA to a network of shops "The computer in the palm."

Price

During the preparation of this article for publication in a network of shops "The computer in the palm," admitted the youngest model in the new series from Sony - UX40, which differs from the older merely the absence of Wi-Fi-module. Thus, the UX50 can buy for $ 799, and the UX40 - for $ 749.

Conclusions

The results of this rapid test, overall, more than positive. Model Clie UX50, is certainly one of the most advanced PDA on the market. Moreover, it is possible to save money by buying junior modification Clie UX40, differing only in the absence of the module Wi-Fi. Its price was $ 50 lower. From my own experience, that the experiment of turning a handheld computer in mikronoutbuk, Sony is quite a success. High-resolution display 480h320, comfortable keyboard, a relatively large amount of memory (for Palma, of course), the ability to backup the ROM, rich multimedia capabilities, and just two built-in wireless adapter, few people remain indifferent. However, while not all software supports a horizontal arrangement of the screen, and the display itself is too small to be. But knowing the reputation of Sony, I never for a moment doubt that software will soon remake, and the screen will be as large as NX Series, and as usually happens with the products of this Japanese manufacturer - brand-new Pocket PC will find their market:) Sources Materials:

The new Siemens phones

Given

The exhibition CommunicAsia, held in Singapore in mid-June, Siemens introduced its three new models: SL 42, SL 45i and ME 45. These devices have raised the bar even higher functionality of cell phones, and now the contestants have to try not to lose their market positions VIP-models.

Components of success:

+ Siemens SL 42

This dual-phone premium "is largely identical to the SL 45, but it has its own specifics. It is designed for practical business people who follow the rule "the cause of time before pleasure, and above all appreciate the functionality and reliability. Its ultra-thin battery has a capacity of even greater than the SL 45. Waiting for your flight at the airport, you can listen to MP3-player a little longer, without worrying that after planting the phone will be discharged. People who prefer rigorous style and be able to buy SL42 in black (the color of "Anthracite"), but will appeal to many silver. If you need to maintain communication with the office, with built-in fax modem class 2, and an infrared port for communication with a laptop, you will make it much easier and faster. Also, the business person will enjoy valuable extras, such as conversion rate currency calculator and a calendar that can sync with MS Outlook. Telephone SL 1942 is a working tool for professionals. How nice that they have learned to make a stylish, easy, and yes even with the music.

+ Siemens SL 45i

For those who do not read the article about the SL 45 in the April issue of "Mobile Computing", list the main features: built-in MP3-player slot Multimedia Card (MMC), IR-port, and a fax modem. Browser WAP 1.1, Program Calendar, Addressbook, Dictaphone, Calculator, Dialer. Voice command and voice dialing. Vibrate, Handsfree-headset with good headphones is also used for listening to music. Cradle for charging and data exchange with a desktop computer that connects to the COM-port. Synchronization with Microsoft Outlook. Oh, and a stylish design that attracts the attention of others. These two phones are similar, but what's the difference? From acclaimed Model SL 1945 new model differs only in the presence of Wireless Java-machine. But this innovation is truly opens up new horizons. Open platform Java2ME (Micro Edition) allows third party developers to create programs that are unchanged and will be recompiled to work on various models of cell phones, PDA and smartphone, as well as on the PDA. For Java there is a large amount of documentation and development tools, proven methods of creating applications, and an army of programmers (according to the Sun, their more than two million) has been successfully applied this tool. Add to that the support from such giants as Motorola, Nokia Siemens, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic and SONY, who are directly interested in the appearance of a large number of applications for their phones. All this could change the modern notion of a cell phone as a means of communication. Of course, in recent years, many phones can receive information from the Internet using the WAP-browser and a set of games can kill time on a boring meeting. But this slow internet and a black and white, and the games are too simple and naive. Even if the phone has a built-in calendar scheduler and address book, it still is a very simple and the same type of application. With the advent of phones like SL 45i, we can see that even on such a small device you can play exciting games with good graphics and multiplayer support, use of a useful program that there can be downloaded independently. Want to "ICQ"? Please! Want to IRC? Yes, plenty! For Java there is a large variety of applications, including games, calculators, office applications.What is there to list, go to any site devoted to Java, and you realize that the possibilities are endless. Of course, we must understand that you can not just go and download any applet on the MMC-card and enjoy new opportunities. Java2ME has its own specificity, its limitations, but also to create a program for mobile does not have to learn a new programming language with an unknown origin. You will feel the power of this platform, using the original program, written in the phone memory SL 45i, such as Cocktail Manager or Email Client. And with wireless technology, data download OTA (Over-The-Air) you do not have to waste my time downloading, installing, and then regularly updating the program. Phone do everything myself, you have to just go to the WAP-site and select the appropriate link. This feature is highly appreciated by those for whom the principle of "time = money" is not just The popular expression, but a guide to action.

+ Siemens ME 45

No less interesting technical capabilities received a telephone ME 45. This model of business-class first from Siemens received the support of the new standard messaging EMS (Enhanced Message Service). With this phone you can send SMS-messages with embedded images and tones. Older phones can only accept text of these messages, but new ones will see them "in all its glory." Moreover, it does not necessarily have to be a model Siemens, phones from other manufacturers that support the EMS, too, will understand these messages. Just as the S45, this phone can work in GPRS-network (General Packet Radio Service). Very pleased that this opportunity is now no longer be unclaimed Russian (at least, Moscow) users. Well, one more step towards 3G has been made. In addition, the phone uses an updated microbrowser WAP 1.2. It seems that this phone is finally set the record for the mobile internet. Unlike other presented models, this model has no built-in MP3-player. But it has a jack for connecting portable Siemens MP3-Player USB, which can also be used with models C35i, M35i, S35i, and S45. MMC slot either, but in the presence of a feature "flexible" memory. Its essence is that the available volume can occupy SMS-messaging, address book entries, or, say, the tunes in any combination. Nothing you do not interfere, for example, to score all the memory, or SMS, for example, download ring tones to suit all tastes, leaving room for only 30 telephone numbers and 20 SMS. Phone still "all-weather» M-series Siemens. It has a durable black moisture-and dust-proof enclosure. This does not mean that it is worth throwing the phone in water or in sand, but the rain can talk without fearing for his future performance. The antenna is hidden inside the body, this is also possible to see the continuation of the traditions of M35.

Total

The marketing team did not get their money for nothing - new functions have been divided almost equally among the three new products, so each has its own flavor. Of course, it would be better if all the phones have built-in and MP3-player, and support posts EMS, and Java, but it inevitably would lead to an increase in the cost of universal machines. However, the mobile device market is developing very dynamically. So if these technologies take root, then less than a year, as all of these functions will be combined, even in low-cost phones. In the meantime, it remains to wait for these new products. Tentatively, they will appear in stores in September and October. Sources, Materials:

Palm Reports to Moscow

At the end of last week at a bowling alley "Airplane" the ancestor of the CCP-genre has arranged a press conference on the release of new product family Tungsten. Actually, the latest model Tungsten T3 (TT3) and Tungsten E (TE) has brought regional manager Palm, Inc in Central and Eastern Europe Simon Hosack. Place to collect selected several unusual. Earlier presentations were held in large hotels - the Sheraton or Marriott, and limited, in addition to the main program buffet, during which time in an informal atmosphere could ask Ms. Hosack about sore. At this time the solo performance of the regional manager was preceded by lunch, where they offer to taste wonderful pies, as well as ... Palm Zire 71, "test" samples:) In addition, the program were listed in bowling competitions and a raffle, but first had to pleasant acquaintance with the news. It is noteworthy that the CPC in the amount of two presentation copies arrived in Moscow shortly after the world premiere, so the interest of the journalists present to them was great. However, for certain information on the technical characteristics of machines came with us in advance so that we can be prepared specifically for the devices especially eager to review that called for the eyes. " Now we share fresh impressions, which managed to get in an hour, plus a story about 5-10 minutes of "personal acquaintance" - more, unfortunately, failed to carve out as wanting to touch machine was set.

Tungsten third, but not out of place

Indeed, other than completion of the line of tungsten Palm'ov average price level. "Third" stands out against the background of two previous models, it can not be called Tungsten'om T2-th, passed tyunning - pretty much of a difference. What is it? TT3 - the first PDA from Palm, supporting high resolution portrait and landscape modes.

Tungsten T3: landscape mode

The first thing that catches your eye is, of course, the quality and screen size. Matrix is ​​no worse than the Palm Zire 71 (in the near future promises to test and refine the measurements of the screen which means "no worse"). We recall that a display of Palm'ov, thanks to this model, now is not inferior to the leaders, handhelds from Sony and is 320x480 pixels. Developers sacrificed fashion brand physical domain graffiti, replacing it with a virtual and hid it under a free piece of the slide cover. This design decision helped preserve the compactness (folded square screen - 320x320), as well as by popular demand, enter the mode of PDA in landscape orientation. A simple click on an icon located on the screen, the user can rotate an image from landscape mode to the book. In the usual vertical arrangement of the CPC is convenient to work with most applications with one hand, and the horizontal orientation is perfect for viewing email, web pages, spreadsheets and video clips. Pre-let's say that we should not be afraid of problems with the software.Now, the ROM machine, besides the usual set, sewn most demanded software (!): A powerful office suite Documents To Go v6 (work with Word, Excel, PowerPoint without conversion), e-mail client Versa Mail, who "trained" work with such a screen. It seems that alternativschiki arranged and quickly adapt software for turning by 90 degrees. In addition, cpiske embedded applications appear to work from multimedia: audio player RealOne Mobile, Video Player Kinoma Video viewer and Palm Photos. The heart of TT3 is the fastest to date, a processor for PDA - Intel XScale PXA 255 400 MHz, which enables you to work with multimedia. On board - 64 MB RAM, of which are available to the user 56 MB. Shortages could be solved through cards SD. However, the amount of memory - is still very good for Palm. In addition, our hero has a built Bluetooth, with which you can wirelessly connect to your phone with the support of such a protocol and use it as a modem for Internet access. Moreover, the mobile phone in this case does not necessarily get their pocket. Included software specifically for Web surfing comes branded Web Pro browser for a new, third version allows you to work through proxy-Servers or on request without their help (If you remember, the previous models Series, TT and TT2, also comes in a version of the program WebPro 2.0, which, when set free WebProPatch'e supports the display of Russian pages. So that's probably with the advent of brand new PDA for sale will be released the next version of the patch, which will surf Runet happy owners of Tungsten T3. This patch is also available, along with language MacCentre PaPiRus 2003 .) Another great news on this PDA. Palm'y acquired the status bar - a line with a set of nine icons at the bottom of the screen, which adds some useful extra features and to evaluate the state of Bluetooth-transmitter, see the time, look at the menu or the search function, etc.

Tungsten T3: Status bar

A few individual words on a virtual, or rather the virtual graffiti areas. Now the user can choose - to work it with a system of handwriting familiar form

Tungsten T3: just graffiti

or a so-called Triple Cell Graffiti. In the latter case, the Input Area is divided into three sections. One of them is responsible for entering lower-case letters, the other - the small, but the third - with figures. Additional space for the partition caps appeared due to the fact that the sides were removed hot-button call applications.

Triple Cell Graffiti

However, apart from the area of graffiti, you can write as the entire surface of the screen and the virtual keyboard. In general, TT3 input methods more than any other Palm'a ...

Tungsten T3: Virtual Keyboard

For those who do not like none of these options, the developer offers the optional infrared keyboard Palm Wireless Keyboard. When asked about the battery life Palm spokeswoman said evasively as always - 5-7 days on average. As soon as the CCP will arrive in Moscow has promised to test the work in the following modes: the lowest / highest levels of illumination, reading and playing video and MP3. Price Tungsten T3 costavit $ 399. Incidentally, one of our regular readers already a proud owner of "treshki. Cvoimi experiences he has shared in the review, which will be published after this reportage, but now we go to the "youngest".

Tungsten E

Now a few words about the Tungsten E (left). This handheld, given the quality of the screen (best in the price range), a set of software for Palm OS 5.2.1 (almost the same as the older model) is an excellent budget solution. Its specifications are: Processor TI OMAP 311 clocked at 126 MHz, 32 MB RAM (accessible to the user only 28 MB) audio subsystem with a microphone, speaker and headphone output. In order to save the developers had to sacrifice the Bluetooth-module and Standard Palm Universal Connector'om. Toward a new mini-USB connector instead of the usual cradle connects inexpensive synchronization cable. Belonging to the initial price level issues packaging handhelds - blister (as the youngest models in the Zire) and ascetic family traits that make a Tungsten E will know other relative near the famous fifth Palm. Ctoit Tungsten E will be $ 235. TT3 and TE will be available in multiples of "Computer on a palm" this week.

And the Zire 21 did not come ...

The reason that the novelty presented in the same day as the two above-mentioned PDA, "ignored" Moscow's presentation - the banal. Due to the low sales of its predecessor, Zire common in Europe and in Russia, in particular, the "baby" decided not to let the unfriendly markets. At home the same Penaty, USA, the most inexpensive in the whole history of the PDA Zire has broken all records for merchantability. Now their new Palm hopes ties with the twenty-first Zire, which differs from the relatives - OS version (it is the latest Operating System - Palm 5.2.1), memory (8 MB to 2 MB) and Texas Instruments OMAP processor clocked at 126 MHz (v. Motorola Dragonball EZ 16 MHz). However, the screen will have new items remained the same - a monochrome 160x160 pixels, 16 shades of gray. For all this, the developer still wants $ 99. If the CCP still gets to Russia, then the numbers will be added to the VAT and sales tax.

Again, the localization ...

To the surprise of journalists do not fall asleep at the end of presentations of new Palm representative with questions. Was again raised for discussion the problem of factory Russification PDA from Palm, but, of course, questioning received a negative answer. Say, did not think long and in the near future are not going to, because your own developers themselves coping well with the localization of handhelds. Continuing the theme of one of the reporters asked Ms. Hosack sort of seniority with the problems of Russification of handheld computers - in reply only got a sweet smile and expressive eyes ...:) PS So, after this stuff wait for reviews from one of the first owners of Palm Tungsten T3! The authors, translation: