Make a reservation at once, the computer Psion Revo or a complete copy of Diamond Mako are not my typewriter. Experience of my communication with her is reduced to the occasional "let hold" and "oh, what a thing". And because some of the conclusions may be wrong ... But my excuse is that, firstly, the computer I really like, and secondly, I am in no way want to offend either producers or sellers, or owners Revo (Mako). I only see this computer as a possible contender for my personal pocket, which today has one of the models of the family Pocket PC (not quite true, I use the Casio BE-300, which, applying the gastronomic metaphor, can be called "neither fish nor fowl" but with a noticeable bias towards the "meat ")...
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| Diamond Mako |
Psion computers can not attract the attention of the potential user of PDA, looking for a digital assistant. Quality of performance and functionality of the Psion does not need advertisement. Also at the moment is the only option purchase affordable keyboard machines, as computers class Handheld PC, such as Hewlett-Packard Jornada 720, stand as a budget laptop and their money, given the limitations of the operating system Windows CE, in general, not justify. On the other hand, the shortcomings of Revo written so much that did not have business with him can say with full confidence to self - is nonsense, and not a computer. Although the approval of this truth, nothing more than a glass of kefir alcohol (something that is there, but in very minute quantities). Try again look at and weigh all the cons as pros, and so on mean ...
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| Psion Revo Plus |
Computers Diamond Mako and Psion Revo Plus (the first model of Revo had half the amount of RAM - 8 MB to 16) are absolutely the same machine. They are manufactured in China have an identical appearance, hardware and software stuffing. Differ only in color and engraving of Russian letters on the keys (the Mako just changed location). But the differences in the cost of more than important - Mako stands on over a hundred dollars less than the Revo Plus.
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| Psion 5mx |
This is the first refinement. Second - why are we not asking prices for Psion 5mx. The computer is very good for business applications, perhaps ahead of Revo's head. But the price - also ahead. Compared with the Mako - almost doubled. That is, instead of one 5mx can purchase two Mako (then what to do with two computers, minor matters). And compared with the handheld should 5mx class Hi-end, with the most expensive and prestigious models ... We choose a computer in their pocket, not too expensive and practical ... Best to start with the facts of common knowledge. For example, in a statement that at the Revo (and, accordingly, Mako) not a very good screen - low resolution, and also without light. The truth is exactly fifty percent. That is the screen resolution at Revo and in fact less than half a Psion 5mx, but more than any Palm-size PC, namely - 480x160 pixels ("quarters" VGA). I dare to see it more than any Pocket PC, but the same 5mx keyboard and Handheld PC. Screen at Revo and Mako monochrome, with the ability to display 16 shades of gray. Compared with aktivnomatrichnymi color screens Pocket PC should look more than modest, although in reality looks very good.If it is a working window, the text on the screen, on the information lines, the color PDA hardly needed. Another thing - the game and view graphics. Here, no doubt, Pocket PC apart from the competition (although the new clones Palm - Pocket PC Sony - look at this plan are not less effective). But how often do we need such a function? Are the primitive games for PDAs spent on the computer with a color screen money? Rhetorical question. If the machine has developed a pocket multimedia capabilities, think about how they want it or not, is not necessary. If the game programs are in color, so ... we run them and have fun. And no, so no. Play (if they itch) to something more peaceful, intelligent (incidentally, for Psion intelligent toys such as chess, real-time strategy, role-playing games more than for other platforms - the screen can display a large area of playing field and a set of units at once). Still, Psion computers are mostly used for business than for fun, aided by some of the features of these machines - in particular excellent keyboard. But more about that below, and still talk about the screen. If placed next to any of the monochrome Palm `s and Revo, then the special strain to understand, whose picture is better, do not have to. In reflected light, the screen looks Revo contrast and clarity. Intelligibility problems in bright sunlight just does not exist. But in the twilight or total darkness the screen machine looks ... in any way. Its not at all seen as highlighting a Revo and Mako not. The owners of these machines solve the problem of the most basic way - get Torches ... I wonder what the designers thought Revo, creating a computer? CCP is most often used in the office, in transport - wherever possible to open the machine and, more or less settled, something to read or write. It's not a lawn, bathed in the sun, or even street. The street is easier to use Palm-size PC, which can hold in one hand and do not have to disclose (although the sun is difficult to discern color screens, especially not equipped with reflective light - like a Casio BE-300) ... The saddest thing is that the screen Revo and Mako can not read a book on a train, if the lamp lighting the individual is not working or it is not enough light for your eyes. In short, the lack of a substantial and hardly reparable (lantern - it still is not comme il faut). Another problem with low-end models from Psion and their clones - food. As the main source used here built NiMH battery, which is a pair of "AA-" AAA rechargeable cells. Why they did not interchangeable, as in the Psion 5mx? Why were these technological complexity? Lack of backup lithium battery to preserve memory contents PDA - saving a cheap. A container for replacement elements would occupy in the body Revo exactly the same space as occupied by two batteries. On this difficult to explain the lack of a constructive talk and busy Psion computer repair specialists. But experienced users are advised newcomers attentive to charge batteries, to avoid under-and overcharge and always use the program monitoring battery status. But I do not want to monitor the battery device. I just do not have to think about it. My job - to operate the machine two or three years, then in the studio to replace the worn out battery life, or to change the machine itself (it will probably be more rational). But make a fuss with the charge-discharge? .. No, too "is not comme il faut." They say the Revo Plus and copied from him Mako with batteries, the situation is better than the original Revo. Ostensibly there used some special scheme recharge the battery, which completely eliminates the problem ... But the conference of the Mako is full of questions premature failure of batteries. A Sites psayonistov - Restoration Council batteries ... Hence, there is a problem? Hence, batteries, and in fact the weakest part of these machines? As with no backlight, have nutritional problems have a simple solution - using an external battery pack that prolong the time of the Revo on the road and reduce the risk of danger to small nickel-metal hydride batteries recharge.Moreover, if the "advice seasoned" describes the makeshift construction site www.revo.ru, completely dedicated to Psion Revo and Diamond Mako (have materials and pro 5mx, but seemingly as a side, extra), offers a very inexpensive (from $ 10 or less) industrial battery pack in three different versions. This domestic production, but the dignity of its more than that. The battery pack can be useful to the owner of any PDA, including - and the Pocket PC, which allow higher hog. By the way, Revo important advantages over other handhelds can be attributed for a long time on battery. Due to absence of power-consuming backlight (a blessing in disguise), 10 hours of continuous operation Revo are not bold advertising hypothesis, and - a reality. As a user of handheld machine from Casio say this with ill-concealed sadness. My PDA does not work for longer than 4 hours. Alas ... A third, less obvious, but quite well-known disadvantage - as an extension of one of the obvious advantages Revo - collapsible enclosure of original design. Exiting the test base housing halves (screen and keyboard parts) - this is elegantly made, but still mechanical, and yes even a plastic unit. Accustomed to the absence of any mechanics on Palm-size PC (five buttons do not count), you begin to appreciate its strength. PDA must endure a variety of "bullying" and therefore enhanced survivability is welcome. Very common fault Revo and Mako - open line connecting the screen to the controller (cable buckles for each nomination halves of the computer) and the failure of the hinge to mount the screen and keyboard parts ... But this peculiarity of any folding machine - what can you do ... Now, about the merits of Revo and, naturally, Mako. The first and most striking - the keyboard. You know, it really can work. Not laying out on the table an external keyboard (both attachable for Palm and Pocket PC). Not adapting to a tiny plug a button, put on, and similar keyboards for Pocket PC. We only need to open machine and - type the text (figures and all that should be dialed by the PDA). A distinctive feature of Revo is almost no vertical key travel. According to the descriptions of curious users who have been my machine showdown, the keys have Revo and Mako are glued to the rubber base and are barely perceptible progress only at the top. The decision may seem controversial, but the keyboard tactile feedback allows for easy operation keys, and the nature of the work reminds psevdosensornye button. If the keys 5mx for clear response to press, making a certain movement, which is not too "musical" fingers leads to false positives neighboring keys, then the Revo picture is different. Revo have to press down the keys - in their upper part. Since there is no progress, and effort is required not so insignificant, then the positives surrounding the keys does not occur. In words, looks a bit cumbersome in practice - it is natural and even beautiful. Whether, in this case, the computer Psion Revo serve full pocket typewriter? Based on his brief experience confidently say - yes. Moreover, it is the only handheld device on which to work with text is really convenient - it is more convenient than a clever Psion 5mx (keyboard which my fingers are totally unsuitable unintelligent). I say this quite responsibly, knowing full well the lack of compact keyboards - combining some of the letter keys in the Russian layout. But the convenience of the keyboard hides the Revo as well. Quite easy to get used to. Working with text (to determine the exact - typing, fluent writing, which does not require vyiskivaniya each key and some acrobatic Exercise for getting into it with your finger) contributes to the docking station for syncing and charging Revo. In the expanded form of machine is a gracefully curved, and at the same time a little slender design. Inserting the computer into the dock, get a solid foundation that Revo (Mako), literally embraces the body, forming a single solid structure.
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If we compare the dock Revo with "crib" my BE-300 (any machine class Palm or Pocket PC), then we can say that the dock is like a good desktop devices (inkwell, lodgement, paperweights) and the "cradle" - cheap glass of a pencil. Revo inserting into the dock, you can work with the CPC, as if with a small desktop computer. On the computer as Palm-size, set in the "bed", it is convenient only to read but not write or run applications - have a bizarre way to turn out a hand ... However, the pocket-sized machine for such extravagances, and is not intended ... Another issue recurring in conversations about computers Revo and Mako - their principal nonexpanding and the lack of multimedia capabilities. That is what it is - a Mako, as well as in the Revo, you can not add memory - whatever that may be no slots ... But whether they are needed? 16 megabytes of RAM enough for the eyes, if you do not install everything in the program and does not clog your computer's memory code, which will not be read by, and databases that are not in demand ... But there will not be permanent, and often a waste of the increasingly high-capacity flash memory cards, the purchase of which, I know it is once again in my experience, it's hard to resist. With regard to multimedia talents of younger models Psion, for me the lack of a full-fledged player MP3 (some are already there, but it is rather self-indulgence than a player - not enough, not only memory but also the headphone output, and most importantly, power processor for high-quality decoding) is offset by an excellent implementation of the emulator ZX Spectrum. For these ancient computers written many programs that do not have enough lifetime to try them all in action. Thus completely eliminates the hassle of game software for Revo (free, because most of the native games are made to be good, but cost money). Two words about staffing programs Revo and Mako. These machines have an excellent text editor, Word, opportunities which will satisfy any person writing, including a professional. The same can be said about the spreadsheet and the web-page browser Opera. The latter need to install separately, it is a set of basic software is not included. And yet, why not Psion - in my particular case? Defining moments for me were the age of the platform - more interesting to deal with the new, gaining popularity only to the computer. And the absence of my laptop, serial and infrared ports. The word otherwise, synchronize Mako does not work, except that by different kinds of adapters, USB-COM or USB-iRDa. Neither one nor the other I'm not attracted. And the choice of the CPC was not made in favor of the Psion. Maybe you all will be different:) The authors, translation:
Nicholas Nadezhdin