Microsoft is preparing for us coming

Say "computers", we mean "Microsoft", right? So, anyway, believe most of our contemporaries with you. If the market will change, just as now (ie, Palm will take place), soon it will become true for handheld computers. Learn than it is now in the mobile computer giant is busy, what are the plans for the future, we helped Gold partner of Microsoft, the company "Quarta Technologies. - To begin, please say a few words about the company. How and when it was created, as you become a gold partner of Microsoft, why engaged in mobile development? - Initially, the company is "Quarta", formed in 1993, is developing a program for the accounting of the presidential administration, while another Yeltsin. In 1996, the company has grown into a group of companies (there are, say, "Quart - sensor technology" that deal with decisions based on sensor technology and touch screens). We - Quarta Technologies. Accordingly, since 1997, was immediately embarked on to become partners of Microsoft, a company engaged in e-commerce, selling software, solutions. And in 2001 the company came here and I have a new direction - unit was set up mobile development. I myself have a 1996 doing various Windows CE-cars and decisions. This trend is well served as the general direction of the company, and now occupies a quite respectable place in the overall structure. - And what the company is engaged in addition to mobile development? - There is division, which sells software, mostly from Microsoft and the companies that produce extensions and additions to various products Microsoft. In general, sellers and distributors. Another division has been developing business systems and e-commerce. And the third - we. - How do you become a partner of Microsoft? -Partnership with Microsoft was a strategic decision at the dawn of the company. "Quarta" became a partner of Microsoft, even in 1997 - Microsoft Certified Partner (if it was called Microsoft Solution Provider) - provider of solutions based on products and technologies from Microsoft. In 2000, the company has become - a gold partner of Microsoft. Since my arrival and the creation of a new trend appeared statuses Windows Embedded Partner, Mobile Solution Provider, and more. - Everyone knows that you do localization, but certainly also has other "mobile" projects ... - Well, the localization of not more than perhaps 20% of our business and in fact it is a much wider area - is the development of new devices. We are working with several OEM-producers, both Russian and foreign. For example, with all the known major Russian manufacturer of mobile devices Rover Computers Group. About Western can not speak, there is a problem. There is agreement that all the public appearances we are only together, so do not tell you. There is talk about the development of devices, firmware, drivers, different system applications ... - But the "hardware" we are not talking? - Sometimes, along with the developers of hardware, we solve the problem "at the crossroads." Tells developers how to efficiently and accurately solve a particular problem. - Where to start work on localization? - Well, let's say ... Our company has employees who were engaged in localization of all, when Microsoft released a Russian Microsoft Word 2.0 (PC). So in terms of localization, we have very experienced staff. As for mobile products, the first system of containment, which was made under my direction - "Russian Launch", ie Russian version of Windows CE 2.0-2.12. This product has not been packaged option for specific machines, this product is limited to OEM-producers, in addition to the development environment, Microsoft Platform Builder. - And why you did not pursue Russification Mitac Mio? - Why? We have made it. Question again in the strategy of our work. There are OEM-manufacturer, which built on this platform to produce the machine, for it Russification was made. - Can we call this OEM-manufacturer? - I think the problem is not here, this Rover Computers. - What is now engaged in projects especially in the area of ​​localization of handheld devices? Do you plan to deal with a new Mitac 338? - It is titled Mitac, definitely not.But based on or nearly on the basis of this model, several companies make their cars, some of them we work. Generally, there will be many different machines for different manufacturers, but understand that the Russian language and Russian markets, we do not limit ourselves. For example, an order for our technology from a European OEM. So I can, for example, show car, which nobody has ever seen and that has a chance to appear in Russia, although its target market - Latin America. We have developed for it all from scratch. - You - a gold partner of Microsoft. Does this mean that all such developments will be linked solely with the Pocket PC platform and future products of this company? - In fact, the situation is as follows. At this point, it is our priority platform ... Although for some reason, they forget that Microsoft has yet another mobile embedded system, called Windows XP Embedded. This is not an ordinary Windows XP, there is the same as the Windows CE component development environment. True if Windows CE itself "lives" on a heap of different processors, the Windows XP Embedded runs only with x86 processors, and allows you to create solutions that best approximate the functions of Windows XP Professional. But again, this is a separate development environment, and so on ... With her, we also work very hard. - Are there any "live" device on this operating system? - A lot! They were even in our country enough. We have one partner from Peter, who, for example, POS systems on it does. The OS Microsoft is positioning between the various Windows CE-devices, servers and desktops. It is designed for different classes of computers, from gaming consoles and finishing devices to authenticate to the network structures. Roughly speaking, where the need of some protection, work with multiple users, there is Windows CE gives up and runs Windows XP Embedded. Well, for example that the X-Box'e, this sort of derivative of Windows XP Embedded (plus multimedia extensions, plus the expansion of gambling). The requirements for this operating system a little more, the minimum version of the kernel is 30 MB, but at today's prices on flash-memory is quite possible to afford a full version of the kernel is almost the same as "a desktop" version of Windows XP. - Who does not like you asking about the future plans of Microsoft's mobile OS. When will the machines on the Windows CE 4.1, when the new version of Pocket PC? - By itself, Windows CE 4.1 is already there, OEM-producers can do on her PDA, but the Pocket PC based on it and never will be. The new Pocket PC will be built on a new kernel, which is still code-named McCendrik, I do not know how he will be called: 4.2, 5.0 ... This will be further developed line of 4.0, 4.1, and it will also be available as a Platform Builder for developers as 3.0. But in general, with the shell, and applications will be called Pocket PC 2003, Pocket PC 2004 or something like that. As far as I know, they still own about the name not exactly solved. - And some terms are known? - OEM-producers at the next CeBIT, is likely to show prototypes of machines, and by the end of summer to autumn, such PDAs have already appeared for sale. OEM'y will receive software for prototyping somewhere in January or February to March to the prototypes were ready. - What, in your opinion, is caused by the failure of Smartphone 2002? Because we all know of a case with Sendo, which is a long, long agony, collected, but as a result refused to release the smartphone OS maykrosoftovskoy ... - It is hard to evaluate ... I can only express my personal opinion. In my opinion, there are several reasons. First of all, not a very good concept. She is too weighted phone, but gave no significant functionality. It seems to me closer to the ideal Pocket PC Phone Edition. And secondly, rendering the unwillingness OEM-manufacturers. In my dialogue with representatives of several Taiwanese manufacturers of mobile devices (namely, there is most of the machines) found that there are problems with the supply of processors that are powerful enough to pull the Smartphone 2002, and the other would consume too much energy. There is criticism on the work of power management, in general, a lot of "okolotehnologicheskih" problems. Roughly speaking, it turned out that the requirements of OSes and the possibility of bad hardware interfaced with each other.As far as I know, Microsoft is conducting a very active "work on the bugs, and most likely will be some new platform. The situation will be something like a Pocket PC. Now inside the Smartphone 2002 is spinning Windows CE 3.0, but with the transition to the new kernel, along with the Pocket PC 2003 (let's call it so) will be designed Smartphone on the same core. It's easier for developers - a single API, the portability of programs ... - There is some public information about the "mobile" plans for Microsoft? - Soon to be released is another pretty big update for Pocket PC 2002. It relates to the fact that in mid-December came the final release of Compact Framework, so he will be integrated into the Pocket PC 2002. Again, if this update actually appears to be strongly dependent on OEM-manufacturers. For example: update to Windows Media Player has been available OEM'am, if not mistaken, on August 14. But Compaq (ie HP) posted his November 29. Accordingly, between the output of update for developers and users is a lot of time. To reduce this gap all the time, Microsoft told partners, as necessary, as this is useful, in particular, corporate customers, it is important to release an update soon. With the Compact Framework to all lead such an example: an application that performs some business task (for example, fills the bill), running on the desktop, and immediately, without recompiling transferred to the mobile device and works there. Yes, it may be deleted some additional functionality, yes, you need to carefully use the zoom windows. But, nevertheless, Compact Framework - an opportunity to make an application that will work both there and here, retaining virtually 100% of investment in developing solutions. A related and a new distribution system for applications (for her we also had a hand), for example, through a network of mobile operators. Say, a mobile operator orders the development of an application, well, such as network games and toys then available as a phone or smartphone, and with desktops, and devices with Pocket PC, connected to a network. - What else in terms of mobile development deals with Microsoft? - Another area that we particularly engaged in this smart-displays, what used to be called MIRA. OEM, working in partnership with Microsoft, is able to adapt the system to their device in a fairly wide range. Each manufacturer their views about the functionality of the future devices, here we are dealing with such developments. - And how do you see the Russian market prospects of devices such as, for example, airpanel 100 from ViewSonic? - It is in this scenario, I slightly believe in its success, but in fact at the same ViewSonic is a model that fully meets the specifications Smart Display. It is, as far as I know, will deliver to the U.S. in late January and in Europe and Russia at the end of the first quarter of next year. And anyway, I think, in the corporate sphere more relevant Tablet PC. And in the home ViewPad, with its limited functionality, are also unlikely to take hold. People who can afford such a device, of course, have a computer and give them an opportunity to have a mobile monitor is most likely to be much more interesting. We tested several such devices. One simply amazed ample opportunities in multimedia. Say, the desktop turns DVD-movie, and you can lie on the couch and watch the movie on the wireless display. There's a magnificent 15-inch display with Touch Screen, and this device will be available to us, probably sometime in April. As for the name, his name while it is impossible, since there was no commercial advertisements of the product. I think you'll hear it themselves in the near future - painful problem neoptimizirovannosti Pocket PC 2002 under the new processor XScale. Microsoft will do something about it? - First, let us return to the story. Now the whole maykrosoftovsky software is maintained at ARM v4. In XScale running ARM v5.Estimates have been made that an easy transition from v4 to v5 gives meager performance gains, but it lost compatibility with StrongARM processors, and others like the same TI OMAP or Motorola MX1, with ARM-processors, Samsung, which is now actively trying to break into the market for Pocket PC devices (in the recently announced models of smartphones have options and XScale, and on its own processor). So Microsoft took a purely marketing decision. Again, pull the disparate platforms because of the very small performance boost ... especially when you can just cheat megahertz. - That is not even the optimization gives a significant gain? - Gain error correction allows the processor. I will not reveal a big secret (Intel, the truth may be offended), if I say that in earlier editions of XScale processors had problems with the work of cache memory. I explain. As we know, Intel processors have such a thing as a "stepping", that is practically processor version. In processors, as in all "okoloprogrammnyh" cases, there are mistakes. Due to some bugs in early versions of processors could not include cache memory mode writeback, which allows you to maximize productivity. Although again the time goes, the producers are working on the bugs and I've already seen the fall of the exhibition, like Hewlett Packard showed the new cars the 39th series, where it was noticeable performance gains, even compared to previous releases. And what about new? As far as I know, the entire 54th series processors is at least version C0 with bug fixes and will run even faster. Now producers are engaged in cooperation with Intel CPU-optimized video drivers and multimedia modules, which already allows increasing the speed of these machines without cheating megahertz and losses in energy conservation. To this end, Intel has released a special package of Intel Performance Primitives for the StrongARM processor family and XScale. - It was recently announced the release of multiple graphics accelerators for handheld ... Someone planning to use them? - Yes, already in full. I can show the machine, which uses the accelerator from MediaQ ... - This is who has the hardware is able to accelerate playback of DivX? - Well, it's unlikely ... there is only some functions of acceleration output video picture on screen [after a few days it became clear that this machine Rover PC P5 - Ed.]. In the Toshiba e740 accelerator built ATI Imageon, while there problemki with drivers and with the support of his functions in toys, but this is only a matter of time and established standards. In particular, the new Pocket PC, which will work on a new kernel, some functionality will be "desktop" 9 th DirectX. To be able to work quietly with accelerators. - That is Quake 3 on a handheld computer - is not out of the realm of fantasy? - No, this is not a fantasy, but relatively close reality. Almost all of the company's latest exhibition showed new accessories for the new Pocket PC, for example, such as different variants of mobile drive designed to play DVD. This raises the question of performance - we need new processors and new accelerators (the processor will read from a mapped drive and decrypt data, and the accelerator will display the image on the screen). But about the graphics accelerators in the budget typewriters should be forgotten. - Tell us about your project with Mobile TeleSystems ... - Actually, this project is Microsoft, we speak just as their partner. And accordingly, for detailed comments excellent contact Microsoft directly, but I can only say that this project can also try a solution for integrating enterprise information systems with the services of a mobile operator. As far as I know, connected to several corporate clients and all this hard test. The main thing that a corporate client receives - is mobile access to e-mail, schedules, calendars ... The test machines used by HTC (design, which is known under the brand names O2, T-Mobile) and Hewlett Packard H3970. With regard to commercial exploitation, I do now, I can not say yes and no right. I'd better tell you about another one of our project. We still have one, just have a massive project that is associated with cellular operators. It consists of different pieces, since getting a mobile device of various information data, ending with network games.In the near future for more information about this project can be found on our website www.pocketpc2002.ru. The authors, translation:

Nokia 9210: The Inside Story

Nokia 9210 can without exaggeration be called one of the most anticipated devices of 2001. Despite the fact that he appeared quite long ago (in July), the interest in this model is still very high. However, it is not surprising - in fact today an equivalent device has not released any other manufacturer of mobile devices! This enabled Nokia 9210 to become rekordsemenom sales in the 3 quarter of 2001, leaving far behind all its competitors. But still, what caused so much interest it is to this model, because Nokia has already released communicators ("hybrid" cell phone and PDA) before - remember the model 9000 and 9110. Perhaps, the predecessors of the Nokia 9210 can say that they are ahead of their time. Indeed, it is only in recent years have seen a surge of activity of users of cellular networks and a sharp increase in demand for mobile access to the Internet. But back to the Nokia 9210. So, what is of itself a device? Communicator - a sort of "hybrid" cell phone and PDA. However, to say so - to say nothing. It is not just about combining in a single case of two devices, but a very tight integration among themselves. A simple example: You open the address book to find out the phone of a friend. Finding the right phone, you are a single keystroke can send a short message (SMS), send a fax or simply call - and this does not need to use the numeric keypad. Comfortable? Absolutely! I do not want to bore the reader unnecessary technical details, so I very briefly touch on "stuffing" Nokia 9210.

• Phone: dual-band phone standard GSM, 900/1800 MHz. Standard features - reception-sending of short messages, a list of all calls, infrared, data transmission
• Computer: CPU ARM9, 12MB flash ROM, 8MB of memory (RAM), 4MB internal drive (flash memory), the expansion at the expense of additional memory card MMC / SD. Screen 640x200 pixels (not a touchscreen), 4096 colors. Built-in microphone and speaker. Serial (RS-232) and infrared ports. Operating system: Symbian OS Release 6.0, version of Crystal.

The box with the communicator is also a cable for connection to a desktop computer via serial port, a charger and a CD with the software. Nokia 9210 uses a new version of the operating system Symbian OS (formerly known as EPOC 32) - 6.0, the version of Crystal. Symbian - a consortium organized by the leading manufacturers of mobile devices to create a robust and open platform for next-generation devices - smartphones and communicators. Crystal - a prototype of the keyboard device, designed primarily by Nokia. In Symbian OS there is a division into categories of devices: Quartz - keyboardless devices with integrated cellular phone, according to the form similar to a Palm or PocketPC, Crystal - keyboard communicators and Pearl - the so-called smart phones, in essence - a very "advanced" phones (an example of such phone can serve as recently announced by Nokia model 7650). All categories use a common core, the differences mostly limited to the user interface and, of course, screen sizes, the presence / absence of the keyboard, etc. Symbian OS (EPOC 32) is well-known users of handheld computers and the British company Psion has established itself as an extremely reliable, easy to use and unpretentious operating system. From the programmer's perspective, this system is also unique in many respects - primarily due to reasonableness on all interfaces. Symbian OS was originally designed specifically for mobile devices with all the limitations of these devices - such as small amounts of memory, low power consumption, etc. In addition, the system was designed so that on this basis it was possible to create absolutely any device without any restrictions on the user interface. Externally, the Nokia 9210 is virtually identical to its predecessor - Nokia 9110. True, the color of the device was elegant silver, and some external changes (eg, the form of buttons) makes the device very stylish and modern. However, the design has always been a strong point of Nokia. When closed, the device is somewhat similar to cell phones mid-90's - thanks to, in general, a rather big size. But it is necessary to open the lid as soon realize that you hold in hand to achieve the most advanced technology! By the way, whatever the skeptics say - to use the Nokia 9210 phone as a very, very comfortable. Large buttons make dialing easy, and when the conversation is no fear that the phone is accidentally fall through the ear ;-) Extremely useful function "Speakerphone" - if in the course of conversation open the computer, the device automatically switches over to use dynamics. This allows, for example, to quickly write down a phone number or address, which dictated the source. Nokia 9210 does not support actively introduced in the current standard-speed data transfer GPRS, but it supports HSCSD (High Speed ​​Circuit-Switched Data). Unlike GPRS, HSCSD allows data transfer rate constant, as the phone is essentially constant (although it may not be used), several voice channels (GPRS uses only free channels only when necessary and only if they have one). The advantage of HSCSD is more stable as a compound, but the technology is more expensive because the user pays for the connection time, rather than actual traffic. In Russia, HSCSD technology is introduced, for example, the operator North-West GSM in St. Petersburg. The standard approach for most mobile devices - placing the operating system and embedded applications in neperezapisyvaemoy memory (ROM), and the Nokia 9210 is no exception. Operating system and most embedded applications are available in flash ROM, which allows you to update the system as new versions - this habitual users of modern mobile phones. However, some system applications available on the internal hard drive (available) and memory card. On the one hand, it is convenient because the user can update some applications without having to carry the device to a service center. On the other hand, when replacing the memory card, these applications must be reinstalled from scratch, which is not very convenient if you polzuete multiple cards. Sometimes it seems that Nokia's just decided to save a little on the amount of built-in flash ROM. It is also not clear what guided the developers, when limiting the amount of RAM 8 MB (though at the time of the development of a standard volume is considered 16MB), 4 of which, incidentally, immediately "eaten off" system to fit their needs. Total for user programs is only 4 MB! This is clearly not enough, despite the fact that the system is very undemanding application to memory. But try to download, for example, a large Microsoft Word document in a text editor - and you'll understand what I mean. If simultaneously running multiple applications such as Word or Sheet, do not be surprised to see the message "Not enough memory". It is fair to say that to solve the problem is often simply close some not used in the present application. Causes a lot of complaints system stability with the first "commercial" version of firmware 3.18. Alas, apparently felt that the developers took the time to release the device "in light" - because the original firmware version was full of weird problems. Which is interesting - every user problems arose their own, absolutely not similar to everyone else. Kind of "device with character." Fortunately, released soon version 3.54 worked much more stable. The current version 3.62 has practically not satisfactory - extremely stable. The good news is that the firmware update by a Nokia service center for free (for devices that legally imported into Russia).The owners of handheld computers are likely familiar with this concept as "hard reset" (hard reset). Every owner of a handheld device at least once in their lives, but passed through it - for example, if you fully discharge all batteries. The Nokia 9210 is no battery backup, but all data is stored in nonvolatile flash memory, so no data is lost even if the battery is discharged completely. However, it may happen that the device "freezes" and does not react to external influences. In this case it is necessary to disconnect the battery and plugging it back, which is not very convenient. The majority of handheld computers for this purpose there is a special reset button. But suppose that the reset has not helped, and the device has not returned to normal - it is very unlikely, but anything can happen. Then we need to reformat the internal drive of your computer by pressing a special key combination when you reboot, then reinstall the system applications. Nokia 9210 screen - not touch. However, it is typical for all communicators Nokia. Instead of a touch screen, a special panel of four buttons that perform different commands depending on the application and context. Device management is carried out with the keyboard. I must admit that after a touch-screen devices, I had strong doubts about the convenience of working with Nokia 9210 (I have long enjoyed the Psion 5mx). However, the fears proved groundless - are so well thought out interface. The only downside delivers cursor key - it is designed as a kind of "joystick", and sometimes it is easy to click the wrong arrow. The image on the screen is very clear and sharp. In the sunlight it certainly pales, however, is still readable. LCD backlight allows you to work even in total darkness, as well illuminates the keyboard. The keyboard is quite comfortable, although of course the book on it not be helped. But the iron-iron and work something comes with software .. What prompts the user to Nokia 9210? This is a very broad set of applications is practically on all occasions:

• Home (Desktop). This is the first application that the user sees after the first start Nokia 9210. Here you can quickly write a text note. Extremely convenient, for example, when you need to quickly write some information such as phone number or address. However, here there is a hypothetical risk of writing too many of these "notes" and most of them are lost. Also on the desktop, you can create "labels" (links) for frequently used documents, so as not to look for them every time over the entire disk.
• Telephone (Phone). Allows you to use all functions on the phone - to view call history, set up different settings of the phone and the network, the ability to call any number from the phonebook or SIM-card, conference calling and much more.
• Messaging (Messaging). Very powerful email program. Can be used to send / read SMS, fax, e-mail. Due to close integration with the contacts of a recipient and sending messages is done with just one click!
• Internet (Web) - Web-and WAP-browsers for the Internet. Web-browser that supports HTML 3.2 and Java-applets.
• Contacts (Contact Us). Excellent and very functional address book. Ability to maintain multiple databases with different fields, set the template for new contacts, create, edit and delete your contacts, add new fields. A nice feature - the ability to insert photos. Contacts are very closely integrated with the "telephone" part of the device - for example, contact lists from any database, you can view and phone mode.
• Calendar (Diary). Extremely powerful and user-friendly application. Several different modes (day / week / month / year, to do lists, holidays), various reminders, the opportunity to ask for repetition of events.
• Word - a full-featured text editor. All sorts of text formatting, templates, styles, inserting objects such as tables in the text - in short, all the features of desktop editors!
• Sheet - a great spreadsheet that supports various mathematical and other functions.Finally added support for multiple sheets.
• Presentation Viewer (View Presentation) - a program that allows you to view Microsoft PowerPoint files directly on the Nokia 9210!
• File Manager (File Manager) - analog Explorer (Explorer) in Windows. Review directories and files on your computer, do any of the files.
• Clock (Clock) - base of cities around the world showing the current time in a selected city, its area code, the difference from Greenwich Mean Time, distance to it from the host city, etc. Ability to set audio alerts, reminders at any time.
• Calculator (Calculator) - a nice calculator with two modes: normal, which is available only basic steps with numbers such as multiplication and division, and science - with logarithms and sines.
• Cell broadcast (Newsletter). In GSM cellular networks it is possible to organize the so-called mailing (broadcast) on various topics - for example, the movement of free transport, etc. You can "subscribe" to a particular topic and receive informational messages. As far as I know, in Russia this service by any of the cellular operators are not implemented.
• Data Mover (Data Transfer) - allows for the transfer of all documents and settings from Nokia 9110 to 9210 (for example, if you bought a new device and want to painlessly transfer all data to a new device).
• Help (Help) - context-sensitive help system for most applications of the communicator.
• Imaging (Photo) - application for working with digital camera. You can receive pictures from the camera via infrared and organize them into "albums".
• Voice Recorder (voice recorder). Allows you to record sound from a microphone into a file and play sound files. WAV. Unfortunately, Nokia 9210 has no external control keys, voice recorder, although the previous models were.

One of the unique features of office applications, the Nokia 9210 is to work with documents of Microsoft Office. Thus, we obtain, for example, by e-mail document in MS Word, you can access and view it directly on your device, and if necessary - to make changes, save in the same format and send it by mail as an attachment! This is extremely convenient if you often have to deal with attached files in the formats of MS Office. True, it is necessary to make a reservation - the small screen is still not very conducive to working with large documents. Nor should we expect from the Nokia 9210 full compatibility with desktop files - for example, macros are not supported in the language of Visual Basic (which is quite natural, because the interpreter is the property of Microsoft, which develops its more than one year). However, in that there is a plus - will not run any macro, so popular in recent years and brought a lot of trouble to many people. CD-ROM are also additional applications such as games and some useful utilities. Currently, a large number of companies developing software for Nokia 9210. Already created a variety of applications - games, navigation systems, MP3-players and video files, and more. One of the pressing issues for Russian users is the support of the Russian language. Nokia 9210 has built in support of the Russian language, but the company MakTsentr in collaboration with the Moscow branch of Nokia Mobile Phones has a portfolio full Russian localization for Nokia 9210 Communicator - "Elbrus 9210". Thanks to "Elbrus 9210", the user can fully operate the device in Russian language. Provides support for most Russian-language character sets to the Internet and e-mail, and also carried out translation of all the built-in applications into the Russian language. "Elbrus 9210" has the official status of "Nokia OK". Finally I would like to touch on the Nokia 9210 work with a desktop computer. CD-ROM contains a special program PC Suite for Nokia 9210 Communicator, you can work with the communicator as with a regular desktop drive.All of the files are done by the explorer (Windows Explorer) in the usual way. Also, when using PC Suite you can back up data from your device to a desktop computer, sync contacts, mail and calendar with a "desktop" applications such as Microsoft Outlook. Installing additional applications may also be implemented with a desktop computer. Alas, when using the serial port (RS-232) data rate is low, therefore, to copy large amounts of data (eg from a memory card) it is better to use an external card reader, connected to the PC - it will significantly speed the backup process. By the way, no problems with Russian names of files (typical of previous versions of Symbian OS) at work does not arise. To summarize. Nokia 9210 Communicator - the device only interesting and convenient. It will have on the disposition and man accustomed to work a lot with e-mail and the Internet, and lover of communication via SMS. Unfortunately, not too small price of this device is actually making it accessible only to a certain range of users for whom this is more image thing. Let's hope that eventually this situation will change and the device will no longer be regarded as something unusual - like we already do not pay much attention to the man with the mobile phone. The authors, translation:

Pretec company and its products: unique flash card 2-in-1, MPEG4-camera, GSM / GPRS module for PDAs, etc

Yesterday the Moscow office MakTsentr visited a friendly visit by representatives of the American company Pretec, the world leader in flash memory cards with capacity from 16 MB to 6 GB (!), Unique accessories and peripherals for handheld computers. Recall that during last year's CeBIT 2002 MakTsentr signed an agreement with Pretec the right to exclusive distribution of its products in Russia. Since then, the Russian Internet zone operates the official website of the company (www.pretec.ru), and MakTsentr promptly deliver to the Russian market the latest solutions from Pretec. So, at the November Comdex Fall'2002 exhibition in Las Vegas, Pretec has demonstrated expansion cards Compact Flash memory record at the time of - 1 GB, 1.5 GB, 2 GB and 3 GB, and in January, new items have appeared on sale in Moscow shops network "The computer in the palm." On the following days ago CeBIT 2003 MakTsentr received the award as a distributor of products of this company's fastest-growing business. Our American guests Gordon Yu, president of the Pretec and Ruby Wang, director of sales, have minimized its program in Moscow, decided to limit to one day stay. However, after negotiations that took place in MakTsentr we were able to interview them. Despite his busy schedule, our guests willingly shared with us information, including confidential. HPCru: Give you prefer any operating system for PDAs, releasing their products? Which platform considered the most promising in terms of expansion cards? Gordon Yu: Yes. We mainly focus on devices based on Pocket PC, Pocket PC 2002 and the upcoming version of the OS, Pocket PC 2003. Therefore, at this point prefers Standard Secure Digital as the best prospect for Pocket PC devices and peripherals, respectively, on its basis, that is SDIO-products. Though can not help but note the importance of cheapest and most frequent Compact Flash. At the moment, Pretec offers a complete range of devices and expansion cards, memory form factor CF. But in the end (Mr. Gordon Yu sly smile - approx. HPCru), with the Symbian operating system has a great future, and therefore again a reference to keep on SD and SDIO-card. HPCru: In this case, namely SD form-factor, you are giving the greatest preference, considered the most promising? Gordon Yu: While preference Sompact Flash as a less expensive form factor, but now we are gradually moving to SD. Recently, we expect to begin selling a large number of enhancements based on SD. Among them - the digital camera on an expansion card memory standard Secure Digital (takes pictures at 640x480 pixels - approx. HPCru), presented at the CeBIT 2003, prezentatsionnny complex on an SD card or USB-key chains series iDISK, which can also "work with" CF or SD-cards. In general, we have a range of innovative products. This so-called multifunction cards based on the CF, that is, devices such as "2-in-1, combining, say, GPRS-module and 128 MB memory card, Bluetooth-GPS-transmitter and receiver or the same GPS-receiver and a 128 MB memory card. New items are compatible with Pocket PC devices and some Palm'ami. In the second half of 2003 we plan to issue cards GPRS + Bluetooth and GPRS +802.11 b. And the aforementioned module GPRS + 128 MB memory card will appear as soon as possible.HPCru: How does the impact versatility of these cards at their price? Gordon Yu: As with any innovative product launches, initially a lot of functional maps will be costly. In the future all depends on the situation in the PDA market. They will drop naturally over time. HPCru: Does Pretec initiative "SDIO Now!", Which pushed the company BSquare? (Recall that now the majority of models Pocket PC support SDIO, but this does not mean that any card in this format will be compatible with SDIO-palm. To remedy this situation the company has decided to BSQUARE, throwing a cry - "SDIO Now!" BSQUARE offers to all interested in the development of SDIO producers to join its program and to bring their adapters and PDAs to some common standard. Ideally, the participants of this program will produce a fully compliant products and, thus, that the joint work of cards and handhelds do not even need to install additional drivers . The project has already appeared the first very eminent supporters. For example, the communicator Samsung i700 and the entire PDA HP iPAQ 39xx fully support the program SDIO Now! From the producers of compact peripherals to support the program were Veo, MARGI, Socket Communications with its Wi-cards Fi SD and others. Just the other day about his involvement and said Seiko Instruments with Toshiba. - approx. HPCru) Gordon Yu: Yes, supports and, moreover, we are very enthusiastic about this initiative the company BSquare, which has already picked up many PDA makers and developers periphery. Here's just a pity will be if "SDIO Now!" not approve of Microsoft. In this case, most likely in this initiative will be to put a cross. HPCru: Do you expect to lower prices for CF-cards of large volumes, which are sold already and we have in Russia? I mean, 1 GB, 1.5 GB, 2 GB and 3 GB memory card. Gordon Yu: Yes, of course. In the near future is the bulk of the available expansion cards, RAM 3 GB Compact Flash-valued cheaper at $ 500, through the issuance of cards with capacity of 6 GB (its price - $ 7,499), we presented at CeBIT 2003. 3GB of memory will cost only $ 1999:) HPCru: What Next> abroad in terms of memory, which Pretec going to win? Gordon Yu: Well, in all probability, as it usually happens every year, double the amount of memory, and it will be 12-valued GB Compact Flash card. HPCru: Then, in all likelihood, be doubled and its price? ;) Gordon Yu: Well, not to talk about it a little early (laughs - approx. HPCru). Anyway, with the release of this card will drop like 3GB and 6GB flash. You know, release of such products - it is rather a demonstration of technologies, the level of a particular company. Pretec CF output for a 6 GB - it is an opportunity to tell the world: "Yes, we can do it. We have reached such heights." Because our company at the moment really is a world leader, and a large wall due to the development of flash memory such capacity. HPCru: As soon as the products presented at CeBIT, namely - multifunction expansion card, the camera Pretec DV-4200 with the ability to create video clips in MPEG4, a presentation set in the SD card, and many others will be on sale? Gordon Yu: A large part - in the next month, that is, deliveries will begin in April. Although we have presented so many new products at CeBIT, what exactly is on each of them a specific date to call it is difficult, simply due to lack of time. HPCru: For a very long time rumors about the output of GSM / GPRS-module for the Pocket PC from Pretec in connection with the recent increased interest in such products. Are you planning to release it? Gordon Yu: probably had in mind our GPRS-module. We represented a further CeBIT'e 2001 (Class 2) and another one on CeBIT'2002 year, but these products are unlike most others from Pretec has not yet gone on sale. This is due to difficulties in certification of these devices. This year, at a recent exhibition, we again presented the GSM / GPRS-module on the card Compact Flash. C to help your handheld into a mobile terminal or telephone for data transmission of all types - voice, fax, SMS, Internet content, e-mails. CompactGPRS (as it is called - approx. HPCru) operates in the mobile network standard GSM / GPRS (class 10) at frequencies 900/1800/1900 MHz. The module is compatible with most Pocket PC devices and palmovymi PDA. Is powered by its own battery, saving energy device. We hope that as soon as the blow will be certified, it will appear on the market. HPCru: How do you assess the prospects for Russian PDA market? As far as it is of interest for Pretec? Gordon Yu: The entire Russian market represents for us a company MakTsentr, with which we are certainly very pleased to be working:). Russia - a vast country that needs a lot of effort to reach the market. In this difficult matter, we rely on our distributors, MakTsentr having dealer network in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in other large Russian cities. We hope for fruitful cooperation and will do everything we can to provide Russian customers quality solutions Pretec. The authors, translation:

"Pill" for all diseases the computer industry

Offer you the translation of the most interesting articles from the site TheFeature, dedicated to the idea of actively promotiruemoy Microsoft release a mobile Tablet PC Tablet PC. November 11 head of Microsoft's Bill Gates, standing in front of 11 thousand audience Comdex show in Las Vegas and clutching his head over the tablet the size of the book, said publicly that the future of personal computing. «PC are available to all, - he told his audience, - Tablet also the most advanced PC technologies and make a PC completely mobile. Personally, I use my tablet each day as a regular PC. Tablet PC - a PC, virtually has no limits - and five years later, I'm sure he will be one of the most popular computers ever sold in America. " The last person to trigger the same noise when demonstrating signs crowd of people, was Moses. So Gates presented bezklaviaturnoe devices with wireless capabilities. He showed a special version for the Tablet PC - Groove (software to interact in real time) and AutoDesk CAD, as well as proprietary software Microsoft, allows you to send handwritten messages. It was the second consecutive year, when Gates Comdex'e touted their wares. However, at least, this year, but the words were still something more substantial. According to Microsoft, more than a dozen major computer manufacturers are developing Tablet PC.

Why tablet?

The very idea of ​​tablet PC seems to be very tempting. People use their hands to manipulate objects in the truest sense of the word. The keyboard and mouse are also removed his hands from the objects on the screen that you manage. You must correctly position the fingers on the keyboard, and constantly check in what place the cursor. On the other hand, the stylus and touch screen allows you to directly follow the objects on display. For example, the process of drawing on the tablet PC is very similar to painting on cave walls, that is a favorite way for thousands of years. The only difference is that instead of paint do you use the stylus that transmits a computer radio, so that the latter "knew" in what place the stylus is located. Tablet PC is ideal for students and office workers who need to take notes, for example, at meetings or classes. Unlike laptops, you do not have to use the keyboard. Just put it down and write on its screen, like an ordinary paper notepad. Later with the help of special software you can convert written text into machine, which can easily be printed or send copies via e-mail.

Not just a great PDA

At first glance, tablet PC like PDAs Palm or Pocket PC, only much larger. Moreover, Microsoft scrambles to protect users from such thoughts. In handheld Pocket PC, there is one common problem - their operating system and applications represents a decrease of "compromise" version of their big sisters. Windows CE - it's not a real Windows, even if outwardly they look like. People always want to have all their devices to "talk" the same language, that they did. So Microsoft and assures everyone that the operating system tablet PC (called the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition) allows you to work with the same programs as on a standard PC Windows.Microsoft and hardware manufacturers want to force users to think of the Tablet PC as their primary computer, rather than just a mobile assistant that could synchronize with your desktop PC. Maybe this is the ring of common sense, because quite attached to the tablet PC external keyboard and you get a full laptop. Preimage tablet PC - a sheet of paper, and the prototype stylus - a pen or pencil. It should be borne in mind that in the opinion of Microsoft, engaged in Tablet PC, the daily notes should be recorded, and their slogan - "Leave ink as ink". This means that if you write something on the board or paper record will remain exactly in the form in which you left it. Naturally, the tablet will be able to move everything in the print version, but do it immediately is not necessary. According to some analysts, one reason for the failure of Apple Newton was an automatic handwriting recognition. Device each time a user is writing something, and tried without delay to decode words. Therefore, the result was often very funny. Proposal "Meet client for lunch" (to meet customers for lunch) could well turn into a "Melt clown pun hunts" (pun melted clown). This could hardly have many like it, besides, of course, the poets - the experimenters. In the tablet PC all in another. The records are stored in their original form - with spelling errors, notes, drawings, etc. (The downside of this is the impossibility of carrying out the search - to find the correct sentence in the text have to watch it all). Opportunities stylus is beyond the means for drawing or records. In fact, it's digital ink that can be manipulated ad infinitum. For example, you can edit the ordinary printed text as if you were to use pen for taking notes on the printed document. With the Tablet and stylus, all changes will be made directly in the text.

Ten for one

So, ten PC manufacturers plan to produce tablet PC with specifications Microsoft, including NEC, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Compaq and Acer. Moreover, even though Microsoft makes such statements, the company still will not produce tablet PC itself. Bill Gates has long promised that he would not engage in "iron" business. Of course, he broke it in the case of the Xbox, but it is absolutely certain that the production of tablets will be avoided. Microsoft just sketched specs and gave a license to use original equipment manufacturers, designers and marketers. No one is announcing future price tablets, but according to some manufacturers, it will be about the same price as the average laptop. Tom Bernhard, director of marketing at Fujitsu, believes that the tablet PC - the next stage in the evolution of personal computers. According to him, laptops are very convenient for those businessmen who travel a lot, but some are useless in the "sedentary." With the Tablet PC can even work standing up, for example, when you stand in the queue. The first representative of the tablet PC will appear in the second half of this year. In March of 2001. Transmeta Corporation announced plans to develop with the Microsoft processor with low power consumption for tablets. Family of processors from Transmeta Crusoe slightly lower operating temperature than chip companies Intel, Motorola or AMD. Also, a high number of software vendors, including Adobe, Corel, and Autodesk, announced the development of new applications or special versions of existing for tablet PC. But there is a significant player who is absent among the producers of future tablets, probably, to the regret Microsoft. This is the world's largest PC manufacturer - a company Dell. According to its president, marketing research companies have shown that users do not approve tablet'ov. True, Dell is well known as a company, following the general trend in the industry, but not as an innovative company. Therefore, it is possible that, if the leadership of Dell sees the success of the first manufacturers of tablets, the company will join a number of them later.

Do they take the upper hand?

However, Dell has its own point of view. Indeed, since a bad keyboard or trackpad input information? Many people can not stand the stylus.Supporters of same tablet PC as an argument to give that a laptop is very inconvenient opening screen, which serves as a barrier when you use it during meetings, and that the constant clatter of the keyboard annoys people. According to them, tablet PC as innocuous as a piece of paper. Although in reality, far from it. Imagine the attention you attract to yourself by coming to the usual weekly meeting with the Tablet PC at your fingertips. But in any case, Microsoft and its partners are doing their work independently. Many companies, including Microsoft, over the past ten years, spent millions of dollars to create a successful model of tablet PC, but failed. The very first device, for example, GRiDPad (introduced in 1989), suffered a heavy, clunky design and a very low power. Even more elegant GRiD 2260, equipped with original drop-down keyboard (developed by the founder of Palm Pilot Jeffrey Hawkins), was unable to attract sufficient attention to survive. Therefore, business users do not want nothing to do with the tablets. They enjoy the notoriety. Microsoft is promising that today's tablet will be completely different. While one can only say that the batteries are much better than those who were ten years ago. Yes, and production technology displays varies with LCD (liquid crystal) on the OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). Unlike LCD, which is necessary lighting display, obtained from the power source, OLED screens themselves generate their own light, so their work requires much less energy. In addition, RAM and hard disk drives today have a much greater volume. Another important feature of today's tablet PC is their ability to work with wireless internet. The question arises - who is more in need of such devices - users or computer manufacturers themselves? At present, the past experience the first strong decline in production since 1986, and naturally they are looking for ways out of it. Of course, maybe it's more and raise the level of PC sales, but the main cause of the decline likely is the fact that people are just happy with the existing systems and do not want to change them. Sources, Materials:

Shunyaev not put off till tomorrow

We bring to your attention the favorites fragments of curious article published in "The Secret of the firm." It tells about the history, present day and the prospects for development of new powerful players of the domestic market of mobile computers - the company Rover Computers. The above passages are devoted to our vision for Rover PDA business in Russia and their involvement in it. Full version of the article can be read here. "Most often, I sit and think up all sorts of ideas" - says the owner of the company Rover Computers Sergei Shunyaev. One such idea is his, about the beginning build notebooks under its own brand, has made the company a leader in this market. Now Mr Shunyaev wants to become the first in the segment of handheld computers, and then do the production of smartphones - a hybrid mobile phone and PDA. In general, the strategy of "first player" - this is his strategy. And so far it justifies itself. For information: the company Rover Computers enters production unit "Infomash" service unit "In-Service, six regional offices, East European and Baltic subsidiaries. Owner, number of employees which makes about 500 people, is its president, Sergei Shunyaev. Rover Computers turnover last year amounted to 5 billion rubles. Furthermore Rover Computers, Mr. Shunyaevu owned salon for sale Harley Davidson motorcycles and the company TCI, organizes concerts of groups working in the style of heavy metal. Range in Rover Computers are, above all, depending on which models offer a co-branders. Although the development of models of laptops and handheld computers the company takes a part - in the first case this occurs at the level of selecting the configuration of components in the second - at the choice of software. Rover Computers in this by a small department (of five), who reports to the Vice President of Production. Now the company is cooperating with five plants, but their number varies. "We focus here, rather than on the enterprise, and the model that it offers. Keep track of all the proposals, and if something suits us, come and say that that's the model we buy at such a price and in a certain amount, but for you it provides us a three-month exclusive on Russia and CIS countries - said Sergei Shunyaev .- Well, if the next model of the same manufacturer is not very good, we can give the time to cooperate and work with someone else. " Approximately every six months the company meet with partners in production, which show the new models, show what technologies emerged during this time from the leading manufacturers of filling »- Intel and Microsoft.

Great Expectations

Currently the product line of Rover Computers includes several items. Portable computers and monitors RoverBook RoverScan take up to 90% in the turnover of the company. Other products - desktops WindRover, handheld computers (PDAs) RoverPC, digital cameras RoverShot, multimedia projectors RoverLight and PC-cards RoverCard - gives a total of 10% of sales. The total turnover last year amounted to 5 billion rubles. The plans for this year - 40 percent growth. "Of course, the biggest successes we have achieved on laptops. But now, for instance, LCD monitors on the market, we still occupy about 10%, and this is a lot, considering that is dominated by Korean manufacturers Samsung and LG. Compete with them is very difficult, given their advertising budgets, - says marketing director, Andrei Andreev .- In the market of multimedia projectors, we enter the top ten producers. Now we focus on the promotion of PDAs and LCD monitors. PDA Rover Computers RoverPC to have begun to produce last year. According to the head direction PDAs companies Elena Simonova, Rover Computers plans to sell this year to 25 thousand "handhelds" and occupy about 25% of the market."We are not trying to win the consumer's only due to price factor. When purchasing such equipment people oriented including its cost and if it is significantly lower than the average for the market, there may be doubts about the quality, - says Ms. Simon .- Now, our "handhelds" cost from $ 300 to $ 370, at Western manufacturers - not much more expensive ($ 350-500). We believe that we can qualify for a substantial market share because we offer a higher level of Russification of these products than other manufacturers. " Oleg Kolesov, director of marketing DVM Group: «That course of action, which has selected Rover Computers, is very correct. Laptops are increasingly replacing the world's desktop computers, sales of "Pocket PC" grow although not as rapidly, but still growing. Market for LCD monitors in general is moving forward by leaps and bounds. " Mrs. Simon believes that a significant role in promoting new products on the market plays a service organization: "We have a technical support service, where users can contact in case of any problems with our computers, as well as client support service, where accepted the claim and wishes. In addition, there are service units "In-Service, which coordinates the work of 135 service centers in different cities of Russia and some CIS countries. By year-end number of such centers should be increased to 150.

Mental case

Sergei Shunyaev argues that initiated the beginning of production of a new product often turns out to be exactly it. "I generally spend the most time that I sit, come up with different ideas" - recognized Shunyaev. I must say that these ideas are concerned not only the computer business. Shunyaev - a man with a very extravagant interests. He is a fan of heavy metal musical genre and a great lover of motorcycles Harley Davidson. As aptly put it one of the employees Shunyaeva, people enjoy life in full. And, characteristically, all his hobbies, he turns into a business.

Pocket Manager Casio Cassiopeia BE-300

«Casio BE-300 is one of those innovations, whose future is impossible to predict in advance. It all depends on how good he will be and how much will it cost. " So said the new hustler two months ago. Statement on the new platform was met with interest but without much enthusiasm. 166 MHz NEC MIPS processor - so that, for all Pocket PC 2002 is Intel StrongARM 206 MHz; 320x240x32K passive matrix screen - so the earlier E-1xx worth TFT screen in 65,000 colors. All of this would be a great disadvantage, would eat no price in the U.S. with the release - $ 300, whereas now it can be bought in Moscow for about 250. With the price of two to three times smaller than the E-200, described above disadvantages become advantages. Let us see how it all works, because now enough time has passed, so you can judge a mature product. Pocket Manager: yes, no Pocket PC, and "Pocket Manager. Casio did not license the Pocket PC from Microsoft, leaving himself only the core WinCE 3.0 (and probably a few tens of dollars instead of Pocket Word'a). Windows CE was designed not only as an operating system for handheld devices (Compact Edition), but generally, for any embedded system, such as smart refrigerators (Consumer Electronics). It is written from scratch (with, where there is no Win9x) and can be collected modular (just like Linux _1), the developers of devices can decide for themselves what they want in it, but it is not necessary or not supported by your hardware. For example, the operating system PPC2002 is the core WinCE 3.0 plus interface (Merlin) and libraries (dll), which can be characterized only RRS2002. So at the BE-300 lacks some standard libraries PPC2000, that does not allow you to run all the programs written under E-125/EM-500. However, Casio claims that for most programs will be sufficient to recompile the source code. To support software vendors for BE-300 she posted a free SDK and preferential tariffs on those. support. Counting on the attractiveness of low prices, the company plans to sell about a million pieces in a short time. I think they have every chance of success. What is inside the box: My BE-300 I ordered from America, so complete was the power supply, calculated on the network of 110 volts, but in the representation of Casio, I was told that in Russia comes standard with a power supply for us. American version worse than the one who has been with EM-500 (or more precisely with the EM-500 comes the best PSU I've seen, its length is enough for an entire room and it is made in Japan, but this one in China), likely to reduce the cost of . Reasonable, especially if, after the warranty period, he dies, then buy the same simple does not require a lot of money. Cradle (cradle-stand) connects with your desktop brother via USB. The design is stable and allows you to adjust the depth, in order to be able to insert there a pickpocket with a broad expansion accessories. I used this feature to put back the fuse that protects the contact (the EM-500, I lost it on the second day). Likewise there is a quick guide to the top job with all the necessary explanations. Detailed hardware manual for hardware and user's guide (manual) is on the compact. From there, the same need to install the driver and the synchronization with PC - PC Connect. First impressions. When I pulled it, my friends immediately noticed that he was fewer than the EM-500, although the latter was at one time was the easiest PPC at Casio. 158 grams + 12 grams of PDA cover. Translucent cover is quite handy, and most importantly - practical. Do not have to immediately worry about buying more convenient case than is usually attached. Can be easily removed in case of uselessness, has two fixed positions: "closed" and "open."When closed, it does not accidentally press the buttons, but you can gently press the Power without opening the cover. When you first turn calibrate the touch screen, time, etc. Color screen: this is what can not be mentioned at this price. Bright and contrasting, with 320x240 resolution, it allows you to comfortably read electronic books. Of course, the colors are not the ones on display at the HAST E-1xx, but without too much trouble to read in sunlight _2. Passive matrix markedly inertial, but for tasks which are designed to solve the BE-300, it does not matter. If you want to see how much of this suffering Action games, download, or ask the seller to show you a demo version of the robot ekshena Metallion (the official shop for the BE-300) - graphic enough to me, captured the excitement. Other disadvantages of passive matrix: warm brightness takes about 5-15 seconds, if you long for him not included, then he would need about as much time to reach maximum brightness. Enter. Initially, there is a virtual keyboard and handwriting. The keyboard has 3 layouts: the alphabet, 2 + internet symbolic characters. Something that is not normal is not allocated. But the pen input more convenient (obviously) than the standard in PPC2000. There, the input area is divided into three parts for digits, uppercase and lowercase letters. In the BE-300 as it is divided into tabs, which have different prioritized recognition: the alphabet, numbers, special characters. Choose the bookmark you want and write the entire width of the screen. In this case all you can write in the mode of the alphabet, numbers, and found little in the text, he recognizes with high probability. Software itself is written by Decuma, and has one very interesting feature - the symbols of user: the settings you can specify your own font style of a character and then the significance of this character has. This gives hope for an easy adaptation to the Cyrillic alphabet. Needless pen seems to be weighted metal rod, which was first introduced Palm'om. Preset Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Tasks, E-mail, and browser. These basic applications can be invoked through buttons, icons below the display. What is very obvious, perhaps the most-employed native application. Well-implemented feature transfer items (meetings) in other programs. For example, you schedule a meeting in your calendar, do it the right notes, choose Send To E-mail, and immediately send a notice to your colleagues for a meeting. The configuration of e-mail client is not obvious. To create a mailbox, it is necessary to have configured the connection sections Connections, and to set it up, mention must be nearly the same parameters as when connecting a desktop computer to the internet (modem type, login, password, etc.). Considering it unnecessary, I rejected his request to do so. Pickpocket, in response did not want to synchronize e-mail as my Inbox folder in Outlook to sync in (pocket) E-mail'e was just not with anything. Through trial and error, everything was settled fraud pickpocket, telling him that I have a Hayes-compatible modem, reaching the end of the connection settings. After that, you can create a new Account in the E-mail'e, then you can remove the fake connection from Connections. When you synchronize mail, text messages are optimized, which together with the odd design kills the Cyrillic alphabet. Attaching files (attachments) of more than 1 megabyte are not allowed. Attachment from Inbox'a can be stored in the main card or flash memory. Also on Win2k noticed the brakes (and may never be) that the connection is not at the moment when the icon appears on the panel inserted into the cradle BE-300, and a little later (30-40 seconds), so do not reboot. The rate of exchange of data totaled approximately 3 megabytes per minute. Russification. Programs that use the Russian font, and will run on my BE-300, encoding problems were not.Russian translation of the interface and keyboard layout of Casio in Moscow has promised to end in late January / early February. The beta version of Russian keyboard, you can get here. If you download the Russian version of a Folder Sync, it can be easily read on the installed from a CD Quick View Plus'e. Just do not download to the folder My DocumentsText, where it can "fix" a native Notes. As mentioned above, the potential for porting handwriting recognition software for BE-300 is, it remains only to hope that Casio implement it. Expanding: In BE-300 is a very big plus in terms of extensibility: slot Compact Flash Type II. That is able to use IBM 1GB Microdrive CF II or wired / wireless modems. The cheapest removable memory is CF, it costs about one and a half times cheaper than Secure Digital, and MMC - even more expensive. Despite the fact that the operating system with preinstalled software leaves you 10 MB of nonvolatile memory, I advise you just add more storage to have more freedom: 64 MB I bought for $ 28. Installing programs takes place through a special installation tool from the SDK or direct copying folders via folder synchronization PC Connect'a _3. Installing programs, potentially compatible with the BE-300, but with setup'om seeking common interface for PPC (ActiveSync), does not pass. On the CD-ROM very useful not preinstalled, I think File Manager _4. Very functional, Quick View Plus supports Win1251 and KOI8-R. Music Player to cope with a necessary but not sufficient. Pro Photo Viewer read that buggy on large images. But all is not so important if you have access to the Internet (and if you're reading this, that is). Very good selection of programs is to http://be300.cjb.net. Of course, you can go to the official shop for the BE-300. But there is very little free full-featured programs. Generally, a list of compatible with the BE-300 is growing rapidly: if a month ago, a Google search I almost did not give, now everything is already being discussed in discussion forums. First, install patch c http://be300.cjb.net. Next is to your taste. Dull standard interface can be replaced by Pocket SQ: called - Find three of the same element. The archive included with downloaded GSFinder + TQ: Powerful similar to Windows Explorer. Together they constitute an adequate tool for experimentation over Cassiopeia'ey. Compatible with Excel 97 files, SpreadCE seems to me indispensable. Everything is intuitive, but in my version is not optimized for the BE-300, no auto-scroll the screen when the keyboard closes the cage in which the cursor is located. There is a Pocket DivX for playback MPEG4, several bookreaders for e-books. Sets unpretentious games emulation gameboy-like machines. Rulezzz chess: playing the most intellectual game in the subway - it's cool. As an MP3 player, BE-300 I really liked, especially given the relatively low cost of CF memory. By the sound of a standard Music the Player does not find fault with me, pleasant option to disable the display and control via the buttons and the joystick, but working with playlist'ami suffers no scrolling within the songs. If you need more functionality, you will be satisfied xAudio. There's even a function of test performance, although the practical application of its results, I have not found, he wrote something about 18% CPU, but why not test the processor at full load? Those interested in voice recorder, or an infrared port, I have to grieve and to draw their attention to low-cost Compaq Aero 1520 or newer PPC2000/2002. Not enough AvantGo (selection of channels of Internet pages that you download when you synchronize with your PC, then read on the way), but there are rumors that soon will be. Maybe someone knows a replacement? Battery at maximum load is enough for 2.5 hours continuous operation - 4, MP3 with the screen and the maximum volume (depending on the recording itself) - about 6. I also have enough for 2-3 days of full operation.Conclusion: Cassiopeia BE-300 will certainly find its place (calling) in the market. Initially focused on business users as it allows to install specialized software and an interface to the flash memory, it attracts attention with its expansion capabilities and 320x240 color screen. But do not expect from him abilities PPC2000/2002, Casio makes them herself and she does not need the competition between their own products, but definitely there will be people who would rather BE-300. If you are important Russification and do not want to experiment, then you better wait Russification or look toward other operating systems.

Pros:
• Color screen with high resolution
• Sufficiently powerful processor, multi-tasking (well seen with PocketSQ)
• The use of non-volatile flash memory for easy upgrade to future operating slot Compact Flash Type II
• Excellent playback MP3, MPEG4 playback capability
• Small size and weight
• Low price

Cons:
• The absence of a microphone and an infrared port
• The screen is bad (but sufficient) can be seen in direct sunlight
• Scroll wheel allows you to comfortably manage with one hand. Think again, jog-dial to tell the truth is very convenient and can be a determining factor when choosing a PDA
• A small number of compatible programs, though gentlemanly set is already available and the fruits of free SDK is increasingly being felt, to the extent Pocket PC so far away
• Innovations have to endure the hard way.

Footnote in the text

1. Climbed on the Microsoft website for more information on WinCE, and what I saw there, I could hardly believe his eyes: Download Windows CE 3.0 Source Code. Absolutely free ... 2. For this and save battery Casio refused HAST in the E-200 3. The beta version of Russian keyboard QKeys established through Backup. 4.If you are not sure of their actions, then it is safer than GSFinder + TQ. Sources, Materials:

Front mobile development company, "MakTsentr: Knights of the pen and Reset'a

Active handheld computer - is extremely compact device, the functionality of a little inferior to a desktop machine. Editing documents, complex calculations, like browsing the web, play music and games are available now, almost all owners of Pocket PC. But, as with a desktop computer, Pocket PC is valuable not because it is theoretically anything can, but because it established the program provide a solution to those or other problems of the owner. Therefore, buying the hardware, the owner of a brand new typewriter little wins. He needs to somehow acquire programs - the editors and music players, for example, as well as cpetsprilozheniyami for specific needs. Only then can a portable assistant will bring real benefits. The situation is complicated by the fact that the Russian PDA market has its own peculiarities: it is rapidly growing but still small compared with the western, payments to foreign shopping difficult, and buyers are willing to communicate with programs on the little-understood Russian. So what to sell "just hardware - hopeless task. Need to be bundled with it and ready-made solutions to the buyer could get from one seller everything you need to complete the work: the handheld computer and accessories, software, and, of course, intellectual support. For example, instructions and tips for using all the above. The main difficulty here is precisely the creation of programs. And, being one of the pioneers of the Russian PDA market, the company MakTsentr was simply obliged to undertake work in this difficult but promising direction. And appeared at its base, Mobility Research (CMR).

A little history

In the course of a brief history of the MRA have introduced Dmitry Havzhu, director of "MakTsentr. SM: Tell me when and for what purpose was established development department in the firm, which has traditionally dealt with technology Apple? DH: In 1994-1995, when we focus on the PDA market, it is essentially in Russia has ever had. Appeared first model handheld computers (Newton, Psion), but selling them was very difficult, primarily because of the lack of Russification. We first tried to solve this problem by working with software firms, but soon realized that our experience and capabilities allow us to make better products than other firms-developers. Thus was born the CMR, the first task of which was Russification PDA various platforms. SM: Who was at the forefront of this trend? DH: The first head of MRA was Sergei Mahnaev, who later went into his own project www.notebook.ru. In the department of labor, time, and Vladimir Pospelov, who now heads the site www.handy.ru. The general direction of the CPC was then headed by Alexander fusil. All these people have made major contribution to the successful launch direction.

Bread and circuses? "Soft" and "iron"!

Today, MRA - a large team of experienced software developers for PDAs, which works in three main areas: Russification traded company MakTsentr "devices, the creation of adapted to Russian conditions, chart and navigation systems, as well as the development of unique projects of corporate customers. All this we talked with Andrew Kuznetsov, head of WDR and director of localization, Vladislav Tambov and navigation, Vladimir Byko-Janko.

You say in Russian?

About Russification

The first pressing problem faced by any buyer PDA - its Russification. The fact is that, unlike the desktop OS, where Russification has long been a part of kit, pocket computers from birth with the Russian language is not familiar with. According to Andrey Kuznetsov, this situation has developed historically. When the market began to enter the first PDA, and their manufacturers are mainly aimed at American and Western European markets.Localization problem in other markets no one put, and the first versions of the major operating systems, Palm OS and Windows CE, left without the support we are interested in Russian language. Meanwhile, the market in Russia demanded that the localization, so that independent programmers "Volens-nolens" went to work and their work with pleasure began to invest in a box with a PDA interested in meeting the demand vendors. By the time the market has grown, and the manufacturer could theoretically be interested localization, it appears that this problem is successfully solved by the "field", so make an effort like it is not necessary. At least until such time until the market becomes even more succinct. In this case, manufacturers of operating systems, Microsoft and PalmSource, may be interested in the problem of Russification at the hardware level. Previously, it has already happened - in the Palm OS, for example, so there is support for Italian and Chinese (more precisely, the "Chinese" version of the operating system) and languages. Well, before that a "bright future", the problem of Russification PDAs sold "MakTsentr" will be resolved by the MRA. On the direction of Russification Pocket PCs in the Department of Mobile Elaborations said Andrei Kuznetsov, head of WDR and Vladislav Tambov, the head of this trend. SM: Andrew, why the company MakTsentr became Russifiers do yourself? After all, before you resort to third-party developers ... AK: We had to pursue their development in the direction of localization, as required to receive a product of acceptable quality at an affordable price. It is no secret that "MakTsentr" - the company essentially "zhelezyachnaya", and for the supplier of iron are the most interesting first few days and weeks, sales of new products. In the case of PDAs, these new items you want to Russify, otherwise the market simply will not accept. We started in 1999 with the Russification of the popular handheld Psion Series 5mx. Then there were the Revo, Diamond Mako, Ericsson MC-218 and other devices on the platform of EPOC 32. Behind them we are seriously engaged in the Pocket PC and Palm OS. In the first stage was a lot of difficulties, but now our policy has been entirely justified. Now "MakTsentr has complete independence from the third party in the area of ​​localization. Serial number, new models appear in a few days after the arrival of the CPC in Moscow. We can guarantee product quality, prompt resolution of problems in case of their occurrence and not less than operational improvements. Having finished the core of Russification, we can very quickly produce a system of containment just those devices that need them, saving money to our customers and, of course, their money. Naturally, we can more accurately assess what the real cost of the solution of a problem than to engage in appropriate and what issues would require too much effort and did not pay off. Russification of the CCP - a complex and painstaking work, ranging from compatibility issues and ending with the precision and conciseness interface translation. From the producer to wait for help is usually not necessary. SM: How time consuming is the localization of another device? Why do I need a separate location for each new device? VT: Besides the purely technical issues of compatibility, every time we have to translate the interface of new tools and applications that the manufacturer completes the standard Pocket PC operating system programs.Because our products («MacCentre PaPiRus 2003" for Palm OS and «MacCentre Pocket Russkey 2003 for Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003) must be fully Russify interface all integrated programs CPC, each new device requires significant improvements in the localization of the translation. Different manufacturers in different handhelds used in a similar, but differ in the details version of the OS. And it must also be taken into account in Russificators. Little things sometimes so critical that they can lead to serious problems. Nevertheless, having already written and debugged the kernel of the confinement system, we usually can produce the crack in a few days after the receipt of the device in our department. SM: And how many people are involved in Russification? And how many Pocket PC "suffer" during the making of localization? AK: Continuing work on the localization of 5 people. As to the "killing" the CCP, it is - a rarity. Survival rate - is high. More often they just have a little shabby appearance. SM: And where you do with them? AK: We're throwing them, of course. See where:)) In fact, they are returned to the warehouse and sold at reduced prices. Fortunately, for this purpose in the online store has a special section Palmstore.ru «Second-hand». Buy car, a used MRA staff, in my opinion, quite profitable, because they lived in the office and "working" mode is not used. They may be slightly scratched case (from repeated contact with the cradle and table programmer), but prodavlena Button Reset:) SM: In the OS Pocket PC is a convenient means of handwriting recognition - Transcriber. He is quite dashing learn English words, one word written by my clumsy hand. When we see an equally high-quality handwriting recognition for the Russian language? AK Handwriting recognition - a mathematically complicated problem. Incidentally, Transcriber - just another reincarnation of the famous recognition Newton Message Pad, a Russian-American (or US-Russia) by "Para". On the PDA keyboard, it was called Calligrapher. C advent of increased interest in Microsoft Pocket PC it was licensed and built there a new name. With raspoznavalkoy Microsoft has not lost. This system is considered one of the best. The quality and percentage of recognition of continuous text is impressive. Incidentally, during the lifetime of Newton OS was discussed on Russian recognition of the "Para", but did not get due to high development cost for a small domestic market. A Microsoft found it possible to pay. We recently released our own system of recognition of the manuscript - "MacCentre RussChar". She received a compact and cheap. In the case of it, we did not anticipate the establishment of a commercial product, but only licensed the library to recognize General Public License, which now allow anyone to get the source code and improve their own. SM: In the past year, "MakTsentr" solemnly issued a localization program devices based on Palm OS 5, entitled «MacCentre PaPiRus 2003. What version of 2003 differs from the old «PaPiRus», which was issued by "FizTehSoft? VT: they overlap in name only. «MacCentre PaPiRus 2003" - a completely revised system of localization of Palm OS 5, which is based on new principles, uses, if I may say so, "the official mechanisms of localization" - the same approach to localization, which is used in German, French and other PDAs. Because of this, we were able to significantly improve the quality and stability of the product, which received very good feedback from users. Old «PaPiRus» was based on the so-called "Hacks» (Hacks), that is, the addition of technology into the operating system is not peculiar to it functional. This system worked on the Palm OS to 4.2 version. The new «MacCentre PaPiRus 2003" is a product that is conceived more in "FizTehSoft. At the end of 2002, "MakTsentr" it was decided to create our own localization for Palm OS, and the project "PaPiRus" was purchased together with the rights to use the mark. For more than a year, this system supports and promotes the localization of mobility projects.It turns out pretty good. SM: If the product is identical in name only that he had received "MakTsentr" buying "PaPiRus"? AK: This purchase was justified. Firstly, we have 100% containment systems based on Palm OS 4, which was relevant at the time. Secondly, we have the right to use the well-known in the market Russifiers name "PaPiRus". Thirdly, we have saved time, having finished about 50% of the core localization for Palm OS 5, which was especially important year ago, when the market began to emerge fundamentally new Palm-device. In addition to the developments and brand, we have undertaken and supported over 40,000 users of the old "PaPiRus". SM: What does the phrase "use of formal mechanisms for localization? VT: Starting with the fifth version, the Palm OS had the tools that provide multi-lingual. Technically, our crack consists of two parts. First, the PDA system is written Russian language module, exactly the same as that included in the multilingual system or German, for example, Italian. After activation of the settings in the Russian case enters the second part of localization - the one that is visible to the user and to evaluate which service capabilities of the product. This includes translation of the interface of OS and embedded applications, the font modules (as we know, "MacCentre PaPiRus 2003" is very easy to customize fonts), switching the Russian linguistic encoding, quick access to settings localization via a pop-up command menu, and much more. SM: Despite the formal mechanisms of localization, a series of popular, I would say the standard programs, such as the WebPro browser and an excellent office suite Documents To Go, have a number of problems with Russification. What is the cause of these difficulties? VT: This manufacturer wanted to do "as best", but in the case of Russia turned out, "as always". In order to provide the user with a more comfortable working conditions, such as a convenient on-screen keyboard in Documents To Go or a more accurate map of pages in the WebPro, manufacturers of these products declined from the use of standard input / output by adopting their own solutions. In this case, the Russification of the standard just does not work. Adaptation of the popular program in the Russian language is a separate problem, which we solve as far as possible, because access to source codes of programs we have, as a rule, no. Some problems can be removed, but not all. So, the latest "MacCentre PaPiRus 2003" can successfully view the Russian texts in WebPro, and in the Documents To Go. Own Keyboard Documents To Go until normal Russification not be, and we recommend that you use a system of handwriting "Graffiti", or perhaps an external keyboard. SM: By the way, what keyboard do you recommend? And as is the case with the Russian language here? AK: We are engaged in adaptation and Russification, and in this regard. We choose the best examples of portable keyboards produced by international companies and modify them according to Russian specifics. Apply a key Russian letters, and sometimes modify the design to adapt the keyboard to the top in Russia PDA. These works are carried out in pilot-production unit of the company, located in Russia. Sometimes it is sufficient to establish the necessary connections, sometimes it is necessary to change the electronics. Part of the program - the driver "MacCentre UniBoard" - The Division for mobile development. In my opinion, today the best option can be called a keyboard Pocket Nature Flexis, which combines the advantages such as exceptional compactness in a minimized state, a complete set of fairly comfortable and big buttons, as well as a phenomenal stability. The fact that this keyboard - flexible or, as is usually said by our users, "rubber". It can collapse any way, drop, spill coffee on it, and then wipe with a wet rag ... Such reliability is very important for the mobile keypad. Plus, it Russified version is quite affordable. Very promising development, I hope, will and continued line of infrared keyboards - "Pocket Nature Ray-805", which will be released shortly.

On the map - London ... and not only it

About Navigation

Solving the immediate problems, one always begins to want more.Train your Pocket PC Russian language, he tries to use it in the "struggle" with a variety of daily problems, especially those that require simple, but routine work. For Muscovites, especially motorists, so that's a daily routine began lining their own routes through the city. If you spend a lot of time scouting, it is quite difficult. Sometimes, in fact, you may want to visit unfamiliar areas of the city, often suffering from such "illnesses" as a chaotic development and lack of pointers. Well, on familiar everyday routes await other obstacles - the signs prohibiting the transportation, road repairs, as well as the eternal traffic jams. Surprisingly, the best remedy for all these diseases can be a PDA, however, equipped with additional equipment. It is obvious that on a PDA, you can view a map of the city. Adding to a small computer receiver GPS, you can turn to his assistant in the vehicle's navigation system. On a map, displayed on-screen handheld, there is little avtomobilchik showing your current location. Now you can automatically route from the current point to any given rate of passage of various streets and traffic regulations. Well, the final element of the composition will be internet access. To do this, you can get the communicator (PDA with built-in GSM / GPRS), or simply to "make friends" PDA mobile phone. With this latest addition to the navigation system will be able to respond quickly to changing traffic conditions, the appearance and disappearance of traffic jams. For some people, such a system would simply escape. It is no secret that many Muscovites are learned only in his district, but most major roads, and here, for example, to find the 8 th the Park street for them - an obvious problem. Here, a board-conductor will be very helpful. Sometimes the wheel is a man who, turning to the Ring Road, does not even know if he was going to or from the city. He system, which would suggest a course of movement every turn, and in case of errors quickly create a new route is vital. It is such a versatile called PocketGPS Pro Moscow and set up a SID of "MakTsentr. On the navigation direction of the MRA will tell his supervisor, Mr Byko-Janko. In the conversation also involved Andrei Kuznetsov and Dmitry Havzhu. SM: What made "MakTsentr" to do a completely new direction for myself - navigation? DH: It's very simple. It seemed to us, and life has confirmed our speculation that the navigation will be the most interesting applications for PDAs. We looked at what is happening in the market and realized that the state of the navigation software is very weak, marketing, nobody does. Therefore we can offer a much more interesting solutions and promote them seriously. SM: Why did you decide not to make a card and the kernel itself, and began looking for partners? DH: We thought it prudent to focus on interface design and use ready-made maps Company Geocenter Consulting and core Victor Osipkova. This allowed us to make a quality product at a reasonable time - about 18 months. SM: Have you in the car are based system of its own design? AK: I - no. Moscow - my hometown, and if necessary I can navigate to a paper atlas. But the road that I travel from home to work and back, for me it was paved PocketGPS Pro Moscow. VB: Yes, our online customers who have many years of driving experience and know the city well, tell stories of how our program worked out for them the best route, allowing day to save 10 minutes when going to work or home.SM: And how do you achieve this result? By what criteria optimized route? VB: Our program knows to what an average speed of moving vehicles on a given street, paving the route, trying to reduce the time of passage ways, choosing a high-speed streets, unless they are no traffic jams. SM: Well, it is logical. Because of this, individuals actually save time. And speaking of large customers, who is a consumer PocketGPS Pro Moscow? VB: One of our major customers is the station emergency medical assistance to Moscow. But the main buyer - drivers who travel a lot during peak hours. SM: But I note that in expensive cars so integrated navigation receiver, which can "fill" the card. Yes, and separately sold receiver with this feature too. What is your design better? VB: Oh, here the mass differences! First, the screens of most receivers is smaller and worse than the screens of PDAs, they are much less visible map. Secondly, is not always paved route is correct. The fact that the map of Moscow for such devices are updated often, so they do not include recent changes in road conditions - new streets, prohibiting signs, etc. Yes, and route optimization often goes the distance, not time. In Moscow, the results can be disastrous. Third, it is unlikely you will see features such as search by address, for example. AK: Well, and most importantly - is a multifunctional handheld device. If you prefer, you pave the map on it, and if you will - listening to music or e-mail answer. A GPS-receivers can only display a map and route, and even then, as I said Volodya, are often not very good. SM: Once we've raised the issue of the relevance of maps - How often do you update map information? VB: We are releasing a new version with enhanced features that address users' wishes with the new map data every 3-4 months. User PocketGPS Pro Moscow can come into our shop with all your PDA and there is a free upgrade version of the map and the program or download it from support site - www.pocketgps.ru. SM: Well, what about traffic? There's even a monthly update does not help, information changes every minute. VB: Information about traffic jams can be loaded arbitrarily often by the user. To do this, insert the PDA into the cradle connected to the Internet computer, or provide a link of the PDA with a global network, for example, using GPRS. One-touch information about traffic jams are automatically loaded from the network. A sample of such data can be seen, for example, the site www.77.ru. Ceychas we are in negotiations to expand the "mirror" the information base, and in the near future, our users can also use the information disseminated by the system RoadInformer. This download is quite burdensome - file takes only a few kilobytes. SM: And what is the information about traffic jams? This is the point with the words "travel is denied" or a strip with the words "speed no greater than 3 km / h? This information is simply displayed or taken into account when calculating the route? VB: Above the street to the right place superimposed stripe. On this strip has an arrow indicating the direction in which movement is difficult, and the color bars indicate the intensity of the tube. Information about traffic is taken into account when a route. Well, on the basis of the above, the navigation system PocketGPS Pro Moscow can be recommended not only for professionals - taxi drivers, couriers and not just those who do not know the city, but all motorists move regularly in Moscow and the suffering of the charms of heavy traffic. The program costs $ 119. Some dealers "MakTsentr" sell ready-made kit, consisting of a PDA, GPS-receiver program on the card, and appropriate cables. The price of such a decision on a turnkey basis is about $ 500, and it is, we recall, is useful not only for navigation. Updating maps and information about traffic jams on the date provided for free. Unfortunately, the joy of such a "smart" service is available only to Muscovites. In the short term - the map of St. Petersburg. Then, perhaps, podospeyut and other large cities ... Well, what do those who live in less popular areas, or just leaving for his trip to Russia? Especially for them there is a program "MacCentre PocketGPS" (without the suffix Pro and Moscow), which is not only suitable for any terrain, but only costs ... $ 9. Of course, its functionality can not be compared with "older sister", but in the absence of good e-cards this baby can do a great service. First, it receives data from GPS-receiver and displays them on the basis of a variety of useful information. If the coordinates on the surface of the Earth say there is little unprepared person, the course (direction), speed, altitude, time and date information about navigation satellites, the rate of change of height, length of trip distance and average speed - things do not just intuitively understandable, but also useful. Also, with the help of "MacCentre PocketGPS" is easy to calculate derived indicators, such as acceleration time to any given speed or time of passing a certain distance. Orientation to the point, for example, lets not get lost if you are forced to look for the road and surrounded by streets. But even more benefit can be derived from "PocketGPS", if "tied" to the testimony of satellite raster map. Fortunately, paper atlases are still available for sale, so all you have to do - is to scan a page of the atlas. With a raster image (scanned map), we can "put" her on-screen handheld. Then you need to include the GPS-receiver and get to the place that you can definitely find out. Specifying a point on the map ("I'm here"), begin to move in any way, and came to another recognizable point, and mark it on the map. That's it! One-time procedure, a bit of time - and you've got a personal card you are interested in any terrain. Unfortunately, this program can not run routes, but all other features navigation system - at your service.

Triumph of the uniqueness

On the corporate projects

As mentioned earlier in this article, simply sell the equipment - is futile. Moreover, buying PDAs, a serious company expects to resolve with the help of some urgent problem, so without suitable programs handhelds simply not of interest for such customers. Meanwhile, the objectives of each client are unique, and the conditions under which its employees work. That is why the staff MRA company MakTsentr "pay a lot of time to corporate developments in the field of business automation.Customers are extremely convenient automation of business processes, such as mobile commerce, Van-selling - sale of trucks, merchandising, logistics, insurance, etc. Traditionally, that the "mobile" employees fill out the necessary documents, keep records, and any calculations on paper. Then, returning to the office themselves or by the operator enters all data into a computer for further automated accounting. This scheme has several drawbacks. Chief among them - big time loss for manual filling of paper forms and calculations on a calculator. From this very suffering, such as insurance agents. In addition, such "paper" calculations and forms are very common error, and the subsequent manual entry of data into a computer in the office creates a second wave of inaccuracies. The use of mobile handheld computers allow officers to get rid of these problems. PDAs are replacing paper and calculators in the same way as desktop PCs made in due time a revolution in accounting. On the corporate projects, Mobility Elaborations told us Andrey Kuznetsov, head of WDR. SM: Why are so many places in the work of MPAs occupy corporate projects? Is it hard to make a standard solution? AK: Towards the automation of business we believe that the client is difficult to propose a solution that it is fully satisfied. So every time we are actually doing new development, although using the entire experience we have gained. Every time we thoroughly delve into the business processes of companies, describe them for themselves and for the client. In this case, the client often learns a lot about their own company:) We are working pervichnauyu documentation, samples of all paper forms, instructions for completing these forms, and so n, and also talk to professionals working with these stacks of papers. More systematized knowledge gained, is described and given to the compact and formal form, turning in a technical task. Further, it becomes a product. SM: And what are the products most in demand in our market? AK: The most popular trading systems and automatic filling of forms in different types: standard contract, insurance policies, bills of lading on vacation, ordering goods etc. Naturally, the computer controls the filling, so there had been no blunders, but also takes care of all counts. For example, an insurance agent can calculate the client rate for 20-30 minutes. PDA copes with this problem immediately, and does not allow counting errors. In addition to filling out forms and controls, if necessary, is printing documents. Through the synchronization module receives the accumulated data to the central business system of the customer. All this can be combined with mobile communication. If you need information on a contract or a filled order will be transferred to "the center" immediately. SM: What is the "central business system? Its too do you? AK: As a rule, our customers in one form or another already have a business system ("1C", "Sail", as well as their own development based on popular and not very DBMS). We provide our clients add to the central system, which solves the problems of automation, arising out of the office. SM: So you create a "dock application" that runs on the "Consolidated organizer, formerly known as Palm? AK: At Palm'e or Pocket PC, but it is being connected application that automates mobile managers, minimizing paper document. Some of our solutions can save up to 80% of office time manager! One of our customers is planning to completely abandon the classic office jobs with desks, computers and monitors. All the tasks of its managers could fit on a PDA. SM: Well, what else, apart from business automation, you can offer corporate clients? AK: The second direction of our activity - is also quite interesting. This - the use of PDAs in a variety of promotions, contests and as business gifts, exhibitions, etc. For example, on the basis of the CCP is very convenient to make electronic guides for the exhibition. In advertising sweepstakes PDAs can be used as a console for the contest.The PDA will provide registered participants and, if necessary, will pocket slot machine, and then get the winner as the top prize. With proper software content, complete with accessories, PDA is an elite business gifts.

Total

Well, finally ...

Well, what seems to be "MakTsentr" not lost, having collected a team of experienced software developers for PDAs. Any client of the company can count on quality Russification of your device, any Muscovite - to use their Pocket PC as an intelligent navigator, and every top manager, concerned about the effective work of their employees - to computerize "nekompyuteriziruemyh" process, once considered an inevitable evil paper . So safely enjoy the fruits of labors of mobility development, or seek the help of its specialists. If we consider that the PDA market in Russia is gaining momentum, it can be said that MRA took a good start. And this is just the beginning ... The authors, translation: