Pocket Linux

In the hands of one of the most curious authors hPCru caught new handheld Agenda VR3, the so-called developer version. This remarkable machine that is one of the first real handheld devices based on the Linux operating system, and possibly marks the emergence of a new class of device. Our author, as a big fan of the aforementioned OS requests in advance to make allowances for some subjectivity of his notes, however, do not hesitate to criticize some drawbacks, with the hope of looking to the future Agenda VR3.

Given:

Completion

- Agenda VR3

Games for handhelds and smartphones, 2 nd week of August

Hit Parade: 1 st week of August

We present a brief hit parade of games released in the first week of August and described in the previous issue of our review. Hit parade based on the number of downloads of software users of the site HPC.ru. Thus,

1. Street Duel for Pocket PC. Nesomenny and fully expected the leader of our hit parade.
2. Poker Guide for Pocket PC.
Thirst for knowledge took her.
3. Revolution Air Hockey for Pocket PC.
Well, I did not expect to see this game in third place.
4. BS Hacker for Pocket PC.
Hacking is in fourth place? Nostalgia, I guess.
5. Plant Tycoon for Pocket PC.
Seen yunnatstvo nonche not in vogue. Incidentally, the version for Pocket PC last week won a third of the number of downloads for Plant Tycoon for Palm OS, posted in our catalog in April. Pull, gentlemen, tightens.
6. Snabbo for Pocket PC.
7. Football Director for Pocket PC.
Frankly, I expected that the Football Director enters the top three. Do not guess.
8. Greed for Pocket PC.
Greed was unseemly for gamers.
9. Spheroids for Pocket PC.
Spheroids with all clear. They - the weakest link. Did not survive the competition. Although ... May be the whole picture is changed with time? We'll see.

New

Tradewinds: A novel about the life of adventure

Version of Tradewinds for Pocket PC version of Tradewinds for Palm OS once was an interesting time. People were allowed into the sea for discovery, for research, and incidentally for profit. There were those who did it for the glory of the crown, but there were others - people are adventurous, hunters, adventure, the masters of their destiny. The main characters Tradewinds - just like that. As his character, I chose Douglas MakGouena, at one time a successful merchant who climbed the corporate ladder from a simple clerk to the owner of a trading company, is going through hard times. I shot at, robbed, robbed of my stores, I had to borrow money at interest from the Chinese money-lenders and even smuggling. Share experiences.

Tradewinds: Port, the view from the sea. Route, the view from space.

Getting the game in Port turmoil. All the running, rushing, shouting. Almost in every port - its market. Shop around and be guided quickly - the prices change almost every month. Purchase and Sale - is your main way of earning money. You can also earn, drowning pirates. In this case, you get what was on their ships, as well as compensation from the authorities, if you managed to defeat the raging robber, suggestive of fear in the captains. At each port there is also a bank, where you can save money, officials from whom you get remuneration for sunken pirate (Collect bounty), a pub, where you can learn a lot of useful information, buying booze sailors (Buy round), as well as lenders and shipyard. In shipbuilders you can repair a battered sea battle ship, buy more guns, as well as new ships. Your goal - a billion dollars. And the thorny path to them, but not uniform. This - the life adventurers.

Tradewinds: Market Information and skirmish with pirates

Tips. Among the items you will find the "Powder Dreams» (Dream dust). He brings the most revenue with the right approach, but be careful when entering certain ports authorities are conducting a search. You will be fined a large amount is locked away in the transportation of drugs. Further, the more guns on the ship, the less room for cargo, respectively, the lower the income from the expeditions. Leave the money in the pot. This will help you, if pirates overwhelm one of your ships. Pluses. Fascinating scenario. Good performance.Ever-changing situations that keep the tension and make return to play again and again. Perfectly designed components are harmonically related to each other - sea battles, trade routes - all of them - part of a single race for a Billion. Cons. Several are difficult to save games. Also, complete lack of control over the course of the battle with the pirates. In fact, the outcome decided only by chance.

GameBox Gems: Gems on the palm

Version GameBox Gems for Pocket PC Version GameBox Gems for Palm OS Games PDAMill knowingly popular. They are always beautiful, accurate, exciting. Last week, one of their gems (literally), was released for Palm OS. Wonderful wonderful music, excellent content-employed, many variants of the game with clearly defined goals and objectives. Thus, an anthology of gnomes! Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask! Excursion to the underground work for the extraction of precious stones! As many as 8 games. 8 different jobs in the mines. The main goal of the game is to destroy the field of precious stones. In order to remove from the field one or a gem, you want to group it with two or more identical gems. All other conditions vary depending on the selected game. Thus, in the Jewel Master we get into the mine, where the extraction of precious wood, simply mark the blocks surrounding the same-colored with two or more stones, without, however, we can not allow the wall was not extracted at least one gem. In Raising Diamonds - sorting - all on the same principle with the only difference is that here in the screening (the destruction of the field) have the same colored stones, adds another number. At the same time to avoid contact with the upper limit of gems field.

GameBox Gems: Main Menu, Rising Diamonds

At each level, you meet a dwarf-guide, which details the activities of his, shall we say, a department that makes it easy for you to orient in the game. By the way, depending on the scored points in the mines, you move up the career ladder. In the short time I got to junior miners. Pluses. Excellent graphics! Good sounds and music. A remarkable animation. Well-designed content of the game, its text content, well-seasoned style. Variety of games does not seem chaotic, they are all fit into a single scenario, they can easily understand, thanks to a well-written instructions. Very good idea - the voice instructions play: someone baritone encourages you in case of failures and rejoices in the case of a good move. Cons. The original approach to the interface and the absence of the usual main menu, while interesting, however, leads to a slight inconvenience. For example, at the time of writing I have not found how to get points earned on the server.

Brief updates on other

PAjDAX

PAjDAX version for Pocket PC Version PAjDAX for Palm OS Czech puzzle. Version for Palm OS was released by Czech designer Juraj Cibula, known as PajDA, back in May and enjoyed success on the portal PalmGear (800 downloads in 2 months). And now - the version for Pocket PC is also ready. Your task - to move all the items on the field so that the same were next to each other, thus they are eliminated, and you get points. Note - items can also be combined, placing them in the form of letters, more than 150 levels in full version and 12 in the demo.

Allure Reversi

Printable Allure Reversi for Pocket PC Version Allure Reversi for Palm OS Intorine Company introduced its version of the very popular board game Reversi. To win, you need to take most of the playing field for its chips.With each move horizontally, vertically and diagonally disguise all the chips of the enemy, which are located between the set pieces and your other chips on the field. Try to take the extreme series - it will help you win. At your disposal:

• Two Varant initial layout of chips
• Well done AI-engine, high-third level of complexity must be very carefully considered the moves.
• Reversi for two players on one device
• Available moves tips
• Undo last move.

Clot

Clot version for Pocket PC Coming Soon: version for Symbian Series 60 phone and N-Gage in a certain kingdom, in some states were released a number of jet particles. And if they no longer collect and send in the right direction, the temperature in the storage tank will rise, and the radiation level is raised to mark the catastrophic and tragic consequences are not inevitable. So, pressing the stylus to create the reservoir flows by directing particles of different colors in the corresponding pipe. I remember in my childhood were distributed similar toys - only there in liquid glycerol had to impose a ring on rods. Perhaps the game will be interesting to children, but hardly anything to teach, but certain patterns of movement.

Japanese Crossword

Version Japanese Crossword for Pocket PC turns in Japan, held contests for the best picture. And not just an image, a figure made up on a skyscraper of dark and lighted windows. In 1987, the prize for such an image has received a Japanese designer, Non Ishida. Soon after she published her first tasks, in which zakrashivaya cells in the field, it was necessary to get a certain figure. Puzzles and tasks that are on the author's name were called Nonogrammami appeared first in Japanese magazines, and then in the extremely popular English edition of The Telegraph, where they began their march around the world. Principles are simple - paint the cells in the field, based on numbers, located on the axes. The figures indicate the number of cells in the row or column. If the specified number of digits, they show a few blocks from a given number of colored cells, between which there is at least one empty square. All cells in the field have three positions: shaded (black), blank (white), questionable (cream color). The final figure all the cells must be either white or black. With the right decision before you appear interesting picture. To practice really helps to see several purposes, at the same time enjoy the interesting Nonogrammami.

Updates

Foo Fighter 1.1

Version of the Foo Fighter for Pocket PC version of Foo Fighter for Smartphones OS Space "band shooter." You fly over an infinite galactic corridor, destroying the path of all foreigners and their facilities. The old idea, quite popular even in the era of game-rides. Companies Elements interactive, put a lot of effort to diversify it and bring something new. So, in a game you can choose you like the spaceship, as well as any trip to the five planets. Beautiful graphics, good music and sound effects and the ability to reconfigure the buttons, as well as surprises that are only available when passing a certain level. As always - "the boss" at the end of each level, try to defeat these giants. In the new version - a slight improvement. The most significant - while using the demo version has been significantly increased.

Space Treker 3.0

Version Space Treker for Pocket PC released the third version of the game, in which virtually remade all the graphics and refined some of the elements. Now you terhmernye animation flight and space battles, new orbital station, the colorful interface of trade, the refined elements. In Space Treker 3.0 is used the most powerful of the currently available 3D-engine for the Pocket PC - PocketGL 3D. "The totality of all our material needs are many times greater than the productive capacity of our limited resources, and it is - an indisputable fact", - reads the books of the economy. Someday, our resources will run out. And then in the quest for material things we'll have to wander to different galaxies, to establish trade contacts with persons of alien nationality, as well as a variety of laser otbrykivatsya means of cosmic enemies, robbers and other persons employed in the galactic wanted. That is the distant future and you find yourself in a Space Treker. The flight duration is sufficient to pass the "Course for Young Amateurs" and be ready for anything. More than 400 sectors, you will have to explore in search of "wealth". It all depends on your ability to intergalactic commerce. Necessary to strictly control the level of fuel, planning to trade. If in the course of commercial activities, you suddenly discover that the fuel is at zero, consider the game is lost. A number of clues, not mentioned in the media about the game (Game manual), which, however, may prove useful:

• orbital station, where you can purchase fuel, repair the damaged ship in the battles and gain a powerful weapon marked on the map sectors icon resembling a bathyscaphe
• to be able to trade with a planet, it is necessary to enter its orbit. For this otpilotiruyte his ship into the dock lines - three rings located at the planet. All indicators on the right should be nulled to entry into orbit was considered a success
• when piloting the ship, you can move it in a vertical plane. Next to the buttons on the control panel there are two stripes. After clicking on the top, middle button (or pressing the joystick) to move the vehicle up, when you click on the bottom, the center button will take you down.

Crazy Athletics II

Version Crazy Athletics II for Palm OS Coming Soon: Version Crazy Athletics II for Symbian Series 60 At the threshold of the Olympic Games, the company CrazySoft has released a new version of its Crazy Athletics, on which we are told in one of the first issues of our review. In the second version before the many innovations that the company sees it as a separate version and does not offer it as a free update for its customers, will have to fork out. So, in the second version:

• new design
• to existing competition (one hundred meters, steeplechase, hammer throw and the nucleus, long jump), added a swim in the 100 meters
• opportunity to train your athlete (Train your athlete)
• Upgrade your athlete, unfortunately, was not available in the demo, I think that here you can get your champion a variety of sporting equipment, earning him at various events (Events)
• 24 kinds of competitions in 18 leagues.

By the way, in a window of training I was finally able to get acquainted with their athlete. And he okazyvetsya, mustachioed! Not every day you meet a mustache champion, especially in swimming. Aerodynamics, you know, is deteriorating. Interestingly, the next version it will be possible to shave?

Oriental girl named Sony: sings well, slim, pretty and mind and took all

Second CLIE was a success. Although it would be better to say no the second, and fourth. Here's the thing. As is known, was initially monochrome SONY CLIE PEG-S300. Shortly after it appeared Color CLIE PEG-S500C, but she was running the Japanese version of Palm OS. Naturally, it is somewhat limited its spread in neyaponogovoryaschih countries. On the pages of magazines, online forums for a long time discussed the possibility of release the English version of this device. During the talk, suddenly out of the rising sun came the news of yet another new product, Sony PEG-N700C. Everyone was just shocked. Still, after all appeared PalmOS-device with both built-in MP3-player, color display with a resolution of 320x320, and an expansion slot. Again, all this grace just got our Far Eastern neighbors. New models bought up like hot cakes, a few hundred CLIE horrible and in other countries. On Web sites devoted to the CCP, there were tips on how to flash the Japanese CLIE to use "normal» PalmOS. Observing that resonance, which has caused among users of Palm their rookie, SONY still condescended to the suffering of Europeans and Americans. In late May, the general American public was introduced international version, SONY CLIE PEG-N710C. A couple of weeks ago it was first shown at the Moscow Pilotovke which created a furor, and took a long walk on his hands. So, now we publish the first part of our detailed review of this interesting model.

MP3

Of course, the main "fichey" new CLIE is precisely MP3-Player. The screen is also good, but more on that later. So, using AudioPlayer can play music files in MP3 and ATRAC. About MP3 heard anything but ATRAC is much less known. Unlikely in this review is to describe what kind of format, have already written many other articles. Briefly, ATRAC-files usually take up more space and provide better sound quality than comparable MP3-files. While you can not really go into details, because the files are encoded with the technology ATRAC, you can only listen in if they are written on the MagicGate Memory Stick. These cards are white are a response to the format of SONY SecureDigital. MagicGate, too, is protected against unauthorized copying of data and also more expensive than the "unprotected" option (similar to SD / MMC). But the MP3-files can be played with any type of MemoryStick. But here it is necessary to remark: desktop software OpenMG JukeBox, which is located on the accompanying CD, while trying to connect CLIE c inserted into the usual Memory Stick displays a message that the external device is unsafe, so the ATRAC-files copied to it will not. Can I play ATRAC-files with the usual blue Memory Stick, if they are still able to somehow record there is not yet known. AudioPlayer is cute, but not completely thought out interface. Uncomfortable, you can not go to the right of the song, just poking a stylus at any place of the strip status. You also will not find buttons, "Rewind". It turns out that this function is performed by the>> and <. The same approach, in principle, used in CD-players, but here he seems insufficiently intuitive.Still, habits developed when using WinAmp, and other similar programs for the PC, make themselves felt.

Screen

Screen the best of all that ever been used in Palm-devices. One can argue, lead the most compelling arguments, but any of them there are at least compelling counterargument. Let the color depth of only 256 colors, not HiColor, like Prism and m505, but as soon as Palm OS 4 Upgrade for Sony, as the backlog will be eliminated. This proves that presented at the exhibition TECHXNY model SONY CLIE PEG-N610C / V, which is the same N710C, only running Palm OS 4.0 or without built-in MP3-player. Screen it is the same, but with HiColor-color. Well, the benefits of this screen are so great that the competitors simply nothing to oppose. First, the screen is the biggest to date, resolution 320x320 pixels. Screen Handera 330 although close to this value, but still argue with SONY can not because it was monochrome. All other PalmOS-devices (not counting the smartphone from Kyocera, which has a screen resolution of 160h240), produced at the moment have a resolution four times less, only 160x160. To make programs written for the usual Palm, to work on the N710C, uses a technology that replaces each pixel with four. This allows you to use these programs without changing and adding some new instructions, as is the case with Handera. Secondly, the screen has a brighter illumination than the m505, which is often criticized for the fuzzy and faded picture. Moreover, the backlight can be adjusted by adjusting the specific conditions of illumination. Do not forget about saving energy, which can be achieved in this way. Third, by reducing the size of pixels, almost managed to get rid of the effect of a stretched grid, which is observed on the color screens to all competitors. If you compare color screens Palm 3c, Visor Prism, Palm m505 and SONY N710C, then the sum of points obtained in different illumination, the winner will be exactly SONY. The only thing that it did not really like, so it's soft-touch coating, and lack of sensitivity to touch. The impression is that the stylus is pressed almost to the millimeter.

Battery

Just as in the Palm m500/m505, was used polymer battery with extended life. She copes with the problem, posing on a mountain with enough energy to, for example, 11 hours listening to music or a few days to work as usual. Lighting, of course, a dramatic effect on life on a single charge, but if it does not include all full-time, the CLIE will work in one and a half times longer than the maximum brightness.

Housing

At first glance, it is clear that the case design has been created in Asia. Slender silhouette, silver finish, small, tightly composed with buttons - the same style as that of cell phones, tape recorders, music players, which produce Sony, Panasonic, Samsung. Looks very nice and elegant, happy look. Unfortunately, not all-metal housing, the rear panel is made of plastic. Generally, CLIE better protected from scratches, because the plastic panels are very easily scratched.

Accessories

While the benefits of 710 models are obvious, it has several serious shortcomings. More accurate to say this: she CLIE almost flawless (except for buttons), but here all the accessories that come with it, very unsuccessfully. This is a question of the relation. Maybe it's not so important, but still spoils the overall impression.

Headphones and remote control

That's quite unusual these accessories for Palm-market devices. And to them, perhaps, least of all claims. Is that the headphones are perceived ambiguously. And personally my ears hurt from them. But with this method of attachment, they would not fall, even if you are doing in their sports. Chess, for example. But the panel could fall even in the midst of battle chess, far too weak in his clothespin. Although the remote control for SONY players such claims are presented frequently. They ought to hire a couple of experts on clothespins, time to listen to the complaints of customers. But seriously, the panel used to control music playback. To do this, it has buttons for volume control, rewind, and STOP / PLAY. It is unknown whether it can be used to perform some other operations, such as using special hacks. Apparently no one is simply not occurred to me how else can use this console:). If you will have such an idea, otpishites CLIE users to a conference at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CLIE_Users_Group or to our site. There were many enthusiasts who are constantly coming up with something new.

Stylus

Can not say that the stylus of some unusually bad. The most that neither is normal. Metal rod that is screwed into the tip and tail with a needle to Reset. But from SONY expecting something bigger, but besides this ungodly scratch the screen. It seems that the experience of Handspring, complete all their visors such as toothpicks, anything they do not teach. Or maybe they just huddle with producers and the stylus tip? :)

Protective cover

Perhaps the most unfortunate part. Cover soft to the touch, is divided into two unequal parts - it allows you tilt it back and bend that it lies to the rear of the enclosure. It is made of artificial leather. Fasteners, untrustworthy, a thin soft plastic. Many users complain that it breaks down within a few weeks after purchase. Reach for it is not recommended, it may break or just fall off, which is fraught with the fall itself CLIE. Yes, with a convenient cover-covers that were equipped first CLIE, this can not be compared. In general, it seems that the user forced to buy a bag for $ 50, pictured in promotional leaflet with accessories. Judge for yourself when the lid is thrown back, a stylus to insert or pull out the impossible. Have it every time to pull back and forth, and this is not the best effect on the mounting bracket, uderzhivyuschey cover. Well, in order to bimknut, it is necessary to hold the lid with your fingers so that it does not fall on the screen, and at the same time does not block the infrared port.

Credle

Credle, too, is not a masterpiece. It is quite miniature, but still weighs a little. Each time you press the stylus on the screen cradle begins to wobble treacherously. Of course, he will not play out, but it always turns left and right. I do not hide, had to push hard enough. This is due to the screen, it is rather "soft" and not very sensitive to slight pressure. However, if this is too much annoyed, then we can put something heavy on the base cradle. But here's the problem that are not easy to handle. As already noted, the protective cover prevents removing the stylus. Well, do not recline as it each time there and back? In short, when standing in the CLIE cradle, it is necessary to choose the lesser of two evils: either remove the lid for good, or putting the stylus on the table. Leave the screen without the protection of pity. But getting lost and find a stylus is also not an easy task. You remember all the laws of Murphy, trying to find it among the papers, wires and other things that are on the table. Of course, the stylus is in the most incredible place where you look only at the last moment. For example, in a shirt pocket or in the CLIE:). Worked, and now want to pull out CLIE cradle? Do it with one hand is not so easy. Those who believe that I pick, I advise you to remember that the basis of the focus when advertising is done on Palm ease of use of these devices. Simply insert the Palm into cradle, simply press the Hotsync, simply remove the Palm from the cradle - Simple as that! Paste in the CLIE in the cradle is simple, just click on the Hotsync, but take out ... Here's my advice: take CLIE thumb and forefinger, dip your little finger to the base cradle. Now pull the device, while not giving the cradle away from the table. Got it? Well, nothing, learn. Or help yourself a second hand if you are not so principled. Vaughn, users m500/m505 even harder to have:). But do not assume that all of these accessories are only some disadvantages. Still uses a good idea at the expense of the charger that you can plug in the cradle, and a Hotsync-connector from the bottom CLIE. This eliminates the need to buy Travel Kit for $ 60, especially you have a card reader for Memory Stick. Headphones are very many even like them, then everyone should try himself. If uncomfortable, you can insert any other. Cover. ... No, the cover has no positive qualities, no matter how hard you try to find them. But the tip of the stylus can be replaced with a less abrasive. Teflon, for example ;-)

Conclusion

Well-known expression that the owners of the PC buying megahertz, is not running on the PDA market. The frequency of the processor is rarely a decisive advantage. Much more important is the screen, battery life, expandability. And the new CLIE on all these indicators, or the leader or not inferior to the competitors in the second part of the article is to describe the fullest software for Sony CLIE PEG-N710C, which makes it, in my opinion, simply hit among the last relatively strong new products from manufacturers of PDAs. The authors, translation:

Wi-Fi - to the masses!

How wonderful that the wireless standards are included in our daily lives, making it easier and more pleasant. Many of you probably already appreciate beauty Bluetooth - and synchronize their PDAs with mobile phones, and out of GPRS to the Internet. Unfortunately, one of the most serious shortcomings of this pioneer of wireless technology - low data rate and a small range - up to 10 m. The Bluetooth does not allow you to lay on the couch with a palm in one room apartments, to connect remotely to a desktop PC, which stands in the other room, listening to his music, surf the internet and always within your home (no matter how big he may be) stay in touch. Therefore use "blue tooth" for the construction of personal wireless paradise (read - "Network") in the native penates or office is not very convenient. In this case, the aid will actively developing in our country and is already firmly entrenched overseas standard Wi-Fi. Another argument in favor novelty acts that today, especially in major cities such as Moscow and St.-Petersburg, started a mass deployment of wireless networks in public places - hotels, airports, restaurants and cafes. Wireless Internet is becoming more and more, and it's time we would learn to use it.

Once you say, "Wi-Fi? ..

First, draw a small educational program - for those who are not quite up to date and to clear my conscience. Wi-Fi - is a resounding abbreviation of Wireless Fidelity, its official name - IEEE 802.11b. Standard originated in the West in the 90's, but the mass distribution only began in 2000, Wi-Fi stands out his "teeth" competitor and beats it in almost all parameters. Brief technical characteristics of the two channels are shown in Table 1. What is the hero of this review is really losing, so it is in power consumption. Increased range and just explain the increased "voracity". A "eats" the adapter properly, about 100 mA in standby and 250 mA in transmit mode. In fact, it is reflected in a reduction of time of continuous battery life - approximately 15-25%. The core of the wireless Wi-Fi network is an access point (Access Point), which is connected either directly to a hub (switch) or to a personal computer, as The compound with a wired network or direct to the Internet. All the users are within range of an "access point", can also connect smoothly through it to all network resources as if everything was done by cable. Possible in the network and another way to connect - "computer to computer, more suited to domestic conditions, as it does not require installation of Access Point. In this case, wireless adapters, one of which will be installed, for example, a desktop PC, the other - the PDA can be configured for direct communication with each other. With this bundle you will have access to everything that is on your PC: if you want - see the movie, you want - listen to music, you can even synchronize. No wires. All happiness will cost 70 EUR But in my case the Access Point still present in her role made D-Link DWL-700AP. Alas, if all limited to only a small amount of money spent, then the meaning of this article was not, so go to the heart. Thus, the proposed material, you are considered the most common problems (and, of course, their solutions) encountered by users of the PDA when you try to taste the Wi-Fi-charms of civilization. Before you close our experimental set, consisting of a PDA HP iPAQ h2210 running Windows Mobile 2003 (!) And Wi-Fi adapter, Pretec CompactWLAN map CompactFlash.

What to take?

In my personal experience I can say that the least difficulty have users that have built-in handheld wireless adapters are Wi-Fi. Have not heard that from someone with models like the HP iPAQ h4150 (on board - Bluetooth and Wi-Fi), there were problems. So if you have a PDA yet, but use the wireless features you expect, you take care of this in advance. If the PDA you already have, but not full of trendy integrated fashion, as in our case, we will start with the purchase of Wi-Fi adapter, where you and await the first pitfalls. Wireless adapters on the market quite a lot - for every taste and color. There is a classic - based on the cards Compact Flash, and there are new-fangled, like Wi-Fi SD Card with embedded memory on board. What to choose - it's up to you. As practice shows, the perfect card to work flawlessly the software has not yet been released. This, in turn, means one thing - the user will have to overcome all difficulties on their own. Well, we're not used to retreat ... And yet, a recommendation for the adapter is - it is desirable that the map attached to the acquired set of drivers and software specifically for your operating system. That is, if your OS - Windows Mobile 2003, then in the description and the manufacturer's site should always be written specifically about the compatibility with it. When I acquire Wi-Fi card Pretec CompactWLAN (under the CF slot) I did not pay attention to this point, but since the manufacturer specifically configured to support only Pocket PC / Pocket PC2002/WinCE3.0. As it turned out, this does not mean automatic support for Windows Mobile 2003. Therefore, we begin with the problems that may arise at the stage of installing the module.

Put Wi-Fi

So, acting on instructions, you have inserted into the socket adapter, installed all drivers and any software, but software is not working or not working properly. For example, in my case, the accompanying utility refused to see located a meter away from my access point, through which he successfully worked as lying on a table next to the laptop. Also, the utility may simply not detect the adapter. Such cases are too.

Possible solutions:
1. Perform Soft Reset on the PDA. If you do not help, then make a backup copy of all data, Hard Reset, followed by re-reinstalling all the drivers.
2. Update the firmware device. For PDA HP iPAQ h2210, yes, and any other series h22hh update is available at HP, Make your Hard Reset and reinstall software from scratch.

If you have not helped, and the above measures, it is your Wi-Fi card and "did not see" the access point or reaching complete tool and did not recognize the adapter, then you are faced with a problem that HP specialists in one of the overseas sites were classified as someone elses problem. The gist of it is precisely in the fact that install software that came with Wi-Fi card, designed for Pocket PC 2002, not Windows Mobile 2003. And can you make money ... and can not earn. By itself, the problem seems rather strange. What does that mean that the producer of the periphery does not want to provide software support for your product? Let's not boil, and assess the situation, especially from the standpoint of the producer. It is surely released over the past two years, a lot of wireless devices, and each of their "pets" adapted to work with those operating systems, which at that time were present in the market. So what happens periferiyschiki not their fault that, in turn, manufacturers of PDA (and this is their fault and HP in particular) have not provided your PDA fully compliant with the periphery of the previous generation of Pocket PC. And it is a fact that will not argue.The most surprising thing is that the same cards from different manufacturers may be perfectly normal to work with some models of handheld devices for Pocket PC 2003, but not "perceive" other. The whole point is that the operating systems installed on different handhelds to the same manufacturer - always different. And about the different manufacturers - and say nothing. Moreover, the same adapter you can not earn, and at exactly the same PDA to your neighbor - the perfect function. So, for example, turned in my case. Pretec CompactWLAN, I have taken for the experiments without problems on my HP h2210 friend. I was just unlucky. However, my case turned out to be called inoperable, and a lot of users, primarily Western, has already solved this puzzle. One of the standard ways to solve "the problem of older drivers" - the use of software from other vendors. Most of the Wi-Fi cards are based on PRISM chipset and drivers for them are compatible, so the first thing we remove the old drivers. Then go to the ASUS website and download fresh for the wireless card ASUS WL-110 (in my case it was file Eng_PCC2003_011.zip - ASUS WL-110 CF Card Driver, Utility and Utility release note for The WinCE 4.0 & Pocket PC 2003, English Version ). After you install them on your PDA, we put Wi-Fi adapter and a pop-up window «Unrecognized or somthing card windows» is entered «PRISMNDS». Note that the utility that comes bundled with the drivers to work on your PDA probably will not, therefore, to verify the functionality necessary to use alternative software, discussed further below, or use the default network configuration utility in Windows. The method described above "substitute" drivers, as the practice has helped very many, including me. If you continue to have difficulties with finding and connecting, I can advise to go to the site of PocketPC Magazine Forums, where the problem is discussed since last year. The local regulars healthy grown expert in such matters, so that might help you. Thus, we assume that the problems with the installation, we decided, and now in our hands a PDA with current Wi-Fi adapter and working drivers. Theoretically, any additional programs you need for further work on the wireless network is not required, and the connection process should go through without a hitch. But this is only theoretically. Consider first the process of connecting to an ordinary wireless access point as it should be done according to the theory, and then the possible practical variations and ways to resolve the crisis.

Connect to access point

Part One. Customize

1. Install the adapter in the slot and make sure that it flashes the LED turned on. If not, click the stylus on the icon "Connect» (Connectivity) in the system tray (two directed in different directions arrows) and select "Enable» (Turn Wireless On). Council. Turn off Wi-Fi adapter when not in use. This wireless monsters truly insatiable in terms of electricity, so your batteries are unlikely to hold out half of their normal working hours. 2. Having joined, the adapter will begin to go through the neighborhood in search of a network or other wireless devices. If you see them it will give you a list with the query: what network to connect and what a way to connect with this use. If your device is already configured, then the meaning is connected automatically. If this is the first wireless output of your device, you must use the manual setting. In this case, click "Hide» (Hide). 3.To manually configure your connection, click the stylus on the icon "Connect» (Connectivity) and select "Settings» (Settings). Click the Advanced tab »(Advanced) -« Network Card »(Network Card) - tab" Wireless »(Wireless). In the "Wireless Networks" displayed the names available for connecting networks. With the item "Add new connection» (Add New Settings) you can set up a direct connection with other wireless devices. About this way of creating a connection, read on. At the bottom, the drop-down menu for web access »(Networks to access), you can choose the type of networks with which you want to work:" All available »(All Available) - This item is recommended to choose" Only the access point " (Only access points) and "only computer to computer» (Only computer-to-computer). The latter type of connection used to connect to other wireless devices directly, bypassing the access point. Be sure to check the bottom check "Automatically connect to is not preferred networks» (Automatically connect to non-preferred networks). It is necessary to display information about all available for you to connect networks, not just those connections that have already been configured. 4. If you are within "sight" access points, then in the "Wireless" is displayed the name. Click the stylus on the name of the network, a window configuration. In it you select "Connect» (Connect to) with the «Work». Council. Use the connection «The Internet» just in case you go into the network through virtual private network (VPN). In all other cases, enabled only «Work». Since this paragraph is mine, probably the biggest mistake. We have to work we go out to the Internet, as many users through a proxy-server. Recently, we have an access point, also connected to the network. Every time I tried to connect my HP h2210 wireless network, of course, to wander through the wilds Internet, I'm on the simplicity of his heart, chose the connection «The Internet». The obvious choice, agree. What was my surprise when, promuchavshis few days, I found that to connect to the world wide web in any case not necessary to press on «The Internet», because only when connecting to the «Work» become available to configure proxy-server. 5. Go to the tab "Authentication» (Authentication), and then configure the network identification in accordance with established on your access point. So you should do only if access to the Access Point itself and its settings, you do not have. If everything is just listed you have, and point, for example, is at home or with friends, then configure it first: set up an automatic distribution of IP addresses, ie, Enable DHCP server and be sure to disable all kinds of protection, including encryption, WEP! Be aware that WEP is a basic way to protect and identify the Wi-Fi networks, since their introduction. Encryption can be, for example, 64, 128, 256-bit.Only when you'll get a normal connection with the access point and completely finished with the settings of the CPC, and only then switch on the cryptographic access point. In this case you need the PDA to establish a tick "data encryption" and enter "Network Key". Note that the network key is usually given in hexadecimal, that is, if enabled 64-bit encryption, it is 10 digits, for example, - «12345ABCDE». Regarding stability to cracking WEP, we rely on it should not. It has long programs exist that allow this defense around. Having dealt with the access point, do not forget to set the appropriate parameters and on the PDA. If you have disabled WEP on the network, then unplug it and on the PDA. Tick ​​"authentication" and tab "802.1x" and must be removed. 7. In this direction, perhaps, everything. We press "OK" in the upper right corner. Network Configuration is completed. We pass on the tab "Network Adapters» (Network Card) and select your wireless network card. In my case, the drivers from ASUS, it appears as Intersil PRISM Wireless LAN PC Card. Top choose "My network card connects to:» (My network card connects to:) «Work». When you click the stylus on the map opens a window enter the IP address. If you have a fixed IP, then select specific IP-address »(Use specific IP address), in emerging fields, enter the self address, subnet mask and default gateway. If the access point enabled auto-distribution of IP addresses, ie, DHCP server, preferably, just select «IP address assigned to server» (Use server assigned IP address). 8. Go to the next tab, "Name Servers» (Name Servers) and, if necessary, enter the addresses of DNS servers and WINS. Council. Which of the addresses to enter, and which is left blank, often quite independently determine fairly simple. Enough to the access point was connected to the same network as your computer. This is - a fairly common situation. For example, when you deploy a wireless network at home, or she has appeared in your office. In this case, type in the CCP are the same DNS address and WINS, both on the desktop. They are, incidentally, may remain unfilled altogether. 9. Press the OK button in the upper right corner, while you will be issued a warning: "The next time an adapter will apply the new settings. If you are currently adapter is installed in the PDA, remove and reinsert the changes to take effect." Follow this advice makes sense only if you have something really changed in the settings. 10.The last thing left to do to establish a connection is set up a proxy-server (unless, of course, you have it:). Click the stylus on the icon "Connect» (Connectivity) and select "Customize» (Settings). We pass on the tab "Tasks» (Tasks) and section «My Work Network» choose "Change proxy settings» (Edit my proxy server). In the window that opens, set the checkbox "This network connects to the Internet» (This network connects to the Internet) and "This network connects to the Internet through a proxy server» (This network uses a proxy server to connect to the Internet). Go to "Advanced» (Advanced) and set the IP address and port number. This completes the setting.

Part Two. Connection

We assume that all the settings you have made. But even if it is not, it is still at "Connecting» (Connectivity) - «Set» (Settings) - «Advanced» (Advanced) - «Network Card» (Network Card) - «Wireless» (Wireless) you you should see a list of available networks, with comments on the availability or unavailability of the connection. Typically, the network is not available if the access point is off. In other cases, it is available. This, in turn, does not mean that you can connect to it. Now gently presses the stylus on the name of interest to us online and in the dropdown menu, select "Connect» (Connect). It seems that all ... A moment later the icon left of the network will be circled in blue circle, and next to the name will comment - "Connected". Uraaaaa! Earned! Launch Internet Explorer and enjoy wireless surfing. You can walk to the access point, of course, if you have the administrator password, and to see the connection settings and login.

Nothing happens-I-I!

What are you talking about? Nothing is working? - Ah-ah-ah ... Well, okay. You will not believe, but all my friends, first tried to set up a wireless Wi-Fi connection to a PDA or laptop, it came out not that the second time, but, rather, from the fifth, and even the tenth.So it's not without fanaticism:) It is ironic, but the intuition on which all rely on when faced with 802.11b, in fact, does not help. You seem to be doing everything right, but nothing comes out. Several of these "wonderful" things we look at further.

Wait for an answer ...

One of the "wonderful" features work with Wi-Fi, I faced, relying on his intuition was (you would not believe!) - Slowness in establishing a connection, at least on my PDA. In a network where the data rate of 11 Mbit / sec, my PDA can register and establish a connection for half a minute or more. Of course, I did not know about it, so after waiting for 5-10 seconds and, without seeing the promised "Connected", immediately rushed to recheck the settings. Therefore let me advice. If you are not immediately connected, do not rush to change the settings, wait for at least 30-40 seconds. Perhaps it still happens. With my numerous unsuccessful attempts to connect to different wireless networks I was faced with two, I think, the general cases. In the first, a comment that is connected, without any notification back to the starting position, ie, the right of the network will return to the "available". In this case, you can try again to connect to the network, but it is better to go to revalidate all the settings. And carefully, comrades, look! Re-enter the WEP key if encryption is enabled, check whether the specified connection everywhere «Work», etc. I noticed that some of the checkboxes in the settings tend to appear and disappear on their own, especially after the power is turned off, so be on the alert! Note. You nothing says the phrase MAC address? - No, but in vain. After all, for it identifies you to the access point. Protecting the MAC address - the second after the WEP - a popular way to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access. Maybe on your access point is also included filtering MAS'ov, be sure to consult your system administrator and make your list of allowed MAC addresses. However, just like WEP, protect the MAC slightly resistant to the persistent "attention" outsiders. Council. To re-set is guaranteed to take effect, pull a few seconds the adapter from the PDA and install it again. After that, try to reconnect.

Well, where's my IP?

In the second case, when I could not connect, I receive an error message assigning IP addresses. Something like this: If the choice of two "evils" smaller, it is in some sense, more curable error than those described above. At least, it means that when connected to the CCP came to the last stage of the compound - an IP address. This failure can happen again for two reasons. First. Banal. When the access point is not enabled the dynamic distribution of IP addresses, but on the handheld - is included. Second. C that I have encountered much more frequently and it is, I think, in the following. Access point, for some reason believes that IP address already assigned to me and does not allocate it again. Basically this error when I reconnect to the network. That is, I was connected, a time is active, then either the PDA switched off, or I'll disable it. When you switch on and try to connect to network my h2210 is just to give an error getting IP. In fact, as I found out, it turned out that way. And log files Access Point is once again confirmed it. Therefore, please note the following information. Note. Assigned to you when you first log into the network a dynamic IP address remains fixed for some time for your PDA (the time setup in the access point) - more precisely, for its MAC address.If you turn off your PDA, your IP address in the memory is not saved. The next time you connect the access point remembers the IP address it has already betrayed you, and possibly re you do not get it. Uniquely solve this problem I could not. So, in my opinion, better than you initially try to avoid it, ie, connecting to work or wait until the last with repeated access to the network until the point of you "will not forget." Retention time of assigned IP addresses on the Access Point, which I came across, by default it is 1 hour. If this is not an option for you, then you perfect a wonderful program PocketWINc, which helped me in all settings, find and solve problems, including this one. Again, note. Remember at the beginning of this article, I talked about how nice to have a built-in Wi-Fi module. Most of the problems described here, including reacquire IP, are, apparently, the result is broken on my HP h2210 drivers and software, and it is not apparent, for example, HP h4150 with a set "native" software and a built-in . This handheld, owned by my colleague at work, lying at 10 centimeters from mine. He is "no nails" from the first time connected to the network, obtain an IP address, while my machine, the hard "puffing" and all the lights blinking, tried unsuccessfully to reach the Access Point, which did not want to admit it.

Weapons of this Wi-fayschika

I tried several programs to facilitate the work with wireless networks and simplifying the connection process. Equal in convenience and functionality PocketWINc 1.3 (shareware) I have never met. Highly recommend! Functions and tools from PocketWINc quite a lot, but I'll talk about those that I really come in handy. Actually, this program is not needed at all if you are all well and works without problems. What I liked about the application. Firstly, it is very informative main screen, which displays the available network and connection status to them. For example, depending on the type of icons before the name of the network, you can immediately see that at a particular point is: the network is available or not available, you trying to connect to it, established a relationship (Associated), and finally - whether you are connected. If successful, The compound icon turns green. Since one of the biggest problems was for me the task of obtaining IP addresses, among other things, re-obtaining, my most used tools are in the menu Tools (see list in the screenshot). I'll tell you about each of them in detail. - «View IP properties ...» - the first in the list, offers a view of all your settings on a network: adapter name, MAC address, DHCP server, IP, subnet mask and gateway, and others. - «Ping ...» - command «Ping» similar to the desktop on Windows. It will be so helpful to test access to Access Point and to other computers on the wireless and wired networks. - «Release IP Address ...» - ideally this command returns the IP address. - «Renew IP Address ...» - ideally a team request a new IP address. Why is it only "ideally"? The fact is that with these two teams without a problem would be to solve the problem of re-obtain its IP address. That is, first, we return the old access point IP - «Release IP Address ...», and the following command «Renew IP Address ...» ask a new one. Unfortunately, I have such an approach has not worked. But then passed version of the mixed and completely pointless, that is, not having a specific algorithm. I randomly went through the menu command «Release IP Address ...», «Renew IP Address ...», and also by pushing the stylus on the network name, chose the «Connect» or «Connect & check Internet». The method of "engineering spear" breakdowns usually within 5 minutes and the compound appeared. PocketWINc helps me in many situations. It happens that the standard way to connect is not working quite correctly. That is next to the network may be a comment - "Connected", but in fact connection had not occurred. Here then again rescues weapons present Wai fayschika, for example, a red icon next to the network announcing that only a connection with a point, but no connection. Go to the menu item «View IP properties ...» - and really, IP is not obtained from the server, but instead used some strange internal address. It's all clear. IP was not given to us, you must request it by hand «Renew IP Address ...» or perform re-connection.

Once more on the software

I spent a little searching on the program directory for the PDA, enabled us to discover a few more applications that would be a nice addition when working with 802.11 b. Moreover, two of them - are completely free from them and begin. WiFi Graph - a nice program to view information about being in proximity to hot spots and the signal strength from them. It is with this small program I was running around the office, looking for places where Wi-Fi «finishes, but where - no. WiFi Graph is useful also if you select the optimal location for the Access Point. Distribution Type - Freeware. WiFiFoFum 0.3.1 - utility-radar. Similarly to the previous program, it finds the nearby access points and displays information about them and the signal level on a round screen, a la the radar. A second useful feature of the program is to determine (albeit roughly) the direction of a specific access point. Distribution Type - Freeware. Net @ Board 1.0 - this softina, which is conveniently located on the screen Today, provides you with quick access to desired settings of the wireless network. In terms of functionality, it approaches PocketWINc.You will have the following options: information about the found networks, data on the amount of wireless traffic, information about your IP, the possibility of "ping" the neighbors, to execute the «Release IP Address» and «Renew IP Address», as well as quick access to standard windows configure the network adapter and connect. Distribution Type - Shareware.

Asya aunt did not come ...

To my great regret, I failed to make any ICQ, none of the programs operate in analog wireless option to connect to the Internet. Connection in any case not be made. All this outrage took place against a completely trouble-free Internet surfing. List of subjects was as follows: ICQ v1.0b, imov Messenger 1.15, Agile Messenger. My negative experience, in this case is rather an exception and did not specifically mean. Perhaps it is you Messanger work. I sincerely wish you that. If not difficult to share with me a positive experience at the end of the article:)

Online Resources

Wireless network, as, indeed, common - is not limited to surfing the Internet. Any network - it is also a diverse gathering of information on others computers. Get to "share drives" resources in two ways - a convenient and standard. Easy way - is to use the program Resco Explorer (Shareware). To search for available network resources, simply press and hold the stylus directory «My Network», the pop-up menu, select «Map Drive». After a while you will see a list of available network drives. A second useful tool that provides you with Resco Explorer, will access ftp resources. Create a new session and connect to the servers. Awkward way (read - "standard conditions") - is to use standard means of Windows - «Explorer. Run the program and choose the menu "View" in the dialog that appears, type the network path, for example, «\ \ comp1 \ Common». What this method is inconvenient, to explain, I think, is not required.

Direct connection to computer-computer "

Briefly describe the process of setting up a direct connection PC and PDA, has been repeatedly tested and almost 100% efficiency.

So, first configure a desktop OS (Windows XP):
1. Connect Wi-Fi adapter into your PC and install drivers for it.
2. Go to "Control Panel" tab "Network Connections". If the adapter and the drivers will install correctly, there will be an icon "Wireless Network Connection".
3. Right-click on the "Wireless Network Connection" and select "Enable".
4. Right-click on the "Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
5. On the General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) »and click the Properties button.
6. In the resulting window, select the option "Use the following IP - Address" and in the «IP-address" type «192.168.2.2», in the "Subnet Mask» - «255.255.255.0» and click "OK".
7. Back in the Box "Wireless Network Connection" - "Properties", go to the tab "Wireless Networks".
8. On the tab "Wireless Networks" click on the Advanced button.
9. In the "Advanced" choose "Network computer - just a computer, install a check" Automatically connect to network "and click" Close "button.
10. On the tab "Wireless Networks" in the "Preferred networks" click on "Add" button.
11. In the window "Wireless Network Properties" in the "Network Name» (SSID) enter an arbitrary network name (it is then necessary to enter and PDAs).
12. Remove the check mark from the field "Data encryption (WEP)», «Network Authentication" and click "OK".
13. Back in the Box "Wireless Network Connection" - "Properties" and click "OK".

Verify and monitor the status of the connection by using icons "Connection", which should appear in the system tray.Clicking on it, you can see the status of your connection and signal strength.

Now the settings for PDAs:
1. As usual, install drivers and include Wi-Fi adapter.
2. Click the stylus on the icon "Connect" and select "Configure". Click the Advanced tab - "Network Card" - tab "Wireless" - "Add new connection" - enter the network name (same as on a PC), select the connection type «Work», and set "Connect a computer to computer" (AD-HOS).
3. Under the tab "Wireless" - menu "Networks to access" select "Only computer-to-computer and install check" Automatically connect to the network is not preferred. "
4. Under "Authentication" clears all checkboxes.
5. Under "Network Adapters" select your wireless network card and connection type "My network card connects to a» - «Work».
6. Click on the network card, choose "A specific IP-address" and enter the IP-address «192.168.2.1», subnet mask «255.255.255.0» and default gateway «192.168.2.2».

That's all. In the "Wireless Networks", you should have a name for your connection. Click on it with stylus, and select "Connect". Problems should arise. To test the connection to a PC from a command prompt (Start - Run) run «ping 192.168.2.1». Using PocketWINc, run «ping 192.168.2.2». If packets are passed, then the connection is established. Start the Resco Explorer and use your desktop PC. In case of difficulties with the connection, you probably just made a mistake with the settings. Now, it seems everything:) Uffffffff ...

Total

No matter how complex it may seem a large number of settings, the subtleties and nuances of working with Wi-Fi, in fact, spending a little time and deal with technology, you can get is extremely handy tool for wireless in the first place, surfing, significantly increases your mobility and clearly talking about your advancement in the eyes of others. I wish you success in the conquest of the wireless internet:)

Wi-Fi points in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Specially for those who have reached the end of the article - a bonus - a list of Wi-Fi cpotov (free and paid), located in Moscow and St.-Petersburg. The authors, translation: