Oleg Lebedev We investigated 15 packets of companies (Paragon Software, Fiztehsoft, Merlin, and MakTsentr Artsoft) and individual developers (Timur Tashpulatov, Sergey Menshikov and Alexander Zavorin). Of these 15 programs, four were for PalmOS (CyrHack 0.43, PiLoc Russian 1.31, PaPiRus 1.71, InterPilot 2.1), 8 - to systems based on Windows CE (RusCE / LE 2.0.71/3.0.57 (HPC), RusCE / LE 2.1 .26/2.1.30 (PPC), RusCE / LE 4.0.1 (Pocket PC), CeNat 1.0 (PPC), ArtSKey 4.1 Plus (HPC), ArtSKey 4.1 Plus (PPC), PocketEx Input Method 1.0 (PPC), RussKey 1.02/RussNLS 0.91 (HPC / PPC) and 3 package - for EPOC (RusPsion 2.20, «Elbrus 5» 2.0, Croat 3.0). In this case, we have not considered the crack Russian III, since, according to the author, the development of this package discontinued.
Windows CE
The platform, which many predicted a bright future in the past year, suffered a crushing defeat on the EPOC (in a segment of keyboard systems) and Palmas (on the market besklaviaturny). But for the year several new versions of Windows CE (Windows CE Professional Edition 2.11/3.0, Windows CE 2.0/2.01 for Palm-size PC, etc.) and radically new platform - Pocket PC. We examined only one localization system Pocket PC, RusCE / LE 4.0.1, because at the time of testing only one developer has created a commercial system localization for this version of Windows CE. Containment systems on the market there have been many changes. Company ArtSoft, firing system handwriting ArtSPen, turned the package into a full kit ArtSKey localization for PDA with handwriting input, and the company is "Merlin" presented a package PocketEx Input Method - virtual Russian keyboard Device Palm-size PC, which performs only the minimum functions but has an important advantage - a non-profit utility. Also, the user is not a single penny will cost package RussKey / RusNLS, which offers the company MakTsentr for keyboard-based systems Windows CE.PalmOS
In the segment of PalmOS in the past year radically changed the balance of power in the market containment systems. During this time there are new models (Handspring Visor and the TRG Pro), and the new version of the OS (PalmOS 3.3 and 3.5). We have deliberately stopped on the devices with PalmOS 3.1 and 3.5, since these versions of OS users get when purchasing a new device. As before, users can choose between free and commercial packages. The difference is that commercial development can provide additional functions, such as a complete translation of the shell operating system, application software and the Russian regional attributes (formats for date and time, currency symbols, etc.), whereas the non-profit packages (in fact, remained completely free Once the package CyrHack) provide only a function of processing and Cyrillic character sets. System of complete localization for the Visor series devices today only offers Paragon Software, device users TRG Pro (which are few) may work with Service CyrHack. In addition, there was a "clone" localization PiLoc, PaRus, representing the same crack, which, however, is distributed by "Elekton. As you know, one of the main features of the devices based on PalmOS - input system of symbols. They use a handwriting input, the user "writes" style characters which are simplified versions of the faces of handwritten characters. At present, there are some basic "layout» Graffiti - «Russian Graffiti», created by "Fiztehsoft, the layout of Paragon Software, which appeared in Russifier PiLoc, and layout, which is used in the package InterPilot. Both of the last difference is that the user will have to learn many "exceptions", characters that are not very similar to the Russian counterparts and are appointed on English letters, to "liberate" the Russian regime (for example, entering "u" as a «s»).Draw the letter "y" and similar in each of the systems associated with the use of diacritical marks or Mirrored characters similar letters ("d" in the package InterPilot portrayed as a mirro "and"). Kind of diacritical marks from the pack to the package is different, for example, the system PiLoc need to use "~" ("tick"), whereas in PaPiRus - «'» (vertical bar). What kind of layout to choose - is determined by individual preference, although we have prepared the coefficient of "convenience Graffiti» shows that the layout PiLoc, from the viewpoint of an experienced user, somewhat better. Changes similar to Russian letters Graffiti characters easier to remember, so they usually prefer to inexperienced users. In addition, today has been completely solved the problem of working with different encodings. Although it may seem that the organizer problem encodings maloaktualna, it is not. The reason - buyers of ultraportable PCs almost always underestimate their needs, and one can often observe the situation when the user discovers that there is not just an organizer, a microscopic, but almost a full-featured PC. According to our estimates, approximately 15-20% of users of Palm are working with them on the Internet.EPOC (Psion)
In the last review, we have omitted this platform, since then, actually, there was nothing to review - on the market there was only one program of Russification Paragon RusPsion. This year, the Psion can not be ignored. The main news for users of these excellent systems - the emergence of new devices (Psion Series 5mx, Psion Series 7 and Psion Revo) and programs for the full localization. The new devices use the OS EPOC Release 5, but the developer containment systems provide Screenshots and OS previous series (Release 3, under which operate Psion Series 5). We did not consider the localization system series devices Psion Series 3xx, because there is a fully hardware-Russification of the model. Developers of Russification offer versions for each model, although for Psion Series 7 The advent of full containment not expected any one company. In addition, the market for Psion Russification became competitive - the company MakTsentr, one of the leading Russian providers of similar products, has developed its own system of Russification "Elbrus 5", which in many ways superior to the historically first batch of Russification (for Psion Series 5) RusPsion and in fact, was the catalyst for the development of its main competitor.PalmOS
PiLoc Russian 1.31
Price $ 15 (free installed on new devices).Paragon Software (MCD),
msupport@penreader.com,
russia.penreader.com Package PiLoc Russian at this time was the winner of our tests. The developers of this system, which in the past have not distinguished by its advantages, turned its program into a multifunctional and flexible system for localization. The package provides full interface localization devices, text input, Graffiti and encodings. According to the company's developer, today there are versions of PiLoc for dozens of languages, even such as the Hebrew (with the methods of entering text from right to left) and Arabic, but we have experienced Russian. Before installing user will have to choose one of the versions - the "light" (only the ability to handle the Cyrillic alphabet, 48 KB) or complete (with the functions of complete localization, 158 KB). To install, run the utility Palm Install Tool (in the bundled PIM) and "sync" the device (HotSync). After synchronization is complete, will have to enable crack by selecting its window menu Russian. The bundled utility provides DeskPatch, which allows you to make the changes necessary for the proper operation of the Russian language, the program organizer, PalmDesktop, which is synchronized with Palm; addition, there are utility Graffiti Mapper, which allows to change the "layout" Graffiti symbols in accordance with taste user. The program can be "flashed" into EPROM Palm.Developers PiLoc used the original (in the sense not altered) typeface characters Graffiti, which will require some getting used to input Russian characters. Full list of exclusions and non-obvious characters Graffiti to enter separate Russian characters shown in the user manual and online help for Graffiti, which can be viewed from any application. As in the past, we expected the coefficient of "convenience Graffiti», which determines the quality of the localization of Graffiti. Although we obtained statistics do not allow one to determine the quality of recognition (this parameter is interpreted more widely and depends not only on recognition accuracy, but also on the characteristics of the character set Graffiti), we got about the same rate as in the past: "convenience Graffiti» for PiLoc Russian is 97% compared with 95% of its main competitor. Developers of Paragon Software fully functional gaps, marked by us in previous trials. Now you can switch between languages by clicking on the indicator, Graffiti, use multiple character sets work properly search and sort the address book are implemented means "transparent" switch encodings. In addition, the system provides "full" location, regardless of the active encoding. The only competitor PiLoc, package PaPiRus, alas, requires a complete shutdown of localization at work with KOI-8. In PiLoc provides four encryption - Windows, KOI-8, DOS, and Mac, switch between them on the fly (although compared to the packet switching method is realized CyrHack less convenient, because I lost focus and sometimes the dialog boxes, but the developers claim that the use their method is more reliable and reduces the risk of "collapse" the OS, since such a switch - a trivial operation). In addition, well-implemented system of Russification of the onscreen keyboard, regardless of encoding. In this case, PiLoc has some unpleasant features associated with the need to override not only the encoding table, but some system information about the font, which are available in the utility CyrHack (visually they appear, such as "garbage" in the field of scroll bars in a package SynCalc) . Less of this program - reduced speed of the device, although a small (to fix this discrepancy we have managed only through a special test program). According to the developers, the reason is that PiLoc on the fly unpacks the Russian-language resources, which replaces the English terms in application programs, which increases the load on the CPU. Test the battery life has shown, however, that it has virtually no effect on energy consumption. The company provides technical support for their package, providing users with more technical information on Web-site (www.paragon.ru) and the opportunity to talk with the developers in a technical Web-Conference (mboard.paragon.ru). Today PiLoc - this is the most attractive system Russification Platform Palm. No other package does not provide such a full realization of both basic and advanced features, you may need the user from the Russian translation of the shell OS and application software and ending with a convenient means of encoding. Creators of this package a lot of work, and we are right to award them unlike Editors' Choice in the category "Commercial packages Russification for PalmOS».
PaPiRus 1.71
Price $ 30FizTehSoft,
pts@PhysTechSoft.com,
www.PhysTechSoft.com. This program last year, won our trials, so the developers evidently found it possible to relax somewhat - for a year package PaPiRus virtually unchanged, except for the appearance of the revised versions for PalmOS (but at the time of our tests there was no version that would provide full containment Visor and TRG Pro). Program PaPiRus, as the package PiLoc, designed for full containment Palm OS. The hallmark of this localization - amended scheme faces of characters Graffiti, which provides a higher degree of similarity with Russian letters than any other.However, as the practice (limited group of testers), altered typeface is easier to remember, but difficult to use when it comes to input large amounts of text. The reason - a little less ergonomic mark of Russian symbols, stylized characters, English letters smaller. Although the creators PaPiRus have provided several options for entering characters (such as for the letter "M", which is "standard» PaPiRus portrayed extremely ornate hieroglyphs), the convenience of the input affects the fact that some characters have to "draw" in different directions (eg, the letter "L" is drawn as a character "^", which "draws" are not left to right and from right to left). The installation package is simple and straightforward, the user specifies the names of the files the crack in the Install Tool utility and synchronizes the organizer. In contrast, PiLoc, PaPiRus integrated into the OS and control panel is automatically loaded when you restart the system. You can either use the "full" (149 KB) or "light" (43 KB) version of the package, in addition, the program can be recorded in the EEPROM. Also, unlike PiLoc, PaPiRus provides the connection set of Russian regional settings. This utility does not affect the speed of the device. However for this you have to pay a smaller set of functions - in PaPiRus there is only one encoding (except for Windows 1251), KOI-8. Switching between encodings is made very uncomfortable - will have to close an application, go to Control Panel, run the configuration utility PaPiRus and there is select the character. The company provides technical support, enabling users to update the program and additional information (www2.phystechsoft.com/ru_win/PaPiRus/support.html). Despite the lack certain features, PaPiRus remains perfectly implemented the package, which the developers have taken care of many details (for example, such a detail - a list of possible options in the program Expense sorted according to the Russian alphabet, in contrast to PiLoc provides an opportunity to open the menu by clicking on the title program). This program will address key challenges faced by users of classic Palm, but for those who consider themselves to experienced users should look for another crack.
CyrHack 0.43
Price: free.Timur Tashpulatov,
tim@rascom.ru Utility CyrHack, past and current winner in the category of "non-commercial development for PalmOS», did not change the status - this is still a "preview release". However, in this case it does not mean raw product is crude, but rather points to a continuous improvement program: for the past year has added more than a dozen editions of this package. As before, CyrHack remains one of the most flexible programs of Russification (excluding the possibility of complete localization), who appreciate the expert users (though it may seem quite difficult inexperienced owner of Palm). This utility is an extension (extension) for the program HackMaster (a unique tool that allows independent developers to more or less correct to intervene in the work of system components operating systems). Utility is compatible with the entire family of systems based on PalmOS (PilotPersonal / Professional, Palm, Visor and TRG Pro) and editorial OS (3.1 to 3.5). It provides only the basic functions of processing the Cyrillic alphabet (input, mapping, sorting, switching the encoding), but with powerful features to work with character sets and advanced customization tools, we found it the best free utility. The procedure to install the program differs from the standard because, after synchronizing the user activates the program in the Batch window HackMaster, rather than in a standard envelope. Then in the Control Panel window CyrHack can configure the switching language, specify the language, which becomes active after the Palm, the default encoding, etc. CyrHack requires 25 KB of RAM (additional 10 Kbytes is needed to install HackMaster), specifics of the program affects speed; among PalmOS version 3.1 and below the difference in speed or even noticeably to the eye. "In addition, users of PalmOS 3.5 will install the previous version, as tested by our editorial functioned correctly when entering text in non-standard encodings. To switch to the Russian regime is enough to click on the indicator Graffiti (Ru / En), or enter one of the combinations of the L or R (- Exteneded Shift). To cycle can also use the combination | (Extended Shift + bar from the bottom up), you can switch between encodings, without leaving the application (not even lost the input focus), regardless of whether you enter a symbol Graffiti (Exteneded Shift + Y, the sign yen) or double-click on the indicator Graffiti (the same way you can do to disable CyrHack). Inscription Russian symbols for Graffiti similarly used in PiLoc, the package includes a utility CyrHelp with reference to Graffiti. We fixed some minor problems with the application software. In some applications when you switch the encoding does not redraw window (Launch'Em, SynCalc, HandMail, IrLink). Implementation of on-screen keyboard encodings other than Windows 1251 and KOI-8, and sometimes incorrect (some keys do not work), refusal of entry to reduce (enter symbol reduction and one or two letters followed by removal of typed characters) switches the system into the English mode (a the indicator remains Russian), there is a problem with a redefinition of the system information in the fonts when changing the encoding, resulting in incorrect display of text on the screen. The author provides technical support by e-mail package. Despite some problems in terms of flexibility and convenience CyrHack remains one of the most convenient tools. Novice users who are buying their first Palm, it may be wise to first try another crack, but from the perspective of an experienced user, it's almost the best option.
InterPilot 2.1
Price $ 12Sergey Menshikov
www.sergem.net package, which in the last review was called Cyrus, changed his name to InterPilot and became "a multilingual package of localization." This program differs in that the author quite radically changed the standard font and font style of characters Graffiti; addition, it provides an opportunity to work almost as many languages. As CyrHack, InterPilot functions on all models of devices with the PalmOS, although we felt it only work with the Palm IIIx (PalmOS 3.1) and the Palm IIIc (PalmOS). The package is a shell, to which can "connect" the different languages (not encoding, namely, language). The user installs the package and he needs a set of languages, with different encodings are considered simply as separate languages. This allows virtually simultaneously, with minimal disruption to switch, not only work with Russian, but also in other languages such as Ukrainian, Turkish, Polish, etc. The shell is 10 KB, language components - to 18 Kbytes. The developer is strongly corrected the default system font, which became larger and thinner (this may not please everyone). Switching languages is a long stroke (from the middle input area to the border of the screen), you can switch by clicking on the indicator no. Russian regime is displayed on both the letter "I" or symbols indicating the Shift or CapsLock. All the characters typed in this program are represented by one stroke, it has no means of processing the additional modifying characters (for example, the letter "y" is represented as a mirror image "and"). In practice, this turns out to be quite convenient, because it reduces the number of strokes required to enter a symbol, although the need to change the direction of drawing characters Graffiti, as in PaPiRus, somewhat annoying. This provides an opportunity to use abbreviations if they are not assigned to the combination with Cyrillic characters. As is the case with CyrHack, the application incorrectly overrides fonts, ignoring the system information. The author provides technical support by e-mail package. Again, this is a very original program. And although she can not compete with commercial development, solutions that are implemented by its author, very interesting.
EPOC
RusPsion 2.20
Price $ 99 (free installed on new devices).Paragon Software (MCD),
msupport@penreader.com,
russia.penreader.com RusPsion - Russian localization system for devices, Psion Series 5, Psion Series 5 mx, Psion REVO, Psion Series 7, Ericsson MC 218. We have tested version 2.20, which has two modifications: RusPison Lite and "Everest" (the full package of localization OS EPOC). Installation is extremely simple, the user can simply copy the distribution file (extension *. SIS) to "drive C:» Psion and run it. The procedure takes less than a minute, the device reboots (notable progress compared with many faults and manual start localization files that existed in previous versions). According to the manual, the package requires installation on a "drive» C:, but keep your distribution kit can be in flash memory, although, as shown by our tests, and in the mode of installation on a flash card, it functions correctly. Alas, to refuse the installation of backup to disk file subsystem Psion translation is impossible. The first manifestation of localization after installation - Launch Center Help, online help for working with language. Indicator default keyboard is at the bottom right corner. The user has the opportunity to "drag" it around the screen and, as shown by our tests its limits, after which it remains only to remove and re-install the program. Setting up the program provides a special utility in the Control Panel »Psion. The user can resize the display (very convenient to switch the language is not the keyboard, and mouse around the screen) or disable it, change the buttons to switch the language and character set (about 10 options, the default is Ctrl + Tab and Ctrl + Menu), in the regime of complete containment there You can also disable the Russian translation or crack (this is necessary for the operation of BackUp / Restore). Package designed to work with several Russian keyboard layouts: the "standard" (default, "u", "b" are entered by pressing the appropriate keys and Fn), «phonetic" (the Russian alphabet characters are introduced like them symbols of the alphabet), «KOI- 8 "(used to work with email)," MacCentre "(the usual layout, where the Russian letters are entered by pressing just one button) and" Ukrainian "(which lets you enter text in Ukrainian). The presence of several variants of the keyboard, in practice, means the freedom to choose the provider unit, as Russian companies - sellers ultraportable PCs, causing (laser) with Cyrillic characters on the keyboard they sell devices that adhere to one of the basic layouts (Standard »Paragon Software or MacCentre). The package can not respond to requests for system ("Delete the file. Yes / No?") Using Russian keyboard, the user will have to switch to the English language and press «Y». It looks a bit strange, especially in the regime of complete containment. RusPsion gives the opportunity to work with email and browse Web-pages in the KOI-8 encoding, but this would require a change in the application for a similar font, but with the end of KOI (Courier - Courier KOI), and activate the layout KOI-8. However, we noted that a new mode layout does not appear. In addition, when entering text and information on the Ukrainian language user will have to bear in mind that the Ukrainian letter «i» is the same code as the English «i», and in operations associated with account codes, symbols, treated as Latin. Nevertheless, this is a very useful tool, since the package can be viewed as "ukrainizator. In RusPsion drivers are available for multiple printers (Canon BJ-30, Citizen iPN60, Epson Mode LQ), however with the HP LaserJet he provides compatibility only when working with the English language. In principle you can use the print mode "as a fax, when the text is displayed in graphical mode. According to the developers, utility EPOC SmartSync from the package RusPsion ensures the correct exchange Cyrillic Word and Excel documents between the Psion and the PC, but an ill-conceived system of copy protection is extremely inadequate.As shown by tests, the utility does not provide a totally correct transformation of pictures and some design elements (eg, footnotes). However, the results of its work a few more correct than the competing packages, in addition, it runs much faster. Despite the fact that the guide we did not find any mention of the means of synchronizing with OutLook 2000 (only OutLook 97), attempt to synchronize information with our test system and OutLook 2000 was successful (strictly speaking, Outlook 97 and Outlook 2000 use the same file format so SmartSync work correctly with Outlook 2000). In addition, the package includes several utilities: Clipboard Converter (full-featured text editor with a text by means of conversion and correction of language, the user can convert the Russian word for bug introduced in the English mode of the keyboard), Help, and Restart (utility is "graceful restart"). According to the developers, we have marked the errors will be corrected by the time of publication of this review. The company provides technical support for their package, providing users with more technical information on Web-site (www.paragon.ru) and the opportunity to talk with the developers in a technical Web-Conference (mboard.penreader.com).
Elbrus 5 2.0
Price $ 70MakTsentr,
developers@maccentre.ru,
www.maccentre.ru / csd «Elbrus 5" - a package that played a huge role in improving the platform for the Russification of EPOC. This package is for a relatively short period of its existence has created a competitive environment in the formerly monopolistic market and forced the company Paragon Software to improve and optimize their own crack. Elbrus 5 "- is a complete system of Russification, which in general is realized very well. Our tests revealed some problems, but it is certainly "growing pains". The package provides processing texts in Russian language, the functions work with email, etc. The package comes in a single file during the installation process which you can specify the behavior of the program. The utility is 783 KB, in one file contains both versions ("full" and "simple"). As with RusPsion, mode of operation of the system (English or Russian) is displayed on the display ("drag" it out of the display is impossible to be, however, and resize indicator). There is a function of playing sound, which will be played at the time of pressing the switch - very nice "feature". However, the list of key switches for "Elbrus 5" is much smaller (although they are chosen with taste, for example, there is extremely convenient combination Shift-Shift). There is also no means of switching the encoding key combination, the user will have to run Control Panel and there to switch the encoding. In principle, it is a trifle, as to prepare the script (for example, the package Macro5), which by pressing the key combination changes the character set in the Control Panel and fonts in an application program - the case of five minutes. However, novice users lack a standard coding method of switching from the keyboard can ruin a lot of nerves. As RusPsion, «Elbrus 5 provides for several layouts: a" standard "(in the terminology RusPsion this layout MacCentre),« phonetic "," digital "and KOI8-R (for the Internet). Translation of our testers liked a few more, and if the "translation quality" - a rather subjective concept, the optimization in terms of reducing the number of characters in words is obvious, the interface is "leaner" than RusPsion (eg, Tools of RusPsion translated as "Tools", y "Elbrus 5" - "Utilities", certainly not as "in Russian", but shorter). Developers to localize the content, even (not an interface, namely the contents) of the program Time («Globe) by adding 250 cities in Russia and CIS with telephone codes and distances between them, in addition, a number of bugfixes that base" (to quote from the manual) . However, not without errors and the package itself "Elbrus 5.For example, translate the names of the programs leads to the fact that the files they create by default, also became known as Russian names. It would seem good, but we must remember that in the sensory icons Psion they are still called in English, and in addition, the translation is not always obvious (eg, Time - «Globe). The system is more convenient than RusPsion, implemented "shortcuts" when the user can respond to the request of not pressing the screen button, and pressing, for example, in the dialog "Delete the file. Yes / No? ". In RusPsion user must remember that the answer is "Yes" button is selected «Y», and "No» - «N», while the Elbrus 5 "require" D "and" H ", and only in Russian mode. It is more intuitive than RusPsion, but there has not been without mistakes: for example, when a user deletes a file, which also is on the Clipboard, the system asks for confirmation to delete the file itself and delete it from the same buffer, with the first dialog work "Russian" keys, while the second - only English. Complete localization is utility "Bunch" for the correct file-sharing Word and Excel, however, as shown by our tests, it operates much the same way as the SmartSync (and original PsiWin, ie, can not convert "slozhnoformatirovannye" files, such as contain footnotes), "Bunch" are not copy protected, but that it does not become easier, since a very long time initializes the sub-converters. The company provides technical support for their package, providing users with more technical information on Web-site (www.hpc.ru) and the ability to communicate in a Web-conference. According to the developers, we have marked the errors will be corrected by the time of publication of this review. Elbrus 5 "- very interesting package of Russification. Despite some problems, it seems very promising product.
CyrLat 3.0
Price: free.Alexander Zavorin,
zavorine@yahoo.com,
www.geocities.com/alexander_zavorine/ Package CyrLat - this is the first non-profit program of Russification Psion. It was developed for a series netBook and, as shown by our tests, it works only on the Series 5mx and netBook. The installation package is simple and unpretentious - run the file CyrLat.sis and manual reset. After starting the system, you must run CyrLat, clicking on the icon in the toolbar extensions »(Extras bar). However, attempts to install it on the Psion Revo consistently ended with a cyclic reboot or crash the OS. In Russifier there is only one layout - the phonetic. Crack provides the only one encoding (Windows 1251). Switching between languages is carried out with the key combination Ctrl-Menu, keyboard indicators do not. However, the mode is provided on the installation card CompactFlash. This is clearly an experimental design that could be useful for those who for whatever reason, has no russification package (which is highly unlikely, since Russia is practically impossible to buy Psion without localization). But the absence of a familiar keyboard layout - a very significant disadvantage, which is not compensated by even non-profit status of the package.
Windows CE
RussKey1.02/RussNLS 0.91
Price: free. MakTsentr,developers@maccentre.ru,
www.maccentre.ru / csd These packages provide the Russification of the minimum systems with Windows CE - input Russian characters and the addition of Russian regional settings. Windows CE, is known to work in the standard Unicode, and problems with Russian language exclusively related to the fact that Microsoft has not incorporated the standard input method for non-English characters. The package consists of tools RussKey, keyboard driver and utility for the Russification RussNLS culture. RussKey package designed exclusively for devices such as HandHeld PC (CPU MIPS, SH3, SH4, ARM, according to the documentation program has been tested on Sharp Mobilon 4100, 4500, Velo 1, Compaq C-Series, Cassiopeia A-11, A-1920, LG Phenom, LG Phenom Express and HP Jornada 680), RussNLS works on Palm-size PC.Language switching key combination Ctrl-Shift, as well as in Windows, or clicking in the system tray Windows CE. This system does not differ powerful the Russian language, but it has some advantages - the authors completely unselfishly provide to its users. Although the developer does not guarantee the correct operation of the package on devices with Windows CE, which are not included in the list of compatible systems, and, moreover, no guarantee is absolutely correct processing of data exchange and synchronization with your PC. However, as practice shows, it works quite well.
PocketEx Input Method 1.0 for Palm-size PC
Price: free.The company "Merlin"
www.crechet.ru PocketEx Input Method - this is, strictly speaking, does not crack. It is simply a program that allows you to work with the Russian language on devices such as Palm-size PC. After installation, the user receives a virtual keyboard. The package has several options for layout, with different size keys and calculated for different input methods, in addition, the package is compatible with the means "completion" when as far as character input system offers the right to continue the call. In addition, the utility provides the Russification of national settings - units of measurement, time, etc. Since the package is only compatible with Palm-size PC (Windows CE 2.11, we tested it on the HP Jornada 420).
CeNat 1.0
Price $ 30FizTehSoft,
pts@PhysTechSoft.com,
www.phystechsoft.ru System CE Native - the first attempt of "FizTehSoft in Russifiers development for devices based on Windows CE. It allows for Russification (with translation of the shell and application programs) for devices with Windows CE 2.11 (only the color and the only Palm-size PC). The developers of the system say that its main feature - a very slight interference with the OS. The system enables the processing of the Russian text, full translation of Windows CE interface and application software, has several keyboard layouts, enables you to view e-mail messages in different encodings, viewing "channels» Pocket IE, Russian time formats, numbers, currency, etc. Cons - developers in an understandable effort to locate the best environment in which the user will work, have replaced the input method (specific to Windows CE concept) Keyboard for Russian Keyboard. This is convenient, but you can not enter accented characters, it is sometimes necessary. This system is a reasonable choice for users who do not work with ink. Alas, no funds for the Russification of the recognition system is not provided, and this circumstance can not recommend the program to users.
RusCE / LE 2.0.71 (HPC), RusCE / LE 2.1.26 (PPC), RusCE / LE 4.0.1 (PocketPC)
RusCE / LE 2.0.71 for HPCPrice U.S. $ 29.95 (free installed on new devices).
RusCE / LE 2.1.26/2.1.30 for PPC
Price U.S. $ 29.95 (free installed on new devices).
RusCE / LE 4.0.1 for PocketPC
Price U.S. $ 29.95 (free installed on new devices).
Paragon Software (MCD),
msupport@penreader.com,
russia.penreader.com RusCE / LE - one of the most advanced Russifiers for systems with Windows CE. He has a complete set of functions that can be expected from the localization - the opportunity to give the files Russian names, and connect Russian regional settings, sorting, processing of e-mail encoding Win1251 and KOI-8, Web browsing (encodings Win1251 and KOI-8) and putting data, for example, search engines, change the keyboard layout and remapping the keyboard, data synchronization, and much more. The list of compatible package includes Windows CE 1.0 (HPC), Windows CE 2.0 (HPC), Windows CE 2.0/2.01 (black and white Palm-size PC), Windows CE 2.11 (colored Palm-size PC), Windows CE 2.11/3.0 (HPC Pro) and Windows CE 3.0, it is the same Pocket PC. The installation is convenient, but requires connection to a PC, the user can disable the means of translating the shell, thus saving memory. We have not noted any significant problems, the package completely "transparent" to the user. RusCE / LE - it's easy to use and easy to use program. We believe that it must be installed on your PDA, and awards her unlike Editors' Choice.RusCE for Palm-size PC is a combination of two programs - RusCE / LE and the handwriting recognition system PenReader. After installing this system in the list of input methods will be added to Russian keyboard. Character recognition system Jot Character Recognizer, which is used in Windows CE by default, now is not disabled, as it did in previous versions, and the user can work with it, introducing the English characters, but the Cyrillic alphabet can be entered only by a package PenReader (it allows you to enter and English characters). Recognition rate seemed to us inadequate, but this is offset by the possibility of entering multiple characters. Package designed to work with KOI-8, in addition, provides a complete translation of the shell OS and application software, but you can not "Russify" he really liked the program, as implemented in ArtSKey. We noted some minor errors, which, however, do not have the critical value (for example, "krakozyabry" instead of Russian characters on ActiveDesktop studied by us during the installation version of the package on the black-and-white Palm-Size PC, users are able to work with version 02.01.1925, because RusCE / LE 2.1.26 focused only on color devices). At the time of our tests only RusCE / LE provided Russification series devices and Pocket PC, even though officially we have experienced only the Lite version, at the time of publication of this review should appear and the version that will provide full localization of the OS. The company provides technical support, providing users with more technical information on Web-site (www.paragon.ru), the opportunity to talk with the developers in a technical Web-Conference (mboard.paragon.ru), update the program through a "mail robot".
ArtSKey 4.1 Plus for HPC, ArtSKey 4.1 Plus for Palm-size PC
ArtSKey 4.1 Plus for HPCPrice $ 30
ArtSKey 4.1 Plus for Palm-size PC
Price $ 25
Artsoft Ltd., Info@artsoft.ru, www.artsoft.ru. ArtSKey - it's nearest competitor package RusCE / LE. This program is compatible with devices based on the SH-3 CPU and MIPS, with any version of Windows CE. A set of functions can be called usual package - switch keyboard layouts from English to national (not necessarily Russian) and vice versa, processing e-mail messages from the 7-bit encoding (Quoted-Printable and Base64) in Cyrillic characters, etc. However, it also provides a unique means of editing, powerful tools for configuring the package (by editing the settings file), and simplify data entry (entering "dies", ie, of predefined strings with symbols of the time and date and the text macros). In addition, the package has a handwriting recognition ArtSPen, which, in fact, has become one of the main differences from the editorial system, which we discussed in previous trials. It works, that is certainly good, but to put it mildly, inadequate. For example, it is not obvious and uncomfortable implemented method of switching to handwriting. User will need to go to the "keyboard» ArtSKey, open the menu ArtSKey and select "Add Pen". We did not test the quality of recognition, but noted that the system feeds the amazing commitment to the letter "g", which is recognized in response to about half-drawn characters. In fairness, we note that we did not attempt to adjust the behavior of the system (it provides a means of improving recognition). Furthermore, the dialogue "Settings" utility ArtSPen appears beneath the application, to find it difficult. And one more thing: after the transition mode Handwriting virtual keyboard is no longer switch into Russian. Solve the problem, we only managed a "soft" reset your device. However, unlike in the package RusCE / LE, ArtSKey correctly Russified ActiveDesktop. ArtSKey translation system allows even application programs independent suppliers. The company provides technical support for their package, providing users with more technical information on Web-site (www.artsoft.ru).
Edited by PC Magazine / RE advises
| PalmOS (commercial software) | PiLoc |
| PalmOS (freeware) | CyrHack |
| Psion (commercial software) | RusPsion |
| Windows CE (PPC, HPC, Pocket PC) | RusCE / LE |
TABLE OF ASSESSMENTS
Utilities Russification PalmOS, Psion and Windows CE
For testing, we used the keyboard device HP Jornada 680 (Windows CE 2.11 Professional Edition, CPU Hitachi SH-3, 16 MB RAM), Sharp Mobilon HC-4500 (Windows CE 2.0, MIPS CPU and 16 MB of RAM), Psion Series 5mx (EPOC Release 5), Psion Revo (EPOC Release 5), Psion NetBook (EPOC Release 5). Among the models we have chosen besklaviaturny: Casio Cassiopeia E11 (Windows CE 2.0), HP Jornada 420 (Windows CE 2.11), 3Com Palm IIIx, 3Com Palm IIIc and Handspring Visor. Our tests are based on a set of typical scenarios - "Text", "Internet", "Organizer", "Sync" and "Compatibility".Text
This scenario provides input and edit text in documents, and input fields. Investigate the configuration of the key-switch, the correctness of the program in auto-mode character and to the extent that auto-repeat, correct operations Cut / Paste, service functions (input stamps and abbreviations), the specific features of the organization besklaviaturnogo input (eg, reassignment Graffiti characters for devices with PalmOS ) or compatibility with the system of recognition Jot (besklaviaturny for systems based on Windows CE), the correctness of the formatting tools in application programs (bold, italic, strikethrough, small caps, etc.). In the same scenario for systems based on PalmOS calculated a special indicator "convenience Graffiti», which represents the probability of correctly entering characters.Extending the concept of "recognition accuracy" to "convenience Graffiti» allows to take into account the influence of layout and images of handwritten characters recognition. In these trials, we slightly changed the structure of test compared with previous tests: four of them were experienced users, for whom Graffiti is not a problem. This is due to the fact that Graffiti is addictive to a maximum of a week and a focus group of users who do not speak it clearly unrepresentative. Within five test test text input (the beginning of this article), repeating this procedure five times, without error correction, and then we fixed the number of errors and time. Based on the number of characters entered incorrectly calculated the required rate. This is a relatively crude technique, actually based on it, we can only give a qualitative assessment of the "worse / better, but we give the figures.Internet
The script for "Internet" checks mainly the ability to work with different encodings and compatibility of various Internet software with language.Organiser
The script for "Organizer" be filled databases PDA personal information (notes, scheduler, contacts). This test is aimed at to determine the correctness of the sorting and processing days of the week, time, etc. In addition, the test involved the transfer of data to a desktop computer and synchronize them with data from the program management of personal information. For devices on a platform of Psion and Windows CE OS, we have chosen OutLook 2000, based on PalmOS organizers were tested with their own package of PIM.Compatibility
To determine the parameter "Compatibility" we tested a suite of applications. For testing, we used word processors, spreadsheets (for Windows CE, we have decided to restrict PocketOffice, for Psion - standard office suites, "stitched" in its ROM), a number of developments of independent suppliers. We also sought to use the Russian language when working with applications, eg in a spreadsheet should be able to give sheets of Russian names. For systems with Windows CE were used packages PocketPROMT («PROMT»), «Pocket ORFO (Informatic»), Pocket «context" (Informatic), etc. For systems based on PalmOS: SynCalc, HandMail, IrLink, LaunchEm , ListMaker, MacroRecorder, MagicText, Palmscape, HackMaster (MagicText Hack, Keyboard Hack, Launch'Em App Hack), etc. For the devices we have used the Psion packages AutoPhrase, CapsView (macro Macro5), «Context», EpocTools, ExtraBars, Flash, Macro5, MONEY, PsiBatt, TaskBar, etc.PalmOS
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Effect on the speed and power consumption
Practice shows that the crack - a program that, in principle, able to "slow down your device. You notice that some localization system works more slowly, sometimes marked change in energy consumption, the nominal parameters, which are written in the manufacturer's specifications, are fiction. Reasons are many and varied, but usually they boil down to the fact that the crack can be in the process occupy CPU resources to implement certain functions. A typical example - reducing the speed of the Palm Organizer in the presence of localization CyrHack (due to technical limitations crack have to use "heavy" OS functions), a common problem Cassiopeia E11, when at a nominal value of the autonomy of approximately 25 hours of actual device operates up to 10 (although it should be noted that figure has been defined in its specification, which is already somewhat optimistic ...). We decided to measure the impact of programs of Russification on the speed and power consumption. We have created a macro simulated load on the device, while we monitored and measured the power consumption during operation. Each test was repeated several times, recorded the best time. Of conventional batteries (Philips).In the case of the Psion platform we use the utility Macro5 (a macro utility), and utility control energy consumption PsiBat, in the case of the PalmOS, we used created on our request by developers of Paragon Software Utilities MacroRecorder and PowerMeter. We expected (based on indicators of the reference platform) "speed" and "power" which is defined as the ratio of durations of processing a test script to "clean" system and the device with language. PalmOS
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Summary characteristics
Utilities Russification PalmOS
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Utilities Russification Psion
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Utilities Russification of Windows CE
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PC Magazine Russia
The authors, translation:
Oleg Lebedev