Tablet PC and the new iPaq - speaks and shows the Hewlett Packard

On Tuesday, the world's largest supplier of computing solutions - Hewlett Packard - gathered at the Hotel Novatel "their Russian counterparts at a seminar on familiarity with new products and product lines the company. Judging by the number of these same partners (MakTsentr, an authorized business partner, among them), the case of Hewlett Packard in our country is going very well. However, perhaps the fact that the partners and dealers are very much due to the fact that the spectrum of products that HP luck in Europe and Russia in particular is very wide.

Here in HP how many friends :-) Apple fall nowhere

Whatever it was, the presentation took place in a friendly and businesslike atmosphere ": five minutes after the start of the show desktop workstations rear ranks got together CCP (including iPaq, so that everything was authentic), and immersed in reading e-books and, during a story about a new order of providing services much of the partners, howled and rushed to smoke. But in a break when you could feel a few have come "alive" devices, it was much more fascinating ... But more on that below. So, everything began with the presentation of the first HP'shnogo Tablet PC Tablet PC TC1000. We already told you about similar products that were brought to Russia Toshiba and Viewsonic. Let us briefly recall. Tablet PC - this is such a thing, that is, a laptop, which has only the screen. The keyboard can be, but she is joined as a kind of an accessory - in principle, Tablet PC can function without it. Typically, these devices are smaller and lighter than laptops, the replacement they have to come and work for longer without recharging. Operating system - Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, which essentially means that several additional applications for handwriting and voice control. A few words about why "tablets" are needed and why they can replace notebooks. In addition to the aforementioned major differences (size, battery life), big advantage is modularity. You can use the Tablet PC and yourself, and with the keyboard, and as part of a stationary and more functional solutions. Coup screen "horizontal" mode Landscape, connection to a docking station MultiBay and keyboard - and on the table is a full-featured PC. However, in the HP'shnom version with modest screen - 10.4 inches diagonally. However, the resolution of 1024x768 pixels on it lasts - and saw the audience that it was good. In addition, the "pill" is usually more than conventional laptops, designed to work in all shown and wireless networks - in this model from Hewlett Packard has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b), and some Tablet PC in the plus This also klatsat "blue teeth". "In favor of the use of tablet PCs - and several socio-psychological factors. Firstly, in Europe, those who are called "mobile professonaly, and in fact almost all businesses except those making as cardiovascular disease, days without getting up from his chair, more than 20% of their time outside office - in meetings, conferences and meetings. Secondly, it appears that 78% of business at those meetings, most all the notes made on a leaf of paper.And then the solid darkness: give it all to the secretary, who will not understand your handwriting, and as a result of the electronic text of all will not like it was in manuscript form. That this task - to repeal an intermediate step for converting handwritten text to electronic media - and solves the Tablet PC. Moreover, sociologists and psychologists have found that the ride to negotiate with the laptop is inconvenient and generally wrong. First, open the laptop screen in front of a man produces not only physical but psychological barrier between him and another person - it's hard to say when you can not see the person in front of a partner. Yes, dry volume, press the keys constantly notebook keyboard is not conducive to concentration. TC1000 - quite a typical representative of a new family of portable computers, except maybe a few pominiatyurnee than competitors' models. As mentioned above - 10.4-inch diagonal screen, the resolution of 1024x768 pixels. But weigh "hyulettovskaya pill" only 1.36 kg. and fits easily in a business directory - slim. The truth may be a little thicker with the "Fasten" portable keyboard (it is, by the way, and weighs an additional 250 grams). Keyboard a bit smaller than most notebooks, but short-pointing in the Keys, which could make the presentation showed that it can be used quite comfortably. Works on the new processor, Transmeta Crusoe 1 GHz, which is not so much for a very demanding Windows XP - at least, ordinary Notepad opens several thoughtfully. There is a separate chip NVidia GeForce 2Go with 16 MB of memory (so as not to slow down beauty Windows XP) and that's really cool, two-port USB 2.0, transferring data at speeds up to 480 megabits per second. However, sverhproizvoditelnost - not what you want from this machine. When in April of this year among the "mobile professionals" in Europe were interviewed on "how they see the perfect electronic assistant, almost all put forward three requirements: the minimum size, full functionality and long battery life. So, the main advantage of Crusoe just in doing that the third requirement - TC1000 work without charge for five hours.

Here it is - TC1000

In all other respects is quite familiar (as far as could be called habitual Tablet PC): the stylus on the battery, the screen with hard protective coating, a few hardware buttons (eg, for turning the screen). Superstructure Tablet Edition to Windows XP requires a system of handwriting recognition (in the application for the Journal notes, and separately - to enter text into any other program) and voice recognition and voice commands. The main thing, "but", which casts doubt on the fact that in the near future Tablet PC will get accustomed to the Russian market - all of these "recognition" is not rusfitsirovany (and soon will be). Now there are versions in English, German, French, and a couple of months will be more Italian Tablet PC. About the Russian is not known. And in English it works ... In general, during a break in all have been asking HP employees to show "how it works." Well, the voice command "Start Notepad" worked, but nothing else particularly did not want to work. I can, the handwriting is wrong, but even when I decided to write the word "what" square letters, TC1000 gave something unreadable. Porazgovarivat with "tablet" HP employees are not given to anyone, but they themselves, a novelty, apparently, has found a terrible accent. No such phrases as "Welcome to ...", or even line from Moscow Times correctly recognizes not want to. And in my opinion, the pronunciation of Michael Sidorenko (HP) could be the envy of every Londoner ... In general, with the demonstration came a hitch, and a proc from an English recognition, even if it worked "with a bang? Meeting, then we are in Russian. Now if we could include such a recognition of their native language, and the output is a detailed record of the meeting in the form of electronic text ...

Manuscript not only do not burn, but are not recognized ..

Cost TC1000 in Russia and throughout Europe will be about $ 2500, will appear in the first quarter of next year. Further, it was a lot of interesting novelties, but it is not our topic. Showed the incredible power of a laptop, where you can engage in architectural planning, showing the workstations, which probably will not yield to those on which to draw "Shrek" and "Final Fantasy". Only at the very end of the seminar, we waited for iPaq 5400. Immediately two reservations - waited only official Russian announcement of the ruler, the devices themselves, even the demonstration samples to us until we arrived. In addition, the 5400 - model range, and at the presentation it was only on one particular machine iPaq H5450. Sorry, very much wanted to feel the new flagship Pocket PC (and indeed, judging by the huge number of functions, the flagship of the CPC as such). And so, about the new line of iPaq hodmlo so many rumors that many of the new find could not. According to rumors and pre-announcements, we've even had time to write a little review.

Handsome H5450!

Thus, the most recent, final and audited data.

	H5400 series	H3900 series
Processor	Intel PXA250 Applications Processor, 400 MHz
Memory	48 MB flash-ROM, 64 MB RAM	32 or 48 MB flash-ROM, 64 MB RAM
Dimensions (HxWxD)	138h84h15, 9 mm (with antenna)	138h84h16
Weight	206 gr	186 gr
Screen	Color transflective TFT-screen with touch-type layer, 65 536 colors, the size of the visible image 96 mm diagonally
Built-in expansion options	Memory card slot and SD format options
Integrated wireless communication facilities	Wireless network adapter 802.11b and Bluetooth 1.1, infrared port Consumer IR and IrDA	Wireless network adapter standard Bluetooth 1.1, infrared port Consumer IR and IrDA
Bluetooth Profiles	Exchange electronic business cards, calendar items, documents and files with other devices equipped with interfaces Bluetooth. Connecting to a Bluetooth-equipped with cell phones to access corporate data and the Internet through a dial-up network.ActiveSync software for data exchange with PCs equipped with Bluetooth interface
Input means	The mechanism of handwriting recognition, onscreen keyboard, voice recorder, and the dashed input (similar to Graffiti), external keyboard
Biometric security	Fingerprint Reader	No
Sound	Voice recorder, speaker, microphone, stereo
Operating system and applications	Powered by Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC 2002, built-in calendar, contact manager information, a list of current affairs, voice recorder, notepad, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Microsoft Reader, File Explorer, Calculator, Solitaire, mailbox for incoming mail, MSN Messenger, Terminal Services Client, VPN Client, Server Sync Client, communications software to exchange data via infrared
Additional applications in ROM	iPaq File Store, iPaq Task Manager, iPaq Backup, iPaq Image Viewer, Nevo Universal Remote Control, the ability to customize the profile, expectations, and various utilities
Stackable configuration	Additional expansion options, including wireless communication adapters

That is so in February 2003 in Russia will come the new iPaq. For the price, it is estimated that over $ 700. What's new? First of all, there is a striking new design - a different button layout is due to the presence of an optical fingerprint scanner. The joystick has become a smaller and hopefully better. Add built-in network adapter Wi-Fi, which is gaining popularity abroad and even here in Russia. Recall recently VimpelCom (carrying cellular services under the brand name "Bee Line"), has launched a project on an 802.11b access points in the "public offices" - airports, hotels, business centers and so on. Naturally, an important novelty - a new system of biometric security. True, HP was unable to answer whether the opportunity to differentiate access rights, depending on the user's identity (something like profiles): one - open to all folders, the other - only more defined. Machine itself was a little bigger, he moved down the microphone. Reasons for "moving" are clear - firstly, we should not be placed near the microphone and speaker, and secondly, with the new iPaq'om Included is the software for Voice over IP - Voice over data networks, in particular, the networks 802.11b. With a sufficient spread of these networks from the iPaq can make a such a mobile internet phone. Another new feature that users were waiting for since the appearance of the earliest models of iPaq a few years ago - a removable battery. Standard lithium-polymer battery with 1250 mAh would be changed to "plump", but "tough", capacity of 2500 mAh. Which, incidentally, is very timely, considering how much "eats" embedded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. H5400 series will be compatible with all the "jackets" (HP calls them Expansion Packs) for the 3800/3900 series. And the main thing! On the body boasted a new logo! Finally, at the HP product says "HP". In addition, the increased range of applications from third-party products that can be found on the disk. Recall wireless multiplayer races on a motorcycle or the same application for VoIP. New program iPaq Backup - now you can securely store data on a remote computer via a wireless connection. Together with a new series iPaq appear and new accessories. "Rugged" case - a dense cover that protects the PDA from moisture, dust, vibration and shock, new batteries (see above) and walking headsets, including wireless. Recall that in the H5400 series in addition to this model, it is assumed, and machine with built-in GSM / GPRS module. New products will be delivered to us completely Russified. Russian office of HP looking for a suitable partner for localization and yet inclined to think that they will be the company Quarta Technologies. Cheaper Series 1900, of which too much was said, would be delivered to us as the series 2000 - 1900 is intended only for the U.S. market.iPaq H5450 will replace the previous top model of the company - iPaq H3970, but the latter would be shipped to dealers yet the entire first quarter of 2003, and the prices are, alas, will not decline. PS By the way, iPaq is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling series of handheld computers with a color screen :-)

"And the iPaq in the book of Guinness!"

The authors, translation:

30 seconds to live. Games for handhelds and smartphones, 2 week of February

At a conference of computer games developers, programmers Williams made ​​a sensational confession. It turns out that in an era of gaming machines (arcade games), the basic principle of development has been the rule "90 seconds", forces the player to drop another coin in less than two minutes. This means the ending of the game somewhere for 90 seconds, that the standard three attempts, or the game "life" is 30 seconds to live. Time is sadly remembered by many, and I still see the game up copying the hits of those years, such as MoonBase Defender. Nevertheless, the programmer himself said that it was such a principle has led to a sharp downturn in the gaming market while. However, the developers did not give up and, concealed in their gaming laboratories, began to create "the greatest projects of" our with you today. The evolution of computer games went fast. Things reached the point that developers began to appear in a puzzled way in public, throw up your hands and say that they really overdid: emerging now games for PCs and consoles are available only experienced gamers. Not so the case went to the PDA. After successful Tetris and Lines, developers, researchers here are largely dominated by genetic experiments - cloning and mating. Players were doomed to stack everything in the horizontal and vertical rows. Clones come across so far for the joy of collectors. Take, for example, Jewel Miner or Bitty Boom!. Then there was a new epidemic. Originated in Asia and transferred to the West. Sudoku surprised many people. Developers once again plunged into the laboratory produce new infection. Mating did not disdain and here. In an attempt to create a game atomic bomb, malicious followers of Dr. Moreau derived chimera Sudoku-Solitaire. With time on games for mobile platforms began to appear review. Began to assess the impact on health. Some researchers have even announced the therapeutic effects of shooters (shooters). For example, scientists at the University of Rochester announced that Unreal Tournament improves eyesight, while a Tetris-nd this is not observed. So shoot now as to go to the clinic. Moreover, that the known Call of Duty has already been migrated to the PDA. And generally keep an eye on health. Still, not a game. 30 seconds to life just is not enough.

Call of Duty 2. And it's so shoots and thumps in your pocket?

Journal Pocketgamer.org announced the big event for the Pocket PC gamer. The company together with developer Aspyr has released IonFx known shooter Call of Duty 2 Platform Pocket PC. Now all that is the focus of military operations can be carried in your pocket and deploy guerrilla attacks directly on the palm. Information is still quite scarce - the game is not even sold online, the only way to get it is to buy in American stores. Moreover, even delivery has not been implemented. Difficult to assume that prompted Aspyr for such precautions - the fear of too extensive guerrilla warfare or unwillingness to become a victim of hackers. For those who have the opportunity to visit the U.S. store - the price is $ 29.99.

Declared minimum requirements:
• Windows Mobile 2003/Windows Mobile 5.0
• 28Mb RAM
• Intel XScale processor with a clock speed of 300MHz
• SD card with 300MB free.

In addition, the version is also available for more powerful platforms, equipped with Intel 2700G/Nvidia GoForce 5500. We hope that soon the online version yet become available.

Games for handhelds and smartphones, 2 week of February "width =" 319 "height =" 239 "/>

• Price: $ 29.95
• Platform: Windows Mobile 2003 (SE), Windows Mobile 5.0
• Link to Call of Duty 2 directory HPC.ru
• Developer: Aspyr with IonFx
• Other games Aspyr

Hammer Heads. Buchenwald for Dwarfs

"Garden Watch You unauthorized entered the garden. Gnomialnoe Your body must be destroyed!". About as possible to voice the story Hammer Heads, released igrodelov Astraware. Apparently, the gnomes greatly annoy someone from the management studio. Otherwise difficult to explain the genocide dwarfs, which you will be in the game, however, is the best in performance, including games of this review. First is familiar scenario, "Alice, it's pudding." Your eyes will appear defenseless old man in a red cap and the typical beard. "They invaded your garden!" - Exclaims placard. Following what you are handed a hammer, which is necessary to thresh dwarves emerging from holes in the lawn. With each new level of your offense is getting worse. If in the beginning you just slap dwarfs hammer on the head, then later you start them all and loot: after the destruction of another dwarf in its place there is a coin that must also be hit with a hammer, she migrated to you in a purse. At the second level there are some gnomopodobnye being female, which should shandarahnut hammer twice. The inheritance passes to you their hot woman's heart (plus one "life"). The good traditions of Buchenwald do not end there. At the next level, there are mature bald gnomes. Attention! Chuka they need when they are tightening the cap from his head ... Go ahead I have no guts. The only humane educational element of the plot - the excessive zeal in the extermination of not welcome. Just the opposite. Try just an ordinary gnome tyuknut twice. You instantly suffer the same fate Zidane - a red card is guaranteed. The same goes for coins, chests and hearts. Remember - two times the hammer strikes only women and the elderly. Over time it becomes rather difficult to navigate in order to reach higher levels, to the maximum concentration. A stunning surprise on the day of St.. Valentines for singles. You can sit back and take revenge over the world. Despite the plot completely in the spirit of the time, executed the game quite well. Watering gnomes you offer against the backdrop of a colorful interface, and the game itself is pretty well planned. And frankly, if you do not follow the rules of the game, you lose your life. So I suggest to imagine that it dwarfs mutants. Validating ...

• Price: $ 19.95
• Platform: Windows Mobile 2003 (SE), Windows Mobile 5.0
• Link to Hammer Heads Directory HPC.ru
• Developer: AstraWare
• Other games AstraWare

Jewel Miner. Untold linearity being

With the game screensavers for us looks well-fed burgers, well-groomed as Volochkova. Classic suspenders, starched shirt and scented noble mustache. Good squint and look into the distance gives a person the public mindset. Only Kirk gives it ... Miner.What worries him? What Duma thinks? No, the miners of N. other problems apart from logistics - are convinced the developers. Work in the mines of fun and easy life, the level of production of emeralds, gems, they are ahead of the rest. Only sorting plant works very badly - workers regularly walk, enjoying the excellent German beer, while debris blocked the production of miners. Thought and thought and crew chief decided to give the ad. Declares a set of handlers and sorters! Professionals with experience is guaranteed room rates and some package - depending on the results of social or cellophane. Job Description: Laying of three or more identical gems horizontally or vertically for removal. For special conditions exist adroit career: at the manifestation of high labor skills you will translate into a faster team, with a corresponding increase in wages. Interested parties can contact the shaft at the address below or in our catalog of programs.

• Price: $ 12.95
• Platform: Windows Mobile 2003 (SE), Windows Mobile 5.0, MS Smartphone 2002, MS Smartphone 2003 (SE), WM Smartphone 5.0, WM Smartphone 240x320
• Link to Jewel Miner for Windows Mobile 5.0 and Jewel Miner for MS Smartphone Directory HPC.ru
• Developer: AIM Productions NV
• Other games Productions NV

Bitty Boom! ... And we breed chickens for a couple with Freud

... When the state of Denmark went awry, something strange began to happen also among animals and among fairy-tale characters. Chickens began to multiply like rabbits, and rabbits were laying. Warlocks have to look for jobs grandfathers cold in the matinees, and the fairies sent to control the growth of poultry birds, but then you never know. Still catch a cold, flu zachihayut his all-around. Fairy comes at a chicken farm ... but there - priests! chickens, parrots! Blue, green, yellow and even some turquoise. And sorry for them, even as something foolish. But sanitation - first and foremost. So - patience, attention, as they now appear. Here they are - an endless stream of eggs roll from the bottom. And so the fairy soared, and the chicks hatch at the bottom rapidly. And as the fairy wave her wand, how to send a spell on the same colored chicks, so they disappear. And serves as a fairy, and protects our planet from overpopulation of chickens. I wonder what fellow igrodely think?

• Price: $ 5.95
• Platform: Windows Mobile 2003 (SE), Windows Mobile 5.0
• Link to Bitty Boom in catalog HPC.ru
• Developer: RelLab
• Other games RelLab

ArithmeTick. I think, therefore - there.

Unusual approach to game development studio developers demonstrated Space Time Mobile. In each game must be some knowledge, they decided. And it decided correctly. After all, that at the moment are concerned, comrades, the public? The high level of violence in games. Get at least this saga of genocide dwarfs above. And that, dear friends, worried about developers? To play them were interesting and understandable to anywhere that will provide plenty of buyers around the world. And what everyone knows around the world? Of course, that twice two is four. This "law of well-known" open the way, the great Russian composer Vladimir Shainskiy, perfectly valid on the example ArithmeTick. It is only necessary to add, subtract, divide and multiply.All this for a while. If you slowed down with some sort of example for all subsequent time will be less. But not so easy for the second multiply 29 by 18. The game has four difficulty levels. I recommend just to get acquainted with the level of Genius. Takes not much time. Calculating machines based on neurons will appreciate.

• Price: Free
• Platform: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003 (SE), Windows Mobile 5.0, MS Smartphone 2003 (SE), WM Smartphone 5.0, Palm OS
• Link to ArithmeTick for Pocket PC, ArithmeTick for MS Smartphone, ArithmeTick for Palm OS directory HPC.ru
• Developer: SpaceTime Mobile
• Other games SpaceTime Mobile

MoonBase Defender. Few of the ray guns, they still rush rocks!

Well, if there is intelligence in the universe, necessarily insane, convinced the creators of games. They are now simply have to attack the Earth and bomb it to hell with what some pets. As can be seen from a variety of subjects, all of these campaigns have also some kind of strategy. For example, on a plan of The Web Lab, aggressive inhabitants of the planet Kron will try to capture the first moon, so that after use it as a staging base for attacks. What a poor deceit! At the same time, developers are confident of the company, they will not only shoot up to date on the time ray torpedoes (um, what would it be such), but also will throw stones - the world's scientists have learned to control the direction of the asteroid rain. At such a disorderly conduct our gallant defense responsible volleys of missiles surface-to-air, and yet one rocket will not explode, the second can not be started. Moreover, the missile should be sent by pressing the stylus to point the alleged explosion. The destruction of asteroids brings lower total scores, although they inflict the most damage. And vice versa, "spit" blue photon charges the enemy plates, hysterically rushing from side to side ("strategic navigation" according to developers), give the most points. In the game, unfortunately, neither the levels nor the settings. But to save the planet still have to ... The game is suitable only for fans of arcade genre - there are no options and no way to end the game prematurely, the only thing missing to complete the similarities - the presence in the PDA slot for the token.

• Price: $ 10.99
• Platform: Windows Mobile 2003 SE, Windows Mobile 5.0
• Link to MoonBase Defender Directory HPC.ru
• Developer: The Web Lab
• Other games The Web Lab

Sudoku Solitaire. Wonders of the island of Dr. Moreau

The greatest achievement of the game eugenics provided "scientists" developers studio Stylus Games. After a lengthy undercover investigations in underground laboratories, they finally published the results of their experiments on crossing the most popular puzzle and the most common games. We have a rare opportunity to look at the Sudoku-Solitaire - a unique individual. Even touch "for nothing" does not give - the demo version the developers are not represented. Per individual, however, can be found in the record. Rare footage of Conduct cub put on display. How to parse the description of the game, solving puzzles and fill the ranks one by one, you open more cards from the deck, which can then use for the unfolding of solitaire.Unfortunately, neither estimate nor share their impressions because of this closure, no opportunity. Interested individuals willing to spend $ 5 to get acquainted with the miracle of the tubes, please contact us on the links below.

• Price: $ 5.95
• Platform: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003 (SE), Windows Mobile 5.0
• Link to Sudoku Solitaire Directory HPC.ru
• Developer: Stylus Games
• Other games Stylus Games

The authors, translation:

Review of "live" Palm Tungsten T. Part Two, Program

Yes, it does not rejoice users of Palm - to the soft part of the Palm Tungsten T (we call it for brevity TT) are not so many changes, both in the hardware. They certainly are, but for the most part hidden from the user. I do not know, unfortunately, or fortunately, but I'm picking up a Tt, he felt as confident as his old, trusted Palm'om. Expect from the new system which some transcendental opportunities are likely to be disappointed - all very standard, although an order of magnitude more beautiful than the Palm OS 4.1. Contributes to this, in particular, high resolution screen and re-drawn ikonochki, creating a feeling of newness of the operating system and product in general. This feeling never leaves when working with several specially sharpened for the fifth OSes applications and, perhaps, that all ...

Left to right: Tungsten T and Sony NR 70V at full brightness ...

Certainly not bad, that Palm keeps true to the tradition, but it was too much had been around the new operating system calls. Too many to put up with small, in my opinion, the amount of improvements. Although, the real pros in this conservative still there. For example, the new Palm I have no problem transpired all the vital information stored on your PC as a backup: all kinds of contacts, addresses, phone numbers, business and the date. With all the programs is somewhat worse, not because they do not work, but because the resolution of 160 by 160 pixels is already difficult to read on the screen of advanced Tungsten. To its credit, software companies are already quite a lot of programs that support the fifth system, and all their favorite replacement of standard applications, I easily installed in already updated form. On the other hand, the programmers had enough time to properly prepare, with the announcement of the release of Palm OS. Also, apparently, the old loyalty interface aims to not scare away the old users, already accustomed to the "desktop" in their pockets mate. Then the interface is really gained popularity among users and has proved its competence ... As for the standard Palm applications also need to say a few words. Programmers do not particularly strained, creating products and embedded applications. Past have always been, to put it mildly, some austerity. And, so much so that most users barely understand what's going with his head caught the pool Internet in order to find them a worthy replacement. To be honest, I expected that it is this situation in the new OS will be corrected and made a mistake. Applications, though now work faster, virtually indistinguishable from their ancestors. The only major innovation - now they all work with the firm five-way joystick Tungsten T - NavPad. In my opinion, this is done in order not to lose the third-party developers - a huge number of companies, large and small, and enthusiasts singles who struggled on Palm-soil. It's a shame that the new thing has to "finish" with the software point of view, to convey to the normal level on their own, and still pay money for it, because software for the Palm is not so cheap - between $ 20 and above per softiny. Now specifically. Large enough changes were made to the settings panel. Now it is broken into 4 parts: General, Communications, Personal, Other. In principle, a set of options has not changed. Now they are just better sorted, in particular, the last point is made for setting up programs, installed by the user. Multimedia until there is only as unpretentious voice recorder, made once again in the best traditions of Palm - as simple as possible. That is, recording can be done, listen to and delete the rest, apparently left to the mercy of third party developers. Despite the presence of headphone jacks, a music player bundled software is not, although it would seem he should be among the key embedded applications. Its development is currently engaged in RealNetwork, which signed an agreement with Palm. RealOne Player Mobile, which will play MP3-music, is not ready yet, but it is a beta version can be downloaded from the developer before the end of this year. However, Tungsten T is gradually starting to sound, thanks to that third party - company Aerodrome Software with its beta AeroPlayer'a, play music in an open format, Ogg Vorbis. This is a new compression standard, is gaining momentum and gotovschiysya a serious competitor to commercial MP3. However, as we already told him the news. However, more recently came the news that the Tungsten T can now proudly sound. All, and RealNetworks, with its announcements, and company Aerodrome Software with a beta version of the first audio player for Tungsten T, ahead of some NormSoft. Last week, the company reported to the surrender of the commercial version of a similar product. Player called Pocket Tunes 1.0 supports, in contrast to yet finished AeroPlayer'a two formats for compression of audio files - open Ogg Vorbis and WAV. In the future razarbotchiki promise to supplement the list and the popular MP3, but the bid made yet for Ogg Vorbis. Programs that provide wireless connectivity to today's popular protocol Bluetooth, too, do not shine and newness as two peas similar to what comes with Bluetooth card for the previous models of Palm. It's nice that being part of the user's disk will be a surprise in the form of quite decent web browser and email client. This is true, yet too far from what users indulge in Pocket PC 2002, but already much better than all the previous exercises on this topic. Of the new built-in applications is also worth noting the improved clock called World Clock, which makes it easy to operate with different time zones and are called when the device is turned off by pressing the central joystick button. So long as Palm is all too familiar Palm'om: to the users the same only slightly updated interface, virtually unchanging set of embedded applications. Oh, if I hear programmers - has flown! This field is not plowed ... The authors, translation:

Workshop: data backup to devices running Windows Mobile

Software for data backup (or "bekapery"), which will be discussed in our next "Workshop", can be uniquely attributed to a class of applications essential. Unfortunately, the stability of modern mobile operating systems including Windows Mobile, yet not so high as to fearlessly trusted devices sensitive data that exist in a single copy. Yes, and use software from third-party developers often resembles an exciting game, which will not interfere survive a difficult level. Finally, the devices themselves have a habit to break, but the service center usually does not bother saving the user data. In short, produced in time backups can save a lot of nerves. Do not forget about the use of backup copies for peaceful purposes, for example, to transfer data from device to device or to synchronize. In general, we now consider in detail how and what to backup to devices running Windows Mobile.

ActiveSync

First of all, tell you about the built-in, which is at hand for each user - the program of ActiveSync, among other things, is a standard solution from Microsoft for creating backups and synchronization. It should be noted that the backup - this is not the primary function of the program. Moreover, in the latest version of ActiveSync, which appeared around the same time with the release of WM 5.0, a clear opportunity to backup non-existent (it is assumed that WM 5.0 is robust enough to do without a reservation). However, the information saved with the help of this program is still possible. The advantages of this program is to include it for free, and prevalence. ActiveSync usually included in the standard pre-installed software for WM-units. In addition, his latest version can be easily downloaded from Microsoft. All other features of ActiveSync, as bekapera, should be considered as disadvantages caused by the weak sharpened this product for backup, as well as strong sharpened under the requirements of Microsoft. Here are the cons:

• Saving the data is carried out only on a desktop computer with a desktop part of ActiveSync. Accordingly, it is impossible to perform backup and restore, if the desktop is not available or it is not installed ActiveSync.
• Full-fledged backup program does not provide. In fact, Microsoft proposes to use as a backup computer, which is synchronized with the WM-device. It is usual to synchronize contacts, notes, meetings, etc. Accordingly, there is no standard opportunities to save multiple versions of backup or transfer stored data to other media.
• You can not save all the data. Method of synchronization, you can save files in the folder «My Documents». Save folders or restrict the copying of parts of the folder «My Documents» standard means it is not possible. Also, by synchronizing the data stored in embedded applications from Microsoft. Synchronize mobile and desktop versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Media Player, as well as these programs Microsoft Outlook, a member of the commercial software package Microsoft Office. Moreover, if the latter is not set, then there is no way to backup your organizer data.

The general conclusion: ActiveSync copes with the organizer data synchronization and a notebook, but for backup tasks its capacity is clearly not enough.It is worth mentioning a special task that ActiveSync can be useful. When you move a user with WM 2003 on WM 5.0, organizer data and messages are most convenient to carry through synchronization with your computer. On this procedure ensures the quality of ActiveSync data transfer, regardless of the specific versions of WM and device models. Usual bekaperam oriented primarily to back up files and settings, in this regard is far from specialized synchronizers. Fortunately, these specific problems are rare. In addition, most mobile device manufacturers bundle their products with programs specifically designed for backup. Such programs (xBackup, FSC Backup, E-ten backup, etc.) are not supplied separately from the devices, so their comparison is meaningless. One has only to mention that their features are quite modest. There is also a separate class of programs designed to synchronize or backup of any specific data. For example, the program smsBackup, as is evident from its name, is intended to backup SMS. However, this type of data is not very much. In most cases, data backup of a program is as simple as saving certain files and folders, which makes the task of the standard, that is solved with the help of one of the universal program-bekaperov, which we consider below. The subject of today's test will be the industry leaders: SPB Backup, Sunnysoft Backup Manager, Sprite Backup and SKTools. Test will on communicator Glofiish X500 (on Windows Mobile 5.0) and Asus P505 (for Windows Mobile 2003). All data are presented for WM 5.0. Unless otherwise stated, this means that for WM 2003 test showed the same result. Today, we detail the Sprite Backup, the rest of the program will be reviewed and compared in the subsequent parts.

Sprite Backup

The program is not made from the desktop computer and consists of a basic application and desktop add-ons. Beautiful installer (English only) introduces the license, asked the code (no trial, in principle) and offers to run the configuration wizard. The WM-device main part of the program takes about 3 MB of main memory or on the map. As a result, the tray appears agent program to control the Sprite Backup.

Desktop module

Opportunities desktop agent is modest. From it you can run the wizard (especially if not done right). This wizard is engaged in setting up a basic program, moreover, a small part of them. For the settings of the desktop there is a separate window, accessible from the menu (click «Options»). More from the menu of the desktop you can run the backup (just in a folder on your computer). All actions performed on the WM-device on the desktop only to warn of the impending reboot and tooltips indicate start / end backup. Recovery is also possible only from a folder on your computer. At that capabilities of the desktop are exhausted.

PDA module

The main program has two modes - Simplified (Basic mode) and extended (Advanced mode). By default, runs Basic mode. Spartan regime - any longer: two buttons - for backup and recovery, respectively, a minimum of information and the ability to switch to Advanced mode from the menu. In the Advanced mode menu cluttered with rich set of options. Consider these options in detail, and will start from the page «General Backup Options», which contains the basic settings:

• «Compress Backup» - enable compression (level settings not)
• «Encrypt Backup» - enable password protection
• «Name Backup Files Automatically» - create a file name automatically (regardless of the presence of a tick, you can rename the file, and if the box is unchecked, the field name is written the name of the previous file backup)
• «Leave a copy of Sprite Backup on Storage Card» - leave a copy of Sprite Backup on the memory card
• «Create self-restoring Backup Files» - to create self-extracting archive.

Page «Backup File Management» allows you to specify the maximum size in megabytes, and backup files. Page «Exclusion Rules» allows you to specify files that should not be archived. In addition to the list of custom templates, you can exclude from backup the contents of memory cards, programs (*. EXE and *. DLL) files and backup. Page «Restore Options» contains only two points.

• «Automatic Menu Handling» - automatically corrects problems that may arise in the recovery menu "Start" - for example, verifies the existence of duplicate labels.
• «Enable Device Upgrade mode» - the usual backup, this option does not work. However, it seems very interesting and allows you to restore backup after flashing or changing the device. True, there are several features:
  • First the device must make a full backup
  • then do the hard rezet
  • run GetUpgradeFile.exe - for WM2003 or GetUpgradeData2005.exe - for WM 5.0 (also products of Sprite Software, available for download http://www.spritesoftware.com). Obtained as a result of these actions file - UpgradeData, stored on a memory card.
  • When restoring from backup is necessary to note the option «Enable Device Upgrade mode», select the backup file and UpgradeData and wait for recovery. It should be noted that for devices running Windows Mobile 5.0, before doing a backup, you must remove the settings for all email accounts, as they are rigidly adhered to a unique ID number, and their recovery is impossible.

Page «Sheduled Backup» contains a minimum of information and allows you to run the page with the settings on the backup schedule. If this option is the encryption of files installed, then after the backup on a schedule (and a lot more when) the program asks for a password. By the way, the program offers its own version of a long and strong password, but quite sophisticated, so it pays to be careful and do not forget to change the password on an acceptable variant for you. Page «Networking» can enable remote backup. This refers to copying to the desktop. Here you can set and method of communication - via ActiveSync or via a network. Both methods can be tested by pressing a single button. The test takes a split second.Page «Backup History» contains a list of completed backups. For each item in the list you can see a detailed report about copying. It is important to remember that this is a list of actions, and not really existing. Shield Advanced mode contains two tabs - for backup and recovery, respectively. Menu - common to both tabs. Tab «Backup» offers a choice of elements of the system for backup. You can copy all. Classification of Elements - very handy and clear. There is no point for a network folder, but the people who need it back up, it is extremely rare, so it is only a plus. File name and location is chosen in a separate dialog box. If you enable remote backup, the list «Location» there is a folder «PC», corresponding to the default folder to store copies of the desktop version. Field to describe the file is duplicated a separate page. Tab «Restore» opens to selectively restore the last backup file (if it is encrypted, it first asks for a password). That's the whole interface. In the process of backing up the user to virtually nothing is required. First, you must agree to restart (the WM 2003 is not required). Secondly, to see how the process of copying (if desired - to cancel). Third, go through another reboot (now - without asking) and get a report of copying. When you restore everything even easier - no pre-reboot. By the way, in this context is curious how to implement a self-extracting archives: a copy of each file is built the main program that looks exactly the same. Recovery is performed as if the file is selected from the program. The program itself thus can not be installed at all. Running a self-extracting file, you can instead restore it to launch a new backup system. Everything will look like in this program, but if it is not installed - file get broken. This is logical, or any file backups would become a legal free copy of the program. In conclusion, it is worth noting that the version of Sprite Backup 5.1 is not the so-called option premium, which, in particular, has a more detailed selection of items for backup, Today-plugin and additional tools (have not, however, related to backup). If such an option in version 5.1 will appear, it will be the most functional bekaper on the market. Support Sprite Backup includes all basic services. Update program is installing toll upgrades.

Output

Program Sprite Backup - dear little thing, but it's worth it. The orientation of the interface and operation of the application be taken from you a minimum of time. In general, at the moment is the best combination of functionality and reliability in its class.

Pros:
• Works without a glitch
• Very fast
• Optimal set of settings
• Very simple and intuitive interface
• Good support work without a stylus
• Self-extracting archives
• Compression and encryption
• Granular data recovery
• Backup Schedule
• Desktop agent

Cons:
• Not russified
• Do not set the compression level
• No track battery charge
• No demos

Ratings (1-5):
• Interface: 5
• Features: 5
• User support: 4
• Reliability: 5
• Total: 5

Table features include Sprite Backup

To be continued ... The authors, translation: