Computex 2007: Notes from an exhibition

So the first few days at Computex behind. Visitors were greeted by torrential rain, 30 degrees, but also a traditional good-natured hospitality of the hosts. Am encouraged by the fact that the event this year is rich on innovations in mobile technology. Since the exhibition is in full swing, we offer you the kind of fotodaydzhest happening, and a full material, as usual, we will prepare for the end of the Computex 2007.

Microsoft

Much to the delight of editorial HPC.ru and, hopefully, to your, our dear readers, the version of Microsoft Taiwan, the stand has turned almost completely mobile. Windows Embedded occupies almost the entire exhibition sector, Microsoft and goes beyond it in the form of inscriptions on the backs of the promo girls. That is the stand of Microsoft you can find many new items WM, including the O2 XDA Flame, Gigabyte GSmart t600, as well as models from beginners, but all of them will tell later.

HTC, ASUS

Unfortunately, the most interesting and new companies have demonstrated in another exhibition, CeBIT, held in the spring in Germany. HTC introduced its gentlemen's set - HTC S710, HTC P3300 and HTC P3600. Asus is equipped with stand models Asus P735, Asus P526, Asus M530w, GPS-PDA Asus A696, as well as a pair of navigators (PND). Note that some models are equipped with processors, Marvell (ex-Intel).

Communicators Asus P735, Asus P526 and Asus M530w Smartphone

PDA Asus A696, navigators Asus R600, Asus S102

OKWAP

Honored ODM-maker Inventec, a long time engaged in the development of devices for companies such as i-Mate, Palm (Treo), decided to follow by HTC and go to market with a certain set of communicators under its own brand OKWAP. Earlier this brand produced only cell phones for the Chinese market. At Computex 2007 are 3 models. OKWAP K869, OKWAP K871 and OKWAP K868 plus. Model OKWAP K869 - technologically well-charged communicator with a full set of GSM standards, the latest versions of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Built trehmegapikselnaya camera with auto focus in addition to its direct function allows you to record and recognize barcodes - flat and 2D.

OKWAP K869

Somewhat controversial point is the original technology to replace the traditional five-way switch. Leading on the touch area around the button "Ok", you can control the communicator. If you click on the picture figures like the button, then, accordingly, dial the number. But take your finger off the sensor at the same time be fully and without sliding, as the input focus can move to the next field or button. That is to dial a number or text in here the touch does not work. Definitely for sure the possession of skill will take time, however, may have to be patient, it will be possible to achieve high speed with the device.

OKWAP K869: Touchpad

Build quality at first glance the average. Make allowances for the fact that the start of production of this device is scheduled for early December, however, as so often with engineering samples, we have a functioning model rather than a final product.

The main characteristics of the OKWAP K869:
• Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA / HSDPA 850/1900/2100
• 2.8-inch touchscreen display with QVGA resolution
• 3-megapixel camera with autofocus
• Marvell PXA270 processor clocked at 520 MHz
• 128 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM
• Slot for microSD memory cards
• Wi-Fi (802.11b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0
• Supports A-GPS service
• Dimensions - 118h60h17, 5 mm

Practically does not lag behind in performance and capabilities and OKWAP K871. Unlike the previous model K871 is equipped with a QWERTY keyboard, which is mixed with individual mounds and numeric keys. This keyboard mix - not too good solution for European or American fingers. By their appearance in the prospectuses of K871 looks nice, but in life - alas, alas. Once again, make allowances for the "engineering" model: the starting date of production named as December 2007.

OKWAP K871

OKWAP K871

The main characteristics of the OKWAP K871:
• Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA / HSDPA 850/1900/2100
• 2.4-inch touchscreen display with QVGA resolution
• 3-megapixel camera with autofocus
• Marvell PXA270 processor clocked at 520 MHz
• 128 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM
• Slot for microSD memory cards
• Wi-Fi (802.11b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0
• Supports A-GPS service
• Dimensions - 115h51h18, 2 mm

And here is the last product OKWAP K868 differs radically for the better build quality and overall pleasantness. Instead, multi-position joystick, built-in sensor element, which is referring to, you can control the device. The technology is similar to the one described above in the model OKWAP K869, unlike that of traditional buttons, but if you drive over them with your finger is not clicking, the same effect. Buttons themselves have a nice stroke, no permission or excuse. Beautiful in candlelight screen. Memory size and processor frequency OKWAP K868 is worse than their fellows. On the other hand will be faster, production should begin in September and completed yet much better.

OKWAP K868

OKWAP K868

OKWAP K868: Camera

OKWAP K868: a slot for SD cards

The main characteristics of the OKWAP K868:
• Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• GSM / GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
• 2.4-inch touchscreen display with QVGA resolution
• 2-megapixel camera with autofocus
• Marvell PXA270 processor clocked at 416 MHz
• 64 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
• Slot for SD memory card
• Bluetooth 2.0
• Dimensions - 106h51h18, 2 mm

Let's hope that the products in the form of Inventec devices OKWAP line gets up to our northern forests.What will happen next: Gigabyte is, Mio: no GPS - no life, new Glofiish X from E-Ten, UMPC and clones: The Phantom Menace, FIC - Cavalry to penguins and much more. Stay with us! The authors, translation:

All devices CeBIT 2002. Part 1

Dynasty pocket translators Hexaglot

Whether the name wrong, whether the tradition, but nobody in the illustrious family Hexaglot especially not hesitate over the choice of profession, way of life. That's the last scion of the names of pocket translator - babe Hexaglot Chatter already bilingual. Vocabulary of this little translator is impressive: from 47.000 to 58.000, more than 600 idiomatic expressions on the ten most important topics. Chatter on the form like an ordinary calculator - and really knows how to assume, has a comfortable ergonomic keyboard for a set of words and numbers scroll. All this wealth is placed in a machine the size of 105x66x5 mm. Work he is capable of long and careful - from lithium-battery. Producer, the firm Hexaglot believes that Chatter is ideal for those who do not want to transfer more than one language. This German pocket translator always selects the right word for the British, French, Spanish or Italian. The elder brother little Hexaglot'a - Scout - speaks four languages ​​and as a result knows twice as much: from 99,500 to 102.500, 1200 idioms, separated by the ten categories. Dimensions of this polyglot same as that of the younger model. The Spanish, British, French and Germans, well, Russian and English-speaking, of course, easily understand each other with this brisk pioneer. Next in the glorious dynasty of pocket translator - Hexaglot Traveller. It is wise traveler life and a real polyglot - 6 languages. Looks stylish and convincing. Comes in nine complete sets for all language groups, the western, eastern, southwestern and northern Europe. Traveller in the so-called east - complete owns, among others, Russian (!) Language, and thus may be useful to us with you. Well, father of the family - Hexaglot Professional Translator. This venerable German speaks only one language - English, but how! Not only did he pick up the word in any situation - at the diplomatic reception, business conference or in a restaurant, but also learn how to pronounce it. For this case, each dictionary entry of in stock 145.000 in German and English, has a transcription. Among other things, an LCD screen with a resolution of 68x169 pixels, backlight, a familiar qwerty-keyboard, scroll wheel, built-in calculator, three toys, powered by two standard AAA batteries. All the family assembled could contemplate recently at CeBIT'e stand firm Hexaglot, but if interested check them on a page.

Eightythree - desktop or PDA?

Distinguished by an American company CeBiT'e Tiqit Computers, known as the creator of the smallest to date computer Matchbox PC the size of a matchbox (this is, incidentally, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records). At this time, their desire for minimalism developers have implemented the company to create a full-fledged desktop PC the size of a pocket. Eightythree - is the name got this PDA - weighs 567 g with a relatively small size of 137x102x29mm. Overweight handheld can be forgiven when you consider the fact that it supports the full (!) Version of the operating systems Windows XP, Windows XPe, Windows 2000, Linux and Unix. On board, "the eighty-third - 128 or 256 MB of memory, running on the processor National Semiconductor Geode c clock frequency of 266-300 MHz. As expected from the desktop, it is equipped with 10 GB hard drive. Touchscreen TFT - Screen resolution of 640x480 pixels (18-bit color) can be illuminated. I / O ports, connectors: Cardbus, USB, headphone, microphone, infrared port, Power, Docking. Eightythree supports popular standard storage cards, Secure Digital. On this machine there are connectors - CRT (monitor out), Line In / Line Out (audio input / output), Dock Sense and I / O ports RS232 and USB. The handheld is equipped with a QWERTY-keyboard with track stick, thumb operated. All this wealth is capable of continuously work 4 hours, feeding on lithium-ion batteries. Will the "Eighty-third" is listed in the Guinness Book of - is unknown, but the developers promise more to fight against excess weight of the handheld computer, and then possibly beat its own record:)

Zaurus SL-5500G: doll became a butterfly

And here is the famous Linux-PDA - Zaurus SL-5500G - one of the few worthy representatives of this type of PDA, which the Japanese company Sharp has ventured to produce a sale. Recall that in December last year, was born the so-called "developer" version of this device, which we immediately wrote. Many predicted the death of an ambulance unit, saying that the commercial version is still happening with Linux-PDA from other manufacturers, never will be born, and when and will be released, it is not widely recognized. In any case, Sharp took the risk and, hopefully, will still be drinking champagne. Soon appear on our site overview SL-5500G with the assessment of commercial prospects of the CCP.

Weekday smartfonostroeniya: they did not know in person

Arima RT-200

On the background of high-profile announcements and Prime smartphones from Microsoft as something quite lost a modest but worthy of development in this area a third party. At CeBIT'e we could find at least a dozen such devices and, incidentally, most of them are based on the operating system Pocket PC or Windows CE. Before us is the "product crossing" from the Taiwanese breeders firm Arima - PDA ordinary (PDA), plus a mobile GSM / GPRS phone, called RT-200. Under the new classification is a Microsoft device belongs to the category of Wireless Personal Digital Assistant or WDA. The design resembles a stylish Compaq iPAQ, only more shiny and with an antenna. Equipped with a new processor from Intel - StrongArm SA 1110 - 206 MHz. Excellent display - TFT LCD with a resolution of 320x240, 16-bit color. RT-200 has a 32/64 Mb SDRAM, 16/32 Mb Flash ROM. Of wireless standards, supports Bluetooth, is equipped with an infrared port and an expansion slot for memory cards SD, with the memory of the WDA can be increased to 128Mb. Powered by a lithium polymer battery 1350MAh. In addition, there is a built-in voice recorder and the usual headphone jack. Dimensions 80x135x18 mm Weight - 174 g, and a wireless module for more than 20 grams. User-friendly interface called MMI (Man Machine Interface) in conjunction with PIM-manager user communicative promise paradise on earth: Web surfing, e-mail, sending SMS and MMS.

Jtel Sellvic XG

And here is the original development of Korean engineers from the company Jtel - PDA Sellvic XG. Complete "self-made" - the operating system called Sellvic OS, interface and capabilities (graffiti) resembles Palm OS. Incidentally, this PDA is equipped the same as most of today's Palm'ov processor - Dragonball VZ 33 MHz, Flash ROM - 2-4 MB Sellvic XG - Monochrome, so long able to work from its Lithium-ion batteries. Handheld, you can also feed into the car, for which there is a special cable. Flick of the wrist, this angular PDA into a smartphone: a slot is inserted into a small GSM / GPRS / CDMA-module - and call a friend assured. Apparently, Koretz, not mudurstvuya slyly decided to follow in the footsteps Handspring, for the original release of the expansion slot of their devices (a PDA from Handspring is a slot Springboard) similar expansion module capabilities. At Sellvic XG can easily listen to music in the format MP3 - How much will fit on 32 or 64M; to him can also connect a miniature digital camera (VR, VGA, JPG), memory expansion cards (MMC, NAND Flash) and peripherals for wireless Internet access (Bluetooth 10Mb) and the LAN cetyam. Size - 125.4x77.2x18.9 and weighs 160 g.

Cemeystvo Web Tablet - AquaPAD from Everex

Promotiruemoe personally by Bill Gates line web tablets were represented at the exhibition in particular, a curious development AquaPAD from the American firm Everex. Naturally, one of the first-born "nests geytsova" equipped OSes Windows CE 3.0 and is intended strictly for web surfing through wireless broadband Internet access through the PCMCIA card standard, 802.11b. Translated into Russian, this means that this device is intended for the U.S. market, where mainly supported by this standard, but in some places in Europe have already begun to appear this network. Built-in support for multimedia (video, audio) will download from the internet tons of entertainment and information content speeds, for instance, 11Mbps and view it on the large 8.4-inch color TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 800x600 pixels. Incidentally, the touch screen and allows you to enter information as to pomschyu virtual keyboard or handwriting a way that, according to Bill Gates, finally will get rid of paper and will revolutionize the world of high technology. AquaPAD equipped with 128MB of DRAM, 32 MB Compact Flash (1GB Micro Drive). Steel part is represented by Transmeta processor 500MHz CPU. Feeds on a Web tablet from lithium-ion batteries, and also extremely "sociable": nalichistvuyut Slots PCMCIA Type II, Sompact Flash, for two USB ports, headphone jack and an obligatory point of the program - an infrared port. According to manufacturers AquaPAD be relevant for corporate clients as an interactive on-line display, POS-terminal or device for inventory. The authors, translation:

Computex 2007: c interview top managers of the company E-Ten

During the exhibition, Computex 2007 (Taipei, Taiwan) HPC.ru correspondent visited the booth E-TEN Information Systems.

Glofiish X800: Award at Computex 2007 - Best Product Category: PDA GPS Navigation

Glofiish X800

Glofiish X800

Glofiish X800

Top managers of the company have kindly agreed to give our online magazine exclusive interview. In an interview attended:

• Wayne Ma (Wayne Ma) - President E-TEN Information Systems
• Teresa Chow (Teresa Chou) - Director of Sales and Marketing E-TEN Information Systems
• Mikhail Fadeev - The head of the Russian representation of E-TEN Information Systems

We bring to your attention the recording of the interview, which in our view was very interesting. HPC.ru: Are there any plans for a automotive equipment products Glofiish? For what? Theresa Cho: For different countries, we provide a variety of delivery depending on the requirements of national markets. At the moment we do not we complete our device car kit for several reasons. Car accessories can be purchased separately - good selection of them quite large. However, for plans to release new products we are considering the possibility of complete car kit. Most likely additional components to the standard we packed in separate boxes. Both packages, basic and additional will be wrapped in foil to get a single kit for sale. As for specific models Glofiish, equipment which should be expanded, in the case of Russia, we will begin with new items - Glofiish X800. HPC.ru: Can you name the release date and price models Glofiish X800, M900? Theresa Cho: On the suggested retail price Glofiish X800 final decision has yet been taken, we calculate the options. We can only say that it is likely in the area of ​​20000 rubles. The yield model to the Russian market can be expected in the third quarter of 2007. (Recall our readers that the X800 was announced at CeBIT 2007. This is the first device company with support for 3G-networks and a VGA-screen.) About Glofiish M900 no comment until we can not give.(Recall that the M900, judging by the rumors, the future modification of the X800, with only full-size keyboard, an analog Glofiish M700 c «stuffed» X800.) HPC.ru: Now, all products are built on the Glofiish processors Samsung. Will the company move to a more productive platform? Wayne Ma: Actually, no special problems with performance platform Samsung did not exist before. But with the recent our transition to a VGA screen (remember that recent E-TEN first in the market released besklaviaturny communicator with high resolution screens - 480 x 640 - Glofiish X500 +), which should show 4 times more pixels than QVGA screens problem of lack of performance on some applications really become manifest. However, if we replace the processor available today in another, such as Intel, he also Marvell, the problem is not solved - no fundamental difference in speed is not there - several orders of magnitude are the same. Apply a special video accelerator too hard. Modern Communicator is thin - it is a very tight construction with a minimum of space, place inside an extra chip or antenna - a big problem. By the way, precisely because of the large number of antennas - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM and others - has become virtually impossible to place a silo in any location other than the bottom-right corner, and this problem is common to all manufacturers. Graphics accelerator - a single chip, a serious complication of the motherboard, and therefore more expensive design. In addition, we may have to work together to solve the problem with the graphics accelerator components, as well as to completely change the mechanisms of output images at all, which may affect the operation of many programs (direct access to a map on the screen will become impossible). That is the technical complexity of the system to grow strongly, its reliability will decrease, according to our calculations is not justified in comparison with the obtained performance gain. In addition, the introduction of the graphics accelerator, of course, affect the price of the device, and we would not want to lose one of our competitive advantages - an optimal price for a complete set of telecommunications functions. However, out of this situation in the future there, and it's pretty unequivocal. The next generation of processors Samsung 6400 will cope with the forces exerted by the VGA device with a set of communication modules and navigation, as it will be built and the functionality of the graphics accelerator. HPC.ru: After the announcement of iPhone, a host of different programs, which should simplify the work with the communicator, and give the user the ability to work without a stylus. For example, HTC has already announced a similar interface for its new products, Microsoft recently announced that is developing a new interface - Shift. As far seem promising, such solutions company? Will be developing proprietary interface for products Glofiish? Wayne Ma: Let's look back to the beginning of the company E-TEN. Throughout the years of developing new models of smartphones our programmers working to develop our own tools and modules, designed to simplify the user experience with the device, making it more convenient and improve the performance of certain tasks. Including in the interface. An example of this approach was the program MDesk, we "stitches" in all our devices. From our point of view, the new trend to replace the interface by a vendor with the announcement of their own names, in many ways is taking the competition with the fashionable topic today. We believe that this approach is not entirely justified. Our problem we see is to assist, not replace it. We will try to assist the user in solving its problems through the widest possible opportunities for Windows Mobile, but does not replace the interface of Windows Mobile, recommended by Microsoft, to something more simple. Indeed, such a change could lead simply to the fact that the essence of Windows Mobile, its power and capabilities would remain unnoticed by the user. Mikhail Fadeev: I think that the new trend of entering an extremely simplified interface to the powerful class of PDA devices is largely due to the desire of manufacturers communicators "deeper" in a segment of conventional mobile phones. How justified this strategy - time will tell, the first experiments.But it must be clearly understood that the phone user and the user device - this is still different target groups. With different arguments for the purchase, with different goals and objectives they are trying to solve through your mobile device. Yes, and form factors of communicator and a simple mobile phone which was originally fundamentally different. Therefore, the issue of simplification of the complex to the level of a simple can really turn a shift in emphasis away from the actual key competitive advantages of the platform itself in the eyes of potential customers. Also do not forget that the market of conventional telephone other leaders, and other rules of the game. One interface "a la" there will not manage. iPhone - an example is not unique. Enough to analyze why people are buying iPod, despite the fact that he was almost alone of all MP3 players, which is physically no radio support (very simple function that is available in thousands of nameless Chinese models). HPC.ru: For a long time for PDAs and smartphones standard was considered to display 3.5. Now, most manufacturers of smartphones lets your device with a diagonal of 2.8 "and smaller. Nevertheless, many Russian users (in particular forum visitors HPC.ru) believe that the ideal device - a PDA with VGA display, 3.5 inches, enough performance ( not less than 400 MHz) with 128 MB of RAM memory, a large amount of internal memory ROM, c support for GSM / GPRS / EDGE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-host, and a numeric keypad (maybe a slider). Do you think such a device actually on the market? possible occurrence of such a device under the brand Glofiish, given that all data except the display and memory capacity in new products is the Glofiish? Wayne Ma: Let's face it, the development of devices with similar characteristics does not present particular technical difficulties. The obstacle is the results of research showing that in a niche market that want to expand the PDA manufacturers, 3.5-inch displays, and hence size of the communicator, too large in the minds of users. First of all, for the perception of the communicator as a replacement for the phone to something more powerful and productive. That there is a problem here is not technical, but rather a marketing and social issues. However, if in Russia the situation is an unusual way, we will ask our Director of Marketing to reflect on this question:) Mikhail Fadeev: I think it is obvious that the communicator can not and should not be in principle be as small as a phone. But if the device is too large and cumbersome, the users would rather go with a regular phone, getting out of the bag / portfolio PDA only when needed, which was agreed to buy all-in-one. "superfluous confirmation correct strategy to "reduce screen space" is a widespread decline in sales of smartphones in the PDA form factor and the classic PDA (see, for example, the data SmartMarketing). Manufacturers are trying to get away from the similarity of their equipment to CPC and to find new and more successful combination of size, weight and functionality . I also want to see that all is good in moderation. And too little screen on your device, from our point of view, the same risk level all the benefits of all-in-one over traditional telephones, as well as too big. In particular, it is not clear how it will be convenient to work with VGA-screen size of less than 2.5, say, to use the device as a car navigator. 'll Either skip the big little spot on the map, or force the user to constantly "bend on the wheel" to see the details of the picture. Even if a clear and beautiful, which, in fact, designed VGA. HPC.ru: Recently, the Russian operators have received licenses for third generation networks. Probably in the near future, services will be available in test mode. From the E-TEN have been or will be carried out any activities in conjunction with Russian operators for network testing, equipment, tests the stability of the Glofiish devices and stuff? Teresa Chow: As you know, Glofiish X800 won at Computex 2007 "Best Product" category "Communicators with GPS navigation." This new device is already implemented support for 3G, and, of course, as they appear in Russia proper service, we will all possible tests on the stability of its work in just unfolding networks.HPC.ru: How do you see the potential purchaser of the product Glofiish? What guided the company with the release of new models? Theresa Cho: We try to focus on three categories of buyers. The first - a professional business users, for them, we try to improve reliability and to give our models the extra fraction of the external efficiency. The second group - enthusiasts, fans of mobile electronics, the so-called "geeks" - people who are well versed in the subject and wishing to use the latest technology for them, our model is always fitted with a full set of modules to support all possible interfaces. The third group - the so-called social users, who use their communicators rather utilitarian solutions to a limited range of tasks. For them, the device - it is less a work tool, and a differentiating social trait. The most important parameters for this group of consumers are the design and simplicity of the device. Mikhail Fadeev: From my point of view in Russia today it is the most numerous category of consumers ... Theresa Cho: Our new X800 model is aimed to some extent in all three groups of users, for example, M700 - mostly at business users, that is, the second group. HPC.ru: With regard to the Russian market: the popularity of products Glofiish in Russia is growing quite rapidly. According to analytical reports by the end of 2006, E-TEN has become the second largest supplier of devices sold in the Russian market of Windows Mobile. One of the key advantages is the combination of "all in one» (GPS / GSM / Wi-Fi / BT). Are there any specific features of the Russian market, can you tell me what helps you, or conversely hinder the work? Can have any planned actions / activities to increase the popularity of products Glofiish? Teresa Chow: In terms of advertising in Russia have to do very much. Competition in this market is growing. It accounts for more new players. Harder and harder to attract buyers only technical leadership and innovation. Definitely need to invest in promotion and advertising. We expect a very rapid growth in sales in Russia through retail chains, so basically intend to focus on advertising, specifically related to retail. We also expect to invest not only in advertising the brand, but also in the action associated with our partners in Russia, so to speak, in the advertising field. Mikhail Fadeev: The main problem of the Russian market, oddly enough, you can re-name it is too rapid growth. In contrast to the European market stagnated, which quite easily can build long-term forecasts and monitor their implementation, in the Russian market is almost impossible. There is no reliable historical statistical base on which to build assumptions and plans. Therefore, just never know what step to take is as follows. In order to operate successfully on the Russian market, you should take sometimes risky decisions. And to make fast: on a detailed analysis sometimes simply not enough time. Theresa Cho: We want a separate note, we consider the Russian market as very important for myself. Therefore, because of the constantly evolving challenges we are ready to respond flexibly to the needs of just the Russian market. This applies both to hardware changes in the models Glofiish, and issues the set and special offers. For examples of this approach is not far to seek. The latest model Glofiish X800 including the recommendations of our Russian partners was a more powerful processor - 500 MHz instead of the originally planned 400 MHz, as well as altered the selector switch (lever), which became a much better look and work. Mikhail Fadeev: Or take a new, just released Glofiish X500 +: VGA screen (480 x 640) - extremely high demand feature is among Russian users, and an elegant black body by 80% due to requests from Russia. In Europe, many find it too dark, but in Russia it is highly demanded. Starting from that device, there was some Russian equipment. First of all, we started to make their own centralized certification device in accordance with the requirements of Russian legislation.The set for Russia, we replaced the cover a la Handy "(European style), a convenient carrying case made of genuine leather with belt clip. HPC.ru: What can you say about the brand new, still not announced models? What awaits us in the near and distant future? In fact, of course, work on the new communicator is? Wayne Ma: Of course, we are working on developing the next generation of communicators. And, of course, can not yet speak in detail about them. HPC.ru: Thank you very much for the interview and good luck in the work on behalf of our readers and to HPC.ru. Note HPC.ru: In a private conversation, we were able to find some information about the latest updates from E-TEN. By the end of the year we expect the output of at least three models of one of them recently rumored, including on our pages. One more will not say anything, but the third could be very serious and a pleasant surprise for all fans of PDAs and smartphones. Internal name, which operate on staff E-TEN'a - "Killer" ("Killer"). Apparently assumed that by offering this device on the market, E-TEN to have little to press other manufacturers, including the current market leader - HTC. Of course, no public details about this novelty it is not to be expected - everything is kept in complete secrecy. Time will tell how mentioned expectations regarding the new model are correct, but it must be noted that in recent times "the number passed in the quality and quantity again" - the company really made a big leap, becoming a serious player in the market of communicators, smartphones and PDAs. New models of the company, exhibited at Computex 2007 in Taipei, where the self and this conversation took place, and in many respects show a high potential for a grocery company and good prospects. Of course, any manufacturer is based on the profits on the distribution network devices, and the correct choice of partners in each country depends very much. We are extremely pleased to congratulate the company MakTsentr called the company E-TEN one of the top three global partners. The authors, translation:

Ctrasti on CeBIT'u - 2002. Part Two

Personal digital "Soap"

Olivetti - Italian company known for the average consumer as a manufacturer of typewriters, begin creating a PDA. Actually, this is nothing new since last year CeBIT'a, where their daughter an American company Royal unveiled its first original device, called daVinci. However, prior to the proud title of "Pocket PC" this cheap questionable quality did not reach the organizer. Conventional notebook, however, with an incomplete set of software for organizing personal affairs. Appearance very poor: the impression that the daVinci actuated hatchet, somewhere on the outskirts of Shanghai ... In addition, the developer decided to save on OSes, not to buy a license and offer the author's operating system, called DV OS (daVinci). However, the development of this strong smell of plagiarism. As a result of a dispute broke out between the Palm and Royal, which is not terminated, and to this day. On the show, however, Royal, on behalf of Olivetti has introduced two new items - continuation line pocket laptop daVinci DV @ to the web surfing and e-mail and a new range of PDAs called Linea, positioned as a personal digital e-mailers. But all in order. From a design standpoint the new daVinci DV @ refreshed only the bottom panel below the screen, which are located four (again, following the example of Palm) hot buttons against dzhoystikopodobnyh in earlier models. Socket has been repainted in silver, according to latest trends again. And so - bricks, and besides, with pretensions to style. Let's see what's new inside. Progress is: 16 MB of memory and ... oops! operating system Windows CE 3.0 ... Apparently, Palm-did was right in its claims to the Royal, that's not agreed. Slightly better was the black-and-white screen - 240x320 pixels, there was light. Yes, and now feeds on the device otherwise - by a lithium-ion batteries. To surf the web after all enough questionable features - Modem 33.6 kb / c, but for e-mail should suffice. daVinci DV @ can be directly connected to the telephone line. For these purposes on its "back" has a special connector RJ11. Together with Windows CE for PDAs appeared a decent keyboard and a crooked left running in this version of OS handwritten text recognition. That's all you can say about this machine. The new range is available in three Linea PDA - Linea 8, Linea Linea 16 and 32. Facilities meet the capacity of these machines - 8, 16 and 32MB, respectively. Work again on Windows CE 3.0. This line is positioned as a personal digital e-mailer. To e-mail from senior Linea Linea 16 and 32 has a built-in 14.4 dialup modem supports POP3, SMPT. Thus, the "soap" is possible without a desktop PC. To work with the e-mail for a younger model Linea 8 would require a special modem module, since it has no built-in. All three models are equipped with the original fold-out keyboard for easier typing. Screen is all of these handhelds is very mediocre - black and white LCD, with a resolution of 160x200 with dread models and 160x160 - with vosmimegabaytnoy. There is a standard set of software for handheld devices. They operate on batteries or from the network to which are connected with AC adapter. In general, for "postal" purposes and only for them - good, cheap cars, besides working on the network.

Handhelds «made in Taiwan»

Another well-known manufacturer of computers, this time a Taiwanese company Mitac, presented at the Hannover Exhibition whole bunch of handheld machines. Russian (and any other) user Mitac brand known for gorgeous LCD desktop monitor, a compact desktop PC and laptop. Moreover, laptops - it's Pipit Mitac, the company produces them in large enough quantities to OEM-agreements for the world's largest companies.But sells its models under its own name and MiNote GETAC (the latter are known as notebooks for extreme conditions - a strong, reliable and virtually inaccessible to most users at a cost). Likely developments in the field of portable computers have helped to create an interesting series Mitac PDA-class Pocket PC. The range includes a number of handhelds, but we are most interested in three (of four), which were presented at the CeBIT-2002. This IP-151CVF - «classic» Pocket PC 2002, whose design resembles the Aero Pocket PC from Compaq; IP-206DDS - a very nice computer class Pocket PC running Windows CE 3.0; IP-181CSA - PDA phone with a color screen, made taking into account the specifications Pocket PC 2002 Premium (fourth model - IP-181CFA differs from the model with an index of CSA only lack of support for GPRS, and therefore of little interest about it). Now a little more about these cute and even a seemingly quite expensive stuff. Let's start with the model IP-151CVF. Mitac company is positioning it as the King of Wireless Pocket Slim World. I do not know how this thing «King», but it is completely subject to the requirements for the Pocket PC 2002 and nothing on the machines in this class, but quiet design (looks sort of ostepenivshegosya bully from a good family - sort of matured Tom Sawyer), is no different ... However one difference is - in the machine has a 32 megabyte flash memory as ROM. But exactly the same amount of flash memory installed in older models of PDAs from Compaq or Hewlett-Packard. So 1:1 in favor of the poor ... users who can not wait at least some diversity in the market of Pocket PC 2002. "Poor" in a figurative, of course, sense - cars, I repeat, very expensive. If anyone is curious, take a table of technical characteristics of any computer, Pocket PC 2002 and see. All of the above, starting with a reflective color screen for active matrix liquid crystal and the StrongARM processor clock frequency of 206 MHz, finishing of installed RAM to 64 MB and a full set of connectors and ports, will coincide to the smallest detail. Not even interesting, Sanchez-word ... Next Model - IP-206DDS Mitac defined as a Super Slim for Information Access. And again - super, super well, the manufacturer, as they say, know best. And for me - a very nice computer, stuffed with no worse than the most prestigious Pocket PC 2002 (even the memory is set to the maximum - as in the previous model), including a reflective color display with adjustable backlighting and all media "makeweight. However, with one significant "but" - a machine installed does not meet the specifications of Pocket PC 2002 Processor 200 MHz - ARM9 Thumb. What kind of "rock" - not in the know. But one thing is clear, IP-206DDS - a cross between a Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002 ... "And he said, Mitac -" Be fruitful and multiply. And they enthusiastically followed his instructions ... " Finally, the device IP-181CSA, called the manufacturer Truly Air Supply. You know, they do not cheat (although Russian, unaccustomed to "move from England, an ear that's« Supply »sounds too ... surprise). This is the most beautiful, elegant and powerful communicator, which I've yet to see.But only if he is released - or just getting ready to release? In the characteristics of the type of processor - Intel Xacale 300/400 MHz ... So, 300 or 400? Or a processor with switchable operating frequencies - such as mobile versions Pentium III and IV? Next - Operating System Pocket PC 2002 Premium - are given in parentheses Merlin Premium. Yeah ... I guess it's still a promising prototype. While at Hanover stand communicator was presented as an industrial product. God knows ... I almost forgot. Externally, IP-181CSA - it's a nice in all respects, PDAs with built-in mobile communications, microphone and speaker - in places where it is assumed to have cell phones (microphone in the lower left, the speaker in the upper right corner). Short, sturdy antenna. Screen keyboard, software. Plus all the charm of a mobile phone with full support for GPRS. That is partly already a familiar sight. Who is on leaflets, and to whom and vyave ... Laptops Mitac are characterized by good consumer characteristics (comfortable keyboard, bright screen) and moderate-speed performance. And therefore at this Taiwanese company has no reason to release a failed model of handheld computer. And any revolutions we are from it and do not wait. The authors, translation:

Computex 2007: new products from Gigabyte, Amoi, O2

Gigabyte GSmart i300, GSmart t600 and GSmart i350

Gigabyte company with its brand GSmart entered the Russian market recently. Quickly pulling the leaders, in the summer of 2007, the company will offer the Russian market of two newcomers. The first new product - a compact device GSmart i300, a review which is already ready, and you can study it. This device is already on sale in Russia. Already in July we expect to market yet another multimedia smartphone - GSmart t600. New soft pastel design and the latest GSmart - is another step in the market of young communicators company. High quality construction, good plastic, nice ergonomics - can only wait for the production model for a tighter research in our lab. GSmart t600 is equipped with a VGA screen with a diagonal of 2.6 inch, 520-MHz processor and 256 MB of ROM with the standard 64 MB of RAM. Kommuknikatsii provide quad GSM / GPRS module (alas, without the support of 3G), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 module. Multimedia features that can be considered the second main idea of ​​this device are presented digital TV and radio tuner, 2 megapixel autofocus camera, video output, as well as recording capabilities and MP3 playback and MPEG4 formats. Interesting idea - the stylus can be moved apart to pretty impressive lengths. If, moreover, leave it in a regular slot device, it will serve as an antenna. Approximate price GSmart t600 in Russia will be based on inaccurate data about 20000 rubles. At the Computex trade show also demonstrated another new model - GSmart i350. Again smoothed and rounded ascetic design. Versatility and ability to hide under the rather modest, rather typical for the cost of smartphones, the cabinet, did not betray the hidden potential. Receives only the central shuttle control, which, however, in its final form may have a slightly different form. Will this device is available in Russia is not reliably known, as well as not officially disclosed, and specifications.Can only say that the GSmart i350 may be quite worthy of attention communicator. If it will be sold in Russia, it is likely the case color is black, not white you see in the pictures. Approximate Draft Black GSmart i350, you can see at work the sketch below. Also, chances are that the model in the Russian configuration will be equipped with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6. But neither this, nor about the case, we will not say anything:). At a meeting with representatives of the Gigabyte our correspondent seized the opportunity and asked several questions of top-manager of the International Marketing and Public Relations Jack Liu (Jack Lu). We bring to your attention a short interview.

• HPC.ru: Do you plan to exit the European (Russian) with WM6 firmware for GSmart i300?
• Jack Lu: While we are not convinced that this is necessary. However, we expect to lay out the current firmware for download on our official support site. And when new firmware we will certainly report to the news section.
• HPC.ru: It is difficult to find a service center for repair GSmart, not very informative Russian-language page of the site. What changes in the support of Russian Internet users are planned?
• Jack Lu: We recently entered into a contract of warranty Communicators GSmart with the Russian service company CPS. We hope that this step is positive and significant impact on the quality of support our customers. With regard to our Russian Internet presence, we firmly intend to develop the Russian-speaking part of our official website and will invest in this area and resources.
• HPC.ru: For models GSmart is not very high battery life. Will there be any changes to improve the situation? Go to another hardware platform, the changes in energy consumption, etc.?
• Jack Lu: In the standard new models GSmart i350 GSmart t600, and we will supply the battery capacity of 1300 mAh. That should be enough for some of the service life of battery life. As for hardware changes, I can assure you that efforts to reduce energy consumption is constant, our engineers are trying to improve this indicator.
• HPC.ru: models i128 and i120 with built-in TV-tuner, gained popularity in some parts of the Russian users. Are there plans to release similar models, but with wide screen, for more comfortable watching TV?
• Jack Lu: Communicators GSmart are based on two basic ideas that strike us as particularly important: firstly, GSmart must cancel serve as a multi-faceted communications device, and secondly, should be able to perfectly entertain you in moments of leisure or expectations with multimedia capabilities . Our newest product, GSmart t600, equipped with a VGA screen, support for digital TV standards (DVB-T, DVB-H), as well as a portable DVD player. Although digital TV in Russia is still not developed, but this feature can be useful for users who frequently visit Europe and other parts of the world with DVB broadcasts. The standard GSmart t600, we have included video player - DVD Player, which is quite easy and transparent will Burn source your favorite DVD discs into video format for your device and watch them on your GSmart. Thus, GSmart t600 - is not only a communicator, but also digital TV and mobile cinema.
• HPC.ru: Thank you for your answers and wish you every success in the Russian market.

O2 XDA Flame

Sensational, but still plainly to Russia, not arriving, HiEnd Communicator O2 XDA Flame was seen at the booth of Microsoft, and, characteristically, on the first day of the show, unlike other instances of WM was absolutely no way bound by traditional cable release to the table. Can say that in the near future you can expect a full review of O2 XDA Flame on pages HPC.ru, but now confine ourselves to a small collection of personal impressions.Those who managed to hold it in the hands of HP iPaq hx4700, will be quite familiar with the feeling one experiences as soon as the hand gets O2 XDA Flame. After smartfonchikov and compact communicator that gently holding two fingers to inadvertently not crush, O2 XDA Flame spreading lies in the full hand, so that you know ... thing. It is fair to say that the dimensions of a few deceiving - despite the impressive size, the weight of the O2 XDA Flame is very low. The area of ​​the front panel allows you to quite comfortably placed buttons, but here is a multi-position joystick could be more - it is easy to miss and push something around.

O2 XDA Flame: front view

O2 XDA Flame: rear view

O2 XDA Flame: Left speaker, a key recorder, TV-out, Infrared, Wireless Manager Key

O2 XDA Flame: Right speaker, volume button, microSD slot, camera button, soft reset hole, stylus

O2 XDA Flame: the upper end

O2 XDA Flame: the bottom end: headset jack (2.5 mm), microphone, mini-USB

To list the "flavor" of the device need to talk about almost all the characteristics, so stop in this material only on the most important. Graphics Accelerator nVIDIA GoForce 5500 is designed to handle any problems with VGA resolution, diagonal, by the way, 3.6 inches, and display the image on the video output. All possible communication modules, which ensures continuous operation battery in 1620 mAh (included with them just two). FM-radio with RDS, two cameras, support for standard audio output SRS WOW HD. Well, of course, a 520 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM (navigation software will breathe at last, free) and 2 GB Flash ROM, USB-host. Unfortunately, the set lacks a GPS module, so it would seem a good solution for navigating with a powerful processor, lots of RAM and a huge clear screen will require to purchase additional GPS-receiver of any species. In general, withhold their emotions and are waiting for lab results.

Communicators and Smartphones Amoi

The company Amoi, known primarily in the Asian part of the world and produces annually about 10 millionmobile phones, just introduced a whole line of WM devices: one device, and four smart phone with a different form factor. Most of the models scheduled for market in the autumn-winter 2007.

Communicator Amoi E860

The only WM6 (and WM5, depending on the region) Amoi communicator with integrated GPS module and is quite standard features built in a slightly ribbed matte black finish. Amoi E860 nicely in the hand, controls easy to find by touch. The image on the 2.8 inch QVGA display looks sharp, the effect of running horizontal stripes absent. Alas, no WiFi module and support for 3G, and built-in camera is not equipped with auto focus. Provides USB host. Processor Intel PXA 312 MHz processor, standard 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM. Communicator may well compete for the buyer in the lower-middle price level.

Amoi E860

Amoi E860

Amoi E860

Main characteristics Amoi E860:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Processor: Intel 312 MHz
• Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, microSD memory card support
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2, USB-Host
• GPS-module
• Display: 2.8 "320 x 240, 262 thousand colors
• Camera: 2 MP, CMOS
• Dimensions: 112 x 60.5 x 15.8 mm
• Weight: 133, the

Amoi Smartphones

Having a good potential for the development and manufacture of mobile phones, Amoi offers just four decent new items in the niche WM Smartphones. All smart phones support EDGE and equipped, though outdated, but the headset is quite fit Bluetooth 1.2 module with support also A2DP (stereo profile transfer to the receiving device, simply put - from the smartphone to stereo). Entry-level smartphone Amoi E72, a few straightforward in design, yet is made ​​of good plastic and equipped with a sturdy two-inch screen. Backlit buttons are pressed tugovat, but clearly, and have no backlash. Amoi E75 smartphone design more interesting, more subtle casing. The screen is QVGA, built-in camera is also more serious - 2 megapixels. The image quality is some of the claims - the screen ripples.

Amoi E72

The main characteristics of the Amoi E72:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6 Smartphone
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2 with support for 2ADP
• Display: 2.0 "176 x 220
• Camera: 1.3 megapixel, CMOS
• Memory Card: microSD
• Dimensions: 100 x 44.8 x 14.8 mm
• Weight: 1986

Amoi E75

The main characteristics of the Amoi E75:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6 Smartphone
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2 with support for 2ADP
• Display: 2.2 "320 x 240
• Camera: 2 MP, CMOS
• Memory Card: microSD
• Dimensions: 110 x 49 x 12.3 mm
• Weight: 107,

Smartphone Amoi E76 - a variant of the slider with a brilliant body, thin and light. The keyboard is very clear, backlit. The reaction of the smartphone to a user action is fast.

Amoi E76

In the keyboard smartphone Amoi E78 screen resolution of 320 by 240 pixels and a diagonal of 2.46 inches is, like most analogs, horizontally, thus freeing up space for the keyboard and control buttons. The screen is not touch-sensitive, so once the plant is protected by mirrored glass. Very slim at 13 mm, a decent quality of body parts and had promised a built-in Wi-Fi should help smartphone to get into the corporate market. Keyboard Amoi E78, like it is not tiny, but obviously complicate the work of the average statistical European men's fingers. In general, the impression of a smartphone remains very nice.

Amoi E78

The main characteristics of the Amoi E78:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6 Smartphone
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Processor: TI OMAP V1030
• Memory: 64 MB RAM, 128 MB ROM
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2 with support for 2ADP (Wi-Fi in development)
• Display: 2.46 "240 x 320
• Camera: 2 MP, CMOS
• Memory Card: microSD
• Dimensions: 115 x 62 x 13 mm
• Weight: 125 g.

Amoi E78

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