Mobile News

Mobile panorama of the week, Issue 7 March

3G-communicator from E-TEN - be

Rumors that the company E-TEN Information Systems is about to release a communicator with the support of third-generation networks, went for a long time. This is not surprising, because when a company successfully manufactures the device, including communicators, which can operate in GSM, it is logical to expect it sooner or later model with support for 3G. We can not say that the company kept these plans in secret. For example, in November last year, held in London, an event which was attended by communicators and the Glofiish X500 Glofiish M700, director of marketing for E-TEN told reporters that at the beginning of 2007, we plan to release several models for third-generation networks. As reported then, these new items will also be equipped with a GPS-receiver, and one of the models will be equipped with 2.8-inch display with a resolution VGA (640x480 pixels). Not so long ago, this year, flashed the information allegedly from the head of the company E-TEN, Hvon Sheng-Rhone (Hwang Shan-rong), the fact that the first 3G-communicator E-Ten will be released in the second half of the year. But all these slips of the tongue, of course, can not be called "Announcements". Last week the company E-TEN, finally, gave the first really official information concerning this long-awaited news. At CeBIT 2007, which will be held from March 15 to 21 in Hannover, the manufacturer is going to introduce a new model. It is not only the first 3G-smartphone from E-TEN, but also its first device running the new operating system Windows Mobile 6. According to the manufacturer, the device can operate in the WCDMA and high-speed data transfer standard HSDPA. While the company tries to maintain a veil of mystery and gives very little detail about the new product. Also on display will appear to have already released models Glofiish X500 and Glofiish M700. According to E-TEN, all three of the communicator and, hence, a mysterious new product, equipped with a GPS-receiver, supports GSM and Wi-Fi, have a Samsung processor clocked at 400 MHz and 128 MB ROM-memory. Like the other two device, the novelty will be released under the brand Glofiish, which was submitted to E-TEN late last year for consumer devices.

Mobile panorama of the week, Issue 7 March

Thus, E-TEN, finally goes to market Windows Mobile devices for third-generation networks. When it comes out in a segment of the 3G-communicator with integrated GPS-navigation is bad enough submitted so far. Unfortunately, there is no way to make more concrete conclusions because of insufficient data. In any case, soon the situation becomes clearer.

Communicators Ultimate: official data from the scandalous i-mate

The company i-mate, plenty of fans then unknown, finally, has got on its website a section devoted to a series of communicators Ultimate. Recall that the Ultimate series was presented at the "3GSM Congress, held from 12 to 15 February in Barcelona. Then, the company reported only common to all models of the series features, silent individual details about each. The series includes five models in different form factors - one-piece 6150-piece with a numeric keypad 8150, a slider with a numeric keypad 5150, a classic clamshell 9150 and the mini-transformer 7150. Latest official details have fully confirmed, even dubious information about the size of some models of distributed after the 3GSM Congress.That's wider than the company originally was given at 3GSM, a list of common characteristics of models Ultimate, now these data are published on the site i-mate:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
Processor Intel Bulverde 520 MHz
GSM / EDGE (800/850/1800/1900 MHz)
UMTS / HSDPA (850/1900/2100 or 850/1700/2100 MHz)
Memory - 256 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
Touchscreen display with VGA (640x480 pixels), 262K colors
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/e/i
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR - up to 1.3 Mbps
MiniUSB high speed - 480 Mbps
Video Out XGA
Slot for microSD memory cards
2-megapixel camera
Battery capacity 1400 mAh
Stereo FM radio

Additionally, for each model separately, reported implementation features. Thus, according to data from i-mate, Ultimate 5150 a slider dimensions are 117h60, 5h19, 5 mm. The display has a diagonal of 2.8 inches. Ultimate 6150, made in the classic PDA candybar, even a bit longer in length than the 5150, but thinner - 118.5 x60, 5x15, 7 mm. The display is the same - 2.8-inch diagonal.

Performed in a similar to HTC Universal form factor, as sort of transformer, Ultimate 7150 is shocking for its performance in small dimensions - 110x74x18 mm. At least, such information is stated on the official site. To compare the size of Universal are h81h25 127.7 mm. Given that the size of the display of new items, even a little more than the previous 3.8 inches diagonally instead of 3.6 inches, a decrease in size even looks suspicious. Plus, the Communicator is a 2.2-inch external OLED-display.

Candybar with a numeric keypad Ultimate 8150 and did miniature for its ability - its dimensions are 94h50h11 mm. The display had certainly not 2.8-inch and 2.6 inch. For comparison - PDA ASUS P525, which is executed in the same form factor but does not have many opportunities Ultimate 8150 has dimensions of 116,8 x59x19 mm. True, he had a little more screen, just 2.8 inch.

And finally, the clamshell Ultimate 9150. It is equipped with an internal 2.6-inch touch screen and 1.2-inch external OLED-display. Dimensions are 98h50h19 mm. This is also a very small footprint - to compare the size of a fairly simple Smartphone HTC Star Trek are 98x58x18 mm.

Too small size of some models, which claimed the company, were seen by journalists. Especially curious in this regard seem comparative picture with well-known communicators, which are already available at the moment. For example, compare i-mate 6150 and communicator HTC Wizard (released as Qtek 9100, I-mate K-Jam, T-mobile MDA Vario, Orange SPV M6000, O2 XDA Mini Pro, Dpod 838). HTC Wizard sizes are 108x58x23, 7 mm.As you can see, on a comparative picture everyone in general, it seems logical. Stated dimensions are consistent with what appears - a little long (about one cm) in the i-mate 6150 and very little difference in width.

And here is a comparative photo HTC Wizard and i-mate 7150. If you believe the reduced i-mate data, the device 7150 is only 2 mm long, 16 mm wider and 5.7 mm thinner. The photograph is the difference in the length of just catches your eye, or about 2 mm which is to say not - the difference in a couple of cm looking much more relevant to the truth. The difference in width between the HTC Wizard and i-mate 7150 when it looks quite honestly, as the thickness - in 7150 in the photo is clearly less than the HTC Wizard.

The same mysterious situation and the size of the communicator Ultimate 8150. According to information provided by i-mate, the novelty should be 14 mm shorter at 8 mm and is 12.7 mm thinner than the HTC Wizard. By the same photos can be seen that about any smaller width and height out of the question. On the contrary, Ultimate 8150, though slightly, but significantly more. These photos were taken at the 3GSM World Congress eyewitnesses.

To say that this is an unfortunate typographical error or an attempt to deceive on the part of i-mate, at the moment is difficult. Let's see whether the corrected data on the company website, and that she would speak with the release of devices. Recall that the release is scheduled for mid-year. However, even if the Ultimate devices will not appear so small, is reported to now, they look very attractive at the expense of power, good communication capabilities and displays with a resolution VGA, suppose that in some cases and small, which favorably distinguish among the new items in the dominance of QVGA smartphones produced by moment.

New device from HTC: side-slider with GPS and budget image model

New devices are under development in the Taiwanese manufacturer High Tech Computer traditionally represent a rich soil for rumors. Typically, about virtually every new product from HTC is known long before its official presentation. Now the network has more details about the next line of new devices HTC. Published them online resource PDAdb.net. In principle, the first information about them appeared in the early years, but then the data on the estimated innovations were very poor. According to preliminary information, the communicator codenamed HTC Kaiser will be released under the label manufacturer HTC 4550. The approximate issue will occur in June. In fact, this heir to the communicator HTC TyTN, released in summer 2006. Communicator is made in a similar form factor and at the same time receive an integrated GPS-module based on the chipset SiRF Star III. He fills a vacant niche in the manufacturer of PDA with GPS-functionality, executed as a side-slider with QWERTY-keyboard. It should be noted, while similar models on the market there is very little, and such a move by HTC seems more than appropriate and logical. The built-in GPS-module - this is the most important difference for future innovations on the HTC TyTN. However, there are also some other changes are less dramatic.For example, it is expected to increase the amount of memory to 256 MB of ROM. Also updated the operating system to Windows Mobile 6 Professional. You will notice improved slightly camera battery capacity and grown a bit to reduce the weight and dimensions, especially thickness - almost 4 mm. Basically it's the same device, even design remained virtually unchanged. Here is the complete list of features, which leads Source:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS / HSDPA (800/850/1900/2100 MHz)
Touchscreen 2.8-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
2-megapixel camera with autofocus, macro mode and flash
VGA-camera for video telephony
GPS-module based on SiRF Star III chipset
The pop side of the QWERTY-keyboard
Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0 and USB 1.1
Lithium-Ion Battery 1500 mAh
Dimensions - mm 110h58h18
Weight - 160 gr.

Based on the available data to date, the main competitor to HTC 4550 will Glofiish M700 from the company E-TEN. This model is similar to the HTC TyTN 4550 and the form factor side slider and supports the GPS-navigation. However, the Glofiish M700 Standard memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, and besides, there is no possibility of third-generation networks.

Communicator codenamed HTC Elf, probably, will be available as HTC 3450. This very modest for tactical and technical parameters of the model explicitly claims to be a lot in terms of design. This is definitely not representative of all too frequent now, the category of inexpensive image Windows Mobile devices. Of the apparent shortcomings are the lack of network support Wi-Fi. As the merits - a catchy, unconventional and unusual for the design of HTC devices, as well as compactness, lightness and subtlety. It should be noted, and a built-in FM-tuner, plus a good integrated camera. Parameters of the processor and memory are standard for models is not applying for advancement. Curiously, initially expected lack of support for third-generation networks, and now of the possibility of working in networks of UMTS. In this case, the probability of error, as indirect evidence suggest the possibility of working exclusively in the networks of GSM / GPRS / EDGE. Here are the characteristics that indicate PDAdb.net:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS (850 MHz)
2.8-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
1.9-megapixel camera
FM-radio
Processor Texas Instruments OMAP 850 CPU at 200 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
Slot for SD memory card
Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
Lithium Polymer Battery 1200 mAh
Dimensions - mm 108h58h14
Weight - 110 gr.

It is expected that the production model HTC Elf will happen in May this year. If the main source of the data presented will be confirmed officially, the dialer will definitely find a buyer among fans of stylish gizmos.

New smartphones from HTC: GPS comes on all fronts

Smartphone, codenamed HTC Wings also has not yet been officially presented, but details of it leaked into the net. He is expected to be released as the HTC S730. Even from the markings can be seen that this will be the continuation of the ideas presented in the smartphone HTC S710 (Vox). Recall that the latter was announced at the 3GSM World Congress.Accordingly, HTC Wings is another representative of the rare species c smartphones two keyboards: traditional and digital sliding side QWERTY. In this case, HTC Wings offers a new, compared to HTC Vox, the level of performance and functionality. First, a model with integrated GPS-receiver. As can be seen, HTC took intensively to fill in their own portfolios lack of navigational models. Also used by another processor with a faster clock speed, and realized the opportunity to work in a third-generation networks. Accordingly, the new device, two cameras, one of which is designed for video calls. However, the display of the smartphone is not increased in comparison with the predecessor - he has remained a 2.4-inch screen also remains the same - QVGA (240x320 pixels). However, this step is not possible to increase the size of the model. If you believe the source, the size of even a little bit down, and weight and does noticeably declined. For comparison, the dimensions of the HTC Vox are 101.5 x50h18, 6 mm, weight - 140 grams with battery, while the estimated size of HTC Wing are 100h50h18 mm, weight - 110 grams, and with the battery. This difference in weight is unlikely, most likely, here we have the error. According PDAdb.net model has the following options:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Standard
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS / HSDPA (850/1900/2100 MHz)
2.4-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
1.9-megapixel camera and additional VGA camera for video telephony
GPS-module based on SiRF Star III chipset
Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0
Lithium Polymer Battery 1050 mAh
Dimensions - mm 100h50h18
Weight - 110 gr.

As expected, this smartphone will appear in July. Those who liked the form factor of the HTC Vox, but want something more functional and powerful, this model may well be to the taste. Use the GPS-functions on the smartphone can be, and less convenient than on the device, but this solution has some definite pluses, especially the segment of smartphones with navigation capabilities is virtually absent in the market.

Next is preparing to novelty from HTC undoubtedly represents a successor to the HTC Star Trek, which is produced by many names, such as Qtek 8500. It was one of the latest models that came on the market at a time when the HTC is not releasing devices under its own brand. Smartphone HTC Erato, on expectations PDAdb.net, will be known to the world as the HTC S420. Like the HTC Star Trek, the future novelty is a classic clamshell with an emphasis on subtlety and style. HTC Star Trek can be quite be compared with in due time became the standard of fineness RAZR from Motorola. Of course, he was a little thicker and longer, but the difference was not principled. But Moto RAZR is a simple phone, no relation to the smartphone does not have. HTC Erato noticeably more modern than the HTC Star Trek, and has more extensive features. In particular, it touched a new trend HTC to embed GPS-receivers. He also has noticeably more nimble processor, more memory and greater communication capabilities. Increased internal display - with a 2.2-inch to 2.4 inch, though the source was originally pointed diagonal display at 2.2 inches, and subsequently changed the specification and there now appears 2.4-inch display. Chambers became two, with the bulk increased from 1,3 to 1,9 Mn-Mn. Upgrade the operating system - to Windows Mobile 6 Standard, instead of the previous Windows Mobile 5.0. There was a built-in FM-radio. As conceived work in 3G-networks, there was a secondary camera for video calls. However, the possibility of appearing in a third-generation cellular networks, the company and no provision for support of wireless networks Wi-Fi.Here's what characteristics lead PDAdb.net:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Standard
GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS, EDGE and UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz), HSDPA
Internal 2.4-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
External 1.2-inch display with a resolution of 128x128 pixels
1.9-megapixel camera and VGA camera for video telephony
FM-tuner
GPS-module based on SiRF Star III
Samsung SC32442 processor with a clock frequency of 400 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
Lithium-Ion Battery 960 mAh
Dimensions - 97.5 h52h16, 8 mm
Weight - 99 gr.

As we can see if the data source are correct, then the dimensions, and this is important characteristic for a device of this kind, virtually unchanged compared to HTC Star Trek, despite the increased capacity. For example, slightly decreased the length, but slightly increased width. Weight has not changed. It is expected that the smartphone will be released in April, which means that a formal presentation can be held in the near future. I am glad that HTC started to pay more attention to the powerful and functional solutions in an interesting form factors for the segment of smartphones.

Side slider from ASUS: now for the free sale?

Appeared the first information on a new device that makes the company ASUSTeK Computer. Codenamed models - ASUS Venus. Currently known about him too much. Communicator powerful features, however, for models from ASUS is no exception, but rather the rule. ASUS Venus made a slider form factor with a side QWERTY-keyboard. He will be able to work in UMTS networks and GSM / GPRS. Traditionally, for a given manufacturer were no support EDGE data transfer standard, and only three (800/900/1800 MHz) instead of four frequency bands to GSM. Also at the moment it is known that uses Intel PXA270 processor clocked at 520 MHz. Camera with a resolution of 2 megapixel without autofocus. In addition to cellular networks support the following connectivity options: wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Interface Bluetooth 2.0, and USB 1.1 with the function of the host. Memory capacity is not yet known, but the memory card formats are supported: miniSD. With respect to the operating system as long as there is no certainty - whether to use version of Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone or Windows Mobile 6 Professional, you can not say with certainty.

Curious fact that the parameters of the device rather strongly resemble communicator Xda Zinc, issued today by the operator O2. The model also was developed by ASUSTeK Computer and so far presented only for the operator. In principle, it is common practice when the original operator's exclusive model is derived subsequently marketed under other brand names, examples of this mass. Nevertheless, it is difficult to say how devices relate to each other, differ and differ if at all in anything other than design. ASUS Venus - this is definitely a competitor to HTC TyTN and similar developments. The only pity is that he comes out with a time delay with respect to the release of her rival. Moreover, it has now become known only to the first information about ASUS Venus, dates the emergence of a device on the market more than vague.

Briefly about other events of the week

Rumors panorama of the week

iPhone at CeBIT: to be or not to be? Despite the fact that the first phone from Apple, the legendary iPhone, was announced in early January, he continues to act as a stable source for all sorts of rumors.This week, for example, had arisen and were immediately refuted rumors about a demonstration of the device at the upcoming CeBIT 2007, which will be held in Hanover from March 15 to 21. Initially, with reference to the local newspaper, Hannover, it was reported that Apple is going to stop ignoring and CeBIT show where your iPhone. However, in an interview ComputerWoche Apple representative denied it. The very fact that iPhone display at this exhibition, if it took place, would be a very significant event, because our hands on new product yet been quite a few number of people who are not related to Apple. 3G-iPhone after the New Year Another rumor regarding iPhone wandered through the network last week. According to some sources, the updated model of the iPhone to support third-generation networks will be in January 2008. This is a fairly short period of time for the simple reason that the release of the phone in Europe is scheduled only at the end of 2007. Apparently, someone compared these dates, because according to some reports, the European version has already been able to work both in GSM, and WCDMA. However, the latter assumption is unlikely.

Soft-panorama of the week

Vista-Gadgets on Windows Mobile devices, one of the employees of the company created a program for Microsft Windows Mobile, which can run gadgets (an alternate title for the widget from Microsft), intended for use in the sidebar in Sidebar desktop operating system Windows Vista. In principle, nothing surprising there is not, after all widgets are small applications designed to support functions. The network even posted a video showing the work of Vista-Gadget (widgets) on a device with Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Unfortunately, it is not known exactly when the application is made available to the public a simple, yet it's a secret behind seven seals.

Update Microsoft Outlook Mobile Manager Quietly and without much ado has been released updating Outlook Mobile Manager from Microsoft. This program, which is put on the PC, but very useful for owners of mobile devices. The essence boils down to being able to obtain information from Outlook to your mobile device and management. For example, you can receive messages on a mobile phone that comes on your computer in the office. Moreover, the program sorts out incoming messages by priority and can be sent to the mobile device only the most urgent and important e-mail, the rest are left to the user's PC before returning to the workplace. The application also sends reminders to your calendar, tasks, and to such information. In version 2.2 officially supports POP3, in addition to Exchange email accounts, enhanced support for a spam filter Junk Email, Support for Windows Vista and Outlook 2007, and so on. Creating a PDF-Document Windows Mobile Device Application FluidPDF of Rain Effect allows you to create PDF-documents directly on your mobile device. It is designed for communicators, PDAs and smartphones running operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. For work will also require. NET Compact Framework 2.0. Among the main features of the application: work with images (zoom, rotate, set permissions), working with fonts (installation of fonts, sizes, text rotation), attach voice notes and files, encryption, and so on. Latest version of the program is marked FluidPDF 1.1.

Sending SMS on schedule Easy and, importantly, free programm RJV SMS Scheduler for Windows Mobile smartphones and PDAs is a scheduler sending SMS.It includes an unlimited number of scheduled SMS, unlimited number of recipients, as individual contacts and groups, notification for each SMS and so on. As promised the developer, will soon be a version for Windows Mobile smartphones.

Oxygen SimpleUp: simply download the content for mobile phones The new application, presented a well-known developer of software Oxygen Software. Oxygen SimpleUp allows you to upload multimedia content to mobile phones. The developer seems to suggest that it will be easier and faster way than standard solutions, once expects that users will not feel sorry for her blood 99 rubles. You can download the data as from the context menu, Windows Explorer, or by dragging and dropping files into the window SimpleUp, supports simultaneous downloads to multiple phones. You can connect to a PC via IrDA, Bluetooth or using a wired connection. According to the developer, the program works with almost all modern mobile phones, including the platform Windows Mobile.

Business panorama of the week

Interest in the iPhone exceeds the expectations of both research done by Morgan Stanley among U.S. users, the interest in your iPhone is much larger than originally expected. Analysts predict that the year will be sold around 8 million units of this model, although earlier to predict the 6 million most interested in buying were the ones who already have or even plan to buy within a year mobile phone's high-end with rich. Analysts also logically assume that the demand bude even higher if Apple, for example, will produce more than one model of iPhone a few, will increase the number of operators in terms of which will be distributed, as well as reduce the price to $ 200 - $ 300:) Handango: a library of content for Pocket PC has mushroomed over the year stronger than all the widely known Internet software store Handango released its traditional report on the status of content for smart devices, this time in 2006. Of the curious facts should be noted that the fastest growing library of content was the platform BlackBerry, the number of new applications has grown on her 81% compared to 2005. The most massive number of additions affected by this platform Pocket PC - just one year into the directory was added to 3,627 names. The average price rose to $ 21.16, compared with $ 20.03 in 2005, the most expensive at the same cost applications related to medicine - an average of $ 49.26. Best-selling were professional and business applications.

Hard-panorama of the week

New items from Gigabyte at CeBIT 2007 Gigabyte Communications Company plans to present at CeBIT 2007 its two new communicator - GSmart q60 and GSmart t600. Recall that they are already displayed at the 3GSM Congress, but now the company has granted official images of new products, and therefore will soon be officially published details. Recall that in early February, Gigabyte has provided very little information about its updates, and key details have become known from the reports of eyewitnesses of the exhibition.

Communicator GSmart q60 is a model with a QWERTY-keyboard. The main feature of this model is that it is the first of communicators from Gigabyte supports third generation networks, including HSDPA. GSmart t600 is now positioned generally as the world's first phone with support for DVB-T, DVB-H, T-DMB and DAB. Among other things, a display device supported by this resolution VGA (640x480 pixels).

Detachable joystick for mobile gaming, Nokia has patented a very interesting solution for games on mobile phones. As the control is proposed to use something like a stylus, which is inserted in the traditional place for the joystick, then supposed to enjoy the game already with full comfort. The only pity is that, apparently, the "stylus" will be used exclusively for this purpose, because the models with a touch screen with the Finnish manufacturer's one-two and obchelsya.

Ultra-thin displays for ultrathin phone company Samsung SDI continues to amaze the world with super-thin LCD-displays, so necessary for its ultrathin cell phones. A new development company has a thickness of 0.74 mm. In this case, the display has a diagonal of 2.3 inches and QVGA (240x320 pixels). The previous record of Samsung in this region was only recently - in November 2006 when she presented the 0.82-mm display module. At the moment, the display module is presented in the form of a prototype, mass production will begin his much later.

Linux-novelties company Grundig Mobile Grundig Mobile presented a couple of mobile phones based on Linux. One of them - a smartphone Grundig B700 in a candybar with QWERTY-keyboard. Apparently, he intended to compete with devices BlackBerry, Nokia E61 and Windows Mobile smartphones in a similar form factor. Grundig B700 is thin and lightweight. When the display diagonal 2.4 inch unit has a thickness of 10 mm and weighs just 89 grams. He is able to work in networks GSM / EDGE, equipped with 100 MB of user available memory, 2-megapixel camera. FM-tuner, and a slot for cards microSD. Supports external Bluetooth, work in networks Wi-Fi, unfortunately, is not provided.

Grundig U900 model is a classic clamshell, and thin enough. It can work in a third-generation networks. As well as the Grundig B700, this novelty is equipped with 100 MB of user available memory, 2-megapixel camera. FM-tuner, and a slot for microSD cards and supports the interface Bluetooth. In this case, an additional camera for video calls. With respect to software for both new products issue is not yet clear.

The authors, translation:

Rover PC P3: Lubo and inexpensively

Less than one week after the presentation of two new products the company Rover Somputers - PDA and RoverPC P5 RoverPC P3, and already both devices have appeared on sale. RoverPC P5 by the manufacturer is positioned as a business model, unlike the younger PDA series - P3, which is suitable even for beginners. About him, and will be discussed. Design RoverPC P3 frankly pleased. Corps of durable plastic silvery appearance looks solid, on-metal, no creaks, and has decent rigidity. Border around the screen nicely-bluish. Power button is located on the upper side of the device. If you press and hold it when the PDA, then after about a second off the screen backlight. This can be used, for example, when listening to MP3 files to save battery power. Also on the upper side is a slot for SD / MMC (and, according to the manufacturer supports SDIO cards, which is an advantage of the device), an infrared port, slot for a pen and two LEDs. One of the indicators is designed to display the battery status. The second indicator flashes when the alarm clock or a reminder about the meeting. Therefore, even if the sound is totally disabled, for example, during the meeting, P3, nevertheless, can inform you of the occurrence of any event.

With regard to structural elements, then everything is standard here. On the left of the housing is located a scroll wheel - JogDial, under which there is button on the recorder, followed by a "nest" Reset. Scroll wheel korotkohodnoe, his depression is well distinguishable by feel, when you turn it sufficiently elastic "resistance". Interesting detail: the body of the left side there is a small slit for the belt, like a camera-shoot cameras. So you can hang your RoverPC P3 on the arm like a mobile phone.

On the right side of a standard headphone jack. At the bottom end - built-in synchronization and a connector for power supply.

On the rear panel - slide the power supply, which is used if the machine will be a long lay off. The battery is hidden under the back cover, that is, it can not be quickly replaced. On the one hand, it is - a lack, but on the other - the rigidity of the body because of this above.

On the front panel - microphone, speaker, buttons, quick launch applications that are illuminated neon cinim device is switched on, and click on them (the backlight button can be disabled) and Four-joystick without activation function. Built-in microphone and speaker provide a decent quality recording and reproduction, in any case it is quite quiet visible. MP3 through the speaker, of course, played poorly. In headphones, as always all right. All the buttons are stiff in moderation, with good tactile feedback. CAM on its own joystick is easy to use and it seemed to me, is executed better than the older brother - RoverPC P5. Dimensions and weight - the smallest in the entire line of PDAs by Rover - 121.7 x 76.8 x 12.5 mm. Weight - only 120 grams, no more than some mobile phones.Machine does seem just a weightless!

PDA stylus - a sliding, metal, nothing unusual.

Screen

The screen is transflective technology, size 55 x 73 mm, bright, uniform illumination. You can choose one of the ten levels of illumination, and at a minimum with a PDA is quite possible to work at maximum light is just what is called, hurts the eyes. A minor flaw in the screen that when looking at the bright image on a dark background, if you look closely, noticeable changes in brightness of the band on the sides of the highlights. However, when a dark image on a light background when working with the text of any lanes there. The rest of the screen is excellent!

Filling

Heart RoverPC P3 - processor Intel xScale PXA250, running at a clock frequency of 200MHz. According to information from the company Rover, under intense computing and multimedia processing speed is increased to 400 MHz. However, the method of forcibly changing the frequency of his work, I have not found. Also within the CCP - 32 MB of NAND Flash memory with Stitched running PocketPC 2002, 5 MB of Flash memory are allocated to the polzovatelskie data. RAM - 64 MB, but to speed up the handheld overwrite the OS from Flash into RAM, so user data and programs are free 36 MB. The PDA Li-Ion battery. According to information from the site of Rover its capacity - 1050 mAh, but the passport of the device is given another number - 900 mAh.

What's Included

Supplied RoverPC P3 contains the actual PDA itself and cradle - this the same silver, massive enough. I was pleasantly surprised to find also an additional cable for synchronization with the possibility of connecting the power supply that solves the problem using the device at home, at work and on the road. Home or at work you can put the cradle and the cable always carry with me.

Power supply - very small and light. Judging by everything, is made by transformerless technology, the size of it is just a half times more than the usual computer plug. Included in the socket but not connected to the PDA, power supply is not hot. Interestingly, the fork in it - shift, ie to the same power supply can be a single click and flick of the wrist connecting plugs for different countries. It is true, complete only one adapter - a evrorozetku. Also included is a cute bag beige. Go to the CPC in a case you can connect and sync cable and headphones, and power supply - quite an ergonomic version. In addition, the box you will find a standard disc with the software, but on it I am not going to stop. About the software's talk a little lower.

Coft

First of all, I want to mention completely Russified running PocketPC 2002. Personally, I can easily work with the English language, but still very pleasant, when the PDA to communicate with you in their native language. Set of predefined applications is certainly not so rich as those of competitors - HP, Compaq, etc. However, for a budget machine that is enough. On a typewriter is a Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Microsoft Reader, MSN Messenger, a calculator, a terminal client. Of the games pre-installed only the "Solitaire." Also there is a folder called "Utilities", in which three you will find three programs: eBackup to backup information in Flash memory, eViewer - to view pictures and eMenu - utility for launching programs.

Communication capabilities

RoverPC P3 is associated with a desktop computer only for bus USB. It is also possible to communicate via IrDA-port. Connect the PDA to the desktop or through the cradle, or via the sync cable: the one and the other is already in the kit. Unfortunately, I have not been able to verify device support SDIO, but the company Rover says RoverPC P3 supports expansion cards.As for memory cards, then with them, I assure you, no problem.

Performance

To work as a notebook for reading electronic books and games opportunities RoverPC P3 enough. Videos it plays, in spite of the newer processor, worse than the Senior model - RoverPC P5. P5 advantage due to the presence of graphics accelerator chip MediaQ 1132.

HTC enters the market of industrial PDA?

Internet resource PDAdb.net continues to make public details about the new device, developed by Taiwan's High Tech Computer. If we believe the data published on this site, the company will soon submit a HTC device that produces the impression of industrial model - HTC Sirius. In favor of the industrial orientation say several factors. Firstly, the very design of the device - on the free space is clearly not saved, the communicator did not even try to do a miniature. Under the display is very freely and not in distress are a few buttons, but when you consider that the display itself is not small, it becomes clear that the size of future novelty pretty impressive. Unfortunately, the source did not give the exact figures, so to say exactly what the dimensions of the device is not yet possible. Display considerably more "average" parameters - 2.8-inch diagonal not, and 3.5 inches. At such dimensions, display manufacturer did not increase the resolution, as well, and left the standard QVGA (240x320 pixels). Probably the latter is done as for reasons of economy, and because not too big need to display a higher resolution at the device in its class. Apparently, the model for the target audience is not seen as the main or important problem viewing graphics, Web-sites, videos and the like. In favor of an "industrial", and maybe just a corporate, destination device is the fact that he was equipped with a fingerprint reader for user identification.

Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March

HTC Sirius is equipped with a Samsung processor clocked at 400 MHz. Memory with him a few more than usual HTC builds a simple consumer model - 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM. Used the memory card is also intended to promote miniaturization, in contrast to such commonly used in new models microSD, but instead they have cheaper per unit volume and allow for increased functionality of the device by connecting various peripherals. What is curious, as the PDAdb.net, the model can work not only in GSM, but the third-generation networks, even alleged support for high-speed standard HSDPA. Also, the communications capabilities necessary to note the highest standards of wireless networks Wi-Fi 802.11b / g and Bluetooth 2.0. Interface USB, of course, provided, however, do not specify the function of the host that it would not be odd for such a "workhorse." Communicator did not deprive the camera, it is, but only one, so video calling is not one of talent, which, however, and logical. What else is worth mentioning because it's quite capacious lithium-polymer battery. Here is the complete list of the technical parameters HTC Sirius, which leads Source:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
3.5-inch touch screen TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
1.9-megapixel camera
Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
Memory - 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
Slot for memory card format MMC, SD / SDIO
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS / HSDPA (850/1900/2100 MHz)
Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
Li-Polymer battery 1600 mAh

Of course, Sirius - is the code name of the model. It is expected that the manufacturer will release it as the HTC P6500. Tentative release dates on sale - August of this year. Thus, we have a very productive model for the work, not entertainment. It is possible that it had some additional benefits, while remaining behind the scenes, such as increased strength and endurance. On those details we can find out most likely not before the official announcement of the communicator.If the information provided PDAdb.net be untrue, then HTC is entering a new market for themselves, whereas previously under its brand it only consumer model, in extreme cases - with only a slight touch on the corporate or business-oriented.

SoMo 650: The debut of Socket Mobile PDA market

The company Socket Communications fairly well known in the periphery and software for handheld computers, smartphones and Tablet PCs. Not so long ago, she decided herself to go to the PDA market. In this regard, it is, in particular, changed its name to Socket Mobile, and started a new site. Manufacturer aims mainly at the business segment. Last week Socket Mobile introduced the first child - a PDA called the SoMo 650. The new CPC aims to segment the market between the models, focused on prime customers, and clean industrial devices for use in harsh industrial environments. According to the manufacturer, the new product is designed to meet the demand in the productive and affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses, including sales agents and mobile outlets, logistics management, health and other similar areas. Novelty is not enough armor-piercing, industrial model, but she is able to withstand repeated falls from a height of one meter onto concrete floor, however, does not open, and vinyl-coated. In contrast to the purely industrial models, PDA is not very distinguished design, appearance, he is completely consistent with what used to understand the average user by the term "PDA".

SoMo 650 really gives the impression of a very productive by modern standards, models, and sharpened it to the specifics of the segment. On the one hand - there are necessary resources for performance, but on the other side - nothing more. Processor is an Intel processor with a clock frequency of 624 MHz, it is perhaps the most currently available rate for such decisions. Also, the manufacturer has laid more than usual, built-in memory. Further, what is rarely found in handheld computers, not imprisoned for industrial use, there are two slots for different formats of flash cards - CompactFlash and SDIO. Thus, future users can easily expand as the amount of memory available for storing information and functionality of the device. No, probably much need reminding about the advantages possible to connect any peripheral module in one slot and leave the extra flash memory in another. Pocket PC communications capabilities SoMo 650 is not bad. Provided the work as a wireless Wi-Fi, and the interface Bluetooth, and in their modern versions. Gradually obsolescent its infrared interface, here, however, is not provided. Through USB you can connect external devices, simply put, is possible to perform a function host. The standard battery is invited Li-Ion Battery 1200 mAh. However, given the tactical and technical parameters of the model, and especially for those who are such a battery will seem "rather weak", provides an option with more advanced options. Work is performed under the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0, but not the new version 6, which was introduced in February.Here is the complete list of features SoMo 650, driven by the manufacturer:

Operating system Windows Mobile 5.0
3.5-inch touch screen TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels), 65K colors
Intel PXA270 processor clocked at 624 MHz
Memory - 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
Memory card slots for CompactFlash and SDIO formats
Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
USB 1.1 (host / client)
Built-in microphone and speaker
Lithium-Ion Battery 1200 mAh
Dimensions - 127h74, 6h20, 6 mm
Weight - 178.6 grams (with standard battery and stylus)
Operating temperature range - from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius
Temperature range for storage - from -25 to 75 degrees Celsius
Humidity - 95% non-condensing

As promised the company, the first sale of its first handheld to begin in April, and the mass distribution will start in May. It is planned that the distribution will be made in the USA and some countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific region. Manufacturer's recommended price for the SoMo 650 is $ 648, that a lot of PDA, but do not forget that in his class a model closer to industrial applications, for which price limits are already quite different. Summary, we have certainly an interesting solution. On the one hand, the company does not offer anything radically new, but on the other hand, it tries to occupy the area until the not so well covered by other manufacturers. It is this segment between the "heavy" industrial PDAs, and only consumer models are often left without proper attention by the manufacturers of mobile devices. SoMo 650 - a sort of compromise on security, price, performance with the functionality and size. Miniature him anything but that might not like ordinary consumers, on the other - it can not drop back into sulfuric acid and forgotten under the press with certainty is that nothing terrible will happen, which in turn may make it inapplicable to many industries and departments. But at the same time it combines several important advantages of these two worlds, which may well be required by the market.

Chinese budget smartphone for the U.S. operator

Following the now widely known by HTC more Asian manufacturers are beginning to produce their design in close cooperation with mobile operators and under their brands. No exception and the Chinese company Amoi Electronics. Late last year, she made an interesting announcement, promising to release four cost smartphone that should be the first "smart" devices that were created on the platform OMAPV1030 from Texas Instruments. As reported in the press release, the new items designed for the Asian market. However, we seem to be a surprise - last week the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the smartphone marking SMT5700. The mere fact of approval does not guarantee the release of a model in the U.S., but in the published materials are referred to the fact that it will be available through the operator AT & T. Let the reader does not confuse the name AT & T Mobility, now so called big, if not the largest, U.S. mobile operator Cingular Wireless. This smartphone is made in a candybar with a QWERTY-keyboard and a horizontally oriented display. Despite the fact that the materials on the FCC site is not much detail about the technical features of the model, but its design is uniquely indicates that this is one of the four most cost smartphones, namely the model Amoi E78. That is, this novelty appears not only in Asia but also in the U.S. under the name AT & T SMT5600, which gives hope for her appearance in other regions. On the FCC site you can admire the vivid picture smartphone, as well as to dig a little detail. In particular, specifies a 2-megapixel camera, slot for memory cards microSD. The model is based on the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0.The smartphone is capable of working in GSM, in the materials made no mention of supporting data transfer standard EDGE, but it can not guarantee that it is not incorporated. FCC sometimes does not publish information about the opportunities that have not yet been tested. In favor of the possibility of work on the EDGE standard is the fact that Amoi E78 supports it.

An important argument proving that AT & T SMT5600 and Amoi E78 is the same model that is occurring in the FCC documentation label 6711, while on the website of the company Amoi, this model is also known as GSM6711. The website for Amoi GSM6711 contain the following parameters:

Operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone
2.46-inch TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels), 65K colors
2-megapixel CMOS-camera with 4 x digital zoom and flash
64 MB user available memory
Slot for microSD memory cards
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz)
Wi-Fi (optional) and Bluetooth 1.2 (with the profile A2DP)
miniUSB
Time running conversation - 3.5 hours
Opening hours of standby time - 100 hours
Dimensions - mm 115h62h13
Weight - 125 gr.

It is curious how quickly will this model the operator AT & T, and most importantly, how much it will cost. Given the situation, it is very possible, the smartphone will appear in other regions under different brands.

Design Communicator Opus Operis nearing release

Regular news emerged about the communicator Opus Operis. As expected, he will be released by Zenum Techologies, whose headquarters is located in Switzerland. As it is now reported at Zenum, the communicator will be very soon. The scheduled release date - spring 2007. Opus Operis interested primarily in terms of appearance, and above it bothered designer Jaren Goh, «Peru" which belongs to such as the development of elite Communicator Black Diamond. The company has positioned itself as a developer of advanced mobile devices that should really impress the users. How the company plans, slim and simple design combined with high-quality materials should contribute to this. However, until recently, the site Zenum find anything apart from Opus Operis was not, apparently this was her first product. Recently, the communicator has joined a stylish multimedia player Zenum Organum, scheduled for release in late 2007.

If you do not take into account the exclusive design, the device is quite common to modern standards. Moreover, the similarity in the parameters leads to the logical conclusion that it was created on the same platform that, for example communicator UBiQUiO 501, developed by Taiwanese manufacturer TechFaith Wireless. It is already quite frequent representative of the class-in-one PDA with a QWERTY-keyboard and a horizontally oriented touch screen.However, based on the fact that this design, image model, Opus Operis will not join with other members of the class in direct competition, as will be positioned differently. Recall the basic parameters of the model:

Operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition
2.5-inch touchscreen display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
2-megapixel camera with digital zoom
QWERTY-keyboard
Processor TI OMAP 750 200 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
MiniSD card slot
GSM / GPRS (900/1800/1900 MHz)
Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 1.2 and IrDA 1.2
Lithium-Ion Battery 1250 mAh
Dimensions 121h66h14 mm

As we see, to find a similar machine in the cellar, for example, the smartphone i-mate JAQ3 is almost identical to the parameters. However, most likely, the novelty act in an entirely different league - the elite communicators for the elite. This important detail like price, for example, has not yet been announced Zenum. Well, pretty soon the company could no longer keep us in ignorance.

HTC revenues fall: Fall is near?

Virtually all of last year and January beginning of the year the Taiwanese company High Tech Computer cheerfully report on the impressive sales growth and earnings. However, its February report was strikingly different from the already familiar "success stories". According to published information, the total revenue in February, not only increased, but even significantly decreased - by 15.58% compared to the February result of last year and 3.36% compared to January. The situation is more than interesting. Recall that HTC is currently the leader in development and manufacturing of mobile devices running Windows Mobile. Until last summer, it was a sort of "gray cardinal" of the market-based device it has developed platforms produced under various brands, including mobile operators. Past summer the company has dramatically changed its strategy and began releasing devices under its own brand. As a result of the past gone Qtek brand and cut ties with some former partners - a vivid example of how the company i-mate, who is now cooperating with other manufacturers and developers. The company itself, other than general words, explains the decline in sales primarily down to the region of the U.S., as well as reduced number of working hours in February, as celebrated Chinese New Year. But in any case falling incomes - is a clear opportunity to ponder what led to this decline. It should be noted that by starting to market their own brand, the company did not offer radically new solutions in sufficient quantity. Existing competitors are brand new, many of which now stand in a formative stage in the market, also awake. Ordinary consumers are far from the backroom games to the mobile handset market, are perfectly familiar, such as the ASUS brand in this segment, as well as in other areas. With the same brand HTC «simple consumer" sign is small and it is difficult to explain, what is the fundamental difference between the output of this "new" firms from other brands. Nevertheless, in general, for the first quarter the company forecasts revenues of similar size to the first quarter of last year, while net profit before taxation - at the same level. Let's see if I can from the manufacturer to keep pace in future quarters or are we now witnessing the decline of the brand.