Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 February

Windows Mobile 6: The wait is very long

Undoubtedly, the most significant for the world's Windows Mobile devices, last week became the "announcement" a new version of the operating system. In quotes, because as such, the announcement took place today at 3GSM Congress. However, the information that looks quite official poured into the network like an avalanche is already a week before the event. At the site of Microsoft at the time any statement and details were not, except for clearly accidental, occurring occasionally, small references to related sites. This discrepancy can be explained by only one - Microsoft is really getting ready to announce Windows Mobile 6 at the opening of 3GSM Congress, but some journalists did not wait for the release date and posted the information up, including screenshots and it is official, previously scheduled. In this case, the company itself as something too, even pointed out carelessly: circumstantial evidence leaves the future of the announcement, and a little later in the blogs and the staff on site for developers has become possible to meet the description. In fact, we have to deal with the acquiescence of Microsoft to such dissemination of information and tacit recognition of the accomplished "announcement". On the one hand, it is not confirmed by official data, on the other - a rich food for thought. We summarize what is known so far about Windows Mobile 6, has previously acted, codenamed Crossbow. First, the names of versions of Windows Mobile Smartphone, Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone will go into the past, the new version of the operating system is already split on the Windows Mobile 6 Standard, Windows Mobile 6 Classic and Windows Mobile 6 Professional, respectively. Standard version is designed for devices without a touchscreen. In this case, applications designed for Windows Mobile 5.0 compatible with the new version of the operating system. In memory of all the Windows Mobile 6 devices installed library. NET Compact Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition. Potestirovashie platform or just get information about her lucky, in addition to changing the appearance that catches the eye, say such innovations. In general, reported the highest levels of comfort, better performance and so on. Of the particulars mentioned the following. The opportunity to view emails in their original format HTML, with links to all the original formatting and the like, as if viewed on a letter to the PC. Also for e-mail client have been added several available in a single click options, including the "reply to all", setting marks, moving messages into subfolders, and delete. Are enabled Windows Live, which includes instant messenger Windows Live Messenger, and Windows Live Mail, Live Search and Windows Live Spaces. One of the most enjoyable for many ordinary users of innovations - Call History is now arranged more conveniently, in fact, it is integrated with information about each contact. In the version for smartphone is now included Office Mobile with the ability to edit and create documents. Were reinforced security functions and remote control device, enhanced integration with servers Microsoft Exchange, Direct Push Technology is supported by all devices based on Windows Mobile 6.ActiveSync synchronization tool replaced with a new Windows Mobile Device Center, which provides both traditional sync PIM data, and more simple to work with multimedia content. Calendar has been improved, including a calendar strips marked free and already a busy time for easy tracking. New built-in application designed to allow easy smartphones (one click) installed as a modem via a wireless Bluetooth, and on a wired connection. This, of course, not all innovations, but so far mostly to their list. Thus, as we see on the preliminary information, some dramatic, qualitative changes are virtually none. There is a trend towards convergence versions of smart phones and devices with touch screens, but this face is still not completely erased, leaving from such a division is expected in the next version of the Crossbow - Windows Mobile Photon. Nevertheless, the inclusion of the standard specification of the native Office Mobile can not but rejoice. However, before we draw final conclusions, let's wait and see what he would say about their new product itself is Microsoft. Incidentally, the exhibition will not only be a new version of the operating system, but also announced new devices are based on it. Given the amount of information about Windows Mobile 6, has penetrated the network last week, much has to satisfy the curiosity of the public, namely new items from device manufacturers are likely to be the most tidbit on the upcoming presentation. Now we know that the new device immediately announce a few manufacturers, which, however, not surprising, because the significance of 3GSM Congress on a scale of one year is traditionally very high. Roughly the first of them will reach consumers in the second quarter of the year.

ASUS Aura: a rumor of the week or the birth of a new myth

In the run-up to 3GSM Congress, everyone is waiting for new from the manufacturers. The network flies sometimes very unusual and strange information which may or may not be true. It remains only to compare data from various sources, use logic and try not to swallow the bait. However, the latter quite officially presented new items over and over again make sure that an idea that seemed unreal, is simply obliged to remain forever at the concept stage, can easily become a reality. This, of course, only increases the frustration when it turns out that the next hearing has not come true. A striking example of this is appearing on the last week information and images of the concept under the name ASUS Aura. News about the concept quickly spread through the network. The author's ideas gave something to meditate, admiring the endless possibilities of modern technology. Think about it - unless you can remain indifferent to the device has incorporated one of the main advantages of the iPhone cult, and plus there are many more. The device called the PDA, but also knowing the habits of ASUS, you can safely assume that this is a Windows Mobile device of the future. The device gave a huge 3.9-inch touch screen, mobile unit with the usual control buttons, as well as sliding side QWERTY-keyboard. The device must support the work of a "telephone" mode - the phone is oriented vertically, the module with the buttons moved to the screen, the bottom of the screen simulates a numeric keypad. The second mode - the mode PDA - module with the buttons moved to one side and to the user provided the whole touch screen is not divided into parts. The device can operate in third generation networks and supports HSDPA. In addition to all - built-in camera of 2 megapixels and a slot for memory cards microSD. Communication capabilities in addition to the cell - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and miniUSB. Ask what is there really so strange and unreal? Drumroll! Thickness of the device should be as low as 6 mm! Overall dimensions - 97h49h6 mm. We explain at the moment a record fine unpretentious one-piece phones (not communicator) for GSM networks barely struggling to overcome a 6-mm threshold (Samsung is about to submit to 5,9 mm model), and even then, some of them with a camera is thickening. Next go solid fly in the ointment. In such settings, the device is obtained several times smaller than current HSDPA-enable chipset. In addition, when this thickness is actually divided into two parts, body and insert a slide-out keyboard there, to put it mildly, problematic, even if we ignore such nuances as the strength of the device, and if we take into account the rest of the alleged possibility, then the problem turns out unrealistic. Of course, science and technology are advancing by leaps and bounds, the competition again has not been canceled, and it is quite possible that soon the dimensions of the HSDPA-device significantly decreased in comparison with modern specimens. Hope for the future would still be possible if the "concept" is based on real support for the Taiwanese manufacturer and contain more than just a 3D-graphics look and PDF with the same pictures, plus a few details about the characteristics. However, the author of the concept behind the "Hungarian design studio Egy Studio», is seems to be just another dreamer with a vivid imagination, mastered a couple of computer programs to work with graphics.It should be noted that this was not his first job - out of his pen, that is, the mouse came out, such anxious public last October, "concepts" as Sony Ericsson Zeus and Siren, too, by the way, with a touch screen. By his own admission at a forum devoted to discussion of Sony Ericsson Zeus and Siren, it's really only concepts made with Corel and 3D Max. Inspired by the author of this after seeing the concepts of Black Diamond (already released a very limited extent) and the Nokia Aeon. Lastly, it is impossible not to draw attention to the fact that in itself such a work there is absolutely nothing wrong, and if you know what you're dealing with, even amusing and instructive to study such work. In fact, many leading manufacturers, the same as Nokia, for example, regularly organize various competitions for the design, which are caught with good ideas and such talent here. So, ultimately, everything is just win.

3G-smartphone and navigation communicator serednyachek: homework at 3GSM on ASUS

The company ASUSTeK Computer, of course, prepared something new for the 3GSM Congress. That this will be, we will be able to learn up on this week, but for now content with a fresh portion of spying on the two upcoming updates from the Taiwanese manufacturer. Live pics and specs posted online resource GPSAndCo. It should be noted that the descriptions given to them many things cause confusion and doubt, but in any case, it is valuable information for consideration. All the more so if the specification is controversial points, the pictures look quite believable and credible. Also there is a picture on which to compare future innovations with the recently submitted ASUS P735. ASUS P526 - according GPSAndCo exactly be called a model, also known under the code name ASUS Pegasus. The first information about this model was found at the organization's website iF (International Forum) Design Gallery prestigious IF Product Design Award. You could see two small image, as well as learn about the subtleties (15,4 mm) models support GPS, and the presence of a 2-megapixel camera. Thus, we get the continuation of the ideas Communicator ASUS P525 - candybar with a numeric keypad and touch screen, but in a more subtle version, with less conservative and solid design, as well as with the GPS module on board. Well, it looks quite attractive. However, if data GPSAndCo prove true, then the ASUS P526 will surprisingly weak solution for this manufacturer. For example, according to a source of novelty does not receive the support of wireless networks Wi-Fi. Until recently not really had communicators having just two advantages - Wi-Fi and GPS, but before the end of last year, several manufacturers, including ASUS released communicators, possess these talents. Thus, if the ASUS P526 has integrated support for Wi-Fi, it is actually a step backwards. Has also been reported markedly weaker than that of ASUS P525, the CPU - clocked at 200 MHz vs. 416 MHz. It should be noted that the use of OMAP processor from Texas Instruments, in principle, is not typical for ASUSTeK, adherent XScale from Intel. It is strange, and from that point of view, the model navigation, although of course there are precedents for such decisions, a vivid example - a recent newcomer from HTC GPS-communicator P3300 (Artemis). Also declared support for not only the GSM / GPRS, but the standard EDGE - another unusual feature for ASUS products. We give full specifications ASUS P526, which he should have according to GPSAndCo:

• GSM / GPRS / EDGE
• 2.8-inch display with QVGA (320x240 pixels), 65K colors
• 2-megapixel camera
• Processor TI OMAP 850 200 MHz
• Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
• Slot for microSD memory cards
• GPS-module chipset based GPS SiRF III
• Interface Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• Weight - 130 gr.
• Operating system Windows Mobile 6 (Crossbow)

As you can see in the list, the remaining possibilities are pretty standard for a new model did not represent an outstanding, not counting of course the new operating system Windows Mobile 6.0. Thus, if the source of all predicted come true, then we have a very unusual for ASUSTeK device. It may even seem that if this was not the budget, then, at least, the model of mid-priced (for GPS-solutions), as it were, ASUS P525 to a wider target category. In favor of this and attempt to make a thin solution and mediocre performance characteristics and at least a solid design, more focused on the broad mass of the lowly. Well I'm pleasantly surprised if GPSAndCo wrong and ASUSTeK will please its fans with something more productive and powerful. By the way, the estimated price, which says a source not so "average" - a maximum of 600 eur (around $ 780). It is a lot in the concept of an average price of the group does not fit, even with the complete set of navigation software and digital maps. It is expected that the placing on the market in April or May of this year. The second novelty of which the source said the information - this is ASUS P3xx (accurate labeling is not yet known). The model is a smartphone which has become in recent years been a familiar candybar with a horizontally oriented display and a QWERTY-keyboard. Presumably this will be a smartphone for third generation networks, respectively, as direct competitors can be considered such models as the Samsung i600 and have not yet formally submitted HTC S650 (Cavalier). However, both models can work not only in networks of UMTS (3G) but also in the high-speed standard HSDPA (3,5 G), should not also forget about the promised update model Motorola MOTO Q with support for HSDPA. Do ASUS P3xx also claimed only UMTS, with no mention of HSDPA. Maybe it's inaccurate, and probably not the same dislike to the ASUS standard EDGE. If fears are correct, then the model will lose potential competitors in terms of supporting HSDPA and EDGE. The remaining communications capabilities raises no objections, they are consistent with modern requirements. Well as to the merits of future innovations, of course, can be attributed not the usual 128 MB of memory ROM, and 256MB. That no one has Samsung i600, neither HTC S650. Nimble processor that, in general, traditionally ASUSTeK. In this regard, future innovation is not going to concede to competitors. In the description and photos, which were presented GPSAndCo, there is one conspicuous discrepancy. Display declared a diagonal 2.8 inches, that is the same size that of the ASUS P526, but as seen in comparative photos, it differs in size in the smaller side. Thus, the advantage over their rivals in the amount of display ASUS P3xx not get it.

Here are the characteristics that lead source:
• UMTS (2100 MHz) and GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS class 10
• 2.8-inch display with QVGA (320x240 pixels), 65K colors
• Front camera for video calls and a 2-megapixel camera
• QWERTY-keyboard
• Intel Xscale processor with a clock frequency of 416 MHz
• Memory - 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
• Slot for microSD memory cards
• Wi-Fi (802.11g), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• MiniUSB 1.1
• Weight - 130 grams
• Operating system Windows Mobile 6 (Crossbow)

Thus, if all expectations are met, we have a modern smartphone is definitely worthwhile, though not carrying something innovative. The only thing what ASUS P3xx can outshine the competition with a favorable set of circumstances - an operating system if it will actually work on Windows Mobile 6.0, and rivals some reason - no. However, this slowness of competitors would be very strange. What conclusions, do, of course, too early at least until the official presentation, which will be known the exact capabilities of the model, and will be adjusted such nuance as parameters of the battery and so on. Perhaps this model will be presented by the manufacturer later than the ASUS P526, since it is expected that the market for the novelty hit is not too soon - in about the third quarter. By the way at that time in Russia already promised to launch third generation services.

Communicators from Gigabyte: speed and a VGA-display

It seems that prepared for the exhibition and the company Gigabyte Communications. While official statements from it have been reported, but some information about the two updates already penetrated the network. This pair of communicators based on Windows Mobile. The first of these, supposedly named the GSmart t600, designed to strengthen the area with a TV-functionality. Recall that four of the five currently communicators Gigabyte as one of its major functions offer reception of analog or digital TV. It is expected that the GSmart t600 is equipped with a second model Gigabyte display with a resolution VGA. The first was GSmart i200, it was announced last fall, and as far as we know at this point, not yet on sale. In this regard, interestingly, guess whether the producer to make a larger display than the GSmart i200, whose diagonal is 2.69 inches. On the other hand, small displays can already be considered "corporate" style communicators from Gigabyte and the hope that the company depart from its practice during this time is limited and will give a higher resolution image clarity.Source rumor web site Geekzone, among the supported GSmart t600 broadcast standards generously indicates a range of - DVB-T, DVB-H, DAB and T-DMB. Such diversity in a single model is unlikely, most likely it will be different versions for different regions of distribution. In addition, states the ability to record TV programs. Regarding the second device at the moment we know even less. He is expected to be called the GSmart q60. It should become the first model from Gigabyte Communications, able to work in the 3,5 G-standard HSDPA. According to the source, it will be available optionally in a version with GPS-module and a version with support for mobile TV. Thus, the company and are not moving away from addiction to TV-functionality. However, the manifest and the second trend - greater attention to the treatment of the navigation model. Recall that the release of its first device with a GPS-module, the company announced not long ago - in late January. Based on the prevailing tradition of Gigabyte names, we can assume that the full names of these two versions (GPS and TV) would be different another symbol, most likely figure that was set based on «GSmart q60». As far as this rumor is true, should become clearer soon.

Briefly about other events of the week

Rumors panorama of the week

LG also announced the new Windows Mobile devices in the network has information that LG Electronics has developed a pair of new devices based on Windows Mobile. She had produced such a model, but they did not extend beyond the mother for the manufacturer of the South Korean market. The current design also is rumored to focus on the international market, including the U.S. and Europe. Introduced last year in the international arena line LG Chocolate phone has been very successful, and Windows Mobile news may well extend this series. As reported by Business Week, one of the models will have a touch screen and interface will be sharpened to manage through it, instead of a button. Probably, it is about the development of ideas phone LG PRADO, which was announced shortly after the iPhone has some similar qualities, including an interface that focuses on the touch screen. Have probably no surprise that the announcement is expected at the 3GSM World Congress. Issue also the first models expected to take place in spring.

Soft-panorama of the week

Spb Mobile Shell: a new interface for Pocket PC with a new product made by a Russian software developer Spb Software House. Spb Mobile Shell - is, in fact, a new interface for the Pocket PC, allows you to work with the device without using the stylus by pressing a specially customized icons with your fingers. In the usual Pocket PC interface is difficult to implement because the icons are usually too small. Shell only works with devices running Windows Mobile 5. Read a review of this program is already possible in the "Library" on HPCru. NetFront 3.5: new browser for mobile phones 3G-Access Systems Company has disclosed a new version of its browser NetFront. Version of NetFront 3.5 is designed mainly for mobile phones, smartphones and communicators, the third generation. It is expected that the parameters of the new version will allow more convenient to use the services of Web 2.0. Stated more easy to use and more smooth processing of AJAX-content. Specifications are supported OMA Browsing 2.3, and Scalable Vector Graphics SVG Tiny 1.2. The company also announced three new features. Smart Slider Menu is a toolbar for quick access to frequently used functions, Smart Swing Navi - The original way of "intuitive" scrolling content, which allows you to scroll through the content, or to change its scale by moving the phone vertically or horizontally when the built-in camera, and the last of the alleged new features - Smart Page Viewmark, designed to optimize the viewing, for that she "remembers" the viewing preferences of each page, for example, the font size. It is expected that the new release in the fall. smart2go: free mapping and navigation fee from Nokia smart2go - a mapping and navigation service presented by Nokia. He for the most part free - you can download maps and make routes more than 150 countries, but in order to take advantage of GPS-functions such as step by step instructions, you must subscribe to a paid service. The oddest thing here is what - the company intends to present a version of smart2go not only for its platform S60, but also for Windows Mobile 5.0, so once again acknowledging the weight of the OC on the market. The approximate version for Windows Mobile 5.0 will be available February 12. Subsequently, the version should be available for Series 40, Linux and other devices based on Windows Mobile. It is curious that the Palm platform and UIQ, Nokia ignored. Nokia updates S60 3rd Edition software platform Next update S60 3rd Edition announced by Nokia. Recall that the first smartphone based on the previous update - S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1, were announced in the autumn of 2006. S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 is designed primarily for mid-end smartphones. The main new features is considered to accelerate the development of applications, increasing productivity, simplicity and ease of use. Software developers will appreciate the ability to use environment Open C, which gives access to the standard library C + +, and consequently accelerates the process of software development. To improve performance, has maintained, for example, the technology of virtual memory paging on demand. As part of the convenience offered better work with messages, the ability to play multimedia content without waiting for the download, as well as better support for multitasking. If the S60 3d Edition uses Symbian OS 9.1, and Feature Pack 1 - Version 9.2, Feature Pack 2 based already on Symbian OS 9.3. Nokia plans to provide updates available to producers S60-smartphones in the second quarter of 2007. UIQ 3.1: A regular extension of the family UIQ UIQ Technology did not lag behind and also updated the platform based on Symbian. Svezhevypuschennaya version UIQ 3.1 based on Symbian OS 9.2. It expands opportunities for developers of devices on the configuration soft keys, simplifies work in a multi-mode and provides support for scalable vector graphics. Users can easily switch between applications with a list of Task list. Specification support SVG Tiny 1.2 will seamlessly handle the high-quality images and animations, which in turn makes it possible, for example, to use animated icons.

Business panorama of the week

Sony Ericsson gained control of UIQ Technology Company Sony Ericsson completed the acquisition of UIQ Technology, passing all the necessary stages and the instances. If you have previously UIQ Technology has been a subsidiary of Symbian, but now it has completely passed under the control of Sony Ericsson. The process began in November last year. UIQ Technology will now operate as a separate subsidiary of Sony Ericsson. As promised the company UIQ platform will remain open and will be licensed under the same conditions as before. Record sales of PDA is estimated to analysts at Gartner, business market PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) situation is not bad - in 2006, was registered a record volume of shipments - 17.7 million units, which is 18,4% more than the 2005 results. It should be noted that Gartner uses for its statistics rather non-standard terminology - in the PDA category it belongs to the CCP, as well as some communicators and smartphones, for example, HP iPAQ 69xx, Motorola Q and Nokia E61, while devices such as the Treo 750 smartphone, and it considers in these statistics do not take into account. It is curious that 60% of the PDA in the past year were able to work in cellular networks, while in 2005 this figure was only 47%. The main factor of intensive development PDA market has become, according to analysts, data access and mobile environment, especially mobile e-mail.

Hard-panorama of the week

Ultra Smart F700: touchscreen and a bunch of buttons in addition Samsung Electronics Company announced an unusual device Ultra Smart F700, explicitly claiming the laurels of the recently announced phone iPhone from Apple.In appearance it much resembles this particular cult phone, only obzavedshiysya sliding from side QWERTY-keyboard. Call it a smartphone does not allow the uncertainty to the platform on which the device works - the manufacturer has taken a Windows-based and made my own setup as a management interface. Hopefully, soon will be available for details. As well as the iPhone, the novelty is equipped with touch screen (a diagonal of 2.78 inches, the resolution 440h240 pixels), and the interface is oriented almost besknopochnoe control (unless you use the QWERTY). One of the highlights - the use of technology VibeTonz, which allows you to feel tactile feedback when pressed on the screen as if it was pressed this button. In general, a device designed to cause the admiration of lovers of latest technology - for example, supports high-speed data HSDPA, a built-in camera has a resolution of 5 MP. New products will be showcased at the 3GSM World Congress. Treo 750 released from the carrier networks in the free sale of the Company Palm announced the release of free sale in Europe Treo 750 smartphone. Recall that last fall he went operator Vodafone, but in the beginning of this - the operator Cingular Wireless in the U.S.. Deprived of a suffix v (name sounded like a Treo 750v), the model seems to have acquired a talent for HSPDA, as during the initial release of the Vodafone company of no small importance of this possibility is not mentioned. However, the Cingular device is already listed as supporting service BroadbandConnect, which is granted on the basis of HSPDA. Recall that the Treo 750 was at the time the first product from Palm-based operating system Windows Mobile, released in Europe, but also the first Windows Mobile Treo with networking support UMTS. The authors, translation:

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

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

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

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

Here it is - TC1000

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

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

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

Handsome H5450!

Thus, the most recent, final and audited data.

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

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

"And the iPaq in the book of Guinness!"

The authors, translation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammer Heads. Buchenwald for Dwarfs

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

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

Jewel Miner. Untold linearity being

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

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

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

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

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

ArithmeTick. I think, therefore - there.

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

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

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

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

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

Sudoku Solitaire. Wonders of the island of Dr. Moreau

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

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

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