Diy: collect the charger to recharge NiMH batteries directly into the PDA

HPCru continues heading diy. Today we present to you the detailed instructions with pictures for assembling battery charger to recharge NiMH batteries directly into the PDA (on the model of Sony Clie SL10), from our readers, Vladimir M. Immediately stipulate that this material is essential reading only to lovers of self-assembly of various electronic makeweights for its handheld computers and other electronics. This experience is not recommended to repeat to those who are not too versed in the wisdom of e-filling and work with it. Editorial HPCru not responsible for the failed experiment. Those who dare to use our instruction, we invite you to share experiences to improve your Pocket PC in this category. About how to get to the page HPCru can be found in the article. And now - for the cause. On the experiments described below I was inspired by the experience Vladimira Suho, described in the article "How to use a soldering iron can be converted into Palm handheld computer in a very advanced device, Part 1." If you decide to make at your leisure battery charger, which I did, should be read carefully, not only with my article, but with this material, which describes how the scheme. So, I have a Sony Clie SL10. Nutrition of the PDA by using two batteries or NiMH-AAA batteries. The device is equipped with a miniUSB-jack for connection to a desktop PC, which has five contacts, but for the USB bus is used only four lines. Hence, one of the connector pins is not involved. I decided to use this contact for charging NiMH-battery directly into the PDA. We begin with the scheme. As the transistor T1, I used KT644 (any letter). You can use any pnp-transistor high power with a current collector at least 0.5A. Diode D5, D1 - KD243 (any letter). I measured the voltage drop across the diode is open to a maximum of 0.5A, it remains at 0.7V. The most expensive element of the scheme is to chip U1 (MAX 712). I bought it for 290 rubles. As a primary source was used from a cell phone charger. This charger gave stable voltage 5V to current 0.5A. Since the primary source of one volt less than the required 6B had to remove the safety diode D2. In this regard, be careful when docking the primary source of our scheme, do not confuse the polarity. Scheme I have collected on maketnitse, the connection is made using wire MGTF. All placed in a box from under the "Tik-Tak." Next, you need to pick up resistor Rsense for your batteries. I had a battery capacity of 750 mAh, which indicated rapid charging current 187mA. As the resistor Rsense take power resistor MLT-0.5W. Completely assemble the device. Connect the two series-connected battery through an ammeter with a current up to 1A (do not forget to connect the diode D5). As an ammeter be sure to use any digital (arrow has too much internal resistance). Turn on the device. The ammeter should show the current more than you need. Carefully remove the lacquer with a knife with a resistor Rsense until gray patina. Then fine emery cloth soshlifuyte gray powder until a white porcelain color. First soshlifuyte narrow strip between the contacts. Resistance will increase and the charge current falls. Increase medium grinded area to the point where the ammeter will show you the desired charge current. To be safe, cover with varnish medium grinded area resistor.I have to collect the charger looks as shown below. Now you should at least difficult part - Finalization devaysa Wiring and plugs. MiniUSB plug I bought at the store for 25 rubles. Disassembled, it looks as shown below. As we can see, one of the terminals in your plug is not part of desoldering the wire. Do the following. At the end of the needle files with a narrow edge sharpen and grind down the sides to produce an mikrostameska 1 mm wide. At the fork, departing at 1-1.5 mm from the edge of the plastic shell of the broken short contact scratched groove until the shiny surface of the contact. From the two-sided fiberglass foil thickness of 0.5 - 0.7 mm cut plate of 5x8 mm. On all sides are chamfered to nowhere foil has not reached the edge of the plate. Cuts through the foil on both sides of the plate, as shown in the figure. Tin foil strips. Insert the plate between the terminal and solder contacts to the plate tracks. Remain nepripayanoy one track in front of the plate scratched contact. A piece of copper magnet wire with a diameter of 0.1-0.15 tinning, make a small bend and solder as shown in the picture. A small loop is needed to wire after soldering was not under the interference. Soldering the wires in the groove on the soldering tip pulls the ten turns of copper wire 1 mm in diameter so that the forward end of the spoke length 5-7 mm. He sharpens the end and tinned. When soldering a scratched groove using liquid non-active flux (rosin solution in alcohol). Be careful when soldering provodnichok must not protrude beyond the edge of the plate and should not touch the adjacent track. With the help of a tester, check for circuit between the contacts, correct deficiencies. Positive lead from the assembled and tested charger apply solder to the track, labeled "+", negative - "-". Pripayanuyu wrap the plate with one layer of tape. I had a set of plugs without housing. For hard wire connection with a fork, I used shrink tube, the result is shown in the photo. Now you need to make a revision in the PDA itself, by saving all the data on your PC. With the clock edged screwdriver or needle files unscrew six screws on the sides of the device. Put down the PDA screen. We begin to remove the rear cover from the lower left side. Then the top left, bottom right and the last upper-right part. Gently lifts the rear cover to prevent damage to the scroll wheel, located in the upper right corner. At the bottom of the Open PDA (see picture), we see the battery compartment and an outlet miniUSB-port. The battery compartment is mounted by two screws - the left and right. Right screw also holds the flexible fiberglass shawl with empty seats on its outlet miniUSB. From the battery compartment out two wires (black and red plus minus), which are connected to a special plug. This plug is inserted into the socket, the circuit board devaysa. Unscrew screws, gently pull out the plug and take out the battery compartment. At the same time relieved fiberglass veil with a rosette miniUSB. Itself is a socket for stiffness is inserted into the slots. Gently pull the upper edge of shawl with miniUSB socket and turn down it. See that moving away from the wall five tracks, with only four of them go further in the fees devaysa. We are interested in track, which is going nowhere. Carefully Solder pigtail MGTF 15 mm long, pre-tinned on both ends. Shorten legs of the diode D5 and paste it to a scarf anode directed to an electrical outlet. Go to the anode Solder the other end of the previously installed wire MGTF. Bare red wire is the battery compartment somewhere on the value of 1.5-2 mm. Solder to a bare piece of wire MGTF length of 15-20 mm. With the help of tape isolate place solder on the wire. Desirable to use a black insulation tape, it is thinner. Install the battery cover and insert the power outlet to charge the device. Wires are neatly hide except soldered MGTF. Put in place shawl with a rosette miniUSB. Spin two screws, securing the battery pack and shawl with a rosette miniUSB. MGTF wire coming from the red power wire, apply solder to the cathode of the diode (see figure). Putting the CCP. Insert the battery and connect through our miniUSB charger. On the charger the LED D3, is being charged. Now, while charging the Sony, you can use while lying on the couch. Trifle, but nice. Finally I will say that the remaining neraspayannymi miniUSB plug contacts can be used to connect to your PC's USB, and instead of the primary source of 5V can enable output +5 V USB-port of a desktop PC. Good luck! From the Editor. HPCru is heading diy. Under her banner we propose to unite everyone who does not stop at buying a handheld communicator, a smartphone or any other mobile device of their dreams and continues to independently develop the purchased product in search of the ideal. Accepted for consideration by the stories with photos of the original solutions, including hardware changes, as well as software products of its own production is called "the soul" (not for money!) Who made your life better with a PDA and more fun. In addition, please send your practical advice on repairs, maintenance and other everyday realities - all of this, preferably with photos. In return promise to publish stories on HPCru, and, therefore, known in some circles:) Please send your letters to editor@hpc.ru. The authors, translation:

The new Jornada 565 on Pocket PC 2002

Here is translation of an article of one of the testers of the new operating system for handheld computers from Microsoft - Pocket PC 2002. Joel Evans describes a handheld, Hewlett-Packard Jornada 565, released on the same day as Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 - October 4, 2001 - and this OS. In April last year, Microsoft has presented the third (final) version of the operating system for handheld Pocket PC. The new version differs from its predecessors quite significantly, but unfortunately, despite an active advertising campaign, could not win that percentage of the market PDA, had counted on Microsoft. She was full of mistakes and shortcomings, and the market continues to lead the device to PalmOS and other operating systems. The developers have promised to "bring to mind" the next version of the OS - Pocket PC 2002. Since then, more than a year. Microsoft has had plenty of time to reflect and meet all the needs of users. In addition, the company recruited a team of "advanced users" (including the author), who arrived in the main office and expressed their views on all the necessary innovations and improvements. Yes, and the market situation PDA has changed dramatically during this time. Now it is not only the players, offering the device on the PalmOS, but the company RIM, which managed to win significant segment of the corporate market, thanks to its wireless device BlackBerry, you can send and receive e-mail that called "on the fly." New devices that combine the functionality of phones and PDAs. At the same time a serious competitor, like all Psion has decided to withdraw from PDA market. Before we proceed to review the new properties Pocket PC 2002, we should note a few changes. Only the owners iPAQ or @ migo Pocket PC will be able to upgrade their OS, as these PDAs are supported ROM and processor StrongARM. Of course, now in the market began to emerge new handheld computers that match their technical specifications for these options, so that any new purchase will have a pledge for the future. Now let's talk about some new features in the operating system Pocket PC 2002. Firstly, it never freezes. My old iPaq at all times sboil OS and hung so often that it's ok to use the handheld in the daily work was simply impossible. Most of the failures occurred due to poor organization of the memory management, which is now debugged. I had all the time to remember how many applications I have open at the same time and from time to time to close them. On the new device I can open a sufficient number of programs without having problems. In essence, memory management is now implemented exactly as Microsoft promised to do so in the very first release of Pocket PC.

Operating system Pocket PC 2002: what has changed?

Entering text

Previous OS allows to enter text using the onscreen keyboard and character recognition software Transcriber, which had to be installed separately. Pocket PC 2002 has the same features plus to them recognition system is completely analogous palmovskomu Graffiti, but at the same time more intelligent recognition software. In other words, if you're familiar with palmovskim graffiti, you can immediately start typing familiar stroke of a pen, or just write by hand. HP also supplies with their Pocket PC AccessPanel - program that allows you to quickly enter pre-made phrases, contact information or the current date / time in any application.

Customize

The new version supports a fashionable technology "skins". Third-party program for a long time you can customize the program shell Pocket PC user to taste. Now this feature is built into the operating system. You can even insert a picture into the background and / or in the menu.

Alerts

To display the alerts are now being used windows, furnished in the form of bubbles that pop up on top of other programs. Since there are notices about upcoming events, new Internet-pager messages, etc.

Terminal Services Client

This program is designed for corporate users. With it you can access remotely from the PDA to any Win32-application, which is located on a computer that is running Terminal Server. This software is likely to reach its target audience.

Connection Manager

In previous versions of Pocket PC was very easy to configure CCP to use at home, at work or somewhere else. Developers have created a new system of communication control in order to facilitate this process. You can now click of a button to indicate the device that you are working, for example, home and everything you need settings are automatically generated.

Infrared exchange

With the advent of Pocket Pc of their owners immediately tried to transfer files via an infrared port on Palm and other handhelds. For such an exchange program required a third party. The new version of the OS supports industry-standard OBEX, so that you can now communicate with anything that has an infrared "eye".

In the Internet through a desktop computer

Now you can go online with a PDA simply by throwing it into a cradle that is connected to a desktop computer connected to the web.

Improvements in e-mail client

Pocket PC 2002, knows how to independently configure the mail settings. All you need is to enter your email address. Now as you can sync subfolders in your email program. A dream come true multi-user!

Check spelling

Made quite sensibly, it is possible to check e-mail before sending (of course, only the English language - VS:). Unfortunately, due to the size of the program, it will be used only in the version that comes with the new Pocket PC.

Pocket Internet Explorer

The browser will now properly supports multiple languages, works with HTML 3.2, WAP 1.2.1 and CHTML. Now you can not display images at all or show them selectively, which saves a lot of time working with the network. The new version also supports file uploads, so now no need to download an application on a desktop computer to install them on your PDA.

Windows Media Player

The new version can play streaming data from the Internet in real time and support, as mentioned above, the skins.

MSN Messenger

As expected, the new OS is very well realized work with MSN Messenger. Many new features, including the possibility of multiple simultaneous chat sessions, automatic connection and disconnection, notice that your companion prints and much more.

Integration with PC

The latest version of ActiveSync (3.5) with Pocket PC 2002 operating flawlessly. Handheld communication with the "big" computer is now working as it should be, according to assurances Microsoft, in previous versions. Before connection to a PC via the cradle was uncertain and often ended with a reboot. Now I just throw the PDA into the cradle and the software does the rest.

Games

Included with the HP Jornada 565 are a few games. Here are some screenshots for you to be able to assess the quality of graphics. Games are real-time sound and graphics are the best of all, that I have ever seen on a PDA.

Speech Recognition

Around speech recognition raised a lot of publicity. On the installation CD you can find the demo Mobile Conversay, which can be used to run voice applications on the Pocket PC, find out the exact time and date, etc. In general, you simply start the application and start talking, no training is needed.

Software for HP

Complete c device also comes a few Special programs for HP. HP backup - backup software database with your addresses, contacts and calendar to a special "secure folder HP», where the data will be protected in the event of power loss. The program can also be configured to backup data on the card Compact Flash. With the help of a real copy all the contents of memory Jornad'y. HP emergency backup - with this program you can automatically back up data to a special "secure folder HP». HP home menu - the program shell HP task switcher - used to switch between open applications. HP image viewer - a program image display, supports a slide show. HP pocket camera software - a program to work with a digital camera Hewlett-Packard. HP Microchai - lightweight version of HP ChaiVM - a program to run applications Java. Stowaway keyboard driver - the driver for the keyboard Stowaway.

Jornada 565

The device differs from its predecessor in a positive way. In summary: - Processor: 32-bit StrongARM 206 MHz - Memory: 32 MB RAM (RAM), 43 MB flash ROM (FlashROM) - Display: 320 x 240 pixel, LCD, touch screen, 65,536 colors - Nutrition: a removable battery (Li -Polymer), on average, allows you to work 14 hours - Standby battery CR2032 (3V) - Connectivity: USB / serial port (RS232C), infrared (IrDA) - Expansion: CompactFlash Type I and Ie - Audio: speaker and stereo headphone jack - Dimensions : 132 x 76,5 x 17,2 mm - Weight: 173 g with standard battery without the cover. Wt. The first thing noted author, was the weight of the PDA. It's amazing how much it easier for other Pocket PC, and this despite the memory expansion slot CF. He, incidentally, has always been not very convenient to attach the module to CF iPaq, and now do not need. Screen. The new screen differs dramatically from even a well-known LCD iPAQ. Once one company does something well, the rest immediately picked up the idea. Particularly good built-in screen cover. Stylus. Flat pen earlier models is replaced by more convenient. And it has now secured the rear, as with most handhelds. Slot CF. Without any additional modules you can use the cards, Compact Flash. For a larger map to (for example, adapters, PC-card) to remove the cover. Removable battery. Jornada comes with a removable battery charging, so you can carry a spare. Backup battery. Unfortunately, in the case of a landing on the main power battery backup will store data for only one day. Joystick. Round button to move the cursor in all four directions. It is useful to use PDA without a stylus. Buttons scroll up / down. LED alerts. In case, if you turn the sound off by setting yourself a reminder, the LED flashes. Very useful for use in those places where you need to keep quiet.

Conclusion

The author sums up his impressions of working with the novelty of the case. New Jornada I liked more than my good old iPaq. As I mentioned, it is very convenient to have the opportunity to work with CF cards without any external modules. According to rumors, the new model from Toshiba will not only have a CF-, and SD-slot, so probably I buy it just as soon as it will go on sale. The only problem that is peculiar models HP, is the price. Jornada 565 now costs $ 600 ($ 700 in Russia) that the PDA a lot, especially compared with competitors that do not use Pocket PC OS.

Score

The device receives a solid top five for quality: an excellent opportunity with a low weight. Easy set up, configure, and CF-slot is also spoken in favor of this model. Sources, Materials:

Diy: returns PDA HP iPAQ "to life&quot

Welcome addition to the heading "diy. At this time we publish a piece of practical advice, which we hope will help owners of Pocket PC from Hewlett-Packard to avoid calling a service center. Experience in the removal of the mobile device from the "coma" caused by a failure or malfunction reflashing the motherboard, shared with us the reader Andrew Lezov. We remind you that the editors HPCru not responsible for the failed experiment. Those who dare to use our instruction, we invite you also to participate in the diy with their stories and tips for a "cure" or improve the Pocket PC. About how to get to the page HPCru will be available at the end. C The case of the history of the CCP is sometimes similar to those described below, which, in my opinion, it is possible to understand yourself. But first things first. As a sample for review, we take the CPC model HP iPAQ h1940. Sometimes, when flashing or failure of the motherboard PDA falls into the "To". His life showed only the inscription on the screen - HP Invent and figures, it means the current veriyu BootLoader'a, in our case 1.07. We explain that Bootloader - firmware that is responsible for the preparation of the operating system your PDA to its initialization. Machine out of this state, as a rule, it is impossible to deduce. Will not help any shortcuts, or a full reset. But, nevertheless, there is a chance to save the CCP without involving the service center and repair at the factory.

Compaq iPaq 3800 Series

Slightly more than one and a half years ago, Compaq introduced its first iPAQ, which was met by a shaft of criticism, especially for the absence of built-in iPAQ expansion slot. To connect a variety of PCMCIA, Compact Flash, and other devices, developers have used technology to ad hoc "dzheketov" (Jackets), which fasten to the iPAQ. And the whole structure are at times cumbersome. Critics in one voice declared that no Pocket PC will not become popular without built-in expansion slots. The grounds have a fair criticism dzheketov certainly were. Since then much water has flowed, together with new models developed and a new concept dzheketov. Now it is clear that the critics were wrong: which was published iPAQ quickly became one of the most successful Windows CE (Pocket PC) computers. In the end, iPAQ brought to mind, fixes many design flaws, and besides, for many it was an accomplishment, thereby surpassing while stylish Palm Vx. First iPAQ has become a kind milestone in the history of handheld computers. Compaq acted very risky, going for a color screen handheld that operates on the principle of reflection and characterized in that it is working tolerably well in the dark and in sunlight. Risky, because in contrast to the proven solution with excellent Casio bright TFT display, a first-generation displays iPAQ seemed in daily use by this compromise. However, users gradually figured out what was happening: the iPAQ screen looks quite good in natural light, but in addition, no worse in the sun! Here a sudden it turned out that just a compromise is bright in the dusk, and black on the high light screen Cassiopeia! About the risk paid off and the concept of dzheketov. Bad start, themselves dzheketov never find on sale, but time goes by, and suddenly it turns out that people like extensions, which can pick up on your own taste: if you want a PCMCIA, you want a Compact Flash ... And besides, in dzheketah often provided space for autonomous isotchniki power, so that some kind of voracious for power card PC Card will not expend resources Battery iPAQ. Thus, the iPaq was conceptually and new, and thoughtful. It is not surprising that the PDA from Compaq is firmly established in the market. So what awaits us with a new operating system Pocket PC 2002, what changes will occur with the iPAQ? Laconic reply: "Will the few." And the screen, and the concept of dzheketov and the entire design of the device have already been prepared for Pocket PC 2002. What can we say that a iPAQ (and only them!) ROM is not masked, and reflash Flash, therefore the device can easily be supposed to 'latest version of the operating system. Nevertheless, some points require elaboration. For example, the built-in lithium-ion battery has not met expectations for the duration of battery life. Large navigation disc on the front panel looks cool, but poorly served, probably due to the fact that it was directly under the speaker. And another thing: even though dzhekety and convenient, but came standard SD (Secure Digital), and an SD expansion card so thin that built-in slot for them should not take up much space. And finally, do 4096 colors iPAQ - this is the limit, along with the fact that the old series Aero 2100 these colors on the screen 64000? His new series H3800 Compaq is trying to solve all these problems. In H3800 in the upper part of the body appeared slot SD card. Advanced Battery has the resources to 50% more than the former: 1,500 mAh instead of 950 mAh.Notorious navigation disc on the front panel has undergone dramatic changes. Although he is still far from perfect, but they do not use a convenient example (and the speaker is now available over the screen in the upper part of the body). And, finally! Screen 3800 is adapted to work in 16-bit color, which is about 65.000 tones. At first glance, the new iPAQ is not very different from previous models. Generally, the changes resemble that in the automobile industry called the redesign, so they are minor and are more cosmetic in nature. Do so, for example, BMW or Mercedes Benz: one side of the car a modern look "model year", but over the years shaped the consumer the impression is of a particular model one is not going to change. Perhaps, Compaq also did not want to change the prevailing image of the iPAQ, which is why the new series is so similar to its predecessors. All the changes - it's work on the mistakes and the desire to better accommodate the concept of a PDA Pocket PC 2002. If pololzhit side by side, old and new models, you can find some easy to distinguish. The most striking added on top dark translucent plastic segment, so usually cover the IR ports. Right on the front of the oval are two LEDs. Gold on the right will help you understand whether the battery is charging, and the blue blinking on the left, when the PDA runs c Bluetooth devices. Yes, yes, some models of 3800 Series will ship with built-in support for Bluetooth. Under the plastic cap are also in the speaker, power switch, slot, SD card, and a special cell, which in the ambient light automatically adjusts screen brightness. The new extended navigation disc is still trying to work with him react rather vaguely, as something vague, but already can feel the specific clicks for determining that the disc is pushed from side to side, up and down. The four shortcut buttons to launch applications have become smaller. When you click on them, the device turns on, goes into the application. Programmable buttons. The icons on them so small that they are difficult to discern. The sides both body and left and right have not changed, as, indeed, and the bottom side, with one exception: here now there is no jack for adapetra power nor the caller at the time a lot of problems reset buttons. More on this below. Another change - the location of the display. He shifted down, apparently to osvobdit place a plastic cap on top. Because of this arrangement the display, it seems less, but it is nothing more than an optical illusion. The stylus also became another. Now he is short and pokruglee. Slurred a button for his shooting had disappeared. To pull out the stylus, you must click on it, like some other Pocket PC. So what happened to the power connector? Compaq redid everything, and the connector was not needed. Meals are now connected to either a cradle or a special adapter directly to the main large connector. This connector has become wider and there is already 22 contacts instead of the previous 12, respectively, in the old cradle the new iPAQ is not inserted. But even if the connector was the same, still it would not be able to do - would prevent sticking out of the old cradle pin power supply. Incidentally, the cradle also changed. From it grows directly from the cable with two connectors - a USB and a serial port. Most likely it's not very nice. Many will inadvertently lose a little adapter for charging iPAQ without the cradle, and thus to have to recharge the iPAQ only through the cradle. A coaxial cable will confuse people. Compaq likely will launch separate cradle for USB and COM-ports. Weight and dimensions of significant differences from the old lineup is not. Plastic somewhat lengthened ellipse design. Weight is still 180 g and the width of about 8 cm to the new iPAQ perfect all the old dzhekety. Larger battery life can be very useful! As mentioned in previous iPAQ models while working in the autonomy just disappointing in comparison, for example, with the time of the Casio EM500. 50% of energy appendage designed to correct this situation, especially given the fact that power consumption is practically not increased. Compaq announced a 20% improvement. Unlike the new HP Jornada, iPAQ 3800 has not got a backup backup battery. Of course, this fact can be argued that in the iPAQ battery non-removable, and therefore the backup-battery is not needed. In addition, the 3800 has 6MB of entire chip Flash memory for data storage. In the HP Jornada that section of memory called "hp safe store", but in the iPAQ - "iPAQ File Store". If we talk about the performance of the hardware, there are no changes. Like previous models, iPAQ 3800 equipped with the now ubiquitous Intel StrongARM SA1110 processor at 206 MHz. As with all new iPAQi, in 3800 a 32-MB Flash ROM. Main memory is 64MB now, without any choice (in 3700 was a choice between 32MB and 64MB). Judging from the tests conducted on pre-sample performance of its somewhat lower than the iPAQ 3670 release version. Ultimately, at commercial options iPAQ performance will be the same as before. In contrast to the basic 3700 series, the new 3800 will be supplied with a large set of additional programs, plus a standard set of Pocket PC 2002. Among other things, can be identified: software for managing voice applications Calendar, Contacts and Inbox; packet data encryption; Insignia JVM (Virtual Machine Java); Quick View Plus; Eletel Message; eWallet; ListPro, and a set of games. To summarize: The new iPAQ H3800 inherits all the power and convenience of earlier models, but after working on the bugs brought to mind and to the current level of technology. In a new series relizovany also two very vital features: SD card slot and a powerful battery. Features Compaq iPAQ Series 3800 in the Device section. Features Compaq iPAQ Series 3800 in the Device section. Sources, Materials:

Sharp Zaurus, part 3. Prospects: The Inside Story

Pocket PC Sharp SL5000D be called the first of a new breed of handheld computers. Not in the sense of new things in there some fundamental differences from other PDAs - can be called an innovative approach to software development and target audience you have targeted this handheld. The key is the fact that SL5000D uses open-source software, open source software. The kernel of the software system are PDA Linux and Java - the developer tools that support open standards. Experimental model SL5000D - full PDA. The reviews, which can be found on the web, are disclosed in detail all specifications of this machine, but the principal remains that SL5000D running on the same 206-MHz Intel processor family StrongArm, that most powerful of the latest models on the platform of the Pocket PC 2002. In stock and SecureDigital slots CompactFlash, screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with 65,536 colors (ie, in full color - truecolor - mode). By the way, Sharp is one of the best producers in the world displays its products are used, such as game console GameBoy company Nintendo, and Sharp supplying screens for many manufacturers of cellular phones. Ckladyvaetsya impression that the Sharp Zaurus has developed as through the draft, just for the sake of the experiment. However, the words of Mark Klein (Mark Klein), the head of a company's sales department laptops and PDAs, to suggest otherwise: "We are creating with the help of this device is a new platform - he says - and a new principle." That's what said in the interview Site PMN Publications Mark Klein: "We are engaged in the mobile handset market for a long time, even releasing keyboard device on Windows CE. Still, we mainly focus on our own platform. Cause of failures that have befallen us in the past, was not design the hardware or software part, but rather a "closed" platforms, which we used. This policy has seriously complicates the lives of software developers. The new device, we decided to create an open systems - Linux and Java. Our goal - to change the preconceived opinion of programmers on how to develop software for PDAs. Linux-community is enormous, and many applications for this already popular operating systems are great. Take the example of Apache - the most popular web server in the world. We do not see the slightest reason to put obstacles in the way of experienced programmers to a new platform for PDAs. As for Java, then, despite the fact that the technology is still not mature, we see great potential in it and believe it will become truly powerful. Therefore a bunch of Java with Linux will become a promising avenue for the realization of our ideas of open source software. "One of the most likely problems that may arise due to the reluctance to go along with the Palm or Microsoft, lies in the fact that both of these platforms already have a whole army of third party Programmers: professionals and enthusiasts. Within a few years of existence of these operating systems for them creates a lot of applications. In this sense, Sharp, and with it, Linux is strongly lose. On the other hand, Linux-programmers who write software for desktop computers, myriad. Attract them to write programs for handheld computers should not make much of a problem. To encourage them, the company Trolltech-developer user interface for the Sharp - organized a competition for the best program in five categories: games, entertainment / educational sector, business, system tools and communications. Competition lasted from 4 December last year to 11 March of the current, were created by a variety of prizes, including $ 10,000 for first place. To learn more about this competition please visit Trolltech. Of course, to fill the gap with the parties to take some time, but obviously short. Sharp is going to have a community of programmers full support and is ready to compete directly with Palm and Microsoft.To finish this topic, Klein said that Sharp may actively uchastovovat in podgtovke drivers for various devices, unless the providers themselves or the community of developers will not take it before. Here we must bear in mind that he personally is not well initiated into the subtleties of the program strategy of the corporation. "Sharp is best able to design an excellent design and ergonomics of the device. This is an area of ​​our company, in my opinion, should focus their efforts, leaving the questions of creation of third party software" - he says. Klein is right about the design: it really is perfect. The overall quality of the hardware is impressive, and the idea of ​​a sliding keyboard - simply delicious. This keyboard, among other things, may prove crucial in thinking about buying. Keyboard is quite small and, of course, is intended only for a set of short texts, messages or notes. Klein agrees, but believes that at the present stage of development of mobile communications and trends of work on the go, such a system may be useful not only private but also corporate users, which he calls «prosumers» (to consumers). These are users who buy a PDA for both personal use and for professional work. Klein believes that the Zaurus keyboard justifies itself as the recruitment of short messages, and for rough set a decent amount of text, and in future fully manifest all the promise of this idea. A small increase in form factor that is required to install the keyboard, with interest, according to him, pays a significant increase in functionality. Especially considering the fact that the hardware keys are not the only way to enter the information - provided as software keyboard and handwriting recognition. So how can you get such a device? You are free to buy right now. In Russia, it is unfortunately not yet available. Want something to modify, to close some loopholes in the software, although overall the device is already fully operational. Klein himself points out that while this is not a device in a series of "buy, including good," but it is intended more for technically savvy people. If you do not belong to those, you'd better wait for a few months. By the time the Zaurus will be fully developed and they can be used immediately by pulling out of the box. Sharp is a Organizer is number one in Britain, but basically the situation is due to electronic pocket notebooks. Previous development of Sharp in the handheld sector has never been particularly successful. The exception is perhaps that Sharp Mobilon - machine on Windows CE, which cost only a keyboard PDA Jornada from Hewlett Packard, which in itself is not bad for a company whose business is the PDA side. So, the important thing is that the programmer is not left unattended Sharp Zaurus, and then perhaps the market platform for handheld computers will be a good player anymore. Article "All about the Sharp Zaurus. Parts 1-2" Sources, Materials:

Stylish Gizmo

In 1999, Palm introduced the first ultra-slim PDA - Palm V, quickly became one of the most popular handheld computers. Two years later, Handspring in an attempt to achieve the same success, released Visor Edge, which, however, not gained much popularity. Now this road was, and Sony with its new Clie PEG-T415. The reason why, according to which the repeated failures Clie Visor Edge - its monochrome screen. But more about that shortly.

Stylish and brilliant

From an aesthetic point of view of the handheld Sony's incredibly attractive. Matte silver aluminum housing makes this model extremely elegant and even elegant. Author of the article made the news weighed and compared it with the above mentioned Palm m 500 and Visor Edge. Sales Leader - Palm m500 pulled at 120 grams. Sony restrained in a weight category up to 125 grams, but the Visor Edge has weighed about 135 grams. In this case, Clie, keeping the thickness of the m500, was narrower than the models of both competitors. In this case, Clie enough performance. Collected on the basis of 33MHz CPU Motorola DragonBall, 8Mb RAM and 4Mb Flash ROM, the model shows very good results. But look: some only the size and productivity is not enough to become the best. Clie has a pretty good performance in these areas, but it seems that other indices of Sony brought practicality to sacrifice style. Let's look inside the packaging of a new PDA and try to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the handheld from Sony.

Filling

Sufficiently attractive box-green lemon and turquoise contains the following items:
• Sony Clie PEG T-415 Personal Entertainment Organizer
• Sync cable for USB-port
• Power unit
• Clip-soft vinyl cover
• CD-ROM to install software on your PC
• User Manual

Software

The set comes with the Clie PEG T-415 software is impressive.

Software for Clie:
• Clie Paint
• PictureGear Pocket
• PhotoStand
• gMovie
• World Alarm Clock
• Clie Remote Commander
• Sound Utility
• Acid Solitaire
• Pocket Gourmet
• Pocket Vineyard
• AvantGo
• Documents To Go, Standart Edition powerOne Personal
• StreetFinder Express
• Windigo
• WorldMate
• Zap! 2000

Software for the desktop:
• Intellisync Lite 4.0
• Palm Desktop for Clie 4.0.1
• PictureGear 4.4 Lite
• QuickTime 5
• DirectX 6
• Memory Stick Export
• Sound Converter
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0

Inside-Out ...

There is something uncanny in how Sony has managed to provide an elegant device slot for memory expansion cards Memory Stick. The included software, there are four utilities that help you to squeeze everything possible from this advantage: MS Gate, MS Autorun, MS Import and MS Backup. The very same card, unfortunately, is not included. As can be seen in the photograph, at the upper end of this PDA has an infrared port, which is quite natural, since Sony has included a set of software - Remote Commander, allows you to use Clie, as a remote control for TV, videomagnitafona or DVD-Player.Author of the article tested the handheld as a remote control on your TV Toshiba. It turned out that it works just perfectly. And besides, it is convenient to be adjusted. For example, the Jog Dial wheel has been programmed to change channels, and clicking on it you can turn on / off the TV. However, the tester was unable to pass on the Clie via IR any information to other handhelds. This model simply does not recognize any of the tasted PDA. Another item, which is located on the upper side of the device - thin, lightweight pen. You could even say too thin and too easy. The left side is located at the legendary Sony Jog Dial Wheel with reset button (Back button). This is very convenient, especially in cases when the PDA is used as a remote control. Scroll buttons (Scroll button) and application buttons (Application buttons) call can not be comfortable. The impression is that Sony has developed them for the sake of style at the expense of usability. Placed horizontally a small button to call applications requires great caution and care when working with it. True, this is minor compared with the scroll button. She is so small that it is practically impossible to use. Oh, and the need for it disappears, because Sony still has a Jog Dial. The handheld is perfectly fit in with the supplied non-cradle, which, incidentally, differs from previous models of line Cradle Clie. One of the drawbacks of a new cradle that designed it so that the PDA can be charged only through him - will have to buy a separate charger for use on the road. Second - to change the structure of connector, which now does not fit into existing accessories for the Clie. On the back of the PDA is a reset button (Reset button) and the lid, under which the removable 800 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. To its credit, Sony, model T415 has a good speaker, that even something not quite typical for handhelds. Supplied in a set of application software Sound Utility allows you to play converted from MIDI and WAV-files, and I must say that they sound much better than expected beforehand. It is clear that the speaker can also be used for various kinds of alerts. Clie to have the opportunity to make their voice. Agree, it is pleasant to the usual pischaniya. And if you prefer a vibrating alert, the new model and there will not disappoint you.

Screen

On the T415 set monochrome screen with several unusual characteristics. High resolution (320x320 pixels) that is used, though not all applications and green fluorescent lights together to create a good impression. But here's the palette screen, contrary to conventional grayscale, should be called bluescale, since all that is not totally black, is displayed in bluish tones. Now for the weaknesses of the screen. Firstly, he is very highly reflective.And in the daylight to work with him is not very convenient. Secondly, if thin fonts used in the Clie looked quite nice on the color screen (mainly due to their white backgrounds), then the T415, they begin to irritate. Too dark screen does not have sufficient contrast for easy reading such fonts.

Conclusions

Sony Clie PEG T-415 - Stylish in every unit, which has a characteristic set of functional buttons, perfectly executed in terms of design. But it does have one drawback - the screen. However, recently Sony has announced a color version of this lovely devaysa, but this seems to be exactly what you need. Sources, Materials:

Life is wonderful palmklubovtsa Alexander Moiseyev

Name: Alexander L. Moses

Position: Head of Administration

Company: Bank "Russian Bankers 'House'

Model: Sony CLIE PEG-T615C

Phone: NOKIA 5120

User Level: "Know"

About me ...

Alexander Moiseev, 1950 p. - Contemporary half a century, one might say. In the former, pre-capitalist era, engaged in building communism in one country in the field of electronics, automation, acoustics, precision mechanics and instrumentation in various research institutes with loud names of executives. Now I work in a bank "Russian Bankers' House". When you first got the idea of ​​buying something such ... organizing? Somewhere in 1996 - the first was the Citizen 7700, due to its holdings of cable for connection to a PC. But irritating device interface, the program (DOS) for the connection to work through the stump-deck, was uncomfortable keyboard input (could not get a finger in the small button). Today I have a Sony CLIE T615. Generally, first a long time thinking and reading that would find a better for my goals, rather than Citizen 7700, with its "nedoklaviaturoy. (Incidentally, in the home library is kept PC Magazine / RE 1998 number 8 with a spectacular overview on p.112 - Robert S. Anthony "The most personal computers." Topical and to this day:)) And suddenly, the Savyolovsky market, the chance met b / PalmPilot in 5000 for a completely ridiculous money. That predetermined my fate ... Angular, with mutnenkim screen (an impression - especially machine "crudely made" for the B-1 bomber - with reference to the onboard network, the internal design of the aircraft and the color of feed-hand radio operator:)), but he could have it all: work with key I needed apps: AddressBook, DateBook, ToDo, Memo (they have survived to this day the new models). Instead of the keyboard - a pen. Write on a new "study for half an hour ... (In my opinion, it is very convenient if you do not put the main criterion for the input speed). Magnificent sync with your desktop computer, and - lo and behold! -Whole 512 KB of memory for user needs .. Compared with 7700, it was a breakthrough in the future ... In addition, countless programs available on the Internet (which I then just started to learn), in the mass of free or shareware, with the ability to work 15-30 days - long enough to make them sick, or someone produced the best analog. Even managed to address book from 7700 to 5000 to convert without loss, though it was somehow in capital letters, but readable in Russian. And then? Did other cars / models?

Palm IIIc

I was amused PalmPilot 5000 and since then, until I saw the Palm III ... By the time I have lacked 512 KB of memory and 2 Mbytes in the model Palm III, bright, readable screen treshki "struck me as the acme of perfection. Then I started thinking about expanding the memory Palm III to 4 MB, but, then burst into the world of avant-garde Palm form factor Palm V, and emotions prevail over reason - I bought a Palm V. Then - after seeing Palm IIIc - I forgot about the form factor of the Palm V. Oh, it was another story - Palm IIIc! In my opinion this is the most successful, "breakthrough" model of Palm, so there anyone says. 8 MB of memory and the first - FIRST! - Color screen on Palm! Let him work a little less of the charge to be recharged, albeit a longer, thicker and heavier than the Palm V, but the color ... as much as 256 colors! Then there were the sleepless nights and experiments with PalmPix (camera without flash adjusts to the Palm IIIc, trying anything to shoot, "merge" in Photoshop ... it was a decent piece of life). We can say with a Palm IIIc, I plunged into the world of digital photography, emerge from which I can not still ...

REX 6000

It was in my history and fascination with model REX (organizer, credit card size), was subsequently killed by the manufacturers (Intel has removed it from the production last year). Beautiful machine, but problems with Russification, namely the lack of search in the address book in Russian, was forced to abandon it. Although, as a miniature supplement to the Palm, it has no equal so far. That someone would have picked up and corrected the situation. Theme is just for graduate work;) Can I estimate how much all these electronic toys simplify your life? Actually, I can not imagine existence without a Palm. When the broken screen with your Palm IIIc - had in the Word to drive the base of contacts, which took 64 pages 12 font in two columns. Hauling sheets of paper a week in diplomacy, to use the search in Word, when he had to find the target. (PalmDesktop installed only on a home PC) Ghastly and bad memories. I wake up at night in a cold sweat:) But here's how to evaluate ... I think just now, to take and can not be assessed - it is priceless. Guests who have tasted Palm - he will understand me, it's part of life! And what opportunities are not being used? Apparently those who, at the moment I do not know or are not available by region of residence or the pricing policy of mobile operators, or lack of time searching in the internet. I'm not a programmer and do not spend all day behind the screen of the monitor. Rather, it is a hobby that much easier and organize my work and life. Therefore, many opportunities Palm I probably still open. Any external programs are used? Games, Utilities ... A lot and always. There is also a favorite. Loved "launcher" - MegaLauncher, the best program in my view, McFile (file management utility), thanks to my friend Andrei Andreyev, who showed me all its features ... Best game (my wife's opinion) - Bubbles. Very difficult to remember all the programs that had been used - has been tested only sea, list only the names will take more than one sheet, the archive downloaded from the Internet (look, not lazy) on my PC "weighs" 345 MB. Say, now, according to the program ProgList today on my Sony set to 63 programs, 134 databases, all it takes is 12,849 KB ... More than half, of course, unnecessary, but no time to do and clean. Main, from a personal point of view, the dignity of Sony CLIE?

Sony PEG T-615C

Minimum size, color, and read in the sun and at dusk, screen, high resolution of 320x320 (although sometimes interfere with some programs, it is necessary to disable - but it allows prossmatrivat photos from your digital camera with an acceptable image quality), for a long time without recharging, great and shustraya synchronization with a large computer via USB, 16 MB of onboard memory, USB, infrared port (for the exchange of business cards, the program and control your TV and VCR), JogDial (there are no words, some enthusiasm!), ease of use Graffiti , beauty and style machines, slot for MemoryStick cards, etc. etc. etc. .. In general, since when Sony was releasing Soup running PalmOS, the company that created the Palm, Palm, Inc. moved away, in my opinion, a little bit into the background. Giant home appliance industry has brought to the flavor of these products, which is so lacking in the beautiful development of Palm, Inc. - Thoroughness in all that relates to ergonomics and ease of use. Slightly alarming frequency of appearance of new models from Sony and cease support for older, but ... Business is business, have to put up ...Accept the fact that after a month or two, you, the owner of the newest models at this moment, you will become not such a "cool", but rather just a "backward" and again have to buy a new model from Sony, with a rotating screen, built-in keyboard and bg Graffiti "-style HandEra 330 .... bored not allow:) The main disadvantages? Lack of Teflon feather in its original configuration:) Actually, the "Teflon Pen - my development (Certificate for utility model number 15936 priority from 13.09.2000, the owner - Moiseev Alexander L.), in fact - a new version of the tip of the pen, with the possibility of use for all (from EPOC to Windows CE, Palm's to Casio PocketViewer, etc.) systems practitioners enter information or control through the touch screen. From the abstract to the application for utility model: "... The technical result is to increase the durability of the touch screen computer ..." And it's true, confirmed by two years of operation has many users ... Today, this design is used from Brest to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, from Lithuania, through Peter - Ukraine - to Israel (this is only the extreme points, which I'll send them by mail to friends - palmovodam). Technology for manufacturing such a pen is simple, open and published on the Internet. And everyone can extend the life of the screen of his digital assistant, a little work with a file on a noble fluoroplastic F-4 GOST 10007;) A mobile internet use it? No, I think it is still unreasonably expensive. Palm works for me, "adapter" between home and work PCs, replacing the latter in the subway, in a car, kitchen and so on ...) All the "mobile to become" I have no time and no need for this. I can not believe it, but I did not use SMS. Due to the characteristics of the working process, a call to a mobile phone for me is a sign of extraordinary, fire and general SOS-situation. This means in ordinary life and his work I have something not thought through and done something wrong ... But I am a "white crow" ... The vast majority of my friends have successfully used not only by mail, but wander over the expanse of the Internet by using a mobile phone and Palm at the earliest opportunity. Very funny to see a meeting of club users Palm man, listening to a report on the new program and there also "rock" on the mobile of the information on it from the developer ... :) Any accessories? Modem, Carrying Case ... No cover, even in Russia is not set to 615. Suffer immensely:) compensate camera Sony DSC-P5-compatible MS for rapid viewing and retrieving photos on the 615-th. And why all with the brand Sony? And because the MemoryStick. Pulled out of the picture, put in the CLIE, looked - zater or left - all in my hands:) And the "reader" (a device for reading memory cards, connects to a PC) for the boards' only MemoryStick "is significantly cheaper than a universal model Compatible with all mainboards. There is no place for choice: if one device from Sony is - despite the price, it is worth to achieve compatibility, buying and other ... It's a Sony. It is our stated it: "claw stuck, the whole bird ...":) And is there the feeling that something is missing? Desire to go there on other platforms - PocketPC, Psion, PocketViewer? .. No, as an advanced organizer, as a means of expression and the surprise of others, as Graffiti for the recording, as a pocket library as a dictionary translator, as a "road" Word / Excel, as a lantern, in the end (and that - in the dark, the light from the backlight completely "to seek" a meter-polotora:) - Sony CLIE PEG-T615C me all happy. PalmOS - ideal for my goals and aspirations. I repeat, I am not a programmer. I just use that laid the - initially - the developer of this program and if it (the program) does not suit me, I'm just looking for another, but do not climb into the debugger, or on other platforms:) brings a technique? There were crashes, but ... Make timely backups of data! Benefit to the Palm, this process takes place almost automatically. But in general - it all depends on the user and his brains. Iron - is iron, use it - there are users:) 98% "hardresetov" I was getting from what did not read the instructions to the installable program .... The most vivid recollection of life associated with the Palm? .. How it came to us with Peter Volkov (aka Spider in "pedeashnyh" conferences) at a meeting at Chillwind idea to organize a meeting in Moscow full-time lovers and fans of the PDA in the image of St. Petersburg "Pilotovok (regular meetings for lovers of hand PC in St. Petersburg , approx. ed.). First joke, but it turned out to be many, and now no longer throw and does not change. 17-th Moscow pilotovka recently held soon, as is usually the third Tuesday of the month, held on 18 th pilotovka (they are now taking place in civilized conditions, in a cafe with beer lovers and a light meal for your money - we nonprofit organization, sponsors, too, there is no :) a group of enthusiasts established the Moscow Palmklub, a mailing list of news of the club of 129 people that I report the news and who can not betray and deceive. As a result, all resulted in the Association of mobile users and become an integral part of life "palm" of my community and personally. This is a kind of drug ... Sources, Materials: