Awakening "Sony&quot

Presents the new Sony models in the line Slie. New product has been tested by one of the authors of the site PalmInfocenter - Ed Xardi. Sony Clie PEG-N760C - the latest model in the most stylish and popular line of Clie. Of the special features can be identified with the screen resolution of 320x320 pixels and 16-bit color, slot, Memory Stick, a traditional scroll wheel Jog Dial on Sony. Production company is promoting the model as a multimedia device with the ability to view video and audio. In addition, this handheld computer is equipped with the new operating system - Palm OS 4.1. In the rest of N760C is not much different from its predecessor spring - N710C.

Not a toy ...

New Sonya performed in the best traditions: Slim (7.2sm x 12cm x 1.8sm) and easy to lift (161.5g). Its silver exterior chrome. Design takes connoisseurs and ergonomic mass aesthetic pleasures. At the front of the PDA buttons are located in chrome rectangular area. Function performs a joystick button, differs sufficiently tight pressing, so to play the N760C is more complicated than on previous models. The Power button is located below the front panel. Near it is a small lamp that shows whether the device is enabled. This is a very important detail, since the mp3-player you can listen to with the screen, dramatically increasing the time of the CCP until the next recharge. The Power button is located below the front panel. Near it is a small lamp that shows whether the device is enabled. This is a very important detail, since the mp3-player you can listen to with the screen, dramatically increasing the time of the CCP until the next recharge. On the left is a headphone jack, a button lock keys "Hold", "back" button, and Jog Dial, which, according to the author, it is convenient to use only right-handed. At the top of the unit can see a place to mount caps, IR-port, slot, Memory Stick, "hole" for the stylus. At the bottom, as expected, placed a serial port, and slots for attaching external devices. "Reset" button is located nearby.

Display: 16-bit color

The tester simply delighted with the new items screen. He and oversensitive, and has a resolution of 320x320 pixels and can display over 65 thousand colors. Thanks to OS 4.1, the screen supports 16-bit color. (Y N710C - 8-bit color. However, Sony promised in the near future to update its operating system, and everyone can easily remove this "deficiency" in its 710 machines.) But back to the novelty. It seems that none of the PDA based on Palm OS has not had such a wonderful display. Already, there are enough programs that support such high quality graphics. In addition, the N760C is a very useful feature, which is clearly lacking Palm'u m505. This is a brightness control. If you click on the small icon in the corner of the screen - you can set an acceptable level at the moment light the screen. For example, this function will save battery power the CCP during the transition from viewing high-quality graphics for reading. The text can be read at the lowest brightness. The only disadvantage of the screen: on its plastic surface is not very pleasant to write, but it easily turns into a plus - should only stick to the display protective film.

Fonts "High Flight"

PDA N760C not only supports fonts with high resolution, but also boasts a special fichey. High Resolution Assist will considerably improve the quality of fonts at low resolution. Thus, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of the screen handheld in almost all programs. But, as the author notes articles, test Assist'a, not all applications will listen to him and simply begin to "fail".

PictureGear Pocket

Sony Clie PEG-N760C comes with the latest version of PictureGear Pocket, which lets you view the schedule as of RAM, and from memory Memory Stick. Also attached to the PictureGear software-assistant - Photo Stand. It lets you convert images PG Pocket in the slideshow. Thus, PDAs, located in the cradle, you can use as desktop pictures, photos, or even hours.

MP3, 4, 5, ...!

Chip from Motorola, which operates on the basis of the CCP, powerful enough to provide excellent quality of playing mp3-faylov.K Unfortunately, integrated mp3-player produces a battery life in just a couple of hours listening to music. True, Sony tried several compensate for this deficiency. As mentioned above, while the mp3-player screen can be turned off. Built-in audio player "knows" all that is usually: Play files directly from Memory Stick, shows all the songs in a list, you can quickly rewind songs. Audio can be listened to only through headphones as a built-in speaker is not "enough" power to fully play music. As its predecessor, N760C comes c «klipsovidnymi" headphones that are not too comfortable. Of the nice "bells and whistles" may be noted, perhaps, a remote control and MP3 audio player. Among other things, it can be used as a stylus.

Video - nevideo ...

On the N760C has preinstalled software gMovie Player, allowing you to view videos. You can characterize it as a self-contained, but the user it is likely to be disappointed, because watching movies with high resolution using this software is impossible. However, developers can understand: such a step is taken in order to save on memory, because then the usual 90-minute film with a resolution of 160x120 will take 200MB.

Jog Dial: stylus free!

Jog Dial - one of the company finds Sony, embodied in the N760C. Due to the scroll wheel, you can manage PDA with one hand. Under the Jog Dial has a dedicated Back button, clicking on which you can return to the application in which you were previously. At Jog Dial and Back up a wonderful duo as they can be used much faster to perform various tasks without using the stylus. For example, you're in the WordSmith program and read the first part of a book. The second part is laid out as a separate file. Having read the first one, you can using the "Back" to return to the list of books, wheel Jog Dial to select the second part, open it up and continue reading. All this without the "participation" of the stylus! For special facilities in the main drop-down menu PDAs, you can add categories such as "On / Off" and "Search". They will appear in all applications and take advantage of them will be the same with a combination of back button and scroll wheel Jog Dial'a.

Filling

Not surprisingly, the PDA-oriented high-end market, has the most powerful to date processor Motorola Dragonball VZ 33MHz, 8MB of ROM and 4 MB Flash ROM, which means that the OS can be updated. N760C screen works with the chip MQ-1100 Platform Controller Chip from MediaQ. The chip integrates the work of 64-bit 2D graphics engine, the management interface LCD-display, controller, USB. MQ-1100 is equipped with 256Kb of internal memory and provides high-performance video games and similar programs.

Palm OS 4.1

Palm OS 4.1, practically does not differ from OS 4.0. According to the developers, the new version only fixes some bugs. The only really noticeable change - correct operation of IR-port.Palm OS 4.1 uses the same method to access files on the Memory Stick, and that OS 4.0. When a card is inserted into the socket in the launcher there is a new icon on the files. They are copied from the card to RAM, from where it started. When the Memory Stick is removed - the icon disappears. Interestingly, in the delivery package includes technology and Palm Web Clipping, quickly and easily work with a specially "sharpened" under her web site in Internet.

Specifically for users of Macintosh ...

N760C works fine with the Macintosh. The authors note that the N760C no problems syncing with Macs using the latest version of Palm Desktop. True, he tested it via infrared PowerBook'a. It seems that the only really working way synchronization. Some incompatibility problems on USB, which were not in Palm OS 4.0, appeared in OS 4.1. Moreover, even in applications from Mark / Space have a problem with N760C.

Conclusion ...

He was categorical. New Sony just fine in all respects. It is expensive ($ 500) and expensive, as is able to satisfy the most demanding needs of PDA users. If you are looking for a combination mp3-pleer/KPK, the Sony Clie PEG-N760C - one of the best decisions. Sources, Materials:

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: