The new PDA-based PalmOS

PalmOS platform develops. We tested the new devices based on PalmOS, and they can buy Russian users: Palm m100, TRGPro, HandSpring Visor Deluxe and Sony CLIE. The first - a "direct descendant" series connectable Organizer ", which was created by Palm Computing, now a Palm, Inc., The other - clones, which was developed by TRG Products and HandSpring. These products illustrate the different concepts of development platform PalmOS. According to the results of tests of each of them, we realized that, although each has its niche, it is necessary to dwell on any one - simply because the user will not buy every new model. Once a reservation - a model Palm m100 in the trials, whose results we have determined the winner, practically no role.

Palm m100

This device - an attempt to create a "Youth Palm", low-cost model that focuses on teenagers, not just users with a limited budget. For the sake of reducing the price of the engineers decided to reduce the screen (by 25% with respect to a series Palm IIIx), body size roughly corresponds to the shell model, Palm III, but slightly lighter and subjectively "fatter". As in other devices with the PalmOS, the screen has a resolution of 160x160 pixel (16 gray levels), provides excellent sharpness and clarity (as it became less at the same resolution). However, due to downsizing to work with the device has become less convenient - the user has to stare hard at the image and text. Problem may be alleviated by using a larger font, but when you work with maximum size of font displayed on the screen in about one and a half times less information (eg, 8 lines instead of 11 in the utility Notepad). Analog Controller contrast is absent, the user can configure it in the dialog that opens "psevdoknopke" in the input area (black and white circle). The enclosure, at first glance, is associated with plastic toys. It has totally unjustified void - for example, a huge gaping "hole" for a serial cable. Why was it necessary to leave the slot size of 7x27x10 mm is almost impossible to understand (the only highly questionable assumption - use it as an ashtray that can be justified if we recall the "youth" status of the device). The enclosure has rounded shape, the buttons much easier than in the models of Palm III / IIIx / IIIe. Instead of scroll buttons "rychazhkovoy" design used separate buttons that significantly easier. Power button located on the upper edge of the front panel reset button stayed in the same place. Developers have saved on the famous Palm Reset Tool (thin rod in the piece can be unscrewed stylus) - to restart the Palm press the button hidden in the body, and this can only be done by using the aforesaid or instrument, or (as is well known users of older models and have certainly seen many owners Palm m100) any other instrument (usually a paperclip). Palm m100 is equipped with a lid that protects the screen. In this mount is quite witty (two-step, to prevent damage if dropped hinges devices), but not too rigid structure. One of the innovations is the ability to change the faceplate of the case: in addition to the supplied ink supply panel, you can purchase for U.S. $ 19.95 silver (Silver Mist), blue (Blue Mist), greenish (Green Mist), light turquoise (Pacific Blue) or (Ruby Pearl). The device is equipped with a CPU Motorola Dragonball EZ/16 MHz, 2 MB RAM and 2 MB of ROM. 2 MB of memory is enough for the user, a typical program for PalmOS takes about 15-27 Kbytes. Much worse that the creators used a Palm m100 mask ROM, users can not, for example, upgrade the OS. In addition, the absence of PROM can not get back copies of these programs, such as crack. The device runs on two batteries (AAA) for about a month (for "sredneintensivnom" use).The set is no standard for the previous models' stand-dock ", but there is cable to synchronize data. Palm m100 runs under Palm OS 3.5.1 - the latest at the time of our test version of the PalmOS. This significantly altered a suite of applications - for example, no utilities Expense (cost control), Mail (work email) and Subsystem Network HotSync (synchronization in a local network with such a decision could be accepted, very few have ever used this feature) . In addition, there are several new programs. NotePad utility is a text editor with features I "draw" notes, and it starts by pressing a button MemoPad. The main drawback of NotePad - the opportunity to enter only one (!) Line of text. Developers seem to have assumed that users will prefer to draw on the screen using "digital ink" and not bothering to study entry system Graffiti. This solution other than call an error can not be one of the main advantages of Palm - the ability to recognize handwriting and work with text strings that you can search, sort, edit. User, of course, can change the buttons (in the Control Panel Buttons have the appropriate tools), but experience shows that after the first reboot on this button again "assigned" utility NotePad. Program Clock (watch) displays the time, and you can see the time when device is turned off by pressing the scroll button (in the lid of the device are available for this hole and a small window). This is an extremely controversial model, the development of which implied a certain intrigue. About a year before the unit left the company, Palm Computing, its founders, who once created the first Palm (then Palm Pilot). And the Palm m100 is the first model, which was almost fully developed under the guidance of new managers. As a result, this device is a combination of the original concept, Palm and new trends. As is well known, popular Palm platform must not so much ideology, "the connected organizer" with a limited set of features, but fast and compact as well-balanced performance in respect of opportunities, prices and sizes. Alas, the creators of the original concept, as already mentioned, left Palm Computing, Palm m100 and designers a sense of proportion is clearly changed, and the price of this product does not meet the set parameters. Compensate for the disadvantages of the new model would cost in the range of 50-70 dollars, but, alas, to achieve this developers Palm m100 failed.

HandSpring Visor Deluxe

After leaving the company to 3Com, the founders of the "cult of Palm Pilot" created his own company - HandSpring. And approximately after a year they announced the creation of "expandable organizer" Visor, the first device based on the PalmOS, providing the possibility of extension. A little later, this PDA has appeared in Russia. We tested the model Visor Deluxe, which at the time of test is the most expensive product in the series Visor. From the standpoint of the technical parameters of a typical device with PalmOS: organizer with a small LCD touch screen (160x160 pixels), with a few buttons, serial and infrared ports. The main advantage Visor with respect to the "original" Palm - the possibility of expanding functions. The rear panel has a slot for cartridges SpringBoard (this may be a modem, additional memory, backup device information, a pager, even cell phone). But the list of benefits that, in fact, exhausted. Visor developers have not paid due attention to design devices, and in terms of usability and design forethought Visor markedly inferior products, Palm and TRG Products. Housing (proposed several options for different colors, we have been black, but we also saw, and a translucent blue) leaves a sense of fragility and vulnerability. Visor slightly longer than Palm III, but a few millimeters narrower, the thickness of both devices are almost identical.SpringBoard expansion slot is not cut into the body, covered with a lid (as in TRGPro), a straight-away opening, which in standard delivery (in the package which does not include any cartridges) are covered with special plug. If there is no cartridge in the nest center of gravity shifts to the device and work with it becomes less convenient than with the Palm and TRGPro. As the organizer of superior products Visor Palm III series only one - he has a very handy buttons, with a distinct feeling of "clicks." But, as experience has shown, the system has a few awkward screen, not in the sense of mapping information, and in the sense of "feeling" when at work style is used. When our testers evaluated. How easy stylus glides over the screen, almost everyone mentioned some inconvenience, the style seems "stuck". Incidentally, the construction style is very original - not only contains Reset Tool, but a small screwdriver (although not very clear. Why - dismantling the enclosure, the user violates the terms of the warranty). The main disadvantage Visor - so poorly made plastic cover that protects the screen. It is a separate item and "clinging" of the slots in the hull above and below, the user can not be opened with one hand to quickly view any information. The device is equipped with a CPU DragonBall EZ/16, 8 MB RAM and 2 MB of ROM. This decision can not be explained by any practical considerations, because the user has no possibility to upgrade the OS. In this case, Visor running PalmOS 3.1H, a modified version of PalmOS 3.1, which does not provide certain features - for example, allows data from the infrared port between your PC or cell phone and Visor. The package includes a stand-dock-oriented interface is USB, the standard for the Palm platform software (package PalmDesktop subsystem HotSync). In the ROM device "stitched" programs that significantly more powerful software and Palm TRGPro. For example, improved scheduler (DateBk +, which is based on the popular package DateBk3), calculator (which increased the number of operations), provides a new tool World Clock (shows the "world time"), etc. In addition, users in principle (to find Packages we could not) can purchase a program cartridge SpringBoard. Visor expansion slot allows the use of not only memory cards, and any other devices that are currently available in abundance in the market, from MP3-players to the recently announced cartridge with a cell phone (VisorPhone). But the advantage is very, very relative - usually more convenient to work with the individual devices, with the exception of just been mentioned modems and memory cards. In tests on the speed Visor showed average results, in principle, it does not matter to the mainstream users, and the "pro" can use many tools overclocking. The device is powered by batteries (AAA), which is enough for about a month. We tested the energy consumption in the process of creating an image file of RAM in the cartridge SpringBoard and concluded that the less economically Visor uses batteries, not so much because the flash memory in the original cartridges consume more energy, but because of the inefficient organization of the copy procedure. It implies a tentative "formatting" cartridge and copy the contents of RAM. The user has no possibility to create multiple copies or to restore individual programs. As a result, despite the potential for expansion, Visor does not justify its price (perhaps only 2-Mbyte model Visor Solo, which competes in price with the Palm m100, may be to some extent justify the purchase). Its creators seem to be guided not so much the actual practical considerations, many abstract concepts of marketing - surely a very witty and interesting, but little useful to the buyer. The main disadvantage Visor - an ill-conceived design, in addition, acquiring it, the user "attaches" itself to a corporate standard. We can not recommend this device.

TRG TRGPro

TRGPro, which we awarded the difference between "editorial board" is a clone of the Palm III. This device is targeted at power users, but even with its higher price, it has an excellent price / quality. "The developers of this product, understand that the Palm III series models can be, and not as elegant as the Palm V, but much more practical. In TRGPro used virtually the same body as in the models, Palm III, except at its thickness, since it was necessary to place the nest for CompactFlash. Expansion slot located on the top, where the Palm III models was infrared. port, incidentally, remained in place (on board), just a cap that covers the slot CompactFlash, made from transparent to infrared radiation material and does not interfere with work. As in previous models of Palm, in TRGPro have analog control contrast. Developers do not have to change the design of buttons, despite the fact that there is much room for improvement. In addition, the modified sound system - instead of "pezopischalki" is used in speaker and, in fact, a normal sound card (with software volume control). Otherwise, TRGPro - almost complete analog Palm IIIxe. TRGPro equipped with a CPU DragonBall EZ/16, 8 MB RAM, 2 MB of EEPROM. In this case, the creators of the device were able to dramatically increase its speed (relative to competitors) - in our application tests (see "Laboratory tests") it has demonstrated excellent results, approximately 35% ahead of HandSpring Visor. It should be noted that in TRGPro uses Palm OS 3.5.1, which, according to many estimates, provides a slightly lower speed (by the way, the use of EPROM leaves the user to decide which version of the OS install). The device runs on two batteries (AAA) for about a month (at sredneintensivnom use). In this case, we evaluated the power consumption of the device (see "Laboratory tests"). However, given the availability of expansion slots, we also evaluated the hog, in the presence of various boards CompactFlash - Flash memory (8 MB) hard drive (IBM Misrodrive) and a modem. As shown by tests, the most "greedy" component (as expected) - the modem, after 10 minutes of work lost 25% of the charge. In this case, the active energy "knocks" a system of forecasting the level of charge in the process of moving the indicator to zero, but want to disable the modem, the indicator shows once again the reality. Fully charged alkaline batteries (we used a battery Kodak) is sufficient for approximately 50 minutes of work with the modem. A similar pattern was observed when using the hard drive IBM Microdrive (340 MB). Our test, which involved intensive and are not characteristic for normal usage load on the external memory subsystem (a few dozen times in a row, with a minute interval, create and delete a copy of the contents of the RAM on the drive, the procedure takes 2.5 h), the device was not finished, exhausted battery after about 1 hour of use. Moreover, after the batteries were depleted by about 50%, we noted an error disk access. However, in tests with flash PROM product proved itself perfectly - battery voltage has dropped to 0.4 In, Visor is "used" 0.9 V. The bundled provides stand-dock, in addition, the device is compatible with stand and peripherals, oriented model, Palm III (for example, we did not note any problems when connecting the modem PilotModem, which, strictly speaking, was created at the time "to Palm III"). In the ROM device "stitched" PalmOS 3.5.1 and a few tools to work with the boards CompactFlash (CFPro and CFBackup). When the user connects the memory card in the list of programs on the Palm home screen icon appears utilities CFPro, which can be used for work with flash memory, and to extract data from the drive IBM Microdrive. File system, which is used in TRGPro, provides a hierarchical directory structure, so that the user has the ability to save, for example, operational data separately from the files - the images of RAM. In this case, unlike the Visor, the program TRGPro much easier.Utility to create files - images of the RAM allows you to prepare any desired number of copies, it provides the possibility of extracting certain files when a user can, for example, to restore only the previous version of the configuration database to any program. We noted a few minor problems - for example, when the full restoration of the contents of the RAM clocks show the time and translated a copy. But the whole concept of working with external memory, compared with Visor, perfect - and for a copy of RAM, and for posting applications can use the same payment (for example, except the files - the images of RAM we installed on the drive IBM Microdrive almost complete library programs for PDA TuCows (pda.tucows.com)). Using the supplied "default", TRGPro buyer has no way to run programs from external memory, it is necessary to copy from the Web-site manufacturer's utility AutoCF. After its launch (we noted cosmetic problem - by default it is assumed wrong "way" in the file system flash PROM, instead of "\", the root directory of the memory card, "prescribed" string "\ TRG") the user can simply move the program in a "category" (similar to "directory" in the PalmOS), which is called AutoCF. Programs that are placed in an EPROM, observed a small square (2CH2 pixel) on the icon. We have not noted any problems in their work. In addition, the package includes that the firm, the developer typically sells a commercial product, - FlashPro. This program allows you to save user information in a flash EPROM, and not only when working with TRGPro, but also on "normal" Palm, equipped with an EPROM. This allows you to make copies of programs that can be used for failure recovery, even when no external memory card. The device is approximately 500 KB of free flash memory. We moved into her crack (the device is equipped with russificator PiLoc 1.2), to some extent, protect themselves from the consequences of failure. TRGPro model for today is the most successful model Palm. Its price is compensated by the functionality, and developers are not forced to overpay for an additional user equipment.

Sony CLIE

The model with the strange name CLIE stands for "Communication. Communicate. Info. Entertainment" (Communication. Link. Information. Entertainment.) - The first "Palm of Sony". The manufacturer touts it as "a multimedia organizer; role, to put it mildly, atypical for the organizers based on the PalmOS, with their traditionally low-power CPUs and small screens. As shown by our testing, "multimedia" for Sony CLIE - it's just kind of attitude, marketing mask behind which hides an ordinary (almost) an organizer with PalmOS. We investigated the model of Sony CLIE PEG-S300 with black and white screen that has a standard (for machines with PalmOS) 160x160 pixel resolution and provides a display 16 shades of gray. Diagonal screen size roughly corresponds to the size of the display Palm V; plastic coating allows feather soft and easy to slide on the surface of the screen, not "holding" it for stroke. In length, height and weight CLIE slightly less than the model series Palm III. It can be compared with the Palm Vx, but CLIE about half as thick. Housing CLIE, since the introduction of this model has been the subject of lively discussion and debate. It is rectangular, with both sides of the screen provides metal to form corners (in fact they, like the entire case, plastic). This decision is not due to any technical features, the designers just Sony, it seemed appealing. Here one can argue - as a result housing has become a two-tone, and the presence of brilliant bands around the screen distracting. The huge advantage CLIE - the presence of the manipulator Sony Jog-Dial, which is a "click-wheel." In this case, the standard buttons CLIE many seemed frankly "small" (not enough, especially noticeable when using the scroll button).The design of the nest to place the pen in the CLIE is not entirely successful - a fairly large protrusion on the tip of the pen, for which it "pulls" from the PDA, can cling to any object, for example, when you carry in your bag. In CLIE not provided cover that protects the screen, but the kit includes a convenient carrying case (it's very easy can be turned into "stand"). This PDA has a slot for cards MemoryStick (it would be strange to see a product with no brand name Sony MemoryStick), which can be used for memory cards, as promised, in the long term it can be used to connect equipment and input-output. Connector is a crack in the hull, and are not covered by either a lid or cap that is hardly the right decision. Fee is fixed by a latch, hidden in the body, the user can simply click on it (the second press allows you to extract a fee); nest is placed just under the index finger, and therefore not ruled accidental pressing. In addition, CLIE is not very clever design the power switch (located near the nest for a pen, about the same place and the model Palm Vx) - he looks like a button that the user instinctively seeks to press, to make efforts directed vertically downward, while the right method - a bit put off her back to the nest for the style (the button is a tiny ledge). However, in general design CLIE, oddly enough, is convenient. And even skeptics, after a short usage notes that the PDA is more convenient than it might seem. An informal test of "convenience" provided for the periodic change in the device test and the opportunity to select an organizer of the available, with TRGPro used almost constantly, CLIE was second, Visor gaining popularity, when testers tried to play, because its buttons are the most convenient and comfortable for control ( We used a package Dreadling, a clone of the popular game Doom for PalmOS); Palm m100 usually idle. When using the Jog-Dial in the standard utilities PalmOS user can usually move the cursor. But in the program, a shell, on the contrary, it just opens up the rotation list of programs where you can select (by turning the manipulator) and run (click) the desired utility. We were somewhat puzzled by such a margin - the user can expect the default behavior of the robot arm (move the cursor, highlighting the current program). CLIE model is equipped with CPU Motorola Dragonball EZ, 8 MB RAM, 2 MB Flash EPROM. In tests on the performance of this model is shared third place with organizer Palm m100 (note that the specific problems it promises, the rate of PIM Palm - a relative term). This model is used lithium-ion battery - is a minus, because the battery is somewhat limits the autonomy of the device. Increase (relative to Palm Vx) thickness allows us to apply the battery, but for some reason the creators did not. However, the power supply CLIE (included) allows you to "be fed" PDA, not only with stand-dock (complete with interface USB), as stipulated in the Palm Vx, but without it (in this case, the Palm Vx users generally pay up to 70 dollars by purchasing a set of Palm V Travel Kit). In tests on power consumption, this model showed approximately the same results. As Visor - for 1,5 hours of operation under load on the I / O voltage of the batteries dropped to 0.9 V. The bundled offers 8-Mbyte board MemoryStick, which has a few tools for managing images and video clips. To manage data on the memory card used by the utility MS Gate (MS does not mean Microsoft, and MemoryStick). You can work with data on the memory card, but will have to install a utility MSAutorun (it is available on the Web-site of the manufacturer). Watching movies on CLIE, to put it mildly, not ideal, not even because this model has a monochrome display (there is a model and color), but because the inertia of the LCD monitor is extremely high (note, however, that it does not interfere with play three-dimensional games). Copying from the web a few videos that are optimized for CLIE, we realized that the "multimedia", this organizer is about the same ratio as the silent movie - it provides only the standard "pezopischalka" which, alas, no sound when they are playing. CLIE model can make a very significant competition to the rest of the clones Palm.Disadvantages of this model: overly original design, a "wet" software and use rechargeable batteries, they are completely offset by the presence of a convenient box, memory card and smart design of the power supply.

Editors PC Magazine / RE 'Choice

TRGPro

We tested devices with the PalmOS, which are sold in Russia, we enjoyed most TRGPro. The developers of this product is not guided by far-fetched marketing concepts, and desire to help the user to solve practical problems completely. Suppose that this device can not be converted to MP3-player or phone, but it is much easier and stronger than Visor. TRGPro compliant with external memory and modems, CompactFlash, in addition, provides reading and writing data to disk, IBM Microdrive (in other words, TRGPro - the world's first "Palm with a hard disk" and a maximum capacity of the IBM Microdrive is 1 GB). Creators model HandSpring Visor, in our opinion, too carried away with the prospects of ideology expands the organizer and did not pay enough attention to ergonomics and usability. Some restrictions Visor does not allow us to recommend you spend your money on the purchase of this PDA. Also, be aware that even for such trivial tasks as creating a file - an image memory in case of malfunction, the owner will have to buy the cartridge Visor SpringBoard, whereas in TRGPro this utility provides a "default". We have not considered the model Visor Platinum, which was announced almost at the time of preparation of this material, but we can assume that it will not change the balance of power in the market, because in addition to the new CPU nothing special is no different. Model Sony CLIE, despite the image of a "multimedia organizer" in terms of "multimedia" is not nothing special is, but it is very convenient and qualitative organizer. We would recommend it, if he has no batteries, and batteries. Determining the winner, we do not take into account the model Palm m100. This device - and ideology, and price - is an attempt to extend the influence of Palm platform into a new market sector. But its creators have not saved those settings in which it would have been justified, and the price of the device, in our opinion, is prohibitive.

Laboratory tests

Speed

Model	Speed, c *
m100	16,3
Visor	14.4
TRGPro	11,4
Sony CLIE	16,2
Palm III **	16,2

* Test methods, see PC Magazine / RE, 6 / 2000, "Lessons from Russian-II". Indicators were measured without Russifiers. ** Results for comparison

Power consumption when operating with external memory

Model	Voltage drop, V **
m100	-
Visor	0,9
TRGPro	0,4
Sony CLI	CLIE0, 9
Palm III **	-

* Test meant "run" in the simulation mode "active users" and the recording of test time was 2.5 h. The parameters were measured without Russifiers. Due to the lack of information about the schedule to determine the battery discharge rate in mA-hours is not possible.

Summary characteristics

Model	m100	Visor Deluxe	TRGPro	Sony Clie
Retail price *	210	345	399	-
Processor	DragonBall-EZ/16	DragonBall-EZ/16	DragonBall EZ/16	DragonBall-EZ/16
RAM, MB	2	8	8	8
ROM MB / style	1/PZU	2/PZU	2/PPZU	2/PPZU
OS Version	PalmOS 3.5.1	PalmOS 3.1H	PalmOS 3.5.1	PalmOS 3.5.1
Ports	IR, serial	IR, serial	IR, serial	IR, serial
Expansion	-	Built-in cartridge SpringBoard	CompactFlash slot Type III	Built-in MemoryStick
Size / mass, mm / r	115 x 79 x 18/124	121x76x17/155	121 x 82 x 20/170	114 x 79 x 10/125
Food	2xAAA	2xAAA	2xAAA	Lithium-ion battery

* According to MakTsentr Sources, Materials:

Guided by Ginger - a new vehicle is already in Russia

First, as usual, we learned about it from news reports. Then came the intriguing article. Rave celebrity fueled interest. But only now, after quite a long time since the inception, we can not only touch his hands, but also to test in action. Today in our editorial appeared brand new, truly revolutionary means of transportation, known as Ginger. The actual name "samobegloy gizmos» - Segway Human Transporter. His American company produces Segway, which directs the inventor of the apparatus of Dean Caymen. We were very pleased to meet with one of the top aides of the inventor, Mr. Bodie Holibildingom (Body Holibuilding), which later turned out to Hawley bodybuilding (Holy Bodibuilding), because remember his name fell on the ears. We broke down during an interview with a digital voice recorder, denied a PDA, laptop zakapriznichal (Oh, this Windows!), A pencil and paper at hand is not okazalos.Pervaya part of the conversation with Mr. Holibildingom (or, if you will, Bodybuilding) was uncommitted, so instead of telling the story of the history of Ginger `and give statements about the famous people of the present invention landmark Dean Keim. Bill Gates: "This is a great vehicle! It allows you to move in any direction at a walking pace or even a runner. I especially like the fact that Ginger is controlled by the operating system Windows CE. It seems that Dean made the right choice. " Steven Jobs. "Excellent, excellent! I effortlessly passed on Ginger forty feet, do not hit with it in the wall, and scraped knees. Glasses, of course, does not count, they were still old ... By the way, I advised the old days Dinah install a computer device operating system Mac OS. Otherwise, Ginger did not move to a place. " Bill Clinton. "It's awkward to admit, but the last six months of my stay in the White House, I just did was ride on Ginger. By the way, I was the first private owner of this nice vehicle - not counting its inventor, of course. Dean gave me one of the prototypes, when I asked him to listen to my saxophone. I told him - if I play on the sax, I present to you Ginger? And Dean said - I'll give it to you just like that, Billy, but for God's sake leave the saxophone alone "... So, Ginger. That is its light weight and a simplified modification of Lights, not intended for corporate customers, and for a wide range of users. At the request of Mr Bodybuilding we do not present the images the device - this is still a commercial secret. Instead, they can read the views of the prototype - a "heavy" version of the Ginger. Immediately on the differences between versions Lights. Modified kinematics machine. The wheels are still two, but they are not installed coaxially and sequentially - one after another. Changed a little platform, it is elongated in length and reduced in width. This is done after it became clear that the old Ginger while riding on sidewalks hurt each other's wheels. And it is fraught with falls and injuries. New Ginger significantly lighter than the old model. Now his weight is at 32 kilograms, but only about 1.5 kilos (maybe less - spring balance on hand as a pencil, did not have). The wheels are reduced, the diameter of no more than 10 centimeters.Modified control apparatus, although usability is not affected in any way. Rudder is saved, but it is provided with a turning mechanism connected to the front wheel. Of the monitoring devices was only on-board computer mounted on the steering crossbar. This is a small rectangular box with six buttons and a small touch screen. Putting the information produced by the passive arm - stylus. After a reception Mr. Holibilding (he Bodybuilding) proposed to test the machine in motion. By instant lottery mock this honor has fallen to your humble servant, that is me. First impressions of Ginger Light were excellent. What is especially noteworthy? Ginger was folding. Now it can be hidden in a small bag in the road bag, youth backpack, a soldier in Sidor. Now on Ginger can be reached by subway, to lay down the unit, drive to the desired station, disassemble the unit and stay on the sidewalk. Greatly improve the safety of Ginger. If before the user (driver?) Was partially hidden behind the vertical rack and steering in a collision with pedestrians could seriously injure someone, but now the collision may lead, at most, a few bruises because of the dimensions of the device supports only one detail - the nose rider. Finally, the main difference between the new model - it has no motors. That is all. In the presence of two wheels, a platform for the feet, the rudder and the computer. All brilliant - easy! By the way, on your computer. To great surprise the author as the onboard computer on Ginger Lights installed ... the usual Palm! Yes, not just any color, but the easiest m100 with 2 megabytes of RAM and no slots for flash memory cards. Managing Ginger done with special software. The main attention is paid not sensors, gyroscopes and speed sensors (do not have any), and the psychological state of the user. The main program - vRally. It is implemented in the form of the game (which greatly expands the range of potential buyers Ginger Lights). The user must hold a virtual avtomobilchik by the covert on-screen track. When going off the track avtomobilchiki loses balance and the rider himself on Ginger. Fun and tasteful. Users are not forgotten elderly and housewives. For them to a computer installed spreadsheet and cookbook. Needless to say, that in addition to the special software in the onboard computer, Ginger is a program of general purpose? Namely - the alarm clock, and Tetris. Thus, Ginger can replace multiple devices at once - the same address book, alarm clock, and, you guessed it, Tetris. Powerplant Ginger Lights consists of a left or right (depending on which of them Jog) foot user that the apparatus is not included ... After practical tests Ginger `and was a farewell dinner where Mr Holibilding (or, perhaps, Bodybuilding) has promised to send us for editorial testing all new models of Ginger, including concept development. Particularly, he noted the dignity prepared for the mass production of Ginger Super Light, which reduced the number of wheels (up one) and on-board computer has been moved to a pocket rider. In Super Light there is no chip, but it appeared a couple of pedals - just in case, if the user wants to go somewhere. Say hello to the inventor Keymenu and wished him success, the editorial team posted a pal Bodie (sometimes we call him for a variety of Holi) in a detoxification center because he drank to the position of Reese.Along the way, we sent a sobering and myself to our American friend was not there ... bored now about where you can buy Ginger and how much it roughly costs in Russia. Purchase the vehicle Segway Human Transporter, we know as Ginger Lights, available at any flea market, selling, among other toys. This flea market is called "banderlozhimi markets" - not because there are trading Banderlog, but solely from the humorous reasons. The cost of Ginger, depending on the version, ranging from 600 to 700 rubles. If you're lucky, you can find and expensive. Onboard computer, and tape for his attachment to the handlebars (you can do medical adhesive plaster), sold separately. As optional equipment offered call, steel helmet with horns and a flashlight on the battery. For us in Russia Ginger Lights comes mainly from China, where there are a subsidiary of the Segway - the company Lisapedka LTD. The authors, translation:

You remember how it all began?

The situation around the personal digital assistant and handheld computers is of undoubted interest. Events in this market is developing very rapidly, and competition was conducted at times even too tough. And it all began, oddly enough now sounds in the distant 80's. Then the British company Psion Computing worked to develop the world's first operating system specifically designed for small handheld computers and mobile devices. Then, in 1984, it was released a device that has received a plain name Organiser 1. This, in essence, an electronic organizer looks very much like an ordinary calculator. Nevertheless, it can be considered the ancestor of all modern PDAs. Following his first creation company Psion continues to develop the idea of ​​handheld devices equipped with small-size keyboard, and creating new models of its mini-devices: Organiser II, HC and WorkAbout. A bit later, in 1991, Psion released his first mini-computer keyboard Psion Series 3, which became the ancestor of all modern keyboard handhelds. Subsequently, for such devices well established name of the handheld-computing. And only a year later, in May 1992, Apple CEO John Sculley (John Sculley) presented to the public a prototype device which, according to Apple, should have been thus electronic assistant, accompanying a person in any place and at any time. Called baby Apple Newton NotePad, later renamed the more sonorous Newton MessagePad. Birthday was furnished with a grand sweep and hype. And now, few will remember that the first company that submitted the Pocket PC, it was Psion. Nevertheless MessagePad - the unit by opening a new page in the history of computer technology. Apple has gone the other way, different from the one on which to develop products Psion. Little Newton actually was the first handheld computer, devoid of the keyboard, but has a touch screen. And in this sense for Apple remains the undisputed championship in besklaviaturny devices. In fairness it should be noted that this was a real breakthrough in the new era - an era in which Apple felt like a leader. Newton was out of competition. It just has not been ... At August's Macworld Expo in 1993, the first five thousand units were completely sold at a price of $ 800 in just a few hours. In February 1994, Apple introduced a new modification of Newton MessagePad 110. It was a completely revised model, which took into account all the shortcomings of its predecessor. With an interval of one year, the company launches two new versions of the device - MessagePad 120 and MessagePad 130, having twice as large amounts of memory.After some time, comes a new MessagePad 2000, equipped with more advanced StrongARM processor from Intel. In late 1997, Apple launches improved Newton MessagePad 2100. RAM capacity increased four-fold, there was an infrared port and the ability to connect to the network. And while all the time promoting a series of handheld computers Newton this project several times was on the verge of closing the case, the company was good ... But on Feb. 27, 1998 Apple makes an official statement: The company stops all software and hardware design of the project Newton, no new products for this platform will not be released ... This statement just as the snow had fallen on his head. The project was completely collapsed, but Newton has given a powerful impetus to the development of an entire industry of personal mini-computers. At the same time, in the mid-90's, the arena goes company Palm Computing, a developer's own operating system Palm OS. In September 1995 the company Palm Computing was acquired by US Robotics and already in March 1996 began producing the first models of electronic organizers PalmPilot PalmPilot 1000 and 5000, running Palm OS. Models have memory capacity of 128 and 512 KB respectively. In March 1997, there is a new series of PalmPilot, consisting of models Personal (with backlight screen) and Professional (for further development line which supports TCP / IP and increased to 1 MB RAM). In May of that year, now, 3Com buys US Robotics, while buying and Palm. After the conclusion of the transaction all PalmPilot models began to emerge under the trademark of 3Com. Since December 1997, the company began licensing its Palm Palm OS, which allowed further companies such as Nokia, Sony and others, release their products based on this operating system. Exactly one year after the upgrade line PalmPilot, just after the unexpected termination by Apple of all work on the project Newton, in March 1998, Palm is the third generation of its organizers PalmPilot - series Palm III. New models have been 2 MB of RAM and were equipped with an infrared port for exchanging information with other devices. The situation in the industry of personal organizers and handheld computers evolved quite successfully. Sales of these devices is steadily growing. The devices themselves are constantly upgraded and is becoming more functionality, portability, reliability and ease of use. For by Palm remained the business besklaviaturny handheld computers. The firm also produced Psion mobile devices equipped with small-size keyboards. All were satisfied and happy ... But this situation has not satisfied another major player - the company Microsoft. In September 1998, Microsoft introduced the first version of its "mobile" operating system Windows CE. However, versions 1.0 and 2.0 of the OS, not yet made any significant contribution to the development of the market for a very simple reason: they both could not stand any competition with a very simple and intuitive operating system Palm OS. A market situation in the meantime has changed so rapidly that sometimes it seemed, even the companies themselves did not have time to watch everything going on. In July 1998, the founders of the company's Palm Computing - PalmPilot developer Jeff Hawkins (Jeff Hawkins), a former president and CEO Donna Dubinsky (Donna Dubinsky) and former vice president of marketing Ed Colligan (Ed Colligan) - left 3Com (Palm Computing to time was owned by 3Com) and created a company Handspring. In early October, the exhibition Internet World'99 new company introduced its first model based on the Palm OS - Visor. During 2000, the company has established sales of its handheld devices worldwide, and also introduced new versions of the series Visor - Solo, Deluxe, Platinum and Prism. To date, the model Handspring Visor Platinum is the most productive handheld computer in the world among the models running Palm OS. At the end of 1999 the number of companies that manufacture products based on Palm OS, joined Founded in 1991, the firm TRG, performed up to this point only the design work for large manufacturing companies. Now her newly created division of TRG Products took over production of the model TRGpro, which is now firmly holds the lead among personal digital assistants. However, this story would be incomplete without mentioning the events of June 2000, when Microsoft released the third version of its OS - Windows CE 3.0. She received her happier than their predecessors, but Microsoft would not be itself if it had not come up with another cunning marketing campaigns. Firstly, for handheld computers based on the new OS version 3.0 have been proposed terms for Pocket PC, or more detailed - Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC. Secondly, for the operating system the company introduced a new name - Microsoft Pocket PC Windows CE. All this was apparently done with a single purpose - to get rid of the associations with the brand Palm. Did the company such steps? Let's see what will be the conclusions of this review. And the last. In August this year at the conference Herring on Hollywood world famous top model Claudia Schiffer (Claudia Schiffer) today announced a special version of the Palm Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition. That's really, truly a "secret weapon". Sources, Materials:

Taming the android Sony SDR-4x or three days next to the house Frankenstein

Japanese electronic dogs Aibo (as well as Chinese cats, mice and other crafts), we can not be surprised ... What can you say about an artificial man? Most recently, in the second half of March, Sony announced the release of the next digital toys - robotic android. Mass production of the robot, as he assured the Executive Vice President, Mr. Toshidata Doi, begin at the end of the year. In the meantime released some rich samples, which until the end of the year will be transferred to various computer companies, which are the official distributors of Sony. Such large-scale advertising campaign for the first time Sony. Actually, not just Sony - such an action never happened. The fact that digital Androids are about 30 thousand dollars apiece. To pass such a complicated and expensive equipment in the hands of strangers - is, I tell you, not everyone dares. All the more pleased that the elected was the Russian company ... I hasten to reassure - to sell a new toy will be on the other hand, is quite an affordable price. The robot is more expensive mentioned dog Aibo, but can afford to any interested buyer, including the not so rich. The same Mr. Doi told reporters that especially for Russia and some countries in Southeast Asia, Sony is developing a system of discounts and credits, through which the android will be possible to pick up from the store immediately, and pay for it for several years (final dates yet to be determined ). Whatever it was, and March 26 colorful box that says Sony SDR-4x (u) was on the editorial desk. What happened next - read in my report.

What was in the box

Nothing indicates that the inside of the box is a digital value with a decent man jeep. Recycled cardboard, rather clumsy appearance. However, the main box is attached to another box - a smaller size and appearance a little better. What's in the second box, I realized at once, since all the inscriptions have been translated into Japanese. But during the operation revealed an android - is his brains. In the sense - the mind. Flash memory card at 64 megabytes, and adapters PC card - Memory Stick. By the way, memory card, it is not difficult to guess, has the format Memory Stick. Typical for Sony perseverance in promoting their own standards. Even in more box revealed a pile of documentation (which I really have not learned - because of ignorance of the Japanese) and some cloth. Rags for wiping the machine? (Later I realized what it was, but all-time). Thus, an android SDR-4x (u) is extracted from the package. With his hands and feet removed the shipping labels (normal tape). In a special hatch in the back of the electronic man inserted lithium-polymer battery, memory card is inserted into the slot. Before turning the first test and the robot in action, look at his appearance ... you know, tall, I would not call him - just 58 inches tall with 6.5 kg of weight. This factory data specified on the box, and probably in the documentation (well, I do not know Japanese). For the type of android even smaller. Personally to me it gets to the knee, but does not reach to the waist, although I'm not a giant (tall, with a weight - the situation is different). Therefore, to communicate with the robot is inconvenient, it is necessary to bend all the time.Later you will see for yourself how distasteful this seemingly insignificant, failing. From its predecessor SDR-3x the fourth model (SDR-4x) differs radically. Firstly, it does not look like an astronaut - his head completely bald android (as aluminum saucepan), without any kind of helmets. Secondly, it is slightly taller than the third model, but is easier once every eight (growth precursor 50 cm, weight 50 kg). In general, I liked the look. A sort of Robocop, which you can click on the plastic nose - and nothing you will not ... A bit of stuffing. Completely dismantled the machine, to inspect its interior, could not. Loosen only the head and left leg. But the main thing I noticed. In Android installed a pair (maybe more, but I saw only a couple) of the central microprocessor and a set of chips in miniature - with a grain of rice - buildings. Familiar master of teleatele said that this electronic filings. Very possibly, although word for this drinker, I would poosteregsya. At the foot revealed some sensors (heavily electric shock, and sparks flew from the eyes), solenoids, and motors. After dismantling the foot did not want to take the place, but a soldering iron, tin solder flux and some did their job. The robot is slightly limp, but - goes. It remains to say that toy operated its own operating system from Sony, which is called Aperios. Feature of this system is the ability to do anything until you know how to either Windows, or Linux - to work properly without deadlocks, and brake failure. This multi-tasking! Android, as Julius Caesar, at the same time reads, writes, maintains an intelligent conversation and ... otchebuchivaet hopak. And all of this simultaneously, in real time!

The first day - a surprise from the Japanese

All include ... the main switch - blue illuminated buttons on the silver belly. Just above the navel - to the point where normal people are the diaphragm. Press the Home button. She lights up with LED lights. The robot moves his arms and legs. Climbs, turns his head. Views sockets miniature video cameras. And clearly says: "Hi People!" Mamma dear ... "Hi" - I say. "Yaks are you garni lad. A fat e? "I do not understand. I take the box. Look through the pile of documents. And soon discover a transcript name. Here is a (u) means the Ukrainian language. Plus English and Japanese. Russian is not in sight. Do not say anything, do a service. Touch to the robot and ask: "You need something?" The robot examines a (movement of the head resemble chicken), and then says: "Cowards lot. Look there in Korobtsev. That became clear purpose cloths in the second box. A robot adjusts: Shkarpetki you look. And kapelyuh. Shaw Well I am Toby, with his head nepokritoy hodyty going? "" Listen "- I say -" you and really hear me? And do you see? "What are you" - responds robot - "a fool or pretends to be? Baciu yak live. And if Shchekotov will not, maybe better razbachu ... Sho chain of Toby? Belly? Begaty treba. Charging Ziman. This is not the Ukrainian language. This is gibberish. More precisely - surzhik. Saved by the translator. "Y, scratch-cat" - says an android. - "Become layatsya, Japanese movu move on." Had to obey. An hour later, the robot requests an additional charge. Like, you're (in the sense - I) is also not without its shortcomings - also from the fridge does not waste ... I can not believe that it is a reality. Here's your toy ...

Day Two - the talents of the Fourth

The next day, it is a bit lame (the reason I set out above) and given the name - "Frankenstein" or affectionately "Frank." His name was not pleasant, but I suggested an alternative - the Japan non-Russian "- and quickly agreed to an android. But he is well able to "smart" on the house - vacuuming, pick up the scattered shoes, washing ashtrays. First he brought in my apartment the order (I finally saw the color of his Palace) and made the trash. Incidentally, when Frank came out to the garbage chute, I saw his neighbor. Here also, naturally, fell into a swoon. The robot tried to give her artificial respiration. She opened her eyes - and then collapsed in a faint ... It is a pity that it is not an android shot. Explicit design flaw. The whole evening talking with a robot "for life". He asked who he was, where and why. His surzhik got downright monstrous forms - in the permanent memory of a machine built in self-study program that is optimized for the Japanese language. What do have to wait a full Russification of MakTsentr. Here are snippets of statements of Frankenstein, written by me on tape. "Yak is are you, dullard sort, every toadstool eat? Shaw chains for pyrozhki yet? Electricity did not try it? And you try ... Look, the belly had eaten! "And Childrey (an obvious failure of the program - approx. Aut.) Where your from? Yak you robite them? A soldering iron for tsego Dila need? And yaks are using chips? .. And Shaw for kicks so that's way childrenov (repeated failure, we must inform the manufacturer - prim.avt.) Robit, can not understand ... "" But you Rankom my mom had called why? Sho you, the dog had in mind? TAKE A Shaw - piydem come out? Where to go out? And where mene muzzle, which should be byty? .. Yaky thou brutal, honest to God ... "" Sala want. Dyuzhe a lot of fat and dyuzhe lot of vodka ... not Meni? Sho can not? You, then you might as well be Meni? I will complain! .. Okay, not seed, I'm joking. Hihiknuv me. Well, sho do you want from a robot? "Until late in the night Frank showed me the national Ukrainian dances, instead of using the ladies (and without which no gopak gopak) flower vase, smashed them to pieces closer to midnight. Then he sang to me obscene limericks, but, thank God, did not survive the battery. While android recharged, I was able to reach the button and shut it down. Fu-u-y ...

The Last Day - the results of tests

I am glad that the trials Sony Dream Robot 4x (your business name robot deciphered my own) ended. I would call them successful. Here is a summary of the features seen in this context - some reflections.

A definite plus:
• Frankenstein can work as a diary, calendar, to-do list and alarm clock. Wakes up a very high quality - at first sound, then repulsion. If the repulsion does not work, take materials at hand, and hitting them on the head. This, I tell you, is not vibrating.
• Can hear, see and test the touch. Also can not hear, not see or even feel - depending on your mood.
• Can read any text aloud. However, only in Japanese. That sounds like a classic poem, "Koch ukrainsku nature" (unfortunately, the Russian language to Frank and not dalsya) in electronic mouth android: "Fuji, kimonos, Curacao - Khoros! Geisha, sake and sushi - Tose Fall Khoros! "
• Can dance and sing. Sings the scratchy electronic voice vaguely reminiscent of Christina's voice Orbakaite.
• Can be worn around the apartment like a madman. If you give him a drink (two to three drops of machine oil or a drop of gasoline for lighters), becomes furious. At the same time cursing the final word and threatens an international scandal.
• Can serve as an excellent tool for removing cockroaches and neighbors. First takes into submission, the second - very scary. Powerless against the moths - he says that he can not, because each sees the butterfly woman.
• By the way, has a penchant for drag queens.Friend of the author all the time edging the kissing of hands, but only iskleval them to their plastic nose, why a poor woman on the left hand form two pimples.
But the flaws were noticed. Many of them. More precisely - the only one. In conversation with the robot because of its small stature all the time, leans over to hear better. But the android does not matter raised. One has only to bend over, and when my complexion is a process, the robot quickly wraps you over the stern and hit the mechanical leg in a most unpleasant place. On the question of why he does it, the android replied: "Jess, of pendal. Another program error. In short, a bully another one ... But as a PDA will fit perfectly. And as a vacuum cleaner. And, as a means to liquefy the mind. And as an intellectual clubs for fools like me ... What is it, ask for the junk I carry? What are you reading this crap? So - Banzai, guys. Full, you know, Japanese Bonsai:-P Authors, translation:

Match Little Giant

The idea of ​​comparing the features handheld computers manufactured by companies Casio and Palm, not accidental. The fact that the combined share of these two firms, according to authoritative estimates, far more than half of the global PDA market. By some estimates, 4 out of 5 sold in the world of pocket computers are manufactured in factories, Casio and Palm Computing. And Palm, Casio and today offers a range of devices, which can be rather neatly divided into 3 "weighted" (price) category. Lightweight: Palm m100 - Pocket Viewer PV-S450

Some details of life Sasio BE-300

Sounds, of course, it is amusing, but on the PDA I was thinking exactly nine years. As soon as the first ever Newton, as soon as I learned about it from Russian computer press, and began to "think" ... And recently, just over a month ago, I finally decided. And got a little graceful clipper called Casio Pocket Manager BE-300. And soon became the "okompyuterennym" from head to toe. Well, like the bomber "flying fortress" - a seemingly hefty, speed is small, but with an onboard computer. Immediately explain - why BE-300 ... It turned out that the Palm, I learned the details, not having the most cars. Crafty this is nothing, enough to install on your PC software emulator Palm. However, not all programs run under the emulator, but a general impression can be. At Psion also has its own software emulator. Weighs about 16 megabytes, which is not allowed to download the emulator from the web, so I trusted the reviews supporters of this wonderful platform. With the Casio Pocket Viewer has turned out just as easily as with the Palm. The emulator is included in the package of development tools. And, with the launch of programs in the emulator PV the situation is better than the emulator, Palm. Partly because of the simplicity of the Pocket Viewer, partly because non-comparable number of programs - for PV they are much smaller than for the Palm. But could not manage to try out (albeit virtually) Pocket PC based on Windows CE. Emulator does not exist, the computers are too expensive ... Turned up here and Casio BE-300. Color screen, quite a powerful processor (166 MHz), operating system, Windows CE 3.0 (with some simplifications, which are below). And most importantly - price. From 230 to 275 dollars for a computer with a color screen. No single model, even the most budget Palm, and nowhere near worth it. BE-300 was released in August 2001. But the position occupied by them on the market has changed so far. The new Palm m130 with a color screen is worth a hundred dollars more. Is it that will find unsold Palm IIIc? But this is a rarity. We're talking about actual typewriters produced today. So the obvious competitors Casio BE-300 no.

Could not be easier

Simplification, which lowered the retail price of BE-300 (in the U.S. to 199 U.S. dollars), not so harmless. Some of them have a direct impact on the functionality of the device. Theoretical considerations aside (Review of Casio BE-300 is not too much, but the subject is covered in a sufficient degree) turn to the practical side. The most annoying flaw BE-300 - no infrared port. All could be forgiven for a PDA, but the principal impossibility to work in tandem with a cell phone ... Why such a PDA, in general, need? Reservation - applications missing. While in the bag (pocket?), Except the computer "lives" and cell phone. And each time, taking one of the devices, with sadness remember about the other ... Well, no, no way. Who needs, take a look at modules Bluetooth, made in card format CF. There is a problem of drivers, but in general it is solvable - yet it is, even if truncated, but the Windows CE. From other design simplifications pay attention to the lack of Casio normal voice. Instead, the dynamics is the buzzer - "beeper". The sound of his music and not quietly. Also pretty nasty. Wake up with mosquito squeak enjoy below average. But do not sleep in the same stereotelefonah? Moreover, any system sounds, including music and sound games are played in full, but only through connections to the output device stereotelefonov - audio frequency amplifier, the active computer speakers or stereotelefony themselves. How much is a piezoelectric sound transmitter, similar to that installed in the portable headphones? Hardly more than the dollar. Dubious savings. But this is not the most unpleasant. Much worse is the case with a nutrition ... Do you know what is installed inside the Casio BE-300 as power source, the battery is difficult to call. It is shaped mockery. Intrigues and ravings.Is a real diversion suprotiv spoiled computer user convenience. This is what you want, but not the battery. Energy lithium-ion battery lasts for 4 hours. Namely - to read books with a half-derived brightness illumination and to work with texts (unhurried "poklevyvanie" stylus on the software keyboard). Listening, and launch games reduces battery life to 2,5-2 hours. What is 2:00? Ride the subway to work and back ... And have fun in the train (if you're going God knows where), or long distance train is already problematic. Personally, I have enough to Yaroslavl, Vologda and up - no. (I had to maintain a conversation with some aunt - have plagued the entire on there). In addition to the computer, you can purchase the second lithium battery, which should increase the time at least twice. The acquisition is for the user BE-300 task "number two" (on the first flash memory card). But where to get a second battery? None of its stores in Moscow, though search the ... What else is in the machine did not like ... Silver frame on the edges of the case. Do not know what to say about this Japanese master, but to paint the plastic - this is not the east. Well, we in the army grass color, we forgivable ... Just one month of intensive use has led to what is in the grooves of the guides, sliding over protrusions "crib" sync, which is inserted into BE-300, there were noticeable wear - in the form of dark bands. For the user it is accurate and the loss of a computer presentation, and heart sad. Too fast ...

Utility and amenity

Yet much more pleasant discoveries. The first - the screen. At Casio BE-300 was built on a passive matrix with non-dims. But picture quality is beyond praise. After turning on (this feature of BE-300 mark, and the authors of reviews) screen for about a minute warming up, and then the brightness and contrast set to normal. Because of weak battery "marching" under the brightness necessary to establish an acceptable minimum. Comfort in this, of course, does not add. But the special inconvenience, I did not notice. The bright sun machine rather obscure (at least his own figure) to see the details of the image. Here are just a screen size of BE-300 less than the competition. Figure is roughly the same as the budget models, Palm and their more prestigious counterparts. But here we can talk not about what the text on the screen BE poorly visible, and that to me it's time to acquire points. What to do - to the old monkey eyes became weak ... Ergonomics at the Casio BE-300 is also at altitude. The hardware buttons are comfortable and well protected against accidental pressing slightly protruding bumpers. Pero a small but quite comfortable. Simple is a feather, without any ploys. The trouble all PDAs from Casio - cap system connector (or connector synchronization). Why do they do it invented? Cap - a simple plastic cap, which strives to fall on their own and nothing is therefore not protected. Another cover - flap that covers the screen of translucent plastic - I also did not like, although its function performed correctly. The fact is that due to the curved cutout in the top of the sidewalls of housing cover is held in a tilted position, and has one intermediate position. Lifting up the cover accompanied by uterine scratch. Yes, and plastic in this part of the case, as I said, painted ... In short, both covers - the small blind and screen tilt - are buried in a box and have not yet asked ... Sounds like a computer - with attached stereotelefonami? How wonderful stereopleer MP3. Excellent quality. Convenience - too. Headphone jack is located next to the system at the bottom of the hull. If the machine stick in your pocket upside down, it remains accessible and himself a headphone jack, and computer hardware buttons (if you suddenly need it). The absence of a digital voice recorder did not cause any emotions. I think that a separate device is incomparably more convenient and more practical than the combination. Anyway, my microphone on the Pocket PC is not needed. And if anyone needed, will have to find another model PDA. Now about the flash memory card. The best thing that could come up with a Casio - BE-300 to provide a slot CompactFlash Type II. Maps in this format - one of the cheapest on the market.True, the future owner will have to BE right to attend to purchase cards - in the computer memory is not enough. But it's not so much money. An additional advantage - a ten-adapter «PC card - CF» flash memory card into a miniature and very reliable backup drive for a laptop. In addition, the adapter allows you to copy music, text files, and some programs not created for the BE-300, but well on her work, bypassing the "crib" synchronization. There is a lot of sense, because the built-in "bed" the USB port is really just an adapted serial port - baud rate is low. The adapter increases the recording speed to the card a dozen times if not more ... There is a CF slot and cons. When inserted into a card slot (and they performed as the structural Type I), remains sizeable gap through which the visible interior of the computer - the elements of the backlight. The potential loophole for dust, but not one that is visible behind a screen handheld computer (a completely different technology than that of a PDA with reflective screens). A second negative - complement pocket typewriter camera format CF. Such a little thing produced and sold - it is designed for other computer models Cassiopeia, but works with the BE-300 (and is indicated in the list of additional equipment). And everything seems fine, if you do not take into account the low resolution camera sensor (350 thousand pixels), an unexpectedly large for such a unit price and a small amount of memory in BE. How many shots will fit on those bits and pieces "of RAM, what remains of the applications (about 4 megabytes of 16 - 12 megabytes allocated for programs and user data, ie, for recording images, but those 12 megabytes really small crumbs)? A supplementary card is impossible to use - the slot is occupied by the camera. In short, this addition is not feasible and the owners of BE-300 is unlikely to shine (well, perhaps that is his wish).

Features of

The nominal span of the operating system - a sequence is automatically installed when you install programs, horizontal stripes, labels. It looks primitive to the disgrace and at work, in general, it is inconvenient (programs installed is not a regular installer, you must somehow "prescribe" in this shell - but as it is, I do not know). However, there are effective solutions that give the software environment of BE-300 convenience and elegance. Moreover, these decisions set. Personally, I like the package SQ, consisting of a shell program, the registry editor, file manager and the registrar, setting out the shell program by default. Package SQ (current version 4.01) - the most popular program among users Casio BE-300 (find it on the Internet a breeze - just ask for a "program for the BE-300"). Looks like a shell as a series of screens with shortcuts to programs (screen no more than 5 if I'm not mistaken itself - the sixth screen, I do not see), but it is enough. In the supplements to the program there are several sub-modules, plugins. In particular, the on-screen clock, calendar, monitor memory states, even some stuff that I just "nailed", so as not to interfere. At the bottom of the screen displays the task manager, which can be combined with the standard, so as not to occupy too much space on the screen. The shell supports the display of desktop wallpaper and well adjusted. By the way, the flexibility of SQ can partially solve the problem of Russification of your computer. There is a great crack of MakTsentr - RussBE. This system Russified fonts (there are two in BE - Tahoma and Courier New) and adds to the standard software keyboard Russian. If the Russian letters during a Russifier displayed properly, why not call Desktop Shortcuts SQ Russian names? I understand, this is not the Russification of the interface ... And you tell yourself that Russification! (Yes, even with aplomb - supposedly fiddled for ten minutes and all Russified). Since there is a non-obvious RussBE problem - the inability to jointly install a patch the operating system from Casio. The fact that all the patches installed itself in the folder Windows / Patch. To the same set and maktsentrovsky crack. As a result, does not work neither one thing nor another. The problem was withdrawn simplicity.You need to install the necessary patch (currently version 1.4 - without him in the machine, not all runs and works correctly), then the flash memory card - crack. Through the file manager rewrite contents of the folder Patch, located on flash memory cards in the one that is located in the main memory (Nand Disk), a folder on the flash memory card erase. Restart the machine. All ... In fact, enough problems (not with language, and with the programs). Applications written specifically for the BE-300, a little bit. But excellent work programs - personally I have - for nearly three hundred. And this is not the final figure, many programs, especially games, I do not even try, although the statements of users know that they work. To fully understand the simplified version of the operating system Windows CE 3.0 and select the guaranteed work program would have to wander through online forums, enthusiast sites, and professional software developers. One of the most curious (and, incidentally, useful) forum is here ... More about troubles. I was unable to take advantage of built-in browser of web-pages - could not adjust the display of Russian texts. I was not able to experience delights reading email on a PDA - too hard to show the client setup program (in the end I waved the matter). I could not (never!) Keep a backup of the contents of memory to 64 megabytes of flash memory cards. I can not find software to play MP3, which would have pleased me - not bad, in general, xAudio «shut up" on the second and third tracks and freezes, have to restart your computer. I could not find the normal "smotrelki" graphics file format JPEG, capable of changing the image scale. I have not managed to finally find a normal text editor, which would not be inferior to its functionality, Pocket Word ... But while hundreds of downloaded (besplatnyh!) from the Internet for the Casio BE-300 I have a whole pile of "igralok", "smotrelok" and "pisalok. A whole cloud of utilities that are useful and useless programs. Almost all (except, again, games) is checked in, and then erased from the memory of the machine. Leaving only the bare minimum necessary ... Programs and fifty, not more ... That's what I say - Satan.

We choose, choose us?

So is it worth or not? Take this BE-300, or until poosterechsya? My answer is - take no unnecessary doubts. Machine is excellent. For the money nothing better you can not find. However, one clause - take it immediately with language, so you do not languish. Extra $ 25 weather will not do, and you will be much quieter ... Why you need a pocket typewriter? Read a book. In BE-300 is a great reader Haali Reader, to which the Russian craftsmen connected English-Russian dictionary (works on five-and-behold Taken advantage). Details - to the address above, there a link to the program itself.

Here's what you can do with Haali Reader

Further - to small notes. For this I use a regular notebook, but you can find a little less than a dozen (or, conversely, more than a dozen) a simple text editor. Scribble on all sorts of meetings. "Risovalok for BE is not so much, but something is there. Play games ... Well, I'm not doing this. Although keep (just in case of fire) - in the archives - the emulator console NES (Dendy) and hundreds of games, the emulator ZX Spectrum (Hello, old chap!) And 10000 (in words - ten thousand) programs to it. Enough? Then add two hundred fun to BE and Windows CE 2.1 and 3.0, I (from a large, probably crazy) pumped me for the last month. Just do not look at Casio Pocket Manager BE-300 system handwriting recognition. There is no Graffiti. A full-time program in the Russian language does not get used as studying a tracing of only 15 letters. For an intelligent person would be too little, and Ellochka-ogress - at the time. The authors, translation:

Sony Clie 300 user's eyes

My decision to go with the Palm Vx Sony Clie influenced by three factors.

1.Glavny factor - the possibility of expanding memory

The Sony is implemented modules Memory Stick. Of course there is and option TRGpro, uses Compact Flash, but the size of cars always is important, and TRGpro in this matter is clearly inferior. The kit includes a module initially Clie Memory Stick 8 Mb. Thus, the memory capacity of the new devices is 18 Mb (8 Mb of main memory + 8 Mb Memory Stick + 2 Mb Flash ROM). In the future, you can purchase a Memory Stick module of any size, depending on need: from 8 to 128 Mb (I use MS 1964 Mb - works without problems on the battery life is not particularly affected).

Restricting the use of Memory Stick (and how to overcome them):

Sony Memory Stick positions in the CPC as a module for storing information, data and programs. That is to run the program directly from the Memory Stick can not be: you must first copy the program to main memory, which is "stitched" utility MSGate. This procedure takes about 20-30 seconds, but, nevertheless, the "excessive bodily movement" is not fun for me. Address this issue, according to tradition, puzzled the developers 'third party'. And despite the fact that the Clie PDAs hit the market recently, much has been done. In particular, it is already possible to read texts and books (format DOC) directly to Memory Stick without transferring them to main memory (Program Book Wormie 1.2 (72 Kb) or CrsMeDoc (40 Kb)). It also became possible to work with images directly from Memory Stick without transferring them to main memory (the program PG Viewer). In order to speed up (and simplify) the procedure to run programs located on the Memory Stick, you can use a very handy program Power Launcher (9 Kb). Its principle of operation is as follows: the program scans your Memory Stick and writes the links to programs that are located there. These "links" appear as a normal program icons. Further, it is enough "poke" stylus in icon and the program starts. No need to manually copy anything - everything happens automatically and instantly. For example to run from the Memory Stick program SheetToGo (240 Kb) took less than 2 seconds. There is a program that allows you "merge" on the Memory Stick Clie ROM - Clie ROM Transfer Utility (6 Kb).

BackUp:

McFile - This program is a multifunctional file-manager for both programs and databases in main memory, and for the Memory Stick. The program's interface - a familiar and intuitive tree of files and directories. Naturally, there are options copy / move / rename / delete. There is a built-in Text Viewer for txt files. It is possible to send files stored on Memory Stick as attachments to email. And most importantly, have the opportunity to make a BackUp of all the data from main memory to the Memory Stick. There are still a number of useful and interesting features.

2. Availability Jog Dial

The second is very comfortable unlike Clie from Vx - it's Jog Dial ("Wheel"). The advantage of this "gadgets" becomes evident when using the machine "on weight" or "on track" - most operations can be done with one hand (many even without using the stylus). Initially, Jog Dial works only in embedded applications. That - minus, but he managed to eliminate, once again, with the help of software from "third party". Program Power Jog (31 Kb) fundamentally changes the functionality of the Jog Dial. With its help, Jog Dial works in virtually all applications (as in embedded and in established later).Thus using Jog Dial can now:

• open / close programs;
• enter and move through the menu of any program;
• Modify the program from the menu;
• navigate (and select) the items from the drop-down lists;
• select and click any "button" on the menu and options programs;
• Jog Dial performs all functions of the keys UP / Down and so on.

For those who prefer to use extensions for HackMaster - a utility with similar features - Jog Everything (1 Kb).

3. External Data

The third factor - the size and weight. Sony Clie - so small and lightweight that it can carry in your pocket and it will be completely invisible (as in a jacket pocket or a shirt pocket). Yes, and design Clie I like more than Vx, but this is my subjective opinion.

4. A few words in conclusion ...

In my opinion, Sony Clie - machine is very promising. This is evidenced by the fact that the new software, originally supporting all the "bells and whistles" Clie, appears weekly. ... On Sony Clie S-500 does not know how the color Clie S-500 - in the hands not kept. But in the network something on this topic come across (though anecdotal information - for he had bought, for and sell "). Stated that users were not very happy with the quality color screen. Representation Sony does not disclose who makes color screens for the first batch of Clie S-500. From unofficial sources it became known that in the near future, Sony will enter into a contract for the production of color screens with a different manufacturer. Well, the question remains: how much time working color S-500 from the internal battery? .. Links for Sony Clie software (with a brief description of programs in Russian) Hardware Specifications authors, translation: