Visor Prism and Visor Platinum

New models: the color and more powerful processors

After just a year and a month after the first handheld Handspring Visor company announced two new models of the popular series of computers based on Palm OS: a Visor Platinum and Visor Prism. New device combines a number of important characteristics. Both are equipped with next-generation processor Motorola Dragonball VZ processor with a clock frequency of 33MHz and operate under the new version of Palm OS 3.5.2H. But the main thing is that the model Prism has a color screen and battery, than hitherto could not boast of any model Visor. The model of a color monitor for Palm OS released in February this year, Palm (model Palm IIIc), but the number of colors displayed by the screen Visor Prism, much more: namely, to 65,280 colors. Yes, that's right: Palm IIIc display 256 colors, and Prism - 65536. This difference is impressive not only on the numerical level, but also on the visual. Images wider color gamut, which are 8-bit color monitor IIIc have a very tough color transitions on the monitor Prism acquired the amazing depth and richness of tint. Even with the monitor size 160x160 image quality is amazing and beautiful. Increasing the number of colors has, however, a small negative - flicker. This flicker usually occurs in pure colors, and usually only when the device is moved or tilted. When the device is motionless, the image is also moving. Cause flickering is somewhat lower frequency of regeneration at the monitor as compared to the human eye. I think the same effect occurs if a little shaken and television. On the monitor, Palm IIIc invisible flicker. As in the case, Palm IIIc, Visor Prism image is better viewed from a distance of not less than thirty centimeters, otherwise the black lines separating the bright pixels can "print out" on the retina and causing nuisance. For all its obvious advantages of color LCDs have a common drawback associated with the visibility in direct daylight. Prism monitor is also not devoid of this shortcoming, although he expressed less than the model Palm IIIc. However, both models in this respect compares favorably to most other models of handheld computers, except maybe the PDA Compaq iPaq, equipped with a TFT-monitor with side illumination.

And that's not all

In addition to displaying flowers in the model Visor Prism there are many other differences from other handheld Visor, which include Visor Platinum (with the usual models Visor housing, but only silver color). This is mainly due to the power supply color TFT-monitor model Visor, who constantly has to work backlighting - all other models of monochrome screens and translucent. Immediately need a more powerful battery and a little more room to increase the backlight, so that the developers had to try. Handspring brilliantly coped with this problem, but because of the Springboard slot she had to slightly increase the thickness of the computer. At Prism 2 cm thick, while other handheld Visor - 1,7 cm, ie a difference of three millimeters. The height and width of the new devices have remained the same. Palm managed to maintain the thickness and width of the computer Palm IIIc same as other devices, Palm III, but they had to make it a little longer, so that both companies have come to an alternative solution. Prism and the Palm IIIc weigh about the same: Palm IIIc - 192 g without cover, and Prism - 195 g. But the Visor Prism upper part slightly outweighs the bottom. Externally, the new Prism similar to its predecessors - the differences are minimal. First, despite the fact that it can display a variety of colors, he presented a model of a single color: cobalt blue. The new computer screen is not shifted to the right, as in previous models Visor, and left. Handspring has not yet been a single model of a PDA with a screen in the middle, he was always shifted to the right.Respectively four control buttons and scroll buttons at Prism also shifted to the left, and the power button on the right, but not the left - also the first time. Do Visor no special wheel to adjust the screen brightness, but it's as simple as that model Palm IIIc: you need only a little while to hold the power key is pressed, and display temperature setting. Microphone, as before, located in the bottom left and right side of the building still has a slight indentation in which the green light is lit when the computer is connected to the cradle: lamp blinks while the device is not charged until the end, and then burns evenly with light . In my opinion, everything is thought out better than the Palm V and Palm IIIc: a model of V can not understand whether it is charged to the end until it was disconnected from the cradle not included, while IIIc is the charging indicator, which turns off when Charging ends. But in this case, if the device suddenly turns off, nothing will tell you that. May result in a battery, and you will think that the light turned off, because the device is charged to the end - with Prism you always know your device is in the process of charging or she has already been completed. And I like it. Design of the control buttons has changed. Icons remain the same, but the buttons completely and not partially convex as in other models Visor. At the edge of the scroll buttons are no longer flat, and they are more - more pleasant to the touch. On the back side of the case at Prism six, not four fastening screws, and directly under the Springboard slot recess begins, which ends near the bottom. Now, instead of the holes on the back of the device and pins on the cradle, the PDA uses a recess to provide sufficient pressure and, accordingly, a good electrical contact when charging. Palm users are accustomed to taking the device from the cradle, to his right along the support. If you try to do the same with any of the previous models Visor, you pick up and the device itself, and the cradle. Therefore, users had to accustom himself to tilt the unit forward to remove it with a cradle pin. With Prism the problem does not arise. It was found a good solution: top device a bit thicker, hollow device also provides a horizontal position when it is on the table. Looking at the rear of the unit, you will also notice that the connector Springboard he looks different: instead of the printed circuit board, which is visible to other devices, it has a protruding ridge plastic protector in black. Prism has no removable cover, but it fit the cover from the other models. Due to the thickening and the above-mentioned recess in the bottom of the cover can be attached to the back wall. It is important to note, since some manufacturers of covers, including Handspring, Visor for recording in a case instead of doing a special Velcro strap, which is inserted into cover. An ingenious solution, but in the case of the Visor Prism, it is not acceptable. Since the off color screen becomes black, appears on the screen grid of points, which I had not noticed, computers under the Palm OS, though, and met a computer with digital converters. However, looking more closely at the screen of your Visor Deluxe, I can see that it is a grid point, although it is not so clearly visible as the screen light. When Prism is switched on, dot grid is not visible, I'm talking about it, only to let you know that it's okay. I have never seen in models of other companies that produce PDAs running under Palm, including a Palm IIIc, so that, apparently, is a feature of digital converter Handspring. Going back to the cradle Visor Prism: it differs from other models Visor Cradle and is not compatible with them. And this is natural: after all, the new device is more in thickness. In built battery charger cradle, and that's really good with it you can not just charge Visor Prism, but connected thereto module Visor Phone. I was told that soon there will be such cradle for other models Visor, so that they can charge modules Visor Phone. Naturally, after such a cradle Visor other models will not be able to charge themselves - only their modules (note wording - all previous models Visor run on batteries).And yet, it's better than a separate charger, protruding from your module, especially if it is such an important thing as a phone. Theoretically, all modules are compatible with the Springboard slot model, Prism, but some of them will have to upgrade so they can work with the new OS and colorful programs. Will need to upgrade your digital camera Eyemodule, so that it supports, for example, displaying color photographs - producing and distributing free software for the camera is scheduled for November. I tried to connect to the Prism player MP3-files InnoGear MiniJam, but earned. About this issue knows, and it will soon be resolved. With MP3-module firm Good Technology SoundsGood I had no problems, and the colors on the screen were very alive: on the orange logo to the splash of bright blue keys. Handspring Backup Module also worked without problems, however, when performing tasks unpretentious in black and white.

Software

On both new devices Date Book Plus and Advanced Calculator is loaded by default when you press the corresponding buttons and icons with a calculator - a good decision, giving new users access to all features and capabilities of advanced applications Visor. Previously, users run applications via the menu, but now the menu only need to disable one or another application, what need is rare. CityTime application now is equipped with a beautiful color map, different from the one that is now used in commercial versions CityTime. In the version of Handspring land is green, water blue, and for "night" drawing used darker shades of the same colors. It turns out it is not bad. In addition, the Handspring website you can download multiple color applications, including software that lets convert and upload pictures on Prism. Among the demonstration of photos that was sent to us as an example, were 16 - and 8-bit. The difference is striking. You can also download the program Zap!, AvantGo and Clock Solitaire. The standard features Visor is also, very importantly, a fast connection via USB, which allows you to sync an incredibly fast: 1.5 Mbps compared to 115 kbit / s when connected via serial port. You can transfer data and programs to other owners of computers running Palm OS via the infrared port, operating system, Windows, and Mac are supported, provided that the PC is equipped with a port USB. If not - you can buy a serial cradle, but the sync speed will drop to 115 kbps. Prism batteries without recharging enough for about two weeks or six hours of continuous use. On a full charge after a full discharge takes only 90 minutes. Visor Prism is worth 449 dollars - currently the most expensive PDA Handspring, equal to the value of Palm VII and Palm IIIc at the time of his debut. Visor Platinum is worth 229 dollars, only fifty dollars more than Visor Deluxe - good price for a computer that is two times faster than its predecessor, and certainly faster than any other device running under Palm (Performance Visor Prism approximately one and a half times more than the Visor Deluxe) . Sales of new devices until only through the website Handspring, and after November they will be available in other online stores. Creator of the first Palm Pilot made a decisive step forward by developing your own color computer - and the results are impressive. Weight gain and a weak flicker can not be taken into account, otherwise Visor Prism - a powerful computer, able to demonstrate sufficient for saturation of color photographs and meet the needs of any user. With faster processor programs like video player ActiveSky work better, more smoothly. Significantly speed up the discovery and launch programs, so if you want the fastest and most good PDA, you need only go to www.handspring.com.Sources, Materials:

Palm m100 named

What people are waiting for the New Year? Holiday gifts and, of course, surprises. But ... For the majority of buyers and sellers trade complex "GEM" that Rogozhskoy Zastava day on Dec. 22, 2000 brought only a sad event. In my shop the day the goods and the buyers were few, only occasional visitors and children. Time dragged on, the ventilation in the levels of Half Life, too, and then suddenly the lights went out. Cries, the smell of burning and the voices of colleagues from a neighboring company: "Run! Fire !!!". Well, the fire because the fire, knapsack on his back, close the door and onto the street. Like everyone else, I hoped that before my pavilion fire did not reach. But alas ... The next day I found a yawning security guards and icy "glands", which delved dejectedly our manager N. - What saved? - Why, - he said to me on the bag with shells, CD-drives and various small things. At this moment appeared VA - Second Engineer: - Come on, let's see where else what is! - Come on. After an hour of digging in the broken glass and water poluzamerzshey B. Chingachgook gave a cry: "Something's there!". That "something" turned out to be a solid pack of absolutely integral modems, Xircom PCMCIA-and - a miracle! - My dream of gold, handheld, Palm m100, even two. Appearance (see photo) spoke about one thing: "Save the ...". Okay. Save. B. Palm'a took both, and I dragged home miraculously survived a scanner and "smoked" internet card. The next day the phone rang: - Come, look, it seems, both alive. - Wow! One picks up, wait, coming soon. B. greedy and gave me a "broken" m100. After a half-war with the batteries I had finally turned. Truly - "the fire is not lit, the water does not sink." It really worked, moreover - in full, and the stylus all in one piece. Only here the temperature "parched" hardware buttons in the bottom of ... "I still do not need" - I decided and began to study the contents. No additional software or localization was not, and "fill" them, too, was impossible - the cable, apparently burned down, and connect it, too, was nowhere to go, he simply would not fit into the melted remnants of a communication terminal (and the contacts are safe!). Finding, finally, "Savyolovsky" Infrared to my home machine and downloading the Palm Desktop, I started a "revival". First of all - crack. At this point in the Address Book has already been a fair amount of records, but the transliteration - not his aunt. Cyrhack (thanks to Tim Tashbulatovu) was the best option, since Paragon Software was asked of me too much, and did not want to pay. Remarkably, now is probably going to write lecture notes - and then in a backpack notebooks sometimes do not fit, and my handwriting is not so hot. By the way, PalmOS 3.5 "graffiti" has been brought almost to perfection, and the input speed (in my version) a little inferior to the keyboard, not to mention the usual journalistic notepad. In second place were toys and books, and even boring to ride just one day of Kuzminok in Altufevo where my alma mater, and then - on the Red Guards, where our shop was opened again. And this is where I waited for the big rake - for the majority of toys were the hardware buttons are needed, and page flipping is not convenient CspotRun stylus ... Removing the same half of the body for access to their contacts, is fraught with complete clearing of memory with all the addresses and installed applications, and daily HotSync via infrared (also working) is very annoying, even on 115200. Month and a half of friendship with the Palm, even with so - enough time to get to it very much used to it. And despite his "feat" (Maresyev palm world), the buttons still need ... But not everything is as simple as HotSync ...Several visits to the company, selling handheld, nicknames, not instilled optimism - in one, seeing my pet, the manager fell into a protracted swoon, and refused to help in another case was asked to replace $ 80 (self m100 is less than 200 ...), and on my timid requests for discounts (due to the uniqueness of the case) was advised to come back later, "when" pots "they will display to beat, and then the model is new, did not break until ...". Only MakTsentr where I went, almost lost hope, I agreed to help. True, proposing the replacement of certain co-payment, and in the appendage - the opportunity to tell about the adventure. But I love all sorts of "glands", especially unusual, how, without a doubt, my copy of the m100. And because I'm in serious meditations - do not want to change the salvaged pet's coddled model from the official who pose no indentation to individual. A thought - maybe there is leather-maker to make cheholchik in contact with the buttons? .. And finally - as all the same surf the Net via IrDA ... I do not know .. I will look for a solution. How to find - share, the more that I am interested in only one way, the Russian - to use free software. The authors, translation:

Sony CLIE 300 - Palm in Japanese

Wait! The next, pretty foul during his development of rumors and speculation Pocket PC is finally embodied in the real product. Sony CLIE PEG-Sxxx, such is the full name of the device - this is the first minicomputer Japanese electronics giant, running PalmOS. To date, PalmOS is world's most popular operating system for handheld devices. At the moment the release of devices based on PalmOS company engaged in Palm Inc., TRG, Handspring and Symbol. In addition, each of these companies are practicing totally independent approach to the functionality of their devices. In addition, to market PalmOS-devices are prepared several companies.

"What's in a name? .."

CLIE abbreviation stands for Communication Link Information Entertainment. That is, Mobile, Exchange, Storage and Entertainment - these are the four basic operations on information, to which the developers put on the device. How well they succeeded, it can be said only after a while, but now the device attracts attention with its extraordinary properties. Currently available in two versions CLIE - with color (PEG-S500C) and the monochrome display (PEG-S300), but the color version is only available in stores in Japan. Sales of color versions in other countries will start only at the end of (2000) year. For this reason, in today's review will consider only the model of PEG-S300, has already sold outside of Japan.

Specifications PDAs:

Processor: Motorola EZ Dragonball 16 MHz Operating system: Palm OS 3.5 Memory: 8 MB RAM / 2 MB of flash-RAM / 8MB removable media Memory Stick (included with the device) Display: LCD, 160x160 pixels, 16 shades of gray Meals: Li-ion batteries Exchange: USB bus and infrared Size and weight: 7,30 x 1,59 x 10,85 cm, 121, the

"Under the gaze"

When I saw the first image device on the network, its design seemed somewhat "clumsy" after my Palm V with its pronounced ergonomic design and smooth lines of the transition. However, now seeing the "little Japanese" live, I changed my opinion. The fact that the CLIE in the hand gives a sense of wholeness and solidity EMERGENCY. I would even say that this feeling is the strongest among all the devices of Class Palm (including even the Palm V / Vx). Despite the fact that the CLIE is inferior to the width of the Palm V / Vx, it is thinner and slightly longer in it. Because of this it is convenient to use because the device comfortably in the hand. Plasticky do not creak and bend. In the images below you can see the CLIE, Palm V and Palm IIIc and visually compare these devices. Another interesting point is that the body bears the CLIE conventional screws, which are easily extracted with a Phillips screwdriver. I think this will particularly liking those artisans who with the exclamation: "I wonder what it is he's inside ticks?" untwist like all kinds of devices:). As you can see in the picture, some unusual appearance CLIE give running along the sides of the silver stripes, similar to the guides. In fact, those are not. If you look closely at the photo, you can see that they are part of the back cover of the device, setting the front panel. Small buttons on the front panel looks quite nice. In size they are a bit less than similar buttons Palm V / Vx. Button to scroll up / down are a small two-point landing. Although, as I said earlier, all the buttons have small size, they have good tactile feedback. Slightly concave shape of the buttons makes them almost flush with the front part of the PDA, so you'll have to try very hard to accidentally press the button. Power Button Control is at the top of the device. Just like the buttons on the front, she has good feedback. In addition, here is an infrared port, Memory Stick slot and silo (plastic pen to input information.) The upper part of the stylus is made of plastic, and the part intended to enter, is a metal. Because of this, the pen input is noticeably smoother, which, incidentally, is unusual for the stylus from other devices. Module Memory Stick media is held in the slot with a latch. To extract, simply click on it. When the "memory plate" entirely utaplivaetsya in the slot, fully coincides with the upper part of the CLIE. When the memory is installed, or, conversely, is extracted from the device, a signal is heard in speakers (even if the device is switched off). In addition, when installed in slot memory module slots around a small LED lights. At the moment, Memory Stick is a simple device for storing data and programs. In addition, applications can not be run directly from the drive. Together with the CLIE MSGate comes a special utility to copy data to / from Memory Stick. At the moment did not develop a solution that would quickly back up and restore data. The only thing available to a user is manually copying files and data on removable storage. Sony has taken off to their plans connector Memory Stick the same role as its universal Handspring Springboard expansion slot in the PDAs Series Visor. In the future production of digital cameras, wireless modems and similar devices with the form factor Memory Stick. However, at present, CLIE Memory Stick can be used only as a storage device. Do not forget about another innovation, which Sony has used a PDA-structure, so to speak. In the upper left part of the hardware components is certainly familiar to many control wheel jog dial. As you know, it has two degrees of freedom, ie, rotate, and in addition, to work as a button, if you click on it. The wheel does not have the limiter, it is possible to turn it in any direction as you want:). Progress in the wheel (both rotation and depression) rather bland. If you press the jog dial switch while in the display screen, application categories, you switch to the next category. If you turn the wheel while in any category, you will see a list of applications in this category. Going through the list using the scroll wheel up or down, you can select the desired application. Then, by pressing the jog dial, you can run the selected application. The list of applications remains on the screen in about 2-3 seconds, then disappears. Next to the icon of an application that has support for jog dial, the screen displays the application of its small image. Address book application (Address book) allows you to navigate through the list of names with the help jog dial and select the desired entry. To return back to the application window, press jog dial again. Annex Diary (Daybook) joystick jog dial lets you today. Clicking the scroll wheel lets you switch between different modes of display (days, weeks, months ..). Annex Planner (Memo Pad) with jog dial also allows you to browse through records. The only downside is that, for example, left-handers to use this switch is very inconvenient. Apparently, the creators of the device considered, the percentage of left-handers among users of handheld computers is small enough and decided to ignore them:). Another nice feature of the CLIE is its illumination. Finally, everything returned to "its own way, and that annoying inverted backlight, which" enjoyed "the users of the latest models of Palm, finally gave way to a normal, familiar yet at times Palm III. Looking at the lights CLIO, we can say: "Something seems dear ..". :) Screen devices quite clear and explicit.Although its dimensions are slightly smaller screen sizes Palm V / Vx, it is not nearly as small as a Palm m100. I found the screen is fairly easy to operate and view the information. Although, I think the screen Palm V is still a bit clearer screen CLIE. The table below displays the characteristics of different devices, Palm.

	m100	CLIE	Palm III / IIIx	Palm V	Palm IIIc
Centimeters	6,8 x 5	7,8 x 5,5	8,13 x 6,03	7,81 x 5,69	8,00 x 5,92

Sweater TealPaynta

It all started when his wife decided to link the new baby sweater. We reviewed two dozen Burd and faithful but did not find anything interesting. In addition, there was a certain set of colors of thread, which can be used. She suggested - let's associate to the sun sweater. Take the graph paper, pencil and Draw. Why draw on paper, where cells are small, colored pencils dirt out, and even make it difficult to undo (you have to use an additional tool - the eraser). So, take the Palm in your hand, run TealPaynt and start drawing. The first sun. Something about this is interesting but for sweaters. Draw a sweater. The idea is this: there are many white and blue thread, and they should be used. Once blue - the sky or water. Decide to use blue for water and the sky will be gray gulls that-be sweater does not look bored, let them out of the clouds look out the sun, which will go to red thread. On the resulting sea can not do without a porpoise. And draw it! Now the painstaking way draw pictures ..... Everything is wonderful, but the picture is quite tricky to knit sweaters, and overburdened clouds. Take an eraser to TealPaynte, Spital cloud. Using the Clipboard to arrange the remaining clouds and seagulls. Now stand in the way of claims from the wife :-). Dimensions images must be approximately 80h70. And on the resulting figure, which occupies the entire screen Palm 160h140. Necessary to reduce the picture. Reduce the image directly into TealPaynt, a decrease in picture quality has deteriorated. But using the tool "magnifying glass" corrected image.

to

after changes

This results in a pattern suitable for knitting sweaters (doubled). Ready to save drawing from Palm on the desktop, and ready for the printer. What would make it easier to monitor vyazyaniem, nanoshu top picture grid. I do it already using CorelDraw. Agonizing suspense on my part and a child who all strove to measure the resulting sweater and a long work of my wife (thanks a lot to her for that). All the more so as the spokes were used metal stylus - the diameter and shape them suitable. Picture turned out difficult to knit by hand - lots of color transitions, often had to change balls of yarn.But when the face and back of jersey sewn sleeves - that's what happened: Now my child has a sweater, to the creation of which had a hand (the stylus), handheld computer Palm IIIc. Sources, Materials:

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: