Jaws - 2

Our life is full of paradoxes. I, for example, have all the time to describe the latest, most advanced models of cellular phones, although my heart belongs to old-fashioned and modest capabilities Ericsson A2628. He was so nice in your hand - not too big and not too small. Almost nothing special is able, but in terms of telephone communication - well done and clever. In short, I got used to it badly. But want something unusual. Around the same people. Namely - the young girl whose imagination can be hit or their outstanding articles, or any trifle expensive, pointing to the refined tastes of the owner and his financial well-being. A statistical fact is just missing (burgher stomach, for unknown reasons to me among young girls is not quoted), because it has to fend minim ... Let's talk about phones. More precisely - the unwinding with supersonic speed Bluetooth wireless technology with regard to mobile telephony. Bluetooth module integrated into phones latest models gives the usual "mobile phone" hitherto unseen possibilities. A plug adapter will pour new wine into old bottles - to breathe new content in the broken phone time, even in my budget "Eric", from which, frankly, it's time to get rid. But this is unlikely to happen any time soon. The excuse will bring a couple navyazshih platitudes - "horses in midstream is not me" and "an old friend is better than two new ones (although in fact need more money and do not cling to the old toys).

Hands, who fries, and something to say about this Exler

Bluetooth in the translation is called "Blue Tooth". Why tooth than he was at fault, if he called them gay, I do not know. However, the joy that the Russian, the Germans - death. Unusual for a combination of our ear (and only for some unusual language - that and look vyplyunesh him, trying to correctly pronounce a "th") in English, they say, sounds quite nice ... Name - a unique, something to be ironic. Everything else is very, very seriously. Before the grave that we can talk about a real revolution - both in the personal computer industry and the technology of cellular communications. Bluetooth - the wireless standard radio high frequency range of 2,4 - 2, 4835 GHz. Transmitter power is low - about 100 milliwatts. Maximum range - up to 100 meters (average 10 meters). Average exchange rate - about 720 kb / c plus or minus a certain number of kilobytes in the different implementations Bluetooth (maximum - about a half megabytes per second). In phones, Bluetooth adapters can perform different functions - from the arrangement based on these headsets covert, to the operational link with phone pocket and personal computers. First, let's talk about headsets ... Device for conducting telephone conversations at a distance from the device without the need to bring a fairly powerful transmitter to his ear, certainly useful. Driving a car without a headset cell phone can even be dangerous, as distracting the driver from driving. The headset also keeps your hands free - so called handsfree. Structurally, the headset handsfree (another, less precise, but the Russian name - headset concealed carry, though admittedly not too hidden) is a miniature earphone (speaker) is worn or loose-leaf type (with or without a holder) with a fortified by him or on cable headset microphone. If a microphone is attached to the phone itself, as structural elements apply flexible or rigid bracket. If the microphone is mounted on a cable connection, its position is chosen so that the receiving part of the electret microphone is in close proximity to the user's lips. Technology headsets more than a hundred years (actually the same as most telephone service).It is curious that one of the most effective solutions - laringofon or microphone, fastened at the throat user - in mobile telephony is not applied at all. Firstly, laringofon easily attached only by a helmet (a tank or aircraft). Secondly, the tone of voice when using laringofona few changes (although this is unlikely to become the decisive reason for rejecting its use). Whatever it was, while the headset is one drawback - the wire that it connects to the telephone. Meanwhile, some phones, such as "youth communicator" Motorola V100, use the headset as the primary and only means of voice communication. In V100 simply has no built-in microphone or speaker. Must be content with only a headset ...

Motorola v100

It Gets Worse? Why, in this wire ... If you never ever use your player walkman, trust me on word - connecting headphones and a tape (or disk based on flash memory) player posting thing is very inconvenient. Thin connecting cable entangled in clothing, and the sudden movement of the head pulls off with ear pads (especially in miniature their performance - in the form of loose-constructs). In the heat of the posting sticks. In the cold of a wooden ... No, it is inconvenient. It is for this reason, the Bluetooth headset is rapidly gaining popularity, although their cost may exceed wired counterpart in ten, twenty or more times. Benefits headsets Bluetooth, for example, the latest model produced by BTH 100A Acoustek Innovation Technology (Guess once - where he lives, this company ... right, in Taiwan), and yet that power high-frequency transceiver immeasurably less than the capacity of cellular transceiver phone. In this figure the headset almost a thousand times less than the phones (milliwatts against Watts). Hence, experimentally unconfirmed risk of cerebral high-frequency radio waves is reduced to zero ... "What I soar brains in a microwave oven?" - Said my friend Alex Exler. And I totally agree with this fun and talented person. But security is not all. The accurate transmission of acoustic signal from a Bluetooth headset on the order of magnitude higher than the wired headset. A digital interface. Convert the digital signal into an acoustic made directly to the adapter. Decreases the length of the conductors, eliminate any possible interference and crosstalk ... Not without reason Bluetooth modules have penetrated into another area of ​​complex electronics - home to the world of musical instrument class Hi-Fi. Now, along with models of cordless phones that use ultrashort-wave radio band, and an infrared link, there were headphones Bluetooth. Presumably, these newcomers will soon supplant the market with their predecessors - with the highest quality sound transmission, long range, miniaturized and autonomous ... By the way - a Bluetooth headset can not do without power. In the aforementioned headset BTH 100A uses a miniature lithium-Ion battery, charging that the headset has a connector for an external unit. Of course, this does not add to ease of use headsets - wired device battery is not needed. But we also charges the battery of the phone and not grumble? Get used to the battery and the headset. The corpus BTH 100A (it resembles a flat cigar, elegant and easy, which is attached to the bow to put on the ear) is built-in microphone. As befits a high-quality headset, it provides full duplex communication - can simultaneously speak and listen (simplex communication used in radio CB - there to listen and speak in turn, operating power button transmission on the microphone). To purchase a wireless headset, a Bluetooth module is not equipping the phone itself, not the slightest sense that increases the cost of the solution ... But it is the most venial of all the possible shortcomings Bluetooth! God be with her, with this wonderful headset. I may never it did not use it. But the plug-in Bluetooth - a real miracle.With it, even my old man A2628 becomes spirited steed phone ... And what about phones with built-in modem?

Only with Bluetooth can grasp the immensity

These applications are difficult to consider separately ... The fact that the Bluetooth adapter integrates cell phone to any computer equipped with the same interface. That is literally integrates phone and computer in one. And, no matter what kind of computer - desktop, laptop or PDA. Bluetooth for all is one, he is extraordinarily intelligent and with all the difficulties to cope independently (if at the same time we will be able to cope with the provision of software support). The most common case - you have a cheap phone with a built-in modem and plug-in Bluetooth. And in the other pocket - Pocket PC (any model with a card slot) with a card Bluetooth. Actually, nothing else is required. If necessary, you can always rearrange the wireless communication module of the handheld computer into a laptop or desktop - through a card adapter ... But we are still interested in a PDA. With some regret (but not maliciously, come from the same tribe) is compelled to note that the system "phone + PDA 'go up to 350-400 dollars, but what are the chances ... Address book budget phone - it's quite modest by opportunities database. Name, phone number, yes. In fields more expensive models, but the screen is still tiny. To view all need to use scrolling. On a large screen of your Pocket PC contact information to view a much more comfortable. For example, a good targeted bases of graphs have to remember anniversaries - birthdays, or any other events. It is easy to find a man who is not a sin to congratulate the upcoming holiday. Choose a name, click on the screen pen. And the phone begins to dial in to the subscriber. Kindly talk to ... And what is there to give an e-mail, eternal and still a pipe dream of every owner of a Pocket PC? There are no problems. If the phone has a modem, just run on the PDA email program and select the "get mail". The operation did not take long and does not require large cash expenditures, even if your phone does not support the exchange of protocol packet data GPRS (though not while receiving almost exclusively on a cellular channel, and only using wireless access to e-mail server as needed) . If your disposal does not modest Palm, a luxury Pocket PC, then via Bluetooth and you can wander over the WAN, and their own ringtones for your phone write out of one's own head. Equipment by means of multimedia Pocket PC is that allows you to run a real audio editor, to write in it's own melody and surpass it in the phone memory. (A hypothetical proposal, because my own experience in this area, I have not, but sincerely believe that for a computer running Windows CE nothing is impossible). Finally, sync your phone and desktop computer ... Always looked at this possibility with a secret envy. I have somewhere to say that in my laptop no serial port. A cheap "Eric" is able to synchronize with your computer - with a special cable - only through the port COM. (Blee-and-in ", said to my nine-year-daughter, risking to go in the corner - oh, this Masyanya, all that know her). Bluetooth eliminates this problem, although the pleasure adds quite a bit. Yet to take full advantage of the wireless interface should have a decent modern phone with a modem ... Phones with built-in organizer, and quite bulky phone book synchronization with the PC and update the data of both.That is scheduled to MS Outlook (and other compatible programs such as Lotus Organizer, one of the best on this day, organizers), the events will be rewritten in the calendar, cell phone address data from the Contacts folder - in the phone book. Plus the same ringtones, downloaded from the Internet or written by yourself. Well, smart phones with advanced multimedia features - with built-in MP3 player, especially with digital cameras - a Bluetooth receive an extra degree of freedom. How not add to the smartphone memory (yes, not all smartphones allows it), no matter how squeezed files MP3, and space for multimedia data is still lacking. Wireless connectivity allows you to quickly change a set of tracks in the phone memory or to overwrite the captured footage on a laptop hard drive. Not for nothing that the newest models of smartphones are equipped with a Bluetooth adapter nominally ... Say what you like, and all the pleasures of the use of Bluetooth has to be evaluated only on the eye. Most of us have Bluetooth adapters yet ... But whether this upset? Remember the rule of transition to a new operating system? Do not rush. Do not hurry to get rid of the old errors, replacing them with new ones. Let the developers will release the first service pack, then ventured ... Roughly the same with Bluetooth. We have heard the very first, still damp with the heat from the heat, the device. Tomorrow will come the products of mass, waste, devoid of most of the flaws still largely ad implementations ... However, this concerns mainly the computer modules. How strange, but the phone Bluetooth adapters are available with respect to long for many users stopped being difficult to access exotic. We in Russia? No, they have in the west ... But what, in principle, the difference? The authors, translation:

A pen-ta - here they are!

I do not know whether to blame in the hunt to change places, or is the basic desire for a little shiny gadgets (say, every adult was once a child, although we have not checked), but all the time peeping on a portable computing. Well have a laptop, well - a pocket computer. But even better to have it both, plus all sorts of prichindaly allegedly facilitating the work ("allegedly" - because no work on my knees really can not be a single self-indulgence). Let's talk specifically about prichindalah. Of electronic devices designed to expand the use of laptop computers - handheld and those that are more ... The fact that the "pack" digital assistant under the very outset, to approach the display case with laptops meaning seems to be no. And the shop still pulls. That had to find something curious - so as not to lose their zest for life (and the incentive to earn good money, because all of these toys are even very few).

Dream of repeaters

Young people today ushlaya and technically very competent. On the exams are so many things that the poor teacher has sadly come to terms - still write off. In the course of going electronic notebooks, digital voice recorders, PDAs, cell phones and even digital cameras. (I was recently told about a young amateur photographer, who brought on his father's school exam camera, the display is trying to blow the essay on "Katherine - a ray of light in the darkness"). Of the same breed - electronic cheat sheets - and the thing about which would be nice to once again remind you. This is a portable text scanner C-Pen 600MX. It is designed as a plastic token with an LCD screen on the side surface, is able to scan the text line by line, how to recognize it, to translate into computer format, and simultaneously translated from Russian into English and vice versa. Moreover, the number of dictionaries much more - that proinstalliruete, then will have.

C-Pen 600MX

Pen scanner sold long ago and not very successfully. The reason - the high cost ($ 260) and, probably, is not quite obvious applications of this thing. A handle, among other things, great. Quite frankly - a miracle pen. About the scanning and recognition of already written, rewritten. Less talk about organizational talent C-Pen. A scanner that in some cases can replace a PDA, especially when dimensions of the device and a long (about four weeks) the battery life. The first and most simple application of C-Pen (not counting the actual scanning) - address book. Capacity programs from C-Address 250 contacts, each of which can fill in name, last name, phone number, home address or email address. It is possible to overtake the information from MS Outlook synchronization C-Pen with a PC. Or to suffer a bit and take information directly from business card (the same scanner). By the way, as a scanner C-Pen works so-so. In the sense - do not read graphics and a slightly bungle with reversing (white letters on a black or colored background - a unique feature built-in light bulbs). But the pen and is not intended for scanning schedules. This crib, electronic "perediratel" library tomes, which under normal scanner does not give out (surprisingly, to what we are librarian-fisted). But "raspoznavalka and translator working perfectly. Using C-Pen can read any overseas newspaper, with only a very rough knowledge of English - say, at the level of system messages Windows (this is life itself will teach). Another new feature - a portable digitizer. Using the pen can write on paper, though not "free" style, as close as possible to a set of coded symbols in the memory stick. Epic canvas, thus, of course, do not carve, but put in an electronic document ornate signature - easily.Or make a small comment. Or anything else - as suggests the fantasy and the harsh dictates the need. Finally, the screen C-Pen with a certain dexterity and good eyesight can read the book. Facilities are not so hot, but if such a function is, why not use it? Memory C-Pen to 6 megabytes is enough for storing 2,000 scanned pages of text. Ah, yes pen ... For me personally, the acquisition of C-Pen is problematic for one sad reason. In my laptop has no serial or infrared ports. And in the PDA - no infra-red (the most unforgivable flaw Casio BE-300). So that connect C-Pen is simply not what. Unless, of course, does not adapt to a laptop computer external power adapter.

Infrared port

No, it is also not new. Adapters IrDA produced and sold a long time ago. With regard to notebooks, they are of two types - connected to the serial COM-port and connected to the bus USB (for desktop machines available modules - "comb", connected to the connector on the motherboard and fitted with an infrared transceiver - LED, which should be strengthened on the outside of the computer Corps). Since the COM-port on my computer is missing, had to choose an adapter for the bus USB. Describe any particular model is hardly worth all the adapters are about the same (for me - Tekram IR-210U). Plastic head with integrated transceivers, the base, tightly let into the adapter cable USB. Everything is quite ordinary. Installation under Windows XP went without problems. True, we had to use the CD as a Windows distribution is the only driver for the adapter, IR-210 for serial port. If I had a COM-port, we could try to install a standard driver, which seems to be rising without any problems. But cope and USB. Knowledgeable people warned - infrared adapter for the USB bus sometimes naughty. It creates a virtual COM-port, and this leads to resource conflicts. I do not know, yet I have no conflicts befall. All the works on time, all synchronized, rewrites, pumps and so on. Moreover, the communication distance - twenty centimeters - quite "cabinet." PDA and cell phone is not necessary to attach too close to the laptop and the printer can move up and the laptop itself. Sorry, very sorry that the BE-300 is not equipped with an infrared link. Synchronization Palm `a (more precisely - Sony CLIE first, even three hundredth of the model) is very funny and without connecting any wires. Honestly, though Come over to Palm. Well, take some m100, they are now quite cheap ... And spare my eyes to it, because the monochrome m100 displeychike little I can see. Books I read with difficulty, that's for sure. Although ... Is it too bold for the person writing - and even read it?

One for all

And here - a real novelty. And even some new! Is a universal keyboard that easily connects to any handheld computer (well, not much to anyone), any notebook and any desktop computer, if it belongs to the family PC. External keyboard MDC-8231 TWINkey production unknown to me Maxmars resembles compact keyboards Genius (one of them I take a long time and very pleased) ... No, perhaps, TWINkey even less. All the keys of this TWINkey merged into one unit. Separate numeric keypad not, the cursor keys are located under the press Enter, a series of function keys (they reduced size) are placed on top and nothing from the main part are not separated. In the upper part of the body are the usual lights on number three, as expected according to the established canon. In general, similar to the "notebook" keyboard - someone may not like it. But - Dimensions ... In the standard step size keyboard keys do not exceed the discharge the same in a portable keyboard Go Type! (Exclamation mark here - part of the name). Technologically, the keyboard - the usual "band" (which clearly indicates that it is relatively inexpensive).Tightly integrated cable with PS / 2 is designed to connect the keyboard to the PC ... This is the "hard" - not very good because it reduces the portability of the device. Well, okay, all normal keyboard cable is built tough and is not detached. A near full-time cable on the back of the keyboard case, there is a connector to connect the PDA. To him is short (centimeters twenty or twenty-five) cable to sync pocket machines. To connect all this economy, and - went to type texts ... What kind of handheld computers TWINkey compatible? With many "Pocket." Namely - with Palm `Amami and their clones, with the iPaq (support for other Pocket PC also announced, but as something casual, not obviously) and ... for now. In the Palm `s third and fifth series (series m1hh absent), and Sony all modifications. Apparently, the only difference is the connection cable and plug that connects to the PDA. Well, certainly in the driver support. If there are no drivers for the m100, then this keyboard would be useless - in a very short time, as the owners of machines series Palm m1xx enterprising people (and Maxmars, presumably to catch the crows will not) ... How easy to solve long-standing problem of entering the information into a PDA! It would seem - to design the controller, providing a normal keyboard and earn the appropriate connector. But somehow it does not go. That is a niche market seemed trifling, or lacking intelligence. Universal Keyboard TWINkey buy even those who still do not have the CPC for the same reason that the future car owner buys a first alarm and a set of tools. And only then - the car. The authors, translation:

Songs and Dances of typewriters on handheld Pocket PC

Will focus on the unusual devices and even surprising. Namely - the presentational complexes, the signal source which is the smallest Pocket PC family of Pocket PC. Frankly, the complex of these gizmos are not particularly draw, because look quite modest and have a very small size. Nor is complex, but only connectors - adapters or converters (and then both at once), allowing to derive a picture with a tiny PDA screen TV or even on video. Desktop Pocket PC the size of "three to four" represent? That's what it is. Go denote the names of these worthy kids - FlyJaket i3800 and CF XGA JP-606. FlyJaket manufactured by Animations Technologies, JP-606 - Jess-Link Products. Both firms in Taiwan (which, in general, it is easy to guess). About FlyJaket in the Russian computer press Much has been written, so the device is more or less we know (besides, it might and main for sale in Moscow shops). But the JP-606 until the "dark horse", although that is a multimedia extension of Pocket PC is of particular interest, since it is compatible with all Pocket PC.

Turn on the Fly, and see

FlyJaket made as worn module for PC iPaq Series 3600, 3700 and 3800 (not compatible with other typewriters physically). Multifunction device, it built its own battery (hence, FlyJaket, besides its main function may be an additional source of supply for the iPaq, or at least not discharged during the presentations of the main battery PDA), CompactFlash slot to connect the wireless adapter Bluetooth (maps memory, or any other peripherals). The set includes a miniature remote control - in the form of pens.

FlyJaket on the iPAQ

But the most important thing in FlyJaket - DB15 connector for an external monitor and S-Video for connecting to a recording video equipment, televisions, video projectors. Inserting the iPaq in FlyJaket (or vice versa - wearing FlyJaket on iPaq) and connect the supplied Y-cables Pocket PC to your TV, you can display on a large screen video, slideshows, individual photos or pre-prepared presentation of Power Point. The same is also possible when connected to a video projector - in this case, a pocket typewriter can be used for demonstrations during lectures or seminars. That is, iPaq + FlyJaket = original presentational replacement notebook, portable, inexpensive (PDA and a multimedia unit cost less than any laptop), and, thanks to remote control, easy to use. Of the diverse abilities FlyJaket underlining the potential of entering the PDA video from your VCR or TV. The signal can be digitized and stored in memory machines (by writing to the flash memory card), albeit only in PAL or NTSC, and without sound. FlyJaket i3800 expands iPaq is that it has a CompactFlash slot and built-in rechargeable battery (capacity 1400 mAh, lasts for 2 hours continuous operation). Well, the output image on the big screen with a resolution of 640x480 pixels with 16-bit color and 1024x768 pixels with 8-bit color - the main purpose of the multimedia unit, for which it stands, and acquire (add: in Moscow, at a price of around $ 300). Technology "jackets" is borrowed from the world of portable personal computers - laptops. The idea is indeed remarkable - to take on the road with only what you need: Floppy Drive CD-ROM, floppy disk, a spare battery and so on. All that can be attached to a laptop (or, rather, to a subnotebook, modular models are small), thereby increasing the road a lot and functionality of your computer. But can all this economy to leave the house, taking with him only the laptop itself - light, not burdened with extra peripherals. For Pocket PC, especially the family of Windows CE, the problem of size and mass of the road is even more acute. Palm machine easily fits in a shirt pocket, but for the Pocket PC already need some kind of bag ...And if we exclude from the basic configuration of a slot for flash memory cards and make at the expense of the body is thinner and lighter, then the Pocket PC becomes as portable as a kid and Palm. In addition, the jacket can be used not just handheld devices - memory cards, modems, network cards, hard drives format PC card, memory card, unusual for Pocket PC formats, Bluetooth and much more. Or the same FlyJaket, which in itself is worn on the pocket pc expansion module. "Jackets" were so lucky find that they gradually became almost no industry standard. PDA Casio extra batteries and PC card slots available in the form of the same worn modules (in the sense - similar, but incompatible with the iPaq). And with the proliferation of various "card" the periphery is probably waiting for the further flourishing of technology interchangeable "jackets". Conveniently the same - to change the hardware configuration pouch machines running, one-handed operation, getting the "advanced" device, the digital video recorder with more memory, the laptop presentation center. However, the success of the iPaq (which is today the biggest-selling and most popular Pocket PC) is due not only technology, "jackets", but a good design. Stylish aluminum (hence the firm), housing, excellent ergonomics, the most advanced electronic filling and, at the same time, a wide range of models - from an affordable monochrome to sverhdorogih with built-in Bluetooth. Electioneering on money and needs.

Only card

Compared with the handsome FlyJacket module JP-606 looks skromnikom. Maybe he smaller - there is no internal battery, no extra slots CompactFlash. And there can be as JP-606 itself - Card CompactFlash Type I. This is his main advantage as a presentation module to Jess-Link is compatible with all computers of the family Pocket PC, built on the processors StrongArm, SH3, and MIPS. Equipped with a JP-606 is also simpler than multi FlyJacket. There are no connectors S-Video - only a standard VGA cable to the end of a short, built in the card. And the adapter itself is made ​​as modules and Bluetooth, modems or network adapters, in the form of "fine" CompactFlash card with a thickening in the butt. Because of this, the device is extremely portable, the place for him there in any briefcase, purse or even pocket. What can a module JP-606? First of all - staff actively discharged battery PDA. Power consumption stated in 0.72 W, and the maximum current - 200 mA. Not so much for such a technique. But a pocket typewriter every milliamp counts, so more or less prolonged presentation will search outlet. The image that the adapter can display on a TV, VCR or projector has a resolution of 800x600 pixels with 16-bit color or 1024x768 with an 8-bit color. For convenience, control adapter is attached a small remote control with built-in laser pointer (range and order, and another 10 meters). This does not handle like a FlyJacket, but also a very even nothing. What module JP-606 can not? Connect to conventional television and video equipment through the input S-Video. This means that to see a slide show on home TV screen does not work, since this is only suitable TV input VGA (usually hefty and doroguschy). The same with the VCR and the analog camcorder that the VGA input does not have, by definition. But with a computer monitor will be no problem - the adapter used standard connector DB15. As for video projectors, for which JP-606, in fact, intended, then with the adapter should work for five. Both devices - and FlyJacket i3800, and CF XGA JP-606 - can be considered attractive, but an optional extension for handheld machines Pocket PC. It is hard to imagine that "hung" ultramodern computer facilities manager of any company will go to the presentation of a PDA, not a laptop. A random situation here is hardly taken into account (for random situations will fit a piece of paper, pencil and artistry "ohmuritelya priests" - the above-mentioned manager). Another thing - an attempt to surprise an interested audience to handheld machines.Yes, that is, literally, knocks off his feet - when you see an intimate small screen PDA increased the whole wall. But be that as it may, and I personally are very clever contraptions and really like. Like them and my associates - the owners (or users if the machine service) Pocket PC. For in the field of handheld computers are completely different laws than in conventional "desktops. Principles of reasonable sufficiency and appropriateness are giving way to imagination and fleeting desires. Such is life ... And here there is a crazy idea. Buy all these fintiflyushek - a couple of memory cards, mikrovinchester modules, GPS satellite navigation and cellular GSM. Ah, to walk, so walk - a Bluetooth card and now this tiny media adapter JP-606. And take a GSM cellular modulek not simple, but with the support of packet data GPRS. And (almost forgot) - plug-in digital camera. Rassovat all pockets. Get into the hands of its people's (zamechatelno!) Kasya "BE-300. Calculate the cost of improvements. And to discover that because of these budget cards "Kasia" rise in price in exactly six times. With the money I could buy two of the most expensive iPaq `a, issuance of new extensions to which I am sincerely glad, though, and I have it on the slightest of reasons. The authors, translation:

Life Wireless

During the last year the number of wires on my computer desk is gradually (but surely) falling. First, the mouse escaped from the wires, then the keyboard. The other day my turn came up to cradle sync cable to connect to cell phones - to the editor for testing Bluetooth-adapter came from company Tecom. He has allowed to organize a small "home" (or "office"?) Wireless network from a desktop PC, cell phone and PDA.

Tecom BT3030

What is Bluetooth

First a little information about the retreat that actually represents the technology of Bluetooth. This is a technology designed to replace conventional wires that carry data. For this purpose a short-range radio link that provides a wireless connection between two or more terminals (desktop computers, laptops, printers, PDAs or cell phones), allowing them to exchange information. Bluetooth operates in the frequency range from 2.402 to 2.480 GHz, the range of ISM (Industry, Scientific, Medical - industrial, scientific, and medical band), which is still almost anywhere in the world (except France and Israel) is not licensed for use for other purposes. The main advantage of Bluetooth - the convenience of workplace organization and the process works. Do not need any wires, data on all devices in the wireless network can be synchronized automatically and continuously without user intervention. Enough for all the devices are in range, and not necessarily in line of sight, as in the case of data exchange protocol IrDA (infrared light). The second advantage - the noise immunity. Bluetooth standard includes special algorithms to protect against interference from devices operating in the same frequency range. So, for example, uses a technology called "jumps in frequency (rapidly changing broadcasting frequencies) to reduce the likelihood of radio wave collisions. Almost all the existing devices are now working on versions of the standard 1.1. It provides data transmission at speeds up to 1 megabit per second at distances up to 10 (Class 2) or 100 (Class 1) meters (it is not very thick wall is not a hindrance). Now being developed versions of the standard 1.2-2.0, where the data rate will be gradually increased up to 8 Mbps. Radius - 10 feet - apparently remains unchanged. The box with the BT3030 is written that maximum data transfer rate 723 Kbps (it's just, understandably, many Bluetooth-enabled devices are limited to this speed), and that the range is 100 meters. Check it out, unfortunately, failed because the other two units that participated in the testing worked within ten meters. According to the developers, communications with the devices of Class 1 (tested with a laptop and a GPS-receiver) is kept at a distance of 90-98 meters. More details about Bluetooth and other wireless standards can be found in our library, and we turn to what is, is the adapter Tecom BT3030.

Installing and configuring the Bluetooth-module

BT3030 connects to USB-port on desktop or notebook computer, so no additional power supply - 5V are supplied to the USB it is quite enough. In the box, apart from a very compact, the size of a matchbook antennkoy module is an additional cable, which is very convenient - no need to dig "behind" in the system unit and plug in some unthinkable situation. Through this module the wire comfortably nestled on the table (although he could just as well to remain hidden behind the system unit), the benefit of its neat silver finish no worse desktop appearance. Even ennobling.However, as the user's manual, you should start not with the connecting module to the PC with the driver installation. As users only law-abiding and do it. Start the installation procedure, we wait until the program creates a virtual COM-ports (there are already 11 in the third to 13th inclusive) and restart the computer.

Bluetooth makes for a lot of COM-ports

After rebooting the PC twice finds new hardware. Have to agree with his proposal to install the drivers for it automatically (this, incidentally, also described in the manual): Insert the device itself, it turns the display power. Our wireless network is Bluetooth ready. This is reflected in the usual Windows Explorer, where there was Daddy My Bluetooth Places (similar to My Network Places). The only device that until there is - himself a desktop computer that is connected to Bluetooth-module. Here you can configure the new features that gives the user the presence of Bluetooth: Wireless COM-port, a wireless data transmission, wireless LAN, wireless connection to a modem, fax management and data synchronization. In addition, the System Tray (lower right) icon appears in Bluetooth Configuration, where you can set all the parameters of our module, and "make friends" the PC with other wireless devices: So, in the main window kofiguratsii ask the device name to identify it in the network, its accessibility (whether other devices to find our computer), the regime search for other Bluetooth-enabled devices, specify the folders to synchronize files, configure the settings of the services listed above (wireless data transmission, wireless LAN, etc.) and choose which events associated with Bluetooth-net program will be reported.

Bluetooth Settings window

Finally, the latest innovation on the PC - a new connection for LAN - Local Area Connection 2 (as it is called by default): Now you need to include in our wireless network, other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Of those near at hand is Compaq iPaq 3870 and cellular phone Ericsson R520m. There are several different ways to create a network. One of the most simple, obvious - a desktop PC, that is, Tecom-module that looks for other devices. So, turn on Bluetooth on your PDA and phone (on the iPaq click on the blue icon in the lower right corner and select "Turn radio ON", while on the phone in the Bluetooth section, select the menu item "Discoverable"). Then double-click the Bluetooth Icon in the System Tray on your PC, open the folder My Bluetooth Places. In it we go in the Entire Bluetooth Neighborhood, and the menu item "Bluetooth" choose "Search for Devices". Two devices - iPaq PocketPC and Kav (so called my phone) successfully appeared in the list. Strictly speaking, wireless ready, so only the devices to be able to exchange information and generally keen to collaborate with each other, they need to "make friends" (in English - pair, "paired").To do this, click the right mouse button on the device from the list and press the "Pair Device". With iPaq'om all happens automatically, you only need to type on the PC and the PDA is the same PIN code, which enables devices to identify each other. With the phone a bit more complicated. Ericsson did not want to take a virtual hand, which he held out a PC, but he handed it with great success. That is needed so that the phone has initiated the process of "pairing", and not vice versa.

Tick ​​- a sign of "mutual trust" devices

In general, PDA and phone has successfully made friends with a desktop computer. Now, by the way, we can examine the contents of the PC iPaq, transfer files back and forth. In practice, the relationship is kept at a distance of eight or nine meters, and with turning the corner stops. The wall, however, is thick. And not scary. For example, I completely missing the fact that you can walk with iPaq'om the room. But the most interesting features, which includes Bluetooth - a wireless synchronization via Active Sync and use the phone as a wireless modem. Let's see how they are implemented.

During data transfer Tecom BT3030 off one more indicator

Synchronization

Recall that in as a guinea used Compaq iPaq 3870 CO integrated Bluetooth-transmitter and fixed Bluetooth Manager (program for working with Bluetooth), so that the process of working with other devices, such as using a Bluetooth expansion card may vary. With the iPaq it all turned out pretty simple.

They were able to make friends

So, right click on the icon in the System Tray, the pop-up menu, select Configuration: Select the tab Local Service, double-click on the line Bluetooth Serial Port on the bottom of the list, falling window Service Properties. Here we must remember the number of COM-port, which is used by Bluetooth. This number, we need to configure Active Sync. Please note that the number of the screenshot may be different from what will your computer. Now configure the Microsoft Active Sync. Select the menu item in the Connections Settings dialog that appears, choose the same number of COM-port which was configured Bluetooth: Now produce the required settings on Compaq iPaq. Start the Bluetooth Manager, click Search, so he found a Bluetooth-enabled devices within range of the transmitter. PC is found, and the "pairing" We have already made earlier. Now we return to the list of devices in a wireless network by clicking on the icon of the PC and put a tick ActiveSync Partner. "OK." Go back to the screen Today, click Bluetooth icon in the bottom of the screen and select the "Start ActiveSync". The connection is established: Then you can perform all the actions that are available when connecting via the docking station (cradle): transfer files, synchronize your personal data, etc.

Bluetooth + GPRS = Internet

Now try using the Bluetooth-connection to connect to a desktop computer and cell phone use last as the modem for Internet access. Use for this technology, we will packet data GPRS - work through the GSM does not make sense - too slow and expensive, but the GPRS I, for example, home use on a regular basis. First, make sure that for a given phone number included service GPRS (this can be done in service support mobile operator), and secondly, to make necessary adjustments. Are all necessary for this information is available from MTS and Beeline. Now we are engaged in computer settings. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the phone, open the My Bluetooth Places / Entire Bluetooth Neighborhood icon and find there phone. Double-click on it in the dialog box find the Dial-up Networking. Click on the icon right mouse button, select the item Properties, then Configure. Phone number that you specify in the pop-up window may vary depending on the model of cellular handset and network operator. In this case it worked with a number * 99 # The only thing that still need to fix - the address in the DNS-server Networking>> Internet Protocol (TCP / IP)>> Properties. MTS for primary and secondary addresses are the same: 213.087.000.001, and for the "Bee Line" primary 194.067.002.114, while the secondary 194.190.195.066. Close the configuration, double-click on the icon of Dila-up Networking. A dialog box appears where you enter your login and password (they are listed on the above websites). Now click Dial and after a few seconds, the connection is established. Phone can be carried out at the other end of the room, hide in his pocket, the connection remains stable.

There kotakt!

Total

Tecom BT3030 - a very good card with a reliable, simple and convenient programmnysm software. Bluetooth otnositelno new (at least for the Russian karyney user) standard and very cool that one of the first adapter is stable and without glitches. Of course, without it you can do, but it's nice to get rid of the extra pair of wires. Telephone lies across the room and charged, while diligently carrying out a modem. Compaq iPaq lies comfortably on the couch with the owner and read the new e-mails are synchronized with a desktop PC, and at the same time download from the disc "senior fellow" of, say, MP3 files.Beauty:)

Sinezubaya family friendly

The authors, translation:

Pocket pc amateur

Purchase a "proper" PDA - half the battle. It is equally important to find a small digital assistant position in her life. Although habituation to the PDA is quite rapidly, but further toys or her short zapisochek (like - "do not forget to read this note) it is not. A pocket-sized machine - a full-fledged business tool that can do almost everything the same as the personal computer, and even more as the CCP always with me, always at hand.

Family photo album on Palm m 130

In addition to general applications, as the organizer and portable game consoles, handheld computer on the shoulder and more specialization. For a man, the pictures of active, for example, PDAs may become a universal viewer, organizer fotoknizhkoy, handy tips, say, or e-frame for an album of photos (including slides show, place the machine on your desktop, and all the young staff member - your). But you never know - with the appropriate equipment of a PDA and he becomes a camera, easy to manage, small, but not primitive. Let's look at what can pocket machine is in the field of amateur photography. (Or, specifying the problem that with all this electronic nonsense to make a photographic).

Camera plus computer

The most common case - the amateur photographer, filming ordinary film cameras, acquires a pocket computer. Sense from the CCP in combination with traditional camera a bit, but some can be found. For example, use a handheld computer for reference, "log-book - written in the notebook handheld shooting conditions (those that deserve such a record, like a macro). Since the Pocket PC every family have a text or graphical editor (or note-taking program that combines both the one and another), information which can be administered in exactly the same as on paper, drawing on the screen with a pen, like a lot of time magazine did not take . Later, in a more suitable environment, the text can be perenabrat through on-screen keyboard or the stuff on the desktop. And you can keep your handwritten notes as they are, in the form of graphic files. Finding your way in a variety of notes is easier than it might seem, since they are all saved in the machine automatically, and so they are automatically assigned a default name with the information about the date and time of recording. That is all the notes are arranged in chronological order. Another, already mentioned, the use of PDAs - as a reference. The usual program for reading electronic texts and several books on photography, injected into the memory pocket typewriter in the appropriate format, that's all the wisdom. Though for the experienced hiker, and especially the photographer will be useful not lecture in photography (or long forgotten light tables of latitude and time of year - what they are for modern cameras with automatic exposure control?), And a set of topographic maps and background information about the places where captures the photographer is not an easy ... There are some nuances. For example, a PDA is better to choose a particular model of digital camera and vice versa (in the "opposite" the dominant position still in the camera, if it is primarily a photographer, and then on "kompyuterolyubitele). The fact that a PDA, and digital cameras use removable storage media of the same type - flash memory card. But they may not be compatible with each other physically. For example, in cameras Olympus, certainly superior digital cameras, card format used by Smart Media. In addition to the camera like the card can be inserted in either player MP3, or adapter to read on a PC. In PDA memory card in this format do not apply. That is to take advantage of the CPC in conjunction with this digital camera can not be ... Much more versatile two other format flash memory card - CompactFlash and Memory Stick.The first format - CompactFlash - used in handheld computers, family Pocket PC, Handheld PC and in most older machines based operating system, Windows CE (on Psion 5mx not say intentionally, as this computer screen is not color, and to engage in photography, this feature is crucial value). The same type of memory cards used in digital cameras following manufacturers - Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Hewlett-Packard (read - Pentax), Casio and a few others.

The New Sony NR70 c digital camera

In PDA Sony CLIE (all models) used memory card format Memory Stick. They also supplied with all digital cameras Sony. Clearly, when selecting a computer to your camera (or, again, vice versa) should pay attention on the type of removable media.

Photos made by the CPC Sony NR70

A few words about the cameras. Among digital cameras average amateur class (worth 200 to $ 600) to assign anything sverhvydayuscheesya difficult. At the bottom (from cheap camera), attracted the attention of the camera PhotoSmart from Hewlett-Packard. Despite some annoying omissions (no secure front of the lens, which also supports the frame size, and the inability to use the built-in LCD display for framing - a significant minus for macro photography), these cameras (low-end models, starting with the latest 120 - th) look very good. And the images give excellent for such a cheap camera quality.

Stylish and very little IXUS

Among the cameras from Canon I like most metal, stylish and very little IXUS (any of the modifications, which differ between a multiplicity of zoom). Well, Nikon, even in Africa Nikon. Bad camera this brand does not happen. About Sony is a special subject. I do not really like computers, CLIE (recently spent a lot of time trying to establish contact monochrome S300 with PC, but won only half: on one computer turned on one another - yet). But digital cameras from Sony is impossible not to admire. What do you want - Sony is at the origins of digital photography itself. It is in this company was drafted Mavika, in the mid-eighties, when an accomplishment has been a computer with a processor 80286 and the video card VGA. Another, the last this time, detail from the world of digital photography. Why are digital cameras so expensive? Even a simple little "soap box" costs several times more expensive than analog film. The problem - in the light-sensitive sensor, the main part of any digital camera. Output of quality products at factories producing the CCD does not exceed 2%. Ninety-eight percent of marriage! I hope this explains it all ... What might be useful photographer Pocket PC? The most obvious - PDAs can be used for detailed viewing of the newly captured images. There is no dispute can view footage on normal camera display. But the convenience (and, incidentally, detail) is not on the level. Rearranging the memory card into the PDA (preferably in a Pocket PC, although the owners of Sony cameras have no choice) and run the graphics viewer, sequence, frame by frame, opening the images recorded on the card flash memory camera. Only a minute, and we routinely scan the captured image at a relatively large (a factor of three or four more than the camera display) screen PDA.

Program-viewer Resco Picture Viewer

Program, viewers, such as Microsoft Image Viewer (I use it on the Casio BE-300), can display an image of the real size and preview - a miniature. On preview assess compositional part of the picture, the true image We find the error in detail. Bad shots delete. Along the way, if the camera is then not zakapriznichaet, rename pictures. If the camera becomes "object" (most cameras only support their file names are presented in the form of a combination of numbers), we can write images in a memory device. Immediately we can change the format - with the BMP to JPEG or JPEG to TIFF. But it is better to leave the matter for later, for photo editing on the desktop (and I do not know - is there any graphics converters for handheld machines, and if so, how much work properly). Depending on your camera model content, removable memory cards in the file manager handheld computer may have a different view. In simple cameras recorded images of the root drive (flash memory card is recognized by the computer as a regular hard drive). Pocket PC with this "dump" works fine, without any kind of conflict. Apart from the obvious benefits of a handheld computer for digital photography is and the benefits obvious. Due to the fact that viewing stock photography will be done on a computer screen rather than display the camera, the stock battery capacity is enough for a much longer battery life. Color camera display - the "ravenous" consumer power ... My shy "Kaskiv (I like sheep named" Beshka ") allows you to extend the process of shooting twice. Anyway, flash memory cards end up faster than the camera's battery is discharged.

Computer plus a camera

By simple (although quite expensive) manipulation in the digital camera can be turned himself PDA. A more or less actively traded PV modules are known to me are two models - for the Palm `s and Casio. It seems that there are other devices, but to me they have not yet come across.

Fotopristavka from Kodak for Palm

About Kodak `-native" gadgets "for Palm computers, I can say that the serious impression this is not a toy. Plastic optics, low resolution and sensitivity of the sensor, a monochrome screen the host ... No, not really. There would be (or have already appeared) cameras for color Palm `s, but they still have to look at. But the photo module Casio JK-710DC - curious thing. She (or he?) Is a CF card with a sort of bomboshkoy top, which is mounted swivel lens.

Photo module from Casio

Characteristics of the camera are rather modest. Matrix of 350 thousand pixels, the sensitivity of the standard - about 100 units of ISO. Flash, of course, not. Small matter, but in a room to rent is difficult - dark. As a reticle used screen handheld machines. The shutter release program (you can program any hardware button). Focusing is not needed, since used the lens mounted on the hyperfocal distance (the pictures will be sharp from a distance, and more). In memory of the computer fit from 100 to 400 shots, which clearly points to a greater degree of compression when saving images (which is "not good"). Even at a resolution of 640x480 pixels and 16-bit color file size is not as very small.But the format is JPEG, in which the computer stores photos, has a wide range of compression. This camera image quality sacrificed for the sake of their number ... In principle, fine. Exhibition of photos of the toy is still not done. A bundle of money, which for all of these miniature charms will have to pay, in the wallet is unlikely to fit. The authors, translation:

Branded accessories for the Casio BE-300

Pocket PC for its owner not only "a hundred pounds of fun," but pure devastation. It's not the cost of the machine, although this too (with a mind completely nonsense, and the price, as in "this"). Case in numerous accessories that are available for each model PDA. Producers can understand his need to earn. How do you know us, the users handheld computers, are ready to buy anything, and for all sorts of money, burdening its own pocket and at the same time facilitating the wallet? What is missing in our pocket typewriter, and if we stare at the display of computer stores? Yet there is - a computer, a compilation of the necessary (and unnecessary) programs, a feather, which - no case ... But what if you want to? And is it worth it to resist? Live something once. Talk about brand accessories for your Pocket PC Casio BE-300. (By the way, had noticed that the official name of the Pocket Manager few mentions, as do not remember the name of the eighth model "Lada" - "Sputnik"). All of them produced the most Casio or, according to partnership agreements, friendly companies and sold around the world, including Russia ... It is true that Russia is not sold everything. But sometimes it happens - and in computer shops, and stores Casio, like a specialized department of GUM in Moscow, where most recently in sales were seen every kind of small things (although at very nemelochnoy price) ... Let's open a small parade - consumables, which are actually as such is difficult to call. Namely - a set of transparent on-screen labels. This kit includes five labels - the number is clearly greater than the average user needs the CCP, if it is certainly not a terrible slut and does not use your car instead of the regular stud pen. Unfortunately, labels are not available in a scattering. The producer price - 8,99 dollars - in Russia increased more than twofold. But nowhere get to, have to buy these stickers in store. From myself, I note that because of unusual for a family of Pocket PC screen dimensions owners Casio BE-300 has to adapt to their computers stickers from other machines. These labels are a little more screen BE, so the protective film has to cut. If you have to do the same, leave a small gap - by a millimeter on each side. Then the edges of the film with heavy use of cars will not curl, and, ultimately, a sticker will last longer ... the average life of a security label - about a year. Plus or minus, of course, depending on the manner of working with computers. For those who use the plastic screen cover, Casio released a spare - cost in the same 8.99 ... By the way - for us the practice of reducing the price of one cent is no longer a novelty. Russian sales of computers (I would even File Type kompyuteroprodavtsy "- with an emphasis on" a ") know about the psychological effect of a lower figure when 8.99 is perceived by the buyer as 8, rather than as a 9 ... So that all prices in this review will end with 99. Such is life. As for the cover, then use it not very convenient. Tilt the cover back - for housing cars - not so in the clear it increases the size of a computer almost doubled. That and look for something to hold on ... Another position directory - a set of spare stylus. These are the usual regular feathers, which have an unpleasant feature of spontaneously lost. Especially for the rubbed Casio sells two pens at a price of 7.99 dollars. True, the list of original accessories can be found just three models of luxury pens, suitable for work not only with the BE-300, but with any other handhelds. The first model - SL-5. This is a small graceful handle, in which instead of writing the site is set Teflon rod. The handle is equipped with a button, so the rod can be removed, not to accidentally hurt in a briefcase or pocket. The cost of Slim-line Stylus 10,99 dollar. And dignity - in ergonomic compact design.

Pen stylus SL-5

The second model - Duo-1. In the plastic housing handles hidden not only Teflon, but writing ball stud. That is the stylus (staylusom, of course, but I prefer the original pronunciation of Vologda) can be written as an ordinary pen. Is this more expensive model - 19.99 dollars, although looks like currently.

Pen stylus Trio-1

The most expensive pen - Trio-1. In addition to Teflon ball and rod in the handle there is also a pencil. The handle is decorated in the style of an expensive office, although the cost is relatively low - 21.99 dollars. Type in the model, let's face it, a representative ... Among the other things for their machines Casio launches compact stereotelefony (headphones) without the headband, but not removable. Ear cups are held by special temples, and dynamic diffuser heads are equipped with soft foam pads. The design is somewhat unusual, but sound quality seems to be tolerable. Stand stereotelefony (they bear the inscription KOSS and completed a miniature bag) 6.99 dollar. For the money good headphones, of course, can not buy ... Dubious merit has a different kind of accessories for the Casio BE-300 - memory cards CompactFlash. It's not a tank or in some design flaws - cards as the cards, nothing remarkable. If we ignore the cost ... In the catalog of branded accessories made cards with capacity of 16 to 96 megabytes. The price of cards - from 39.99 to 199.99. dollars ... Then you can say only one thing - "Banzai!" Memory cards have become a hot commodity. Today is not New York or Tokyo, and Moscow in our CF memory card format with a capacity of 64 megabytes can be easily purchased for $ 50. Not a nameless Chinese product - a real brand! A Casio 64-megabyte card sells for 149.99 ... Sushi, they overeat, or what? From the "iron" extensions to the BE-300 produced two "jackets" - Lust for most users, an external battery and card slot format PC card (PCMCIA). The first "jacket" corrects the main drawback BE-300 - too short battery life. Judging by the statements of the manufacturer, this extension module is built the same battery as in the machine itself. And it's not particularly happy because the battery is full-time BE-300 frankly weak. Minus and a minus in this case will hilenky, but plus - no more than 8 (actually less) hours. And the bread.

External Battery Power Pack

The second "jacket" is also equipped with a battery (it is possible that the same). But it is used solely for power adapter and the devices format PC card - terribly inefficient, instantly draining the battery device. Outwardly, "jackets" are similar, but the machine put on the exact opposite way - external battery from the bottom, the guides sled, PC card slot on top, connected to the built-in machine slot CompactFlash.

Expansion connector PC card Unit

The cost of "jackets" - 69.99 for an external battery pack External Power Pack, and 159.99 for the expansion slot PC card Unit. Necessity of the first, in my opinion, of course, the second - is questionable. Although, for special peripherals (if, for example, you already have a "Notebook" modem, network adapter and the flash memory card format PC card) can be useful. A series of network devices and an external power supply - it's an adapter to connect to the car via the cigarette lighter socket (cost 39.99 U.S. dollars), a typical AC power, supplied (19.99), a special power supply unit for any input voltages - Multi Voltage, which can be useful for the traveler to "foreign countries" to the user (the cost of this unit is also 39.99).

AC-Adapter

Second cradle ("cot" synchronization) will cost 39.99 dollars ... It is interesting to calculate the cost of a standard set of Casio BE-of 300 and subtract from it the price of all additions. How much will remain of the original 199.99 dollars most BE-300, for which it is sold in the States? (However, the case, as you know, empty).

Spare cradle

A series of cables. Best way - the cable connections to port USB, cable for COM-port adapter to connect to the BE-300 9-pin serial cable - all for 29.99 dollars (well, and appetite for Casio). Three types of cables designed to connect the BE-300 with cell phones ... Alas, the news bleak. Cables are available only for phones QualComm models 860, 1960 and 2760 (all in one cable at 29.99 dollars). Have you ever seen these phones we have in Russia? And I did not see ... a little easier with the modems. Wired modem (supports all the latest on today data transfer protocols, including the 56K) in a compact design - similar to a long plastic sausage (or a chocolate bar) - is connected to the communication terminal BE-300 and is worth 149.99 dollars. This is the most rational solution, because the modem does not take a CF slot and thus allows the use of flash memory cards as storage. A second wired modem is made in the format the CF card and is slightly cheaper - 129.99 dollars. The unit is very compact, but not without flaws. First, a memory card when you connect your modem to take advantage of this will not succeed. Secondly, the modems in a miniature design is very fragile, "tails" - connectivity to the telephone line.

CF-wire modem

The third wireless modem. It is made in form factor card CompactFlash, equipped with a built-in antenna and supporting monochrome display.Is this thing (brand name Pocket Spider) 399,99 dollar, but not for our honor - this device does not support the GSM standard and is intended for U.S. wireless telephone networks (did not even find out the details, so in vain not to get upset) ... Especially for the Casio BE-300 produced two models of portable keyboards. The first - version of the well known Palm Keyboard, prevailing in four key which won great popularity among users of PDAs. In this case, the keyboard is called Targus and costs 99.99 dollars. Exactly the same as asking for a different keyboard - GoType Portable Keyboard. This is not a portable as Targus, but it is very easy to use device. The computer is in the connector, as poured. In this case, the base more rigid and more stable than the Targus (a foldable keyboard of this type are a little "walking" the central node of articulation), and the ergonomics of the keyboard is no different from ergonomics "notebook" analog. Work comfortably, although the size of GoType not so tiny (not fit in your pocket). The most famous addition to the BE-300 (because the picture on the package) can be regarded as a combining photo module JK-710DC. Casio offers it for 199.99 dollars, and with us in Russia it's worth a hundred more. Pro camera that can say this - funny thing, which does not quite justify the money that ask for it. Resolution of 640x480 pixels is enough for on-screen photo viewer, but it is not enough for quality printing. The camera is deprived of the focusing mechanism, the exact esponometrii, built-in flash. On the other hand, Casio - one of the world's leading producers of digital camera amateur class. Therefore, the JK-710DC looks very good. With it's nice to have it (unlike other digital cameras, entry-level) ... But I would still ask the price and added the money to complete the same cameras Casio. The camera should be a camera - this time. And two - solved the problem of preserving images in computer memory. Since the photo module occupies a slot CF, the user can only juggle the flash memory card and the module itself. That is no end to rewrite the images from the main memory machines to flash memory card, then remove from the slot that card, replacing it with a photo module. Finally, on the bags. Casio offers six models of brand handbags and cases to protect the BE-300 from accidental damage, and for more convenient work with the machine. Among them are a pair of belt case made of nylon (17.99) and leather (19.99 dollars). Cover with a vertical flip flap - "flip" (24.99 dollars). Cover with a horizontally opening the valve and with pockets for credit cards or flash memory card (24.99). And two models of large organizers, in which, in addition to paper blocks and eyelets for attaching pens, there is a place for the BE-300 (this is the most expensive cases - to 59.99 dollars).

Bag BE-300

That's all that you can buy for the BE-300 under the brand name Casio. In fact compatible with Behoy "devices and supplies much more, but with a different label. Personally, I'm hardly going to pay a premium for flash memory cards because they cost the icon Casio. Moreover, that in this region several other brands. For example, Pretec. As for prices, they are included solely for reference. So we know how expensive computer small things along the way to Russia, and whether efforts are Russian merchants to keep prices at an acceptable level for our market a kind word. In my opinion - are worth. And MakTsentr can buy a lot of card peripherals and accessories for the Casio BE-300 is quite reasonable prices. To learn more about the proposals can look in the section Cassiopeia on the page "Accessories". The authors, translation:

Casio Exilim: the camera in your wallet

As often happens that we pass by the scene that really want to capture a photo, but no camera with me. Autumn in the park, an old house, a beautiful flower, and other less hackneyed plots are running dry, no matter how hard you try to keep them in memory. But on the other hand, does not carry the same all the time for a bag with a camera, lenses, films. Most digital cameras in this respect is no better - though there is no film and most lenses, but still - the "brick" in a pound of weight. At a dinner outing with a no take. Casio has found an outlet. Output - a miniature digital camera is almost the size of a credit card called the Exilim (there are two models EXILIM EX-S1 and the EXILIM EX-M1, the latter characterized by the presence of the built-in mp3 player).

EXILIM with player

The camera is really tiny, it seems that a sophisticated electronic device can not fit into such a tiny package. It really gets to a medium-sized wallet, generally unnoticed in your shirt pocket and weighs (though without batteries) 86 grams. The battery on the eyes, weighs grams of 30, so that in the "combat-ready" status of the camera is very easy.

Here's how tiny!

In many ways, this miniaturization is achieved by linking various devices into one. For example, a whole represent a lens and sensor CCD (charge coupled device). They are placed in one housing, which made the camera is very thin. A similar principle is used by engineers at Casio and proektirvoanii rest of "stuffing" of the camera. So, it uses the MCM (Multi Chip Module) - a single chip, which housed a new, specially designed for the camera CPU, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), memory SDRAM and Flash-memory, which in this tiny chamber 12 MB that quite a lot, again, given its size. This compact scheme razmeschniya, incidentally, not only saves space (70%), but also reduces power consumption by a third. The third "pillar" of miniaturization - the use of a unique digital interface LCD display on the back of the camera, specially designed for a series of camera Exilim. The digital interface eliminates the need for the converter, which provides space savings of about 10% (compared with control technology TFT-displays in other digital cameras), and also gets rid of many unnecessary details. The very same LCD screen rather large - 1.6 inch (3.84 cm), and perhaps precisely because of the digital interface, shows a very good picture - a clear, bright and contrast (resolution 354x240). As a result of all these innovations, and turned the camera so compact. Moreover, its compactness will not be felt for use. The few controls are well thought out and even a button on / off and shutter release, which are very close to the top panel are made so that turn off the camera instead of a picture, not easy.

The few buttons and LCD display - both controlled by the camera

Basically management is carried out using the OSD menu displayed on the LCD screen. Called it a separate button, and move on it can be (and quite conveniently) using a small joystick (up / down, left or right, select). Buttons to move up one menu level up there, but the special inconvenience this poses, because the menu itself is not too "branched". The camera does not claim the title of "professional", so the settings are not too many. Thus, during smki can toggle between photo and video (the camera can take pictures and short video), to include a night mode, and the model EXILIM EX-M1 also include video recording with sound or voice memo to a photo. Next, select one of the built-in flash (auto, forced off, forced on, removing red-eye "). You can also include a timer for avtosemki (only 10 seconds), turn off the LCD display to slow down battery planted. To choose from, there are three photo size: 640x480, 1280x960 and 1600x1200 pixels, and the CCD-matrix of the 1.2-megapixel, so that the size of 1600x1200 is achieved through interpolation. The quality of JPEG-compression can also be set independently (photo will be saved only in the format *. jpg). There are a number of more professional settings: several preset white balance setting for shooting indoors, outdoors, under floodlights, plus manual adjustment. In addition, manually adjustable exposure compensation (-2EV to +2 EV, in steps of 1/3EV). In the settings you can also turn on / off four-time digital "zoom" (approximation). Photograph is a pleasure - all the settings at hand, the user can select the most variable parameter and adjust it right during the shoot gorizonitalnymi movements of a joystick. Vertical movement controlled "zoom". One move - change - and captured can be immediately viewed on the camera screen.

Here's how it is obtained

Video, even though a maximum of 320x240 pixels, is also very decent quality. Recording speed - about 20 frames per second, which provides quite an acceptable smooth change of image, color saturation, brightness, balanced. In general, the look is quite possible. Is that a microphone and speakers rather weak - sounds are recorded and played back too quietly. Such movies are stored in the format of AVI. What this turns out, can be seen by downloading the file from the link at the end of the paragraph. The camera itself decides where to save the photos - if the inserted memory card SD / MMC, then at her - if not the internal memory. You can then insert the card in card reader or a handheld computer to see what happened, but the camera itself can connect to the PC (USB-cable included). No drivers do not need built-in memory card and the computer itself are identified as Mass Storage Device (though, again, individually - if memory card, the computer sees it, if not - built-in memory). Files with them and they can move as they do with conventional disks. To shoot in the camera can be used already something zapolnennnuyu card, Casio Exilim simply create it on my daddy, and where to store all your photos and audio recordings (model EM1). The only thing 'annoying' when using the camera - a short life battery. When the LCD screen, fully charged, it runs 30-40 minutes. Actually, more expected of him is hard - 630 mAh. Once again, the model EXILIM EX-M1 is an MP3 player.Slider switch between on the rear panel has three divisions instead of two as in the low-end model, but to control playback from the camera itself can not. To do this set comes pultik remote control that connects to the same jack as the docking station for PC. The sound is very good - clear, deep and loud :-). That's what the hardware decoder. In general, EXILIM - a great choice for those who want to always be able to capture something - at home or on the road, on vacation, etc. It is so compact that can constantly be in a shirt pocket or even in your wallet. Yes, there may not have any professional functions inherent in other cameras, but photo quality is quite at a level at least, to be photographed with an old friend, accidentally met on the street is enough. Of course, EXILIM of the photos you print the images in a rug, but the family album was a success. Autofocus, instant start, and second the willingness to work make this tiny camera is ideal for spontaneous, nepostanovochnyh images, namely, they tend to get the most vivid and natural. In addition, the camera - great for younger audiences. What could be better player and easy to manage the camera in a tiny and stylish bottle?

PS Specifications

• Perceived - 1/2.7 inch progressive CCD-square matrix
• Effective pixels - 1.24 million (1.31 million total pixels
• File format recording images - JPEG, compatible with standard DPOF (printing without a PC)
• Information carrier - built-in Flash-memory, about 12 MB card, Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard
• Image - 1600x1200 (interpolated) / 1280x960/640x480 pixels. Video - 320x240 pixels
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• Music player - only in the model M1, the MP3 format
• Deleting pictures - one or all memory (the ability to save individual images
• Lens - F2.5, f = 5.6mm (equivalent to 37 mm in 35 mm format)
• Zoom - a fourfold
• Fokuirovka - fixed
• Exposure - Centre weighted by CCD-matrix
• Compensation Arrangement --2EV to +2 EV
• White Balance - Automatic, plus 4 modes, plus manual adjustment
• Timer for avtosemki - 10 seconds
• PC connection - via the docking station USB
• Sizes - EX-S1: 88h55h11.3 mm (excluding protrusions), about 86 grams (without battery and memory card). EX-M1: 88x55x12.4 mm (excluding protrusions), about 87 grams (without battery and memory card).

PPS - Here's how to shoot with this camera!

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