Playing catch-up, or Casio BE-300 against Palm'a

When we were about a year ago, first learned about the Casio BE-300, followed by computer analysts began to call him not only as "killer." Well, yes - "Killer Palm'a. Wild, wild boar. Bloodthirsty vampire ...

Casio BE-300

And what is he a vampire? In the sense - it is, little darling "Beshka? Look at it closely. It's just a pocket-sized machine. Cute and comfortable. Miracle, not a computer! And to suspect it of predatory intent - a grave sin. She did not kill anyone and does not intend to kill. As they say, Palm'u palmovo and "Behe - behino. Is not it? By the way, nice to talk more substantively. Identify strengths and weaknesses, to compare features of the application. Perhaps these arguments will help someone make a choice in favor of the BE-300 or Palm'a. You can not spend money on, and on both. While I - has spent ... very much wanted to try for yourself. It happens.

Beauty - terrible force

We compare the computers of about the same class. On the one hand Casio BE-300, on the other - Palm m125, and (when it touches of color and power from the internal battery) m130. Still, these cars are close in value and are not too money-user.

Palm m125

Externally, BE-300 looks decent, but intelligently. In her case there is no right of brilliant linings, nickel grids and other tinsel. The buttons are the arc and have an elongated teardrop-shaped. To its credit, Casio should be noted that the buttons well protected overhangs the hull, and press them by accident is almost impossible. At the same time trigger buttons clear, with a tangible tactile feedback. As navigation devices in the BE-300 uses flat mini-joystick - a large diamond-shaped button, which has four degrees of freedom. However, perhaps all eight, but the intermediate positions, I never felt (perhaps feeling the ill). This navigation button is properly performing its functions, but sometimes it still fails. Flipping through a book-reader program, I occasionally inadvertently press a button instead of upwards and upwards and sideways (yeah, that's you and the intermediate position!). And the book machine can be browsed through at the beginning ... We have to come back, find the desired page. Favorites, I do not put ... In short, happens. Plastic, from which the casing is made of BE-300, scratch-resistant and has a matte, textured surface. Smooth only silver inserts on the sides. So keep the machine in the hand easily and comfortably. Even in the heat of the computer does not slip from his hands and did not seem wet. But the silver insert themselves I do not like. And who like painted plastic? Bullshit some, honestly ... But the overall impression does not take away ... Now, take in hand, Palm series mXXX (in our case the m125). In my opinion the body of the inexpensive Palm `a little simple-in registration, but quite ergonomic. Lower body tide, concave button - fingers as expressed in young people, relax. Did not like the button on the computer (and the backlight). Tight, works with a loud click. But sensitive - in defiance of BE-300, in which food, sometimes, on / off is not the first time. But really liked the protective cover that shields the screen and the Palm `. In m125, it rubber, soft, with shaped bulge on the lower side - on-screen aperture, with a Plexiglas window through which you can see current time, not including the Palm - by pressing the scroll up through another cut in the same cover. Protective cover fastened hinges to the body of Palm `Yes. Rim loop drowned under a removable faceplate, so just get rid of the cap difficult. But to lose - too hard. To cover does not interfere with work, it can be pulled back.And poluotkinutom situation it becomes a stand for your computer - just like a desktop folding mirrors. And here at BE-300 cover is worthless. It is made by the same principle as in the old Palm `s third series - as a rigid hinged cover for other paper notebooks. Cover can tilt forward, increasing the size of the computer twice. Ago, it does not stack and stand (or, rather, focus) can not serve ... No, awkward thing. At his typewriter, I took it off right away ... We return to the Palm `y ... plastic base housing at the proper level, the same textured, rough to the touch surface. But removable lid with a silver (in blue m130) insert - into the black of its parts - the slippery hands and even unpleasant. Soap some (if not - tallow). And this despite the fact that the surface of plastic mat, but not smooth ... However, it is unimportant trifle, you can factor out (again - maybe my hands are incorrect).

Palm m130

By weight of both computers (BE-300 and Palm) are roughly equal - plus or minus a few grams are not considered. A Palm in size considerably smaller. And in his pocket is comfortable to wear all the same Palm. Therefore Palm `a set of five round appearance, and Casio BE-300 - Four, but that's Taken a plus.

Window in the microcosm

Now compare the screens ... a difficult task. Firstly, the cars belong to different platforms, which directly compare very difficult. And, secondly, the Casio BE-300 is one of the best screens among handheld computers in general. (Note that this is not just my opinion and the opinion of many users who have tried different machines). Screen BE-300 is built on the technology of passive matrix color LCD. Nevertheless, it looks no worse aktivnomatrichnyh reflective screens Pocket PC 2002. The reason for this high-quality matrix - once, and small (by the standards of Pocket PC) screen sizes. Resolution remains the same as that of the older models of the family - 240 by 320 pixels. I had a chance to "play" with the color vyave Sony, the screen resolution is 320 by 320, and, of course, compare it with BE. I gave preference to Casio. Even the pictures on it look better than Sony ... Although one can argue with me (I will not resist). Passive matrix (dual scan - so the on-screen BE-300 is sometimes visible band split screen) is slow down your property when displaying rapidly changing images. And it is retarding. In games it is almost invisible - because of low resolution. And when playing video ... also almost imperceptibly. Anyway, to convert movies to "pocket" format with a resolution of 160 by 160 pixels, I will gladly watched wow boevichok (fights, terrible shooting, but at the end of "our" all win). And what headphones - your ears, glasses - in my eyes and see myself formic movie, though obsmotris! .. By the way - to fit the hour and a half movie on a 64-megabyte flash drive, I divided the film into four parts. Troublesome, irrationally (laptop right there next to it), but in principle it is possible ... Palm `from these refinements are not able to do. That "movie" that can run on the Palm `s, it is not. No sound, the screen slows down. No fun. Color screen for Palm m130, too, is built on the technology of passive matrix, but looks different than the BE-300. No worse and no better, but it otherwise. Even the pictures on the screen m130 I somehow did not liked. That is, they somehow just not liked as compare video playback on these computers really really stupid ... Three features of the screen Casio BE-300 - a nasty, second and third so-so funny. Unpleasant feature - at a minimum (25%) level of the backlight is noticeable uneven illumination of the matrix. Right edge of the screen becomes yellow, which sometimes prevents view pictures and even read a book ("catches the eye, though burst). But it is necessary to add brightness and this effect disappears. Have to balance between power saving and more comfortable screen reading. So-so feature - when you turn on the BE-300 passive matrix takes time to warm up. Depending on outside temperature (and probably the nature of a particular instance of machines), the matrix is ​​heated from one to three minutes, first giving enough contrast. But then the screen comes into operation and becomes bright and contrasting. An amusing feature - the screen BE-300 is not the center of the front panel, as it seems at first glance. He shifted to the left, which is not so easy to overlook. I saw on the seventh month of ruthless exploitation of the computer ... They say, easy asymmetry person a necessary condition of beauty. Judging by appearances Casio BE-300, then the way it is. Now about the screen Palm `s budget. On the matrix m130, we have already spoken. Only add that, unlike older brothers (sisters?) M130 screen more like a darkened room, and even less fond of sunshine. In general we can say that for the Pocket PC on the street will not do any Palm m130, or Casio BE-300. In bright sunlight the screen can not see anything. In the shadow of something that can be discerned. In the room, but still enough twilight - the image is excellent. A completely different situation with a monochrome screen Palm m125 ... You know, I would not call that a small monochrome screen is m125 (and, generally, all the monochrome Palm `s) perfect. I would not call him even more or less acceptable to display grayscale graphics. But this is the only type of liquid crystal display, capable of running completely in all conditions except extreme cold and extreme heat. It is curious that on a monochrome screen m125 looks good even toys - unless, of course, be included on all cylinders imagination "palmovaldeltsa. And working with the texts are no less comfortable than on computers with color screens ... Here, I confess, I'm exaggerating a bit (once in a hundred, not more). Read with a color screen is much nicer than monochrome. Therefore, filling up on the couch with a book, I take all the same "Behu. But starting in the short-lived (or vice versa - in the long) journey into his pocket put - Palm. Ratings for the quality of the screen. Casio BE-300 - Five-one. Four-plus because of the small size put Palm m130. And three - Palm m125. But a strong triple! Muscular like a wrestler Karelin.

When the machine asks a

If we choose a PDA only on battery life, I would go with a light heart, exclaimed: "Brothers and sisters, do not you take this nonsense BE-300! Obrydaetes a board mykayas with a dead battery it!" But the fact of the matter is that lean battery - perhaps the only drawback Casio BE-300 ... But by no means unique. But the rest can be put up (still get $ 250 a full PC based on Windows CE - it is, I tell you, this good luck). On a weak battery, BE-300 is not just lazy writing. And the output seems to be unavailable - external battery pack from the most Casio's Russia is not driven (because blamed for small capacity and high price), the power supply of replacement elements looks horrible samopalom (this is) ... But then I read - "Leather Cover for the BE-300 with built-in power supply.And somewhere I read - on our site! Mama dear, yes the same is the very unique solution that pulls us, the owners of BE-300 from the pool inescapable sadness! Oh, you're my home MakTsentr! What do you really molodchinka ... Give, give the author's imagination roam! Give to dream about this wondrous gadgets. The fact that the BE-300 is difficult to find suitable to sit, as poured, cover (box, bag and so on), commonly known fact. We have to shift, selecting products companies Hama and her youngest daughter Samsonite (or - Xigma). Companies producing these wonderful handbags, some of which are suitable for Casio BE-300, like the people ... The fact that replacement items are packed in a plastic container and connected to the computer wiring, not the most elegant for the BE-300 solution is also well known. But what really can you do .. Now imagine the cover, which has a pocket for a plane ... rechargeable batteries? Yes, at least for the native from Casio (only 10 dollars - nonsense). And - a connector for the charger ... Okay, let the usual elements of AA, the main thing - this thing will not hang out somewhere near or attached to a typewriter eraser pharmacy. What can I add? Only one - waiting for ... The relatively new m130 problems such as a BE-300, operating on internal battery from 2 to 4 hours, no. In contrast, m130 "live" longer than the older models of Palm computers, since the area of ​​the screen it has a smaller, but the battery is exactly the same. That is, the load on the lithium battery, which mainly falls on the provision of energy the backlight screen, and then to meet the computing needs of the CCP, below. This and ample battery life - 8-10 hours (or longer). After suffering from the immediate discharge the battery BE-300, picking up a Palm m125, I feel, like in a pocket-computer paradise ... and evaluation of food I put these: Palm m130 - Five, Casio BE-300 - a pitiful, shameful troechku ( Yet a few hours of work). How much was food for Palm m125? If you can not put the top six, I give him a million dollars. Or even two.

Rise and shine

On the audio features Casio BE-300 can be said briefly - they're gorgeous. Impression of a little spoiled but no built-in speaker. But, you see, listen to MP3 songs better with good stereotelefonov than tiddly speaker giving sound shrill notes of cockroach ... On the sonic possibilities Palm m125 and m130 can say is even shorter - they are not at all. You can not call the sound of beeping buzzer system (which, incidentally, is in the BE-300)? As the clock all the computers described deserve only three points. Wake up faint sounds alarms BE-300 and the m125 I have get through the times.

Droplets fly in the ointment

Ideal computers did not happen ... But you know that without me. The only question is whether these or other shortcomings capable of spoiling the pleasure of working with a handheld machine. Disadvantages Casio BE-300 are in the nature of unrealized opportunities. It would be desirable, for example, without the hassle to use "Behu" paired with a cell phone. But this is impossible, since BE-300 is no infrared port, and communication cables to the popular phone models have simply not produced. But the BE-300 works seamlessly with memory cards and peripherals in the format of CompactFlash. Recognized even Micridrive! Yes, and devices for the CF slot is produced by the thousand ... Expansion cost Palm `s special raises no objections. Sorry, of course, that the periphery of the format SD cards prohibitively expensive. But other devices - the same covers, keyboards, various kinds of cables and adapters - albeit with a spoon, eat. More or less significant disadvantage Palm `and I would call a weak infrared. Stable communication is possible at a distance of 20 centimeters. But more is just not needed. Important - this same port is ... Summing the final outcome, I dare say - no matter what machine you take, whether it's Casio BE-300, Palm m130 or m125, you are in any case not lose. All of the computers - the masterpieces of engineering, graceful, intelligent digital devices, these assistants at work and home. And the cost - look at the price! By the standards of the portable digital devices 200-250 dollars is really cheap. We only need to understand that none of the handheld computers is not universal.Casio BE-300 - a remarkable "sofa" machine. She can be nice to play, can be more convenient to read a book. Or stick your computer under your pillow - so as not to wake for work. It can take with him to the metro, where for four hours in a row no one travels. But if your path stretches over the clock and it happens more frequently than once a year, it is best to choose a color Palm. He easily make it to the nearest outlet, and will not shut down because of battery depletion in the most interesting place. " Finally, for the inveterate wanderers matchplan the cities and villages and not to shun modern digital technology (such as satellite GPS navigator or stuffed unimaginable service functions of a cell phone), a good choice would be a monochrome Palm m125. He is able to perform the same tasks that computers and color. Without any special frills, but honestly and to the last drop ... alkaline electrolyte. The authors, translation:

Russian James Bond adventure in the Himalayas

As already known, June 1, Valery Babanov returned safely from an unusual journey in the Himalayas, whose goal was to attempt to conquer the peak of Meru Central. This mountain is famous for the fact that many have tried to climb it, but none is so far failed. From our newsletter you know that and this time did not succumb to the mysterious summit onslaught climber. Prevented the deceptive nature. But Valery did not lose hope yet to overcome the peak of Meru in the near future. The intrigue of this ascent was that the applicants for the first climb was three. Our competition Valeria was an eminent American mountaineer Peter Takeda, nicknamed the Big Wall (Great Wall) and his partner Deyv Sheldon. At the time of departure from the Himalayas Valeria Americans still had several days to climb. However, no system of communication they have, so the result of their expedition is still unknown. Travel Valery Babanov interesting by the fact that communication with the outside world during the ascent Valery used PDA Cassiopeia E-115, provided by the Company MakTsentr, in conjunction with a satellite phone system Inmarsat. In the Russian practice of such precedents did not exist. With this communication system, we have received and published the tape with the latest news of the expedition. On his return, Valery has kindly agreed to be interviewed edition of our site. I am pleased to present to you the most interesting moments of conversation. hPCru: Remember the adage: "A friend is known in trouble? Tell us, in your opinion can be called handheld a true friend? Did he tell you? Valery Babanov: Pocket PC I really liked and wanted to even own such a have. Very handy. When we asked Americans ascent parallel to us, try it, they were very surprised that a Russian general, there are similar things. When they saw it in my hands, and cried only: "James Bond!" Twice they sent to him by letters, they really liked it. But, more importantly, thanks to a PDA and satellite phone we Olga did not feel alienated from the world of civilization. We knew that at any moment be able to send news to home. We often receive letters from our friends. And it is very cheer up and gives strength. Therefore, assistance from him was great. I think I answered your question? .. hPCru: We know that when you left the Tapovana, the Americans continued their ascent. They reached the summit or not? VB: About Americans today not say anything definite. When we left, they were at an altitude of 5,900 m. By the way, this is their sixth attempt to conquer the Meru Central hPCru: By the way, what is the height of the summit? 6500? VB: It is not known. Measure should be considered a mythical mountain, center of the universe, they say that the top of its endless and goes into space. Nobody knows exactly its height can range from 6500 to 8000 m. Although (laughs Valery), about 8000 m of course I'm kidding ... In general, hard to conquer it. Total has already been made unsuccessful attempts to 12-13. hPCru: But you'll still be trying? VB: In late August I'm going back to that peak. The decision I made even before the departure from New Delhi. But this time I already know exactly what it was a mistake. Importantly, it is possible. I was in possession of a month. A month is not enough. To make it enough, you must either be born lucky to get to the good weather, or as all ... I was like everyone else. When we arrived, the weather was good for two weeks. But as soon as I started to climb up, after four good days of sunshine it is completely deteriorated. Then followed eight days of heavy snow, five of which I sat in limbo (literally and figuratively at the same time) in the platform on the mountain.When I went, naturally, I had all the supplies to a minimum. Second time to decide on such a long climb, I could not. The only thing I could have done - it's fast climb in alpine style, the easier but more dangerous because of possible avalanches route. However, the weather and there are not very conducive to me: time to climb the 300-400m, and then decided to go down. I stopped in time. Counting the cost, I realized that they were greatly enhanced if I am late. In particular, the purchase of new tickets would have cost a round sum.

Miracle clock or a computer on your wrist

It is likely that you will not just read or even heard of the wrist mini PDAs that can be a good partner for Pocket PC from the company's Fossil. The manufacturer even before the release of their peculiar hours of the start of their advertising campaign. The set of reviews of those who managed to get this product for testing began by saying that perhaps these watch big. In other words, the original, but more controversial ... and we will try to find out what is in itself a device.

It's my size!

To begin with about the same size. If we compare the Fossil Wrist PDA with the average sports watch, you will notice that the first still more, however, is not much. In addition, reviews, PDA watch is quite light. In the digital equivalent clock parameters can be expressed as follows: 44mm long, 50mm wide, 15mm thick, and weighs 75 grams. May not be too elegant for the ladies, but just right for someone who wants to show off a miracle technology. For many, this device may be a good substitute for a PDA in campaigns, on weekends and in the field for continued access to the diary, address book and other functions of the usual PDAs.

What do we have?

In a round plastic containers Fossil, according to the manufacturer, put everything necessary for modern man. Includes self Wrist PDA-PC, a cradle for synchronization, CD with software applications, instructions for use, and 8 3V lithium batteries. Stand allows you to place for information exchange and Pocket PC clock in close proximity to each other. Fossil feeds two batteries, which should suffice for 1,5 - 3 months depending on use. When the batteries sit down, all information is stored in flash memory. Wrist PDA-PC runs on an 8-bit processor, and Epson has a 48Kb ROM and 190Kb RAM. Contacts section allows you to store two phone numbers, two fax numbers, two other contact numbers, email and notes for each contact. Diary supports the days, weeks, months of review and notification of meetings of the signal. However, memory is limited to 40Kb Diary, in addition, if you take all the memory, the download will take considerable time. Recommendation of the manufacturer is only 5Kb. In the cold, this is quite be enough. According to reviews, missing. With the help of Conduits Peacemaker Fossil Edition software, you can choose how far into the past and the future of watches will be synchronized with Pocket PC.

Conduits Peacemaker Fossil Edition

After installing the software on a Pocket PC and run it, a window will appear initialization. Synchronization, depending on the amount of information, will take between a minute or more. In addition, it may take a few minutes itself processing the information that the user wants to send to the Wrist PDA-PC. After initializing the main window pops up. Here you can see the total amount of information for the intended timing and amount of free space on your device and make the appropriate adjustments by pressing Edit. You can sync Diary, contacts, notes and tasks on the user's choice.If desired, you can create a folder Fossil and places the files to sync. In addition, on the main screen displays the estimated time synchronization and the state at some point in the bottom of the screen. Menu Tools (Tools) provides access to set the clock (Watch Setup). In plants, you can choose one of four options for the appearance of the screen. After the selection, just click Beam Watch Face and arrange a pocket computer and watch at close distance from each other.

That there show your watch?

After synchronizing Pocket PC and watch Fossil, handheld computer can be left at home and enjoy the Wrist PDA-PC for basic information. The device 7 basic options: Today (Today), Calendar (Diary), Contacts (Contact), Tasks (Tasks), Notes (Notes), Beam (Sync), Time / Date (Time / Date). Used to control the cross-shaped joystick and two large buttons on either side of him. With their help select and start the application. Long press the left button activates the backlight.

Task List

Screen Size hours - 1.3 inches, and resolution 102h64 point. Most right-hand button is used to going back and access the menu.

And finally ...

With all of the above manufacturers somehow forgot about the clock function per se. They practically do not exist: Missing and alarm clock, and stopwatch, and other basic functions. espite this, one can safely say that the Fossil Wrist PDA-PC - stylish device for gadget lovers and outdoor activities that can successfully replace the Pocket PC in the field. So, for $ 145 you can now buy a new device for mobile professionals. Sources, Materials:

Before the decisive assault

The world-renowned climber Valery Babanov gave an exclusive interview with special correspondent HPCru Andrei Kuznetsov in the Himalayas. As you know, Valerie is now preparing for a decisive assault on an impregnable wall of Meru Central, or as it is often called "shark fins". Interview, which we received yesterday, was transferred via satellite using a satellite phone Nera Worldphone and Pocket PC Cassiopeia E-125. HPCru: Valery as mood and health before the storm? Valery Babanov: The mood is good, feel even better. True, sorry I did not have time to finish reading a book. HPCru: Is there any sign, which may affect the success of the ascent, and which do you trust? VB: Will none. Importantly - the weather. When I went on a new route to the Grand Zharas, I fell into a crevasse, missed eight (rope). Then the avalanche ... These are the signs were, and climb it came out very classy. HPCru: What do you think should be done before you step up the route, or, as you say, tear: check your rope and insurance, to pray, or something else? VB: Pray it never hurts. Come and check out all too:) HPCru: How far will need to go to the top of the separation point? VB: According to preliminary calculations - about 600-700 meters of ice, and then more work on the ridge. HPCru: Why did you give up your first route, and chose the spring path of the Americans? VB: Yes, this route has been declared in the spring of Takeda and Sheldon, but really they were not on it. First they tried to pass through my spring, but then was taken to traverse the claimed route. Due to bad weather and higher they go, and went down. The maximum point reached by the Americans - 5900-5950 m. It must be said that the mountain has changed dramatically since the spring. The lower part of the old route became very kamneopasnoy. So, in my opinion, today the route of ascent on the right buttress seems more appropriate. HPCru: And can it be like to change something on the spot on the wall, if you fail the weather? VB: The route chosen, and in my opinion, it is very logical. And half of the route I have already passed. True, there might be a correction of ice - everything will depend on the snow cornices on the ridge. HPCru: How long can you stay on the platform under the weather? VB: Even though you like, until you run out of food, gas, and, most importantly, the mood. HPCru: How many days do you plan to spend on the ascent of the route? VB: The lower part of the required 5-day work. The upper part in good weather expected for 3 to 4 days. But it is only on estimates, on the spot to be seen. In general, hard to tell because the top had no one there. HPCru: Will you, being on the wall to be interested in letters from home or simply do not have time? VB: Of course I will! For me very important support from home. Between me and Igor will be a constant radio contact, and every day he would send and retrieve mail. HPCru: How will the descent? VB: Two days. HPCru: What do you feel, hanging over a precipice, while paving the route? VB: This is a complex conglomerate of feelings. This includes everything: the terror and ecstasy of freedom, and the feeling that you're the first ... Well, a lot more then. HPCru: A approaching the top of the sensations change? VB: Yes, of course. Gradually begin to understand that victory is somewhere nearby. It must be very careful at such moments it is hard to turn back - you rveshsya to the top. But the feeling of closeness, of course, gives strength. HPCru: Valery, and you are worried, who took on the trip? VB: There is a little bit. Each route, the more new and complex - a step into the unknown. HPCru: How would you rate your chances of success? VB: I do not want to talk about it. HPCru: Where do you usually draws its strength, if you feel that they are exhausted? How to cheer up a situation of extreme fatigue? VB: From the inside, where else, and from his two decades of experience. In the end, each man has a thirst for life. I was always someone waiting, someone peerezhivaet.It's like Saint-Exupery in the story "Terre des Hommes, about that pilot who crashed a plane high in the Andes. He could have died, but he vsegla remembered that he was waiting at the bottom that he someone roads, and this was its main driving force for which he was still alive. HPCru: Did you have this situation yesterday or today, for example? VB: It was not. Yesterday we were playing whist, and now raised in the high-altitude base camp. And then, of course, and another is not easy, but with risk to life is not related exactly:)) HPCru: How is the ascent of Meru? You can give yourself an assessment? VB: I think it is good. HPCru: How many hours you work on the wall? VB: When I work, I work 10-11 hours. It all depends on the situation. When will be a decisive assault, I can work through all 24 hours. Working day I have irregular :-). HPCru: Valery, you have so many competitors. How do you feel about that? This is your "spur" or annoying? VB: It's not that and not another. They are all very nice people, especially the four Japanese, with whom we live side by side and as good friends. HPCru: You said that you can usually anticipate, guess what will happen in the mountains. Your intuition is now "working"? And what did she tell you? VB: So far nothing has been said. To activate the intuition needed a complicated situation, but we will try to avoid it:) The interview was given on September 13 at 20.50 local time in a tent Valery Babanov and Igor Zdanovich, located in high-altitude base camp. The authors, translation:

My friend from Asus A600

A new friend is better than the old two?

Actually, of course, still the question of who is better ... But the new Pocket PC MyPal A600 (the title translates as "my friend"), released by Taiwan's ASUS, really good. Briefly it can be described as - "a little like Palm, powerful as the Pocket PC". Although, why - how? This is the Pocket PC ... There are no revolutionary innovations in the MyPal you will not find. This is the usual Pocket PC of the last generation, equipped with powerful 400-MHz processor PXA250 (same Intel Xscale). Just made this computer, as all that goes under the brand ASUS, at a decent level. True, there are in this nice machine an attractive and very distinctive feature. It's about an extremely long battery life on your computer. Energy lithium battery lasts as much as 15 hours. A record result, given the small size of the computer itself. How did they build into the pocket little girl a long-lived battery? Although it's probably not so much in the battery, but in well-implemented power saving features ... MyPal A600 (except time work) nothing special stand. The standard PDA-class memory - 32 MB of permanent (flash) and 64 megabytes of. Full-color (65536 colors) reflective display with switchable backlight. All the necessary multimedia stuffing (integrated audio, headphone, microphone). Memory card slot, the ability to connect additional devices (using a standard technique which has become worn "jackets"). But all together turned out just great. Let's take a closer look at the machine - from the perspective of an ordinary user, not a specialist. This can be useful, since ASUS company is not only accurate but also very persistent. It is unlikely to be limited to Asian and European markets, which means that soon we will see MyPal on the shelves of our stores, touch, taste, and quite possibly, to buy for personal use.

A kind word to someone old

I have not noticed that any product manufactured by ASUS has decent quality, and therefore stands out motley variety of competing offerings. I can only confirm this observation, as a longtime user of computer components from ASUS. Many years (for rapid computer standards, of course) on my PC, now owned by his son, the motherboard is ASUS P3B-F. Obsolescent, it still copes with its responsibilities, and never for more than three years has not delivered any problems. This spontaneous and not sanctioned by anyone (not to be considered the author's worse than it actually is) dithyramb - a tribute to one of the most respected Asian manufacturers dobivshemusya impressive quality of the computer named "glands." Incidentally, the reason for my conservative (as you can hold on to the old as a pterodactyl egg, a technique?) That I can not pick up their "big" car worthy replacement. Components of the cheaper ASUS can not call and waste your time on the devices of dubious origin is not desirable. (The real reason lies in my innate skuperdyaystve and that I have long been over to the laptops). Why these intimate confessions? In addition, the new Pocket PC will certainly cause the trust of many users, who ate more than one peck of salt with an unnamed production machines, and then appreciate the products of recognized brands. Personally, I am in no way have no doubt as computers from Hewlett-Packard and Casio. But if I had a choice at the time (still is - not the last day we live!), I would very much thought of whether to take my machine from ASUS ... In the meantime, with the curiosity to view images MyPal A600 and re releases. And while I think that the new machines from Toshiba appeared very serious competitor. Especially the ASUS in the field of handheld computers is no longer a rookie.

Raisin in Taiwan

What can be seen in the photographs, and what you can deduct in the specification suggests that the machine should turn out successful. The convenience of the location of the control buttons keep silent because they are comfortable in any case where they do not Pristrom (the user is able to get used to anything if it's not quite so outrageous trash). But on the body machine can talk to. The fact that the body MyPal made of aluminum. The fashion for light alloys as the structural CCP is not opening ASUS. In aluminum were collected computers Palm Vxx, Sony Series T, popular iPaq. And this is not always turned out good, although at first glance metal housing must be durable plastic. Polished or matted in a special way aluminum is protected against oxidation with varnish. According to the experience of using machines Sony (alas, not me, but a close acquaintance) I know that in normal operation, when the computer hangs in the pocket with keys and other "stitching" items, aluminum body rapidly loses its marketability. That is covered with scratches and dents. That's not all. Where constant contact fingers polishes plastic to an unpleasant gloss, protective coating aluminum body darkens, and then descends. As of this scourge or protect themselves, and it completely unavoidable. On the other hand, the surface of the shell structure MyPal looks like the surface of lighters Zippo. You know, those old, broken time, cigarette lighters, which forty years of age, and anything they do not do it. Among these new instances, too, come across, if you choose not courtly splendor and stark cowboy sermyagu ... Anyway, see what happens in reality. The outer casing MyPal very attractive. Especially a couple of LED indicators, dashing to go off the left side, and holes in the navigation button, reveal a systematic speaker.

Good friend should be more

It in fact must be more so if it's a true friend. Not in terms of physical size, so at least with respect to the brain ... The MyPal A600 built-in slot for flash memory cards and various devices extension format MultiMedia card and Secure Digital. So, it was stated during his first presentation of cars in March 2002 at an exhibition in Hanover. That is a normal slot, SD / MMC, which with a light hand Palm became the accepted industry standard. Dimensions cards SD / MMC slot to allow you to squeeze the most compact body, not sacrificing anything except, perhaps, the user's wallet. Yet tiddly Secure Digital cards are significantly more expensive than popular CompactFlash. The computer press is possible to find a reference to a promise to release the ASUS MyPal "jacket" with a slot CF. Such an extension would take advantage of peripherals, which are in the form factor CF produced more (at least for now) than in the miniature buildings SD.

A healthy, deep sleep

However, the main feature of the new PDA - energy system. Indeed, 15 hours of standard battery does not work, no family of handheld Pocket PC. Can do it only keyboard Jornada 720, and then only with a substantial addition in the form of an optional external battery ... For many years the acknowledged leader in energy-saving technologies for laptops was the company Apple. Today portable Macs that are weak and slow does not call one of the "LPs" notebooks on the market. Technologies that were used in the PowerBook `iBook` ah and ah, it's special hardware and software mechanisms to monitor the load on the computer systems and their inaction instantly lower supply voltage, thus reducing the overall power consumption laptop.Example - stop the hard drive with no recourse to him for some time in plants. Apple did not achieve passed notebook manufacturers a family of Wintel. Today, all laptops in varying degrees are supplied with systems of energy saving, but not all allow you to extend battery life the way it works a little Macs. In the field of handheld computers the problem of limited battery capacity is greatest. In a small enclosure PDA is physically impossible to build enough capacity battery ... capacious enough - for what? In the first place to ensure effective illumination color screen, without which the PDA can be used only in daylight. The second energy consumer battery - the CPU. Consequently, the scheme of energy must somehow manage energy lamp backlight (lamp itself must also be extremely cost-effective) and lower power CPU during idle times. How does the proprietary technology ASUS Smart Power Saving, remains a mystery. But if we are not talking about hungry every minute "fainting" PDA and computer is able to function at maximum energy efficiency, the engineers and in fact succeeded in convincing results ... Unfortunately, the manufacturer's battery life of handheld computer is rarely the case. That means, for example, the formula - "a normal work week? Normal for whom? For a normal user, which includes a machine for fifteen seconds a day? What he then normal, this poor user? Very often, this "rule" is reduced to what a computer is recommended to use no more than an hour a day at minimum brightness backlight. In such circumstances, the standard Pocket PC can work without recharging, and two weeks, and the most defective in this respect, Casio BE-300 seems to be simply long-lived. In practice, the BE-300 does not pull and 4 hours of continuous battery life, and other Pocket PC work a little more ... What can I say? We'll see. ASUS never seems to be not deceived by their users. If notified 15 hours, then, must be exactly 15 ... Or at least 14 and a half.

Cold shower for a hot head

Massive sales MyPal A600 should start coming in the fall. Around late September - early October, the clipper can be expected in Europe. Around the same time, I think, she gets up to us. Another question - whether to last out till it we? The expected cost of new items - about $ 700. Obtained wow sweet ... Yet even this computer, and handsome, but no extraordinary "bloat" deprived. He hath no built-in Bluetooth, no camera, no pull-out keyboard. What is there still ohmuryayut unsuspecting buyers, developers handheld machines? However, such equipment as computers Pocket PC, cheap in any case does not happen. But now the potential user of the Pocket PC there are additional options. Someone will catch the fancy new Toshiba e310, someone will be faithful iPaq `y, someone will not stay to see MyPal. Let them be as much as possible. And let them be as diverse as possible. The authors, translation:

The story of one of the expedition

We bring to your attention a photo report about the trip special correspondent Andrey Kuznetsov HPCru the Indian Himalayas. Most recently, he visited at the foot of the peak of Meru, shestitysyachnika, famous for its inaccessibility, and witnessed the initial phase of ascent on this mountain climber Russian Valery Babanov. Andrew has provided technical support to the expedition Valery, its relationship with the mainland, and held at an altitude of 5000 meters Test Kit mobile communications: the satellite phone of Inmarsat in conjunction with handheld computers Cassiopeia E-125 and Palm IIIxe. In addition, our author has tested as a power source for the original set of solar cells, created by specialist of mobile development company MakTsentr. But first things first. The streets of Indian cities - a chaos of people, bikes, sidecars, and other amazing vehicles. Taken Casio QV-3500, t 30oC, morning Descended rural piled dirt mountain road and blocked traffic for several hours. Common in these parts. Taken Casio QV-3500, t 28oC, day The PDA Handspring Visor - Map Garhwal Himalayan region. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4700 m, day Electric current produced by solar cells, enough to work simultaneously with the re-charging your Pocket PC. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4300 m, noon In the shadows of the tents of base camp to work with Cassiopeia - a pleasure. Taken Casio QV-3500, the day in a tent Shivling - a beautiful mountain area. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4300 m, noon Tapovan in Hindi means "place of meditation."Here, at an elevation of 4300 meters above sea level, is the base camp expedition Valery Babanov. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4300 m, the morning Himalayan bright sun charges the battery Cassiopeia less than an hour. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4300 m, noon Satellite phone to charge it requires at least 7 hours. While charging the phone is in the tent, while the battery is fried in the sun. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4300 m, day. In the mountains, are necessary not only handheld computers, and other equipment. Valery Babanov is preparing for a decisive assault on the peak of Meru. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 meters, night, t 5oC www.HPC.ru in the Himalayas. September 2001, the district Garhwal, India Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5000 meters, night, t 0oC Flag MakTsentr company - at an altitude of 5000 meters at the foot of the array of Meru Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5000 meters, night, t 0oC Sharing photos with a Japanese expedition. Japanese, oddly enough, did not have their own computers and communications, except for a small domestic radio. Our computers and digital camera from Casio has caused a lot of enthusiastic sighs: "Oh, Casio ...." Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4900 m, evening, t 5oC We have offered the Japanese to send a letter home through our channel of communication. They gratefully took advantage of the proposal, quickly making a brief letter to the Cassiopeia EG-800, though never before on a PDA is not working. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4900 m, evening, t 5oC Here it is, the purpose of the expedition - the peak of Meru Central, the highest point of a sharp edge "Shark Fin". For many years she never bent climbers. For the first time joined the top of this mysterious mountain foot Valery Babanov, and it happened on Sept. 22, 2001 Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5100 m, morning, t 15oC Www.HPC.ru flag flutters in the heart of the Himalayas at an altitude of 5,100 meters.Already above the clouds! Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5100 m, evening, t 10oC Expeditionary Complex communication: satellite phone Nera Worldphone with extensive antenna, Cassiopeia E-125, an external power supply unit. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5100 m, day, t 15oC Igor Zdanovich, lying in a tent high camp ABC, monitors working on the wall Valery Babanov. Antenna pointing to the south, is receiving mail. Thread that ties with the house, again stretches thousands of miles away Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5100 m, day, t 15oC A few days until Babanov stormed the summit, the expedition members were able to communicate with him only on the radio. Zdanovich Igor, assistant to Valery and the permanent operator deploys equipment for the next communication session. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 meters, day, t 15oC "How do you hear me? I atop! Transmit news to Russia! "Within minutes Moscow email received joyful news:" ... Today 22/09/2001 in 15.10 (Omsk time) Valery Babanov climbed vertex Meru Centralnaya. Altimeter showed height 6310 meters. The weather is excellent ... "A few minutes later found out about it the whole world Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 meters, day, t 15oC Expedition Equipment: Cassiopeia E-125, satellite phone, a pair of VHF radios Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 meters, day, t 15oC New firm Camping Gas: gas burner on the basis of Compact Flash, designed specifically for the expedition, equipped Cassiopeia E-125. In the photo: CF-burner portable gas cylinder in the New firm Camping Gas: gas burner on the basis of Compact Flash, designed specifically for the expedition, equipped Cassiopeia E-125. In the photo: CF-burner portable gas cylinder in the Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5000 meters, night, t 5oC Cassiopeia EG-800 transcend any shaking and dust of Indian roads, no frost and snow of Himalayas.Height - 5000 meters, wet snow glacier Meru Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 5000 meters, night, t 5oC In bad weather with a Cassiopeia E-125 is better to hide under a rock - after all the water it is not protected ... Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 meters, day, t 10oC Sometimes you just need to hear the mother's voice, and no e-mail is not replaced. Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 m, morning, t 15oC The last letter before the decisive assault Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 m, morning, t 15oC All good Cassiopeia, now only her screen poorly visible in bright alpine sunshine. Accounts blanking palm or climb into tent. However, the small inconvenience is more than compensated reliability and dependability of this remarkable handheld Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4950 m, morning, t 15oC Automatic weather station: electricity to the sensors comes from solar panels and wind turbine generator. These weather stations scattered throughout the valleys of the Indian Himalayas Taken Casio QV-3500, the height of 4450 meters, day, t 20oC Mountain range with the interesting name Vasyuki. Chessplayers Countryside spotted were not. But on rocky wall easily notice Coif preparer to spring cobra. Photographed Casio QV-3500 height 4800 m, day, t 15oC Authors translation:

Courageous middling from the country of the Rising Sun or Sony PEG-SJ30 at first glance. Part One

It seems that Sony has decided to return to the production of handheld entry level and middle class. Proof of this can serve as a release of Sony PEG-SJ30 - the first color model, Medium price category. Its price in America - about $ 300. Exact figures are manufacturer has not yet announced. Given the fact that, until now, Sony engaged exclusively release high-end PDAs NR-series, T series, and quite unpretentious model series S, the publication of the SJ30 and SJ20 and his fellow SL10 is coboy birth of a new line of devices the middle class. We bring to your attention a mini-review of new items, the first part of which was published on the site PalmInfocenter. Its author has not tested the device, but it makes the conclusions of those materials that are in his possession.

Face

In this regard, the SJ30 was a success: Sony decided not to save and equipped handheld display, not inferior in quality screen, hi-end handhelds T615C: high, as with all Sony, resolution - 320x320 pixels, no glare, unlike the younger series handhelds S. Colors are displayed accurately, without erosion, and distortion. However, without the disadvantages of not happened. White color gives a little blue, and the lower edge of the matrix is ​​somewhat obscured. Feedback from early users, the best PDA with work in the room, but you can if you are already very much want to use it on the street, even in direct sunlight.

Statuette

I must say that the SJ30 is not the most graceful of the family palmovyh. Its dimensions - 10.41 x7, 37h1, 78 cm at almost 150 grams - enough for a hefty brick of his shirt pocket. However, this is shorter than most color handheld PDAs from Sony. Beginner maintained in the corporate style: plastic housing in white and silvery tones that disguise is complete. All models of the new series of middle-class S (SL10, SJ20 and SJ30) have the same dimensions.

Memory Stick

One of the distinguishing features of the products Sony - proprietary slot standard, Memory Stick, whose presence allows you to expand memory capacity PDAs, as well as its capabilities (eg, add Communication Technology with a desktop PC or mobile via Bluetooth using the Bluetooth Memory Stick). The company plans to issue cards Memory Stick capacity to 5 GB while also offering users a more modest 128 MB MS. In SJ30 slot "works more slowly than similar models have a higher class. This means that downloading files and applications from the Memory Stick card will take some time.

Accessories

Due to the fact that the new model is equipped with the same HotSync connector that and a series of T, this PDA can be used accessories, designed for older models. Given the fact that it is this has become a universal connector for the entire range of products Sony, selection of accessories is rich enough.

SJ 30 against T615S?

Since the SJ30 will debut with a starting price, which is identical to the true value of the CPC T615S, these models can not avoid comparisons. No new items have improved microphone and IR port, which is equipped with T615S. In principle, the list goes on, but you must immediately specify that we are comparing fundamentally different device classes.SJ30 in any case is not an extension of hi-end line of T, the price at which the model was reduced gradually and reached to this point, the average level. SJ30, in turn, is positioned as a mid-range PDA, and therefore more appropriate to compare it with models of the same weight category, where the handheld was virtually nothing inferior to its competitors. Sources, Materials: