Computex 2007: ultra-mobile PCs

UMPC

After the big promises for the size, operation time and estimated prices UMPC devices during start-up Microsoft's platform has been more than two years. So far we have not seen for sale any device approaching the framework outlined at the presentation even slightly close. For two years, only a few manufacturers have created devices in the UMPC platform and even fewer models have reached the shelves. Certainly, a significant role in the overall picture is the high price of representatives of the UMPC. For example, Samsung Q1 (called, incidentally, the official Russian website "ultraportable") is in Russia, about 25,000 rubles. But progress is not in place, manufacturers are not asleep and are more compact UMPC, which are mainly based on the sign referred to the second generation UMPC.

Everun Raon

Perhaps the most high-quality and interesting UMPC from all represented at the exhibition. Is the next generation after the model of Vega, a commercially available including here in Russia. There will be released in 4 versions and will be available in mid-July. Retail prices range depending on the "charge" will be from 600 to 900 USD. That's so it will look lineup. As you can see, the line seems to be quite reasonable - you can choose your own version, a compromise between memory size, speed and operating time. Standard battery capacity of 2300 mAh, which occupies almost the entire area of ​​the device from the bottom, can really provide 6 hours of work. High-capacity battery of 4000 mAh battery will increase the life of almost twice as thick Everun Raon - 5-7 mm. Housing, keypad and buttons are made of a very high level, no comment on the quality not. The issue of ergonomics in this case in the exhibition was considered almost impossible - very much need to think about much at such a large number of controls. But at first glance, all in their places. Machine heavy, after all, a pound, and work with it in an upright position while typing, it will certainly contribute to the development of muscles.

Raon Everun

With regard to recruitment and keyboard buttons, the situation is simple. Producer actually implemented the full standard QWERTY keyboard on the front panel, including the keys F1-F12 and various modifiers - Fn, Alt, Ctrl, and as a vertical and a horizontal orientation of the device.To control the cursor under the right arm is provided "mouse versa" (are leading your finger on the viewers), and under his left hand - the joystick. Will be useful and buttons to toggle the screen resolution, adjust the CPU frequency. In accordance with the specification UMPC resolution touch screen is 800 by 480 pixels, size - 4.8 inches. Integrated 2D accelerator can display an image on the screen image is scaled up to 1680 to 1050 points, and the external video output - up to 1920 to 1200. Also present on the standard modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And on top of the standard - HSDPA modules and WiMAX. In general, it can be called Everun Raon UMPC this second generation, the work done a lot.

Amtek U560

One of the new UMPC from Amtek, despite its modest size, has a screen with a truly "adult" resolution of 1024 by 600 pixels, while the diagonal it is only 4.8 inches. The screen can be moved, thus freeing up the keyboard, designed to work your thumbs. All design fits pretty tight, no backlash, has a sliding screen door closer and locking mechanism. Amtek U560, perhaps, stout (36 mm), lies in the hands of the weight (700 grams). Shifted the screen, however, practically does not create additional burdens. UMPC is based on Intel A110 processor and the Intel A100, the frequencies of 600 and 800 MHz. Default memory installed 512 MB (400 MHz), but it is possible to replace a module of 1 GB. Passive cooling machine is not enough - in the body hidden fan that will certainly impact on energy consumption. Another highlight of the device - Built-in CF slot on the top. And also want to note the presence of two full-size USB port on the left side. Otherwise, features fairly standard for a UMPC - modules WiFi and Bluetooth, navigation, stereo, programmable buttons. The options provided docking station with a large number of additional ports and high-capacity battery.

Amtek U560

Expect Amtek U560 in the world market is in October, at prices so far no information, as well as the exact list of the range.

Amtek T770

Unfortunately, Amtek T770 can not leave a price band "around 1000" - it should be on sale in July at a price around 850 USD. Built on the VIA chipset and a 1.2 GHz CPU VIA C7M NaNo. 7-inch screen has a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels. No outstanding and innovative in the device there. Performance on average.

Amtek T770

FIC CE260

Curious UMPC subnotebook has shown once again the company First International Computer (FIC). FIC CE260 has a special slot for additional modules - GSM, GPS, DVB, watches and so on. Nest is located next to the screen and is a very controversial decision. Modules that the user will have to purchase an additional, suitable only for a given model or line of FIC, and will not be used in any other way. However, much depends on the prices that are not yet known.Subnotebook has a touch 7-inch wide-screen output DVI, as well as built-in slots for four formats fleshpamyati cards.

FIC CE260

At the exhibition this model shows at several booths under different names. Clear answers about the availability and the price could be obtained. Themselves as models looked more like engineering instances. The situation appears to be normal - a cycle of development, created test models, but now started thinking, how did it sell, and whether it is necessary at all.

Gigabyte U60

Introduced at CeBIT 2007 and has quietly launched a retail UMPC from Gigabyte is perfectly weighted standard solution, but more expensive even in their homeland - in Taiwan it is around 900 USD. We have repeatedly written about this device, therefore, to dwell on it makes no sense. We only note that, as in the case of the communicators, the company may think the manufacture of body parts from more modern plastics. However, it is likely that the Gigabyte in this case is not as a producer, and U60 gets under OEM.

Gigabyte U60

Compact computers

We talked about about half of all the UMPC solutions exhibition. Models behind the scenes, hardly worthy of attention and are unlikely to have any future in the form in which there are now. Too many vendors are ready computers and components try to orient some of their designs to create a compact mobile solutions. Besides UMPC-like computer offers a wide selection of all sorts of specialized solutions for home and just not full of very powerful PC in a very compact body and with passive cooling. Expect the appearance (and in our market in particular) low-cost ready platforms in a modest-sized buildings, such as 800 MHz x86 + 256 MB of memory with no fans in the housing 17x12x4 cm for 150-200 USD. Add to this any 2.5 inch HDD, Linux and obtain a completely quiet affordable solution for your home network.

Conclusion

The first half of 2007, not without the participation of Computex, the year has brought a lot of interesting new features. Even in the summer vacation season is expected to appear here in Russia to sell several new models of smartphones and related equipment. Let's hope that fall will be just as exciting for the fans PDAs and smartphones. The authors, translation:

Grinder on HBO Pee "- are looking to Jornada 928

This, of course, is not about cooking techniques, and a new device from Hewlett-Packard - Jornanda 928. "Grinder" - a gentle poetic image, frivolous allegory was invented solely for the sake of a witticism ... In the second half of February at the Cannes Congress (3GSM World Congress) by means of wireless communication, there were two great events. First, it introduced a new mobile platform - Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition. Secondly, along with a new platform for the interested public have submitted production-ready example of the first communicator that combines the advantages (and disadvantages) of the operating system Pocket PC 2002 and the actual cell phone. Events and in fact quite extensive. Try to think of even one failed project Microsoft in the past, say, eight years. No se. All that is taken largest software company in the world, begins to make a profit and is hardly any industry standard (and the fact that until the standard is not, in the near future will certainly be). On the other hand, the "pocket-portable", that develops Hewlett-Packard, very soon becomes a popular and commercially successful product (well, let not all, HP is sometimes mop up their development, just teased dreaming user press releases - is typical for high-tech companies practice of studying the prospects for new items). Since Microsoft began to develop a relatively uncharted niche for itself of mobile communication devices, and Hewlett-Packard did not hesitate to prepare to release a device based on the latest development of MS, something that remains to us, potential buyers of products of these monsters? Probably ready for carving up the situation in the mobile communications market. You know Gates - insistent, as Timur and his team ... And I say - well done ... Communicator Issue Jornada 928 (in the periodical he called a smartphone, but it is a problem of classification - is difficult to organize that for the most part still maturing in the minds of designers) is scheduled for the summer. If the 928-m does not happen the same thing with some magnificently previous advertised (if not by then - the press) Development of HP, in the summer and we'll see. In the meantime, will have to try this fruit vpriglyadku overseas.

Beauty - terrible force

Externally Communicator looks like any Jornada, that is perfect (very similar to the Jornada 568, already sold in Russia). It is worth noting that the designers Hewlett-Packard managed to create his own style PDA. Moreover, the style instantly recognizable and yet not pretentious. If we compare the handheld machine (irrespective of platform) from different manufacturers, you can easily find some interesting design features of small computers. Bright appearance, for example, Sony Clie points to its Asian origin. Not go wrong with computers Cassiopeia, although they glare less. Machines from Compaq smacks of big American cars - with wings and shiny chrome lining ... Jornada in this regard reminds me softly luxury Jaguar or Bentley. Smooth contours, quiet decoration. But in the practical use of these computers are distinguished by good ergonomics - the hand is not a coincidence that the catch. Appearance - is not so unimportant factor. Pocket PC or its improved version - the wireless device - a tool strictly personal use. Unlike full-size computers and even laptops, handheld computers are always with you, always in front, close at hand.Try a more or less long time popolzovavshis Zippo lighter and its Chinese "analog". Like and the differences are small and feel exactly the opposite. I Jornada 928 looks solid car, but not fun, and - a working tool. Metallics (perhaps metal) bezel, rounded hardware buttons in the form of "tongues" (unexpectedly recalls smiley - a small smile), a compact central button-joystick. In the lower right side of the front panel slots are visible microphone. Communicator screen size almost equal to the usual screen Pocket PC (89 mm diagonally with a standard resolution of 240x320 pixels - inferior or not) on the characteristics - too (aktivnomatrichny reflective color screen dims). Good or bad for a portable mobile communications to be seen in practice. Judging by sales of smartphones from other manufacturers (in particular - on the basis of the operating system Symbian), dimensions are of great importance. Say what you like, but it's not just a computer, which can be kept in a purse in his hand, placed him on the table, but also a phone that should attach to your ear and easily, without any inconvenience to be hand held. It begs the conclusion - many potential users deterred exactly the size of communicators. Dimensions Jornada 928 - 137 x 77.8 x 16.7 mm and weighs 184 g. and a peculiar form of a flat rectangular body - a natural for PDAs and unusual for a cell phone. Ironically, it is easier to create a foldable keyboard device, which is "marching" is able, though a few "marker", but - a traditional phone. That is an age-old habit of long telephone receiver with reduced ear pads and the usual keypad is not such a pushover.

Constructive prosperity

I am in the Jornada 928 is most like a slot for memory cards and plug-ins format CompactFlash (Type I - then, still only for flash memory cards). This is because of personal bias, because a meaningful argument otsutctvuet. But I am in fact CF seems most comfortable standard - including because of the availability and ease of use of adapters for different memory cards compatibility with portable devices because of the low value of the cards in this format (all the same thing can be said any other format flash memory card). Hinged antenna - in the upper left-hand edge (looks like a miniature dagger abrek). Immediately above, on the front panel - the control unit and indication integrated phone (built-in module, or simply an integrated part of electronic circuitry - not yet aware that correctly). In the center are three alarm LEDs on the left - cut the speaker. That is, attaching the device to your ear, you get exactly the cell phone (only, I repeat, wide and flat). I have Jornada and hinged transparent cover that covers the screen, but leave a free button on the bottom of the unit and check the phone display with a pair of buttons (call, and lifting) at the top. Control display with blue backlight, a couple of phone buttons and the possibility of autonomous operation of the main components of the system - the main structural feature of the communicator, which distinguishes it from competing devices. The fact that this is a dual-processor machine. The computer, like any machine class Pocket PC 2002, built on a processor Intel StrongARM SA-1110 with an operating frequency 206 MHz, and the telephone part - based on the processor OMAP710 with an operating frequency 133 MHz.(Just ask for forgiveness for any mistakes, according to some sources, a hybrid processor that includes chipsetTCS2500 with support for GSM / GPRS - which is true, we learn later, when the device will become a commodity rather than a picture in an advertising booklet). From a practical point of view of the possibility of independent operation of computer and telephone parts of the communicator can not be overestimated. The main disadvantage of such devices is the high consumption of computer parts and devices, as a consequence, reduce the overall operating time of the communicator. The second major drawback - the battery is stranded or malfunction of one of the modules will incapacitate, and phone and computer. User suddenly loses all at once. Jornada 928 to use the communicator as a phone can not including a computer and vice versa, you can not use a computer including a telephone. Small capacity internal battery designers "won" an unexpected and at the same time, the most obvious way - simply supplement the built-regular battery replacement outside (of course, lithium-polymer). And again - from a practical point of view of the second battery is a great solution. According to the company of two batteries is sufficient for continuous operation device as a PDA for 12 hours, as the phone - talk time of 3 hours in standby for 120 hours. Themselves very good performance can be improved, taking with him if necessary, a spare replacement battery. Or even two ... Simple solution, but as it lacks many of the owners of PDAs based on Windows CE (primarily because of "extravagance" of small computers with color screens and small-capacity built-in batteries) ...

National question

It is curious that the company has prepared a first version of Communicator Jornada 928 is a standard European wireless GSM 900/1800 and is only going to release a CDMA version for America. However, the blame Hewlett-Packard in the lack of patriotism is not necessary (we do, the Russian users of GSM - the more so). Machine prepared for public display it in Europe. Plus rabid pace of development and exploration ... In short, everything is clear ... The question is - will be whether the new Jornada in Russia, will be suitable for use in our environment and how the designers managed to not spoil the telephone makeweight computer part of the communicator. "With the summer" - the concept is too loose to try to identify a specific timeframe. Clearly not on June 1, but not 1 August (when most countries in Europe, the markets which the communicator and is designed, business activity subsides and begins during the summer holidays). Anyway, the new device from HP has all chances to win back market share communicators class HI-end, especially when you consider that the model almost ready for serial production. Class of devices is likely to determine its cost - about a thousand dollars, "about" with a plus, not minus. These assumptions are not groundless, it is necessary only to look at the price already being manufactured communicators based on Windows CE. Besides the actual handheld Jornada does not belong to the category of cheap cars ... But what are the possibilities! As for possible export to Russia, here and there is no doubt - who wants a new car, buy it. Models for the European market appear to have very little time delay. And here it is not just about the device, but the combined device can operate as a normal Pocket PC ... Hence, the supply will certainly join a company specializing in sales and support for PDAs. Mark my words ... Perhaps it is worth emphasizing that the Jornada 928 is a full-fledged handheld computer class WDA (Wireless Digital Assistant - Digital Assistant with wireless access), running Windows CE operating system version of the Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition.64 megabytes of RAM and 32 megabytes of flash memory (as a ROM) is enough to install and run any applications. But the built-in (no need to purchase any whatsoever "jackets") CF slot will expand the memory so far as the purse owner's cars. Business, entertainment and multimedia capabilities of your device fully comply with a computer's class Pocket PC 2002. All major applications, like Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and so on, are present in the machine ... And by the way, with applications not primary, special? Focusing on preliminary information, we can say that a set of numbers produced by the on-screen telephone keypad (Appendix Phone). Realized voice dialing, a speakerphone, a WAP browser for viewing and Web-pages. As with any cell phone, PDA Jornada works with cards SIM ... But what can I say - a good machine. Let's wait? The authors, translation:

Presentation of the Toshiba Portege G500 and G900

Late last week, Toshiba has officially unveiled in the Russian market two devices are not on Windows Mobile. Toshiba Portege G500 Smartphone and PDA Toshiba Portege G900. Smartphone Toshiba G500, oddly enough, running the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. According to the company, though it's timeless version, however, it is more stable and has all the necessary capabilities. Adoption of the somewhat controversial, in this case to work with office documents will need to use third-party applications. The situation looks even more strange, considering that during the presentation repeatedly pointed out, as new items are useful for business users. Here, according to Toshiba, a major role to play built-in fingerprint reader, simply put, a fingerprint scanner, and an application to lock your computer via Bluetooth. Learn more about these options will be discussed in the review of Toshiba G500, and while first impressions. The smartphone is made in the slider form factor with a numeric keypad, external device is somewhat cumbersome, the feelings, the classic candy bar would look smaller. The keyboard is comfortable, the keys are easily distinguishable to the touch, the display quality of conventional, standard resolution of 240x320. Communications capabilities to match the current models, a tri-band GSM / EDGE module, support for UMTS and HSDPA, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Two cameras, one for video calls, the second for a photo-resolution 2 megapixel video. Of the extra features worth noting increasingly popular to use VoIP over Wi-Fi networks. The rest is the usual Windows Mobile smart phone, the caller of interest primarily to its form factor. Already, Toshiba G500 can be found on sale, the cost is about 17,000 rubles, however, is likely to reduce prices 14000-15000 rubles in the coming months.

The main characteristics of the Toshiba Portege G500:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone
• Processor: Intel XScale PXA270, 312 MHz
• Memory: 64MB RAM, 64MB ROM
• Display: 2,3 "320x240 65000 colors
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800/1900, UMTS / HSDPA 2100
• Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR), USB 1.1
• Expandable memory: miniSD up to 2GB
• Camera: 2 megapixel main, optional VGA for video telephony
• Battery: removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh
• Dimensions and weight: 96 x 49 x 22,9 mm, 135 g

The second device, shown at the presentation was the communicator Toshiba Portege G900. This slider smartphone with a QWERTY-keyboard. However, the main highlight of the device is a display resolution of 800x480 at 3 inches diagonally. Picture quality is simply amazing! However, due to the non-standard resolution of difficulties may arise with some programs that work with graphics. For more details we'll talk about this in the upcoming review. The unit itself, as well as his younger brother, it seems cumbersome, there is some discrepancy between the dimensions, mostly because of the thickness of the device - more than two centimeters. In spite of this device lies in the hand thanks to rounded and smooth corners. With regard to the functional, the G900 a bit not up to the versatile all in one, as there is no built-in GPS-receiver. In other device repeats the current trends, we will not dwell on the technical features you'll find them below, tell only about the main "trick".On one we have already mentioned - this permission, the second - a biometric sensor, loaded the full program. In addition to protective functions, it is still and the launcher on each finger can "hang" launch any application, and also performs the function of the scroll (scroll) in the contacts, browser and similar applications. Not without its support VoIP over Wi-Fi and USB-host, supported by advanced communications with a computer, for example, use of a keyboard device, and locks the computer. More details about these and other possibilities will be discussed in the review of Toshiba G900, now sum up the brief preliminary results. Communicator Toshiba G900 is interesting primarily because WVGA display and 520MHz processor, for viewing movies and other entertainment options are the most attractive features. The keyboard is comfortable, typing with two hands comfortably, despite the size. On the other possibilities is difficult to say anything specific, we will wait for test results. With regard to the cost of the device, now it is at around 22,000 rubles. Although it is no secret that during the first week of sales price for such devices are often overstated, and gradually a reduction in cost.

The main characteristics of the Toshiba Portege G900:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Processor: Intel XScale PXA270 520 MHz
• Memory: 128MB RAM, 128MB ROM
• Display: 3 "800x480 65000 colors
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800/1900, UMTS / HSDPA 2100
• Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR), USB 1.1 (client / host)
• Expandable memory: miniSD up to 2GB
• Camera: 2 megapixel main, optional VGA for video telephony
• Battery: removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh
• Dimensions and weight: 119 x 61 x 21,5 mm, 196 g

In addition to the presented models, the director of the European division of Toshiba, told a bit about the plans for digging. Before the year is likely emergence of another model, beginning with her, all communicators Toshiba will be equipped with a GPS-receiver is likely to chip Qualcomm, examining the use of video accelerators, since the resolution in many models will be 800x480. The company plans to release several QWERTY-communicator, G920 should appear early next year, and the model G930 in the fourth quarter of 2008. In addition, in mid-2008 scheduled to release one-piece models - G800, and BlackBerry-like smartphone with support for GPS, supposedly the model will be called the G710 and G720. Indicative roadmap (with a bizarre Russian translation), you can see below. As can be seen in the diagram is no model with an index of G910, but the mystery remained hidden for long, after the first few questions about the GPS-models, Mr. Okamoto took from his inside pocket a prototype device Toshiba G910. Unfortunately, the photograph the machine at close range was not possible, our distinguished speaker quickly put the prototype in his pocket, but the general idea of ​​the dimensions of the model can be obtained by looking at the photo. Later, Mr. Okamoto, who kindly showed the apparatus and allowed to look at the corner of his eye his specifications, but again, no pictures. Thus, G910 is a clamshell QWERTY-communicator, similar to the HTC Omini and i-Mate 7150 Ultimate, the display model is similar to G900, 3-inch 800x480, there is support for GPS (chip, Qualcomm). It is likely the emergence of the apparatus by the end of this year. More detailed information, while unfortunately not. After almost three years Toshiba has decided to return to the European market for Windows Mobile. Plans, the company is far-reaching and, apparently, to depart from them the company does not intend to, indirect evidence that serves as a casual demonstration prototype. One can only hope that the management company and the developers have something else in the inner pocket of his jacket. At least managed to intrigue the public, can only wait. The authors, translation:

Feedback-Ekspokomm'2002: mobile life "behind the glass&quot

Today, May 13, opened in Moscow 14-th International exhibition of communication systems, telecommunications, computers and office equipment, "Communication-Ekspokomm'2002. Meeting place as usual Expocentre. Exhibitors include about 800 exhibitors from 34 countries, including 650 Russian. The exhibition is indeed prettier every year. Unlike the Comtek, which recently took place there on her reign, "Color democracy," she noticeably richer, more ambitious, optimistic. Stand are known for exhibitors met with great taste, humor and cost a lot of money. Almost each of them drilled their own lives, spends endless show: there are clowns and dogs, and musicians, and students (some reason with a black eye), dance jigs on the huge stage of MTS, a giant teddy phones to distribute leaflets and at the site of Golden Line built a true American saloon with the appropriate title (but without the consequences :-), opposite which is held ... rodeo. The attraction of pacification "of the upper part of the" mock-bull attracts many onlookers ... It's all in paviolone Forum. Walk into a more serious second and third pavilion. It seems that Russia is much faster against our expectations of an era of third generation mobile communication (3G). Anyway, the "CSTB on individual stands, it has already come:) Probably one in four exhibition was somehow connected with the new mobile service standards, providing unprecedented data rates (up to 2 megabits per second) and extensive multimedia capabilities. The most interesting in this respect, perhaps, were stands Nec and Panasonic, where it was possible to feel the first 3G-phones. On "nekovskom" stand held to present the opportunities of the new service third-generation FOMA (Freedom of Multimedia Access - "Freedom of access to media), already available to subscribers of the Japanese operator NTT DoCoMo. "Standists" played in the colorful games with polyphonic sound, boasting a huge number of melodies, and showed a piece of a football match, "pumped" directly at the audience from the Internet. Apparently resembled that in a month in Japan will start the World Cup. However, when we tried to find the representatives of Nec, how they managed to take advantage of 3G-services in the absence of 3G in Russia itself, we were told that all the videos and toys have been uploaded yet in Japan, and at the "injection" was staged for greater entertainment .

NEC FOMA - the apotheosis of the multi-media

Related videos twisted and FOMA-phones Panasonic. They also lure colorful toys and fantastic music. Here we saw a modern successor to Benefon Esc! - 3G-phone with Panasonic GPS-module, which gave a picture (with map), just excellent quality. At least, no worse than on the PDA. It is a pity, though, that all the streets were Japanese ...

Streets distant Japanese cities on the screen handset Panasonic

Samsung is also not lagged behind the trends of the time and brought to the exhibition communicators SPH-i300 and SPH-I330. These smartftony already successfully working in some areas of the U.S., where there is a network of third-generation CDMA 2000 1x.Communicators working on the operating system Palm OS version 3.5, have color displays with 256 colors, equipped with a vibrating alert, speakerphone, voice dialing. In the terrible model has polyphonic (16 votes) ringtones, digital camera, a positioning system GPSOne. Hearing topic: about six months ago, when the mobile operator "Moscow Cellular has decided to abandon the antediluvian standard communications NMT 450i and a network of third-generation (those good intentions have so far remained intentions), seemingly as a 3G-standard was chosen namely CDMA 2000 1x. So, maybe in the future, these wonderful communicators are in demand in our country.

Communicator Samsung Third Generation

Not remained aloof from the third generation and Ericsson (now Sony Ericsson). The new smartphone Sony Ericsson P800 (the truth, the whole "2,5 G", on the other hand, what!) We do not hold given (we suspect that in the window lay a plaster cast), but was handed a book, "Welcome to the world of third generation systems." So, with the latest news, Ericsson is also engaged in full swing with new technologies. But we have learned, Thu P800 may be on sale in Russia at the end of this year at a price of around $ 500. Then we will see on the shelves and "gaming phone" with support for Java-applications, Sony Ericsson Z700, which we have already mentioned.

Maybe by the end of the year Sony Ericsson P800 will be available

Many booths was dedicated navigation systems (GPS). Most of us remember two. One Russian company introduced a turnkey set to create a navigation system in car-based handheld computer. Its main functions are: Routing based on various criteria, voice-guided route, working with the resource information database. In the motion system allows to orient the map at the rate of movement of the car that makes its perception. In addition, the user can independently installs objects on the map ("tube", "Repair") to be taken into account when installing the system optimal route. The second novelty - GLONASS / GPS receiver manufactured in Russia. It gives the coordinates in formats WGS 84 and PZ 90 and communicates with other devices via two RS-232 port. Unfortunately, as we did not try stand workers, we have not said how much it would cost such a device, saying only that its price will be an order of magnitude lower than foreign counterparts.

Nokia 7650

On the stand of Nokia, where we normally expect to see a lot of ideological challenges of mobile devices, we were greeted by friendly managers in the apron with clear pockets. Each such pocket was on a cell phone. In addition to well-known, which have become iconic, our attention was attracted by the novelty - the Nokia 7650. Owner, a full-GPRS-smartphone. Nokia 7650 runs on the Symbian operating system and contains many optional, but highly attractive component, such as built-in Bluetooth adapter to work with a personal computer, an infrared port, voice recorder, and much more, including mandatory now for all self-respecting "hybrid" digital camera with a sensor resolution VGA - 640x480 pixels.More details about the new product can be found here.

Left Nokia 9210i

Well, behind glass, we saw a new incarnation of the Nokia 9210 Communicator - Model 9210i. Incidentally, none of the phone at the booth of the Finnish group for the first day of the show did not work. So play around with Nokia 7650, which was pulled from the pocket stand assistants, we have failed. Phone (as in that joke - pour water into the pool when the learn to swim) promised to somehow turn tomorrow, apparently when the exhibition visitors will learn how to call:) And about the differences between brand new Nokia 9210i is available here from the very first hand. Incidentally, none of the phone at the booth of the Finnish group for the first day of the show did not work. So play around with Nokia 7650, which was pulled from the pocket stand assistants, we have failed. Phone (as in that joke - pour water into the pool when the learn to swim) promised to somehow turn tomorrow, apparently when the exhibition visitors will learn how to call:) Unfortunately, none of the smartphones represented at the show we were not able to really " to communicate. " In any case, the first day ... So it had to be satisfied contemplation of mobile devices (or dummy) "behind the glass." Finally a nice fresh news from the show. All the Russian "big cellular trio overnight took up a new technology MMS - Multimedia Messages Service. Two companies - Beeline and Megafon - staged a demonstration of MMS on the first day of the exhibition CSTB. MTS has established a pilot area for two months before, but none of it did not say. All three MMS-network are implemented on the equipment of the corporation Ericsson. On the pricing and presentation services can be found in our news. The authors, translation:

Presentation communicators glofiish X600, X650 and M800

November 27 in Moscow hosted a presentation of new smartphones the company E-Ten. At the event were represented by three models, which soon will be available. Traditionally, for the production glofiish new models belong to a class of devices all in one, and properly equipped.

New communicators glofiish X600, X650, M800 and X800

New Models

Glofiish X600 - the communicator in the classical candy bar form factor, similar to the characteristics of the model glofiish X500. In essence, X600 released to take the place of his predecessor. The new device has become smaller, lighter body is made of plastic with soft touch coating, completely redesigned the control unit, additional buttons "OK" and "Menu" navigation button gave way joystick, which have a positive impact on the usability of the communicator.

glofiish X600

Specifications glofiish X600:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Processor: Samsung SC3 2442 (400MHz)
• Memory: 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM
• Memory Expansion: microSD
• Screen: 2.8-inch 320x240 pixels, 65536 colors
• Connectivity: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi 802.11b / g
• Camera: 2 megapixel
• GPS: SiRFStar III
• Battery: 1530mAch
• Dimensions and weight: 107 x 58 x 15 mm, 136, the

As can be seen from the characteristics model relates to solid serednyachki, but E-Ten positioning device to a class of low-cost models of class' all in one. " Recommended retail price glofiish X600 is 15,600 rubles, some stores have already sold the communicator, in a mass sale of the unit should appear in the next two weeks. The next communicator became glofiish X650. Looking ahead, we say that the company E-ten refused to use the pros in the names of its models, so instead of the anticipated X600 + will appear exactly X650. Not difficult to guess that the new device glofiish X650 is equipped with a VGA-display, as well as previous models X500 +, given the high resolution screen, the novelty is also equipped with a more productive processor with a frequency of 500MHz, the other characteristics are similar to X600 model, except for one detail. Glofiish X650 is equipped with FM-transmitter that can send audio from your device to any FM-radio, this feature can be useful to motorists, are actively using the device in the car. As for the design, the X650 is almost completely repeats its QVGA-brother. The only difference is color choices. X600 is presented only in black with burgundy inlay, H650 is available in two color variations - black with silver inserts and dark maroon with silver inserts.

glofiish X650

Specifications glofiish X650:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Processor: Samsung SC3 2442 (500MHz)
• Memory: 256MB ROM, 64MB RAM
• Memory Expansion: microSD
• Screen: 2.8-inches with a resolution of 640x480 pixels, 65536 colors
• Connectivity: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi 802.11b / g
• Camera: 2 megapixel
• GPS: SiRFStar III
• Battery: 1530mAch
• Dimensions and weight: 107 x 58 x 15 mm, 136, the

The expected cost of glofiish X650 is 18,000 rubles, the communicator will be available early next year. Oh, and the third model presented - PDA-slider glofiish M800, a keyboard version of the X800, whose sales have started not so long ago. Unlike previous QWERTY-communicator company, M800 is the first model equipped with a mechanism avtodovodchika, so the slider design has become more reliable. In addition, the control unit has touch keys. The solution of course interesting, but how comfortable will work with such keys without the tactile response is not yet clear, we will wait for test results. In other specifications are similar to the model glofiish X800.

glofiish M800

Specifications glofiish M800:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Processor: Samsung SC32442, 500MHz
• Memory: 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM
• Memory Expansion: microSD
• Screen: 2.8-inches with a resolution of 640x480 pixels, 65536 colors
• Connectivity: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS / HSDPA 850/1900/2100 MHz
• Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi 802.11b / g
• Camera: 2 megapixel main c autofocus and flash, additional VGA for video calls
• GPS: SiRFStar III
• Keyboard: QWERTY
• Battery: 1530mAch
• Dimensions and weight: 113.5 x 60.5 x 18.5 mm, 147, the

The expected retail price of the communicator must not exceed 21,500 rubles, Sales glofiish M800 shown in the first quarter of next year.

Company plans

In addition to presentations of new models, the company E-Ten spoke about the current situation on the Russian market and shared some plans for the future.

Representatives of the company E-Ten: Mikhail Fadeev, Tristan Chow and Charlotte Lee

In particular, director of the Russian representative Mikhail Fadeev said that E-Ten reserves the second largest volume of shipments Windows Mobile devices on the Russian market. In this case, with the advent of line glofiish company finally moved to a market segment all-in-one and in the future will continue to develop this area. Mikhail Fadeev also noted that the range of the company will expand, and soon the market will be present on the two models simultaneously, as in the past and this year, and at least four of the communicator in different price segments. So X600 takes the lower price segment, X650 average, and the X800 and M800 will be located on the border of high-priced and average.

Director of the Russian Mission: Mikhail Fadeev

With regard to future innovations, then next year E-Ten intends to present seven new models. Common changes that await us in the coming year are as follows: It is planned to transition to the new Samsung processor clocked at 600-700 MHz with integrated video accelerator. Quite the correct decision, given the fact that many communicators glofiish VGA-equipped displays. One can only hope that the video accelerator receive proper software support. Thanks to the new platform Samsung, the amount of RAM is increased to 128MB. Planned transition to flat panel displays, by analogy with models of the series HTC Touch. Also under way to develop its own shell, which facilitate the management of the communicator. Just E-Ten does not neglect the growing interest in the multimedia capabilities of the device, and intends to present a model that supports digital TV formats DVB-H/DVB-T. More specifically, the representatives of the E-Ten did not have sounded, saying only that "plus" will no longer appear in the model name, not to cause confusion, and one of the newer models will receive a code "V". In addition to the emergence of new models, the Russian market next year, waiting for yet another momentous event - the opening of the Russian office of the company. As noted by Lee, Charlotte (Charlotte Lee) Russian market is most important to the company and the development of new models, the company tries to listen to the users.

Business Development Manager in Russia and CIS countries, Charlotte Lee (Charlotte Lee)

At the presentation of present and future head of the Russian office Chow Tristan (Tristan Chou), who also stressed the importance of working directly on the Russian market. Tristan Chow noted also that the opening of an office in Russia would have a positive impact on the supply of new products.

Special assistant to the chairman of board of directors, Tristan Chow (Tristan Chou)

Opening of the office is scheduled for March next year. Another piece of good news for Russian users is to move the company E-Ten for centralized warranty service, providing a single guarantee from the manufacturer and the opening of a hot line for customers. Soon the pages HPCru a review presented novelties. It will be interesting, stay tuned. The authors, translation:

Sony NR-70 version of HPCru

Managed to hold it in the hands of one of the first Sony NR-70 in Russia. Machine seems to meet all expectations. Beautiful screen and an original design is quite functional. Keyboard unlike Sharp Zaurus is not as ergonomically: the screen tilted somewhat outweighs the design, so the wrist has the extra effort. The keyboard, apparently did not like the keyboard Zaurus, quite convenient. Distinct cliques keys can not press two buttons simultaneously. Typing with two thumbs fast. Built-in camera really makes a decent companion images, which immediately can be issued in the form of a business card. The procedure is very quick and easy. On PDA after a long enumeration of all possible versions of the localization PaPiRus managed to put an option for Sony T615. Naturally Light-version without interface translation. Russian graffiti has earned well in spite of the virtual graffiti area. But the keyboard is somewhat incorrect, the letters on the keys are mixed up in a vague manner. Shaped as letters "h" with "I". Otherwise everything is OK. Of course, when the first machines for sale PaPiRus be completed yet by Sony NR-70. Folding design at first will require you some attention to his person. Rotate the screen should be carefully and only in one direction ... Overall impression of the PDA - a beautiful Japanese thing. Sony as usual ahead. The authors, translation:

Presentation communicators Gigabyte GSmart WM998, MW700 and MS800

At the end of February in Moscow held a presentation of new communicators Gigabyte, who will soon appear on the shelves of Russian stores. The presentation was attended by representatives of Gigabyte, who talked about new products, the company Vobis, a distributor of Gigabyte PDA and a representative of the Czech company Aponia Software. This is not too known here the company is a supplier of navigation software for smartphones Gigabyte in the Russian Federation.

New communicators, features, price

The event was presented three new items from Gigabyte, which we saw not so long ago at the last exhibition MWC2008. Gigabyte GSmart MW998 - our familiar analogue device GSmart t600, but without a digital tuner. In fact, the new fully maintained its multi-media oriented, and positioned it as entertaining communicator. It is noteworthy that the competitors in this respect, GSmart MW988 not. Now this is the only VGA-communicator, able to seamlessly play high-definition video, without any special adaptation. Moreover, according to representatives of Vobis and Gigabyte, the communicator can play videos in DVD-quality. However, we ourselves have seen impressive multimedia capabilities of this platform as an example GSmart t600.

Gigabyte GSmart MW998

Specifications Gigabyte GSmart MW998:
• Processor: Marvell PXA 270 520 MHz (for some reason, is silent on a graphics accelerator, although the model t600 present)
• Memory: 64 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM
• Screen: 2.6 inch, 640x480, 260K colors
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0
• Memory Card: microSD
• Camera: 2 megapixel with autofocus and macroshot
• Battery: 1300 mAh.
• Claimed battery life: standby mode up to 150 hours, talk time up to 4 hours
• Dimensions and weight: 110.5 x55, 5h18, 5 mm, 140 g.

In this case, the cost of Gigabyte GSmart WM998 will be only 14,490 rubles, at the moment is the cheapest VGA-communicator. The following two communicators GSmart MS800 and MW700 - twin brothers with similar characteristics, the only difference is that the older model with an index of 800 network supports three generations of UMTS / HSDPA 2100 and equipped with a front video camera, the youngest is devoid of additional cameras and works in networks GSM / EDGE. The other characteristics did not differ.

Gigabyte GSmart MW700

Gigabyte GSmart MS800

Main characteristics GSmart MS800/MW700
• Processor: Marvell PXA 270 520 MHz
• Memory: 64 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM
• Screen: 2.8 inch, 320x240, 260K colors
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (+ UMTS / HSDPA 2100, the model MS800)
• Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0
• GPS: SiRF Star III
• Memory Card: microSD
• Camera: 2 megapixel with Macro and autofocus (+ additional VGA-camera with MS800)
• Battery: 1300 mAh.
• Claimed battery life: standby mode up to 150 hours, talk time up to 3,5 hours
• Dimensions and weight: 116h59h14, 95 mm, 133, the

As can be seen from the characteristics of both the communicator is a navigation solutions with the standard for such devices characteristics. Similar devices on the market right now there is a fairly large number, and once again make a good competition, seemed to have completely filled a niche, will help low starting price of communicators. GSmart MS800 on it will be 18,990 rubles, and MW700 will be priced at 14,990 rubles. The closest in price are the products glofiish, probably between them and unfold the basic struggle for the consumer. And each brand has as its strengths and weaknesses, and give preference to one someone is difficult.

What happens next?

In addition to presentations of new models, Gigabyte representatives shared their plans. In particular, the slides were shown a model number 2008, is the communicator GSmart MW720/MS820 - a distinctive feature which will display without bumper - Touch Panel and G-Sensor. The latter is a position sensor and can then automatically change the screen orientation, depending on the position of the communicator. Do not forget to Gigabyte, and on improving the user interface. On the new communicators will be a graphical shell that makes it easier to work with the device. It is worth noting that Gigabyte did not copy the infamous cube from HTC, and decided to make something of their own (however, much like the new Spb Mobile Shell version 2). The program is a screensaver with a clock in the central part, and the panel access to various programs at the bottom. In this line-launcher can scroll left and right, and the clock is an indicator of missed calls, SMS and others. Below you can see a picture of the communicator GSmart MS804 c shell installed.

Gigabyte GSmart MS804

While the program is only available in the demo, not all elements work, but by itself promises to be quite interesting. Another future product is a device GSmart MS808. While this device is only available in the form of unformed sample, for example, at the exhibition WMC2008 he was a "hidden" behind the glass.Specifications have not yet not yet formed completely. As conceived by engineers, the communicator will be equipped with a processor speed Marvell c 624MGts, VGA-display diagonal of 2.8 or 3 inches. Strange look in the preliminary characteristics of 64 MB of RAM, however, can still change. Among the characteristic features include a digital tuner, support for 3G networks and the availability of video output. In general, quite good in terms of TTX model, it remains only to wait for its appearance, tentatively in September this year.

Aponia Software and Navigation Be on Road

The third speaker at the presentation was the representative of the company Aponia Software, which develops navigation software - Be-on-Road. It is this product Vobis, as the exclusive supplier of communicators Gigabyte, chose as a complete navigation. We will not go into detail and list the highlights, thanks to which was chosen this is not very well known in our program. So, Be on Road uses the cartographic basis Tele Atlas. Moreover, developers contend that after the next update kartosnovy, the new card to Be On Road appears in 2-3 weeks. The program is fully russified address system adapted to Russian realities, takes into account search for addresses complex (building, structure, etc.). In addition to the routing map, the user is available to the so-called detailed maps of the region (LDM - Local Detail Map). On these maps, the user sees the expanding road network, but without the possibility of a route, only to track the real location. Below is a slide that shows the routing of the road (dark) and without the routing of the road (light) on the example of the Moscow region. From a user point of view, the presence of LDM - certainly a plus, though without the possibility of a route. Another feature of Be on Road is the ability to use raster maps. This mode is a program called tourist. That is, in general, and all the major distinguishing features of the program. The remaining functions in one form or another is repeated most of the known software products. More details about communicators and Gigabyte Program Be-on-Road, read our reviews. The authors, translation: