Ctrasti on CeBIT'u - 2002. Part Two

Personal digital "Soap"

Olivetti - Italian company known for the average consumer as a manufacturer of typewriters, begin creating a PDA. Actually, this is nothing new since last year CeBIT'a, where their daughter an American company Royal unveiled its first original device, called daVinci. However, prior to the proud title of "Pocket PC" this cheap questionable quality did not reach the organizer. Conventional notebook, however, with an incomplete set of software for organizing personal affairs. Appearance very poor: the impression that the daVinci actuated hatchet, somewhere on the outskirts of Shanghai ... In addition, the developer decided to save on OSes, not to buy a license and offer the author's operating system, called DV OS (daVinci). However, the development of this strong smell of plagiarism. As a result of a dispute broke out between the Palm and Royal, which is not terminated, and to this day. On the show, however, Royal, on behalf of Olivetti has introduced two new items - continuation line pocket laptop daVinci DV @ to the web surfing and e-mail and a new range of PDAs called Linea, positioned as a personal digital e-mailers. But all in order. From a design standpoint the new daVinci DV @ refreshed only the bottom panel below the screen, which are located four (again, following the example of Palm) hot buttons against dzhoystikopodobnyh in earlier models. Socket has been repainted in silver, according to latest trends again. And so - bricks, and besides, with pretensions to style. Let's see what's new inside. Progress is: 16 MB of memory and ... oops! operating system Windows CE 3.0 ... Apparently, Palm-did was right in its claims to the Royal, that's not agreed. Slightly better was the black-and-white screen - 240x320 pixels, there was light. Yes, and now feeds on the device otherwise - by a lithium-ion batteries. To surf the web after all enough questionable features - Modem 33.6 kb / c, but for e-mail should suffice. daVinci DV @ can be directly connected to the telephone line. For these purposes on its "back" has a special connector RJ11. Together with Windows CE for PDAs appeared a decent keyboard and a crooked left running in this version of OS handwritten text recognition. That's all you can say about this machine. The new range is available in three Linea PDA - Linea 8, Linea Linea 16 and 32. Facilities meet the capacity of these machines - 8, 16 and 32MB, respectively. Work again on Windows CE 3.0. This line is positioned as a personal digital e-mailer. To e-mail from senior Linea Linea 16 and 32 has a built-in 14.4 dialup modem supports POP3, SMPT. Thus, the "soap" is possible without a desktop PC. To work with the e-mail for a younger model Linea 8 would require a special modem module, since it has no built-in. All three models are equipped with the original fold-out keyboard for easier typing. Screen is all of these handhelds is very mediocre - black and white LCD, with a resolution of 160x200 with dread models and 160x160 - with vosmimegabaytnoy. There is a standard set of software for handheld devices. They operate on batteries or from the network to which are connected with AC adapter. In general, for "postal" purposes and only for them - good, cheap cars, besides working on the network.

Handhelds «made in Taiwan»

Another well-known manufacturer of computers, this time a Taiwanese company Mitac, presented at the Hannover Exhibition whole bunch of handheld machines. Russian (and any other) user Mitac brand known for gorgeous LCD desktop monitor, a compact desktop PC and laptop. Moreover, laptops - it's Pipit Mitac, the company produces them in large enough quantities to OEM-agreements for the world's largest companies.But sells its models under its own name and MiNote GETAC (the latter are known as notebooks for extreme conditions - a strong, reliable and virtually inaccessible to most users at a cost). Likely developments in the field of portable computers have helped to create an interesting series Mitac PDA-class Pocket PC. The range includes a number of handhelds, but we are most interested in three (of four), which were presented at the CeBIT-2002. This IP-151CVF - «classic» Pocket PC 2002, whose design resembles the Aero Pocket PC from Compaq; IP-206DDS - a very nice computer class Pocket PC running Windows CE 3.0; IP-181CSA - PDA phone with a color screen, made taking into account the specifications Pocket PC 2002 Premium (fourth model - IP-181CFA differs from the model with an index of CSA only lack of support for GPRS, and therefore of little interest about it). Now a little more about these cute and even a seemingly quite expensive stuff. Let's start with the model IP-151CVF. Mitac company is positioning it as the King of Wireless Pocket Slim World. I do not know how this thing «King», but it is completely subject to the requirements for the Pocket PC 2002 and nothing on the machines in this class, but quiet design (looks sort of ostepenivshegosya bully from a good family - sort of matured Tom Sawyer), is no different ... However one difference is - in the machine has a 32 megabyte flash memory as ROM. But exactly the same amount of flash memory installed in older models of PDAs from Compaq or Hewlett-Packard. So 1:1 in favor of the poor ... users who can not wait at least some diversity in the market of Pocket PC 2002. "Poor" in a figurative, of course, sense - cars, I repeat, very expensive. If anyone is curious, take a table of technical characteristics of any computer, Pocket PC 2002 and see. All of the above, starting with a reflective color screen for active matrix liquid crystal and the StrongARM processor clock frequency of 206 MHz, finishing of installed RAM to 64 MB and a full set of connectors and ports, will coincide to the smallest detail. Not even interesting, Sanchez-word ... Next Model - IP-206DDS Mitac defined as a Super Slim for Information Access. And again - super, super well, the manufacturer, as they say, know best. And for me - a very nice computer, stuffed with no worse than the most prestigious Pocket PC 2002 (even the memory is set to the maximum - as in the previous model), including a reflective color display with adjustable backlighting and all media "makeweight. However, with one significant "but" - a machine installed does not meet the specifications of Pocket PC 2002 Processor 200 MHz - ARM9 Thumb. What kind of "rock" - not in the know. But one thing is clear, IP-206DDS - a cross between a Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002 ... "And he said, Mitac -" Be fruitful and multiply. And they enthusiastically followed his instructions ... " Finally, the device IP-181CSA, called the manufacturer Truly Air Supply. You know, they do not cheat (although Russian, unaccustomed to "move from England, an ear that's« Supply »sounds too ... surprise). This is the most beautiful, elegant and powerful communicator, which I've yet to see.But only if he is released - or just getting ready to release? In the characteristics of the type of processor - Intel Xacale 300/400 MHz ... So, 300 or 400? Or a processor with switchable operating frequencies - such as mobile versions Pentium III and IV? Next - Operating System Pocket PC 2002 Premium - are given in parentheses Merlin Premium. Yeah ... I guess it's still a promising prototype. While at Hanover stand communicator was presented as an industrial product. God knows ... I almost forgot. Externally, IP-181CSA - it's a nice in all respects, PDAs with built-in mobile communications, microphone and speaker - in places where it is assumed to have cell phones (microphone in the lower left, the speaker in the upper right corner). Short, sturdy antenna. Screen keyboard, software. Plus all the charm of a mobile phone with full support for GPRS. That is partly already a familiar sight. Who is on leaflets, and to whom and vyave ... Laptops Mitac are characterized by good consumer characteristics (comfortable keyboard, bright screen) and moderate-speed performance. And therefore at this Taiwanese company has no reason to release a failed model of handheld computer. And any revolutions we are from it and do not wait. The authors, translation:

Computex 2007: new products from Gigabyte, Amoi, O2

Gigabyte GSmart i300, GSmart t600 and GSmart i350

Gigabyte company with its brand GSmart entered the Russian market recently. Quickly pulling the leaders, in the summer of 2007, the company will offer the Russian market of two newcomers. The first new product - a compact device GSmart i300, a review which is already ready, and you can study it. This device is already on sale in Russia. Already in July we expect to market yet another multimedia smartphone - GSmart t600. New soft pastel design and the latest GSmart - is another step in the market of young communicators company. High quality construction, good plastic, nice ergonomics - can only wait for the production model for a tighter research in our lab. GSmart t600 is equipped with a VGA screen with a diagonal of 2.6 inch, 520-MHz processor and 256 MB of ROM with the standard 64 MB of RAM. Kommuknikatsii provide quad GSM / GPRS module (alas, without the support of 3G), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 module. Multimedia features that can be considered the second main idea of ​​this device are presented digital TV and radio tuner, 2 megapixel autofocus camera, video output, as well as recording capabilities and MP3 playback and MPEG4 formats. Interesting idea - the stylus can be moved apart to pretty impressive lengths. If, moreover, leave it in a regular slot device, it will serve as an antenna. Approximate price GSmart t600 in Russia will be based on inaccurate data about 20000 rubles. At the Computex trade show also demonstrated another new model - GSmart i350. Again smoothed and rounded ascetic design. Versatility and ability to hide under the rather modest, rather typical for the cost of smartphones, the cabinet, did not betray the hidden potential. Receives only the central shuttle control, which, however, in its final form may have a slightly different form. Will this device is available in Russia is not reliably known, as well as not officially disclosed, and specifications.Can only say that the GSmart i350 may be quite worthy of attention communicator. If it will be sold in Russia, it is likely the case color is black, not white you see in the pictures. Approximate Draft Black GSmart i350, you can see at work the sketch below. Also, chances are that the model in the Russian configuration will be equipped with VGA screen and Windows Mobile 6. But neither this, nor about the case, we will not say anything:). At a meeting with representatives of the Gigabyte our correspondent seized the opportunity and asked several questions of top-manager of the International Marketing and Public Relations Jack Liu (Jack Lu). We bring to your attention a short interview.

• HPC.ru: Do you plan to exit the European (Russian) with WM6 firmware for GSmart i300?
• Jack Lu: While we are not convinced that this is necessary. However, we expect to lay out the current firmware for download on our official support site. And when new firmware we will certainly report to the news section.
• HPC.ru: It is difficult to find a service center for repair GSmart, not very informative Russian-language page of the site. What changes in the support of Russian Internet users are planned?
• Jack Lu: We recently entered into a contract of warranty Communicators GSmart with the Russian service company CPS. We hope that this step is positive and significant impact on the quality of support our customers. With regard to our Russian Internet presence, we firmly intend to develop the Russian-speaking part of our official website and will invest in this area and resources.
• HPC.ru: For models GSmart is not very high battery life. Will there be any changes to improve the situation? Go to another hardware platform, the changes in energy consumption, etc.?
• Jack Lu: In the standard new models GSmart i350 GSmart t600, and we will supply the battery capacity of 1300 mAh. That should be enough for some of the service life of battery life. As for hardware changes, I can assure you that efforts to reduce energy consumption is constant, our engineers are trying to improve this indicator.
• HPC.ru: models i128 and i120 with built-in TV-tuner, gained popularity in some parts of the Russian users. Are there plans to release similar models, but with wide screen, for more comfortable watching TV?
• Jack Lu: Communicators GSmart are based on two basic ideas that strike us as particularly important: firstly, GSmart must cancel serve as a multi-faceted communications device, and secondly, should be able to perfectly entertain you in moments of leisure or expectations with multimedia capabilities . Our newest product, GSmart t600, equipped with a VGA screen, support for digital TV standards (DVB-T, DVB-H), as well as a portable DVD player. Although digital TV in Russia is still not developed, but this feature can be useful for users who frequently visit Europe and other parts of the world with DVB broadcasts. The standard GSmart t600, we have included video player - DVD Player, which is quite easy and transparent will Burn source your favorite DVD discs into video format for your device and watch them on your GSmart. Thus, GSmart t600 - is not only a communicator, but also digital TV and mobile cinema.
• HPC.ru: Thank you for your answers and wish you every success in the Russian market.

O2 XDA Flame

Sensational, but still plainly to Russia, not arriving, HiEnd Communicator O2 XDA Flame was seen at the booth of Microsoft, and, characteristically, on the first day of the show, unlike other instances of WM was absolutely no way bound by traditional cable release to the table. Can say that in the near future you can expect a full review of O2 XDA Flame on pages HPC.ru, but now confine ourselves to a small collection of personal impressions.Those who managed to hold it in the hands of HP iPaq hx4700, will be quite familiar with the feeling one experiences as soon as the hand gets O2 XDA Flame. After smartfonchikov and compact communicator that gently holding two fingers to inadvertently not crush, O2 XDA Flame spreading lies in the full hand, so that you know ... thing. It is fair to say that the dimensions of a few deceiving - despite the impressive size, the weight of the O2 XDA Flame is very low. The area of ​​the front panel allows you to quite comfortably placed buttons, but here is a multi-position joystick could be more - it is easy to miss and push something around.

O2 XDA Flame: front view

O2 XDA Flame: rear view

O2 XDA Flame: Left speaker, a key recorder, TV-out, Infrared, Wireless Manager Key

O2 XDA Flame: Right speaker, volume button, microSD slot, camera button, soft reset hole, stylus

O2 XDA Flame: the upper end

O2 XDA Flame: the bottom end: headset jack (2.5 mm), microphone, mini-USB

To list the "flavor" of the device need to talk about almost all the characteristics, so stop in this material only on the most important. Graphics Accelerator nVIDIA GoForce 5500 is designed to handle any problems with VGA resolution, diagonal, by the way, 3.6 inches, and display the image on the video output. All possible communication modules, which ensures continuous operation battery in 1620 mAh (included with them just two). FM-radio with RDS, two cameras, support for standard audio output SRS WOW HD. Well, of course, a 520 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM (navigation software will breathe at last, free) and 2 GB Flash ROM, USB-host. Unfortunately, the set lacks a GPS module, so it would seem a good solution for navigating with a powerful processor, lots of RAM and a huge clear screen will require to purchase additional GPS-receiver of any species. In general, withhold their emotions and are waiting for lab results.

Communicators and Smartphones Amoi

The company Amoi, known primarily in the Asian part of the world and produces annually about 10 millionmobile phones, just introduced a whole line of WM devices: one device, and four smart phone with a different form factor. Most of the models scheduled for market in the autumn-winter 2007.

Communicator Amoi E860

The only WM6 (and WM5, depending on the region) Amoi communicator with integrated GPS module and is quite standard features built in a slightly ribbed matte black finish. Amoi E860 nicely in the hand, controls easy to find by touch. The image on the 2.8 inch QVGA display looks sharp, the effect of running horizontal stripes absent. Alas, no WiFi module and support for 3G, and built-in camera is not equipped with auto focus. Provides USB host. Processor Intel PXA 312 MHz processor, standard 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM. Communicator may well compete for the buyer in the lower-middle price level.

Amoi E860

Amoi E860

Amoi E860

Main characteristics Amoi E860:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Processor: Intel 312 MHz
• Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, microSD memory card support
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2, USB-Host
• GPS-module
• Display: 2.8 "320 x 240, 262 thousand colors
• Camera: 2 MP, CMOS
• Dimensions: 112 x 60.5 x 15.8 mm
• Weight: 133, the

Amoi Smartphones

Having a good potential for the development and manufacture of mobile phones, Amoi offers just four decent new items in the niche WM Smartphones. All smart phones support EDGE and equipped, though outdated, but the headset is quite fit Bluetooth 1.2 module with support also A2DP (stereo profile transfer to the receiving device, simply put - from the smartphone to stereo). Entry-level smartphone Amoi E72, a few straightforward in design, yet is made ​​of good plastic and equipped with a sturdy two-inch screen. Backlit buttons are pressed tugovat, but clearly, and have no backlash. Amoi E75 smartphone design more interesting, more subtle casing. The screen is QVGA, built-in camera is also more serious - 2 megapixels. The image quality is some of the claims - the screen ripples.

Amoi E72

The main characteristics of the Amoi E72:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6 Smartphone
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2 with support for 2ADP
• Display: 2.0 "176 x 220
• Camera: 1.3 megapixel, CMOS
• Memory Card: microSD
• Dimensions: 100 x 44.8 x 14.8 mm
• Weight: 1986

Amoi E75

The main characteristics of the Amoi E75:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6 Smartphone
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2 with support for 2ADP
• Display: 2.2 "320 x 240
• Camera: 2 MP, CMOS
• Memory Card: microSD
• Dimensions: 110 x 49 x 12.3 mm
• Weight: 107,

Smartphone Amoi E76 - a variant of the slider with a brilliant body, thin and light. The keyboard is very clear, backlit. The reaction of the smartphone to a user action is fast.

Amoi E76

In the keyboard smartphone Amoi E78 screen resolution of 320 by 240 pixels and a diagonal of 2.46 inches is, like most analogs, horizontally, thus freeing up space for the keyboard and control buttons. The screen is not touch-sensitive, so once the plant is protected by mirrored glass. Very slim at 13 mm, a decent quality of body parts and had promised a built-in Wi-Fi should help smartphone to get into the corporate market. Keyboard Amoi E78, like it is not tiny, but obviously complicate the work of the average statistical European men's fingers. In general, the impression of a smartphone remains very nice.

Amoi E78

The main characteristics of the Amoi E78:
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 / 6 Smartphone
• Mobile networks: GSM / GPRS / EDGE 900/1800 MHz (optional 1900 MHz)
• Processor: TI OMAP V1030
• Memory: 64 MB RAM, 128 MB ROM
• Communication: Bluetooth 1.2 with support for 2ADP (Wi-Fi in development)
• Display: 2.46 "240 x 320
• Camera: 2 MP, CMOS
• Memory Card: microSD
• Dimensions: 115 x 62 x 13 mm
• Weight: 125 g.

Amoi E78

The authors, translation:

Press Conference: CeBIT in life MakTsentr

Yesterday at MakTsentr held a press conference on the results of a trip to the largest international computer exhibition CeBIT-2002. The assembled journalists were shown new items, imported from Germany, and also features original product development department of the company. In general, the meeting was as they said earlier in a warm and friendly atmosphere. " But first things first. The official part, consisting of four reports came out extremely busy. First appeared CEO Dmitry Havzhu. He told the public that a trip to CeBIT for the company was very successful. MakTsentr signed a contract with an American company Pretec the right to exclusive distribution of its products in Russia. Was especially marked by the adapter from Pretec PDA that can read both SD / MMC card and MemoryStick, and connects it into an expansion slot CompactFlash. An interesting solution is on cards and peripherals Compact Flash: 56K modem, LAN, Wireless LAN, GPS-receiver and a memory expansion card standard CF, MMC, SM widely known in Russia. Were again presented and has already sold in Russia new handhelds from Palm - m130 model, and m515, which caused great interest. Recall that a Palm m130 quite attractive handheld lower price category. It features excellent quality color screen. Hi-end model m515 is designed for confident users of PDAs. Different from their predecessors more memory - 16 MB, and excellent color TFT-displays, about 65,000 colors. The room relaxed atmosphere prevailed: exchange views among themselves not only journalists, but also ... Palm'y newcomers, thus demonstrating the work of SD Bluetooth module from Toshiba. This module operates on the bandwagon now the wireless Bluetooth standard is made in the form factor expansion memory card Secure Digital. That's SD support new models of Palm, in an expansion slot which is inserted into the module. It allows you to create a small mobile office, but more on that below. Armed with "blue teeth" our cars m130 and m515 successful "chat" with each other at the experimental distance of 10 m. Then one of those present with a cell phone was on the Palm, armed with SD Bluetooth, your e-mail. In principle, having a set of mobile phone that supports GPRS (so far only in the "Beeline"), and handheld, Palm, osnaschennyq such "sinezubym" module can be permanently located in the "online": work with e-mail correspondence by ICQ, famously scribble SMS or surf the Internet. That's a mobile office ... And for your complete happiness "mobile office" can be completed here is a mini (or folding) keyboard, which is now available in abundance. The next speaker is the company manager Denis Pichugin, who demonstrated unsatisfactory, unlike Palm, work similar to Bluetooth-communication technologies for handheld computers for Pocket PC. The experiment was conducted with the participation of Cassiopeia EG800 and the new Cassiopeia E-200. First, machines could not "find" each other in a "blue network environment, although lay side by side. Faster on the call sign of Bluetooth-module from Ambicom responded sinezuby Palm, engaged in close e-mail download:) Finally, Kaskiv found each other and showed the same file sharing - the only thing that probably worked in this hastily tailored to the exhibition of technology. Finally, an ironic speaker noted that the infrared port at first, too, worked as a not so hot, so that the Pocket PC there is every chance. Completed the formal part of a benefit MakTsentr development department. Its head, Andrey Kuznetsov presented to the general public, almost all the product lines of: the charger for almost all models of PDA sync cords, cables to connect GPS-receivers to the original decision ... Sales of goods from the warehouse. Here refers to an adapter that allows you to connect the same commodity - in this case, a folding keyboard for Palm of the third series - such as PDAs iPAQ. With this adapter iPAQ easily connects to the keyboard, as seen in the photo. Only on the handheld itself to install the keyboard driver UniBoard version 2.10 or higher, as developed in MakTsentr. In conclusion, Andrey Kuznetsov, spoke about the new handhelds and smartphones from small producers who have found a huge exhibition halls CeBIT'a. Some of these devices have become a pleasant discovery for our travelers. In addition, representatives of companies with names too have been muted in touch, sharing all possible information, and sometimes even selling their devices at a reasonable price.However, more information can be found in "Hannover impressions", while more detailed information, see the article "All devices SeBIT'a. Part One" and "Passion CeBIT'u. Part Two." And for a snack was demonstrated Taiwan's machine on the new operating system Penbex OS. For the first time about the OSes became known in the past CeBIT'e. Taiwanese interesting hack in that it is possible to be able to do it using handheld computers bulk commodities that are available to most people around the world. Chinese really recognized professionals in high technology cheaper:) It may happen that in the near future, affordably priced handheld will work just on this OSes. Meanwhile Penbex OS looks damp. However, it provided support for file system FAT16, support at the system level of work in dBase3, API-function calls, MP3-player and library work with SD-cards, support for color displays (Penbex version 2.x). What good, then - well. Development tools integrated with Visual Studio 6.0, which certainly is convenient for programmers who are accustomed to this IDE. Somewhat less attention paid to the developers Penbex interface of its OS. What's good for China, clearly requires further development to the rest of the world. However, the price of devices Penbex may be much more significant argument in the eyes of the user. Further press conference quickly moved into its final phase. Guests for a long time did not want to. In the circles, divided on the interests discussed new items from Palm, Bluetooth-work modules on handheld computers, the prospects Penbex'a, well, of course, pretty women working at the stand of the largest computer exhibition - CeBIT-2002:) The authors, translation:

Computex 2007: Linux-smartphone from FIC, news Mio and other cool gadgets

OpenMoko and FIC Neo 1973

It has long, very long time since we have not seen interesting new PDAs and smartphones based on Linux. Company FIC back in 2003 to try his hand in the field of handheld devices, offering a range of machines WM Cavalry, and one device is a prototype on Linux. However, no further we have not seen. A new approach to the creation of a competitive modern device company FIC saw in the creation and use of Open Source mobile platform, which is what the funds were allocated and resources. The new platform called OpenMoko (stands for Open Mobile Kommunications - the letter C is replaced by K on purpose) is to provide everyone free and open set of technologies, tools and shells for use on mobile devices. The creation of additional programs and adapting existing software (for Linux) is farmed out to all interested developers. At the same time questions GUI and conceptual devices open mobile platform are solved centrally community OpenMoko. Interestingly, the fundamental decisions are made that way, rather than the traditional scheme, where the work is directed by funding the work of consortia or companies. As conceived by the community OpenMoko mobile system should be like a two-layer - on the one hand understandable and accessible to ordinary users, on the other hand be extremely scalable in terms of enthusiasts. Another idea OpenMoko - an opportunity to work on any device, hardware which, in principle, allows it. That is, in fact, it is likely that in the event of a successful continuation of development, everyone will be able to install (or compile and install:)) OpenMoko instead of Windows Mobile and other mobile OS. And for smaller manufacturers new opportunities to produce communicators without the cost of licensing the operating system. After all, if, say, Windows Mobile value and total number of licenses in the minimal set - a very critical issue. This is partly why no alternative except OEM or selling their own products and technologies to larger companies, many beginners simply do not. The first communicator, which is being debugged OpenMoko and which goes on sale - it's FIC Neo 1973. At the moment, live communicator is quite usable device with excellent quality VGA screen with 128 MB of RAM, a high-quality modern plastic.

FIC Neo 1973

FIC Neo 1973: external antenna jack, miniUSB, power button

FIC Neo 1973: More button, headset jack

Features FIC 1973:
• Processor: Samsung S3C2410AL-26 266 MHz
• Display: 2.8 "640 x 480 pixels
• Memory: 128 MB RAM, 64 MB ROM
• Memory Card: microSD
• Cellular Networks: 4-band GSM / GPRS Module (support AGPS service)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-host, (Wi-Fi in development)
• Size and Weight: 120.7 x 62 x 18.5 mm, 184 g

Although not the fastest 266 MHz processor Samsung, Shell OpenMoko working without perceptible delay. At this stage, all the states full operability of the PDA, modules, GPS, Bluetooth and GSM, made in the form of standard daemons (daemon). According to one of the leading developers currently are working on adding to the OpenMoko modules to work with WiFi. The ultimate (end-user) price sought by the manufacturer, should be about 350 USD (abroad). Let's see, there will be enough OpenMoko energy and resources to compete with commercial platforms. However, in itself, the project is extremely interesting, and probably has all chances to become an event in our region, if the device based on OpenMoko will reach the shelves in stores. Meanwhile, representatives of the FIC promise that the device will appear in the online sale has "very soon". However, the delay from the original plan to launch sales of the past six months. And while everyone can see the OpenMoko details or even try the system on the emulator, only want to warn that the emulator is absolutely not transmit real feeling of using your device, ROM it almost does not contain built-in programs. And the emulator is intended primarily for developers for debugging.

Mitac Mio A702 and Mio A501

Mitac company showed two new products: GPS communicators Mio A702 and Mio A501. About Mio A501 model, we have previously mentioned, the device was demonstrated, inter alia, at CeBIT.

Mio A501

As previously reported, the new model is significantly different from its predecessors - the communicator Mio A700/A701, however, remained the main feature - emphasis on the GPS-functions. In this case, change the form factor, Mio A702 is equipped with not only the navigation keys, but also convenient numeric keypad, which is extremely convenient to work "by feel". The lower edge of the buttons appear and well defined fingers. Also improved built-in camera - it has a resolution of 3.2 megapixels and supports auto-focus. New works under the new operating system Windows Mobile 6. Processor - OMAP 850 (and not XScale), Memory exhibition copy is 64 MB RAM and 384 MB of ROM (a not 128, as previously assumed), the diagonal of the display is 2.7 inches, and resolution - QVGA (320x240 pixels). Expansion memory card can format microSD. Differences from Mio A700/A701 - a built-in Wi-Fi module, in addition to supporting the cellular networks and interfaces Bluetooth. As for GPS-functions, the novelty supports new technology SiRFDiRect. In his hand Mio A702 is a very convenient arrangement of controls too much. Separately want to note the presence of rare now switch the scroll - his fans will appreciate the e-books. We express our appreciation to the individual members of Mio, who worked at Computex and unscrew the Mio A702 to stand screwdrivers to our reporter was able to more closely meet him and get good photos that we will be happy and bring to your attention.

Mio A702

Mio A702: headphone jack, camera button, microSD-slot, the button is off

Mio A702: a scroll wheel, miniUSB

Mio A702: the upper end

Mio A702: 3,2 megapixel camera

Navigators Acer

Acer this year also showed extremely PND, and the only navigation PDA was also demonstrated as GPS-navigator. Navigators were presented in series Acer v200, Acer p600 and Acer e300. All devices have similar features, the differences mainly in the diagonal screen size and performance. For clarity, we offer you a comparison table:

PND Acer

Naturally, all three devices are equipped with kits for installation in the car and navigation software with maps of the region in sales. In addition to its direct navigation functions, PND Acer can listen to music through the built-in speakers or through headphones and view digital photos. The older model Acer p600 is equipped with a Bluetooth-adapter and can be used as a handsfree device.Management navigators by means of a fairly large keys and touch screen, sensor, by the way, adapted to work with your fingers and provides a confident recognition clicks.

Acer v200

Acer e300

Acer p600

Does not lag behind in features and navigation PDA - Acer c500. The model is based on the processor Samsung S3C2442 c 300 MHz, built-in memory Standard - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, memory can be supplemented with cards SD / MMC, 2.8-inch diagonal display, 320 x 240 pixels. From wireless communications present Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g. For navigation capabilities meets GPS-module SiRFStar. Powered Pocket PC operating system Windows Mobile 5. Depending on the region's sales Acer c500 comes with different navigation software in Europe, as a rule, CoPilot, with respect to the Russian market clarity yet.

Acer c500

And it's almost all PDAs and smartphones Computex 2007 that was worth mentioning. In the last part of our extensive reportage we will tell you about the new UMPC and compact computers, and while a little distracted.

Compal IBX10

UMD - Ultra Mobile Device, the so-called vision of mobile entertainment and communication center for the company Compal. Compal UMD IBX10 occupies an intermediate position between communicators and the UMPC in all of its parameters. Does such a decision right on the user's attention? Let's face it. First of all, Compal UMD - it is rather large and weighty (280 grams) device. At the same time, considering that the UMD has a built-in slide-out keyboard and joysticks for gaming, these two parameters can not be considered a great disadvantage. Indeed, in a typical situation the device is supposed to keep two hands. Large widescreen display with a diagonal of 4.3 inches and a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels made an excellent impression - the picture is very clear and pleasing to the eye. No extra will be an additional width and for network: 800 points - this is an application for a complete lack of horizontal scrolling. Built-in (absent in the exhibition copies) GPS-module, of course, write in the active UMD. The navigation program should also like 256 MB RAM, 390 MB available Flash memory and 532 MHz Freescale processor. These options will run on UMD demanding games. With the communications module is also ok - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, GSM / WCDMA modules. An essential part of the weight UMD is the mass of the battery, which the developer must be sufficient for 5 hours on the Internet. In short, everything would be fine. Unfortunately, the build quality Compal IBX10 leaves much to be desired. The keyboard hangs out with respect to the upper part, large and uneven gaps in the folded position. Between the base parts, even from afar noticeable gap somehow kosenko each other assembled. Fuzzy keyboard, joystick and the left switch to hang. In general, there are many things which can still work. Samples of the stands gave the impression of engineering copies, although representatives Compal indicated that it is almost serial machines. Another negative - the decision to use the operating system Windows CE. NET 5.0. That is, UMD turns out quite closed "thing in itself", if to install and run additional programs will require additional efforts or modifications. In fact, the scope of UMD, in this case narrows for most users to set programs that are installed at the factory. Typically, CE. NET is used in specialized devices, such as car navigation and embedded products. Exit Compal UMD market will be the end of 2007, the estimated final price abroad may be about 500 USD.

Tablet for taking notes

This year, there were cheap (about 100-150 USD) solutions for converting handwritten notes into digital format. It is light and thin plates with some memory, and depending on the version with a different set of controls. The principle is simple - are consolidating on the tablet sheet or stack of paper, right on the surface of which draw a special stylus, which is a combination of traditional pen and an electromagnetic stylus. The impact of the latter and takes the tablet. As a result, we get two copies of the notes: the first on paper, the second in memory of the tablet where you can reset the image on the computer. Range of models and possibilities is quite large - the manufacturers offer plates with the functions of real-time connected to the PC mode, memory cards, with the possibilities of the recorder and mp3-player (than not the solution for the student?), Changing the pen color, with a wireless data exchange and so on.

Digital Microscope

Another interesting solution - a digital microscope with a magnification of 50 and 200 times. The principle is simple again - in a small cylindrical body hidden illumination and a CMOS sensor 300,000 pixels. Rotate the control of the ring induced focus and adjust the degree of magnification using aspheric lenses. Image in real time is transmitted via a USB port on a desktop computer, where you can make a screenshot or record video. Very clear and pleasing to malootvetstvennyh tasks or for training purposes.

Matrix LCD display for sunlight

And finally a few words about the technology Trio-LCD, which allows no large structural changes to get a traditional LCD screen to work well under the powerful general illumination, for example, on a sunny day at the beach. According to the technology Trio-LCD between illumination and LCD matrix is ​​required to install an additional layer (or replace the standard) from a special polymer that is transparent in the direction of illumination to the matrix, but it is reflective on the other side. That is, the sun's rays will be reflected by this additional layer and will work as a backlight. The most interesting thing that the manufacturer can arrange an upgrade of standard screens party devices from the pack of 10. That is, the matrix can be improved quite different manufacturers, but only in conditions of service. Of course, the official hardware warranty in this case is lost. The authors, translation: