New line of Casio: Pocket superintendent, manager and director

Last year, Casio has released three new handhelds: Pocket Viewer, Cassiopeia BE-300 Cassiopeia E-200. This is clearly assigned to their products by segment, as new items are each player in his weight class. Two lower-end models have to compete with Palm OS PDA in light and medium weight, elder - E-200 - is a full Pocket PC and acts as a heavy weight.

Pocket superintendent

Pocket Viewer 450S is the youngest model in the new line of Casio and is located in the lower price category. In Moscow you can buy less than one hundred and fifty dollars. She continues Casio launched in 1998, the line Pocket Viewer, which originally consisted of electronic notebooks with touchscreens (model PV-100 PV-200, then the PV-400), and later upgraded notebooks, the architecture had a handheld computer (model PV -250 and PV-450), but still remained in effect only advanced phonebooks. Last summer there were finally a model PV-250S and PV-450S, characterized by the amount of installed RAM (2 and 4 MB respectively). Own Then there were the first not very flattering review of our site dedicated to this device. In Russia, by the way, comes only PV-450S. CCP clearly aimed at the same market niche as the Palm m100. At a similar price, they have (in theory) similar features, but still close comparison shows that the 'keeper pocket "in all respects loses m100. Its advantages over the Palm (pictured) are in slightly larger monochrome screen (albeit of inferior quality, besides, he has no shades of gray) with the same resolution of 160x160 pixels, the presence of wheel-type joystick, Sony Jog-Dial and Flash-Memory instead of RAM. The last advantage is doubtful, because, although the use of flash memory instead of the usual and ensures data integrity, but also significantly affects the speed and power consumption, which in 450S and so not up to par due to inefficiently implemented illumination. She, on the one hand, it is good enough, even though energy intensity (at the m100 uses less voracious inverted light with the ability to change it to normal), but on the other hand are automatically switched off after fifteen sekun. This is very inconvenient when reading in the dark. Keeping the same data in a nonvolatile memory in the long run makes sense only for those users who are denied access to a desktop computer that will agree to provide hard (except that travelers who do not have laptop, will appreciate this feature). The device is powered by two AA batteries AAA. Enter the text in the Pocket Viewer is only possible with the help of the onscreen keyboard, which is rather inconvenient, for example, on public transport. Handwriting (such as in older models) is not implemented, while on the Palm, you can use the onscreen keyboard in addition to graffiti. In terms of software at the device from Casio at first glance, things are better than the competitor. In addition to standard applications is there a program for working with spreadsheets (Pocket Word in 450S, unfortunately, not) and a currency converter, but it is only at first glance. The fact that the Pocket Viewer is an organizer with an extremely small number of available external applications, and m100 is available for more than 10,000 different programs, from free to commercial, including word processors, spreadsheets, Internet browsers, dictionaries and more. It turns out that the only application of 4-m megabytes of memory 450S is storing electronic books. In fact, a little less than a megabyte takes for their needs the operating system and embedded software. Thus, for the user's files is more than three megabytes.

Russification

The operating system used in the Pocket Viewer PV OS 1.02, which was originally localized and has the support of the Russian language, however, in the opinion of users, not the most ergonomic. For Palm are several commercial and free localization, and MakTsentr, for example, they are sold already pre-localization, and localization. Unfortunately, PV 450S has no means of communication with external devices, not counting the possibility of a cable connection with other such devices, and some advanced models of notebooks Casio - younger "pocket caretakers. Along with him comes at a desktop PC Sync, which allows you to have a copy of the data on the PDA "big" computer. Synchronization occurs through the cradle via the PC serial port. Files spreadsheet if you wish, you can synchronize with MS Excel, and a calendar, diary and contacts database - with MS Outlook.

Pocket Manager

Cassiopeia BE-300, which we have previously mentioned, is a pretty attractive model of mid-range - in Moscow you can buy for $ 250-280. As well as Pocket Viewer, BE-300 must compete with devices on the Palm OS, though we have in mind is the older model. This is not the Pocket PC, but not Pocket Viewer. Sasio calls it a hybrid or a handheld Pocket Manager manager. The company did not license it from Microsoft Pocket PC. The device runs under Windows operating system Windows CE 3.0, and, unlike older models that do not have an interface on the Pocket PC and familiar applications Pocket Word, Excel, Explorer, etc. Instead of them comes with the device's own software Casio. In addition to standard PDA applications (contacts, tasks, notepad, diary), are pre-mailer (understood HTML and attachments up to 1 MB), an Internet browser program for viewing pictures (not the best, but you can remove it and install another one) . Of the system applications it is worth noting the backup software, file manager, player audio and video files. As mentioned above, the standard for the Pocket PC OS Applications Pocket Word and Pocket Excel are not installed, instead they have viewer Word DOC, Excel XLS and PowerPoint PPT. Editing these files using standard impossible. The interface device changed from earlier models in the direction of simplification. Because of space lacks some standard libraries PPC 2002, so that programs written under the CCP on this platform can not run. In general, applications written for the Pocket PC must earn at BE-300, the assurances of Casio, after recompiling the source. Over time the web appear more and more third-party programs, rewritten specifically for the BE-300, including games, codec and player MPEG4, file manager, spreadsheet, etc. Pocket Manager runs on the processor NEC VR4131 166 MHz, and the hardware is not much different from other Cassiopeia. CPU does its job reasonably well, although at times apparent that retarding device. Cassiopeia is equipped with 16 MB RAM and 16 MB of flash memory. Approximately 5 MB of flash memory can be used by the owner to store its own data. Additional space can be obtained by removing unnecessary programs that come standard. BE-300 has a slot CompactFlash II, which allows you to connect to it a lot of common peripherals from IBM MicroDrive hard drives to network cards and modems. Of all the standards of the expansion is the cheapest memory is CF, so in that sense any problems with the owners of the Cassiopeia should arise. Separately, you can buy worn module PC Card, which makes it possible to use PCMCIA-periphery. Pretty bright screen "Pocket Administrator can display 32,000 colors and has a resolution of 320x240 pixels. He is slightly less than the usual display on handheld Pocket PC.Because of this device has a rather modest size 121h76h18 mm and weighs only 167, the passive matrix, that is, it takes time to warm up to the standard brightness (5-15 seconds) and some inertial. Putting the information by using the onscreen keyboard or handwriting recognition. Recognition system has an interesting feature. The user has the opportunity to set their own mark of any character that should help those who can not get used to the standard face. On the front panel below the screen is multi-purpose joystick. Synchronize with your desktop computer by using the cradle can be connected to the USB port and the supplied software - PC Connect. Unfortunately, the data exchange between the planner and contact database can only be done with Microsoft Outlook. There is no built-in organizer, not to support any other applications such as Outlook Express or Lotus Organizer. Hopefully, this is a temporary problem. As the batteries used lithium-ion batteries, which should, according to the manufacturer, to support the device during the week. In fact, the average load of batteries sit for two to four days. A full charge takes 2.5-3 hours.

Russification

Operating System Cassiopeia BE-300 was not originally located, but just recently released their first high-quality crack RussKey BE. His department released a mobile development company MakTsentr with the assistance of the Moscow office CASIO COMPUTER CO. The first version of the product provides a basic Russification, which lets you create and work with documents and e-mail in Russian, as well as synchronize with your desktop computer. In future versions of the program is expected to achieve full containment Pocket Manager. Thus, the Russian users can not worry about the possibility of normal operation with the "pocket administrator.

Pocket Director

E-200 Pocket PC - the latest version of the popular line of Cassiopeia. With the help of Casio wants to catch up with rivals in the face of Compaq and Hewlett-Packard, have already released their handhelds based on Pocket PC 2002. Prospective purchasers of the product - the business users that do not require compromises. This is a player in the heavyweight division and in the appropriate price range. In Moscow, E-200 can now be purchased for $ 650. Unlike previous Cassiopeia, who worked on the MIPS processor from NEC, E-200 is equipped with 32-bit CPU, Intel StrongARM SA-1100 at 206 MHz. It has a 64 MB RAM and 32 MB of flash memory, of which 5.5 MB is available to the user. The device supports major expansion slots and can work with maps of the form factor CompactFlash I / II and SecureDigital / MultiMediaCard. In addition, you can purchase a separate module PC Card, providing an opportunity to work with PCMCIA-equipped peripherals and another USB-host. This novelty, which so far no one has any of the competitors. USB-Host in the cradle, allowing you to connect (of course if the drivers) any USB-peripherals: keyboard, mouse, CD-ROM, etc. The company NEC, for example, its future model MobilePro P300 promises to equip the same USB-host. In the E-200 is installed reflective TFT-dislocation, which supports 65,000 colors.He works in the resolution of 320x240 and has a size of 3.5 ', like a PDA from HP. At Compaq, this screen is more than 0.3 '. In previous displays used proprietary technology HAST (Hyper Amorphous Silicon TFT), proclaiming an excellent, deep color. From this technology Casio refused for the sake of easy reading screen indoors and outdoors (with the problems of HAST), and in order to increase battery life. However, the first week of sales in the E-200 MakTsentr showed that the device has a serious design flaws that reduce its reliability. To date, about a quarter of units sold after a short operation in 1-2 days received for service on account of the identified defect - a failure of the electronic unit, which provides backlight. Read more about this here. But back to the review. From the previous Cassiopeia (eg, Cassiopeia EM-500 on the photo below) new design is different also. First, is the weight. With the overall 13h8, 20X1, 72 cm device weighs 200 grams, which is in itself very little. So little that some buyers complain that "there is no sense of the device in hand (I must say that similar claims were put forward to the new Sony Clie). A color scale E-200 though, and found its admirers, but it has caused, including feedback such as "the most disgusting-looking handheld of all time", than once again proved the saying "every man to his own taste."

Casio Cassiopeia EM-500 (Left) and Casio Cassiopeia E-200 (right)

Built-in speaker is not enough for anything like an acceptable music, so for this purpose need to use headphones. But otherwise the multimedia and gaming capabilities of the new Cassiopeia out of competition. According to user feedback, the playback video in MPEG4 format and play with great graphics, such as Pocket Quake does not twitch, and show the movement smoothly, without jerks. Type information as in all the PDA platforms Pocket PC 2002: With the on-screen keyboard or handwriting recognition system. Has not been forgotten and corporate dial-joystick. Cassiopeia is powered by a lithium-ion battery 950 mAh, which is enough for 6-8 hours. Battery capacity is reduced to relieve the unit. In previous series handhelds E-1xx used batteries 1400 mAh.

Russification

Russification E-200 is still in its infancy. Is already possible to work with documents and e-mail in Russian, you can normally sync with a desktop computer and surf. A more complete localization of the interface will be implemented later.

Summary

Releasing this range, Casio sought to please all potential users of handheld computers. So, summary. Buying a younger model, Pocket Viewer 450S, justified in the case, if you couple the low demands, needing only to quality electronic notebook. In any other version of this amount is to buy Palm m100. Sasio Cassiopeia BE-300 is quite suitable to buyers who are unwilling to lay out $ 600-700 for the expensive models of Pocket PC, but it does not meet the opportunities and Pocket Viewer, for whatever reason do not wish to consider a similar device on the Palm OS. With the release of localization buying BE-300 was quite reasonable, although the lack of a "mobile office" word processor looks strange. However, there is hope that, like the spreadsheet, word processor will be released by third parties. The older model Cassiopeia E-200 is a modern hi-end Pocket PC-based Pocket PC, nothing special, however, does not stand out among its competitors. USB-Host in the cradle and the PC Card module has a novelty. But in the handheld computers to Siemens and NEC, which should come this spring, will be implemented, these and many other innovations.Thus, buying now Cassiopeia E-200, you get Mighty hi-end product. The authors, translation:

Antares Software, or 5 years later

14 October creator of the popular game project PocketPref, company Antares Software from Veliky Novgorod, 5 years old. For this small by human standards of living cut, developers have grown out of student fans in the confident and knows his own worth professionals. If we take the facts and figures, the Antares team has increased from 10 to 45 employees and opened her own company in the U.S.. However, Dmitry Tsymbal, Founding President of the Novgorod company is not going to stop there. Once and for choosing the main focus of the development of software for mobile devices, he decided to bring to life a truly Napoleonic plans that and tell in an interview with our site. HPCru: What global changes have occurred since our last interview, that is the end of 2002, Antares Software? D.TS.: Our business has seriously increased due to the fact that we managed to polish all internal processes. In addition, we finally decided on the top area - developing software for mobile devices, and now trying different methods. One of the most promising - outsourcing of large companies in this field. HPCru: Very actual means of survival. On what specific companies do you mean? D.TS.: About Us-producing equipment - mobile phones and handheld computers. Under the agreement, I have no right to call them, but I will say that these companies are in the top three in the mobile industry. HPCru: I think you can guess who they are. In short, market realities are not forced to change you specified at the start establishing Antares'a rate. It's - it's nice. D.TS.: Yes, the majority of development Antares Software accounted for the mobile sector. In this case, our business model implies a 30 per cent of sales of own products and 70 percent of outsourcing. In the future we plan to achieve the ratio 50x50 - in our opinion, it is more flexible and rewarding scheme. HPCru: What platforms are you currently working? D.TS.: This is still a Palm, Windows Mobile, Symbian and J2Me. HPCru: Which one do you prefer? D.TS.: Of course, Windows Mobile is now published in a leading position, although I can not say that we prefer it to others. However, judging by the volume of work, more food is produced specifically for the OS. HPCru: Clearly, if you tell for which user you are - Russian or foreign? D.TS.: We work for export, that is focused on the U.S. market. There, the fruits of our labors are successfully sold, so that we even have registered Antares Software in the USA. Anticipating your question, I will say what we are doing basically the software that can be attributed to the so-called class lifestyle, that is for everyday use. It's - different diets, planners, and so on. Unfortunately, I can not call these products by name. HPCru: An interesting niche. How do you determine what needs to be an American user? D.TS.: We have developed a strategy: make a product and then come with him to a potential buyer - a company that, say, helps to organize the wedding. In America, this whole industry. HPCru: Yes, and we have in general too ... D.TS.: Well, yes. However, in one such company in the United States can be ordered at once, and clothes and car, and hair, flowers, dinner, and music. It is clear that the event - a serious, so you need everything properly plan and coordinate actions. So our program is helping the bride and groom to schedule training for the wedding, take into account all costs and nuances, and most importantly - keep all the information in a convenient form for the Pocket PC. In fact, a much needed solution. HPCru: Of course:) The familiar problem ... D.TS.: So we're doing such software, we come to it in the appropriate company, where the program has been tested, then put it on your brand and sell as a companion product. In short, we do not have a headache on its promotion and marketing in general. This is not our business. HPCru: Such tactics are getting a brand justifies itself? D.TS.: Absolutely.We have already received so two of the contract. And experience shows that our software quite successfully sold. In addition, we are releasing several diets, Planner, that is, pocket diaries for those who, for whatever reasons must observe certain rules of supply. All these products are made for Windows Mobile, and for the Palm. HPCru: Well I have to pay foreign clients? D.TS.: We have, incidentally, overseas customers are not so much. Directly abroad is, of course, the contracts, but their share is small. Those who have, pay fine, we are in general satisfied with ... Although could pay, and more:) But it's not just about money. We are interested in our work, we are interested to live, socialize, travel around the world. And it is - the main thing. It's nice that we have already formed a certain style and spirit of the corporation. Yes, probably, now we can not boast that we are the richest company in Russia, but on the opportunities and potential we are quite on the level. Any our member can simply drop in at any corporation. And such corporations in the territory of Russia, I can name at least four. For example, I trained at the company's Intel. HPCru: C overseas market is more or less clear, but would like to see domestic and something to fall intermittently on the Antares Software. You are already working in this direction? D.TS.: Yes, we are engaged in child education projects, which plan to present both in the form of games, as well as various image editors for the Pocket PC to Pocket PC. If the child still plays with the "Pocket", so let at least use some of that will. Again, specifically I can not yet tell what will constitute our software for children, as well as to voice the title. HPCru: Then tell me at least when its expected? After all, for this audience today, few of the developers something to release:) D.TS.: I think that after the new year. These products we are releasing under his own name, so readers HPCru hear about it first. HPCru: Thank you, we will wait for the announcement. In general, how do you assess for themselves the Russian market? As far as he is promising? D.TS.: Unfortunately, in terms of money is absolutely not interested, because, again, there is a problem of Varese. Yes, not even in this case. This segment, in principle, is far from saturation in Russia. Edinistvennaya niche, which might be of interest to us here - the corporate, but then again it alone we will not go in the corporation. This is in general an expensive lesson. So basically we will focus on U.S. and European markets. HPCru: By the way, tell us about your business projects? At one time, remember, you even took as one of the landmarks - CRM-system? D.TS.: We underpinning and this direction. From rosskiyskih companies have gained, perhaps, the greatest experience in the creation of CRM-solutions for mobile devices. And it's not bragging. We support both vertically and dental, and insurance, and sales. Of the platforms in recent years more use Pocket PC, but there is a system for Palm OS. HPCru: At one time, back in 2003, you had a competition of student works. Actually, about the results we did since then have not. Tell me what any of these works and then was taken as the basis of your projects as you planned, then? D.TS.: Unfortunately, no. Yes, actually, we did not set such goals. Students simply receive credit or test scores. If we take the whole of our relations with Novgorod State University, from which we all came out, this is a separate big topic. We are very sensitive to such things as the interface between science and business. And I must say, we are not alone. I recently read in the IT-press to the effect that IBM even sends its staff back to training at the university and pays for a lot of money. We are also concerned about the quality of training of Russian students and, for its part, tried to somehow participate in this process, increasing the level of future staff. So here we have an opportunity at the department in the disciplines of choice be courses that would be most interesting to us. For example, now I'm in my fourth year of study "Computer Graphics", and the fifth at us - "Programming Mobile uninterruptable" and "Game Programming". This brand new items. It is clear that there can not be taught something global, but at least we are laying the foundations.Laboratory work, for example, is also designed for writing programs in these courses. Read these lectures several employees of our company. I am in management courses and the mathematics involved in programming, developers, and tell us about testing our experts testers. By the way, now we have decided to repeat the contest of student works. Best lab for mobile devices in the fifth year and the best project on schedule by the fourth will be awarded with the latest handheld the platform for which written. HPCru: The most successful students then take the vacant place in your company? D.TS.: Of course, we do for ourselves kuem frames. HPCru: As far as I know, you are this year represented his company at CeBIT'e. What shows? D.TS.: We were on a joint stand Russoft, which we are members. Impressions, of course, the mass, a large pack of cards and a stack of compact sets. However, so far managed to conclude there is only one contract. However, it still does not have gone in vain. And on the other visitors, and be seen. The goal was this - go there and see what the CeBIT, in order to evaluate whether we need it all. Even in such unprepared spontaneous mode was much more interesting, from what I'm doing such a conclusion. Firstly, mobile design interesting people. Secondly, the next CeBIT'u we prepare more thoroughly: to analyze the range of potential customers will take quite conscious steps. HPCru: If you take stock of the company for 5 years, what can be proud of Antares? Are there any special achievements? D.TS.: First, we are five years old. During these five years we have not dispersed. From a small provincial team that did not know how anything from a complete zero, rose to the company, which in general are aware. The best proof of our success - our customers. This is already an achievement. Secondly, we are going to unite under his wing regional firms that are also involved in mobile development and trying to build out of this joint venture real good corporation, that is education on the basis of the holding. In fact, we have initiated a union, because we have the strength and resources to do so. HPCru: Seriously. What kind of support the initiative? D.TS.: Kaliningrad, Yaroslavl, St. Petersburg, Ulyanovsk, Ukraine (Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov). HPCru: Manage the regional offices of the holding will be implemented from Novgorod, it is of Antares'a? D.TS.: Complicated yet say we are only form the control scheme, but it is clear that the Antares - a core, as the initiator of the association. HPCru: And how much for a rough estimation of staff will work in your holding? D.TS.: At the moment, somewhere around 400-500 people expressed their desire to unite. HPCru: Colidno. And the future of a large holding company which global plans, why do you have in common? On what the market will be focused - on the domestic or foreign? D.TS.: Creating a holding company, we pursue two goals. First, the locked-in all outsourcing of large companies. For example, global corporations, which theoretically could be our customers, not even enter into negotiations with the companies in which less than 100 people. This well-known rule. In addition, the sum of the contract with outsourcers should not exceed 20 per cent of turnover. In general, the holding company will provide large customers for outsourcing. Oh, and, secondly, we want to seriously control the food market. Practice shows that, with our expertise, we can implement this task and that our company - is quite competitive. HPCru: Are there any contacts with the Spb Software House? Whether this will include the largest domestic developer in your holding? D.TS.: No, because we have different business models. In addition, we operate on four platforms, while at the Spb - only one, and their brand is pretty well-advertised. However, we are cooperating and just friends. Perhaps we will have some joint project in a while ... Maybe even this year. HPCru: What about the details:) D.TS.: I have nothing to say on this score, at least, officially and publicly. HPCru: Ok, then let's talk about toys.At one time, you were going to even identify to the department of gaming applications developers? Did this happen? D.TS.: No, we are engaged in games, of course, but so far decided not to provide a referral to a special department. For example, we are currently working with Samsung-Russia, recently released a series of games for mobile phones from this manufacturer. If you now go to the site of the Russian fan club Samsung, you'll see that most of the applications and toys made by us. HPCru: How is the project PocketPref? D.TS.: This is one of the most beloved our projects. Now preparing the second version Pref'a. And I can share with you interesting information on it. The game engine (it was made ​​device-independent) has been ported to Palm OS and Symbian, so users of these platforms will soon have the opportunity to fight in the pocket preference. First of all, prepared version of the game under the Pocket PC, but her tight and releases for Palm and Symbian. Expect a new release PocketPref can about the New Year. Anyway, we hope so. HPCru: Speaking of favorite foods. Do you personally have this? D.TS.: Sure. Probably the most popular product ... This is my daughter Nastya:) but seriously, Antares - it's actually my offspring, so that everything that goes under our brand from our walls, dear to me. I can not identify. HPCru: Finally tell n-ta, on creative plans and ideas. D.TS.: In the near future - to complete construction of the holding cell. Then adjust work with universities to introduce new courses there, that is, to give lectures on issues relevant to our disciplines like management, marketing and programming for mobile devices. HPCru: That is going to hammer shots directly into the regional universities of cities where the participants are holding? D.TS.: Not only. We postaraemya liaise with major institutions and universities, which are known throughout the country. HPCru: In addition to the mainstream mobile development, do you have some other areas of interest? D.TS.: Mobile content, ie, ringtones, logos, images produced by our design studio. HPCru: This is a fairly lucrative business in Russia today. In any case, some big players make millions on ringtones. Do not want to join in and do it more tightly? D.TS.: Certainly, we want to. But another thing is that the mobile content market, we will not aim, because we simply have no capacity to give, say, a million images, melodies, worthy of competing with vorotilam mobile content. However, with some targeted partners, we will gladly cooperate. HPCru: Well, finally, if you still remaining something unspoken, something about what you would like to tell the world in the face of readers HPCru, now have such an opportunity:) D.TS.: Thank you, will not fail to take advantage of it . I want to thank your site for support. Interestingly, in general, began the history of our company. 5 years ago I was with a small group of friends decided to try to write something for PDAs and generally to do business in terms of mobile development. The very first product that we released, became the "Guide to Great Novgorod. This guide, as you probably remember, won the prize in the developers' branch Palmovaya, who led the then HPCru. So we can say that your website - it is at some degree of cross Antares'a, which gave us a start in life, he added self-confidence. If it were not for this product and this victory is unknown as it all came together. Since this all started:) October 14-15, we celebrated its fifth anniversary. Widely celebrated for two days with what myself and congratulations:) HPCru: Thank you, very nice to hear this. Alaverdy answer that in Russia for five years, a company that is one of the leaders in mobile development, and supports four platforms. It's worth a lot. Thank you again for the job and this interview. We look forward to continuing PocketPref and promised new projects. The authors, translation:

Diamond Mako for a free artist

These personal experiences connected with the painful choice of a handheld computer, were sent to us by one of our readers in a letter with a note: "grieved. The audience, if you want." Want. Publish. Since childhood, I was overcome with desire for mobility, and its first implementation was the MK-85 - a microcomputer, as it was written, with built-in BASIC and 2 kilobytes of memory. Machine quite interesting for its time, especially in comparison with the MK-52. While computers interested me more as a tool for programming. Thoughts that could record, I did not yet exist, the texts do not have to recruit, I just read the technical documentation which defines the requirements for my computer. Then the cravings have changed. I began to read more, but all my work and came down to programming. And yet I really wanted to "independence." Once I even changed my desktop Pentium at the 482nd laptop. For a while, this very happy, but then I realized that to carry a laptop is absolutely not practical for him and quickly lost interest. It was it was somewhere in the early 90's, when the alternatives notebook was not there, so at the time of his dreams I had forgotten. The next milestone was the emergence Organizer Palm Pilot. As soon as I heard about them for the first time, my heart pounding excitedly. I had no money to buy, but deep down, I decided that once I have the sort of thing is bound to be. Some years I carefully followed all the publications on similar devices, share and dream ... Meanwhile, my computer requirements gradually mutated. At work, I spend days sitting in front of the monitor and the intervals between "party event" to me is quite enough for the realization of my desire for programming. In his spare time, I became more and more interesting to read and write any thoughts. I mostly read this book and wrote down thoughts pen on paper. Home computer then I was not, and therefore the mountain covered with writing papers very quickly covered the entire surface of the table. And the inability to quickly find the desired entry plunged me into the disorder and as a consequence, lost in contemplation. Somewhere in that time I came upon an article in the journal Computerra "dedicated to Pocket PCs. I must say that on the Psion handheld computers, I had just heard and no interest in them did not show. So, in the room, several authors have described their experience with handhelds. I read everything with interest and enthusiasm. The story of Sergei Kaschavtseva his Psion'e think was the last. Here it is something me and getting through. I was struck sober views of the author for the purchase of a handheld computer. He said bluntly: PDA - is first and foremost, toy, fun, fun, and only then - a working tool. Of course, this idea is not true for everyone, but few willing to admit that buying a handheld computer - is not a whim or fad. Author Articles, talking about handhelds, their main advantage is called the freedom that they provide a creative person, the freedom to vent their feelings in words at their very peak, at any time, any place, without waiting for the opportunity to sit at the desk. Interesting thoughts and ideas can occur in the most unexpected moments, and losing them - simple. It is here that reveals all the amenities for a free artist handheld computer - an opportunity not to miss a moment of inspiration and enlightenment. Of course, for this purpose will suit almost any PDA keyboard. But one sentence in the article once and for all determine my choice. Not because she has a special genius, just as if she had crystallized out of my own views on the issue of choice of something one of the many.Here it is: "The main difference between Psayonami and other handheld computers that the rest of you can work, but Psayon ​​can just love." While I was fond of three-dimensional graphics. If someone does not know in this area there is a similar situation of choice. In this case - it is a choice of software package for the job. There are at least three popular programs: Maya, 3D Studio MAX and Lightwave. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but, in general, for an amateur (just an amateur, not professional) are equal. I tried them all. Without going into details, I will say right away - I just fell in love with Lightwave. There's no explanation, just a program is constructed so gracefully and beautifully that work in it - a pleasure, even regardless of the outcome. In comparison, all the rest - is insensitive crude tools. Lightwave - a program that has a soul. I think something like that experienced computer users Apple. So, after reading an article Kaschavtseva, I realized what criteria I'll make a choice and as a consequence, Psion in my eyes had grown, and all other PDAs receded into the background. After that I read all the materials available on these handhelds, and eventually even more confirmed in his choice. I wanted a machine for writing what I think from time to time comes to mind, reliable, stable, beautiful, comfortable, and the choice was made. I decided to buy a Psion 5mx. But the story has not ended. Since I live not in Moscow to buy this machine proved quite difficult, firstly, for financial reasons, and secondly, by geographical. Where I live, the average salaries are much lower in Moscow and, therefore, $ 500 - the amount is almost overwhelming. Because of this, I again had to postpone the realization of their dreams for a brighter future. But now, more recently, in our town for sale were computers Diamond Mako, a copy of the Psion Revo Plus. Knowledgeable people spoke about this model somewhat ironically, attributing it to women's habits and moods, so I did not even consider this machine as an option. However, the price is less than half a Psion 5mx, made me think. I thought for a long time. It was just a nightmare. I clambered all sites on the Internet devoted to Psion, looking for a comparison of these two models. At first, I felt absolutely critical to the presence of light, as we have in the north very long dark winter. In addition, the ability to work from simple batteries for Psion 5mx, seemed undeniable and irreplaceable for Mako dignity. These two items seemed to me so important that fly Mako seemed pointless. And yet, Mako was a bird in the hand (well, almost, in the hands) as opposed to 5mx ... In addition, I have just had the required amount. In general, I gave up and took the money went to the store and exchange it for a coveted toy. For a while I was in a trance. There was doubt whether I have spent the money. At some point, seeing one of the conferences on the Internet announcement of the sale of five for $ 350, I decided to return it and buy a used Mako 5mx. I even managed to contact the seller and get a preliminary agreement on this. But since all this took some time, I had to think something else is something. Firstly, last week as I enjoyed his new acquisition, and it was found that the backlight I wanted very rare. Screen contrast is so good that dim light bulb in the bus enough for comfortable reading. Secondly, the issue with batteries is quite an obvious solution, as described on the site www.mypsion.ru. And last, what finally brought the long-awaited peace in my soul - it's weight and size of the device. Mako, which weighs 200 grams, c size significantly smaller than the 5mx, already quite pulls his pocket. But still it can be.But nearly twice as hard to put five in your pocket, of course, possible, but forget about the fact that it lies in a pocket would be. For the five already need bag that I personally do not totally satisfied. Therefore 5mx with its backlight, battery and more comfortable keyboard, if ever, and will be purchased, so just in addition to the Mako. It did not take much time c ever since I started using my Psion'om, but with each new reading the book, with every thought that I recorded with it, eventually, every time I opened it, watching the graceful transformation of his body, begin to treat him with more respect and love. The authors, translation:

Computex Taipei 2006: "Taiwan miracle" in the pocket

In the 15 th century Portuguese sailors discovered has not yet indicated on European maps island. Struck by his beauty, they are without much thought called it an excellent - Ilha Formosa. Later this small piece of land has undergone a series of historical vicissitudes, struggles and colonization, and then suddenly came the "miracle". And the island became known as "Tigrom. Each year, the "Tiger" with great pleasure that demonstrates all its advantages, in that they are going to watch and take pictures with audiences around the world. Taiwan's economy, and, respectively, and electronics manufacturing, stala to flourish since the early 60-xx's and soon reached rather serious proportions. With the level of Zaire and the Congo moved to the island a leading position in the world for a number of industries. Takeoff even got a special term - Taiwan's economic miracle, and the island, along with Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore have a similar "services" referred to as "Asian tigers". Tiger never misses an opportunity pobryatsat armor and show the world their achievements. Since 1991 the perfect excuse for this was the exhibition of IT-products Computex, conducted in Taipei. Year by year, show increased its speed and range of exhibited products. In this year's exhibition, held in Taipei from the 6 th to June 10, raised a new record: 1312 companies exhibited their products at the 2907 show floor, and the number of visitors from abroad reached 30 thousand To read all news had, like last year, walking among the four huge pavilions filled to capacity, and among stands to navigate directories and maps.

The interior of one of the pavilions Computex 2006

This year special attention was paid to portable devices, mobile technologies and wireless communications. Almost all laptops made today in Taiwan, completed in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The same trend is observed for which we are interested portable devices. This is not surprising - in Taipei is well-developed Wi-Fi network with multiple access points: City Hall has long stated its intention to make the city one of the most "wireless" in the world. At Computex 2006 demonstrated the first samples of an ultra-portable PC (Ultra-Mobile PC, UMPC) Taiwan's production - as has already been released for sale in the U.S. and Japanese markets, and just being prepared for release. Joined the ranks of producers PDAs and smartphones. As in the past year, news provided veterans of the market: E-Ten, Asus, BenQ and others, but as always, HTC was not, however, the company's plans, which was announced recently in London, has changed for the better. If the corporation had declared that it would not distribute the products under its own brand, then convened in conjunction with Microsoft's press conference by HTC officially announced its own eponymous brand. So it is quite possible that next year the company finally take part in the exhibition. Attention to the category of PDAs, communicators and smartphones was also demonstrated on the stand Microsoft. Whereas in the past year, the company presented its platform mainly on the example of devices with Windows Embedded, putting a rather modest amount of PDA in a single "tank", at the Computex 2006 most of the stand it took Microsoft Pocket PCs and Smartphones, where each manufacturing company identified as at least one person to represent their new products. Trend towards further integration of functions into a single device: along with the complete set of modules for wireless communications more and more began to appear communicators with the function of GPS. However, in order.

UMPC: Struggles of Asian miniature

Despite the fact that the project Origami, under the name of which was hidden for a long time the concept of UMPC, was announced by Microsoft at the CeBIT Taiwan's Asus, South Korea's Samsung and China's Founder Group, the first on the markets have been an American model from the company eo Tablet Kiosk.As expected, the very model of a computer for the Americans developed a Taiwan-based Amtek System. As it turned out at the show, the same company is the manufacturer of another model - SmartCaddie, PBJ sold in Japan. The Company does not intend to limit the geographical spread of these countries. Thus, the French It'sLabel! has already started selling UMPC from Amtek System under its own brand, and soon in the Netherlands will go on sale UMPC Tulip. At the moment, the most expensive model is the French: If Americans can purchase eo priced at just $ 899, then the French will have to shell out for an "ultra-portable" pleasure 990 euros. The fair's sake, it should be noted that sells It'sLabel UMPC with-in GPS. For comparison: a model of Q1 from Samsung can be purchased for $ 1099. As we have told employees Amtek System, to their UMPC also expressed interest in certain Russian company, so it is likely that the ultra-mobile PCs and will soon appear on the market.

SmartCaddie: ODM-UMPC from Amtek Systems

	Amtek UMPC
Dimensions	228 x 146 x 25.1 mm
Weight	850 g
Processor	1GHz VIA C7M NaNo
Mainboard	North Bridge: VIA VN800

The new m130 and m515 - Palm computers all want to be colored

In the illustrious family of computers Palm completion. Palm Company has announced new models of junior and senior levels - m130 and m515. And, this time upgrading is not cosmetic in nature, as is the case with the release of m125. Suffice it to say that it is now very affordable series Palm m1xx head model with a color screen and built-in lithium-ion battery. This means that the era of handheld computers with monochrome screens coming to a close. Soon all the PDAs will be colored. In fairness it should be noted that changes in the computer Palm m515 is not so radical as a model m130. All innovations are reduced to a small change in dimensions of the computer (at 0.3 cm increased the thickness of the casing) - with unchanged outline, the installation of the new polymer lithium-ion battery, which is due to reduced size of the m515 has a slightly lower capacity (the manufacturer claims a week of work on a single charge), and finally to a doubling of installed RAM - 16 MB instead of 8 in the m505. Given the small size of programs for machines Palm, you can say - now the Pocket PC can be easily converted into a storehouse of software (whether or not - the question tenth). Both new computers have an updated operating system. Her Room - Palm OS 4.1. Good news for owners of m505, who wish to upgrade the operating system (Computer Series m1xx upgrading the operating system is unavailable). But first things first.

Meet the color Palm m130

The first thing that you pay attention, picking up a Palm m130, its appearance. The new patent detachable front socket looks very good. It can be replaced by any of the panels produced by choosing, in such a way, the color of your computer to your liking. The rest of the hull form is the same as its predecessors - a series of m1xx. Continuing examination of the new machines. Screen size has not changed, the buttons are the same as that of the m125 ... There is no cover for replacement batteries. What is in the Palm m130 battery installed? Yes, exactly: a new lithium-ion battery. The stated duration of the work - up to one week. Hence, for a day of intensive use should be enough for sure. By the way, now it becomes clear why the company Palm, releasing a model m125, completed its cradle of the CCP series m5xx. One-hundred-twenty-fifth Palm was a model of transition - from machines with replaceable batteries to computers with built-in rechargeable battery. The use of built-in battery in the low-end line of Palm - the news is good. Despite the seeming universality and availability of AAA batteries (you can buy them anywhere there's at least some kind of shop sells small things - and in hot Africa, and in the Russian province), batteries for everyday use is still beneficial and convenient. The service life of built-in battery - no less than two years. This coincides with the term of the obsolescence of the computer. Although, if we talk about typewriters Palm, their average life span is much longer. Computers most of the first series, bearing the name of the now-forgotten Pilot, well, you can use now, even without any kind of modernization of the operating system. Annoying feature - the cradle for the Palm m130 is also not the same form as the lower part of the typewriter as a model m125, since it is one and the same "bed". It is a pity that the filling cradle m130 has not been installed in a constructive cradle m105. In the design of computer looked perfect. Well, come on.Maybe the manufacturer is preparing a complete upgrade of the buildings in the junior series? Although such savings leads to some reflections ... look further - card slot SD / MMC is the same as in computers m125. Switch, infrared port, a jack for a passive robot arm - stylus. Changes seems to be no other cover .... Shape and its fixing device is the same, but the other stuff. Cover more plastic, more can be damped to the screen in the event of a PDA on a hard surface. And now it's time ... to include machine? No, first see what's inside her.

Has not forgotten old

Structural innovations in the m130 bit. Processor - one size fits all new models with a frequency of 33 MHz. Thus, a processor with such a frequency of 16 MHz is only set has not yet removed from the production of Palm m105. This aligns the computational capabilities of these PDAs, facilitating selection of software. Now the "brake" on the handheld machine simply nothing. The amount of memory m130 - the same 8 megabytes, and that in models of m125 and m105. Operating System stitched in mask ROM capacity of 4 megabytes. This news upset willing to do aprgeyd OS, since you can not overwrite the mask ROM. This is the price affordability. The reason for increased capacity ROM compared with previous models is the new operating system and support for color images. Expansion slot for memory card standard Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard remained unchanged. Today, this slot is available set of cards with the software and peripheral devices. In general, it can recognize - the standard settled down, and handhelds Palm, thanks to replaceable cards, have expanded their functionality. To connect the cradle to the new items to the sync cable and an external device is a fungible for m125 and PDAs Series m5xx universal connector Palm universal connector. Here, while no changes ... It's time to turn on the machine, because the front - the most curious.

Let There Be Color!

Screen a new computer Palm m130 is based on a passive matrix color LCD (LCD). This is a reflective display with switchable and adjustable white backlight. That is, the screen is set reflector that allows the use exterior lighting to illuminate the image. Advantages and disadvantages are the same as that of the PDA m505. The image is soft, does not hurt the eyes. In bright daylight the picture is well distinguishable, but in a room with a backlight on the screen does not look as colorful as constructed by the traditional technology aktivnomatrichnye screens. M130 screen size is smaller than the second debutant Palm m515 - the differences are the same as that between the m125 and m505. But picture quality is very good: the m130 uses 16-bit color, capable of displaying 65,536 colors. Permission is unchanged - 160x160 pixels. Evaluate the quality of the color screen to work we still have, but until we can say that the opportunity to get a PDA with a color display at an affordable price - that's really cool. Dimensions of machine (incidentally, 12,2 x7, 8x2, 2 cm and weighs 153 grams, which is 2 grams heavier than the m125 and the complete coincidence of external dimensions) and which has already become a familiar design make the Palm m130 is very attractive acquisition. We can say that this is a good response to competitors. At least so it seems at first, and something to hide, friendly look ...

Computer for the boss

The second new product from Palm - PDA older series m515. Externally, it is not unlike his predecessor m505, but the changes still are. Firstly, it is as we have said, double the amount of memory - up to 16 megabytes. Secondly, an enhanced reflective screen with high brightness (resolution remains the same - 160x160 pixels). Card slot for SD / MMC, housing design and the cradle is the same as in the m505. The infrared port is present in m130, and m505. Mode of vibration and light alert (silent vibrating alert and flashing LED during operation of a pre-signal) to the Palm m515 is saved, and m130, as in previous models, is absent. A major improvement of the two models - the new version of the operating system Palm OS 4.1.

More programs, more amenities

With the new operating system, future users of Palm handhelds will have a familiar set of programs for their digital assistant. The composition of the base software includes scheduler Date Book, Address Book, Address Book, a program of Business Planning To Do List, editor Memo Pad, a text editor with ability to save handwritten annotations Note Pad (new version 1.7), e-mail program Mail, Clock Clock, Calculator Calculator , the program is synchronizing with a desktop HotSync, the program works with removable memory cards Card Info program and personal data protection Security. That is a complete set for use with Pocket PC as a personal organizer. Remained unchanged and the system of entering text, which includes handwritten - Graffiti (around which recently not abating scandals). Practically remains and appearance basic applications and programming buttons. Improvements to the operating system deal with memory cards (lifted restrictions on its scope - in previous versions of the problem was solved by installing a special patch) and control backlit screen (the computer stores the set the brightness and the next time you turn it on restores this value). Improved text editor, Note Pad, you can now customize the background color and line. Changes have affected, and synchronize data between a PDA and the task scheduler (it would seem - which would be better, but the list of compatible programs expanded). To synchronize with your desktop computer has been used for well-known program Palm Desktop 4.0.1, optimized for the new operating system Windows XP. Additional program features include a custom look - the technology of "desktop themes, as in most Windows. It is worth noting for the traditional program-synchronizers of Palm stability. Probably on part of a sustainable communication handheld machines with desktop Palm remains the champion. Good news for computer users Macintosh - new PDA communicate with Macs through a synchronization program Palm Desktop 2.6.3. And bad news for them is - Palm still is not compatible with Mac OS X, although the situation is about to change (such as, in any case, the promises of the manufacturer). Still a lot of extra programs, along with new computers supplied in the CD-ROM. In particular, the disk can be found Link to Microsoft Outlook - a program to synchronize data from Microsoft Outlook (this is easy to guess from the title) with Palm'om. DataViz Documents To Go 4.0 - an application that provides user Palm opportunities that were previously available only to owners of Pocket PC. Now with the help of programs from a pocket on a typewriter, you can view and (Warning) to edit MS Word documents and Excel, while preserving the basic font and table formatting. When you synchronize with your desktop computer formatting will be automatically restored. The same program allows you to view presentations MS Power Point, but without editing capabilities. These properties of multimedia computer program gives Palm MGI PhotoSuite ® Mobile Edition 2.23 with the addition of PhotoView.This package is a versatile viewer graphic and video formats including JPG. TIF. GIF. PNG. BMP. MOV. AVI. WMV - so not just because, as with the option to edit! (Ah, Palm `y would still sound like the computers Sony CLIE - but give it time). Very interesting possibilities provided "makeweight» PhotoView. This is an image viewer in JPEG, which works directly with cards MMC: You can rearrange the memory card directly from the camera into the slot PDAs and view only that captured footage. The main thing that the camera was working just with the cards MultiMediaCard. The next program on the CD that came with the new machines, designed for reading electronic books - Palm Reader. Here, a few books in English, German and Italian (for those who know one another, or even third). In addition to alternative calculator powerOne personal calculator, the disk has a great selection of programs to work with the Internet. Palm HotSync Mail for offline browsing and mail synchronization with popular email programs; AvantGo 4.0 Mobile Internet Service - to view optimized for Palm channels with 16-bit color; MultiMail SE - full POP3/IMAP4 mail client, but without the support of investments; Palm Mobile Connectivity software - a package for use with cellular phones, including the preparation and sending of SMS messages and browse WAP-pages ...

The new Palm computers in Russia

At this time we do not have to wait long to see the new cars "alive", but if you like, then buy one of them for personal use. MacCentre Company has already started shipping new models to the Russian market, where, completely Russified and framed with a full set of peripherals and accessories. Range is great, but special attention should be paid to the memory expansion cards MultiMediaCard from Pretec, having hardly any better value for money and designed specifically for use with handheld Palm m125/130 and m500/505/515. Spectacular views and, simultaneously, practicality have suede covers Xigma. In such a case the new machine will look even more spectacular.

A few words after

What awaits PDAs Palm, reversed, whether they are in competition - decided today. Two new models released in response to active actions of competitors - including the issue of affordable color PDA from Casio. But with certainty we can say - PDA Palm in 2002 will be in color. The only question is - how much affordable. In the meantime, the developer produces just two main lines of models. Younger (low-end) consists of low-cost handheld m105, m125, and now has a new color m130, senior - a series of m5xx - represent a model of monochrome Palm m500, m505 with a color screen and the latest m515. If desired, you can choose ...

And a little more about the accessories

New items novelties, and for owners of Palm computers life goes on. Your car must be maintained at the technological frontier level. And here are the latest design proposals that will help ease the serious and improve the performance of your PDA and save your time and energy.

• USB cable with charging function Battery for Palm Handheld m500/505 USB-PA500-01. Wonderful thing, we must take, and cradle to exile in the pantry
• COM serial cable for Palm Handheld m500/505/125 COM-PA500-01
• Car Adapter for the Palm Handheld m500/505 AUT-PA500-01
• Cable GPS-Receiver Garmin eTrex / eMap for Palm Handheld m500/505/125 GPS-IP360-02
• Cable GPS-Receiver Garmin 12/12XL/II/III for Palm Handheld m500/505/125 GPS-IP360-01
• Universal power supply for the Palm Handheld m500/505 ADA-PA500-01
• Cable Connector for Palm Handheld m500/505/125 CNN-PA500-01
• Much, much more, no less elegant and sweet ...

All of this for sale yet no information is secret, we can say spy. When will be? Soon, very soon - literally, these days) looked before. The authors, translation:

Future through the eyes of Microsoft Windows Mobile

August 23, 2006, at the Renaissance Hotel Moscow held a meeting with the senior director of worldwide marketing MED Microsoft Tony Mestres. In a conversation with Mr. Mestres, we learned about Microsoft's plans for mobile devices, the company's vision near and distant future, as well as some other facts, which are offering you. HPC.ru: Do you have Microsoft specific plans to promote mobile technology in Russia? What? Mr. Mestres: Yes! We are very serious about what to bring our Windows Mobile solutions to the Russian market. To do this effectively, in any country will have to perform a number of requirements. I'll tell you about them. Necessary to ensure the availability of high-grade infrastructure partners, who will become the basis for the functioning of the whole system. Each of the partners at the same time will solve their problems, are links in the chain. First, here are the companies producing devices that will provide the market with the device. Secondly, this communication operators and software developers who can develop and offer new programs and services. Finally, a network of retail sales, designed to bring to end users for new devices and technologies. Of course, in the overall mechanism most directly involved, and Microsoft's own resources in the country. Their task - to spread information about Windows Mobile solutions on the market and provide full support to users and customers, both corporate and consumer sectors. Now we have the impression that all the elements of the partnership system, all necessary resources in the Russian market we already have. Currently, we do invest in development programs of sales and marketing, to information on proposed solutions to reach the market as efficiently as possible, thereby stimulating demand for these services. HPC.ru: Will MS to develop or organize the development of its own device or other mobile device, PDA-class? Can you comment on the rumors about Xbox Mobile (or Portable) and its own model of PDA? Mr. Mestres: In regard to business related to Windows Mobile, we are very strictly adhere to the orientation of an affiliate model work. Because we believe it is better to completely take over the job on a piece of software, offering a superb operating system that can operate effectively in the target environment. Task is to develop and bring to market hardware devices solve our partners with relevant expertise. Providing network services handled by other partners and so on. So we sozdadaem most effective in our view the environment from the standpoint of most wide innovation on the market. HPC.ru: What can we expect in the near future in the sector of Windows Mobile and Windows CE. NET? What are the longer term plans? Can we expect a fundamentally new operating system kernel Windows Mobile? Mr. Mestres: Not so long ago, we started to actively transfer commercialized OS Windows Mobile 5.0 technology with Direct Push. And just recently announced the Windows CE 6. Now we are fully focused on the development of both these platforms. In particular, in the case of Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system focuses on the development of communication services and opportunities for the exchange of messages. Here we focus on active users of mobile systems, such as IT-specialists. In the future we can expect further work on innovative solutions in a given area. We want to offer products that provide good job opportunities in the field of communication. Thereby creating more opportunities for use of mobile devices and technologies to improve productivity and organization of new application areas. HPC.ru: And what about more distant plans? Mr. Mestres: In the future we can expect an expansion of the target audience (users of mobile technology. - Ed.).We will focus also on other user groups, thus facilitating their transition to the so-called digital lifestyle. That is the current target group on which we focus - it is a highly skilled users, who are well versed in the art, and are ready to use it as a professional activity, and in everyday life. If we talk about the future, and not-so-distant, then as the technological and market developments, we see that solutions based on Windows Mobile for many people, become an example of transition of technology from high level to the discharge shirokoupotrebitelnyh that everyone will enjoy. Let's talk about the so-called "digital divide". Just a few years ago in many parts of the globe, including in Russia, this digital divide is manifested in the fact that there was a boundary between people who are used solely voice telephony, and another group of people who use a computer. And now we see a trend where, as technology, information of various kinds are increasingly part of its beginning to spread in digital formats. Blurs the line between the method of transmitting information used in professional activities, and ways to feed media and news channels, entertainment information. With the development of networks, hardware and software solutions, things start to merge into a single information environment. As a result, we obtain the result - powerful software running on the basis of small devices and using a wider data channels. HPC.ru: What is the importance for Microsoft Embedded Windows CE. NET? Is it possible to compare the perspectives of these systems and systems based on Windows Mobile? Mr. Mestres: For Microsoft Windows CE system is one of those products, which is characterized by the fastest business growth. We believe that the niche market for Windows CE and Windows Mobile at this point very clearly delineated and defined. Over time, we observe the emergence of a growing number of smart solutions based on embedded operating systems. Ranging from gas stations to home appliances such as refrigerators. All they would need a powerful operating system Windows CE. Recently we are working very hard in the first place, with appropriate software developers by providing special tools, which allow the implementation of some very interesting decisions on the basis of Windows CE for embedded systems. And, our feeling is that everything we do in this direction is quite different from our work on Windows Mobile. Because Windows Mobile, primarily focused on the world in which we use a handheld portable devices, each of which more and more like a PC. At the same time, I want to say that I am quite clear about the vision for the future of the world, when so many people, a variety of devices will interact with each other. I can cite an example, when you are using your device to Windows Mobile operating system scheduler zaneset in a campaign to shop, but your intelligent refrigerator immediately load a list of products that, in his opinion, it is necessary to replenish shelves. For example, you have finished the milk, and before sending the empty package in the trash, you inevitably carry him past the scanner, refrigerator, and refrigerator is aware that the milk in it anymore. Something like this might look like the scenario of interaction between devices operating on Windows CE and Windows Mobile. In the future, things may look that way. And now, even though these products are interrelated, but still quite clearly separated. HPC.ru: How, according to Microsoft, the launch platform has successfully passed the UMPC? How is the situation now? Mr. Mestres: Imagine the world of computer technology, and try to draw a diagram with axes X and Y. Smartphone Windows Mobile will be presented to him at the bottom, as the most compact. This will be one point of the axis. Above Windows Mobile Pocket PC, then UMPC, Tablet PC and then further laptops and desktops. Thus, we have a solid number of different devices, in which a consumer can find just exactly what he needs. Each of these platforms focus on certain categories of users.I think that the opportunity to provide various consumer groups full breadth of choice - the best option approach to the market. HPC.ru: What can you say about the price of UMPC? Do not you think that UMPC are too expensive for your niche? Mr. Mestres: The situation is similar for every niche of our imaginary graph. With the development of each version of the OS is becoming more innovative features and new consumer properties of increasingly low prices. With regard to computer technology, always acting the same rule: in order to create conditions to reduce the prices of such devices as smart phones, PDA or UMPC, is necessary to achieve a certain volume of their production and marketing. HPC.ru: Currently available only for development tools for WM5 (talking about C + +, not C #). Why is this so? After all the programs in the presence of free tools could be more. Do you expect to release of free development tools? Mr. Mestres: Here's the thing. Microsoft built its business based just on the developer community. I think that is the model on which we provide support and tools to developers, has already proved its effectiveness, and it is not expensive for developers. We feel that the development tools that we offer - the best on the market. At this point we have confirmation from users. Use values ​​that get their hands on the developers is extremely high for them. HPC.ru: Thank you very much for your time and answering our questions. Good luck on the Russian market of mobile technology.

Slie Sony PEG T615C: pocket a piece of art

That time already looking at handhelds from Sony and more and more convinced - the Japanese do not PDA - no - they create works of art! A few years ago, getting some easy money, I went to watch his cassette player - the one that is cheaper. As a result, bought doroguschy - $ 100 Sony in a silver metal frame with the cosmically-round with a bright blue backlight - Remote control. He was thick with the tape included only with the remote control each time the inside that slim body is something fascinating clicked ... in general - a thing! Engineers from Sony by some miraculously managed to conquer space and shove in the box a little thicker than a cassette tape itself and more and control mechanism, a motor, battery, in the end! And how it all fits!) Actually it concerns virtually all products, apart from those, of course, that status is supposed to be great. TVs, for example. I understand the general slogan of the company should be something like "the device everything should be fine, and the unit engaged in manufacture of handheld devices will not knocked out of this principle, and vice versa, from model to model perfects the art of making portable electronics in fashion works of art. From the conversation in a computer club:

• You what?
• Yes, Palm ...
• - And I - "Sonya!"
• - Nuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

That's another "Nuuuuuu," and recently got into my hands. It's called Sony Clie PEG T615C - for him, and will talk. Probably the same feeling I had when I first took the trembling in his hands PowerBook Titanium from Apple, which had heard many rave reviews - wow! Smooth contours of matte-silver aluminum body, tidy - in the ticker - the control buttons, stressed-technically block wheel controls with an elegant metal button. Want to just pick up and put under glass, so that, God forbid, no scratching, no zalapalos. A turn on - and see a bright color screen ... Here's to it and begin. Immediately after the release of this model, the CPC in the light of the conferences rumors that de thrifty Japanese have made it too thin, so now on a small screen and saved - it faded, dim, colors are displayed incorrectly. So, officially announce to you that this is all a lie! Normal small screen. Size, of course, also plays a role - not that it turned bright as that of the same-610S, well, so from her, excuse me, at full brightness and the blind can accidentally. But seriously, it does not look like he was not one available in the market, in any case known to me. This is reflective TFT - monitor has higher resolution 320x320 pixels and adjustable backlighting. But if you look at any known monitor this kind of sideways, it becomes visible to the backlight, but here - no. I would say that this sort of cross between HAST monitor from Casio, with a reflective screen Ipaq, not the technology, of course, but on feelings - it seems that it is not illuminated with any one side, and filled the whole uniform glow. Moreover, even in the most extreme position the brightness is twice brighter screen Palm m505. Control buttons T615, as usual, made with the expectation of the small Japanese pen:) The buttons are small and slightly convex.Here, unfortunately, lost to the whims of a few features of design and scroll buttons mutated into not very convenient mini-joystick with two positions up and down. Probably, everything can be adapted, but the friendship I had with him at once as something did not happen, and if the text has got to move, then in games it probably hindered than helped. But beautiful! - And summarize. The power button is now circular, with a slight indentation in the middle, located on the lower right corner. LED charging migrated under the socket with the buttons - I noticed it and immediately, just after the start of charging. What I really enjoyed my time in the model of Sony Clie N610, is the fact that the power adapter could be connected to both the cradle and to the very Sony. Want to charge while syncing, you want - on the road. So - here it is not - plug the adapter is only for cradle! Sorry, but really, probably a lot of money being made separately on the power adapter or it is again a tribute to the whims of design? Rhetorical question - you can not answer ... :-) The bottom slot in the T-Series, of course, again a new, so if you're planning an upgrade - say goodbye to the entire periphery, if you have accumulated. Whether business Palm - both sat down on a universal connector, and sits. And I am a model as you want! Promise that in future the CPC did not throw - very correct position! They did, however, and do not give to anyone: there, Handera to build a new business model, because it so directly, and said - do not give! The old connector is used, and the new - no. Well, one thing Handera, but what I can not believe that Sony is hard to create a standard connector ... again, probably, any ideas, this time, perhaps, marketing. Moving on: non-removable battery - do not think the Japanese about the future, but the protective cap, compared with the previous model was better, she is now attached to the rear panel and secured by two small plastic clips. Much water has flowed since the release of the first handheld from Sony. Then, still with him was given an acceptable leather case, only now, almost none of which do not protect, but stylish caps. In T615-st is leather or a good substitute - you can not tell with plastic nakladochkoy logo. The new Clie staffed 16 megabytes of RAM - twice as much as its predecessors, and standard four megabytes of rewritable flash memory for storing the operating system. The device is now in the best traditions of Palm equipped with a vibrating alert, an enhanced infrared port and speaker. On the last two - in some detail. Improved infrared at external examination does not itself issue - the same dark window, as in all PDAs, but the built-in program SonyRemote turns your handheld into a powerful remote control. On a beautiful high-resolution screen nice look stylish buttons, that's only the panels you komplektuete of your proposed program of 21 electronics manufacturer, and four kinds of devices: TV, VCR, DVD and music center. That is, if you have supernavorochennaya coffee maker with an infrared remote control, you find yourself in a large bay. But apparently, the Sony were serious reasons not to do your remote programmable, though, to his credit, my old TV Toshiba, brought from Japan in the bearded pre-perestroika years, he recognized immediately. With regard to the improved dynamics, the first thing he impressed me, so it is a coherent phrase «Hello, I'm Clie from Sony» ("Hello, I Klie from Sony") at the beginning of recorded presentations on a PDA device. But he did not for this, but in order to play polyphonic midi files. Have you ever heard anything sweet melodies latest mobile phones from Sony, a diversity pleasant beaten out from the ranks of his fellows? That can Clie is very similar, only quieter music ... nice, but once heard, you know the designer was right, present at inclusion in the PDA Vibrate - otherwise it would be absolutely unheard of.Manages music files on the Pocket PC software Sound Utility, you can listen to tunes, as well as rename and delete. For desktop PCs have a special program to convert MIDI and. Waw files for use on the Sony. Few of the remaining specifications. Processor Motorola DragonBall VZ - 33Mhz, Palm OS version 4.1 - the latest from the existing versions of the battery - Li-Polymer, 800 Mah, slot Memory Stick. The last thing we can say about this handheld computer - it's just a very stylish thing. Sony definitely takes first place among all existing Pocket PC manufacturers, and again, the main article, in addition to advanced e-filling - is design. Clie not just a work tool - an attribute of a successful man with taste. About myself, would I have the required amount of money - would buy without hesitation:) The authors, translation: