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Review of Pocket PC Casio Pocket Viewer PV-450S
Napalm
Original article is at Kompyuferre becoming one of the first Russian winner of the Palm m100, I have not felt much inconvenience from its two megabytes of RAM, except that they had to abandon the large but tasty programs. A good dictionary or a map, as well as "War and Peace" in its entirety - all this for him. But one day, wandering through some palmolyubivomu site, I came across a forum for discussion about the upgrade. It seems that discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the two competing schools.
This story reminded me of those days when I by chance found fidoshnoy node, and not just a node, and a major hub, and with a useless modem Sportster 14400. The line was horrible, the relationship now and then vomited out the links (especially non-resident) did not have time to dig soap, debris which grew every night. On a decent modem was not enough money, but fortunately, my Sportster was apgreydabelnym, ie using the programmer easily turn into a top model Courier, put in a good USRobotics modems of different classes of almost the same stuffing. Scraped together some money and taking donations links and point, I went to the attic of some institute, where did one of apgreyderov. The whole country there were then only a few people, and they compete fiercely with each other. However, we must pay tribute, almost always in the form of censorship. If the modem simply reprogrammed the DSP, then the "Palma" upgrade is to increase memory - from two to eight megabytes. He yield, judging from the list on the site apgreydera, almost all low-end models the Palm "," Vayzorov », TRG Pro and other palmoobraznyh. Is it worth it ... if we subtract from the price of m105, which are present unknown 8 MB of memory, the price of m100, where these are only two megabytes, and just get the upgrade price is almost, well, maybe a little more. That is, if you talk to an adult, it is better to buy normal "Palm", because it saves on the upgrade is still a dime. A guarantee, of course, lost. However, I wanted adventure, especially because no assurance from the very beginning of my cars were not. And I have them (adventure) received. Night, an apartment on the outskirts of Moscow, where Max has arrived for a day or two. He comes from another city, if recruited more than twenty orders. It happens about once every couple of months. There in the capital and its apgreydery otherwise orders from Max would be great. Background.
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Notebook: fewer, thinner, lighter
Recently, much attention manufacturers of laptops on so-called subnotebook - a device that combines convenience and broad functionality of a notebook with one hand and the relatively small size and weight, inherent PDAs - on the other. Overview of the most popular models. Long ago, in the reign of the legendary "dvushek" engineers of Japanese firm Toshiba released the first portable computer such as laptop, freak by today's standards, weighing 7-10 kg, and feeds only on the network. But then it was a breakthrough - the first mobile PC that you can take with you wherever you go - fantastic! As time passed, there were laptops, according to the present mobile computers that are having a weight of 2 to 4 kg and a battery-powered, could ensure the implementation of the vast majority of functions of a modern desktop PC. But for routine use in road conditions, even these machines were too heavy. Therefore, recently much attention to manufacturers of laptops on so-called subnotebook - devices that have weight less than 3.5 pounds (about 1.6 kg) and a thickness of 2 to 3 cm length and width of the mobile computer are determined mainly by the size of keyboard and display, according to these parameters subnotebooks do not differ from conventional laptops. While on their weight and size characteristics between classical laptops and keyboard handhelds (PDAs), subnotebooks are a compromise solution that combines ease of use and rich functionality notebook with one hand and the relatively small size and weight, inherent PDAs - on the other. But, like any compromise, the sub-notebooks have their drawbacks. Perhaps the most significant of these is the application in order to reduce weight and dimensions, especially thickness, rather inconvenient to use external hard drives. And the small size batteries provide less operating time, therefore, in order to maintain an acceptable operating time, developers have deliberately limit the ability of sub-notebooks, although in recent years, with the advent of the latest processors and other components with much less than before, power consumption, this problem gradually fades into the background.
Opening the era of mobile computing, Toshiba, and then not released from his hands palm, proposing in 1997 a very successful, for its time, a series of subnotebooks Libretto. In this series the processor type Pentium, ranging from 75 MHz in the low-end model 50ST, and ending with the MMX Pentium 166/233, in the most popular models of Libretto 100/110ST successfully and survived until today. Being almost full-fledged computer, equipped with a hard drive that automatically allows you to use the OS Windows 9x, full-color TFT display, which supports working resolution of 800 x 480 resolution and 32 megabytes of expandable memory, Libretto still able to perform most tasks, which focus on larger notebooks. To manipulate objects on the screen using a mini-joystick-type AccuPoint, located on the lid of a subnotebook, the right of the screen. Sound system includes 16bit stereo sound card, performed on Yamaha OPL3 chip and is compatible with SoundBlaster Pro, built-in mono microphone and speaker. To communicate with the outside worlds, but built-in IR port, bundled with a port replicator port: serial RS 232, VGA, parallel (ECP) and PS / 2 for external mouse and keyboard.
Logical continuation and development Libretto Series was a series Portege 3hhh. In this series, the firm Toshiba, a modest increase in size and weight of sub-notebooks, has received powerful systems, capable to compete with the latest models of full-size notebooks.To date, the production model are 3440ST and 3480ST, differing only only applicable processor (Pentium III 500 and 600, respectively, while the latter supports SpeedStep - proprietary technology of energy saving Intel) and HDD. The standard configuration Portege, as Libretto, comes only with an external floppy drive, and for those wishing to use the CD-ROM, you must purchase an external model with the connection through port PC-card. Manipulator AccuPoint, as in all the 'big' laptops Toshiba, located on 86-key, almost full-sized keyboard. Removable lithium battery provides continuous operation time of up to 3 hours, but there is an optional high-capacity battery, and with it this time increases already up to 8,5 hours.
Using design solutions applied in the Libretto, a Japanese corporation Cassio has launched a family of very cute netbooks under the general title FIVA. To date, there are two versions: MRS101 and MRS102 using integrated CPU / video processor National Semiconductor Geode (Media GX) 200/233 MHz, HDD capacity of 3,2 / 6 MB of RAM and a standard capacity 32/64 MB, respectively. Both models use high-quality 6.7-inch SVGA display, technology Hyper Amorphous Silicon TFT (HAST). MRS102 model, moreover, may either have a built-in V.90 modem (M63E) or not (M62E). The audio subsystem consists of a sound card compatible with Sound Blaster 16, built-in mono microphone and speaker, and output jacks for headphones and line (stereo), similar to solutions used in subnotebooks most other firms. For communication with the modern equipment, including desktop computers, there are USB ports and infrared, and for the legacy (COM, LPT, PS / 2) - have to use Port Replicator. Actively developing udavshuyusya model, the company Cassio plans to launch yet another modification of the FIVA on the basis of modern vysokoekonomichnogo processor Crusoe - FIVA MPC-206. Being a truly hi-end solution for devices such small sizes, the new model is equipped with integrated IEEE-1394, 100Base-TX Ethernet, modem, slot for CompactFlash and PC Card. Well, such "goodies" like 8.4''color LCD screen, 128 MB RAM and 20 GB hard drive just set off and so have a clear picture. But the main highlight of yet not in this - the laptop has two operating systems, Windows Me and Linux, and switch between them with the switch mounted on the sidewall!
Most small notebooks manufactured by Sony, includes a line of VAIO PictureBook C1 XX, and differ from all other subnotebooks presence of built-in video camera that works, in addition to videos, also in photo. It uses a 1/6-inch CCD-matrix (350 thousand pixels) that creates the image size is 640 x 480 resolution. Today, this line includes several outdated and already finished its production cycle model VAIO PictureBook C1 XS, built on the good old processor Intel Pentium II 400 MHz, and replaced its VAIO PictureBook C1 VN, which uses the latest "squeak" computer mode - pretty sensational in the last year processor company Transmeta Crusoe TM5600, clocked at 600 MHz in the normal and 300 MHz - in economy mode. But this is a gem of this series, I think still not built and, frankly, do not quite understand why you would need a video camera, and no exotic processor, showing the way, very modest results in comparison with their competitors from Intel, and a spectacular LCD monitor.Display (aspect ratio of 2.13: 1, image size 1024 x 480 pixels, 8.9 inches diagonal) affects picture quality - even small fonts are perfectly readable, and the moving image is not noticeable inhibition, typical for most LCD panels. Sony has with enviable persistence uses its new developments in all their products by promoting them as candidates for future industry standards. Thus, in PictureBook C1 VN is the Memory Stick slot for proprietary flash-memory cards used in the most recent models of technology Sony - from the recorders to video cameras, and gaining acceptance, and other manufacturers of computer equipment. Another innovation - the wheel Jog Dial, using which, it is very easy to control the cursor - to scroll through menu items, it is enough to rotate the Jog Dial, and to make a choice, just need to press it. All subnotebooks from Sony, unlike other manufacturers, are equipped with stereo speakers, which only emphasizes once again the most powerful multimedia focus, but rather expensive sub-notebooks Sony.
His second series of sub-notebooks, "SR", Sony is positioning as a series of mobile computers for work or play. The older model in the series, PCG-SR17K, despite their more than modest size and weight, in its basic parameters can give odds to many not only laptops but also desktops. With a slightly larger dimensions than the previous series C1, SR has a slightly larger size widescreen LCD display and a keyboard, a place to touch the site Touch-pad, which in some cases much easier to paddle Stick-point, were used for the series C1. Naturally, along with Touch-pad is present and the wheel Jog Dial, however, as a slot for Memory Stick, which have become familial attributes Technology Sony. Besides, if we are talking about original "gadgets", like to underline the presence of iLINK interface (IEEE 1394), used in all company laptops. This interface has become the de facto standard in consumer video technology (by the way, almost all Sony camcorders are equipped with the latest generations of them), are increasingly moving to the new market of external disk drives, where he successfully opposed not only to common interface, USB 1.0, but also quite competitive relative to its just appeared to be much more productive version of USB 2.0. Subnotebook comes with an external 3.5 "drive FDD, but now drive CD-ROM (or DVD-ROM), with interface RS-card to buy more separately.
Very pleased to represent the Russian products in a number of distinguished computer "brand." Under the brand name RoverBook Russian company Infomash "delivers a wide range of fairly inexpensive but high-quality notebooks. In this series Voyager Model MT4 with good reason can claim the title of "subnotebook." And let it is a replica model MiNote M722 Taiwan's MiTAC, let themselves notebooks, at best, only going in our country of the box, it is not in any way detract from the achievements of the Infomasha "as one of the leaders in the market mobile computers. After a long time it is no secret that over 90% of all produced in the world of laptops - a native of Taiwan, and this number includes all, without exception, the model recognized "brands". Voyager MT4, based on chipset Intel 440MX-100 supports all the modern mobile processors from Intel, including Celeron'y under the bus of 100 MHz and Pentium III technology SpeedStep (SS).Contrary to popular belief, widely touted technology SpeedStep, implemented in the Pentium III SS, and allows the processor when running on battery to reduce its clock speed and reduce the operating voltage from 1.65 V to 1.35 V and, accordingly, to reduce power consumption, does not bring noticeable benefits of the system equipped with such processors before, much cheaper Celeron-s. After all, in real systems, battery power consumption not only the processor, but system logic, memory, hard drive, video controller, LCD panel and other components, and the contribution of the processor in the total energy consumption is modest, so saving about 1 W, resulting from the use of technology SpeedStep, dissolves in the tens of watts consumed by other systems of the notebook. A nice feature of MT4 is the presence of as much as 4 slots bus USB, connector promising IEEE 1394 bus, and built-in modem supporting protocols K56Flex and V.90 and 10/100 Ethernet network card will never be superfluous. In general, data communication, and all the others, features a subnotebook Voyager MT4 everything in perfect order.
In a wide range of laptops manufactured by a consortium of Fujitsu Siemens, subnotebooks designated letter "B". In the Russian market today, there are two such models: In-2154 and B-2131, are not very expensive, but well-balanced decisions based on the Celeron 450 and 400, respectively. An interesting feature that distinguishes them from a long line of similar devices, is the organization of management of objects on the screen - along with the usual type anipulyatorom QuickPoint, located between the keys on the keyboard, use the pen input directly on the touch screen using a special staylusa included with a subnotebook. Special tools, offers maximum pen input, are supplied. In the standard addition is a port replicator (incidentally, both models have interchangeable) and external disk drive 3.5 "external the same 24x CDROM is optional. Subnotebook ThinkPad 240 is produced by IBM for quite a long time, indicating a large reserve capacity, which was originally inherent in this model. Not the last role was the fact that the developers subnotebook, not chasing ultra-slim size, have created a model is only slightly smaller than the usual notebook, but the keyboard size was maintained at 95% of the standard, which makes working with ThinkPad 240 special comfort. In addition, the most commonly used ports are built directly into the laptop itself, so there is no need to wear to an external port replicator, which is required for most other subnotebooks. Older versions ThinkPad 240, equipped with a processor Pentium IIISS 500, have 6-cell lithium battery that provides up to 4 hours of continuous operation, while their younger "brothers" that use processors Celeron 300-450, to reduce weight and, most importantly, value, work with a 3-cell battery, and the period of continuous operation at They are only 2 hours, but, nevertheless, and this value is quite acceptable.
The most recent development firm in the class of subnotebooks Dell - Model L400, which is a powerful workstation (Pentium III processor 700 MHz with support for SpeedStep, in the standard package - 6 Gb HDD, 128 Mb RAM, preloaded with Windows 2000) with a weight of slightly more than 1, 5 kg and a thickness of 2.5 cm to increase the amount of memory, there is one slot on the motherboard where you can install the module size of 64, 128 or 256 Mb. Comes with an external 3,5 "FDD, but optional, you can use an external drive: 24X CD-ROM or CD R / RW, 8X DVD-ROM, Zip 250. 12.1-inch LCD monitor supports a resolution of 1024 x 768 at 24 -bit color.Following the latest trends in computer mode, subnotebook L400 has an "on board" not only an integrated modem and network card, which guarantees the owner of interaction with the outside world without any problems.
As the most light and thin in the prestigious series Armada, subnotebook M300 is deservedly proud of the company Compaq. Reliability and durability of the computer in difficult road conditions, provides a rugged housing made of light magnesium alloys. To expand the scope of this subnotebook is possible to use the console Mobile Expansion Unit (MEU), which is simply tacked on to the Armada M300. The console comes with a 24X CD-drive or 8X DVD in the multipurpose bay Multibay (which is the standard for other series Armada). In this compartment can also set the drive SuperDisk LS-120, an extra lithium ion battery, second hard disk capacity of 6.4 GB or simply insert the plug. Console MEU serves as a port replicator and provides the system a set of additional tools, including parallel and serial ports, audio input / output ports VGA, USB, PS / 2 (2), plug the external power source and even a PremierSound, providing enhanced stereo sound Audio M300. Communication capabilities provide integrated 56 Kbps modem, although there are modifications and with a combined device that performs functions such as modem and network adapter 10/100 Ethernet. Thus, we consider several models of modern sub-notebooks, it can be concluded that, despite their more than modest size and weight, all of them on their possibilities in no way inferior to its much bigger brethren. A model of the Libretto or FIVA, with dimensions comparable to a sheet of paper A5, already with good reason be called the ultra-notebook. However, they are having a cost comparable to other models of sub-notebooks (especially the FIVA), significantly inferior to them in the comfort of work, mainly due to the reduced size of the keyboard - this is the price for such a small size.
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Brief specifications considered subnotebooks
| manufacturer | model | Display | Video | processor | RAM capacity Articles / max., Mb | capacity HDD, Gb | slots are enlarged. | ports are enlarged. |
| Cassio | Cassiopeia Fiva MPC101 | 6,7 "TFT 800x600 | 64k col. | Media GX 200 MHz | 32/96 | 3,2 | 1 - PC-card II | IrDA, USB, PR |
| Cassio | Cassiopeia Fiva MPC102M63E | 6,7 "TFT 800x600 | 64k col. | Media GX 233 MHz | 64/96 | 6 | 1 - PC-card II | IrDA, USB, PR |
| Compaq | Armada M300 | 12,1 "TFT 1024x768 | 2 Mb | Pentium III 500/600 MHz | 64/320 | 6 / 12 | 1 - PC-card II | IrDA, USB, SVGA, PR |
| Dell | Latitude L400 | 12,1 "TFT 1024x768 | 4 Mb ATI Rage Mobility M | 700 MHz Pentium IIISS | 64/256 | 6/10/20 | 1 - PC-card II | LPT, IrDA, USB, PS / 2, SVGA, PR |
| Fujitsu | B2131 | 10,4 "TFT 800x600 | 2,5 Mb Trident | Celeron 400 MHz | 64/192 | 6 | 2-PC-card II or 1-PC-card III | IrDA, 2 USB, SVGA, PR |
| Fujitsu | B2154 | 10,4 "TFT 800x600 | 2,5 Mb Trident | Celeron 450 MHz | 64/192 | 6 | 1 - PC-card II | IrDA, 2 USB, SVGA, PR |
| IBM | ThinkPad 240 61G | 10,4 "TFT 800x600 | 2 Mb NeoMagic 2160 | Pentium III 500 MHz | 64/192 | 12 | 1 - PC-card II | COM, LPT, IrDA, USB, PS / 2, SVGA, PR |
| IBM | ThinkPad 240 41G | 10,4 "TFT 800x600 | 2 Mb NeoMagic 2160 | Celeron 400 MHz | 64/192 | 12 | 1 - PC-card II | COM, LPT, IrDA, USB, PS / 2, SVGA, PR |
| RoverBook | Voyager MT4 | 12,1 "TFT 1024x768 | 8 Mb ATI Rage Mobility M | 650 MHz Pentium IIISS | 64/192 | 6 / 12 | 1 - PC-card II | 4 USB, IrDA, SVGA, IEEE 1394 |
| Sony | PCG-C1XS | 8.9 "TFT 1024 x 480 | 2,5 Mb NeoMagic 256AV | Pentium II 400 MHz | 64/128 | 12 | 1 - PC-card II | USB, IrDA, SVGA, IEEE 1394 |
| Sony | PCG-C1VN | 8.9 "TFT 1024 x 480 | 8 Mb ATI Rage Mobility M | Crusoe TM5600 600 MHz | 128/192 | 12 | 1 - PC-card II, Memory Stick | USB, SVGA, IEEE 1394 |
| Sony | PCG-SR-5K | 10.4 "TFT | 3 Mb NeoMagic 256AV | Pentium III 500 MHz | 64/256 | 9 | 1 - PC-card II, Memory Stick | USB, SVGA, IEEE 1394 |
| Sony | PCG-SR-7K | 10.4 "TFT | 6 Mb NeoMagic 256XL | 600 MHz Pentium IIISS | 128/256 | 12 | 1 - PC-card II, Memory Stick | USB, SVGA, IEEE 1394 |
| Sony | PCG-SR-17K | 10.4 "TFT | 8 Mb S3 Savage IX | 700 MHz Pentium IIISS | 128/256 | 20 | 1 - PC-card II, Memory Stick | USB, SVGA, IEEE 1394 |
| Toshiba | Libretto 100 | 7,1 "TFT 800x480 | 2 Mb NeoMagic 2160 | Pentium 166 MHz | 32/64 | 2,2 | 2-PC-card II | IrDA, PR |
| Toshiba | Libretto 110 | 7,1 "TFT 800x480 | 2 Mb NeoMagic 2160 | Pentium 233 MHz | 32/64 | 4,1 | 2-PC-card II | IrDA, PR |
| Toshiba | Portege 3440 | 11,3 "TFT 1024x768 | 8 Mb S3 Savage IX | Pentium III 500 MHz | 64/192 | 6 | 2-PC-card II or 1-PC-card III | USB, IrDA, PR |
| Toshiba | Portege 3480 | 11,3 "TFT 1024x768 | 8 Mb S3 Savage IX | Pentium III 600 MHz | 64/192 | 12,1 | 2-PC-card II or 1-PC-card III | USB, IrDA, PR |
| manufacturer | model | communication | manipulator | food | Time is continuous.work, h | Dimensions, mm | weight, g |
| Cassio | Cassiopeia Fiva MPC101 | - | Thumb-pad | Li-ion, net | 3 | 210x132x25 | 850 |
| Cassio | Cassiopeia Fiva MPC102M63E | Modem V 90 | Thumb-pad | Li-ion, net | 3 | 210x132x25 | 850 |
| Compaq | Armada M300 | Modem V 90 | Touch-pad | Li-ion, net | 2 | 264x229x23 | 1480 |
| Dell | Latitude L400 | Modem V 90 10/100 Ethernet | Touch-pad | Li-ion, net | 4 | 272x220x25 | 1540 |
| Fujitsu | B2131 | Modem V 90 10/100 Ethernet | QuickPoint | Li-ion, net | 3 | 229h178h30 | 1360 |
| Fujitsu | B2154 | Modem V 90 10/100 Ethernet | QuickPoint | Li-ion, net | 3 | 250h199h30 | 1400 |
| IBM | ThinkPad 240 61G | Modem V 90 | Track-point | Li-ion, net | 4 | 259x203x27 | 1500 |
| IBM | ThinkPad 240 41G | Modem V 90 | Track-point | Li-ion, net | 2 | 259x203x27 | 1400 |
| RoverBook | Voyager MT4 | Modem V 90 10/100 Ethernet | Touch-pad | Li-ion, net | 1,5 | 269h218h25 | 1580 |
| Sony | PCG-C1XS | Modem V 90 | Stick-point | Li-ion, net | 2 | 249x152x29 | 998 |
| Sony | PCG-C1VN | Modem V 90 | Stick-point | Li-ion, net | 2,5 | 249x152x29 | 970 |
| Sony | PCG-SR-5K | Modem V 90 | Touch-pad | Li-ion, net | 3 | 259x208x25 | 1350 |
| Sony | PCG-SR-7K | Modem V 90 | Touch-pad | Li-ion, net | 3,5 | 259x208x25 | 1350 |
| Sony | PCG-SR-17K | Modem V 90 | Touch-pad | Li-ion, net | 3,5 | 259x208x25 | 1350 |
| Toshiba | Libretto 100 | - | AccuPoint | Li-ion, net | 3 | 210x132x35 | 910 |
| Toshiba | Libretto 110 | - | AccuPoint | Li-ion, net | 3 | 210x132x35 | 1060 |
| Toshiba | Portege 3440 | Modem V 90 | AccuPoint | Li-ion, net | 3 | 262x231x20 | 1550 |
| Toshiba | Portege 3480 | Modem V 90 | AccuPoint | Li-ion, net | 3 | 262x231x20 | 1550 |
Palm synchronization problems
Palm OS 3.5 and above, PalmDesktop 4, through a local network
Problem
There is a Palm OS PDA c system 3.5 and above, there are two desktop Windows PC c installed TCP / IP (the default is automatically in modern Windows). On the first computer is no need to connect the cradle, but it's the first must synchronize the Palm. On the second is the correct port, for example, USB.Decision
Install Palm Desktop 4 on both computers. After installation in the Taskbar icon will appear in HotSync. On both machines, right-click on it and put a tick "Network". |
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PDA: what's inside
I am sure most owners of PDA would be very interesting to look at the "stuffing" their pocket assistants. However, for several reasons - whether it's reluctance to break the warranty seal or just a fear of something to break - not all of this venture. Therefore, we will make this part of the work for them. At our disposal Casio E-1911 Pocket-size PC, Palm III, Palm V, and Psion Series 5mx. This is not the latest model of the CCP, but, perhaps, one of the most common. Let's start with the family of Windows CE - the very "young" from all those listed. In fact, an attempt to Microsoft "transfer" its dominant position in the market for desktop systems in the sector of the CCP. Indeed, the first time after his appearance on PDA running Windows CE in great demand - it is so tempting to have a pocket device with a familiar "desktop" interface. Alas, all the other desktop "charms" are also moved in the "pocket" operating system - and familiar to the instability of the pain (especially in the first versions of the system), and cumbersome, and inefficient use of system resources - everything was "on site". However, unlike desktop PCs with their hundreds of megabytes and megahertz, handheld devices have much more modest resources. Hence the frequent "freezes, slow performance and other shortcomings of the first versions of Windows CE. Today, the frequency processors PDA Windows CE approach to desktop PCs, the memory grows, but all this "eats" the growing needs of the new system. The situation is completely analogous to what happens in the desktop world. Yes, and application functionality and is far from the desktop. Casio E-11 - one of the first bezklaviaturnyh PDAs based on Windows CE 2.0. Line of Palm-size PC - an obvious attempt to select a niche at the Palm, however, rather unfortunate.
By today's standards, machine more than the weak: frankly slow 49MGts RISC processor NEC VR4111 obviously "not pulling" when working with and so very leisurely Windows CE, monochrome screen is 240x320 pixels, though with a backlit, but also clearly too small for this OS, one of the Its main advantage is still considered a resemblance to the "desktop" Windows (which is not too feels at ease and at screen resolution 800x600 pixels). The device had 8MB of RAM and 8 MB of ROM, serial and infrared ports, could work with the cards Compact Flash. Also had a microphone and speaker for recording / playback of sound, which made it possible to use the device as a voice recorder (although not for long - in 8MB of memory does not sound much vpihnesh). The design of the motherboard rather unpretentious: the left is a compartment for compact flash cards from the top headphone jack, controls (including jog-switch for scrolling) and two compartments for the batteries. In the upper left corner of the infrared port (transmitter and receiver). In the center of the board - the most interesting: removable mini-board ROM. The presence of this removable board suggests that the Casio planned to release ROM with the new version of the system to upgrade the PDA, but as far as we know, this was not done. White trail connects the different parts of the board. Fee to all other bilateral, on the other side is the memory chip (center), bottom right - the processor NECVR4111. Nice family of Palm is highly conservative with respect to the hardware. Over the past few years, "stuffing" Palm'ov not undergone any significant change in how: all the same long-obsolete 16-bit processor, Motorola DragonBall, the same screen with a resolution of 160x160 pixels. Of course, image quality was better, but this change is more evolutionary in nature. Also changed very little operating system - it continues to single-tasking, it lacks built in support for external media cards such as Compact Flash, not provided by other screen resolutions other than 160x160 pixels. Nevertheless, "plug-in organizer" Palm has more than half of global PDA market.Palm devices have a standard graphical touch screen, serial port RS-232 and an infrared port, from 2 to 8 megabytes of RAM, and around 1 MB flash ROM, which stores an operating system (there is also a model with a non-modifiable ROM, for example, Palm M100 or Palm IIIe ). Flash memory allows you to easily update the operating system as new versions. Osnovnyemi trumps Palm has always been small size, fairly easy-entry system Graffiti, perfect synchronization with desktop PCs and almost complete openness of the system, which makes it extremely attractive to developers - and for the Palm has created tens of thousands of applications for all occasions. Now look inside, starting with the older model Palm III.
Here everything is all up to primitive simple: in the very center of the board is a processor Motorola DragonBall - the heart of all PDA Palm. Processor, this is remarkable, and that includes everything needed to operate a device: the actual processor and LCD controller and memory. Therefore, it is virtually the only major chip on the motherboard. Everything Else - ancillary items such as coordinated resistors, capacitors and inductors. To the left of the processor is a backup battery that allows you to replace the main batteries without losing any of the figures feeding for a short time memory. Board located on the right rotary control screen brightness, below the battery compartment on the left connector for the LCD screen. At the bottom of board serial port RS-232, which is usually used to exchange with PCs (for the aid of a special docking station or cable HotSync), or an external peripheral (eg, modem, pager or other device, SlyFox, for whom "the third series of" Palm image do a great many). At the top of the board - slot for memory modules. And finally, Palm V - the most "advanced" to date technologically model of Palm Computing.
The design of the motherboard is somewhat more complicated than the Palm III - to take at least the fact that the motherboard is now composed of several parts connected by a cable-trains. In the bottom center of all the same Motorola DragonBall, the truth is more "cute" (than the Palm III) performance. Again, this is almost the only large chip on the motherboard. To the left of the CPU chip RAM, above the flash ROM on the right (under the CPU) - "pill" back-up battery (by the way, the Palm V is no replacement batteries - in this model is used batteries). In the left part of the board - serial port RS-232, beneath them control chip (UART). By the way, due to non-Palm III form factor Palm V is completely incompatible with the periphery, although recently there have been special adapters that allow to solve this problem. As can be seen in the photo, the board consists of two halves, linked to each other cables. Over the connectors connecting cables are located the most important - the button Reset :-), but at the very top of the board - a connector for the screen. At the completion of the review - "The English Patient" Psion Series 5mx. British company Psion PLC - the actual founder of the "genre" PDA. That Psion released in 1982. Organizer, is the first mobile information device.
Psion Series 5mx has 36MGts processor ARM710T, which allows him to fast enough to handle most tasks. Despite the ridiculous by today's figures clock, these devices have to cope with cases faster than the bulky PDA running Windows CE with its hundreds of megahertz.EPOC32 operating system company Symbian (a consortium of companies such as Psion, Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson, Matsushita) is exceptionally reliable and easy to use. A distinctive feature of the Psion devices has always been a case design - each device has some "spice" that makes it unique - whether it be slide-out keyboard or a contraption to mount the screen. Alas, these ingenious notions were not always strong. Design Boards particular complexity is no different. In the center of the board - the heart of the device - processor ARM710T. Processor, this is remarkable in that it is also integrated display controller, memory, etc. This minimizes the set required for operation of the device chips. To his right, apparently, the controller Compact-flash produced by NEC, has the right - a memory chip (RAM). The photograph shows the device Psion Series 5mxPRO with 24Mb memory - Option Series 5mx without ROM, in which the operating system is loaded into RAM from a memory card or via serial port, which, in theory, allows you to update your operating system, such as a Palm. The photograph shows the free space for one more memory chips - apparently it is used in newer devices with 32MB of memory. At the bottom board is a chip operating system loader (a small amount of ROM). Next to her switch, which is used to turn off the device when closing the lid, or vice versa, to include at opening (depending on what the user wants - it's all customizable). White connectors on the left are used to connect the keyboard and screen. In the upper left corner - the serial port RS-232 and IR, underneath chip control port (UART). A number of "needles" on the right - slot for Compact Flash, but in the right part of the board - a microphone and micro-switch that determines whether the card slot is open Compact Flash. Everything else - service circuits and components such as resistors, agreed. Sources, Materials:
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Popular solution to the problem with the USB-syncing Palm m500
Many, though not all users of handheld computers Palm m500 series had problems with syncing via USB. After some time of normal operation of the CCP suddenly and permanently loses the ability to connect to any desktop computer via USB. Serial port connection continues to work to continue without problems. Users accessing a Palm, or seek an exchange unit, or receive advice to switch to synchronize via a serial interface. One of these days possible solution to this problem posted on the forums PIC Ales Omahen from Slovenia, the owner of the m505, which could make your handheld again learn how to sync via USB. Most likely, this advice does not solve the problem of all unsuccessful users, but many have already reported that it helped them. In any case, it makes sense to pay attention. DragonBall processor determines the speed of an outer join, in agreement with the values of its internal registers. Mr Omaha suggested that somehow change these values, so that the CCP has lost the ability to communicate with the USB-cradle. Then he began looking for a way to restart my PDA so completely reset the memory contents and registers the device. He tried a variety of options reboot, but they have not helped, so he decided to fully discharge the battery and see what comes of it. Naturally, such an operation is completely zero the memory device, so that before it must necessarily make a complete backup of all data on your PDA. Since the Palm Desktop is not able to completely copy on a desktop computer memory contents PDA, it makes sense to use third-party applications, such as BackupBuddy, SafeSync or the like. Once it's over, you will need to change the settings of Palm Desktop installation "Handheld Overwrites Desktop" on the back - "Desktop Overwrites Handheld" and only then synchronize. Thus, we describe in detail the practical work on the application of USB-sync Mr. Omaha. First you need to press the power button Palm'a (Power Button) and then hold it, press the Reset button on the back of the device. Power Button should keep a few more seconds, until then, until the logo appears, Palm, and then let go. When you see the question "Erase all data?", You can press the up button. After downloading the need to run Notepad (Memo Pad), turn on the backlight (to the energy expended faster), to draw a sign of abbreviated commands (shortcut sign - looks like a handwritten Latin L - accurate mapping can be found in any brief guide to Graffiti) and then write .1 (point and unit). At this stage, the CCP no longer respond to the pressing of buttons, the backlight should stay on and the bottom line appears. If you change your mind, is not too late to make a soft reset (Soft Reset) - to do this, click once on the Reset button on the back of the unit. And if not, feel free to continue to follow the instructions of Mr. Omaha:) Now you need to leave the handheld cradle is discharged at least for a day. Importantly - completely exhausted the resources of batteries, so you need to patiently wait for a separate disconnect the handheld. On the other hand, one user, who applied this method, reported that a display of his Palm'a extinguished within an hour, and the problem still has been resolved. Once you make sure the batteries are fully drained, place the handheld in the cradle, and then recharge it will again be functional, will operate and the synchronization of USB-cable. According to some experts, the batteries Palm'a should not hurt him. Palm designers have provided the protective mechanisms that will protect PDAs from damage during the operation. However, some users have reported that after using this method had problems with batteries. This procedure should solve the problem, but unfortunately not forever. In the case of repeated loss of ability to bind to a pocket PC via USB to a desktop, the operation can be repeated. Sure, it does not solve the problem at the system level, but will at least temporarily, to work using the USB-connection. Similarly, until set, what exactly is the cause or the causes of this problem.
The patient will live ...
Try this method in the majority report on the successful outcome of the operation. "Patient" as if recovered :-) On the other hand, it helped amateur intervention, not all PDAs, and some have even led to additional complications. So to apply the method of Mr. Omaha can be at your own risk. There are also reports that this problem is not limited to PDA series Palm m500. Here are just some c guest's forum PalmInfoCenter owners PalmOS - Pocket PC, are experiencing such difficulties.Well ...
That positive feedback from users about the proposed solutions. "I have everything worked - wrote one of them .- On Friday afternoon I began to drain the battery, on Saturday at seven in the morning put the PDA to charge and two hours later it worked. It has been only one day, and so far I have not mentioned any problems with the batteries. Twenty-four hours of discharge helped my m505. Five minutes later, charging cradle, he perfectly synchronized to USB ". And here is what another owner Palm'a, try this method: "When I have this problem, I contacted technical support Palm. They have not said anything about problems with USB-syncing, but suggested that I change my PDA. I Send me a new m505, so that I spent two weeks paid them back the old one. I transferred all data from the old to the new m505, and a couple of days, he showed the same problem. But the old Palm, which I have not had the time to send in company, after the application of this method is fixed, and now I'll leave it to itself, but the machine that sent me a replacement, and went back. "... If not a "but "....
Discussion Forum debugging USB-synchronization led to another topic of conversation. This is a problem that may arise from any PDA owner. So read on. "Perhaps this advice and good, but check it out, I can not, because the cradle" burned "USB-port on my motherboard. Fortunately, I have promised to change it under warranty, but I now generally afraid to use the handheld. The situation is aggravated complete lack of technical support of the Palm ", - continues the theme of another user. That's what tells him another: "Yes, the situation is familiar, some complained about a similar problem with a serial port. It is best to disconnect the power cord synchronization cradle. You can also connect the USB-cradle in a hub, rather than on the motherboard - then the danger would only be he said. And I've got last week from the USB-cradle m505 burned a port on the motherboard. Everything seems to work properly, when I decided to sync and put the handheld in the cradle. Immediately the lights go out on my USB-mouse, the synchronization does not start, and USB scanner is also no longer works. The main thing now is not clear: whether to change the motherboard, or a pipe, or something, and another. " But more concrete advice how to act in such a case: "My motherboard is Abit KT7A also lost the USB ports after sync with cradle m500, but since the reliability of USB on motherboards that use chipsets from VIA, was always not up to par, I'd prefer not to change fee, and buy a $ 30 PCI-adapter USB 2.0, which is much cheaper than buying a new motherboard. Add from myself that the problem USB-cradle and motherboards in mind. In California, even filed a lawsuit against Palm, which the company blamed its cradle that cause damage to the motherboard, specifically the integrated ports. In fact, to blame not only the developers Palm. Apparently, USB-ports "burn" due to static electricity, which damages the cradle, and he has, in turn, affects the ports on the motherboard. As confirmed by representatives of most Palm, the problem lies in the cradle, so users of Windows and Mac PCs exposed to it equally. USB devices are equipped with a chip that produces the identification of the components, trying to establish a connection. If the chip stops working, the connection is impossible. Older vehicles used a USB-cable in the original "sequential" (designed to connect through Com-port) cradle. The latter were not exposed to such danger, because they simply did not have such a chip that has a lot of chances to fire when struck by static electricity.Different users accumulate unequal amount of static in the workplace, so some have never experienced such problems with the m50x, and others suddenly got a dead device. And not once, but several months later. Actually, similar problem occurred in isolated instances of PDAs and other PDA makers on Palm OS-Sony, Hanspring, HandEra. True, under the influence of static electricity in these cases, c PDAs burned is not a port on the motherboard, and the handheld. We must assume that the design of m505 (with it often have problems with USB) admitted some mistakes that lead to a sad result of the above. In the USB-subsystem Palm m50x series used a chip that has no protection against static electricity (while almost all modern chips RS-232 have such protection). We can therefore say that "burns" the ports on the PC motherboard is not the cradle, as such, and static electricity. However, users of this no easier. Company engineers were required to provide such a problem. Instead, Palm developers say that they have in the laboratories of static electricity is almost entirely absent, and therefore detect spelling they could not. Technical support company denies the existence of this problem.A slight digression ...
Allow ourselves to digress from the main theme. Static electricity is generally known as an enemy of electronics. In the U.S., for PC assemblers produced even a special wrist strap. In Russia, the collectors solve this problem the old fashioned way: to the process relating to arms anything metallic, such as the casing on your computer (captured, of course). Known cases of damage as a handheld and desktop computer due to static, and with similar histories. User electrified (in one case it was the owner of the Palm IIIxe perestilal at home carpets, in the other - the owner of the Palm Vx was playing with the dog), then installed your Palm PDA into the cradle. -Cotton, a spark burned a device ... Sometimes burns jack PDA, sometimes the port on the motherboard "big" computer. This, of course, a few cases, one might say extreme. But in any case of suspected increased amount of static in the room should be somehow "reset" it before you take on your PDA.... Satisfactory
"I used this method and it works. But, unfortunately, after I became a very warm Palm. Also, the batteries have to sit on their own. If I do the evening charge the PDA and then leave it overnight outside the cradle by morning it is completely discharged, "- wrote the angry owner. Another echoed him: "I have twice with different m505 case, the same problem (a quick battery discharge / heat PDA). Now I have three. First, I worked six months, the second - per month. I have heard stories about at least three similar cases. And I made no attempt to discharge the battery or hard / soft reset - it all happened very suddenly and. This indicates some problems with the batteries installed in series Palm m500. I had a same problem with batteries two m505. Moreover, cradle is not here and, because the third m505 quietly working with the same cradle. Yes, and I do not even use the USB-connection, and synchronize via a serial interface. I have heard that hard reset (hard reset) Palm'a standing in cradle, will help in this case - will fully recharged batteries.Clinical death? ..
In the forum as usually happens in such cases would, and one cry for help: "Help!" After using this method in my Palm all the time freezes, as if I clicked the "shortcut .1" in Notepad. Rebooting does not help - Palm hangs after a few minutes after downloading. " Immediately offer him a shock therapy: "We should try to make a hard reboot (hard reset), by simultaneously pressing the power button and the Reset button on the back of the Palm. Then it makes sense not to synchronize immediately after booting and see if everything is OK with standard applications. If it still freezes, it makes sense to apply to the Palm in exchange for working. If not - the matter of third-party programs, so it makes sense to install them one by one to figure out which one is causing the problem. "And another tip end: "I have achieved the desired effect, not fully discharging the battery, simply remove it. To do this, I opened the back door and pulled out a Palm with a fully charged battery for several minutes. It worked." As we see, the problem is solved by the above method. Regardless of its application, there is a likelihood of damage to the USB ports on the motherboard, especially when using a chipset from VIA. In this case, it makes sense to disable time synchronization cradle power cable. Software solution for today does not exist. In Palm m500 series are present also some problems with the batteries, which are expressed in the loss of capacity and a strong increase of the device. We must assume that this problem also has little to do with USB-syncing and discharging batteries, but for people cautious (or simply do not have enough time) have the opportunity to resolve the difficulty by simply pulling a few minutes the battery is not discharging it. Unfortunately, even in countries where the representation Palm agree to change the broken device to working order, it makes sense to use this method, since there is a high probability of occurrence of the same problem with the new handheld. Sources, Materials:You think it will all be worn?
The original is on the site KompyuFerra
Bernd Widmann (Bernd Wiedmann) worked as general manager in the company of Xybernaut, which supplies portable computers, so it is a sample of his iron just brought a sort of pun to the Editor. In fact, he appeared - with German punctuality exactly at the agreed one month prior to this time - with a suitcase of goods, some of which aytemov getting any at appropriate moments, and formed by the end of a conversation at an editorial desk a hefty pile. - Mobile Assistant is primarily intended for use where up to an ordinary computer - even scratchpad - hard to reach. Such a device is much more convenient if you creep under the bridge to check its condition, or you climb on a crane, and see how it broke. If you chinish machines or check the status of the pipeline, the laptop is usually nowhere to put too.
While Widmann all this tells me polutorakilogrammovy fasten a belt with "Mobile Assistant" and wore a headband with a headphone, microphone and display (for detailed specifications, see the table at the end of the material). Widmann presses a button, and before his right eye, I have a semi-ghost-booting Windows 98. Half of our conversation, I still will sit there, eyes periodically by focusing on the screen, then at his companion, and - visually - not feel uncomfortable, though after a while tired of the headband. Ergonomics. Meanwhile, Kozlowski, meticulously glance at the attached replicator with a bunch of different ports, is, apparently, is pleased: "All there is, and if something does not attach itself to blame." In support of Widmann gets a whole heap of communication PCMCIA-prilad.
- In the office, you can use a regular Ethernet, a short distance - RadioLAN, and on the spot - GSM. I do send mail, while I was in Nizhny Novgorod. About having not fully portable form replicator Widmann explained that the connector can attach smaller replicators to meet specific needs: USB only or two serial ports, etc. In Xybernaut has offices in America, Europe and the East. I ask about the target end-uses of their products. - It's manufacturing and communications industry. There are companies that sell equipment worldwide. Imagine what service the car anywhere in Lebanon or Afghanistan. And so - you can take a picture and immediately sent her home, or to consult on the network, or learn how ...
On the table there is a USB-camera mount for headband: Widmann instantly attaches it to the "Assistant" and starts some software to demonstrate in their work. - ... And while this is our main consumers. Also showing interest in new media (New Media): Journalists, sending messages to the places they want to use our equipment for live reports on the web. The resolution of the camera is not enough for the TV screen, but for Web-photo or video - at the time. I got used to the strange "mouse" and keyboard, he manage to run a video that tells about the happy owner of "assistant" with some American "Hammer and Sickle." Unable to stand, interested in the price of equipment workplace. - Prices from 3800 dollars in its basic configuration up to 7000 in full.In Russia, a number of industries can spend so much on the equipment of a workplace - from railroads and finishing services, rescue and gas industry: all those who service points scattered throughout the country, and the number of qualified specialists is very limited. Trained engineers are much easier to sit at home in Moscow and have three to four staff with basic skills, but do not know to perfection of a device. I try not to show doubt about the solvency of rescue services (the nearest of which there is no money even to buy equipment to retrieve a kitten from the garbage disposal), but still questioned how successful was the trip to the Lower and Moscow.
- The purpose of the first visit was to establish relations and meeting with partners for pilot projects. And - to find business partners who would want to install your software on our system and sell ready-made solutions. Some meetings were very encouraging: I showed the equipment and hear ideas about how it will go in this market. Now waiting for business proposals. We never engaged in direct sales, we are working with partners, as end users interested in complete solutions. - And what can bring a partner? - Specialized software is of two kinds. First, specific to particular industries and particular customers. Secondly, associated with speech recognition and text in Russian. Here are two important things we are lacking. Continue the conversation turns into a more interesting direction. When Widmann enjoys, in his excellent English speech appears intelligent light German accent. - I also met with software companies that do interesting things with animated tours, and labor training in virtual reality. What they do, applicable throughout Europe, and I'm always interested in finding a new technology - the software or hardware - which could be promoted in the West.
- OK, but until I see the normal desktop under Windows or under Linux. A positioning device requires a certain shift of the interface paradigm. Have any ideas? Widmann laughs: - It is on this issue we are working with more than twenty universities and institutes around the world. Now we have invested in the development of basic software that allow you to run a car, register to restore the state after the error, reboot, etc., with the voice, without a keyboard. We want to speech engine thrust deeper, into the nucleus.
I hesitate to start the voice raspoznavalku. May crawl under a bridge in the headband and comfortable, but unaccustomed to half an hour in the room is already a burden, and I switch the output to a portable sensitive screen - it reminds me sprawling to the obscene Rex. Widmann explained that there is a "day" high-brightness display with which you can read in the sun, but it is heavier, so we did not bring it. - And we are actively cooperating with investigators in the field of applications that use location data (location-aware applications). So, combining global positioning, and image recognition from the camera, the device would know about where you are and what you are doing. And - what is the problem. Then it will be able to guide you, saying, for example: "You're at this point, but one has to go into that. To determine the route I'll show you a map on these points. And when you come into the room, I know the situation and can help you navigate within the that you took the correct position for inspection. "
And yet ... Well, a little keyboard you saw, but on track it's not too convenient. We have other better ways to enter ... for example, gestures: "yes" or "no", "select", "photograph". We are working on how to use motion sensors. And here are important not so much technology as the proximity to the user and understanding his work. The machine will be with the user anywhere, it will continually wait for commands, and it is very important to make the interface as can be less intrusive. Perhaps this is best understood in the aviation industry. - And what about imaging? - That's why I mentioned the Russian company that creates a virtual environment, removing real and adding to it visual services. For example, you walk through the plant and see on the screen of this same plant with schematics or explanatory inscriptions and of themselves, walking on it ... - But it will have to make the device much more powerful? - Yes. We are working on the application of PIII 400, and we have left a powerful graphics chip. But I always have to choose between power and energy consumption, lifetime batteries. Now when using the system at full capacity battery lasts four hours, and at times you can hook the two batteries. Batteries - is the weight, and it limits. Other restrictions - is the weight of the hard drive with shock-resistant mounting. And - "Mouse" on the body, from which we may get rid of, because it is an alternative type tviddlerov. Widmann gets tviddler - it seems this latest gadget out of his suitcase. Tviddler goes on her hands, look at, feels and, despite protests from the host ("Never do not show what I myself have not used!"), In the end, connects to the "Assistant" and demonstrates a willingness to work. I notice that, although unusual, this device is quite possible to learn a couple of days. - Yes, I saw people who masterfully managed to him. * Then the conversation turned to just have an informal channel: we talked about possible scenarios for the use of wearable computers, the adequacy of the interfaces on the pace of their implementation and a lot about. Widmann found it necessary to emphasize that "Assistant" is basically a "normal computer" with all its pleasant consequences for the cost of software development.
Sources, Materials:
Bernd Widmann (Bernd Wiedmann) worked as general manager in the company of Xybernaut, which supplies portable computers, so it is a sample of his iron just brought a sort of pun to the Editor. In fact, he appeared - with German punctuality exactly at the agreed one month prior to this time - with a suitcase of goods, some of which aytemov getting any at appropriate moments, and formed by the end of a conversation at an editorial desk a hefty pile. - Mobile Assistant is primarily intended for use where up to an ordinary computer - even scratchpad - hard to reach. Such a device is much more convenient if you creep under the bridge to check its condition, or you climb on a crane, and see how it broke. If you chinish machines or check the status of the pipeline, the laptop is usually nowhere to put too.
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| The processing unit MA IV |
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| Mobile Assistant IV in the collection |
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| Headband with an attached (right) video camera |
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The main characteristics of a computer Xybernaut Mobile Assistant IV
| Dimensions, mm | 190x63x120 |
| Weight "system unit", Mr. | 900 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium MMX 200 or 233 MHz |
| Memory, Mb | 64-160 |
| Hard drive | 4.3 (upgrade up to 8) |
| Audio | duplex SB-compatible chip |
| Interfaces | 2hCardBus Type I / II or 1xType III, the port replicator |
| Headband with display | monocular projection display VGA, headphone, microphone (optional) video camera, Weight 500 g |
| Hand display | 6-inch touchscreen VGA; weight 520 g |
| Food | Lithium-ion battery weighing 460 g; combined charger / external power supply |
| Accessories | video camera, mini-port replicator mouse and keyboard, as well as serial and parallel ports; replicator COM, LPT, USB, VGA, and keyboard port, audio input and output; nazapyastnaya keyboard, belt mount, slip case |
| Software | OC Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT, or SCO UNIX, or Turbo Linux; IBM ViaVoice and Dragon; Xybernaut LinkAssist |
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