Match Little Giant
The idea of comparing the features handheld computers manufactured by companies Casio and Palm, not accidental. The fact that the combined share of these two firms, according to authoritative estimates, far more than half of the global PDA market. By some estimates, 4 out of 5 sold in the world of pocket computers are manufactured in factories, Casio and Palm Computing. And Palm, Casio and today offers a range of devices, which can be rather neatly divided into 3 "weighted" (price) category. Lightweight: Palm m100 - Pocket Viewer PV-S450
Some details of life Sasio BE-300
Sounds, of course, it is amusing, but on the PDA I was thinking exactly nine years. As soon as the first ever Newton, as soon as I learned about it from Russian computer press, and began to "think" ... And recently, just over a month ago, I finally decided. And got a little graceful clipper called Casio Pocket Manager BE-300. And soon became the "okompyuterennym" from head to toe. Well, like the bomber "flying fortress" - a seemingly hefty, speed is small, but with an onboard computer.
Immediately explain - why BE-300 ... It turned out that the Palm, I learned the details, not having the most cars. Crafty this is nothing, enough to install on your PC software emulator Palm. However, not all programs run under the emulator, but a general impression can be. At Psion also has its own software emulator. Weighs about 16 megabytes, which is not allowed to download the emulator from the web, so I trusted the reviews supporters of this wonderful platform. With the Casio Pocket Viewer has turned out just as easily as with the Palm. The emulator is included in the package of development tools. And, with the launch of programs in the emulator PV the situation is better than the emulator, Palm. Partly because of the simplicity of the Pocket Viewer, partly because non-comparable number of programs - for PV they are much smaller than for the Palm. But could not manage to try out (albeit virtually) Pocket PC based on Windows CE. Emulator does not exist, the computers are too expensive ... Turned up here and Casio BE-300. Color screen, quite a powerful processor (166 MHz), operating system, Windows CE 3.0 (with some simplifications, which are below). And most importantly - price. From 230 to 275 dollars for a computer with a color screen. No single model, even the most budget Palm, and nowhere near worth it. BE-300 was released in August 2001. But the position occupied by them on the market has changed so far. The new Palm m130 with a color screen is worth a hundred dollars more. Is it that will find unsold Palm IIIc? But this is a rarity. We're talking about actual typewriters produced today. So the obvious competitors Casio BE-300 no.
Further - to small notes. For this I use a regular notebook, but you can find a little less than a dozen (or, conversely, more than a dozen) a simple text editor. Scribble on all sorts of meetings. "Risovalok for BE is not so much, but something is there. Play games ... Well, I'm not doing this. Although keep (just in case of fire) - in the archives - the emulator console NES (Dendy) and hundreds of games, the emulator ZX Spectrum (Hello, old chap!) And 10000 (in words - ten thousand) programs to it. Enough? Then add two hundred fun to BE and Windows CE 2.1 and 3.0, I (from a large, probably crazy) pumped me for the last month. Just do not look at Casio Pocket Manager BE-300 system handwriting recognition. There is no Graffiti. A full-time program in the Russian language does not get used as studying a tracing of only 15 letters. For an intelligent person would be too little, and Ellochka-ogress - at the time. The authors, translation:
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Could not be easier
Simplification, which lowered the retail price of BE-300 (in the U.S. to 199 U.S. dollars), not so harmless. Some of them have a direct impact on the functionality of the device. Theoretical considerations aside (Review of Casio BE-300 is not too much, but the subject is covered in a sufficient degree) turn to the practical side. The most annoying flaw BE-300 - no infrared port. All could be forgiven for a PDA, but the principal impossibility to work in tandem with a cell phone ... Why such a PDA, in general, need? Reservation - applications missing. While in the bag (pocket?), Except the computer "lives" and cell phone. And each time, taking one of the devices, with sadness remember about the other ... Well, no, no way. Who needs, take a look at modules Bluetooth, made in card format CF. There is a problem of drivers, but in general it is solvable - yet it is, even if truncated, but the Windows CE. From other design simplifications pay attention to the lack of Casio normal voice. Instead, the dynamics is the buzzer - "beeper". The sound of his music and not quietly. Also pretty nasty. Wake up with mosquito squeak enjoy below average. But do not sleep in the same stereotelefonah? Moreover, any system sounds, including music and sound games are played in full, but only through connections to the output device stereotelefonov - audio frequency amplifier, the active computer speakers or stereotelefony themselves. How much is a piezoelectric sound transmitter, similar to that installed in the portable headphones? Hardly more than the dollar. Dubious savings. But this is not the most unpleasant. Much worse is the case with a nutrition ... Do you know what is installed inside the Casio BE-300 as power source, the battery is difficult to call. It is shaped mockery. Intrigues and ravings.Is a real diversion suprotiv spoiled computer user convenience. This is what you want, but not the battery. Energy lithium-ion battery lasts for 4 hours. Namely - to read books with a half-derived brightness illumination and to work with texts (unhurried "poklevyvanie" stylus on the software keyboard). Listening, and launch games reduces battery life to 2,5-2 hours. What is 2:00? Ride the subway to work and back ... And have fun in the train (if you're going God knows where), or long distance train is already problematic. Personally, I have enough to Yaroslavl, Vologda and up - no. (I had to maintain a conversation with some aunt - have plagued the entire on there). In addition to the computer, you can purchase the second lithium battery, which should increase the time at least twice. The acquisition is for the user BE-300 task "number two" (on the first flash memory card). But where to get a second battery? None of its stores in Moscow, though search the ... What else is in the machine did not like ... Silver frame on the edges of the case. Do not know what to say about this Japanese master, but to paint the plastic - this is not the east. Well, we in the army grass color, we forgivable ... Just one month of intensive use has led to what is in the grooves of the guides, sliding over protrusions "crib" sync, which is inserted into BE-300, there were noticeable wear - in the form of dark bands. For the user it is accurate and the loss of a computer presentation, and heart sad. Too fast ...Utility and amenity
Yet much more pleasant discoveries. The first - the screen. At Casio BE-300 was built on a passive matrix with non-dims. But picture quality is beyond praise. After turning on (this feature of BE-300 mark, and the authors of reviews) screen for about a minute warming up, and then the brightness and contrast set to normal. Because of weak battery "marching" under the brightness necessary to establish an acceptable minimum. Comfort in this, of course, does not add. But the special inconvenience, I did not notice. The bright sun machine rather obscure (at least his own figure) to see the details of the image. Here are just a screen size of BE-300 less than the competition. Figure is roughly the same as the budget models, Palm and their more prestigious counterparts. But here we can talk not about what the text on the screen BE poorly visible, and that to me it's time to acquire points. What to do - to the old monkey eyes became weak ... Ergonomics at the Casio BE-300 is also at altitude. The hardware buttons are comfortable and well protected against accidental pressing slightly protruding bumpers. Pero a small but quite comfortable. Simple is a feather, without any ploys. The trouble all PDAs from Casio - cap system connector (or connector synchronization). Why do they do it invented? Cap - a simple plastic cap, which strives to fall on their own and nothing is therefore not protected. Another cover - flap that covers the screen of translucent plastic - I also did not like, although its function performed correctly. The fact is that due to the curved cutout in the top of the sidewalls of housing cover is held in a tilted position, and has one intermediate position. Lifting up the cover accompanied by uterine scratch. Yes, and plastic in this part of the case, as I said, painted ... In short, both covers - the small blind and screen tilt - are buried in a box and have not yet asked ... Sounds like a computer - with attached stereotelefonami? How wonderful stereopleer MP3. Excellent quality. Convenience - too. Headphone jack is located next to the system at the bottom of the hull. If the machine stick in your pocket upside down, it remains accessible and himself a headphone jack, and computer hardware buttons (if you suddenly need it). The absence of a digital voice recorder did not cause any emotions. I think that a separate device is incomparably more convenient and more practical than the combination. Anyway, my microphone on the Pocket PC is not needed. And if anyone needed, will have to find another model PDA. Now about the flash memory card. The best thing that could come up with a Casio - BE-300 to provide a slot CompactFlash Type II. Maps in this format - one of the cheapest on the market.True, the future owner will have to BE right to attend to purchase cards - in the computer memory is not enough. But it's not so much money. An additional advantage - a ten-adapter «PC card - CF» flash memory card into a miniature and very reliable backup drive for a laptop. In addition, the adapter allows you to copy music, text files, and some programs not created for the BE-300, but well on her work, bypassing the "crib" synchronization. There is a lot of sense, because the built-in "bed" the USB port is really just an adapted serial port - baud rate is low. The adapter increases the recording speed to the card a dozen times if not more ... There is a CF slot and cons. When inserted into a card slot (and they performed as the structural Type I), remains sizeable gap through which the visible interior of the computer - the elements of the backlight. The potential loophole for dust, but not one that is visible behind a screen handheld computer (a completely different technology than that of a PDA with reflective screens). A second negative - complement pocket typewriter camera format CF. Such a little thing produced and sold - it is designed for other computer models Cassiopeia, but works with the BE-300 (and is indicated in the list of additional equipment). And everything seems fine, if you do not take into account the low resolution camera sensor (350 thousand pixels), an unexpectedly large for such a unit price and a small amount of memory in BE. How many shots will fit on those bits and pieces "of RAM, what remains of the applications (about 4 megabytes of 16 - 12 megabytes allocated for programs and user data, ie, for recording images, but those 12 megabytes really small crumbs)? A supplementary card is impossible to use - the slot is occupied by the camera. In short, this addition is not feasible and the owners of BE-300 is unlikely to shine (well, perhaps that is his wish).Features of
The nominal span of the operating system - a sequence is automatically installed when you install programs, horizontal stripes, labels. It looks primitive to the disgrace and at work, in general, it is inconvenient (programs installed is not a regular installer, you must somehow "prescribe" in this shell - but as it is, I do not know). However, there are effective solutions that give the software environment of BE-300 convenience and elegance. Moreover, these decisions set. Personally, I like the package SQ, consisting of a shell program, the registry editor, file manager and the registrar, setting out the shell program by default. Package SQ (current version 4.01) - the most popular program among users Casio BE-300 (find it on the Internet a breeze - just ask for a "program for the BE-300"). Looks like a shell as a series of screens with shortcuts to programs (screen no more than 5 if I'm not mistaken itself - the sixth screen, I do not see), but it is enough. In the supplements to the program there are several sub-modules, plugins. In particular, the on-screen clock, calendar, monitor memory states, even some stuff that I just "nailed", so as not to interfere. At the bottom of the screen displays the task manager, which can be combined with the standard, so as not to occupy too much space on the screen. The shell supports the display of desktop wallpaper and well adjusted. By the way, the flexibility of SQ can partially solve the problem of Russification of your computer. There is a great crack of MakTsentr - RussBE. This system Russified fonts (there are two in BE - Tahoma and Courier New) and adds to the standard software keyboard Russian. If the Russian letters during a Russifier displayed properly, why not call Desktop Shortcuts SQ Russian names? I understand, this is not the Russification of the interface ... And you tell yourself that Russification! (Yes, even with aplomb - supposedly fiddled for ten minutes and all Russified). Since there is a non-obvious RussBE problem - the inability to jointly install a patch the operating system from Casio. The fact that all the patches installed itself in the folder Windows / Patch. To the same set and maktsentrovsky crack. As a result, does not work neither one thing nor another. The problem was withdrawn simplicity.You need to install the necessary patch (currently version 1.4 - without him in the machine, not all runs and works correctly), then the flash memory card - crack. Through the file manager rewrite contents of the folder Patch, located on flash memory cards in the one that is located in the main memory (Nand Disk), a folder on the flash memory card erase. Restart the machine. All ... In fact, enough problems (not with language, and with the programs). Applications written specifically for the BE-300, a little bit. But excellent work programs - personally I have - for nearly three hundred. And this is not the final figure, many programs, especially games, I do not even try, although the statements of users know that they work. To fully understand the simplified version of the operating system Windows CE 3.0 and select the guaranteed work program would have to wander through online forums, enthusiast sites, and professional software developers. One of the most curious (and, incidentally, useful) forum is here ... More about troubles. I was unable to take advantage of built-in browser of web-pages - could not adjust the display of Russian texts. I was not able to experience delights reading email on a PDA - too hard to show the client setup program (in the end I waved the matter). I could not (never!) Keep a backup of the contents of memory to 64 megabytes of flash memory cards. I can not find software to play MP3, which would have pleased me - not bad, in general, xAudio «shut up" on the second and third tracks and freezes, have to restart your computer. I could not find the normal "smotrelki" graphics file format JPEG, capable of changing the image scale. I have not managed to finally find a normal text editor, which would not be inferior to its functionality, Pocket Word ... But while hundreds of downloaded (besplatnyh!) from the Internet for the Casio BE-300 I have a whole pile of "igralok", "smotrelok" and "pisalok. A whole cloud of utilities that are useful and useless programs. Almost all (except, again, games) is checked in, and then erased from the memory of the machine. Leaving only the bare minimum necessary ... Programs and fifty, not more ... That's what I say - Satan.We choose, choose us?
So is it worth or not? Take this BE-300, or until poosterechsya? My answer is - take no unnecessary doubts. Machine is excellent. For the money nothing better you can not find. However, one clause - take it immediately with language, so you do not languish. Extra $ 25 weather will not do, and you will be much quieter ... Why you need a pocket typewriter? Read a book. In BE-300 is a great reader Haali Reader, to which the Russian craftsmen connected English-Russian dictionary (works on five-and-behold Taken advantage). Details - to the address above, there a link to the program itself. |
| Here's what you can do with Haali Reader |
Sony Clie 300 user's eyes
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1.Glavny factor - the possibility of expanding memory
The Sony is implemented modules Memory Stick. Of course there is and option TRGpro, uses Compact Flash, but the size of cars always is important, and TRGpro in this matter is clearly inferior. The kit includes a module initially Clie Memory Stick 8 Mb. Thus, the memory capacity of the new devices is 18 Mb (8 Mb of main memory + 8 Mb Memory Stick + 2 Mb Flash ROM). In the future, you can purchase a Memory Stick module of any size, depending on need: from 8 to 128 Mb (I use MS 1964 Mb - works without problems on the battery life is not particularly affected).Restricting the use of Memory Stick (and how to overcome them):
Sony Memory Stick positions in the CPC as a module for storing information, data and programs. That is to run the program directly from the Memory Stick can not be: you must first copy the program to main memory, which is "stitched" utility MSGate. This procedure takes about 20-30 seconds, but, nevertheless, the "excessive bodily movement" is not fun for me. Address this issue, according to tradition, puzzled the developers 'third party'. And despite the fact that the Clie PDAs hit the market recently, much has been done. In particular, it is already possible to read texts and books (format DOC) directly to Memory Stick without transferring them to main memory (Program Book Wormie 1.2 (72 Kb) or CrsMeDoc (40 Kb)). |
BackUp:
McFile - This program is a multifunctional file-manager for both programs and databases in main memory, and for the Memory Stick. The program's interface - a familiar and intuitive tree of files and directories. Naturally, there are options copy / move / rename / delete. There is a built-in Text Viewer for txt files. It is possible to send files stored on Memory Stick as attachments to email. And most importantly, have the opportunity to make a BackUp of all the data from main memory to the Memory Stick. There are still a number of useful and interesting features.2. Availability Jog Dial
The second is very comfortable unlike Clie from Vx - it's Jog Dial ("Wheel"). The advantage of this "gadgets" becomes evident when using the machine "on weight" or "on track" - most operations can be done with one hand (many even without using the stylus). Initially, Jog Dial works only in embedded applications. That - minus, but he managed to eliminate, once again, with the help of software from "third party". Program Power Jog (31 Kb) fundamentally changes the functionality of the Jog Dial. With its help, Jog Dial works in virtually all applications (as in embedded and in established later).Thus using Jog Dial can now:- open / close programs;
- enter and move through the menu of any program;
- Modify the program from the menu;
- navigate (and select) the items from the drop-down lists;
- select and click any "button" on the menu and options programs;
- Jog Dial performs all functions of the keys UP / Down and so on.
3. External Data
The third factor - the size and weight. Sony Clie - so small and lightweight that it can carry in your pocket and it will be completely invisible (as in a jacket pocket or a shirt pocket). Yes, and design Clie I like more than Vx, but this is my subjective opinion.4. A few words in conclusion ...
In my opinion, Sony Clie - machine is very promising. This is evidenced by the fact that the new software, originally supporting all the "bells and whistles" Clie, appears weekly. ... On Sony Clie S-500 does not know how the color Clie S-500 - in the hands not kept. But in the network something on this topic come across (though anecdotal information - for he had bought, for and sell "). Stated that users were not very happy with the quality color screen. Representation Sony does not disclose who makes color screens for the first batch of Clie S-500. From unofficial sources it became known that in the near future, Sony will enter into a contract for the production of color screens with a different manufacturer. Well, the question remains: how much time working color S-500 from the internal battery? .. Links for Sony Clie software (with a brief description of programs in Russian) Hardware Specifications authors, translation:Allow me to take Palm shrouded!
"Send me a rather one of hardkeysov, and preferably two, and I forget to sleep undisturbed slacker ..."
From a letter of Bidder Competition "sheathed his Palm" is completed. Lined up, lucky winners will receive their prizes ... And just a couple of news, a so-so, the second - just super. Let's start with nevazhnetskoy news. The winner could not be found. Alas ... Now the news is great. Since the winner could not be found, the prizes are awarded to all contestants. That is, this is the "hardkeys for Palm V get everyone who has sent a terrible story about a small computer. Hooray!
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| This most hardkeys .... |
Once I saw the Palm
One of the most philosophical stories about your car sent Alex. Give it verbatim: "Once I saw the Palm into the store and bought it. So I live since ..." After reading these bitter lines, one of our staff, middle-aged family man wept like a little child. And here is another story in the same vein. She sent Vladimir. "I began to have nightmares about Palm. I got up and realized that Palm was cool. Now I do not sleep." (Story edited slightly - some of the letters in the e-mails always somewhere to disappear). After this letter, we had to pump water because the editorial ladies have filled an entire office in tears. Another story, naive and simple, like myself old Palm. "Once my Palm crashed onto the concrete floor. And all that I have left - this is my Palm working with a small scratch." What is there to add? The entire team at full strength HPC.ru hardly any thunder disability. Heart-it is not an iron ...Delicate, yet delicate
From mild scary turn to horror heavier. Here's a story that due to excessive naturalism can not quote verbatim. So try to retell it in your own words. In short, one boy felt an urgent need to look ... let's say in the classrooms. And he, a clear pepper, looked back. And in the process ... peeking took, and dropped the phone into the most ... put it gently - subsoil. Well, he had the technique to get out of this filth. And then visited the boy is quite natural thought - well, that it took him ... to look only slightly. A different technique would be Khan. True, it was not a Palm, a cell phone. But what's the difference? Still scary ... Another story that we first give in a free presentation, and then supplement quote. A young lady named Olga talks about the fact that it runs on your Palm `e. If a girl is visiting a beach, then programmke iSilo she reads stories. If you do not visit the beach, runs PalmaSutra, which he calls "just super (for those who understand)." Any guys out there and girlfriends Olga records in the address book on your computer. Well, and so on ... Now we quote: "Palm - super stuff, all the guys just baldeyut, when sagely go poke." At the Grand Prix this story clearly does not pull. While on the other hand - PalmaSutra and again guys baldeyut ... M-m-yes ...And the dead with the braids are
And now the real horror. (Freddy Krueger, durilka cardboard, resting). Writes Mr. Sidorov. "It was the summer on the street, holding his Palm` a in his hand. It was not meddling with anyone. And now young men, whose faces were disfigured intelligence, tried to crank with my participation banal "Gop-Stop".One particularly ardent, stretched out his hand to the Palm `y, bellowing something unintelligible (perhaps was deaf and dumb?"), Others went round me in circles. I, without hesitation, Palm `angle and struck the cutting blow to her cheek Neanderthal. Gushing blood. Goblin shouted .... The other three as the wind blew. In general, washing off the blood home with valuable devaysa, I thought - well, that the body had aluminum ... "Lord, what a nightmare ... Another story - with the massacre. From a direct citation avoided (the text is fairly lengthy), tell the own words. Once Artem with his friend decide to make some (purely symbolic) yield. And - subjects. But back to this deeds, which ran into the police. Artema friend, seeing a live policeman, could not resist, and praised his gesture .... The policeman in his pocket for the answer is not helpful and affectionately praised his friend Artem rubber "demokratizatorom." And landed in akkurat on breast pocket, where lay Palm. The case settled the world (well, you see, the guys legs, fast). Back home, my friend suddenly thought - this attack was somehow soft . But about the computer is not remembered and temporarily relieved. But then the memory still floated Palm, and it is sobering ... The computer was broken screen, although the performance is seemingly not affected (run the program adjustments, and the problem was removed). Author letter describes the eyes of another accident - the moment when he discovered in the pocket of a broken computer. "I saw a man who smashed the windshield of the car, his mind is not any comparison," ... The story is a sequel. That's what wrote another "palmovladelets" or, as you might guess, "palmoremontnik." One day we brought into service Palm V with strongly bent back cover. Despite the fact that the lid falls off, Palm worked. Gentleman who brought it, not too different manners and all the while remembering some "boys". When asked what had happened, he told me that during the last "dismantling" he was given the baton. Palm was lying in an inner pocket, and hit in just over it. As a result, (the man) managed to avoid fractures. "Is there a direct connection between these two stories? But who knows ...History of us
This contest stories have not been exhausted. Among them there are stories on the use of Palm `s as a mirror, flashlight, cribs. There is a terrible dreams and grave misgivings. There are eerie story about the resuscitation of sunken cars and even a story of a love in which Palm was the object of jealousy ... but truly awful thriller was not found. As a result, we felt it unnecessary to award the first prize and the increased number of prizes to the number of bidders. And as a bonus offer his trademark "eychpiesny" horror. Enjoy, friends. In the sense - tremble, of course. "Once I saw the site HPC.ru announcement of the call horror stories about Palm. I wanted to participate, but something too lazy. Now, all participants received the metal keysiku for their machines. And I was left with nothing. All the so unhappy, the whole so sad. " PS Yes, I almost forgot ...) Prizes - wonderful hardkeysov - which, judging by the above mentioned stories are very useful to their owners, will be held on September pilotovke. More about her can be found as always on site Palmkluba. The authors, translation:At first glance: Card-size PDA Royal Vista
Hot donuts Vista
One of the nearly vacant industries PDA - this area of so-called Card-size PDA, that is, the CPC about the size of a credit card. The most prominent representatives of this class - a line of PDA REX. And then, finally, the web has been discovered about the new PDA Royal Vista with similar capabilities, but less expensive (around $ 60) and, accordingly, claim to be the "people's" PDA, a kind of "hot donuts" being sold on every corner . So what is really behind flashy words and bright pictures? As far as this PDA may be of interest in Russia? Company MakTsentr courtesy hPCru one copy for study and testing.In Store
Beautiful packaging in the style adopted in modern Taiwanese peripherals for desktops (eg, Genius): slightly pretentious and impractical. Inside you can find: |
Mobile watch
The idea to combine several devices into one recently acquired povalny character. This process can be safely called a trend in the industry. The form factor of a wristwatch is becoming more popular among manufacturers of mobile equipment. Take, for example, mobile phones ... With what they just did not interbreed? As such cell is no longer enough, and manufacturers are trying hard, adding to the regular "cell phone" all sorts of "gadgets". A simple example - the so-called smart phones - a "smart phones" (from the English smart - "smart", phone - "phone"). Hybrid mobile phone and handheld computer - is the most common example. But in this paper we do not consider this type of device. We'll talk about the watch, not just hours, and in symbiosis with various devices. Ever wanted to warn readers that this story does not claim to leadership, but has only informative character. Thus, we start our excursion into the bizarre world of devices, but first consider some quite ordinary at first glance wristwatches. We adhere to the principle - from simple to complex, from small to great. This copy is represented by Allied Data Technology. This wristwatch Tornado USB Memory Watch with built-in flash memory.
Tornado USB Memory Watch (UMW) - a portable storage device built into an elegant wristwatch-based quartz movement Citizen 2035. Watch case is protected from shock and is waterproof to a depth of 30 m. The Tornado UMW performed in 3 different versions: with 64, 128 and 256 MB of memory. Read speed is 1000 KB / s write speeds - 920 kbytes / sec. Battery life - 3 years. If necessary, Tornado UMW allows sensitive data to password protect. The supported standard - USB 1.1. When used in operating systems 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Linux 2.4 and higher, Mac OS 8.6 and above or PDA with Windows CE 3.0 driver installation is required. Estimated price for UMW ranges from 70 to 200 Euro, depending on the size of a drive. Does not that interesting instance? More - more ... The next device from the company LAKS has an even more interesting options - presented in an improved version of the clock LAKS USB Memory. Upgrading is an integrated 256 MB "flash", the rest - all the same as before. Price of approximately - 149 euros. In addition to this model in the line of present models: 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB. Watches are sold only in Europe. Communication with the computer through an interface USB 1.1. Reading speed up to 1 Mb / s, write - 0,92 MB / sec. There is also a version with USB 2.0.
When you connect to your PC clock to place a 9-hour mark of status indicator lights. Hours are supported by the following operating systems: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux 2.4, Mac OS 8.6. Unit dimension 11 x 40 mm., Weight - 43 grams. Waterproof (to a depth of 1 m - 30 minutes, at a depth of 20 m - 1.5 min), has protection from static and shock. The clock mechanism was designed by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. The package includes a CD with drivers for Windows for password protection of data and meter extension cable. We reviewed several examples of successful synthesis of traditional watches and computer technology to improve the functionality of the first. But this is only the beginning. Next, get acquainted with even more intelligent and high-tech devices. The very first attempt to unite his watch and a computer were OnHand PC - clock microcomputer - an attempt, I think, not entirely successful. Watches were cumbersome, not very easy to handle, and lost as a notebook as PDAs and phones. Therefore we shall not greatly sharpen our focus on this device, we turn to more interesting, "devaysa" ...In this situation, it is not surprising that such a computer giant, as a corporation Microsoft, has also decided to contribute and learn at the same time another new, maybe a promising market for handheld devices. The head of Microsoft Bill Gates held in Las Vegas in January 2003, the Consumer Electronics Show introduced the wristwatch, based on the so-called technology SPOT (Smart Personal Object Technology). Watches have been issued specifically on the eve of launching Microsoft's new online service called MSN Direct. Its subscribers can receive a variety of information from news and stock quotes to the data on the repertoire of movie theaters, restaurant menus for such a watch. The head of Microsoft described the SPOT-device like this: "If before the clock was part of a pager, the pager will now reverse part of the clock." So we have to deal with clock-pager!
The release of these hours, created based on SPOT-technology, will be engaged in quite well-known companies Fossil and Suunto. The cost of such "smart" her watch will be from 100 to 300 U.S. dollars. Information on them will come on the radio FM-band. Network Services MSN Direct will be available in 100 U.S. cities located in 50 states, as well as in all major centers in Canada. It should be noted that Microsoft is far unlonely in their endeavors, and commitment to the creation of hours based on the new technology also demonstrate Fossil, Suunto and Citizen Watch Co:
Will the technology available outside North America, in our region is still unknown. One can only hope ... Another interesting device, a watch with a built-in digital camera were presented by Casio. First there were the model WQV-1 / 2 and WQV-3, equipped with 25,344-pixel color CMOS sensor and allows you to store and up to 80 images (to JPEG, Built-in Memory 1 MB), which then can be transferred to the computer using the infrared port. Watches are equipped with 120 x 120 built-in LCD display with 16 shades of gray, playing the role as a viewfinder and the screen to view the footage.
Subsequently, these models have been upgraded. They were replaced by new - WQV-10, in general, repeating their predecessors. Watch differed only by color STN LCD display. Dimensions of the screen is 20x20 pixels, the resolution supported by 78h80 points.
WQV-10 (in part of a digital camera) is also equipped with a 1 / 14 "color CMOS sensor to 25,344 pixels, the system of double optical zoom, use the JPEG compression format and give a picture size of 176x144 pixels. In addition, the built-in clock flash-memory capacity of 1 MB can store up to 100 images, unlike previous models where the number of photos were limited eighties. The infrared port allows wireless connection, as with the PC, and with the predecessor models. It should be noted that the data rate in this case reaches 115.200 BPS.Dimensions are 39.3 x 51 hours, 1h18, 2 mm, and weight varies depending on the material from which made strap (WQV-10J with a rubber strap - 47 grams, WQV-10DJ with a metal strap - 106 g), respectively. As I said earlier, we will move from simple to complex, from small to great. And the time has come. We turn to the most interesting, most complex and truly "mobile an hour! The exhibition WORLD PC EXPO 2001 from the Citizen and IBM Japan Ltd. presented their development - watch the operating system Linux. WatchPad 1.5 computer (as they are called) are, in fact, a microcomputer. On the show exhibited two main versions: a model with a black and white LCD display with a resolution 96h120 and watches with an electroluminescent display, which supports resolution of 640x480 (in Fig. Left).
Linux-clock technology support wireless voice and data Bluetooth, and IrDA 1.1 - infrared data transfer and printing. Given their small size, the number of embedded I / O devices is simply amazing. Judge: fingerprint scanner, speaker, microphone, keys and sensitive touch screen. Feeds on the tiny built-in PDA Li-Ion battery.
The heart of the watch is 32-bit processor, and the board contains 8 MB of RAM and 8 MB flash. It eats all this economy from the internal battery, charged through the docking station. In WatchPad 1.5 is lightweight version of Linux, a simple software with an address book, scheduler, games and notebooks. However, watch quite voracious, and, according to IBM, able to operate on a single charge of not more than a day. Their size - 65 x 46 x 16 mm, weight - 1943 Senior Consultant IBM Vaytvik Glen (Glenn Wightwick) reported that the company has no intentions to promote this model to the market, though, if such a device has all the advantages of mobile phones, PDAs and was equipped with high-resolution displays, it certainly would have waited for success. The creation of these hours is just one of many projects under the company's commitment to spend 1 billion dollars. the development of Linux. The main task WatchPad - to prove that the OS is able to administer any type of devices - from largest to smallest. Follow on. So, we have the first version of the hours of Fossil. This unit is compatible with PDAs running Windows operating system Palm OS. According to the manufacturer, the clock is particularly suited to owners of series handhelds Palm III, V, VII, m100 and m500, as well as the Handspring Visor PDA and Edge, and Sony Clie. As vice president of technology at Fossil Donald Brewer said in an interview with Wireless NewsFactor, "using the infrared port available on most modern PDAs, data from the handhelds can be loaded into the clock, which is calculated only on their reading. This information is stored in the built memory capacity of 190 KB. This volume will be enough to keep track of your 1100 contacts, 800 different activities planned, or 350 memos. The owner of these watches can receive up to 20 electronic business cards sent from a PDA or other smart hours. Access to information by means of four-button, causing the drop-down menu.Among other things, a clock, of course, show time:)
Specs are: CPU Motorola DragonballVZ 33 MHz, 2 MB RAM and 2 MB of flash memory, Palm OS 4.1, touch screen display with a resolution of 160x160 pixels, showing up to 16 shades of gray. There is a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which lasts for 4 days (30 minutes per day) work. Dimensions her watch are 35x51x12, 5 mm. A little later, the second version was released hours - Fossil Wrist PDA-PC, compatible with devices based on the PocketPC. If we compare the Fossil Wrist PDA with the average sports watch, you will notice that the first still more, however, is not much. Dimensions Pocket PC-version - 44 mm in length, 50 mm in width, 15 mm in thickness. In addition, reviews, PDAs hours - pretty light - 75 grams. May not be too elegant for the ladies, but just right for someone who wants to show off a miracle technology.
For many, this device may be a good substitute for a PDA in campaigns, on weekends and in the field for continued access to the diary, address book and other functions of the usual PDAs. In a round plastic containers Fossil, according to the manufacturer, put everything necessary for modern man. Includes self Wrist PDA-PC, a cradle for synchronization, CD with programs, instructions for use, and eight 3V-lithium batteries.
Stand allows you to place for information exchange and Pocket PC clock in close proximity to each other. Fossil feeds two batteries, which should suffice for 1,5 - 3 months depending on use. When the batteries sit down, all information is stored in flash memory. Wrist PDA-PC runs on an 8-bit processor, and Epson has a 48 KB ROM and 190 KB RAM. Contacts section allows you to store multiple phone numbers, email addresses and notes for each contact. "Diary" allows you to schedule a week or a month, and about coming events may alert signal. However, his memory is limited to 40 KB (if all of the memory, the download will take considerable time). True, the manufacturer recommends the use of these, only 5 KB. In principle, this should suffice perfectly, and, in the opinion, enough. With all of the above manufacturers somehow forgot about the clock function per se: Missing and alarm clock, a stopwatch, and other key for the clock function. Despite this, we can safely say that the Fossil Wrist PDA-PC - stylish device for gadget lovers and outdoor activities that can successfully replace the Pocket PC in the field. There is a third version of the hours ... Full-length wrist Palm. This model is considered to be the heir Fossil Wrist PDA, which is only a companion device.
Operating hours of PDAs running Palm OS 4.1 and is compatible with virtually any application written for that operating system. Inside a small corps settled processor Motorola DragonBall VZ 33 MHz, 2 MB RAM and 2 MB of ROM. The list of installed software includes standard applications Palm OS: Address Book, Date Book, Memo Pad, Calculator and To Do List. The device has a monochrome display.His resolution - 160x160 pixels, supports the display 16 shades of gray. In general, very similar to a simple Palm Zire - just a miniature. To synchronize with your desktop PC using a USB interface. Unit dimensions: 35 x 51 x 12.5 mm and weight - 160 g. And finally, we got to the most interesting part of our journey into the world of mysterious metamorphosis that led us to the most, in my opinion, the demand for today device that combines conventional wristwatch and cell phone. At last in Hanover in March 2003, CeBIT 2003, Samsung introduced a wristwatch with built-in GSM-phone. The device works in GSM 900/1800 networks and supports data transmission GRPS class 10 (up to 57.6 kbit / s). Its display is built on the newest technology OLED, has a resolution of 94 x 64 pixels, and displays 256 colors. Sound System - polyphonic, 40-voice. Supports voice dialing, Internet access protocol WAP 1.2 and wireless Bluetooth. Thin lithium-ion battery with capacity of 400 mAh lasts for half an hour of talk time or 80 hours of the device in standby mode. The dimensions of the phone (without strap) are 37.8 x 64 x 17.7 mm Weight with battery - 1980
Is believed to Samsung, their new product will be sold on the market. "Market research showed that consumers need to be ultra-light mobile devices, they could use in any place and at any time" - said vice-president of the San-Jin Park. Followed by Samsung, at the same exhibition CeBIT 2003, a similar device called Wristomo introduced leading Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo. Folded Wrisotomo represents the usual hours, revealing that, you can get a miniature telephone: at one end of the bracelet is a microphone, and on the other - the speaker. Due to the fact that most of the buttons, including keys, a navigator, brought to the bracelet, the device has received a large screen (for its class) and comfortable control.
Unlike Samsung, operating in GSM 900/1800, Wristomo belongs to the standard PHS (Personal Handyphone System, based on TDMA-TDD), which is popular in Japan and Southeast Asia, but is not used in other regions. Internet access service via NTT mopera. Wristomo allows you to work with the sites of i-mode, to send and receive email (the message length to 6000 characters) and supports synchronization with Microsoft Outlook. Data transfer rate - up to 64 kbps. In factored form dimensions of the device are 171.5 x 40.4 x 18.5 mm. Weight with battery - 113 Corpus Wristomo waterproof. And as the latest development of the Chinese company China Electronics Corporation (CEC), which has launched a highly unusual mobile phone F88 works in the standard CDMA 1x.
Production of the device performs under contract South Korean Telson Electronics, and just planned to produce about 30.000 such unusual clock. A small number of the scheduled phone due to the very high price - 8,888 yuan, or $ 1070. This is likely to be the most expensive cell phone in China.
Phone is equipped with CSTN LCD display with 256 colors. Dimensions miracle hours are 38.3 x 76.7 x 17 cm, not including the antenna size, and in their functional list are: voice dialing, 4 minutes of audio recording, 16 polyphonic ring tones and, in fact, own hours. On the strap F88 is a miniature keyboard. Interestingly, the weight of the new items in all this is only 100 g. With built-in battery 600 mAh, watch phone is capable of operating up to 120 minutes of talk time and 100 hours in anticipation. To reduce the amount of damage the LCD screen is covered with special polymer composition, traditional watches.
However, the developers seemed a little unusual to release a hybrid mobile phone and watch: the latest fashion, they have equipped with a removable novelty camera with a matrix of 300,000 pixels and a 180-degree vertical design. It is curious that the speaker phone device is designed as a ring and connects with a wire. Thus, when talking to your ear to hold the hand that is not very convenient.
To reduce some discomfort by using an infrared headset, but with him will keep his hand in a certain position near the ear.
Finally announced the news flashed recently in online media: "In response to the product of Chinese designers and enthusiasts (nationality unknown, and it is not important) gave his version of hours with the phone (or vice versa)."
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| Tornado USB Memory Watch |
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| LAKS USB Memory |
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| Watch-pager from Microsoft, technology-based SPOT |
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| Hours WQV3D-8 with integrated digital camera |
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| Improved clock WQV-10 |
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| WatchPad 1.5 computer |
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| Watches Fossil FX2001 |
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| Watches Fossil Wrist PDA-PC |
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| Fossil Wrist PDA |
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| Mobile phone watches from Samsung |
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| Mobile phone watches Wristomo from NTT DoCoMo |
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| Mobile phone watches on the CEC F88 |
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| Keyboard F88 |
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| F88 installed camera |
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| Earphone-ring on the wire |
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| Infrared headphone |
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| Response to Chinese developers;) |
Conclusion
So, to sum up a little. This article, we traced the evolution of conventional watches in high tech devices that combine conventional at first glance, watch, pager, digital camera, mobile phone and PDA. It's safe to say that fantasy is no limit to the developers, and it pleases. At least for me personally. I am sure that soon there will be many such devices and, possibly, put still razrabotichiki their concepts to the stream. I, in turn, will follow the development of the industry and timely inform you about all the updates. If you notice any inaccuracies or typographical errors, inform the author about it. Also, if you have the desire to supplement this material, please send your addition or a link to the source, I am pleased to completion of this article. Thank Vibra.by site for the material! Sources, Materials:The observer for pockets or Saga Casio Pocket Viewer PV-S450
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