Miniature computer combine

Evgenie Rudometov

authors@rudometov.com

Developing the bar of a handheld computer, company Fujitsu Siemens Computers has released handheld computer LOOX N520

The history of personal computers includes hardly more than three tens years, transportable models — it is even less. Appeared thanks to development of computer processing techniques modern compact arrangements can very many.

The absorbed reachings of IT branch efficient and easy notebooks in many cases successfully substitute the desktop primogenitors. As an example it is possible to result such functions as difficult enough calculations, link and multimedia.

However it is far not always dimensions and weight of modern notebooks can arrange numerous army of the users who are carrying on a transportable way of life. For them the handheld computer can be successful solution even more compact transportable computers, for example.

Such arrangements have ceased to be for a long time a wonder or luxury. Thanks to successes of modern solid-state technologies these compact arrangements step-by-step become the high-grade multimedia arrangements capable in some cases to substitute even desktop variants of computer systems. And, considering their transportable trend, quite often and to exceed on functionality of the high colleagues.

As an example of such transportable arrangements it is possible to result the bar of handheld computer Pocket LOOX of Fujitsu-Siemens Computers corporation and one of recently released models — Pocket LOOX  N520.

Fig. 1. Handheld computer Pocket LOOX 520

The pocket personal computer Pocket LOOX 520, which appearance is resulted on fig. 1, constructed on the basis of the special transportable processor developed by the company of Intel. This processor which has received the name of Intel PXA255, realises XScale architecture. He allows to combine high values of profitability and productivity in calculations.

Fig. 2. The Underside of handheld computer LOOX N520 and marking secondary generator lithium-ionic

Here it is necessary to mark, that handheld computer Pocket LOOX  N520 concerns rather small number of models in which construction replaceable lithium-ionic the secondary generator is used, in size 1200 mach (a Fig. 2). It allows in the course of a hard work in absence of possibility of operation from an electrical network to substitute the used secondary generator spare, having given to itself possibility of further operation. Thus thanks to the new version of the operating system — MicrosoftWindows Mobile 5.0, providing storage of programs in the read-only memory, necessity for usage of the built in backup secondary generator has passed. It is linked by that the program information except for current calculations at secondary generator changeover does not disappear.

Well and in case of availability of an electrical network to work it is possible through a special power supply unit which will simultaneously charge the secondary generator in an automode. By the way, some secondary generators approach to the given model from other similar arrangements. For example, handheld computer Pocket LOOX  N520 in the course of its testing steadily worked with the secondary generator from model of handheld computer Pocket LOOX 420. However, for some reason return changeover has not transited: handheld computer LOOX 420 has refused to work with the secondary generator from handheld computer Pocket LOOX N520.

One more feature of handheld computer Pocket LOOX  N520 is presence of the built in resources of a wireless communication which concern the controller of data transfer by means of infrared radiation IrDA, and also controller Wi-Fi which is carrying out high-speed link on a radio channel. Besides, given model possesses built in GPS unit which at the expense of reception of signals from geosynchronous companions provides positioning on district.

Concerning other built in interfaces it is necessary to tell, that presence IrDA allows not only to exchange data, for example, with a mobile phone, computer peripherals. So, for example, it is possible to use a handheld computer, of course, by means of special software, as a remote control, the TV, the videorecorder, the radio complex.

As to resources Wi-Fi they do not require special remarks to recollect wireless Internet connection in the public places supplied Hot Spot enough. In St.-Petersburg this possibility is already realised in several tens places. A part from them give access to the Internet without payment.

It is necessary to mark, that handheld computer Pocket LOOX  N520 provides possibility to fulfil and traditional office operations. For this purpose the manufacturer has already installed such programs, as, the special versions of Word oriented to a handheld computer, Exel, etc . In spite of the fact that initially handheld computer Pocket LOOX N520 is delivered with programs in the English-speaking version, in a package there is a special suite of russification of the arrangement.

Key parametres of handheld computer Pocket LOOX  N520 are resulted in Table 1.

Table 1. Key parametres of handheld computer Pocket LOOX N520 of company Fujitsu Siemens Computers

As a part of handheld computer software are available both a traditional notepad, and the calculator. Data entry, typing in a handheld computer and its editing can be fulfilled, using input and handwriting recognition system. Besides, these operations conveniently and simply to carry out by means of the virtual keyboard displayed on the display screen. In addition to it, it is possible to take advantage of the special keyboard developed for a handheld computer. It is specified in the list of additional accessories. Application of the given keyboard gives possibility of operation with documents standard, habitual for the majority of users in the way.

All programs and data it is possible to save on the desktop PC or a notebook for what there are appropriate programs and cables.

It is necessary to add, that, using hardware-software possibilities of multimedia, by means of a handheld computer it is possible to look video data, including video films, and also to listen to the audio records created, for example, in widespread standard MP3.

It is convenient to use a handheld computer as a dictophone. Here it is necessary to mark, that a sound current recording quality in models Pocket LOOX N520 rather high. At least, it is essential above many models. Generally speaking, for critics of the given function it will be difficult enough to pick up the competitor for given LOOXN520.

It is necessary to mark, that applied value of handheld computer Pocket LOOX N520 can be raised at the expense of usage of the appropriate applications widely presented in the computer market. Thanks to such programs of a handheld computer it is possible to use as, for example, compact quick reference, the sensible multilingual dictionary, the navigator, etc . Unique advice — to consider necessity of compatibility with the used operating system. However even at an unsuccessful choice the user can always take advantage of possibilities program or even hardware reboot. The truth last will result a handheld computer and will demand new installation of user's programs.

By the way, presence of the built in microphone and the speaker, added with possibilities Wi-Fi of standard IEEE 802.11b/g, allows to use program Skype freely downloaded from the resource with the same name. It provides free audiolink with computers on which the same program is installed. The unique requirement — hooking up to the Internet.

As to key feature of model of handheld computer Pocket LOOX N520 — built in GPS unit given possibilities it is real not only are interesting, but also are extremely useful. However, the firmware produces only numerical co-ordinates — width and a longitude, and also speed of movement and height above sea level. But functions GPS can be essentially expanded at the expense of usage of the various software widely presented on the Internet. It can be both paid, and the free programs producing position of the receiver on maps. The user using such hardware-software resource will not lose the way any more in unfamiliar cities as will always know where is.

In conclusion of the given short browse it is necessary to mark once again, that handheld computers in many cases allow to refuse other computers. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to consider pocket personal computers as complete and equivalent changeover to traditional notebooks or desktop PCs in solution of all tasks. Handheld computers can be considered as successful addition to these types of computers.