If you are looking for a beautiful cover then you’d better not read any further, because here we have a protected phone model Nokia 3720 classic.

Display and keyboard
Nokia 3720 classic is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT matrix display, with a resolution of 240×320 pixels. It is capable to display 16 million colors, but it does not give us the opportunity to adjust brightness. All this is a bit strange, as there is often the desire to increase, or vice versa, just reduce slightly the brightness of the screen, this is absolutely legal.
Buttons of Nokia 3720 classic are located directly under the screen, which is not surprising. But their execution is a little more interesting, because on a glossy substrate can fit some big holes, of which serve rubberized buttons navigation and digital blocks, the output providing excellent tactility when dialing a number and the message blindly. And the classic five-way navigation key is just to the point. The letters here are large, and in the darkness have pleasant white backlight, a little stretching in pink hues.

Other information

Nokia 3720 classic is equipped with 220 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 24 MB internal memory from which 128 MB are at user’s disposal.
So let’s sum up? As a result, there is a sixth edition of S40 platform, as well as all that we have described in the review of Nokia 6303 in May 2009. Once again we will repeat for the completeness of this review.
So, we have an ordinary program filling of S40, which means integration into the active standby mode or limiting the other two types of themes to full-screen wallpaper in standby mode. In menu this factor provides a complete absence of animated icons, but does not restrict the owner in the themes.

Software and games

Nokia 3720 clearly does not fall under the definition of Multifunctional which can do everything, the standard set of programs in the phone is not impressive. On the other hand, like any other product of the sixth edition, there is a lot of what was in the same Nokia 6500, and it is with these programs, it makes sense to start a description. And here is a similar virtual repository of all things, but in the performance of Nokia. Given the fact that the camera in the phone plays a more entertaining role, the service is much more likely to be demanded for the owner.

Communication and Music

As follows from the positioning of 3720, it doesn’t support third-generation networks, it remains only to mention support for GSM 900/1800/1900.
The phone has a traditional Bluetooth-module with support for dozens of profiles. With headset the device works quite stable, and the data transfer rate is 160 Kbps.
Connecting to a PC is carried out through the USB-connector, to which you can connect a tiny cable and evaluate the speed of read / write information to a memory card, which reaches 1.2 Mbps.
Interface of media player has not undergone any significant changes in comparison with the fifth edition of S40, so to understand the inconvenience of working with the library of tracks, updated within minutes the background is not difficult.
Among the player is worth emphasizing the presence of repeat and random play, the effect of enhanced stereo, and an effective 5-band equalizer, with which it is possible to get good results.

Camera

Of course, choosing protected from the vicissitudes of fate phone, you will hardly look for mirrors. Because the camera in the mobile phone is needed strictly for entertainment, or demonstration of pictures to friends on a tiny screen of the device, or sending pictures via MMS or Bluetooth.
Don’t agree with this approach in the case of 3720? Alas, a 2 megapixel camera has an average quality, albeit with a useless flash / weak flashlight, which is better not to use at night. But here working with the camera is quite convenient, thanks to full-screen viewfinder with all kinds of signatures on the edges, as well as useful features tab on the left soft-key.

Conclusion
For this cost there is almost no alternative for Nokia 3720 classic, without taking into account the equivalent of where something is not enough, especially for fans of “dialers” of the Finnish manufacturer. Perhaps, you shouldn’t buy this device, if it is important to save the usual S40 in the case, which will last at least a year?

Design
A501 is really small, its dimensions are 20.7 x 59.6 x 95.7 mm (weight 130 g), it is slightly less than similar communicators with the 2.7 display “. But unlike the majority, Mio A501 doesn’t have a very strict form of a brick – rounded edges and cut lower edge add special originality to its appearance.
The shell is divided into two pieces of different shades of gray, and dividing oval line of the section runs between two rows of buttons on the front panel below the display. From the first sight it looks like the device is made in the form of a slider, and there is a keyboard under the display.
Nevertheless, the A501 is not a slider, a game of colors is just an idea of design. However, the idea was successful! It is difficult to confuse the novelty with any other communicator. Furthermore, the quality of materials above all praises.
By the way, Mitac Mio A501 is already followed by the model Mio A502 (right photo), similar to A501, but with slightly different appearance, and with the 6th “Windows” on board.

The device stands out against a background of other communicators with its control keys. On the front panel, below the display, a unit with the main buttons and keys of quick launch of certain applications is located – six small and one elongated button. A joystick is located not next to these buttons, but at the top of the left end.
Thus, it’s more convenient to keep the communicator in the left hand and to work with joystick using you thumb.
So forefinger falls on volume control key, located on the opposite side of the shell. For many people, such way of controlling may seem unusual and even inconvenient. But from the first minutes of communication with communicator it became clear that this is not true. Another plus of such position of the device in the hand is a very little chance of that it will be stolen in transport; and just to drop it accidentally is not easy.

Near the joystick there is a camera activation button, as well as the socket for the headphone minijack 2.5 mm. Thanks to its compact dimensions, there are many possibilities. You can carry it in the pocket of the jacket or trousers or somewhere else. You can carry it in the original textile, but very hard protective case from a set, which has attachment to the belt.
Not ordinary control keys of Mitac Mio A501 contrast to the more unusual for communicators slot for SD memory cards instead of miniSD.
However, the SD format is much more common, and if you, for example, have a camera with such a type of memory, you can view the footage material directly on the communicator, it is very convenient. The memory card slot, located on the right edge of Mitac Mio A501, has a plastic cover, so that the chances of losing the card are minimized.
The novelty connects to the computer via simple USB cable – miniUSB, so in the case of loosing or damaging, it’s easy to buy a new one in any computer accessories store.

Display
LCD sensitive display, as has been said, has a 2.7 diagonal. The range of brightness change is wide and working with it comfortable in any lighting.
Also, we must note the large angle of view and excellent colors. So it is impossible to find fault in the display, well, may be resolution 320 х 240 points is already a bit outdated.
The device runs under Windows Mobile 5.0, with a processor by Texas Instruments – OMAP 850 with a frequency of 200 MHz. The processor is not productive, but it is fulfilling its function reliably – working with office programs and multimedia is stable.
Much more unusual is the situation with the memory of the novelty. The amount of RAM is standard – 64 MB, but the volume of ROM is not 128 MB, as in most of communicators, but 1 GB! Such amount of memory is enough to install almost any necessary software, including maps for GPS- navigation.

But, as it has been said, because of the weak performance of the processor, Mitac Mio A501 had not demonstrated high performance. We tested the possibility of using the Spb Benchmark device.

Communication capabilities
Unfortunately, the novelty doesn’t have all communication capabilities. Those who want to use A501 for internet connections through Wi-Fi will be disappointed, the communicator does not have such module. It has Bluetooth 2.0, but it can’t fill the gap of communication opportunities.

On the other hand, those who often enjoy the services of GPRS will like the novelty – it supports EDGE. Like most modern devices A501 has a very stable connection. It is interesting that for those who do not like to examine settings, the producer gave the possibility of connecting GPRS by pressing one key.

Four GSM- ranges are available – 850/900/1800/1900, so wherever you are gone, you will stay on line.
Sound and autonomy

Both dynamics of A501 have relatively high maximum volume and clear sound without noise.
Headset had shown good work, despite the fact that it can be easily replaced by another, more suitable to you, because the connector is a standard 2.5 mm minijack.
A501 has a removable lithium-ionic battery with a1050 mAh capacity. This is not too much, but the 501th is not the only one with such a battery. With an average intensity of work (calls, phone book editing, checking e-mail), the battery has ten hours of use. If you save energy, it would be necessary to charge the battery every two days.

Camera
Integrated camera of Mitac Mio A501 has nothing remarkable, despite the existence of auto focus, the flash and mirror for self-portrait. The location of the camera is not quite traditional so it pushes the user to hold communicator while shooting horizontally, as a normal camera. The camera has CMOS-sensor 2.0 Mp resolution and lets making photos in JPG format with a maximum resolution 1600 x1200.
The program interface is responsible for the photo / video filming, and it is quite simple, but attractive and understandable to anyone. Camera doesn’t have a lot of options (quality, turning flash on/out, a serial shooting, mode etc.), but it is hardly a disadvantage, because the quality of images cannot be compared even with the images from any modern low-cost digital camera.
The map can be placed not only in two, but in three planes. So you can expand a bit the area of the map without changing the scale. And for work at night, when bright light irritates eyes, the program provides a special regime of work with predominantly dark-colored elements.

A501 is built on the basis of the most popular todays chip SiRFStar III, that’s why the device starts quickly (cold start – about two minutes, hot – more than two seconds), and subsequently did not lose the connection to the satellites.
It is necessary to note an additional utility “Fast GPS- positioning”, which can substantially reduce the time of cold start, the information about the current location of satellites can be automatically downloaded from the internet, for example with the use of GPRS. But another tiny utility, pre-installed in A501, lets quickly send SMS messages.
Software
Another feature of the novelty is a rather large set of preloaded software. Producer worked even over the appearance of Windows Mobile – the desktop of the Mitac Mio A501 is in black and gray colors. There is a quick launch for some applications on it, as well as panel with updated through the Internet information about the weather in the selected region. However, if you do not like new interface, you can go back to a more accustomed one.

In addition, the manufacturer has developed a graphical menu imitating the menu of cell phone. With its help the user can run almost any standard system tool and application.
To the constant gaming set was added a third game – Sudoku.
Even the standard calculator now has a new interface and allows checking the measures of length and weight, as well as the currencies of the world.
Among the preloaded software, there are several small but useful tools. We have already met one above. Among them there is a very small but useful program for sending SMS with a request for emergency assistance. Mailing list, to which it will be sent out, is chosen by user.

Another utility is responsible for the rapid voice dialing, with which you can not only make voice calls but also run different applications.

Conclusion
Mio A501 is developed carefully. Stylish design, unusual, but convenient controlling, large amount of memory, SD slot, built-in navigational receiver with Mio Map GPS-package. Finally there is a rich equipment and extensive list of software – all these distinguish the novelty from other communicators available on the market today.
Sorry to say but there are also some minuses. The lack of Wi-Fi module could affect the range of potential users of the device. However, the price easily leaves behind some competitors.

Not so long ago we reviewed one of the most interesting models of the last generation communicator E-Ten – Glofiish X600, which launched the niche budget sets of the class all-in-one. Meanwhile, design and ergonomics of the novelty deserve to decorate a much more powerful and technically worked solution. But the striking design of E-Ten X800 with a support for 3G-networks have already been formed, so it was decided to issue an interim model, and take the empty niche between X600 and X800. From the first sight this novelty has a stylish and practical design, but from the second it has borrowed a delicious filling. The only thing lacking in Glofiish X650 – is the support for third-generation networks.

Design Features
The E-TEN Glofiish is one of the thinnest Pocket PC phones on the market. It’s only 0.58″ (a hair thinner than the 0.62″ Glofiish X800), and it’s fairly light at 4.8 ounces. Though not as amazingly compact as the HTC Touch, the X650 has a lot more inside and miniaturization can only go so far. The PDA phone has a soft touch finish that helps to keep it in hand, and the same minimalist rectangular design as the X600. The device “feels” OK in hand, but not nearly as pleasant as more curvy PDA phones. Build quality is good and the unit looks and feels well made. The X650 is more sedate looking than the somewhat flashy X800, and gets a no-frills design.
The camera lens and LED flash live on the back and the battery door at the rear is easy to remove unlike the X800’s. There’s a battery lock switch inside– be sure to flip it to insert or remove the battery. It won’t power up if that switch isn’t in the locked position. You must also remove the stylus before removing the battery cover since the silo (right bottom corner) opening is in the cover.
The volume buttons, voice command button and the reset hole are located on the left side while the power and camera buttons are on the right. The GPS antenna and wrist strap slot are up top and the mini USB sync/charge port and microSD card slot are on the bottom.

The nipple joystick on the X800 was decent but the X650’s is just a bit shorter and that makes a great deal of difference– it’s just not easy to use. Windows Start menu and OK keys are located above (rather than being tiny things as on the X800) in the silver section, with the two Windows Mobile soft keys in between. The GPS status app and E-TEN Home screen (short press) / M-Desk launcher (long press) buttons live in between the call, send and end buttons.
Glofiish X650 runs Windows Mobile 6.0 Pro.
It has a Samsung SC32442 processor with a frequency of 500 MHz.
RAM traditionally is small 64 MB from which only 47,20 MB is available. However, the user ultimately left with only about 19 MB, because of already installed service applications. But the manufacturer does not hurry to increase it – 64 MB uses almost all vehicles from E-Ten.
ROM size is 256 MB (which will please the user) 36 MB of which is occupied by preinstalled programs, but you can safely delete them.

Display
Glofiish X650 has a VGA-display with resolution of 480 x 640 pixels and a diagonal of 2,8″. The picture quality is high: large viewing angles, bright colors, a wide range of changes in brightness, high contrast and clarity – virtually not visible grain.
The display is highly commendable and is a perfect assistant for viewing movies and photos.

Camera
E-TEN’s last-generation cameras looked good on paper but didn’t impress us in the real. Their recent devices yield much better photos that compete well with 2-3 megapixel autofocus cameras on other Windows Mobile phones. Nokia still wins, but the X650 takes satisfying shots that will please most non-hardcore photographers. The Glofiish X650 has a 2 megapixel camera with autofocus lens and LED flash. It can take photos at a maximum 1600 x 1200 resolution, with several lesser resolutions available for caller ID, MMS and etcetera. There’s also a JPEG with EXIF data mode that includes latitude and longitude courtesy of the GPS (and the coordinates are accurate). A GPS icon in the viewfinder flashes red and turns white once the Glofiish has acquired a signal. In general, color balance is fairly accurate, images are sharp but not over-sharpened and indoor shots have relatively little noise.
Communication possibilities
Glofiish X650 has a full range of wireless modules. The device supports Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, and of course GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GPRS with support of fast data transfer EDGE.

FM-radio
Glofiish X650 is equipped with FM-receiver. The work of this module is controlled by a simple but useful application that is stored in the Multimedia. FM-radio operates at a frequency from 76 up to 108 MHz, depending on the chosen place of residence. Frequencies can be entered manually as well as to search for stations in the automatic mode. In addition, each station can be given a name. The memory of the program is designed for 50 stations, which is quite enough.

Battery Power
The X650 uses the same 1530 mAh Lithium Ion battery as the X800. Battery power is slightly better than average for a Pocket PC phone, likely thanks to the lack of 3G and large battery. It is difficult to describe battery power with “average” usage. If you use the GPS to map a short (20 minute) route, surf the web over EDGE for 45 minutes per day, talk for 30 minutes per day on the phone, look up contacts and calendar items and manually check email once/hour, the battery should last 2 to 3 days. If you plan on using the GPS for an all-day road trip, get a car charger. If you use WiFi heavily or watch feature length movies, plan on charging each evening. The X650 takes quite a while to charge, compared to several current Pocket PC phones from other manufacturers– up to 3 hours.

Additional software
The Glofiish X650 software bundle is identical to the Glofiish X800’s. E-TEN has always added a nice helping of their own lightweight yet useful software and the latest Glofiish models have the best helping so far. First, E-TEN bundles a non-homebrew application that’s one of our favorites. This gives you 4 compact tabs with battery status, favorite or recently used apps, the weather (there’s no subscription charge for weather info), visual speed dial and world time. E-TEN’s Speed Dial is here, basically unchanged from prior models– it has two views, frequency and index dialing (you can switch between them and select a default). Press the left soft key in the Today Screen and you’ll get finger-friendly frequency dial buttons on screen or index dial where you press the letter C to see all matches (first name and last name) again in finger-friendly large on-screen buttons.

A task manager lives at the bottom of the Today screen and makes for an easy way to quit running programs since Windows Mobile doesn’t exit applications by default when you tap the close box. The X650, like the X800, needs this feature given the slim 64 megs of RAM. The Home button brings up a finger-friendly palette of commonly used apps and functions and the voice command button brings up the very good Cyberon voice command program. E-TEN’s long-lived M-Desk application is an alternative launcher with tabs and shortcuts for settings, applications, memory and power status, screen rotation, quick profile change, Bluetooth settings and more. If you press the Home button when in, an application M-Desk launches. E-TEN also includes a backup utility that backs up the Pocket PC to a micro SD card and an application restores feature just in case you delete one of the pre-installed programs and decide you want it back. Other E-TEN applications include Multimedia Manager (browser and viewer), a business card scanner and location-based SMS.

Conclusions
Glofiish X650 is one of the most stylish and comfortable VGA-communicators. We can not say that it has a very high performance, it can be called average. But its technical capabilities in comparison with other models of “all in one” class are a small step forward. In addition to the full set of communications capabilities, GPS-receiver and FM-radio, the novelty has also FM-transmitter, which allows sound to broadcast in FM-band.
The cost, compared to competitors (for example, GSmart i350), is even slightly lower, although the opportunities and the number of pre-installed applications on Glofiish X650 are worth this.

To keep up with the release of new models of Touch line is not easy. The release of the first HTC Touch communicator took about one and a half years, and since that time the company already has a dozen different devices with one common TouchFLO software interface, which became standard for many other manufacturers. HTC Touch 3G’s technical features claim to be one of the fastest and most powerful communicators.

Design

HTC Touch 3G strongly resembles Touch and Touch Dual. This is the same compact monoblock with smooth contours and oval corners. The shell is made of a soft-touch material which is almost inaccessible for fingerprints.

It easily fits in any pocket and satisfies the user with excellent build quality and attractive design.

Recently, more and more users are trying to stand out from the crowd of owners of dull gray machines. For them, HTC offers a novelty not only in a black shell, but in blue, brown and even golden which in their turn distinguish 3G from competitors.

All buttons are executed in a similar style in the form of very thin rectangles. Even the scroll key is made in the form of a rectangle, but with smooth corners. Next to it, the user will have only two buttons which are responsible for the adoption or abolition of the call.

No additional buttons: this is one of the similarities of Touch models.

At the bottom there is only one slot for ExtUSB, serving for connecting to a PC, as well as to use the headset or earphones that should be connected to your device via an adapter from the kit.

The stylus of HTC Touch 3G is too thin, so working with it is not too convenient. In addition, it is equipped with foam magnetic lock.

It is used only for the most expensive devices from HTC.

Productivity

The communicator runs Windows Mobile 6.1 platform and is built on a Qualcomm MSM7225A processor with a frequency of 528 MHz. There are 256 MB of ROM and 192 MB of RAM, the user can have 56.30 Mb and 66.61 Mb. The rest of memory is occupied by various software applications and systems. But the free memory of Touch 3G, which reaches to the end user, may be different.

Productivity innovations have traditionally been tested by using Spb Benchmark 1.6.

Characteristics of the HTC Touch 3G Glofiish X900 HTC TyTN II

Spb Benchmark index 403 465 425

CPU index 2036 2399 1576

File system index 141 152 178

Graphics index 3259 2650 3500

The results can be called medium for a powerful communicator. But, let’s not forget that we have a sample, which is not intended for sale.

To explore the possibilities of video, we used the benchmark CorePlayer, with the help of three videos, differing from each other with qualitative characteristics: 320×240 / 550 kbit / s, 640×480 / 784 kbit / s, 640×480 / 1320 Kbps.

Display

If we are talking about the possibility of watching videos, we need to say a few words about the touch-sensitive display, with which Touch 3G is equipped. In this case, this is a classic display with the diagonal of 2,” and a small resolution of 320×240 pixels. This screen will seem too modest next to modern standards. Yes, for comfortable viewing movies and photos it is not the best option. But for the implementation of the interface TouchFLO it is perfect.

Camera

HTC Touch 3G is equipped with a 3.2 MP camera without autofocus, which does not let to make high quality shots.

Of course, a pleasant interface and a sufficient number of settings, such as white balance, exposure, or choose a standard plot, make the use of the camera simple enough, but the result leaves much to be desired.

Communication possibilities

Touch 3G has “3G” index in its name. This makes clear to the potential buyer that it is equipped with a full set of communication modules: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz with support for data transmission via GPRS / EDGE, and HSDPA / WCDMA 900/2100 MHz.

In addition, new wireless module is equipped with Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g. Turning on / off all wireless modules is carried out through a small but nice utility CommManager. Touch 3G will operates even in areas of weak signal.

But the producer “has forgotten”, about the built-in FM-radio, which, for many fellow citizens, is more important than support for 3G.

Offline work

Touch 3G is equipped with a Li-Ion battery with a 1100 mAh capacity. I must say that this is not the maximum capacity of the battery, which we’ve seen in communicators. In most cases, the user has to charge the device in two days. In this case you can use the address book, to talk about 20 minutes a day and watch online news. If, however, you want to work with a multimedia content, you will have to charge it at least once a day.

GPS-navigation

The official specifications of the GPS-navigation are not reported.

“Cold” start takes about five minutes, but it helps to reduce QuickGPS application, loading the data on the current location of the satellites from the Internet. Any other navigation software with the communicator is not available, so we tested the browser work with the VisualGPSce annex and famous AVTOSPUTNIK Navigation Service. Results raise no objections.

Conclusions

HTC Touch 3G is a logical continuation of the line of Touch communicators. Fast processor has already become a classic interface (both external and software) which states that the new product can easily find buyers, among which will surely be those who want to change their Touch or Touch Dual with something more modern and more productive. The only thing that causes complaints is the lack of FM-radio. Along with the full support of all other wireless modules, including GPS, the lack of the receiver seems at least strange. But the cost of the novelty is quite acceptable for a productive communicator.

]]> http://www.newphonesreviews.com/htc-touch-3g-review/feed/ 0 http://www.newphonesreviews.com/acer-f900-review/ http://www.newphonesreviews.com/acer-f900-review/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:51:44 +0000 Mia http://www.newphonesreviews.com/?p=946

Last spring, Acer has signed an agreement to purchase one of the leading players in the market of smartphones and communicators based on Windows Mobile.
The result of beneficial cooperation was the first line of communicators under the Acer brand name, which doesn’t have any common features with known Glofiish E-Ten devices. Today we’ll describe one of the representatives of the new line – Acer F900 communicator.

Construction and design

The first thing that comes to mind when looking at the novelty, is iPhone! The device is actually very similar to the famous “apple phone”: the same shell (118 x 64 mm), very large display, smooth glossy front panel, the rounded corners and edges, mirror framing around the perimeter and even metallic lid of the battery compartment! But … this is Acer.
Although the thickness of the shell (13 mm) and abundance buttons on the sides, connectors and interfaces are not peculiar to the device from Apple. However, judging by the quality of manufacture, materials and design in general, Acer F900, without a doubt, is one of the best communicators on the market.

Thanks to smoother edges, the novelty lies in the hand like a glove. The only shortcoming is that the glossy front panel covers with fingerprints.

Under the display four touch buttons which are illuminated with bright blue LEDs are located. These buttons are responsible for the reception and the abolition of the call, the opening of the standard menu “Start” and closing the current window. It’s nice that the manufacturer has taken care of those who are not fond of touch control, as any click is accompanied by vibration. But the lack of a joystick or even touch navigation button adds a bold minus to the developers.

On the right side in the upper part there is a button, swing to adjust the sound with an extra button in the center of confirmation. This group of buttons performs the role of the buttons and vertical scrolling of the document. Below there is a button activating the camera. Here the manufacturer placed a tight-fitting plastic plug – a slot for microSD memory cards.

You should pay special attention to the telescopic stylus and its place which is located in the bottom of the shell. Perhaps this is the best stylus from all we’ve seen recently. It has three sliding knees, one of which is made thick enough so that the fingers do not feel any discomfort.

Acer F900 looks really expensive, and even elitist. Unlike most competitors, who seem to be such only from a distance, the novelty does not lose its attractiveness even being in the hand. You feel that you hold the thing!

Filling and productivity

The filling of Acer F900 is far from the title of leader. The device has a Samsung S3C 6410 processor with frequency of 533 MHz. If the design of the novelty is a merit Acer, the platform is entirely borrowed from communicator E-Ten of the last generation.

Memory on-board is standard: 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM, from which the owner can use 16, and 42 MB respectively. All the rest is occupied by the operating system, preinstalled programs and, most importantly – a new graphical interface. It runs the operating system Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro.

Overall system performance we evaluated by using the Spb Benchmark 1.6, and for comparison we took communicators Toshiba Portege G810 (CPU Qualcomm MSM7200 400 MHz, RAM 128 MB RAM and 256 MB of ROM, a display QVGA, OS Windows Mobile 6.1) and Gigabyte GSmart MW720 (processor Marvell PXA270 520 MHz, RAM 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM Display VGA, OS Windows Mobile 6.1).

The novelty can be classified as a medium communicator, capable of performing almost any task. To find out how to handle the device with video playback, we tested it with the benchmark CorePlayer, which in its turn runs three videos, differing from each other qualitative characteristics: 320 x 240/550 kbps, 640 x 480/784 Kbit / s; 640 x 480/1320 Kbps.

While testing, the video lost with a score of 105%. The results can be called medium and say that Acer F900 is well suited for viewing movies on the road.

Display

The display can be proud to belong to Acer F900. Judge yourself: the diagonal of 3.8 inches and resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Now add to this a substantial margin of brightness, high clarity, excellent color reproduction and viewing angles. Do you need something else for comfortable viewing of movies or photos? Correct – G-sensor automatically deploys the image on the display while turning the device. By the way, G-sensor has a number of options, among which there is a function of binding any programs and utilities.

In addition, the device has a built-in light sensor that can automatically adjust the backlight level. It is noteworthy that the utility which is responsible for the control of this sensor has many flexible settings.

Camera

The device is equipped with 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash. The camera belongs to the medium class. Its interface is designed for a Spartan, but this is the whole of its zest. Well, a set of settings is standard: the quality of shooting, white balance, brightness, exposure, etc.

But the camera has very bad focus at close distances. Another concern when using the camera – the lens is too close to the corner of the shell. As a result, the finger of your left hand always gets in the frame.

Communications

In addition to networks GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), it also supports third-generation networks, such as HSDPA / HSUPA (850/1900/2100 MHz). From wireless modules on board there are Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, which work has been tested with HP iPAQ Pocket PCs 4700. The result raises no objections.

FM-radio has not only a good selective sensitivity, but also a stylish proprietary interface.

GPS-navigation

F900 among all Acer phones is equipped with a built-in GPS-module SiRFstar III, perhaps the best available on the market today. From the navigation software on board there is only one small utility that displays the main parameters – coordinates, altitude, speed, etc.

The Navigator was tested both in the city, among the sky-high buildings, and in the park area, among the trees. Everything was alright.

Conclusions

Acer F900 leaves an ambivalent impression. On the one hand, chic design, high quality, a great display, the availability of various hardware details (G-sensor, light sensor) and a giant set of useful proprietary software put the device in one row with the latest top models of the leading manufacturers of communicators. And the price for the novelty is not cheap. But the modest hardware stuffing spoils all these. Memory is not enough even to install all necessary programs, and processing power is not enough for comfortable video viewing. If shortly device should cost less, then such a purchase can already be called beneficial.

The communicator Glofiish X600 from E-Ten caused a lot of commotion on the market of devices of the series “all-in-one”. No wonder as it was the first budget model, equipped with a GPS-navigator, and FM-receiver, and a full set of communication tools. The model Glofiish X610 that came to replace it, among the rich arsenal of its capabilities, boasts also of a sensory management – the most fashionable feature at present.

Features and design
At a first glance it seems that the Glofiish X610 is almost not different from its predecessor, but a more detailed study shows that the appearance in general, and the control unit, in particular, have undergone major changes.
The first thing you will notice is the display – made on level with the shell and coated with glossy glass, it is ideally suited for finger management.
The body is made in black and gray colors – the front cover and the plastic edging around the perimeter are glossy, and the rear panel and separate inserts are made of nice soft-touch plastic.
Unlike other similar materials in general, no finger traces are left on it. In general, Glofiish X610 is heavy (132 g) and medium in size (107 x 58 x 15 mm), it will be difficult to carry it in a shirt pocket, but it fits perfectly in a pocket of trousers, jeans or jacket. Generally, the device will please more men than women, because the strict form and the dark color give the new device aggressiveness.

Below is the video on the exterior of the new item.
The management block is – four soft keys and a rectangular cursor with the confirmation key in the center. In addition, all keys are noted for the precision of course, however, they loaf from side to side all the same.
Additional controls are presented on the side ends of the device. The power button is located in the right upper corner, in the lower there is a camera activation button. The left facet is more saturated – two volume buttons, programmable soft-button.
In addition, in the lower left corner of the front the connector minijack 2,5 mm is located; you can connect your favourite headphones to the X610 without using an adapter for miniUSB. And the communicator is connected to a computer using a standard cable, miniUSB, the corresponding connector is on the lower end. There is also a microSD slot for memory cards.
Unlike most budget communicators the stylus of the Glofiish X610 deserves the highest praise. The telescopic metal shell is thick enough to be convenient to keep in hand, and the edge lines are made of high-quality plastic – without rough edges.
In general, the design of the new item, although not original, looks quite harmonious. The availability of a sufficient number of additional keys, as well as an additional audio output for connecting any headphones deserves respect.

Productivity
Like its predecessor X600, the device that came to replace it is equipped with a Samsung SCC32442 processor with clock frequency of 400 MHz. This is not a very powerful processor, but it is enough for the work with a vast number of applications. In addition, this platform is particular for more power economy.
But the memory on board, even for a budget model is insufficient: 128 MB ROM and 64 MB of RAM, of which only 20 MB with a “tail” is available to the user, so in order to install additional programs, you will necessarily have to buy expansion cards. However, a similar situation, has been observed and in the model X600.
The productivity of the communicator has traditionally been tested with the help of the Spb Benchmark 1.6 package.
For comparison, are given the results for the communicator Glofiish X600 (Samsung SCC32442 400 MHz, 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, Windows Mobile 6.0).
It is not surprising that the results were most similar – after all the platform of the predecessor, and of the model continuing the line is exactly the same. So those who have decided to change their “old” X600 to X610, desiring to increase the productivity of the device, should look for other, more “sophisticating” model.

Display
The novelty is equipped with the same screen as the model X600. This is a panel with a diagonal of 2.8″ display and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. For a wide range of brightness, sharpness and high saturation of colors, as well as large viewing angles, this screen is quite worthy of commendation.
But the main advantage, and the difference from the model X600 is the absence of display skirting – the glossy panel is on one level with the body.
Of course, the low resolution does not allow enjoying movies or photos with comfort, but do not forget about the low cost of the device.

Camera
The integrated 2-MP camera as compared to the model X600 also did not undergo changes. It has no autofocus, no flash. The supplement of working with the camera is long known from the other models of communicators from E-Ten. It is an extremely simple monochrome interface, although in general it is very convenient for use.
The settings are few: the option of image resolution, white balance, and the imposition of special effects. Photos are stored in JPEG or BMP format with a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels. Well, the videos are saved in 3GP format with a resolution of up to 320 x 240 pixels.
For a camera with no autofocus, the quality of the photos can be evaluated as not particularly bad. Noise and loss of fine details are observed in any shooting conditions. The color rendition surprised pleasantly, especially because it was a serious problem with the X600. Below you can see some examples, taken under different light conditions. The photo archive can be downloaded here.

Communication capabilities and FM-radio
Glofiish X610 has a complete set of wireless interfaces inherent in most of today communicators of other models: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS / EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g.
The inclusion of modules is carried out through a new utility – Wireless Manager, executed with style and taste.
It is noteworthy that the FM-receiver is connected through the same tool as well. By the way it has not undergone specific changes. The user can select any frequency in the range from 76 to 108 MHz, and the reception has a high selectivity and precision – every station is determined purely, without interference.
As for the connection, there also no problems were observed. The unit confidently holds the signal in all corners of the capital and its suburbs. But the selectivity of search access points Wi-Fi can be assessed only with a “B” – the communicator refuses to identify a weak signal.

Time of autonomous work
The novelty is equipped with a Li-Ion battery with a capacity of1530 mAh. For a not very productive communicator it is a very high capacity. In a normal mode of operation (about 20 minutes of conversation a day, watching the news and mail) the new model works without problems for more than two days. If you actively use the X610 as a center of entertainment, then you will be required to charge the unit every day.

GPS-navigation
Glofiish X610 is equipped with integrated GPS-receiver based on the chip SiRFStar III. The cold start of the device occupies no more than 4 minutes, and the hot start takes a few seconds. Like other navigators on the basis of SiRFStar III, the X610 surely keeps in touch with satellites and does not lose signal even during the temporary narrowing of the visible sky. The accuracy of positioning is also difficult to criticize.
The new model is equipped with a program “Navitel Navigator”, with which we have already met earlier. In addition, the device was tested with the packages VisualGPSce and Autosputnik. No criticism – the integrated receiver quickly determined the program and subsequently worked as well as with the attached package Navitel Navigator.

Spb Mobile Shell
An important difference of the X610 from its predecessor is the availability of the on-board pre-installed utility Spb Mobile Shell, giving the user the possibility to manage the communicator through fingers. A partial waiver of the use of the stylus is in fashion – it is the fault of the HTC Company, with its unsurpassed brand of communicators of the series Touch. But the software from Spb is always of the highest quality, and therefore, you can expect something more of Mobile Shell than just a resemblance of TouchFLO shell.
Indeed, the new utility has a perfect stylish design and an interface easy to understand even for a novice. At the core of it are only three tabs, the selection of which is carried out by clicking on one of the large icons at the bottom of the desktop. By the way, the latter represents by default a calendar, and complete information about incoming calls, messages, and current weather conditions and forecasts.
The bookmark with the major programs is designed elegantly and simply. The main space is given to the sub-programs “Organizer”, “Internet”, “Multimedia”, “Service”, “Programs” and “Settings”. Interestingly, the transition from page to page is very impressive and unusually animated – the page is brought to the user in the form of an unfolding cube.
Well, and the third tab is a page of quick dialing.

Generally, the program has many settings, so that you can “chain” it your likings without any problems.
The transition from the Mobile Shell interface to the standard type of Windows Mobile is also originally done. The bottom line of the desktop has a soft-button “Spb Shell”. Well, and the shell itself has a tab of exit from the program. It is also worth noting that these operations take place almost immediately, despite the not most powerful platform of the new item.
But it is difficult to compare the new interface with the TouchFLO because they significantly differ from each other. However, it is safe to say that the Spb Mobile Shell will find many admirers. But one very significant drawback in this program is still there. As we have found out there is very few memory left for the user, and this situation has arisen partly because of the pre-installed Mobile Shell. Unfortunately, this program requires a lot of memory for its work, although without it the purchase of the new communicator loses its meaning because its main zest is the finger management.

Conclusions
So, the main difference of the new item from the communicator Glofiish X600 is exactly the interface of management, which has combined the new cover of the display, as well as the original software package from Spb. In addition, it is impossible not to note the updated design and the modified controls. Otherwise, (in particular, it concerns the output of the device) you will not find Glofiish X610 very different from the previous models. There is only one minus in the new model – small internal memory.
The recommended price of the new item is 16 400 roubles. It is about a thousand roubles more than for the communicator X600. We can say that the price is quite reasonable and competitive, especially as the device is replenished with a high quality and durable synthetic carrying case with a belt clip (by the way, another little evidence that the X610 – is primarily a men’s device).

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 can be called one of the most expected communicators of this season. The firstling on the platform of Windows Mobile from the Swedish-Japanese alliance claims to be a device with an exclusive design, maximum functionality and high performance. The best of the best. The proof of this is the fact that Chinese craftsmen have begun to flood the world market with all kinds of clones of Sony Ericsson X1 – a sign that the device of Sony Ericsson has turned to be truly worthy attention.

Design
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 – is a horizontal QWERTY-slider of very strict and regular forms. For its size (but not the design!), it looks more like a simple phone than a communicator: 111 x 53 x 17 mm/158 g.
The facets of Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 have a barely noticeable rounding, highlighting the elegance of the new model. In the main, the body is made of rugged metal nice for the touch, black outside and silver inside – it is included in the interior design and even the keyboard keys are also made from it.
The main control unit beyond the display is designed originally. Eight triangular buttons are folded into two squares, and two navigation buttons surround the central confirmation button on top and bottom.

That very key has a surprise. It has a touch surface, which will position the cursor in the same way as it is implemented in an Apple iPhone – you just need to hold your finger on the button in one direction or another. You get used to working with the panel at once – the movements of the cursor are measured and it does not “escape” more than you want. Two ways to control – this is the first strong point of the X1.
All other elements, located on the side faces, are standard for most communicators. Thus, at the right end are the buttons of volume adjustment and the activation of the built-in camera.
The right side bears the interface port miniUSB for charging the battery and connecting the device to your computer. In the upper part are the power button, a separate jack for connecting headphones with a minijack of 3,5 mm, and a case for the stylus.
The latter has a metal case, is well-made and is of a very high quality, but because of the too small diameters it is inconvenient to work with – constantly sneaks out of the hands.

QWERTY-keyboard
The second zest of the X1 (the first is the sensory management) is the QWERTY-keyboard, or rather its implementation. Firstly, the halves are made with a curve – the keyboard is concave and the lid is deflected.
It does not give an additional convenience to the work, but looks stylish and expensive. It is disappointing that the progress of the mechanism is very soft – shell halves are displaced relatively to each other even from the slightest pressing, although the slider does not open. When taking the device in your hand, it slides apart giving an unpleasant feeling. The second key feature is that it has relatively large buttons with big gaps between them. This came to be due to the fact that the producer was confined to the installation of only 42 buttons in four rows – the figures will have to be typed in the Fn register.All the buttons have a clear, but a little tight turn. For typing small text messages and even texts the keyboard fits perfectly, although it requires adaptation.

Filling and productivity
The communicator is built on a Qualcomm 7200A platform, the processor clock speed is 528 MHz. For now, this speed is enough for working with any applications and tasks. A 512 MB flash-memory and 256 MB of RAM are on board – capacities are quite corresponding to modern realities. More than half of the flash-memory (281.33 MB) is used for data storage. We can confidently say that with such amount of memory and such functionality of the processor the owner of the X1 can safely install on any application it – the main condition is that they are compatible with Windows Mobile 6.1 which administers the communicator.

The performance was tested using the package Spb Benchmark 1.6. For comparison there are the results obtained earlier for the Glofiish X900 communicator and HTC TyTN II.
The backlog from Glofiish X900 in the graphical test is expected due to the fact that the X1 has a non-standard widescreen display, the signal processing of which requires considerably more time. To find out which are the video capabilities, we tested the communicator with another well-known benchmark CorePlayer, and for this purpose a test video of the format 640 x 480 with bit rate 759 Kbps was played.
The ideal is considered to be the result of more than 100%. Our obtained results of 73.56% showed that the playing was accompanied with a loss of shots, although it was not noticeable for an eye. That is, this type of video formats is actually the limit for comfortable viewing. If you want to watch movies in a 800 x 480format size, you will have to reduce the bite rate.

Display
The large touch screen with a diagonal of 3 and resolution of 800h480 points, larger than in most communicators, is the third, perhaps the most important highlight of the new item. Due to the relatively small width it is virtually impossible to distinguish the individual points on the display. The clarity and color of the display are visible at the very first acquaintance with the Communicator.
In addition, it boasts of a wide range of brightness, maximum possible angles of view and very fast response, which could not be better suited for viewing movies and photos.
The only negative is that not all third-party developers will want to work with a non-standard resolution. But it can be safely recommended for reading. The well-known “reader” HaaliReader is easily adjusted to the non-standard resolution and allowed to enjoy a useful pastime, especially since the display of the X1, allows to read even the most minor texts quite easily.

Camera
3.2 MP, Autofocus, LED flash are typical of most modern cameras of smart phones. And the X1 is not an exception. The Russian interface of the camera is traditionally simple and easy to follow even for the beginner.
Settings in the main page are also standard, except for one – shooting in a wide format is fitting the display. At first sight, it is an interesting feature. In fact, there is little sense in it – the camera simply cuts the picture above and below. For example, a frame with a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 would be cut off to 2048 x 1280. Furthermore, for a night shooting in automatic mode, the camera exposes a very long shutter speed. On the one hand, dark images are obtained lighter, but on the other – most of them are lubricated because of shaking hands. For example, the next frame is done in almost total darkness – other mobile cameras could not shoot it at that time of day.
And this is the result of shaking hands – it was not possible to obtain clear images despite adequate street lighting.
If the device is placed on any fixed object, as was done when taking the next frame, the night images of city streets will be no worse than during the day.
The camera operates well when shooting in daylight, as well as in artificial light.

Communication capabilities and FM-radio
The X1 is equipped with a full set of communication modules: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz with support for data transmission via GPRS / EDGE, and HSPA 900/1900/2100 MHz. For video conferencing in 3G the VGA-camera, which is located above the display, is used.

Construction and Design

The new model is slightly bigger than most devices in the market today, but it will fit normally in a shirt pocket – its mass is only 123 grams. On the one hand, the device is executed in the same form-factor single block as the majority of other communicators, and the management of Toshiba Portege G810 is quite traditional.

However, the developers managed to create a quite unusual device in the frames of the usual. The fact is that behind the severity of its forms and traditional materials, Toshiba Portege G810 (soft-touch plastic for the rear wall and a smooth plate cover of front panel) hides some futuristic features manifested exclusively through the various elements of decoration and design. One cannot help to recall the words that the high quality of the product proves itself only if the manufacturer pays attention to the minutiae.

So, minutiae… To begin with, the silver plastic edging of the side faces is made continuous and wide enough to hold all the additional controls, merging with this edging, as well as … the stylus!

Apparently, the designers have given complete freedom to their imagination, because the stylus from Toshiba Portege G810 forms a single entity with the right-side edge.

At a closer look, one can see that the right edging of the shell is a little thicker. Pull it with the thumb to the top, and part of the side facets will jump off of its track and turn into an unusual type of stylus.

The design idea, of course, is for one hundred points, but just to enjoy a stylus, which resembles a golf stick or a toothpick is extremely problematic. First, it is very small, secondly, its operation is severely hampered by the bend at the top, and third, the tip of the pen is so long and fragile that it looks as if it is going to break, whereas in the fourth, to find even something resembling this stylus in case of loss or breakage will be simply impossible. This is how one has to pay for the design.

Both on the right and the left ends the user can detect a swing- key.

If on the left such a key is traditionally responsible for the volume control, the right-button swing has two different functions – the launch of the application to work with the camera and software for voice recording. It looks original and stylish, but uncomfortable to use, because while focusing the camera you will want to either grope a button of the pair or search it visually. In addition, this pair of buttons is located almost exactly opposite the key of the device launch, on the left end. Thus, while switching on the phone or putting the device out of sleep, you often accidentally run either the camera, or the recorder. Instead the power button could be just placed not on the side but on the top, as in most other communicators, and such problems of management would not exist.

The slot for memory cards microSD and interface connector miniUSB are located at the bottom of the right and left sides and the plugs are not covered. But what is worth special mentioning is the main control unit of the communicator. The point is that it is fully touch. It looks just perfect!

The navigation key and the six main buttons have a bright blue backlight, and in off regime buttons are visible only through a blind slot in the black mirror substrate surface. In this regard, the G810 has something in common with the control unit of Motorola RAZR phones – the design is clearly borrowed from the «Shaver».

In general, the quality of materials and assembly of the shell are worthy of praise, and the design is beyond praise. But, alas, as it is often the case – not everything is comfortable, that looks stylish. Designers of Toshiba did an excellent job, of course, but about the comfort in work they seem to have forgotten.

The processor of the new item for is not the most powerful for the present time, yet efficient enough to cope with any application, be it office packages or a serious program for calculations. It is a platform Qualcomm MSM7200 processor with a clock speed of 400 MHz.

The on-board memory is standard: 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM. But for the user, unfortunately, little is available, in our case – 100 and 38 MB. The interface Spb Mobile Shell is partly to blame, as it is designed to work with a device without a stylus.

In order to evaluate the performance of the new item in figures, we used the package Spb Benchmark 1.6.

The G810 cannot be called a leader, but the communicator realizes all of its hardware capabilities very well. So for those who are not in pursuit for top models, but want to obtain sufficient power for a reasonable price, the novelty from Toshiba will surely be suitable.

But the playing of uncompressed video is worse off. To test these abilities we have, as always, taken advantage of the benchmark CorePlayer, running on it by turns three videos of different qualitative characteristics: 320 x 240/550 kbit / s, 640 x 480/784 Kbit / s 640 x 480/1320 Kbps. Test results are presented in the table.

Recall that the ideal is the index of 110%, so even the naked eye can see that the unit is unable to play uncompressed video below 320 x 240. If you deviate from the figures, then such a movie looks on the display of the G810 as a slideshow. And if take some time and pre-compress all the films and videos, which you are to see, there will be no problem.

Display

Portege G810 is equipped with a TFT-display with a diagonal of 2.8 inches and QVGA-resolution 320 x 240. Today, this type of matrix is set in budget devices or working horses.

With the unusual appearance of the new model, this screen, to put it mildly, has little in common.

Nevertheless, this «classic of genre» is still capable of much. The indicators of the brightness and clarity of the image, as well as the juicy colors are unlikely to cause any dissatisfaction, even among the most demanding users. As for the angles of the review, here it is possible to find fault with the decrease of brightness, occurring while rotating the display. The only drawback could be that the white color in this case is too cold, with some mixture of light-blue. But this weakness only manifests itself when compared with the displays of other communicators.

Camera

The integrated camera, alas, can not boast of high-quality images.

However, all is relatively well from the outside: 3 MP, autofocus, LED flash, and even a mirror for self-portrait. Moreover, the settings of the camera are sufficient, though they are made in plain text interface – exactly the same, as can be seen in most settings of Windows Mobile.

But when it comes to shooting, there begin the problems. First, the camera is very, very slow. It takes five seconds after pressing the shutter before you can move the camera. Otherwise, the image on the photo will be smeared or will fail altogether. In addition, the display turned out to be slow itself – or rather, the image on the display does not change smoothly when shooting (if you move the camera), but with severe starts. And the quality of the images is on the average level only – the focus often works badly, there is noise on images, even with a lot of good lighting and the colors are slightly shifted to the range of warm pink. Examples of photos can be viewed below.

Communications and Wireless Modules

In addition to a full support in GSM networks, Portege G810 also works in the third-generation networks UMTS (850/1900/200 MHz) and an Internet connection using GPRS / EDGE and HSUPA. Wireless data transfer is done through modules Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g. For the on / off of any of the modules the firm task manager is responsible, differing from the standard only in stylish appearance.

When testing wireless modules, no problems have been observed. Moreover, the device has demonstrated strong reception even in a place where other phones show either its absence, or do not work properly.

The novelty is connected to a computer with USB 1.1, like the overwhelming majority of communicators from other manufacturers. Therefore, the data transmission rate, alas, is not high. Of the characteristics of connecting it is worth noting the possibility of using the device as an external removable disc or card, for which you need to select an appropriate item in the manager of communications before connecting.

On board of the G810 there is also an FM-radio with a high selective sensitivity and convenient interface. As an antenna the cord from the headphones is traditionally used. So if the headphones are not connected, there will be no music.

Time of autonomous work

Under the cover of the battery compartment is located a fairly high-capacity battery of 1530 mA • h, which inspires hope for long time offline. And we have to say, that hope is fully realized.

With an average daily loading of the phone (20 minutes of conversation a day with an address book and the Internet) the G810 should be charged no earlier than after two days of use. If you save a little, charging will be needed only after three days, which is a very high figure for a communicator. Video viewing «ate» the fully charged battery only after 7.5 hours of use! And uninterrupted autonomous music listening is almost around the clock – 23 hours!

Conclusions

The hero of our today’s review, Toshiba PortegeG810, was not an ideal communicator. Mediocre (or at least very controversial) management, a weak camera and an outdated display – these are the obvious shortcomings of the novelty. But on the other hand, a complete set of communication tools, the availability of GPS-navigation and FM-radio, long time of autonomous work, good performance and an unusual chic appearance outweigh these disadvantages. Well, the final decision is only after the price but it is competitive and low – 13.5 – 14 thousand roubles. If you like the unusual design and are not afraid of the unusual features of the management of this communicator, then at this price a better offer from the «all in one» series will be extremely difficult to find.

Construction and Design
RoverPC G7 looks like a rather massive machine, which can hardly be carried in a shirt pocket. However, such a feeling is entirely due to the impressive thickness of the shell (17 mm), while the other two dimensions (110×60 mm) and the weight of the device (116 g) are small. The black matte body is completely covered with a soft and pleasant to the touch soft-touch plastic. The cut side edges and the smoothed corners give the new model some elegance, but, in general, the G7 is designed without sophistications.

The front surface of RoverPC Pro G7 has a traditional appearance. Much of it is the display laid flush (for the convenience of managing your fingers), with a transparent mirror glass. Above the screen there are LED indicators of operation, the openings of the dynamics for conversations and a video telephony camera.
Buttons of control unit of the new model are few – just below the display there are two standard buttons of acceptation and call cancellation, and the trapezoidal navigation key with a confirmation function. By the way, these solutions are found in the Communicator HTC. They look cool and stylish, but are not very functional, alas.
But additional control buttons in RoverPC Pro G7 are not few.
The jack for headset or headphone is done separately from the interface and the miniUSB port is calculated for a standard connector minijack 2,5 mm. Thus, the users can always connect their headphones to the communicator, through the adapter of course.

At the left end there is a connector TV-Out closed with a rubber plug, intended to connect a cable from the device to the monitor (via the interface D-Sub) or any home video devices, equipped with a composite video input connector RCA.
The pride of the new model can be considered the telescopic stylus, the case of which is located at the lower end. The pen length is 11 cm and the large diameter of its metal body, allows to work a long time, not feeling any discomfort.
Despite the fact that, the manufacturers clearly saved on the development of the design of G7, the quality of construction and materials is very high.

Productivity
RoverPC G7 is the leader in line communicators by Rover Computers that is why its performance is given maximum attention. The Management, as always, is done by the operating system Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro.
The new Marvell PXA310 processor with a clock speed of 624 MHz has been selected as platform. This powerful processor is sufficient for any task, available in modern handheld computers and communicators based on Windows Mobile. In addition, the new platform is good for yet another reason: it has a built-in hardware video accelerator, which must affect in a most positive way on the video playing, videophone, games and, of course, tests the video subsystem. And to save energy, which such a powerful platform consumes with a large appetite, it is equipped with the technology Intel SpeedStep, successfully used in desktop PCs and laptops.
Interestingly, for the operation of a radio module (particularly for 3G) the main processor is not used, but an additional – Qualcomm 6280. Such a decision should lead to greater productivity, coupled with additional energy savings.

But the memory on board is not so much to modern standards: 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM of which are respectively available 176.5 MB and 111 MB. True, the user is left with even less: only 171.7 MB and 64.1 MB and the rest are occupied by various system utilities and pre-ON. So, without an additional memory card microSD, alas, nothing can be done; it is good that the device works with high-capacity cards SDHC.
The overall performance of the original by its stuff device, has been evaluated using the package Spb Benchmark 1.6, and for comparison the communicators Toshiba Portege G810 and HTC 3G.
Well, by its productivity G7 definitely takes a leading position among the latest generation of communicators. At first glance, it cannot even be guessed that such a modest exterior may hide a very productive nature.
Another big impression was left after testing video system of the new model, using benchmarks Core Player, in which we alternately ran three videos of different qualitative characteristics: 320×240 / 550 Kbps, 640×480 / 784 Kbps, 640×480 / 1320 Kbps.
If we recall that the ideal is a figure of 110%, it becomes clear that uncompressed video for the new model is not a problem. The device is easy to cope with almost any video.

Display
RoverPC Pro G7 has the usual TFT-display with a diagonal of 2.8 inches, and VGA-resolution of 640×480 pixels. The matrix does not include any special features, however, the image is not to be criticized. Viewing angles are sufficiently large, the range of five levels of brightness adjustment is wide, clarity and color temperature is normal. Watching movies and photos on display is pleasing, but it would be more desirable to see not 65 thousand colors, but 262 thousand.

Camera
Despite all expectations, the autofocus sensor camera with 3 MP, was of very, very good quality. But before turning to the results of surveys, let us have a brief look at its capabilities. Its main drawback, together with the absence of mirror for self-portrait shooting, is the «forgotten» flash, even if LED.

Regards to the management of the camera, it is actually all done in an unusual style. Semi-opaque Russian interface is designed in light blue colors and is suitable for the management with a finger. Standard settings: the quality of shooting, white balance, choice of preset scenes, etc. The camera makes photos with the resolution of up to 2048h1536 points. During the recording, the image on the display changes quickly, without delay, and the time after pressing the shutter button until the appearing of the new frame is also minimum – to miss the shot accidentally is rather difficult.
The quality of images is very decent. The working out of the details and perfect focus pleases the eye. Color transfer in most cases is quite good, but occasionally the device swamps the white balance in blue spectrum. Most often this occurs when shooting in night-lit streets. However, this is fixed by several takes.

Communications
An important feature allowing not to attribute RoverPC Pro G7 to budget class devices is its support of networks of third-generation UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz) and data transfer on HSDPA. In addition, the novelty, of course, works in networks GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), and Internet access is provided via GPRS / EDGE. Wireless data transfer between the G7 and other devices is realized by using modules Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g.
For all communication modules the corporate manager, featuring a pleasant interface and unique virtual buttons-sliders is responsible.
The device keeps perfect communications – no problems while testing were observed. In the city limits the signal is received with sufficient confidence. Connecting to other devices via Bluetooth and the subsequent transfer of data with this interface also caused no reprimands. In the process of testing the new model was connected to Motorola E398 phone and a PDA HP iPAQ 4700. With all this the data transfer was carried out in both directions.

Additional features
Like the vast majority of modern communicators, G7 can boast with the presence of FM-radio. As an antenna, as always, acts the headset cord, but the sound can be output through headphones or through an external speaker. Notably, the switch to sound mode is done by clicking just one button on the main page of the virtual interface of the FM-radio. By the way, the interface is simple, but comfortable. The sensitivity of the FM-receiver is very high – most of the stations were received without interference.
The second important feature of the novelty is an embedded position sensor (G-Sensor), with which only the top models are usually equipped. The sensor is beyond criticism – it instantly recognizes, how you hold the device in your hands – horizontally or vertically, and, accordingly, expands the image on the screen.
And for the work with TV outing there is a special tool, which is responsible for the choice of TV system.

Time of autonomous work
Under the cover of the battery compartment there is a battery of 1500 mAh capacity. This is a pretty big tank, but one must take into account that the device we have in hands is a very productive one, and therefore spends a lot of energy.
With an average daily load of the communicator (20 min. conversation daily, work with address book and the Internet), the gadget works without charging two days. This rate can be considered, although not perfect, but quite acceptable. If you choose to watch a film on G7, the unit will not upset you with a discharged battery during the most interesting part of the film, because battery can last without recharging approximately 4.5 hours.

GPS-navigation
In the line of communicators by Rover Computers, the RoverPC Pro G7 model is a mast-head device, and naturally equipped with a built-in GPS-module. The manufacturer is silent about on how chip the navigation unit is, but the testing revealed commendable possibilities. Thus, the time of «cold» start is about five minutes, and the «hot» start up takes a few seconds. The navigator determines the position fairly and does not lose connection even in the woods (along with a test of efficiency in the city, and such a test was conducted).
It is a pity that the manufacturer has not taken care of a preset small utility, accelerating the «cold» launch GPS via loading of the current situation of the satellites over the Internet. But instead there has been another pleasant surprise prepared for all car enthusiasts, and pedestrians, too. In the set with G7 comes one of the best local navigation packages Auto satellite, with one of the available cards to choose from.
We tested the work of the navigator both with the program Auto satellite, and with a simple non-cartographical application VisualGPSce. Nothing to criticize!

Software
Rover Computers communicators, as a rule, do not have a rich set of preinstalled software, and the G7 in this case is not an exception. And with the tools that come with the innovation, you have already got acquainted, for example, in the review of the communicator RoverPC X7, and therefore to describe them in detail once more is not necessary. It is the utility SmartToday, which provides quick access to all programs and settings of the device, the original recorder, as well as the replacement of the standard interface of Windows Mobile.
The above-mentioned program is a stylish and user-friendly interface (with easy finger management) with large buttons on the main menu, covering a full range of tasks, which a user can perform in a communicator. Here are the work with office applications, and calls, and settings, and notes, and much more.

Conclusions
The declared value of RoverPC Pro G7 was much for a communicator of this brand. In justification of G7 can only be recalled the high-performance, full range of communication tools, GPS-navigator with the package Auto satellite in one set, and position sensors.
Unfortunately, the unit cannot boast with excellent design, and it is often inconvenient to work with the navigation unit. However, these can be attributed only to minor shortcomings.
Well, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide for the purchase, of course. It should only be added that if a powerful processor is not the most important for you, to find other worthy competitors of the novelty is quite simple.