Course pocket computer smartphone. Choosing a Pocket PC

Introduction

Over the past 9 years (since 1993), a new participant has appeared in the world of personal computers - a personal pocket computer (PDA). A major role in the spread of this type of technology was played by devices based on the Palm platform, which appeared in 1996.

The purpose of this work is to consider the most popular platform (operating system together with the device) PalmOS PDAs.

The work is divided into 3 parts - History, Working in PalmOS, Programming in PalmOS, and at the end of the work, an example shows how to create a simple application for PalmOS.

Here we consider PalmOS versions - 3.0 and higher, and the latest models of handheld computers, because. now the first models of such devices with OS versions up to 3.0 are rarely found, and they should not be considered. they lack many elements. (for example, data exchange between PDA and Internet support)

The figure shows a handheld computer connected to a desktop PC using a cradle.

PDA - Personal Pocket Computer

PDA is an ordinary computer with only limited resources - power, memory, processor, screen, input / output information. But the main requirements for such devices are long-term operation without recharging the batteries, size, weight, convenience, reliability and quick response to user actions. It is also understood that for normal operation with this device, you must have a regular desktop computer (with Windows, MacOS, Unix operating systems)

The very first name for such devices is PDA (personal digital assistant) - “personal digital assistant”, you can also find the name “manual PC”, “handheld”. A PDA is usually understood as a device that fits in your pocket, and can operate for a long time on batteries, and this device must also have at least the functions of an organizer.

Organizer - from the word "organize" - organize, plan, arrange, form, put in order, (translated from English) An organizer is a device that looks like a calculator into which you can enter phone numbers and addresses (there is a keyboard), it has clock and alarm clock. In Soviet countries, such devices were called Electronic Notebooks (see PDA history).

There are several types of PDA devices, one of them is pocket computers. PDAs are divided into:

Palm - or simply "Palms" (emphasis on "a"), the very first of all listed.

• 1. PPC - (Palm-size PC), this is everything that runs under WindowsCE 2.0-2.1, looks like Palm.
• 2. HPC - (Handheld PC) PDA with small keyboard, come with WindowsCE, EPOC32.
• 3. Pocket PC - (the most modern) multimedia PDAs with WindowsCE 3.0, differ from PPCs in increased resources (memory, processor)

Palm are the most popular and massive PDAs, they appeared in 1996 and their main purpose is an Organizer attached to a desktop PC. Further in the text, I will simply call them "palm", by analogy with the word "laptop". (Palm - palm, translation from English.)

The history of Palms dates back to 1992, when Jeff Hawkins founded Palm Computing. In 1996, the release of the Palm Pilot portable electronic notebook, which “understands” handwritten letters drawn on it with a special pen - stylus. In September 1994, Palm Computing was acquired by U.S. Corporation. Robotics, which in turn turned out to be eaten by 3Com. By 1998, 1 million devices had been sold worldwide.

Palm trees are the best organizers. In addition, Palm can access the Internet, send mail, Palm can be used as a dictionary and reference book, you can listen to music, read books, store data arrays in it, use it as a voice recorder, and play games.

Some possibilities are potential - ie. they are not in the PDA when you purchase it, but they may appear if you also buy an additional device. For example, not all PDAs can access the Internet or listen to music (see additional devices for PDAs)

Despite the fact that they do not have a keyboard, entering information into them is very simple - the user simply writes in it like in a notepad with a small pen (stylus)

All models have a touch screen (reacts to touch) with backlight, Infrared port for data exchange with other Palms. Some Palms are equipped with slots for additional devices - modem, radio, camera, MP3 player, pager. All Palms can work on average for a week without recharging the batteries. There are a huge number of paid about and free programs for them.

An infrared port is a directional emitter of infrared light. Widely used in remote controls. Recently, such transmitters have been used for wireless communication of various devices, mobile phones and PDAs.

The owner of Palm must periodically connect Palm to the desktop PC in order to synchronize, this is necessary in order to, firstly: put new information and programs into the PDA, and secondly: make a backup copy of all information in the PDA.

The PDA can be left without batteries for about 10 minutes, otherwise all information is lost, in which case the backup copy will help restore everything.

These features and characteristics are present in all today's PDAs, and are the standard today.

PPC under control of WindowsCE OS appeared after Palms. They have a more powerful processor, and more memory, a larger and better screen. They can also be used as an Organizer, they have the necessary programs. The operating system WindowsCE (CE - compact edition) is a stripped-down copy of Windows95. For the user, this means that WindowsCE has everything, there are reduced versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, you can work with files and folders, there is an explorer, an analogue of the control panel, a help system, etc., modern models have more powerful multimedia support - music, animation, video. There is no desktop. Despite the power, they work slower than Palms.

PocketPC are the next generation PPC based on WinCE, all of the above applies to them, the only difference is that there are more resources (memory 32-64MB, processor 160-210MHz), and WinCE 3.0 (+ new technology connection of external devices - jackets). Therefore, it is more convenient to do some things in it: for example, thanks to a high-quality screen, it is more convenient to use the Internet, read books, format text, work with tables, look at drawings, you can listen to high-quality music on them, record speech on a voice recorder. There is negative sides- and the battery life has fallen catastrophically - it is necessary to charge the betars every day.

In WinCE, you can also enter text by handwriting, while using a different technology that is worse than in Palms (the percentage of errors when entering a test is higher), in PocketPC this system has been improved (in addition, an analogue of graffiti has appeared)

These models also attach to a desktop computer for synchronization.

It should be noted that models based on WinCE are absolutely not compatible with Palms, moreover, it is impossible to transfer data from WinCe PDAs to Palms via IR port.

HPC- these are PDAs that have a small keyboard, their screen is wide, they look like smaller laptops, they have WindowsCE Pro (special version) or EPOC (EPOC32) operating system installed, and there are PDAs with other operating systems. These models are designed to eliminate the disadvantage of keyboardless PDAs - the absence of a keyboard, and a wide screen provides additional advantages. Along with the functions of the organizer, they also have Word, Excel, Internet Explorer.

WindowsCE Pro is even more similar to Windows95, there is a desktop, a full-fledged control panel, you can print from them to a printer.

They are connected to a PDA, all WinCE models have PC-cards and a Compact Flash slot (for connecting additional memory, modems, and other devices), you can connect headphones.

Model table

IN English language the phrase "pocket PC" (Pocket PC) is not a designation for the entire class of devices, but is a trademark of Microsoft, that is, it refers only to PDA models based on operating systems manufactured by this company. The English phrase Palm PC (“handheld computer”) is also associated with a very specific brand. To refer to the entire class of devices in English, the phrase Personal Digital Assistant, PDA is used, which can be translated into Russian as “personal digital assistant”.

PDAs use microprocessors that are not compatible with the Intel x86 processor family, which are used in IBM PC-compatible computers. However, at the same time, they include all the main elements of a computer: a processor (the clock frequency in modern PDAs is from 300 to 800 MHz, depending on the model), RAM (from 32 to 128 or more MB) and a full-fledged operating system. The role of a read-only memory device (instead of a traditional hard drive) is played by a built-in flash memory (usually of a small volume) or an ultra-compact hard drive (1" or less format); in addition, all PDAs (with the exception of some models of the late 90s) have a built-in slot for reading flash memory cards (with their help, the external memory of a PDA can reach 8 GB or more).Consuming a small amount of electricity, the palmtop is able to operate ten times longer from built-in batteries than laptops. viewing video, the battery life of the PDA is several times less than in the mode of reading books, for example.

PDAs also have the interface (and related software included) needed to synchronize with a desktop computer. Most modern PDAs also have built-in wireless communications. With their help, you can access the Internet through a PDA (including using e-mail), exchange data with users of laptops, PDAs and cell phones. Wi-Fi is intended for Internet access (allows you to access the Internet in any place where Wi-Fi is available). Infrared port (IrDA) and Bluetooth allow you to exchange information with any digital devices equipped with the appropriate ports. The infrared port, unlike the more modern Bluetooth, has a much lower speed; when connecting, the device ports must be within line of sight (at a distance of no more than 2 m); in addition, with the help of an infrared port and special software, the PDA can be used as a control panel for household electrical appliances (TV, music center, etc.). Access to the Internet from a PDA can also be carried out through a cell phone equipped with Bluetooth or an infrared port and having Internet access (via GPRS or EDGE). PDAs equipped with a GSM module are called communicators or smartphones. Such PDAs can be used as a cell phone, and Internet access via GPRS is possible anywhere in the world where there is a cellular connection. In addition, most PDAs are also equipped with a built-in microphone, a headphone output, and some are equipped with a digital photo and video camera. The main input-output device in a PDA is a touch screen.

Unlike desktop personal computers, which are quite versatile, handheld computers are more tightly tied to their own operating systems. As of 2005, most PDAs use the Windows Mobile operating system for Pocket PCs. Among other operating systems, Palm OS and special versions of Linux are the most popular. The functions of the PDA are determined not only by the presence of certain functions, but also by the corresponding software.

A standard set of programs allows you to keep a diary (with a reminder function), surf the web, read e-mail and electronic versions of books, watch photos and videos, listen and record audio. A PDA user has access to various sets of office programs - from utilities for viewing documents to full-fledged office suites. Even in the standard set there is a significant number of different games. A PDA equipped with a USB host controller can connect USB devices, including keyboards, mice, hard drives, and flash drives.

The weight of palmtops does not exceed 200 grams, its usual size is 12 by 7 cm, thickness is 1-2 cm. Structurally, PDAs are presented in two versions: either in the form of two interconnected panels, one of which has a keyboard, and the other has a touch screen, or in the form of a single panel, most of which is occupied by a touch screen. The second option is the most widely used. Such PDAs have only a few command keys (no more than 10). For input, in addition to the touch screen, a special pen is also used - a stylus, which is usually attached to the side panel of the device.

personal computers:

desktop, portable,

Pocket.

Desktop PC…………………………………………………………….3

Laptop PC…………………………………………………………...4

Pocket PC……………………………………………………………...9

Conclusion………………………………………………………………… 13

There are three main types of computers: desktop, portable and pocket. Each of them is considered separately below.

Desktop PC

H desktop PCs supporting one workplace, make up the largest group of personal computers, or microcomputers. Before the advent of portable PCs, the words "desktop" and "personal" were synonymous. Desktop PCs are also called workplace computers or office computers (although office PCs are now more commonly referred to as workstations). The vast majority of home computers are also desktop computers. Both have almost the same characteristics: 32-bit and 64-bit architecture and system bus organization, use standardized hardware and software.

Manufacturing companies offer many different models of desktop personal computers, differing both in power and in price. Most desktop PCs fall into two broad categories: IBM-compatible PCs and Apple Macintosh PCs. Computers from these groups are not compatible with each other, that is, they are completely or partially unable to use each other's hardware and software products.

Desktop PCs, aimed at a wide range of consumers, are the undisputed sales leaders in the computer industry, since with their small size and affordable price, in most cases their capabilities are sufficient to solve a wide variety of tasks in the office, in production, and at home.

Desktop PCs have a system unit containing a power supply, a motherboard with a processor, a hard drive, disk drives, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. Fax, modem, and other external devices such as speakers can be connected to them. In some models of home PCs, the system unit with the monitor is assembled in a single case (Apple iMac, Acer Aspire, Compaq Presario).

Office PCs are designed primarily for networking and therefore support remote configuration. Non-networked home PCs support communications over the Internet. They differ in a set of additional features. The PC 99 System Design Guide (/hwdev/pc99.htm), developed by a group of companies led by Microsoft and Intel, provides specifications for desktop home (Consumer) and office (Office) PCs from the late 1990s.

Portable PCs

T The requirements for portable computers are very different from the requirements for desktop personal computers: they must be mobile, have small dimensions and weight, and also be able to work autonomously without being connected to the power supply. In addition, such systems must be resistant to vibration and shock, not only in the off state, but also during operation.

These requirements lead to the need to change the design of all components of laptops compared to desktop computers. First of all, this applies to assemblies containing moving parts: floppy drives, CD-ROM drives and hard drives.

The most expensive node laptop still remains display. Currently, almost all laptop displays are based on liquid crystal panels. Color LCD displays are two types: active matrix and passive. If we compare the image of the screen of a notebook computer with what a desktop monitor with a cathode ray tube can provide, then in the case passive matrix, preference will have to be given to the desktop version: the liquid crystal display loses literally in all respects, except, of course, compactness and power consumption. Active matrices, on the contrary, at equal resolution create a clearer and sharper image than cathode-ray tubes, do not suffer from the characteristic passive liquid crystal displays with inertia and are free from the flicker inherent in kinescopes, which causes eye fatigue. To date, laptops are already used active matrices supporting a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. They would no doubt be a real threat to traditional monitors were it not for their price, which is still too high for the mass market.

Notebooks use rechargeable batteries with a very limited energy capacity as independent power sources: usually, the time of continuous operation without recharging the batteries is from one and a half to four hours. Almost all components used in portable computers differ from standard reduced power consumption- this applies primarily to drives, disk drives and central processors, which have recently become the most "gluttonous" nodes. Memory modules for laptops are also different from those used in desktop PCs. Usually they have slightly worse access times, which affects the final performance, and sometimes very significantly.

G The size and weight of a laptop can be very important to the user. This is where laptop designers face seemingly incompatible requirements. On the one hand, a modern PC is inconceivable without devices such as a floppy drive, a CD-ROM drive, and a sufficiently capacious drive; on the other hand, all this should fit into a compact case that can be put in a briefcase. In addition to the absolutely necessary display, processor board and memory, you also need to provide a place for a battery, without which a notebook computer loses one of its most important advantages - autonomy. Thus, in the most compact laptops there may not be enough space for a typical set of peripherals, and the manufacturer is faced with a choice: either sacrifice one of the devices (most often a drive, making it remote), or go for a noticeable increase in the dimensions and weight of the product. A very promising way to solve this problem is the use of a modular design. In this case, if there is a battery, it is possible to install one of two peripheral devices - a floppy drive or a CD-ROM drive, and when the battery is removed (which makes it impossible to work outside the immediate vicinity of power sources) - both drives at the same time. The user gets complete freedom of choice of configuration, and its change is made in a matter of minutes.

Recently, the design of mouse cursor manipulators for laptops has changed. Previously, the most common such device was a trackball - a kind of inverted mouse. It was quite convenient, but its reliability left much to be desired, especially in road conditions, where the risk of contamination of the surface of the manipulator ball is higher, and there are fewer opportunities to clean it than in stationary operation. This has led to the fact that now trackballs are practically not used in portable computers. They were replaced touch padstouch- pad, which are almost rectangular panels measuring approximately 5x6 cm. They have a very high sensitivity, and their use requires slightly more attention than with a conventional mouse or trackball.

Keyboards laptops are always less convenient than desktop computers - this is due to the small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe working panel of the computer, on which keys can be placed. Today there is no single standard for the layout of laptop keyboards, so different manufacturers place the keys in different ways. In a number of laptops, and especially often in foreign-made models, the so-called blind Russification of the keyboard is used: Russian and Latin letters are drawn in the same color and differ only in their location on the key. For most users, this makes it extremely difficult to work with a computer.

Working in the Windows 95 operating system, the user can simply open the appropriate window and look at battery discharge level. In the simplest models, diagnostics is limited to this. More advanced ones also provide for the output of such information to an additional miniature liquid crystal display or other means of displaying information, such as LEDs. Some models allow, if necessary, to assess the condition of the batteries even without turning on the computer.

When the energy reserve in the laptop batteries is exhausted, an emergency shutdown occurs, which can be likened to an unexpected disconnection of a desktop computer from the network. To make this outage less unexpected and to give the user the opportunity to take preventive action, almost all notebook-type computers have a means of early warning when the batteries are running out of energy. As a rule, this is a repeated beep, sometimes accompanied by flashing LEDs. Some computers take more drastic measures to protect user data: when a certain level of battery discharge is reached, the computer is automatically forced to shut down and its state is first reset to the hard drive. When the user recharges the batteries or resumes operation from an external power source, the computer will exactly restore its state at the time of shutdown.

There are several classes of mobile industrial computers, and actually laptops - only one of them. These computers are targeted at applications where operating conditions are not very harsh, but are significantly different from office environments. This includes, for example, the professional activities of medical professionals, journalists, industrial technologists and other mobile users. Currently, laptops themselves are the most common type of mobile industrial computers. What are their features compared to office models?

Let's start with the most noticeable. IN best cars This class does not use a plastic case, but a cast metal case. This allows you to solve several problems at once.

Firstly, such a case, combined with special methods of fixing internal components, provides a very high mechanical strength of the notebook.

Secondly By gluing the processor directly to the case, it is possible to solve the problem of its cooling in an original and very effective way.

Thirdly, attaching the cast parts of the body to each other on the "silicone" seals, it is possible to provide a high degree protection from adverse external influences.

Fourth, the use of an all-metal cast housing allows solving the problems of protection against radiation, electromagnetic and electrostatic effects. This minimizes the notebook's own electromagnetic emissions.

For several years in a row, Toshiba, according to various analysts and experts, has been considered the first in the world notebook market - both in terms of sales and in terms of the technical level of PC notebooks produced. On the Russian market, mobile computers with this brand can be found much more often than laptops with the brand IBM, Hewlett Packard, Compaq, Acer, and even with the Rover Book brand, the most popular among local buyers due to their relative cheapness with good technical data. The results of various surveys and reviews of the domestic market stubbornly show that Toshiba laptops in the last four years have firmly held the first place in terms of the number of offers for their sale, occupying from 25% to 35% of the market in this indicator.

Even the most unpretentious models of the Toshiba Satellite 2130CTD or Satellite 2150CDT, which were in great demand at the beginning of 1996 among domestic buyers, faithfully serve their owners, allowing you to process texts, spreadsheets, surf the Internet, edit graphics - that is, as a called "workhorses", they are able to perform a large amount of work on a computer without failures and failures.

A thorough analysis of user requests and the prompt release of PC-notebook models that meet the needs of the buyer is, perhaps, one of the main lines of the company's behavior in the market, providing it with leadership.

The capabilities of even the most "simple" Toshiba laptops have grown so much in recent years that the models that were then high-end are an order of magnitude inferior to the current "middle". And the merits of the company should be attributed to the fact that it carried out the process of such a radical renewal of the family of PC notebooks with its own brand quickly, although not painlessly.

Classification of portable computers

The first portable computers produced by Adam Osborne's company were called Portable and weighed about 10 kg. With a weight of 4-5 kg, they began to be called "knee" (Laptop). Having "lost" a couple more kilograms, such machines began to be called laptops (Notebook - notebook), and their lightweight versions - subnotebooks (Subnotebook).

The most common portable computers are laptops and subnotebooks. The boundary between them is very conditional. Usually consider that the weight of a laptop ranges from 2.2 to 4.5 kg, and subnotebook - from 0.9 to 2.7 kg. The overall dimensions of a laptop are usually 50x279x215 mm, and a subnotebook - 38x254x190 mm. The size of the screen matrix of a modern laptop is from 11.3 to 15 inches, and subnotebook - from 6.4 to 11.3 inches. A laptop usually outperforms a subnotebook in terms of maximum installed RAM and hard drive capacity, although it all depends on the class of the machine. Typically, a subnotebook has external floppy and CD-ROM drives, while laptops usually have them built in. The main operating system for laptops and subnotebooks is Windows 95/98 due to its ability to recognize the insertion and removal of PC Card devices without rebooting the machine, as well as advanced battery management capabilities.

TO arm-mounted PCs

H title "palmtops"(Palmtop) stuck to the class of pocket microcomputers that fit in one palm. These computers, which weigh less than one pound, are also called personal digital assistants or electronic secretaries. They are convenient for travel and business trips when you can't use a laptop.

Structurally, palmtops are two connected panels that can be folded like a notebook. The usual size of a palmtop is 20x10 cm, thickness - 2-3 cm. On one panel there is a mini-keyboard, on the other - a touch screen. A special fountain pen is used to control programs. There are samples of palmtops, consisting of a single panel, without a keyboard.

ABOUT The common drawbacks of palmtops until the late 90s were their own interface that required learning, poor compatibility with desktop computers, poor communications, and an inconvenient LCD display.

The situation changed after Microsoft developed the Windows CE operating system in 1996, which is essentially a compact version of Windows 95 for palmtops. The delivery set of the Windows CE operating system includes abbreviated versions of Word, Excel packages, Pocket Internet Explorer browser. The introduction of Windows CE largely addresses the interface and compatibility issues of palmtops.

The leading manufacturers of palmtops are Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, NEC, Philips, Psion.

Over the past 9 years (since 1993), a new participant has appeared in the world of personal computers - personal pocket computer (PDA). A major role in the spread of this type of technology was played by devices based on the platform Palm which appeared in 1996.

The figure shows a handheld computer connected to a desktop PC using a cradle.

CPC it is an ordinary computer with only limited resources - power, memory, processor, screen, input / output information. But the main requirements for such devices are long-term operation without recharging the batteries, size, weight, convenience, reliability and quick response to user actions. It is also understood that for normal operation with this device, you must have a regular desktop computer (with Windows, MacOS, Unix operating systems)

The very first name of such devices is PDA (personal digital assistant) - “personal digital assistant”, you can also find the name “manual PC”, “handheld”. A PDA is usually understood as a device that fits in your pocket, and can operate for a long time on batteries, and this device must also have at least the functions of an organizer.

Organizer- from the word "organize" - organize, plan, arrange, form, put in order, (translated from English) An organizer is a device that looks like a calculator into which you can enter phone numbers and addresses (there is a keyboard), it has a clock and an alarm clock. In Soviet countries, such devices were called electronic notebooks.

PDAs are divided into:

Palm are the most popular and massive PDAs, they appeared in 1996 and their main purpose is an Organizer attached to a desktop PC.

Palm trees are the best organizers. In addition, Palm can access the Internet, send mail, Palm can be used as a dictionary and reference book, you can listen to music, read books, store data arrays in it, use it as a voice recorder, and play games.

Touchscreen

Almost all modern handheld computers are equipped with touch screens. With the help of a special pen (pen), the user pokes at the display to do something,

Palm handheld for user

Figure 1 shows a view of a simple PDA (Personal Pocket Computer) governed by Palm OS 3.1. All models CPC have their own unique design and therefore the size and location of the buttons may vary.

The user works with the PDA using the Stylus, it acts as a "mouse". All work with the PDA consists of constant “poking” and “moving” the Stylus in areas 1 and 2 (Fig. 1).

ABOUT
domain 1 will perform the role of the Display, where you can see the current application and everything that happens to it, now this is the Applications application. Region 2 will act as a keyboard (or control panel), where you can enter text and control the application. On the left are buttons to quickly launch the calculator and search for text throughout the PDA. On the right are "Exit" button(upper) and Menu button(bottom), an arrow and a menu icon are drawn on them, with these buttons you can exit the application and enter the application menu, these are very often used buttons.

Region 3 these are buttons for quickly switching to some Application (selected by the user), usually a Text Editor, Calendar, Address Book or Task Scheduler. If the application allows these buttons can play the role of a keyboard, the "up", "down" buttons are used to navigate through lists, tables. For example, in games, these are control buttons.

CCP today

Finally, a few words should be said about trends in the world of Handheld Computers. Over the past 2 years (2000 - 2001), new PDA models have appeared with more powerful resources and support for multimedia and wireless communication. Today we are seeing a change in the original concept of Handheld Computers: now it is no longer a "plug-in organizer", providing only basic functions and the ability to communicate with PC, but more or less a full-fledged manual PC.

You can even say more, the term Personal Computer, which appeared in the 80s, has already lost its original meaning. PCs have become "common":

The PC at work is not personal. he is a “worker” and outside of work a person is not connected with him and cannot use him.

A home PC is a "family" computer, the whole family has access to it, and again, it cannot be used outside the home.

A modern PC has such large resources that it makes no sense to use it only for one person. PCs began to be used as servers - i.e. collective use.

An example of a personal device that is inseparable from its owner is a mobile phone.

And the PDA can just become the same Personal Computer of a new type. He can be inseparably with only one person. You can take it with you everywhere and work with it. A PDA is not comparable to a Notebook in terms of size and battery life.

Conclusion

The report discussed three main types of personal computers: desktop, portable and pocket.

Not so long ago, a laptop was considered more of a luxury item than a full-featured personal computer. This was mainly due to the high cost, poor quality of the liquid crystal display, and less performance than desktop computers. But over the past few years, the situation has changed a lot, and today for 2000-2500 dollars you can buy a quite decent laptop, approaching in its capabilities to inexpensive desktop systems.

computers. In terms of architecture personalcomputers nothing... all your memory computer in form physical (RAM) ... operating system for desktop And portablecomputers. Before Windows... empty as pocket researcher. ...

V. Nevzorov

Psion Revo (EPOS) - the most compact of today's PDAs - allows for both keyboard and pen input.

Apple Newton MessagePad 120 is a pocket computer with a handwriting recognition system.

Pocket PC Casio Cassiopeia EM500 (Windows CE) has a color screen and housing in five possible colors.

Palm m125 computer with flash card.

Philips Nino 300 is a typical representative of the Windows-CE family of keyboardless PDAs from the late 90s.

Japanese communicator Kyocera QCP 6035 with PalmOS operating system.

Popular in the early 80s, the Sharp PC-1500 smart calculator with a built-in BASIC language interpreter. (Photo courtesy of Eiji Kako.)

The world's first pocket computer Psion Organizer I. 1981.

With the Portfolio computer released by Atari in 1989, handheld computers with full keyboards and large screens began.

Casio-A20 is one of the early Windows-CE PDAs with a black and white screen.

The Psion Series 3, with the highly reliable SIBO operating system, is one of the most user-friendly PDAs of its time. 1991

The Pilot Personal was manufactured by Palm Computing, a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics, in 1997. Modern Palm PDAs are fundamentally a little different from this model.

The Psion Series 5 had the most comfortable keyboard in its class. The improved Series 5mx is currently being produced.

The MessagePad 2000 and its MP 2100 variant are the pinnacle of engineering creativity from Apple Computer's handheld computer division. In 1998 the Newton MessagePad was discontinued.

The term PDA - Pocket Personal Computer - is increasingly found in periodicals and is already firmly included in everyday life. Its English synonym - PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - literally translates as Personal Digital Assistant. A PDA is a whole class of mobile digital devices that look like an electronic notebook, but in fact are a full-fledged personal computer that can fit in a pocket or palm.

What, besides size, distinguishes PDAs from ordinary desktops and laptops? We list the main features of handheld computers and, as a consequence, their advantages and disadvantages.

Information entry

PDAs can be roughly divided into two categories.

The former are devices with a keyboard, similar to a small laptop. Due to the small size of the keyboard, typing on it is not very convenient, besides, keystrokes in most models are not soft enough. Therefore, if you need to enter a large amount of text, it is best to use a desktop computer with a normal keyboard, and then, using a special interface device that comes with almost all PDAs, transfer the text to the PDA memory.

The second type of handheld computers are devices without a keyboard. In this case, information is entered by writing letters or symbols on the touch screen with a special pen, which are immediately translated by the recognition program into a text file. In addition, you can use the "on-screen keyboard" - bring up the image of a miniature keyboard on the screen and enter text by pressing the pen on the drawn keys.

Screen

Modern PDAs are equipped with color or black-and-white liquid crystal displays, which, as a rule, have a backlight. Most models have a touch screen. It not only provides users with the ability to handwrite text, but also replaces the usual manipulator - the mouse. Drawing simple images on such a screen and selecting menu items is even easier than on a desktop PC.

Data storage

Instead of a hard drive and other mechanical devices used to store programs and data, PDAs use non-volatile memory on chips, such as flash memory. This allows you to run programs almost instantly, as you do not have to waste time searching for the desired track on the disk. Unfortunately, flash memory is quite expensive nowadays, so equipping PDAs with more memory significantly increases their overall cost.

Nutrition

PDAs are powered by batteries or built-in accumulators, which in some models are recharged during data exchange (synchronization) with a desktop PC.

PDAs most often use processors with built-in controllers and interfaces (display controller, power management device, audio controller, serial interface, keyboard and/or touch screen controller, etc.). If we take into account the absence of disk drives, significant savings in energy consumption become apparent. Therefore, a pair of high-quality batteries is enough for a month and a half of average intensity work. Note that models with a black and white screen are much less energy intensive compared to models with a color screen.

Reliability

As you know, one of the most vulnerable places of a desktop computer and a laptop is drives with mechanical rotating parts: hard drive, CD-ROM, floppy drive. The slightest blows and concussions can disable the mechanics. Therefore, replacing disk drives with memory chips makes PDAs very reliable devices. PDA buttons sometimes break or screens deteriorate, but most often due to careless handling.

Communication options

All PDAs are wired to desktop computers. In addition, most of them also have an infrared port, which is used not only to transfer data to another computer, but also to connect to mobile phone for the purpose of receiving and sending e-mail or facsimile messages. Many PDA models can be connected to a modem.

Areas of use

Of course, most PDAs are most often used as organizers - like a phone book, notepad, diary, etc. However, their area possible application much wider: games, business applications, satellite navigation tools and much more. Thousands of popular programs have been written for the most common PDA platforms, many of which are distributed free of charge via the Internet.

Additional devices

To date, a number of devices have been created that are additionally connected to many popular models of pocket computers: digital cameras, modems, GPS satellite navigation systems, voice recorders, MP3 players and many others.

To date, several platforms occupy almost 100% of the PDA market: Palm Computing, Windows CE and EPOC (Psion PDAs and compatibles). Each of the platforms has its own special niche.

Palm is a relatively simple and inexpensive, but very easy to use PDA, quite fast, compact and economical. Of all the keyboardless PDAs, they are perhaps the most suitable as an organizer.

Devices based on Windows CE, especially newer models running the new version of OS 3.0, have some more features than Palm, but do not have the advantages of the latter. The common name for keyboardless models on the Windows CE platform is Pocket PC.

The Psion handhelds stand apart, but all of them, with the exception of the highly specialized line of Workabout devices, are models with a keyboard, designed primarily for working with office applications.

All PDAs produced today have both advantages and disadvantages, so there is no ideal pocket computer yet. But at the same time, you can always say for sure which platform or PDA model is better suited to a particular task. Therefore, a potential user who has decided for himself in what area he is going to use a pocket computer, can choose exactly the device that best suits him.

We will tell you more about each of the platforms, their features, advantages and disadvantages in subsequent issues of the magazine.

It is hoped that in a few years, when technologies that are not available to us today become inexpensive and reliable, we will witness the rapid growth of the mobile computer market. Then the pocket computer will turn into the same familiar device that a cell phone has already become for many.

In what directions can PDA technology develop?

Firstly, this is the integration of a pocket computer with a cell phone and, as a result, mobile (wireless) Internet access. Such devices already exist, and they are called "communicators". When mobile communications become quite inexpensive, and PDAs become even more powerful and convenient, then many people will be able to receive and send information in any form (text, sound, illustrations, video) and from anywhere in the world in real time.

Secondly, the changes will affect the means of input and output of data. It is obvious that character recognition systems will improve and perhaps become as reliable and popular as a conventional keyboard. Some firms have long been creating personal computers focused on pen input. Perhaps in the future, this type of data entry will play an even greater role in conventional PCs than in modern PDAs: it will be used not only for entering text, but also as a means of managing the system. In addition, in a few years the role of voice input will increase.

As for the main means of displaying information - the screen, all the efforts of developers are aimed at increasing the resolution (number of visible pixels per inch) and reducing power consumption while reducing production costs. Perhaps more and more common means of output that are still unfamiliar to us, such as, for example, a small high-resolution display placed directly in front of the user's eye, or a device that directs a beam into the eye and forms an image directly on the retina, will become more common.

Thirdly, the size and weight of the PDA will decrease, and the battery life will increase. Mobile computers will become really convenient to carry on a belt or in a jacket pocket. Batteries may not need to be charged at all: the device will be powered by the owner's body heat or charged by its movement.

Of course, the evolution of PDAs is impossible without increasing the intelligence and stability of the operating systems used in them, as well as without a significant increase in the performance of their processors. So in five years, we will not even notice how mobile personal computers, convenient and efficient to use, will firmly enter the lives of many people.

Although the real popularity of the CCP only today, their history goes back more than two decades.

The forerunners of pocket computers were smart calculators, the mass production of which began in the late 70s and early 80s. Some of them had not only a numeric, but also a symbolic keyboard, designed to enter commands from the built-in BASIC interpreter. One of the most popular models of that time was the Sharp PC-1500, which had a liquid crystal display with a resolution of 7x156 pixels, an 8-bit LB801 processor, 16 KB of RAM (RAM) and a connector for connecting additional memory modules. As befits a calculator, the Sharp PC-1500 was relatively small (195 x 25.5 x 86 mm), but a number of different devices were developed for it, ranging from an adapter for connecting a cassette recorder to a printer.

The very first CCP, in modern understanding, became Psion Organizer I, created by Psion in 1981. The device had an HD6301X processor with a clock speed of 0.92 MHz, 4 KB ROM (Read Only Memory) and 2 KB RAM, two slots for installing additional memory (one of them could install a serial port controller for connecting to a desktop computer), 16 -character alphanumeric display and 37 keys. The built-in PDA software included a BASIC language interpreter, a simple database, and a number of financial and economic calculation programs (almost all of them were on special cartridges). The Organizer I was a truly mobile device: it weighed only 225 g, it easily fit in the palm of your hand (142 x 78 x 29.3 mm), and one set of batteries lasted an average of five months. It was sold at a very affordable price - $ 200. As a result, the computer was popular, and after some time its modification appeared - Psion Organizer II.

However, by the mid-80s, interest in pocket computers had fallen, not everyone needed a powerful programmable calculator, even with additional features, such as maintaining a database. A new stage in the development of the PDA began later, in 1989, when Atari released the Portfolio computer. It was a full-fledged XT-class personal computer (Intel 8086 processor) the size of a small book. It ran an operating system compatible with MS-DOS version 2.2, was equipped with 128 KB of RAM (expandable to 512 KB), a 40 x 8 character display, serial and parallel ports, and was powered by three AA batteries. The software included a spreadsheet (compatible with Lotus 1-2-3), a text editor, an organizer, etc.

Two years later, another PDA was released, which became very popular - the Psion Series 3, running its own, not compatible with MS-DOS, multi-threaded SIBO operating system, undemanding to the amount of memory. Unlike the Atari Portfolio, the computer used a 240 x 80 pixel graphical LCD display. At the same time, an increasing number of well-known manufacturers of electronic devices and software are showing interest in the market for pocket computers, as a promising and not yet occupied niche.

In the early 90s, the concept of an "electronic organizer" - Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) - was formed and mass production of various kinds of devices began, including non-keyboard models with a touch screen. But there is no sharp increase in demand, most PDAs do not meet the expectations of buyers - they are either low-powered or unreliable. Perhaps the only effective models in use remained the Psion Series 3 and its subsequent modifications.

The idea of ​​handwriting was brought to life in 1993 with the release of the Newton MessagePad by Apple Computer, which became a real hit. This PDA had a fast 20 MHz ARM 610 processor for its time, a screen with a resolution of 40 x 336 pixels, 640 KB of RAM (though 482 KB of them were allocated for system needs), 4 MB of ROM, serial and infrared ports, and a universal PCMCIA connector (type II) for various expansion cards, including a modem. The handwriting recognition system, despite all its imperfections, still worked.

After some revival in the PDA market, caused by the advent of Newton, potential buyers begin to lose interest in PDAs again - PDAs with handwriting input are too bulky, uneconomical, inconvenient for entering large amounts of text and unreasonably expensive. Those who still decide to purchase a PDA choose mainly new Psion models. Time keyboardless handheld computers has not yet come.

In 1995, Palm Computing developed a simplified handwriting system (Graffiti) in the form of special characters similar to block letters. Unable to agree with PDA manufacturers on its implementation in keyboardless devices, the company decided to start developing its own pocket computer. This is how the Pilot-1000 appeared - the most easy-to-use and limited in its functionality device. small size, convenient handwriting system and low retail price (about $ 300) made this device very popular.

Around the same time, in 1996, Microsoft released an operating system for handheld computers - Windows CE, embedded in ROM. And almost immediately, several dozen devices based on it, developed by leading computer manufacturers, go on sale. Windows CE, which is compatible with a number of processors, defined the standard PDA configuration: 4 MB of permanent and 2 MB of RAM, a graphic screen with a resolution of 480 x 240 pixels, ports for connecting external devices and connecting to a desktop PC, including a PCMCIA connector. The operating system included cut-down versions of popular applications: Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Outlook.

The noise raised around Windows CE attracted the attention of potential buyers, but it soon became obvious that devices based on this operating system are far from perfect: they are slow to work, many of them have uncomfortable keyboards and have a host of other shortcomings, which was the result of ill-conceived, hastily designed design.

Competitors in the face of Palm Computing, Psion and Apple Computer perked up and released several successful devices. Palm Computing (by then taken over by US Robotics) enters the market with a new model of its Pilot Personal organizer, and then with an improved modification of the Pilot Professional (Motorola 68328 16 MHz processor, 1 MB RAM, backlit quad gray screen) . Psion, in turn, creates the Psion Series 5 PDA with an excellent keyboard based on the 32-bit EPOC operating system (ARM 7100 processor 18 MHz, RAM up to 8 MB, touch screen 640 x 240 pixels, 16 gradations). Apple Computer also releases first one new model Newton MessagePad 2000, then the more advanced MessagePad 2100 (StrongARM-110 processor at 162 MHz, 8 MB ROM, 5 MB RAM, 480 x 320 pixel screen, two PCMCIA connectors, microphone and speakers) . All of the above models surpassed the first PDAs based on Windows CE in terms of ease of use, speed and the number of applications written for them.

Soon a new, improved version of Windows CE 2.0 appears, which provides support for a color screen, TrueType fonts, etc. In 1998, based on this operating system, various manufacturers begin to produce keyboardless models of handheld computers (the so-called Palm-size PC - "handhelds") , which, however, could not force Palm Computing computers out of the market. First, PDAs with Windows CE are still not without flaws: they are still "gluttonous" and slow; secondly, Palm Computing (already a part of 3Com after the acquisition of the last company US Robotics) has prepared a worthy response to competitors - the new Palm Pilot III PDA with increased RAM to 2 MB, an infrared port, a new design and a new version of the PalmOS operating system .

Approximately at the same time, a new direction in the development of pocket computers appeared - the creation of devices that look like a laptop, but running the Windows CE operating system. Compared to laptops, their advantages are long battery life, instant operating system start-up, high reliability due to the absence of disk drives. However, despite all their advantages, PDAs are more limited in their capabilities than modern desktop PCs or laptops.

For more information about handheld computers, please visit www.palmy.ru

Introduction

In the modern world, everything flows and changes very quickly, the rhythm of big cities dictates its own rules and laws to the present. A modern person, in order not only to keep up with the times, but not to lag behind it, must react to everything with lightning speed. To match him, more and more powerful devices are being created, the so-called “all-in-one”, and a telephone and a computer, and a music player, and a photo-camcorder, and satellite navigation, and so on ... other ...

That's how they created CPC(Pocket PC) (abbreviated P / PC or PPC) - a portable handheld computer running an operating system.

The concept of the PDA

Personal Pocket Computer (PDA) - this is a device with a touch screen and a virtual keyboard, or (depending on the type of construction) a full-fledged keyboard, as on a familiar PC keyboard. Management is carried out with two hands, which is less familiar, but also quite convenient.

PDAs run an operating system.

1.1 The concept of "Operating system"

Operating system, OS, axis (English operating system) - a basic set of computer programs that provides control of computer hardware, work with files, input and output of data, as well as the execution of application programs and applications.

When you turn on the computer, the operating system is loaded into memory before other programs and then serves as the basis for their work.

There are two concepts: "closed" And "open" Operating Systems. These concepts are conditional and are introduced for greater clarity and understanding.

1.2 Processor

CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic operations specified by the operating system programs and coordinates the work of all devices of the mini-computer.

Processor power (performance) is measured in MHz. This is the “brain” of the device, its computing center. It's no secret that all data in the PDA is stored in digital format (a combination of ones and zeros), so there must be a device that "calculates" all this.

1.3 RAM

RAM, RAM (RAM - Random Access Memory) is a memory that is designed to temporarily store data and instructions necessary for the processor to perform operations. Measured in Mb. When the device is turned off or the battery is completely discharged, this memory is “freed”, in other words, all temporary files are deleted. This memory is almost impossible to increase, so when choosing a device, you need to pay great attention to the amount of this type of memory.

1.4 Persistent memory

permanent memory, non-volatile, Flash-memory (ROM - read-only memory) is a memory that is designed for permanent storage of data and information, it is in it that the operating system is installed. Measured in Mb. This type of memory can always be increased by inserting a memory card into the device, so when choosing a device, you can pay less attention to the amount of built-in memory.

1.5 PDA and its advantages

CPC- a portable mini-computer without a built-in telephone module, (most often this can be fixed using external connected devices).

Benefits of a pocket personal computer:

· Higher performance- the ability to watch better video, play three-dimensional games, use more complex programs for work and leisure.

· More convenient internet- due to the larger display and high resolution - the display shows a large area of ​​the page.

· Program selection- a huge number of guaranteed compatible programs - a part of the "software" for Windows Mobile 2003 is suitable for the 5th version of Windows Mobile + everything that was written for the new version.

· Ability to expand functionality- if the handheld does not have, for example, a Bluetooth or GPS navigator, and it supports external devices, you can purchase a separate plug-in module (inserted into the appropriate slot for memory cards)

· Operating time without recharging- more capacious batteries + adjustable backlight. In addition, on communicators, you can turn off the telephone block or display - and save a lot of energy - for example, for long-term operation of the MP3 player.

1.6 Benefits of CPC for employees

Employees who often have to work long hours away from the office have never been as well equipped as they are now.

Their pocket computers are increasingly approaching PCs in terms of functionality, and notebook computers equipped with wireless communication are beginning to displace conventional cordless telephones. This convergence of technologies provides a wealth of choice for information managers concerned with the challenge of equipping an ever-increasing number of mobile users.

Reports of innovations in this area come from all sides. In April, Advanced Micro Devices introduced a new model specifically designed for small-sized portable systems, and in May, Intel launched mobile version 700 MHz Pentium III processor. When creating their new products, both manufacturers actively used energy-saving technologies that help extend the life of a notebook PC without recharging the battery.

Notebook PC manufacturers are not far behind the chip makers. Hewlett-Packard Company demonstrated in May another model of the OmniBook 6000 computer and at the same time announced a new initiative to expand the functionality of its promising developments. Its representatives said that the company's entire line of mobile PCs will soon support both Bluetooth and 11Mbps 802.11b wireless LAN standards.

This development is of particular importance now that so much is being said about new handheld platforms like the Palm of the same name and Microsoft's Pocket PC. Of course, next-generation PDAs cannot yet completely replace portable systems in a corporate environment, but information technology managers are increasingly starting to take them seriously. "For us, handheld systems like the Palm have already become one of the main platforms and are on par with personal computers," said Rob Carter, executive vice president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corporation. This postal giant, like its biggest competitors, allows customers to track the progress of parcels using Palm devices.

With increasing functionality and respect in the information technology department, handheld devices may well affect the level of sales of laptops, especially since the prices of desktop systems are falling at the same time. Under such conditions, it is highly likely that corporations will give preference to equipping their employees with desktop PCs and handheld devices, abandoning more expensive notebook computers.

True, International Data Corporation predicts that notebook sales will remain stable over the next few years, but the experience of Japan, famous for its technical equipment, makes us think. For two years now, the ratio between notebook PCs and desktop systems has been constantly changing in favor of the latter. According to Roger Kay, an analyst at International Data, this is mainly due to the relative cheapness of desktop systems.

"It's safe to say that laptop manufacturers are under a lot of pressure from both sides," he notes. sizes are increasingly approaching notebook PCs.

In the meantime, in most corporations, handheld computers are intended mainly for entering minimal amounts of information and wirelessly receiving data. How far from fully functional laptops.

"Handheld devices are much more used for receiving data than for entering them," says Edmund Yee, network operations manager for Chevron Canada. ".

Handheld devices are gradually approaching this goal, but the developers of components for laptops and manufacturers of notebook PCs are not sleeping either. In the new 700 MHz Pentium III microprocessor for mobile systems, Intel has used its own SpeedStep power saving technology. AMD is following the same path, releasing new K6 II and III crystals in April with an operating frequency of 450, 475 and 500 MHz. By the middle of this year, as expected, its microprocessors will be implemented technology Power Now, which will also extend the life of the computer without recharging the battery.

Noteworthy is the new Hewlett-Packard initiative in the field of wireless communications. When devices based on the Bluetooth specification begin to appear (this should happen at the end of the year), her OmniBook series laptops will already be able to communicate with them. And in June, the company intends to introduce a wireless adapter and access point for 802.11b LAN. In addition, the company is developing the HP Mobile ProtectTools software package to facilitate e-commerce transactions. Hewlett-Packard's goal, like that of other notebook PC manufacturers, is clear: their products must be one step ahead of handheld devices in terms of their capabilities.

"Pocket PCs are becoming more useful, they have already left the category of electronic books of the computer age," says Anthony McMahon, marketing director of Hewlett-Packard. "But at the same time, their potential for generating information and data remains limited. Of course, personal digital assistants are doing their best to reach the level of portable PCs, but these PCs themselves are not standing still."