NewsWeeZ
13/08/2010, 12:45
[Note: this review is based on a pre-production sample, then Caanoo version that will be sold may differ in hardware or software included]
(Based on my Italian review, sorry for not so good English translation)
Let’s begin by providing clarity on the technical specifications:
CPU ARM9 533 MHz + 3D GPU
RAM 128 MiB
Display 3.5” LCD 320*240 (Touchscreen)
External Memory: SD/SDHC (Max. 32 GB / sold separately)
Fun Factors: Vibration Motor / G-Sensor
Dimensions: 146(w)x70(h)x18.5(d)mm
Weight: 136g
OS Linux 2.6.24
Video: MPEG4, Xvid, Divx, Avi
Audio: OGG, WAV, MP3
Photo: JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG
E-book: TXT
Network Wi-Fi (by USB dongle, sold separately)
Microphone
USB-Host
Internal 1850mAh Lithium Polymer Battery
Hardware
Caanoo has basically the same hardware inside Wiz: so even if it’s shown 3D GPU, it’s the same part of the Wiz (compatible with OpenGL ES 1.1).
Caanoo has NO 2 GiB NAND memory, as it was written before the official presentation. GPH has preferred to “eliminate” NAND because it was easily corrupted when users often copied games and applications on it. Obviously, there’s a minimum space (it should be 128 MiB) for firmware, but for any app or game you must have at least an SD card.
More than Wiz, it has 128 MiB RAM, vibration/rumble feature (adjustable with 4 different levels) and G-Sensor, which is the motion sensor (accelerometer).
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/1479/frontei.th.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/frontei.jpg/)
Although at first look it may seem a “big toy” (as for GP32), build quality is excellent. The console is solid and has smooth & finishing touch plastic.
This version is Blue/Black, where the blue is very dark (blue color most noticeable in the presence of strong light), in shadow or in darkness appears black.
It may seem strange, Caanoo’s weight is virtually the same than the Wiz (I also weighed with a not-precision scale): perhaps only a few grams more http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/wp-content/plugins/editor-extender/plugins/emotions/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif
Keep it in the hands is much more comfortable (for the more rounded shape and the size that fits better hands grip).
Now an overview of all Caanoo “sides”:
Right Side
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/3376/destro.th.jpg (http://img842.imageshack.us/i/destro.jpg/)
Here is positioned the switch to turn on/off (press down), or to active Lock mode (placing switch on top). No problem moving this “lever” (instead on Wiz could get away the button).
Lock function to block all the controls (so if you press any button or touch screen, Caanoo doesn’t* react), is also used by Music player, and when actived, will turn off the screen.
Important note: with the current firmware, boot time is only 10 seconds (I don’t think they can improve this, important thing is not making worse http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/wp-content/plugins/editor-extender/plugins/emotions/img/smiley-laughing.gif).
Bottom Side
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/8297/inferiore.th.jpg (http://img835.imageshack.us/i/inferiore.jpg/)
In the middle, there is EXT out, and by included USB cable will recharge your console. It can be done by PC (not recommended) or by a simple adapter (I don’t know if it will be included
in retail version, but it cost a few euros). By connecting the USB cable to your computer, you can easily copy files (games, applications, etc.) directly on inserted SD card, however, I always suggest using a card reader rather than this method. Finally, EXT out is used for TV-Out (by cable sold separately) or for serial connections or other by devs.
Note: I haven’t a cable for TV-out, but andymanone, who has modded one, did this demo video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XEpfKc-xfo
Only sour note: EXT port (like all others) is protected by a plastic cover that can be easily opened (and that’s good). However, to connect cable, it’s a bit ‘discomfort, as crowded on the right side, and the only way to fit it well is to move this “flip” up. BTW, once connected to EXT port, socket is held firmly.
To the left of EXT port, there’s USB host: by it you can connect and use the most devices that use USB. Devices I tested (and working): USB flash drive, external hard disk (supplied separately), keyboard, card reader and accessories that require low voltage (a reading light & USB fan). I also tried an adapter for PS1 joypad, but without success, surely the developers will manage for each emulator.
Above all, by USB host, you can connect a WiFi dongle and so connect Caanoo to the network (GPH sell this accessory separately, but you can buy elsewhere, important thing is that it’s compatible with the firmware drivers). Always good andymanone has made a video where it shows WiFi connection:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CW4YcWjw6A
Further to the left, there’s standard output for headphones. Obviously, sound quality isn’t as in the most renowned mp3 players, but definitely good quality and I have not encountered problems. The volume isn’t excessive, and the highest level is fine. On the corner, there is a small slit for strap or a small-screen cleaner (such as Wiz).
Left Side
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/6572/sinistro.th.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/sinistro.jpg/)
Here is only LED that indicates when the Caanoo is on (blue light), or off when charging (red light), or when on and charging (purple light). The component chosen has trasparent plastic and light effect is pleasant, but I would have preferred something more discreet (i.e. that you can’t notice when it’s dark). Perhaps, it was done so for “symmetry” with power button.
Once it’s fully charged, Caanoo’s LED goes out (instead on Wiz became blue). For a full charge, it needs a night, and autonomy (without overclock) is approximately 6 hours.
It’s very useful when the battery is about to drop dead, along with a notice that appears on menu, the blue LED starts blinking.
Upper Side
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1998/superiorez.th.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/superiorez.jpg/)
On corners there are L & R shoulder (or trigger) buttons. Nothing to say about the form, but holding console you are brought primarily to push toward center, and I saw that (by Test mode and some games) pressing outwardly react too. They aren’t hard and are quite sensitive. Then, shifted to the left,there is slot for SD/SDHC card, which as in old GP2X, it must be inserted “reverse” side, i.e. front card towards the back of Caanoo. I remind you that supports SDHC up to 32 GiB: unfortunately, I have no large size card to be tested personally, but there’re never been hardware problems with SD cards (since F100/F200), so I’m sure it goes smooth as well for Caanoo. Of course, every card such as MMC, microSD, miniSD that can be used by adapter, work.
Finally, in the middle there’s volume slide. The only oddity (I dunno know if it’s intentional) leading to stroke volume on its maximum (or minimum) level doesn’t change immediately but gradually (so if I put it to zero, music doesn’t disappear immediately, but fades slowly). This certainly depends by firmware and perhaps it will change.
Back Side (rear)
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4598/retrora.th.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/i/retrora.jpg/)
Apart from the nice “CAANOO Play Forward” message, only thing to notice are the speakers located right on the back. Although it may seem the biggest flaw, since actually sound is directed not towards me but to the outside, the perceived audio quality is not affected. Of course, if they had been put on the front, drawing maximum volume level would be heard louder sound: but not being a stereo http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/wp-content/plugins/editor-extender/plugins/emotions/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif, sound is more than acceptable (and if you’re away from home, it’s easy you use the headphones).
Bottom corner is the compartment from which we extract the stylus.
Finally, missing battery door and if you’ll have to replaced it, you must open the console (though I don’t know if battery is connected by a simple pin or other).
Front side
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/3583/mamee.th.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/mamee.jpg/)
For the last, I left the most important side. Here, of course, there is 3.5” LCD screen, analog stick, 4 buttons A/B/X/Y, HOME button, 2 SELECT buttons and microphone.
Screen is a TFT LCD with 320×240 resolution and its quality doesn’t reaches Wiz’s OLED level, same rendering video is very good (I would say excellent) and there’re four settable brightness levels (but maximum level I find blinding). Touchscreen works fine and there are no problems with ghosting or tearing.
The real big drawback is on the top where, believe it or not, the plastic covers to view the first few pixel rows. This it’s noticeable especially on MAME and Asura Cross, where life bars appear slightly “cut”, and only tilting Caanoo you can see that half millimeter of missing view. I don’t know if it depends on LCD screen positioned slightly wrong, or for above plastic that assumes a very slight curve. I hope that this won’t be present in retail version, otherwise developers must keep this in mind.
One of hot topic is about analog stick. Well, it’s both strong and sensitive, and it reacts fine for all directions, finger doesn’t escape because top is rough (it’s 1000 times better than GP2X F100 digital stick and than Tapwave Zodiac stick). Compared with Wiz dpad, it’s on par for most games, and only for a few of them, dpad beats the stick.
Inside it’s all metal, and is also “clickable” (i.e. stick-click is mappable for different apps). About buttons on the right, there is little to say as well just play their role. So for the two SELECT keys and HOME: this last is a bit ‘hollow, while I would have preferred flat as the other two. Microphone operates without shame nor praise, the only utility that uses it just records in .wav file.
[To be continued...]
Más información... (http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/?p=2003)
(Based on my Italian review, sorry for not so good English translation)
Let’s begin by providing clarity on the technical specifications:
CPU ARM9 533 MHz + 3D GPU
RAM 128 MiB
Display 3.5” LCD 320*240 (Touchscreen)
External Memory: SD/SDHC (Max. 32 GB / sold separately)
Fun Factors: Vibration Motor / G-Sensor
Dimensions: 146(w)x70(h)x18.5(d)mm
Weight: 136g
OS Linux 2.6.24
Video: MPEG4, Xvid, Divx, Avi
Audio: OGG, WAV, MP3
Photo: JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG
E-book: TXT
Network Wi-Fi (by USB dongle, sold separately)
Microphone
USB-Host
Internal 1850mAh Lithium Polymer Battery
Hardware
Caanoo has basically the same hardware inside Wiz: so even if it’s shown 3D GPU, it’s the same part of the Wiz (compatible with OpenGL ES 1.1).
Caanoo has NO 2 GiB NAND memory, as it was written before the official presentation. GPH has preferred to “eliminate” NAND because it was easily corrupted when users often copied games and applications on it. Obviously, there’s a minimum space (it should be 128 MiB) for firmware, but for any app or game you must have at least an SD card.
More than Wiz, it has 128 MiB RAM, vibration/rumble feature (adjustable with 4 different levels) and G-Sensor, which is the motion sensor (accelerometer).
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/1479/frontei.th.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/frontei.jpg/)
Although at first look it may seem a “big toy” (as for GP32), build quality is excellent. The console is solid and has smooth & finishing touch plastic.
This version is Blue/Black, where the blue is very dark (blue color most noticeable in the presence of strong light), in shadow or in darkness appears black.
It may seem strange, Caanoo’s weight is virtually the same than the Wiz (I also weighed with a not-precision scale): perhaps only a few grams more http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/wp-content/plugins/editor-extender/plugins/emotions/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif
Keep it in the hands is much more comfortable (for the more rounded shape and the size that fits better hands grip).
Now an overview of all Caanoo “sides”:
Right Side
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/3376/destro.th.jpg (http://img842.imageshack.us/i/destro.jpg/)
Here is positioned the switch to turn on/off (press down), or to active Lock mode (placing switch on top). No problem moving this “lever” (instead on Wiz could get away the button).
Lock function to block all the controls (so if you press any button or touch screen, Caanoo doesn’t* react), is also used by Music player, and when actived, will turn off the screen.
Important note: with the current firmware, boot time is only 10 seconds (I don’t think they can improve this, important thing is not making worse http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/wp-content/plugins/editor-extender/plugins/emotions/img/smiley-laughing.gif).
Bottom Side
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/8297/inferiore.th.jpg (http://img835.imageshack.us/i/inferiore.jpg/)
In the middle, there is EXT out, and by included USB cable will recharge your console. It can be done by PC (not recommended) or by a simple adapter (I don’t know if it will be included
in retail version, but it cost a few euros). By connecting the USB cable to your computer, you can easily copy files (games, applications, etc.) directly on inserted SD card, however, I always suggest using a card reader rather than this method. Finally, EXT out is used for TV-Out (by cable sold separately) or for serial connections or other by devs.
Note: I haven’t a cable for TV-out, but andymanone, who has modded one, did this demo video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XEpfKc-xfo
Only sour note: EXT port (like all others) is protected by a plastic cover that can be easily opened (and that’s good). However, to connect cable, it’s a bit ‘discomfort, as crowded on the right side, and the only way to fit it well is to move this “flip” up. BTW, once connected to EXT port, socket is held firmly.
To the left of EXT port, there’s USB host: by it you can connect and use the most devices that use USB. Devices I tested (and working): USB flash drive, external hard disk (supplied separately), keyboard, card reader and accessories that require low voltage (a reading light & USB fan). I also tried an adapter for PS1 joypad, but without success, surely the developers will manage for each emulator.
Above all, by USB host, you can connect a WiFi dongle and so connect Caanoo to the network (GPH sell this accessory separately, but you can buy elsewhere, important thing is that it’s compatible with the firmware drivers). Always good andymanone has made a video where it shows WiFi connection:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CW4YcWjw6A
Further to the left, there’s standard output for headphones. Obviously, sound quality isn’t as in the most renowned mp3 players, but definitely good quality and I have not encountered problems. The volume isn’t excessive, and the highest level is fine. On the corner, there is a small slit for strap or a small-screen cleaner (such as Wiz).
Left Side
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/6572/sinistro.th.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/sinistro.jpg/)
Here is only LED that indicates when the Caanoo is on (blue light), or off when charging (red light), or when on and charging (purple light). The component chosen has trasparent plastic and light effect is pleasant, but I would have preferred something more discreet (i.e. that you can’t notice when it’s dark). Perhaps, it was done so for “symmetry” with power button.
Once it’s fully charged, Caanoo’s LED goes out (instead on Wiz became blue). For a full charge, it needs a night, and autonomy (without overclock) is approximately 6 hours.
It’s very useful when the battery is about to drop dead, along with a notice that appears on menu, the blue LED starts blinking.
Upper Side
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1998/superiorez.th.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/superiorez.jpg/)
On corners there are L & R shoulder (or trigger) buttons. Nothing to say about the form, but holding console you are brought primarily to push toward center, and I saw that (by Test mode and some games) pressing outwardly react too. They aren’t hard and are quite sensitive. Then, shifted to the left,there is slot for SD/SDHC card, which as in old GP2X, it must be inserted “reverse” side, i.e. front card towards the back of Caanoo. I remind you that supports SDHC up to 32 GiB: unfortunately, I have no large size card to be tested personally, but there’re never been hardware problems with SD cards (since F100/F200), so I’m sure it goes smooth as well for Caanoo. Of course, every card such as MMC, microSD, miniSD that can be used by adapter, work.
Finally, in the middle there’s volume slide. The only oddity (I dunno know if it’s intentional) leading to stroke volume on its maximum (or minimum) level doesn’t change immediately but gradually (so if I put it to zero, music doesn’t disappear immediately, but fades slowly). This certainly depends by firmware and perhaps it will change.
Back Side (rear)
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4598/retrora.th.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/i/retrora.jpg/)
Apart from the nice “CAANOO Play Forward” message, only thing to notice are the speakers located right on the back. Although it may seem the biggest flaw, since actually sound is directed not towards me but to the outside, the perceived audio quality is not affected. Of course, if they had been put on the front, drawing maximum volume level would be heard louder sound: but not being a stereo http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/wp-content/plugins/editor-extender/plugins/emotions/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif, sound is more than acceptable (and if you’re away from home, it’s easy you use the headphones).
Bottom corner is the compartment from which we extract the stylus.
Finally, missing battery door and if you’ll have to replaced it, you must open the console (though I don’t know if battery is connected by a simple pin or other).
Front side
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/3583/mamee.th.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/mamee.jpg/)
For the last, I left the most important side. Here, of course, there is 3.5” LCD screen, analog stick, 4 buttons A/B/X/Y, HOME button, 2 SELECT buttons and microphone.
Screen is a TFT LCD with 320×240 resolution and its quality doesn’t reaches Wiz’s OLED level, same rendering video is very good (I would say excellent) and there’re four settable brightness levels (but maximum level I find blinding). Touchscreen works fine and there are no problems with ghosting or tearing.
The real big drawback is on the top where, believe it or not, the plastic covers to view the first few pixel rows. This it’s noticeable especially on MAME and Asura Cross, where life bars appear slightly “cut”, and only tilting Caanoo you can see that half millimeter of missing view. I don’t know if it depends on LCD screen positioned slightly wrong, or for above plastic that assumes a very slight curve. I hope that this won’t be present in retail version, otherwise developers must keep this in mind.
One of hot topic is about analog stick. Well, it’s both strong and sensitive, and it reacts fine for all directions, finger doesn’t escape because top is rough (it’s 1000 times better than GP2X F100 digital stick and than Tapwave Zodiac stick). Compared with Wiz dpad, it’s on par for most games, and only for a few of them, dpad beats the stick.
Inside it’s all metal, and is also “clickable” (i.e. stick-click is mappable for different apps). About buttons on the right, there is little to say as well just play their role. So for the two SELECT keys and HOME: this last is a bit ‘hollow, while I would have preferred flat as the other two. Microphone operates without shame nor praise, the only utility that uses it just records in .wav file.
[To be continued...]
Más información... (http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/?p=2003)