Right, had my XDA11 for a year and a half now and getting bored. Just got a few questions about the Exec to help me decide. I'm in the UK, and on O2:
1. Is the flip and twist gimmick useful?
2. Is there much software compatible with the sideways screen and the qwerty keypad? And does it have to be specially written for Windows Mobile 2005?
3. Will my old apps from my XDA11 work on it?
4. Would I have to resize all my videos from Media Player that are currently 320x240 or does it fit them to the screen size?
5. I'm clueless about WIFI. If I bought a wifi adaptor kit for my desktop PC, could I lie in bed surfing the net from my Exec on a WIFI connection?
6. Is Internet Explorer better featured than the previous versions? I always found it a bit lacking (no forward button, no side-on option, poor image viewing capability, etc). Or would you recommend a 3rd party browser?
7. Does Media Player support MPEGs yet?
8. Are MP3 ringtones supported?
9. Is it also called the Jasjar? I keep seeing that word spouted around
10. WHERE CAN I GET ONE THE CHEAPEST? It's £149.99 on O2 site, is that the cheapest? Also do I need to wait for my contract to come up for renewal again or can I get one now?
Thanks in advance for any help
1. Is the flip and twist gimmick useful?
- i don't use it. but it could be good if you don't use the keyboard alot
2. Is there much software compatible with the sideways screen and the qwerty keypad? And does it have to be specially written for Windows Mobile 2005?
- most wm software works on landscape, however not much is specially designed. Some games are. apps like ie and word use it automatically.
3. Will my old apps from my XDA11 work on it?
- most will. utilities not specifically made for wm5 probably won't work.
4. Would I have to resize all my videos from Media Player that are currently 320x240 or does it fit them to the screen size?
- it works by default in 320x240. Only programs that 'know' about vga use it. There is software (e.g. ozvga) which forces non-vga programs to work in vga. some work well, others have a font too small, others don't work.
5. I'm clueless about WIFI. If I bought a wifi adaptor kit for my desktop PC, could I lie in bed surfing the net from my Exec on a WIFI connection?
- yes. As long as your desktop pc is set as a gateway presumably to a asdl or cable modem. most people use a wireless router with built in modem, as this is more convenient and won't require your pc to be switched on (netgear 634, linksys dt614, etc)
6. Is Internet Explorer better featured than the previous versions? I always found it a bit lacking (no forward button, no side-on option, poor image viewing capability, etc). Or would you recommend a 3rd party browser?
- yes, but its still mostly behind the opposition. You are better off with something like netfront. Some people here use opera, but I find it crashes all the time.
7. Does Media Player support MPEGs yet?
- I use tcpmp (betaplayer) and pockettv (for mpeg 1).
wm10 support mpeg4 but not mpeg2:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/windowsmobile/faq.aspx
8. Are MP3 ringtones supported?
- don't know
9. Is it also called the Jasjar? I keep seeing that word spouted around
- yes. generic name is universal. also called orange m5000, qtek 3000, o2 xda exec, tmobile mda pro
10. WHERE CAN I GET ONE THE CHEAPEST? It's £149.99 on O2 site, is that the cheapest? Also do I need to wait for my contract to come up for renewal again or can I get one now?
- I found online cheapest for o2, £150 + £19 a month for 50 mins (12 month contract) + £30 a month for 200mb or £17 a month for 35mb. Tmobile does webnwalk (inc 40mb) for £22 a month, but tmobile mda pro is locked, xda exec is not. also you can get exec from o2 shop for £150 + £30 a month data only (if you don't want the phone).
Thanks in advance for any help
everything you need to know is on this forum. just read read read. Also look at pocketgear, clickgamer, freewareppc or handango (select o2 exec) for compatible applications
10. WHERE CAN I GET ONE THE CHEAPEST?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the T-mobile site they are doing the MDA pro on flext 30 (about £19 pm after discount) for £129
Add to that the unlimited data add on for £7.50 pm - and you're cooking !
Grrr, has to be on O2 I'm afraid Cheers anyway
Hmm, wondered where my other reply had gone. I posted it in the wrong thread, d'oh:
Cheers for that.
So if I use an older WM2003 app, will it stretch to fit the new screen size?.
Can the "open" mode (landscape, with keyboard) be used for anything or just for typing? I'd probably want it for texting, internet, and Word. Presumably I can still watch videos in widescreen without having to open it up?
Lastly, is the touch screen still active when open, or is all control given to the keyboard?
GaZ said:
Hmm, wondered where my other reply had gone. I posted it in the wrong thread, d'oh:
Cheers for that.
So if I use an older WM2003 app, will it stretch to fit the new screen size?.
Can the "open" mode (landscape, with keyboard) be used for anything or just for typing? I'd probably want it for texting, internet, and Word. Presumably I can still watch videos in widescreen without having to open it up?
Lastly, is the touch screen still active when open, or is all control given to the keyboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps by default see 320x240. So any app that uses 320x240 will work fine. In addition, if the app is written to use windows fonts, although it will only 'see' 320x240 its fonts will be smoothed automatically by wm5 for the 640x480 screen (if cleartype is selected). Whether an app works or not more depends whether it relys on a wm2003 characterstic which is no longer there. Most apps work, most utilities don't.
You are misunderstanding the difference between landscape and portrait. They are just presenting a different resolution to the app. 240x320 (or 480x680). Any well behaved app. will adapt fine, just as in Windows XP if you resize the window the app still works ok. Badly written apps or ones that were written for very old versions of the pocket pc might work, but you may find odd effects, e.g. the right 1/3 of the screen is unused in portrait mode.
You always have the choice of the 'pop-up' on screen keyboard or the physical one. Although its a bit silly to use the pop-up one when the main keyboard is available.
Go into an o2 shop (or any other mobile shop) which stocks the universal and have a play, they normally have demo versions available.
rgds
GaZ said:
Grrr, has to be on O2 I'm afraid Cheers anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in that case ...
http://shop.uplands.co.uk/acatalog/XDA_EXEC.html
You ARE a business customer arent you ? :wink:
second from the bottom - £137 on a £13.99 24 month contract
Although it is a crap contract
I also recall there are some good offers on the o2 "student" site
( you ARE a student , aren't you :wink: ) :lol:
Ok, I was in the same boat as you, had the XDAII, hacked to WM2003SE, got sick of the bugs, and upgraded immediately for wm5 and the new tools. Never looked back. But to answer your specific questions:
1. Is the flip and twist gimmick useful?
Wonderful, love it, not for the flip and twist, but for the keyboard. I also like the clam approach to protect the screen. It also adds enormous geek factor. I really got sick of the tapping on the screen to type, and there is no way I could get into the sms or email thing tapping the screen. the keyboard makes typing and communication via a keyboard so much easier.
2. Is there much software compatible with the sideways screen and the qwerty keypad? And does it have to be specially written for Windows Mobile 2005?
There is a lot of software becoming now far more popular for WM5, but perhaps only say 50% of the software on the market, but those are usually the mickey mouse software apps, the serious contenders have updated most of the apps for this.
3. Will my old apps from my XDA11 work on it?
Some, maybe, but not all. Most of the apps usually have an upgrade policy. GPS systems struggle and need to be hacked. I was unable to get Navman to work. SPB has new releases for most apps, resco has been updated. So you may have to pay for an upgrade.
4. Would I have to resize all my videos from Media Player that are currently 320x240 or does it fit them to the screen size?
You can if you want them in full screen, change them to 640x480, but the existing camera still only uses 320x240 so they only use about 1/4 of the screen. This is the most common complaint, and my biggest gripe. An app called TPCMP will stretch the videos for you to full screen. Its free.
5. I'm clueless about WIFI. If I bought a wifi adaptor kit for my desktop PC, could I lie in bed surfing the net from my Exec on a WIFI connection?
Yes. You can also use it to share folders, copy your videos and pictures to your computer, stream music and videos from your PC to PPC. This is the biggest bonus and favourite bit for me, along with 3G fast internet.
6. Is Internet Explorer better featured than the previous versions? I always found it a bit lacking (no forward button, no side-on option, poor image viewing capability, etc). Or would you recommend a 3rd party browser?
It hasnt changed. You get a little bit more text to a screen, but no extra functions. There are 3rd parties, but I dont recommend or use any other. I find it is sufficient and acceptable, but not state of the art.
7. Does Media Player support MPEGs yet?
Not sure, but if you want full screen, you will probably use TCPMP anyway. Everybody else does.
8. Are MP3 ringtones supported?
Yes. I use them.
9. Is it also called the Jasjar? I keep seeing that word spouted around
Yes, O2 Exec, Imate Jasjar are the same hardware, and 95% same software. O2 has three different releases, useless, next to useless, and barebones basic, which is similar to the Imate. Both have crap support.
10. WHERE CAN I GET ONE THE CHEAPEST? It's £149.99 on O2 site, is that the cheapest? Also do I need to wait for my contract to come up for renewal again or can I get one now?
I paid $1,500 AUD to pay cash up front so that I could change and use whatever network and service provider I want, when I want. Its about 600 pounds (sorr my keyboard doesnt have a pounds symbol I am on the bottom end of the world).
I think you need to understand some of the other issues:
1. Speed, slower
2. Pemanent storage, limited but handy
3. Bluetooth better, but not good enough yet
4. Updated ROM has push email, but not the released rom
5. Landscape awesome
6. Camera, ok, not brilliant, but significantly better than XDAII
7. SD Card rather than Mini (on other devices)
8. No backpack, no VGA output
9. Two cameras, second for video telephone
10. Hot Keys for quick access to primary functions
11. Impoved Office tools word and excel
12. Better sound
13. Lacks external display, so you dont know who is calling unless you keep it in PDA mode
14. Extra size and weight makes it bulky
15. The case it comes with is crap.
Eitherway, no matter what, I do recommend the Universal device, though I was happy with the XDAII overall, I really really really wanted a proper Qwerty keyboard, and built in WIFI.
Hope it helps
Cheers
Simon
THAT was the reply I was looking for I needed it laying out for me in idiots terms, lol. I'm getting so pumped about this now. Thank you
Lastly, does anyone know if I can upgrade to this on my current contract NOW rather than waiting for renewal time again? I'm half way into my 2nd 12 month period but I took £70 credited to my account in place of a new handset at the 12 month mark. I'd be willing to pay the £149.99 up front but I understand this is a subsidised price, and common sense would dictate to me that I can't do it
Just phone O2 and ask them when you are eligable for the upgrade from the mobile its 202, landline 08702 410202, The Exec is a great device, very impressed with it - worth the outlay without a doubt - Mike
Just a hint for the Internet. Use the NetFront, it is an awesome browser. It supports true VGA resolution (640x480) without any registry hacks/SW resets and it shows almost all the webSites as on the normal computer ! (if they are wider then 640px, then you have the horizontal scroller, so the site layout doesn`t get broken)
Bundled Internet Explorer is absolute crap. When you`ll try NetFront (or Opera), you won`t come back
Gaz you will probably want a data alowance, considering O2 claim to be about to charge us for GPRS access. You could consider getting a new data only contract at the level you require and then swap the SIMs for phone use and heavy data use.
So you end up with 2 contracts, but it's only the same as adding a data bolt on to your current contract in terms of monthly recurring cost. The SIM swapping is a pain, but potentially worth it as O2 will not entertain an early upgrade.
Gajet said:
Gaz you will probably want a data alowance, considering O2 claim to be about to charge us for GPRS access. You could consider getting a new data only contract at the level you require and then swap the SIMs for phone use and heavy data use.
So you end up with 2 contracts, but it's only the same as adding a data bolt on to your current contract in terms of monthly recurring cost. The SIM swapping is a pain, but potentially worth it as O2 will not entertain an early upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can add a data bolt on to a monthly contract with no implications for contract period. you can also ask o2 to raise the data speed to 384k. this is far preferable to having 2 sim cards.
rgds
Well, phoned them the other day and they said I need to wait til July. Not too bad I suppose, but I'm not known for my patience, lol.
I might look into getting a data bolt on as well. Cheers lads
Related
Hi,
I'm due to uprade my phone on nov20th and intend to get the O2 XDA EXEC. As I'm lokingto gert a PDA as well as a phone this device looks like the best of both! I travel a lot in my job and want to be able to use some navigation software like tomtom on this.
My question to you guys is, what accessories, software etc, do you think is essential to get the best use out of the XDA EXEC, what navigation software shld i get and when it comes to GPS should i get Wired GPS or Bluetooth?
187 views and no replies!!! thanks for your help
Q: "what accessories, software etc, do you think is essential to get the best use out of the XDA EXEC"
A: That depends entirely on what you want to do with it.
Q: "what navigation software shld i get and when it comes to GPS should i get Wired GPS or Bluetooth?"
A: You'll find from other threads that TomTom 5.1 with bluetooth works fine.
If you're with o2 direct you can do it a month early.
Essentials:
TomTom
PocketBreeze
Pocket Informant
iLauncher
GSPocketMagic
GSFinder
PHM Registry Editor
VJdiallerSMS
PhoneAlarm (once it works on WM5)
Macintosh with bluetooth (essential to me anyway
Small fingers
Lots and lots of patience
Daily call to O2 to attempt 3G data promotion clarification
forum.xda-developers.com
That's all I can think of for now...
page3 said:
Essentials:
TomTom
PocketBreeze
Pocket Informant
iLauncher
GSPocketMagic
GSFinder
PHM Registry Editor
VJdiallerSMS
PhoneAlarm (once it works on WM5)
Macintosh with bluetooth (essential to me anyway
Small fingers
Lots and lots of patience
Daily call to O2 to attempt 3G data promotion clarification
forum.xda-developers.com
That's all I can think of for now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do they all do?
Thommie said:
what accessories... do you think is essential...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first three accessory purchases have been:
- Bluetooth headset - essential to make phone calls with the thing without looking completely stupid
- SD card for storage
- Screen Protectors - i dont use the stylus much, but when i do, i'm pretty paranoid about scratching the screen!
hope that helps a bit!
Moandal said:
Q: "what accessories, software etc, do you think is essential to get the best use out of the XDA EXEC"
A: That depends entirely on what you want to do with it.
Q: "what navigation software shld i get and when it comes to GPS should i get Wired GPS or Bluetooth?"
A: You'll find from other threads that TomTom 5.1 with bluetooth works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the other threads on Tomtom it seems as though people were having problems installing it. I just wondered whether any of the other navigation packages were as troublesome to install. Or are they not as good as tomtom?
What they do - as requested!
TomTom - Satellite Navigation. I'd be lost without it.
PocketBreeze - Decent diary display on the today screen.
Pocket Informant - Brilliant Diary. (although I prefer the built in Contacts screen for dialling quickly)
iLauncher - tabbed shortcuts on the today screen
GSPocketMagic - better 'start' menu and proper application closer. Also speed things up somehow!
GSFinder - proper 'finder' (err, Explorer?) to replace the pathetic built in one.
PHM Registry Editor - if you don't know then don't use this!
VJdiallerSMS - Allows shortcut to dial or sms - I use this with iLauncher to have quick dials
PhoneAlarm (once it works on WM5) - stunningly brilliant profiles app and more. Not WM05 yet. I miss it. Essential app
Macintosh with bluetooth (essential to me anyway - I don't like Windows. <G> )
Small fingers - To make typing easier.
Lots and lots of patience - To help sort out all the WM05 'issues'.
Daily call to O2 to attempt 3G data promotion clarification - Because I don't want to use 'unlimited free' data and then find out I have been charged for it!
forum.xda-developers.com - We'd all be lost without it!!!
page3 said:
Daily call to O2 to attempt 3G data promotion clarification - Because I don't want to use 'unlimited free' data and then find out I have been charged for it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you manage to get it clarified? I'm on O2 Online 200 Talker and have been told I get 5MB free browsing in month 1, thereafter I get 1MB. Correct?
CJSnet said:
page3 said:
Daily call to O2 to attempt 3G data promotion clarification - Because I don't want to use 'unlimited free' data and then find out I have been charged for it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you manage to get it clarified? I'm on O2 Online 200 Talker and have been told I get 5MB free browsing in month 1, thereafter I get 1MB. Correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did get it clarified, but then when I asked for written confirmation, it confirms the OPPOSITE of what I had been told See the thread 'O2 free GPRS promotional offers' for details. Its ridiculous, I wouldn't have been using all that data if it wasn't included.
In the absence of *any* offers for my MDA Pro, I'm going to get it unlocked and port my T Mobile number over to my Orange PAYG sim card. Hopefully, the "Try 3g" offer will be applicable? I mean, they sell 3g PAYG handsets, so I guess it will :? If not, I'll have to go through the rigmarole (and expense) of ordering the unlimited GPRS until midnight offer.
Anyway, my MDA Pro cost me a lot less than expected due to
a) T Mobile extending my contract by 12 months, not the 18 they quoted, but still charging me the 18 month deal's upgrade price :lol:
b) My line rental was, erm, £2.60. Technically speaking. Made the cancellation fee a pleasant surprise 8)
I will continue to use the GPRS untill 31st December for free.
As this was how I was sold the device and have confirmed this with both O2onlineShop & Customer Service.
I bet they've had plenty of requests for confirmation of offer.
And stil haven`t removed or changed the wording of the offer.
GSPocketMagic - better 'start' menu and proper application closer. Also speed things up somehow!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A small price to pay i know, but gspocketmagic looks rubbish compared to all of the other high-res icons that is on the exec. It also leaves an ugly blank square on the top right hand corner of the screen when on the today screen.
Other than that though it is awesome. I just hope it gets updated to look nice
How about a case:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/8075.htm
or
http://www.pdair.com/welcome.php
or
http://www.krusell.se/product.php?prodGrp=3&s=2&product=713&x=6&y=13
I just saw that the Shift (pocketpc part) has a true 640x480 today screen with lots of stuf on it. Can it be ported to the Athena?
[Note, 256mb video download. Don't click unless you're a bit light headed or lotsa bandwidth - V]
http://media.libsyn.com/media/gottabemobile/The_HTC_Shift_Hugo_Ortega_GBM.wmv
QAN
Dude, are you linking to that 30 minute video?
That video was decent, at least a first hand look on the Shift. Not very professionally done, but the info was good enough to let me know I do not want one. I'll stick with the Athena and probably will for a long time to come.
The Shift appears to use the full WINCE system, not PocketPC as in the Athena.
This has always had icons and a full resolution desktop. Look at commercial portable devices that use WINCE.
You can even get the MS embedded dev kit and compile your own WINCE that boots on a PC to try it. (120day limit). That devkit has been discussed before on the forum.
Shift
The specs show that it uses Vista and WM6 Professional.
The screen does look good, I thought I really wanted one, and was making do with ameo until it was released, I think I will be sticking with the ameo. I still think it will be to slow. "for my needs" and the ameo appears to be a faster pda. Think I will be better off with remote desktop, and a good cooked rom.
QAN said:
I just saw that the Shift (pocketpc part) has a true 640x480 today screen with lots of stuf on it. Can it be ported to the Athena?
http://media.libsyn.com/media/gottabemobile/The_HTC_Shift_Hugo_Ortega_GBM.wmv
QAN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link not working. Got a newer or better link please?
The link still works. I just tested it. Copy the url to the mediaplayer while choosing open url http : //cache.libsyn.com/gottabemobile/The_HTC_Shift_Hugrtega_GBM.wmv
Shift
Why did you have to post this! Now I wanna trade my X7501 in for a shift!
Its a nice device but way to big. It also has no phone function only data. What I like is the today screen. Its a true 640x480 today screen.
QAN said:
Its a nice device but way to big. It also has no phone function only data. What I like is the today screen. Its a true 640x480 today screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case, I won't be getting it. I thought that the pocket pc side could be used as a phone.
thetruth1983 said:
If that's the case, I won't be getting it. I thought that the pocket pc side could be used as a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Sadly it's data only...
no phone capability kinda blows it out of the water for me
otherwise it looked really great, talk about major oversight
if you use a sim card for data and voice which most people do.
You have to go back to using 2 Devices which is very stupid
from what i undrstood u had to use a bluetooth headset to use voice...
but i thought it was possible?
boinger66 said:
from what i undrstood u had to use a bluetooth headset to use voice...
but i thought it was possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latest reports are that it's not voice capable, but we'll have to wait until it is out to know for sure...
there are laptops that can use a sim card to access the internet , if this cant do voice whats the point?
I agree. for what your paying for a shift you can get an awsome laptop with 3g inside and still have enough money for a few months of data connection. HTC has totally dropped the ball with no voice
The EDGE/Hsdpa module is for WWAN - were it only Vista that would mean no voice. However, lots of speculation that the WM6 "side" will be able to use it for voice.
well the guy the carrying out the review in the video states
'THERE IS NO VOICE, GET IT OUT OF YOUR HEAD!'
which kinda indicates there not being a voice option
Many many moons ago I initiated a thread telling all of the impending sale of my Ameo, and my reasons for doing so. Since then I have owned umpteen handsets including a Toshiba Portege G900, Nokia E90, Tytn ii, HTC Touch Diamond and finally (to my own surprise) an Iphone 3G.
I recall an overbearing distaste for the Iphone and its supposed lack of a software scene, however it seems that times have changed: the iPhone, for all its flaws now has a huge modding scene and an almost limitless array of applications to cover all of Apple's oversights. For what it's worth the iPhone is the most enjoyable handset I have ever used.
Now here's the thing.
I've been offered a very good price for my Iphone and have recently acquired an INCREDIBLY cheap HTC ADVANTAGE. From the quick look at these forums I've had there seem to have been some great developments and I WANT to fall back in love with the Advantage (though I accept that the device is in itself a completely different handset!)
I suppose on a deeper level I want to know if windows mobile can offer me the solutions that I have on my Iphone and enjoy every day. Obviously each device has HARDWARE differences that can never be changed - the Advantage will never have multitouch just as the iPhone will never have a VGA display; but considering the HUGE software library Windows Mobile supposedly offers can it provide solutions to the following tasks....
Google Contacts OTA sync - with Gsync I can synchronize my contacts every day and ensure I never lose a number. This also updates my contact photos stored on Google's servers. I don't use Outlook, never have never will and want a simple over the air solution.
Podcasts. With Mobilecast on the iPhone I can search for an download podcasts which download in the background and update as and when new shows arrive. It supports both video and audio podcasts.
YouTube downloader - allows the download of high quality YouTube videos to keep and supports multiple simultaneous downloads.
Email with properly formatted HTML support. I recall the Windows Mobile html email client displaying weirdly formatted and ugly messages, shifted to one side/ I will happily pay for a replacement email client if it is as beautiful and useable as the Iphone's.
Browser - the iPhone's browser is far from perfect, but I'm able to happily type out a new thread on Safari right now. I recall many problems with the Touch Diamond's Opera browser - most irritatingly the cursor moving back in the paragraph you're typing for no reason. Have most of the flaws with Opera Mobile been resolved? Is it now better than the iphone's Safari browser?
That's pretty much my list. They might seem pretty banal but they make me enjoy my iPhone, and if I can get the Advantage to do all those things then I'll probably sell up. I'm not worried about the size of the Advantage.
Hi Leoni,
Good to hear from you again after such a long period of absence.
I still give the same advice: define your requirements first, and be comprehensive in doing so.
- Do you need navigation software? If yes, iPhone is out, Athena is in.
- Do you want hugh screen and not mind the size? If yes, Athena has a tick.
- Do you do word, excel, and power point, or at least often receive attachment of such and want to read them on the device? If yes, iPhone is out, Athena is in.
- Could you tolerate weak signal strength? If no, iPhone is out.
- Do you have the habit of using handwriting recognition, or write Chinese/Japanese/Korean characters? If yes, iPhone is out.
- Do you want to use the GPS for traking, or prolonged use without access to power source? If yes, iPhone is out, as you can't swap in spare battery.
- Do you a extremely fussy person in wanting really really smooth video playback? If yes, consider iPhone. However, if you'r willing to wait, Coreplayer is going to address this issue very very shortly and poor video playout is likely to be history.
- Do you placed lots of value in internet browsing wihtout having to zoom in and out? If yes, nothing beats Athena. But Opera Mobile would never be as smooth as Safari. As to your questions on typing using Opera, it depends on which version you use. You need to try out all of them to see the difference.
- Are you a fashion conscious person who want to be "cool". If so, iPhone is a cool looking phone, but so is HTC Touch HD (Which I have just bought).
- Do you do presentation as required by your work? If yes, HTC Touch HD is out, and Athena is in, because HD does not have TV-out. Although iPhone has TV out, it does not have presentation software, so iPhone is also out.
- Do you want FM radio? If so, consider Touch HD.
- Do you want good camera (say 10MP camera) and video recording? If so, consider Samsung SBH B600.
You get the idea... You need to know what your requirements are, then gather information to see if your target phones meet your need.
Yes, a lot has changed for the better in Athena since you last left it, but there are still many areas which are unchanged. You could post all your specific question after you've considered your requirements, and we'll be very happy to answer your questions. You have already posted some of those question, but it's a good idea to think more comprehensively to make sure you cover all aspects of your needs.
I may not be able to answer some of the questions as your needs are different from mine, but I'm sure others would respond to your questions.
Cheers.
Hi Eaglesteve - I had a feeling you'd be in here - good to hear from you.
My circumstances are that I already have an iPhone and have an Advantage coming in the post today. I'm not after turning the Advantage into an iPhone, simply wondering if there are one or two bits of software which would sell the idea of keeping the Advantage to me.
I'm surprised you'd go for the Touch HD Eaglesteve as its screen is quite a bit smaller than that of the Advantage. The device does interest me, although its price is more than the combined costs of my iPhone and Advantage! I wonder if I'd just be better off keeping two devices once again. What are your feelings on the HD versus the Advantage? How does the overall responsiveness and also audio and video performance compare with the Advantage?
Regards
Check this out: http://www.goosync.com/
F2a said:
Check this out: http://www.goosync.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi thanks for that. Unfortunately you have to pay, and 20 quid seems a rip-off considering I'd only be syncing my contacts. The solution I have for Iphone cost me £1 or something like that.
I'm seriously thinking of just throwing my Advantage straight onto Ebay. Windows Mobile doesn't seem to have the scope of free software it once had. I don't think the idea of free (or very cheap) Google contacts sync software is that ridiculous an idea - certainly it's enough of an issue for more than one iPhone developer to come up with free or cheap solutions. I bought the Advantage because it was cheap and i thought it would be something fun to play around with but I seem to have made a poor decision.
If every little solution costs me £20 then I'm going to be severely out of pocket by the end of the week!
It don't sync with google but....
Sync = www.dashwire.com is the best over the air sync up I've used. Photos, videos, contacts, photocontacts, emails and txt for free! Also snap2face (free) facebook app can sync up with your facebook contacts images too.
Rss video and audio = Beyondpod 3.0 (free) brilliant software. Use this in conjunction with Mort's Player and the Mypod skin (free). You won't look back with a 16GB SDMicro (w/adapter) in your advantage.
Browser = Netfront or even better Skyfire if you can get it. Netfront has so many different configs that you should be happy with one or two.
Email = I get by with outlook as any major media mails I get tend to need my home pc!
I don't download youtube vids but do use vTap as the wikipedia side of it is cool.
I tried to replace my Athena with an iphone and failed by a long way. I'll be using this Ameo for a couple of years I think. (Unless the 4g HTC Max kicks ass)
The one thing I would recommend is putting MichyPrima's 5.1 rom it as it is so damn rock solid and just works so good. All the sensors work with the new 'G' software knocking about and I have only hard reset once to clear out a couple of programs.
Long live the X7500. Best comms device I have owned, by a mile.
leoni1980 said:
Hi Eaglesteve - I had a feeling you'd be in here - good to hear from you.
My circumstances are that I already have an iPhone and have an Advantage coming in the post today. I'm not after turning the Advantage into an iPhone, simply wondering if there are one or two bits of software which would sell the idea of keeping the Advantage to me.
I'm surprised you'd go for the Touch HD Eaglesteve as its screen is quite a bit smaller than that of the Advantage. The device does interest me, although its price is more than the combined costs of my iPhone and Advantage! I wonder if I'd just be better off keeping two devices once again. What are your feelings on the HD versus the Advantage? How does the overall responsiveness and also audio and video performance compare with the Advantage?
Regards
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As for software for Athena, you should always have FtouchSL, Wktask and the like. But I'd strongly recommend SPB Mobile Shell as one of the most transforming software IMO. Not only it is finger friendly, it will also enhance the camera function, puts all the Opera mobile history and favoutries on the launch menu, but also give you lots of useful tools. Don't forget the latest Resco File Explorer and Registry editor. Of course Opera Mobile is a must, but you need to experiement with the various version to find out which is suits you. I find surfing with Opera mobile on Athena to be way way better than using Safari on iPhone, primarily due to the large screen and not having to zoom in and out. Try out FL3 and directly play youtube using Opera 9.5, something which was impossible the last time you had your Athena. When using Opera Mobile, go to the configuration to make minimum overview zoom 85 percent to allow you ability to activate links in zoom out mode if you so wish.
Don't forget youtubeplayer 1.0.0.10 which allows you to either play directly or download youtube videos.
I can't remember if I had already posted this info in my previous entry, so please excuse me if there's any duplication.
Regarding my using the Touch HD, it's the closest replacement available in the market today. I'm not sure if I could get used to the near 4 inch (3.8 precisely) screen or not, but would give it a try. I think 4.5 inch would be real nice, but let's see..
It has many things that I thought an Athena replacement should have: smoother rounder form factor, embedded ear piece, more dated 7.2mb/s download speed, FM radio, better camera (hopefully), and no keybaord (always much prefer without hardware keyboard).
I'm still waiting for my unit to arrive when I make this post. It is too soon for me to comment on performance, etc. I'd want to make sure that if I make a review it is going to be honest, truthful, and helpful.
I never let cost to influence my decision too much. I just want to the best available, if you know what I mean. Actually while considering HD, Mackaby influenced me to give iPhone a serious consideration, which I did. iPhone would have cost me nothing with a plan, but as you already know, it was a frustration and disappointment for me, so I chosed the HD, which cost me AUD1225, which is much cheaper than my Athena, that cost me about AUD1600.
I'd still keep my Athena, in case I could'nt get use to the small size in HD. Won't know until I try it. Unfortunately nobody in Sydney is selling HD, so the only way to try is to buy.
Enough rumbling. Will let you get back to your Athena. Welcome back, my friend.
Lioni,
Forgot to mention podcast. I've never used this myself, but there should be two ways of doing this in winmo devices. You could do it in Opera mobile
In the address bar, enter the URL address of the web page that contains the RTSP link to the desired *.3gp, *.mp4, or *.sdp file, then click on the RTSP links.
Another way is to to use the Streamin Media program. The media is sent in a continuous stream to winmo devices and is played as it arrives, along with the audio. You could play 3GP, MPEG-4, and SDP files. To use this program, go to start/program and start the streaming media program (I think most of MiChy's ROM has it, if I'm not mistaken), then click connect. On the next screen, enter the URL for the website, then tap connect. You can play/pause, rewind, fast forward, etc.
Hope this helps and hope it satisfies your need.
Cheers.
Regarding Opera mobile versus Safari, my opinion is that Safari is still better in terms of being fluid and smooth. Opera tends to be jerky and unsteady in comparision. However, speedwise, there is probably no difference. Safari tends to require some waiting for the blurred webpage to turn clear before you could take control of it (during this time, it is temporarily frozen). Opera also has this pause. I would rate Safari the better browser overall. However, Opera on Athena clearly triumph over Safari on iPhone in my honest opinion, because of the big screen.
I'm currently using my athena again, as my x1 developed a serious flaw yesterday. It jumped under the wheels of a lorry!
Awaiting replacement device from Vodafone as their insurance department is a bad joke.
Anyway, I'd got used to the comparitively tiny screen of the X1, but having gone back to the athena there's a couple of observations.
Both Screens are fantastic, the X1 is noticeably sharper (small screen hires), but using the athena again I can't see how I can cope with the X1 when I eventually get the replacement. It's like using realvga on a screen half the size of the athena, yet I have been coping with it, it's amazing how much you adapt really quickly.
There's a massive speed difference, the x1 does things nearly instantly, all that memory does it I suppose, it's like running an XP machine on 256mb then sticking 1gb of memory inside instead.
Gps is near instantaneous, screen rendering is the same,opening applications don't bring up the spinning wheel of doom, the athena crawls along in comparison yet it didn't feel that slow when I was using it before. It's all relative I suppose (it's not really that slow, maybe 1/4 of a second or so).
But having said that I love the athena, I mentioned before that I don't find it too big to use as a phone, and the screen is amazing. It's a pity we can't squeeze a newer motherboard in there ;-)
When I get my replacement X1 through I'm not certain what to do, I'm very tempted to sell it and get a touch HD, the form factor certainly works better. But then I could keep using it and have the Athena as a wifi tablet for websurfing.
As for browsing speed (noticeably this forum), I find Netfront on simple browsing to be the fastest there is especially across gprs, not very pretty but who cares about the backgrounds when the info is so important!
to throw a spanner in the works, I had a decent play with the blackberry storm while waiting for Vf customer service and their insurance & repairs dept to sort out my x1. The hardware is the best I've seen, not sure how long the funky screen would last, but the form factor is great and build quality looks good, but the OS doesn't look amazing, and I'm not sure how much you can get access to change stuff, plus there's no wifi !
how stupid is that?
Sorry to hear about your SEXXI mishap.
Are you using MiChy's ROM? His ROM should be noticeably faster.
The screen size is the thing that I would miss most about Athena. No doubt about that. A larger screen with the same resolution would off course appear to be less sharp. I hope just like you I could adapt to the tiny 3.8 inch screen in HD.
You should be able to get almost instant GPS signal with Athena. There is a thread that I started on this on how to get that result.
Talking about speed, Asus has just released a 800 mhz winmo phone. This is the fastest on a winmo phone. But sadly it has only 2.8 inch VGA screen, which I would never be able to live with.
yep im running michys latest, and with gps ive never been able to get less than a 35second fix, usually its much more like 5 mins, despite all the tweaks
Beyondpod 3 looks to be EXACTLY what I'm looking for - well done Arctic Matt!
Now here's a stupid question....
I've relied on my iPhone and 'sync in a blink' (a Google OTA contacts sync application) to back up my phone contacts. Now I know that I can back up all my contacts to my Windows Address Book with Itunes, but does anyone know how to put my contacts from my Windows Address Book OR my online Google Contacts onto my Athena (just as a one-off)? I feel stupid even asking this but in the past I've always relied on having my contacts on the SIM card but a few weeks ago I got a new sim and threw the old one away. I don't use Outlook or anything like that, wondered if perhaps I could just do it with Activesync.
Thanks in advance.
leoni1980 said:
does anyone know how to put my contacts from my Windows Address Book OR my online Google Contacts onto my Athena (just as a one-off)?
Thanks in advance.
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I have an account in Live.com, when I setup Windows Live in my X7510, there is an option to use another email account. I am not sure though if it can use Google (GMail), but to make the story short, upon setup, it will ask you if you want to syncronize your email and contacts to your device.
If Windows Live won't work with GMail, how about creating an account in Live.com. They might have an option to copy your contacts from GMail to Live.com then use Windows Live from your device to syncronize.
Just some thoughts...
fards said:
yep im running michys latest, and with gps ive never been able to get less than a 35second fix, usually its much more like 5 mins, despite all the tweaks
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Which GPS Navigation do you use???
cktlcmd said:
Which GPS Navigation do you use???
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memory-map
eaglesteve said:
- Do you a extremely fussy person in wanting really really smooth video playback? If yes, consider iPhone. However, if you'r willing to wait, Coreplayer is going to address this issue very very shortly and poor video playout is likely to be history.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
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what's the core news?
Don't forget to....
leoni1980 said:
Beyondpod 3 looks to be EXACTLY what I'm looking for - well done Arctic Matt!
Now here's a stupid question....
I've relied on my iPhone and 'sync in a blink' (a Google OTA contacts sync application) to back up my phone contacts. Now I know that I can back up all my contacts to my Windows Address Book with Itunes, but does anyone know how to put my contacts from my Windows Address Book OR my online Google Contacts onto my Athena (just as a one-off)? I feel stupid even asking this but in the past I've always relied on having my contacts on the SIM card but a few weeks ago I got a new sim and threw the old one away. I don't use Outlook or anything like that, wondered if perhaps I could just do it with Activesync.
Thanks in advance.
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Go into the advanced settings of Beyondpod 3 and access Beyond Scheduler! You can automate so much stuff on your Athena without having to program in Mort Script. Via this software my x7500 goes into flight mode at 11pm, wakes up at 6am, connects to my home wifi, downloads all my podcasts, downloads all my emails, syncs with dashwire, switches on realplayer and wakes me up to live BBC radio (I live in Norway - NRK would send me back to sleep.).
Oh and
Once you have all you contacts on your phone I really think you should give Dashwire a go. It is rather spiffing.
I've wanted the HD2 since it was announced last year. It was to be my replacement for my iPAQ hx4700 (4" VGA pda). It was primarily my pdf reader + media player during my commute, while I had Razr as phone. Unfortunately it started having screen issues and not always detecting release of click (drag), so it's harder to use now. The HD2 would be the replacement for the iPAQ and my phone, which is now a HTC Dream.
Now that it'll really be showing up at T-Mobile US, I have some questions. Hopefully you guys can sort them out.
1. How well does it work as a phone? Sound quality, reception, microphone, bluetooth..etc
2. PDF reader - I currently use mobilexpdf and it works great. The options are perfect for what I need. Great zooming and image quality. Ability to set DPI so I can get exact zoom. Very important so I can zoom enough to 'crop' out the empty side space. (I tried the pdf reader on iPhone and while pinch-zoom was cool, it wasn't exact enough for me.) Also bookmarks. Did everything I needed and was bloat free AND it was free. Does mobilexpdf work on HD2?
3. Media player - I use TCPMP. It supported all my videos and even had subtitles. Also free. I did a search and it seems like it works but it needed some tweaks. Anybody use it?
4. Can I use the HD2 without a data plan? It is possible to shut off ALL data? I don't really need a data plan, though it has been cool to use google maps and web browse. I think there is 'NoData'. How well does that work? Can all (included) apps just use a wifi connection instead?
5. How does the googlemaps app compare to the Android version? I know it doesn't have the nav feature, but I don't really need that now.
6. Possible to unlock screen with button presses instead of swipe? It doesn't seem like it's possible to unlock with 1 hand.
I essentially want to use this phone as a phone that can handle my stored media/ebook files. I'd want to pay for it in full and not get a 2yr contract. I have an unlimited data plan now, but don't need it if I can entertain myself with ebooks or videos offline.
The HD2 has the screen, speed and OS to let me do what I need to. Android didn't really have any pdf readers that worked as well as I would have liked. Maybe it was the screen size/resolution. Some apps even sent the pdf file to server to be converted.. It also only supported a few codecs so video viewing wasn't fun. The google killer apps were nice, I only really needed googlemaps.
Thanks for your insight.
Hi All
I'm possibly looking at a mega for my next work phone, and am interested in people's opinions.
Are there any noteable drawbacks to it? Any noteable positives?
My current work phone is a Vogue. Is it a good upgrade from the vogue? What's better about it?
Phone will be used primarily for email and calendar and calling.
Are there any other devices in the same price range which you wish you'd purchased instead?
OK..
I've had a few windows mobile devices over the years... kaiser, artemis, elf... the Mega is by far the best I've had. It's fast, small, got everything you need on it. Couldn't really fault it. As a business device, it connects to exchange without any extra software, you can surf the net fine (use Opera Mini!), GPS for travelling, wifi for fast data transfer. I've even persuaded my mum to get one!
I use my device mainly for email and browsing, occasional satnav, and of course phone. I recently tried the LG GD500 and the Samsung Tocco Light, and another new LG - none compare with Windows Mobile devices, and as far as WinMo devices go, the Mega is, in my opinion, the best combination of features, performance and size.
If you have a bit extra cash, get the HD2. Touch2 too small. Difficult to type for large fingers. TF2D 2.0 also has limited development.
Personally, I can't see why people get so obsessed with TF2d/Manila/Titanium/SPB/Throttlelauncher/Other Shells...
It's all just eye-candy. People start flashing new ROMs then complain that certain functions don't work, or it's too slow...
I may be in the minority here, but what I wand from my device is (a) basic everyday onformation on my initial screen - message count, diary for the next few days, time, and (b) quick access to my most commonly used functions - email, internet.
Touchflo, Titanium etc just add another layer of complexity that eats up memory, makes things harder to get to, and ultimately slows down the device. The stock roms are fast enough too, although I have to admit I do like playing with new roms, I always use a standard today screen rather than touchflo etc.
I understand the argument about size for typing, but there are bigger virtual keyboards if needed, and it's a personal choice - I find the size of the Mega the best all round compromise - big enough to be useable and small enough to stick in your jeans pocket without being uncomfortable...
Rant over, sorry!
TangerineTractor said:
Personally, I can't see why people g........
Rant over, sorry!
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+1 for that .
If you really really need a so called 'Business Device', then IMHO neither Touch2 nor Touch HD2 cut the ice, get a phone with a real key pad .. like TP2 . I can mail better with my vox or even my B7320 than I can with my Touch2, but Touch2 is a much better and more complete device .
Phones like TD2 or HD2 are really good emailing and calender phones.
The drawback on Touch2 is the calender. It is really bad the way i see it. Even in TouchFlo it doesnt have a good calender. Its just horrifying for me. If you compare it to the 3D of Td2 and HD2 its really bad. TouchFlo3D has awesome calender and appointments, calender mainly due to the fact it shows the dates like a real calender but touch2 shows a long line and very inconvenient.
Emailing is okay but if u hav alot of emails you might want to get a long phone like Td2 to see all ur emails in one screen without scrolling down alot.
If you have big fingers ur going to find texting Very hard.
It only has QWERTY and Phone Keypad while HD2 has Qwerty,semi qwerty and many more.
In the end its ur decision
Thanks guys. I'm limited by how much the company will spend on a phone for me - the price of the Mega is about the maximum they will spend, and I'm not allowed to top up (I would have to buy my own phone with no compensation).
I'm also limited by the fact it has to be a phone advertised by telecom NZ (www.telecom.co.nz) - the mega is not there yet but it will be in the next couple of weeks according to the insider I've talked to.
I found a decent calendar app while I was running winmo on the Vogue, so I'm sure I can find one for the Mega.
How is the speed and screen responsiveness? That's the major drawback to the Vogue.
AaronNZ said:
Thanks guys. I'm limited by how much the company will spend on a phone for me - the price of the Mega is about the maximum they will spend, and I'm not allowed to top up (I would have to buy my own phone with no compensation).
I'm also limited by the fact it has to be a phone advertised by telecom NZ (www.telecom.co.nz) - the mega is not there yet but it will be in the next couple of weeks according to the insider I've talked to.
I found a decent calendar app while I was running winmo on the Vogue, so I'm sure I can find one for the Mega.
How is the speed and screen responsiveness? That's the major drawback to the Vogue.
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No issues with speed or responsiveness. If you need a decent calendar, disable the touchflo stuff and put todayagenda (free) on your todayscreen.
pretty nice PDA put on Tiger Clean ROM and u've got 4 days of battery life
and yes , u can find another calendar app for the Mega and the problem is solved ;]]