Database Users

The Damn Thing is TOO Fat and Ugly!

Is it just me, or is the Wizard not as good looking as the Magician?
I wish they would give me integrated wireless, WM 5.0, a better bluetooth stack and more ram on the same device.
I really don't need the stupid keyboard. It seems to add quite a bit of thickness.
My .02 cents.
-CoolBeans

I totally agree. Its looks like a cheap and tacky attempt to make something look futuristic.

The Keyboard is really personal preference. I know I will get a ton of use out of that keyboard since I type about 30 emails a day on my phone and it is a logical step for HTC.
The wizard has not yet been branded by O2, Orange etc... these companies will add their own personal cosmetic flavour to the device. Have you seen the pictures of the CDMA version of the wizard? It is a very nice looking device(except for that ugly antenna sticking out)

Orange are going to call it the SPV M600 some info on www.coolsmartphone.com

I wouldn't even consider this device if it didn't have a keyboard. A keyboard is the absolute most important factor in any device I consider. Without a keyboard, I don't even look at it.

I thought the spirit of the Jam/Magician was to have a fairly full featured device in a small form factor.
If you need a keyboard, perhaps you should be looking to the Universal.
I bought a Javo case... thought it was too big. I then got a silicon skin for it and still felt it was too thick. I have now resorted to keeping my Jam naked and it feels just right (all puns intended).
Another 4-5 mm from the Wizard and I might look like I'm happy to see everyone I come across with this thing in my pocket.
It might have been a good thing in my dating days, but I'm married now.

Beleive me, if there were rumors about Sprint carrying the Universal, I would be getting one for sure. I'm only considering the Apache because I know I can get one within the next couple months.
Well, I guess I would probably get an Apache for my wife either way. But I would definitely get the Universal for myself. But as it stands right now, it's going to be 2 Apaches, 1 for me and 1 for the wife.
There are no rumors of a CDMA Universal, so there are definitely no rumors of my carrier (Sprint) offering a CDMA Universal. I'm locked into a contract with Sprint, so I can't just leave them. And besides, here in the USA there are only 2 3G networks at the moment, Sprint and Verizon. And both are CDMA (EVDO) so it would have to be a CDMA device for me to get it.
I won't consider it without a keyboard, but I won't buy it unless I can have broadband Internet on it.

I seem to be in the minoriy here, but I don't find the Wizard all that bad in terms of its shape/size/design.
I think first and foremost we need to be focused on FUNCTION, not form. HTC could have made something that looks fantastic and not do anything.
When looking at the side-by-side comparisons of the thickness of the device against the Magician, the extra thickness was necessary to add the slide-out keyboard feature. This is a feature that, IMHO, is well worth the extra thickness. When holding a device in one's hand, thickness is the dimension that's least noticible. I'd rather a device that's a bit thicker than wider or longer.
Couple the slide-out keyboard with WM5, WiFi, more internal memory, and approx. the same width/height as the Magician, and I'm sold.

While I agree it doesn't look "great", its far from ugly. Thickness? Please, it's still overall smaller than a Nokia 6600 and compared to the Magician the extra thickness is only half a centimeter... oh no!
I would have preferred that they went with a more professional look rather than this "styled" look. I'm glad to see that they keyboard is backlit - all the photos so far (except for the ones on the .nl site) haven't shown this.
I think I'll be getting the Wizard over the Apache simply because of the aerial. I'm not too fussed about the slower speed, but an external aerial would annoy me.

I agree.
All I wanted was a thinner JAM with wifi. I don't need a keyboard with my pdaphone. If i did, i would be going for the Universal, the Treo, a Sidekick or some HP device... :roll:
The JAM's design is elegant and functional. The Wizard's design isn't elegant, even though it may be very functional. (the Galaxy looked like my perfect pdaphone, until I realised it wasn't one... ) :lol:
Here's hoping that HTC will bring out a true succcessor to the minimalist JAM.

Come on, its got all these extra features and its only 0.5 cm thicker... thats this much: --
Oh my, how will we ever lug this extra size around! ;p

Guys, you're all missing the point!
The show stopper here is the processor: TI OMAP 850!
WTF :shock:
DEFINITE step down from Magician
Also v bad:
Mini-SD and 320x240

As has already been discussed - its a dual core processor which should help somewhat AND since it has a low clock rate this will help save battery life.
This isnt meant to be an "uber" PDA, its meant to be a small phone that can do the tasks of a PDA. If you want something faster, then you're going to have to get the Universal which is also bigger and has a VGA screen.
Whats the problem with MiniSD other than having to buy a new card? I needed to get a new SD card anyway... so I guess this is another non-issue for me

"Unfortunately, it will be considerably slower. While the OMAP does combine seperate processors for phone and PDA functionality, at the end of the day it is just a 195MHz ARM processor (as found in PDAs from years ago) - it's not even Xscale. " Guess who wrote that?! :shock: Dumbass
VGA would have been nice, but I agree, small screen.
SD card capacity is better than Mini-SD, 4Gb vs 1Gb at the moment.
Most people will not want to ditch their exisiting SD cards either, from their Himalayas, Blue Angels, Alpines, Andes, Magicians!

Squuiid said:
"Unfortunately, it will be considerably slower. While the OMAP does combine seperate processors for phone and PDA functionality, at the end of the day it is just a 195MHz ARM processor (as found in PDAs from years ago) - it's not even Xscale. " Guess who wrote that?! :shock: Dumbass
VGA would have been nice, but I agree, small screen.
SD card capacity is better than Mini-SD, 4Gb vs 1Gb at the moment.
Most people will not want to ditch their exisiting SD cards either, from their Himalayas, Blue Angels, Alpines, Andes, Magicians!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fail to see why I am a "dumbass". It will be considerably slower than a 400MHz Xscale processor, but the fact that its dual core will help it out. I see no contradiction between those two statements.
As for the SD cards - theres always eBay to sell your old ones on
Try learning some etiquette before posting on forums.

http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/contentimages/qtek9100_preview/2.jpg
Tell me that aint thicker...
This thing is thicker and uglier than all 4 of your mothers teeth! :lol:
Here's a picture of ugly right here, next to a much more elegant JAM.
http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/contentimages/qtek9100_preview/1.jpg
Haha, look at the buttons! This phone is for suckers.

Here's a picture of ugly right here, next to a much more elegant JAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta admit it DOES look as if its scowling at me when put next to the magician
Cant really see why people are getting so personal in their insults and defences about this phone tho .... when it comes down to it the phone hasnt actually been in anybodys hands yet so until some brave soul actually goes out and gets one its all just conjecture

is anyone else here disappointed with the lack of choice at the moment? its either the Universal or Wizard and each one for me has serious drawbacks: universal is tri band with no high speed option for the US, wizard has miniSD ( i currently have over 1GB of data on mine.) The BA design has everything and just needs EDGE for US and 3G for Europe, improved camera, WM5.

This thread has become more like a voting place for the Wizzard.....With valuable infos though..... :wink:
Now CoolBeans....
I would advice that u edit ur post and add a Poll,this way everybody can say his opinion without the need to post....(althought above posts were really helpfull..).Still,post will always be welcomed.... :wink:
Oh,btw,I would vote for..."I love it"...
Greetings...
RAGO :lol:

efjay said:
is anyone else here disappointed with the lack of choice at the moment? its either the Universal or Wizard and each one for me has serious drawbacks: universal is tri band with no high speed option for the US, wizard has miniSD ( i currently have over 1GB of data on mine.) The BA design has everything and just needs EDGE for US and 3G for Europe, improved camera, WM5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there are the HP IPAQ 6515 (and the future 6715 which has WiFi and WM 5.0). Plus the new Motorolla Q so there are others out there coming out soon.

Moved from Universal to Hermes (Observations)

FYI - Anyone considering upgrading to Hermes
I have been using a universal for the last 18months and have now sold it and upgraded to the HTC Hermes.
The universal served me very well and the only thing I miss is the larger screen and VGA resolution and standard 3.5mm jack - however - I don't miss the bulk.
The hermes is everything the universal is minus the VGA.
My default Rom on the universal was Helmi's v1.3 which was AKU 3.5 and was a very very stable/solid rom.
I later installed PDAVIET 2.04 pro (Crossbow/WM6) which was a little temperamental but solid never the less.
I have installed XDA Live 0.20 which is a Crossbow rom on the hermes and it is very fast, I mean very very fast in comparison to the the universal.
In actual fact the hermes feels like an overclocked blue angel. (Normal operation, responsiveness, games etc)
Before I had the universal I had a blue angel that I used to regularly overclock to 530mhz (XCPUSCHALAR) and I can tell you that the herms feels very close to this.
I actually wonder what the hermes is capable of if overclocked slightly - As I don't have any figures (Pocket Hackmaster performance Index, SPB benchmark, etc) I can only speculate - but I'm looking forward to investigating this further.
Incidently the hermes has the Imageon gpu that was present in the blue angel so it runs films in TCPMP with hardware acceleration something the universal lacks.
Now I'm not sure whether the Universal had slow ram, or it being a VGA device slowed it down or what but I do know that the hermes is orders of magnitude more responsive in every day operation than the universal was...
Wireless connects at 54mbs on the hermes instead of the 11mbs maximum thoroughput the universal supports even with the 802.11g hack.
And the Hermes also supports HSDPA (1.8mbs theoretical - if your network provider supports it). Admittedly this was a deal breaker for me as umts is cool but connecting at 1.8mbs to the internet whilst on the road is edging very close to nirvana LOL!
Now while I will miss browsing servers at 640x480 using ts client in WM6 (WM5 tsc was atrocious BTW - LOL!) I feel the hermes features and performance more than make up for it. Plus I recently purchased a Sony u50 (1st generation umpc circa 2004) which has a 800x600 5 inch screen and the u50 allows me to TS into server using the hermes as a modem (Bluetooth or serial comms)
Last but not least I need to mention the hermes 2MP camera - OMDs - LOL.
It is head and shoulders above any HTC Camera I've ever experienced and I have seen them all...
SPV to wallaby to alpine to blueangel to universal I've had them all and this camera is the 1st USEABLE camera in terms of how responsive the camera app is, the picture quality and the overall experience!
Granted it's no replacement for my Canon SLR BUT (BIG BUT) it's definitely useable and supports typical camera functions such as self timer, darkness controls etc.
All other HTC devices had a fairly decent camera app but a piss poor camera sensor that only operated remotely correctly with good light. The pics I get with the hermes are of comparable quality to recent nokia and sony phones.
Hope this information is of use to anyone considering moving from the Universal to a hermes.

haha funny enough I was looking at the hermes last night.
My contract has run out, im in the UK and o2 are no longer doing free gprs so I need to jump ship as its damn expensive! Three are offering unlimited (1gig) a month for £5 so that's my main option plus they have a HSDPA network. But the downside is they don't offer the hermes so i'd have to get it seperatly I want a hermes
Thanks for the review, I want a hermes more now
Thanks
Stu

actually, just a thought... with WM6 PIE has the option to view in VGA mode, this makes website VERY easy to view as if they were on a desktop pretty much which makes browsing actually possible on these devices. Is that function still available on the hermes ?
thanks
Stu

IE VGA
Hi Stu,
No that feature is not available in WM6 IE for the hermes as it is a qvga device (320x240)
Just checked the menu options in IE and noticed that option was missing whereas it was there in WM6 IE on the universal.
Cheers
q

stualpha said:
haha funny enough I was looking at the hermes last night.
My contract has run out, im in the UK and o2 are no longer doing free gprs so I need to jump ship as its damn expensive! Three are offering unlimited (1gig) a month for £5 so that's my main option plus they have a HSDPA network. But the downside is they don't offer the hermes so i'd have to get it seperatly I want a hermes
Thanks for the review, I want a hermes more now
Thanks
Stu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O2 are just about to bring out a new XDA which is similar looking to the Hermes but appears to have a faster processor. It is apparently out on 26 March.

ooo in that case I may hang around to see what it's like.
But saying that the data is a huge issue data costs on o2 are huge plus i'm a student so we can whine more lol
thanks guys
Stu
also :: do you know which device it is ? I presume specs are already out possibly ? or pics ?
thanks

stualpha said:
ooo in that case I may hang around to see what it's like.
But saying that the data is a huge issue data costs on o2 are huge plus i'm a student so we can whine more lol
thanks guys
Stu
also :: do you know which device it is ? I presume specs are already out possibly ? or pics ?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an Asustek apparently. Just Google O2 Zinc and you'll find it.

http://www.msmobilenews.com/content/view/1730/1/
think i'll hold out for this puppy!! looks sweet, shame about the vga though

stualpha said:
http://www.msmobilenews.com/content/view/1730/1/
think i'll hold out for this puppy!! looks sweet, shame about the vga though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you might like to hold out for the I-mate Ultimate 7150 - more ROM, more RAM, faster processor, VGA .....

not made my mind up about the design of the new ultimate series, dont know what it is, they look at a little funny :? will have to see it in flesh.
This is what I hate about these things, its always add a little bit of extra time on and wait for the next device

The very mention of microSD in these devices is enough for me to overlook them and appreciate my Universal even more - despite the superior performance of the new devices over the Universal. Since the Universal is VGA, has a stable performance, and uses SD Cards - I am pleased with it.
Only when SDHC readers start becoming more mainstream in PDA Phones will I start considering a successor to the Universal.

I'm in Love - HTC Kaiser

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/05/24/htc-kaiser-unboxing/
At last something I would consider as a Uni replacement
Mav

MUTINY!!!!
mavrik64 said:
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/05/24/htc-kaiser-unboxing/
At last something I would consider as a Uni replacement
Mav
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MUTINY!
The Universal is the undisputed windows mobile device champion of the world. It's only competitor goes by the name of I-Mate Ultimate 7150.
That's the Unis only competitor. So you can take that pathetic 2.8 inch screens to a different forum.
http://www.clubimate.com/ultimate/ult7150.htm

fnordelus said:
MUTINY!
The Universal is the undisputed windows mobile device champion of the world. It's only competitor goes by the name of I-Mate Ultimate 7150.
That's the Unis only competitor. So you can take that pathetic 2.8 inch screens to a different forum.
http://www.clubimate.com/ultimate/ult7150.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ooooooohhhhh!!!!!!
time for another change of underpants
Mav

No VGA
This would be truly awesome if only it had vga.
At the mo i have the universal with TOMTOM6 using a bluetooth receiver and i carry a 6mp camera with 3x optical zoom.
It's kinda a drag carrying 2/3 devices but I love the keyboard and screen of the uni
Another advantage of the uni is that the screen is protected by the lid when you have it closed which i like.

What will you say about E-TEN Glofiish X800, 'Double-Oh Seven'?
This is the only thing currently that probably could lure me away from the Universal...
Advantage is too heavy, others lack VGA or GPS...
The X800 does not have one thing you can think of, and that's Keyboard. Which I honestly to God do NOT need.

The lack of an SDHC interface on either device is enough for me to stick to my Universal.

My Universal hurts me when I look at other phones...

Balur said:
My Universal hurts me when I look at other phones...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine says I can look, but don't touch
Mav

nvatvani said:
The lack of an SDHC interface on either device is enough for me to stick to my Universal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you got a Second Edition Universal (or a Mars Special? )?
Because as far as I know, mine does NOT have SDHC interface, just plain SD, limited to 4GB capacity cards (up to 2GB without problems, with 4GB Camera App has problems).
It even buggered my (non-SDHC) 4GB card recently (one of WM6 editions did so), so now it's only 2GB and I've currently run out of options to restore its 4GB capacity...

fnordelus said:
It's only competitor goes by the name of I-Mate Ultimate 7150.
http://www.clubimate.com/ultimate/ult7150.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my GOD that is a sweet looking device! I might worry a bit about the hinge though.

EastExpert said:
Have you got a Second Edition Universal (or a Mars Special? )?
Because as far as I know, mine does NOT have SDHC interface, just plain SD, limited to 4GB capacity cards (up to 2GB without problems, with 4GB Camera App has problems).
It even buggered my (non-SDHC) 4GB card recently (one of WM6 editions did so), so now it's only 2GB and I've currently run out of options to restore its 4GB capacity...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ... I only have a 2GB SD card running as well on my Universal.
My point as to why the Kaiser is already redundant even before production is because the Kaiser is nothing more than a Universal+Navigator (or any other Bluetooth based GPS receiver).
The mini-SD interface on the Kaiser is the only key that made it redundant against the Universal.
Hence, the Kaiser is NOT an upgrade of the Universal, but instead a competitor. I would call it a "side-grade" as opposed to an "up-grade".

nvatvani said:
No ... I only have a 2GB SD card running as well on my Universal.
My point as to why the Kaiser is already redundant even before production is because the Kaiser is nothing more than a Universal+Navigator (or any other Bluetooth based GPS receiver).
The mini-SD interface on the Kaiser is the only key that made it redundant against the Universal.
Hence, the Kaiser is NOT an upgrade of the Universal, but instead a competitor. I would call it a "side-grade" as opposed to an "up-grade".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I re-read your first message. My bad, somehow thought you were saying that Universal does have SDHC Sorry!
Right, neither of Uni or Kaiser have it. But this honestly doesn't put me off too much, I don't do video on the devices.
One thing that Kaiser sorely misses: a VGA screen... Otherwise a near-perfect device... just 160 grams, GPS present, all latest connectivity present, v.good 2.8Mpix camera, unique design.
For those waiting for it, here I found that HTC have responded to somebody that they will release the Kaiser in late JULY, not October (October will be the time for HTC Shift).
So may be after all it's worth the wait for you and things are not so gloomy?
Kaiser's lack of VGA ruins the parade for me. This is why I'm looking towards a E-TEN Glofiish X800... also due in July.
In the whole flurry of devices coming each day - I'm yet to find a slick (Universal is the hefty 285 g...), well-connected, GPS-enabled device with a VGA screen...

EastExpert said:
I re-read your first message. My bad, somehow thought you were saying that Universal does have SDHC Sorry!
Right, neither of Uni or Kaiser have it. But this honestly doesn't put me off too much, I don't do video on the devices.
One thing that Kaiser sorely misses: a VGA screen... Otherwise a near-perfect device... just 160 grams, GPS present, all latest connectivity present, v.good 2.8Mpix camera, unique design.
For those waiting for it, here I found that HTC have responded to somebody that they will release the Kaiser in late JULY, not October (October will be the time for HTC Shift).
So may be after all it's worth the wait for you and things are not so gloomy?
Kaiser's lack of VGA ruins the parade for me. This is why I'm looking towards a E-TEN Glofiish X800... also due in July.
In the whole flurry of devices coming each day - I'm yet to find a slick (Universal is the hefty 285 g...), well-connected, GPS-enabled device with a VGA screen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow ... that's quite a bit of "VGA" in one post.
Maybe you can try and explain to me why a VGA (640x480) resolution on a 3.6 inch screen device is actually practical.
I have used OzVGA on my Universal and then removed it just after 1 week because the high resolution demanded a higher precision touch-screen input from the stylus. You can forget about using your finger with OzVGA on VGA mode as opposed to the standard QVGA mode. I mean, in VGA mode I "lost" the ability to control scroll-bars, as well as cell/row selections from a table form or even when you want to do "hold down" selection (this is equivalent to the right-click in desktops) - using my finger ofcourse. Things were OK with the stylus.
With such a serious loss, the benefit of VGA is not actually worthy on the Universal because of its screen size.
If you are talking about the HTC Advantage, then VGA is really worthy because we are talking about a 5 inch screen here - and so the loss which the Universal suffers from is not applicable to the Advantage.

I agree, the only thing missing now is the VGA screen.
I am confused, is this device able to flip into laptop mode? From the other pictures, it seemed the keyboard pulls out from behind the screen, but then there is another picture showing the screen folded up on the keyboard.

Do you like the price?
http://www.popularelect.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=29&products_id=437
Mike

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-itttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt! Ridiculous!

mikechannon said:
Do you like the price?
http://www.popularelect.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=29&products_id=437
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing ..... that's just the kind of cash I can pull out of my asshole!

the price is gonna fall down in a few weeks.

That price is for a VERY NICE laptop. wheeeew!

nvatvani said:
Amazing ..... that's just the kind of cash I can pull out of my asshole!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's that easy, can I have some <grin>
They must have the decimal point in the wrong place.
Mav

Successor to Athena ?

Will the new Advantage come out soon ? My friend thinks that they will release a revision early next year, but I honestly think we have about a half a year left till we see anything.

SupraSkylineSTI said:
Will the new Advantage come out soon ? My friend thinks that they will release a revision early next year, but I honestly think we have about a half a year left till we see anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if the universal is anything to go by it could be a few years and waiting !
The real name for the advantage is the X7500 a few months after it was released an even newer version called the X7501 came out for the US market, and this might be what your friend is thinking of ! however newer is not always better, the X7501 is identical in every way except it has LOST 1 of the 2 cameras from the X7500, gained an FM radio (which might be coming to the X7500 anyway as some reckon the hardware exists but has been disabled) and lastly is shiped with windows mobile 6 instead of 5 which is a moot point as you can now just download Win 6 and upgrade your X7500 anyway.

My speculation rests on any successor primarily being an upgrade having WM6.1 and a SSD hard drive of greater capacity.
I would pray for better video performance as well.
Keith

My wish lists are:
- No hardware keyboard. Althernatively, have one that slides out, like the ones in Toshiba Protege G920 or Nokia N810.
- No magnet please.
- Uses SSD and at least 32GB
- Use SDHC rather than miniSDHC. SDHC seems to be always ahead in terms of moving into higher capacity.
- WM7
- Camera that takes acceptable pictures indoor. The present one does not work unless you're outdoor.
- 5 MP main camera and a VGA front camera.
- Less weight.
- Maintains 5" screen but reduce the size of the metal frame around the screen, so overall size is reduced.
- Embedded ear piece, so that use of BT headset becomes entirely optional.
- Vibration for phone
- More rounded and thinner profile.
- Infra, so that I can make it my remote control
- FM radio tuner for TMC and musics.
- Built-in TV tuner
- 800x480 resolution - Not too sure about this one, due to concern over software compatibilty issues. Otherwise, the shape would resember a handphone better.
- Faster internet browser, like the one in Nokia N810
- 802.11n for faster connection
- USB 2.0
- Latest bluetooth.
- GPS Assist, ,so that I can get signal inside buildings and tunnels.
Come on HTC, you should be able to make this.

eaglesteve said:
My wish lists are:
- No hardware keyboard. Althernatively, have one that slides out, like the ones in Toshiba Protege G920 or Nokia N810. That would be pretty cool, the keyboard on the Toshiba G920 is really nice, but I can see this adding thickness to the device
- No magnet please. I agree
- Uses SSD and at least 32GB Can you say 'Uber Expensive?
- Use SDHC rather than miniSDHC. SDHC seems to be always ahead in terms of moving into higher capacity. Deffo. I really can't see how HTC is saving that much space by using miniSDHC
- WM7 Yay!!!
- Camera that takes acceptable pictures indoor. The present one does not work unless you're outdoor. Agree 100% .. for something that's being marketed as an 'All in one device' the camer really sucks
- 5 MP main camera and a VGA front camera.
- Less weight. If possible, but considering the extra features everyone wants etc??
- Maintains 5" screen but reduce the size of the metal frame around the screen, so overall size is reduced.
- Embedded ear piece, so that use of BT headset becomes entirely optional.
- Vibration for phone You have no idea how much I miss a vibrating alert on my phone now lol
- More rounded and thinner profile. The shape of the Athen wors really well, provided you use the stock keyboard, otherwise it feels really weird to hold, so yeah, I'd agree
- Infra, so that I can make it my remote controlThis should have been in our current devices, sure, it may be old tech, but there are still so many uses for it
- FM radio tuner for TMC and musics.Aye
- Built-in TV tuner AYE!!!
- 800x480 resolution - Not too sure about this one, due to concern over software compatibilty issues. Otherwise, the shape would resember a handphone better. Provided there weren't any issues, then yes, however I'm quite happy with VGA
- Faster internet browser, like the one in Nokia N810 Yup, although I think we'll have to rely on 3rd party for this
- 802.11n for faster connection Yup
- USB 2.0 Yup, with support for a wider range of external HDDs
- Latest bluetooth. Not a big user of BT, so I cant comment
- GPS Assist, ,so that I can get signal inside buildings and tunnels. I think GPS signal on this device sucks all over, anything to improve it would be great
Come on HTC, you should be able to make this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just my opinion

total agreement from me with regards to the slide out keyboard. i have seen a device for the pc that projects the display of a keyboard onto what ever you place the device onto, sort of like a laser projection, that would be sweet but your battery would die after one text message or email!!
The size has always been an issue for me, but we knew that it was a monster/powerhouse/umpc/ugly brick shaped phone when we purchased the athena/ameo!!!
as for the camera, dudes, if you have money to throw around at the advanced phones...... buy a digi cam. C'mon, its a phone! Having said all this, im gonna confuse you all by saying, i want the new htc sprint with vista/touchflo. hehehe

I mentioned this in some other thread, but, here it goes again
http://www.pocketables.net/2008/01/htc-advantage-r.html

The ATHENA wish list
Dear HTC,
1) Give us the capability to use our ATHENA WITHOUT speakerphone always ON, we want to put it close to the ear, you know BT is a technology always in BETA testing!
2) Turn the RADIO feature ON (we know it has the hardware capability)
3) FIX the REALVGA issues, give us the power to run programs at different DPI resolution, we know, REALVGA comes from you!
You, dear HTC, have lost the first place in Windows Mobile standard market, improve or die is the lesson, we love your devices, but... 9150 is coming

Nerd question about the Athena...

Hi,
I am considering to get me an Athena and I need some help and advice.
I already own:
1x Blue Angel
2x Universal
1x HP iPaq 514 Voice Messenger
1x VDA GPS (aka Toshiba G710)
I also have an Asus eeePC 701.
My SIM has an internet contract included (100 MB download/month) and I have an USB Internet adapter which I can use i.e. with my eeePC.
Having said this, you probably understand I am a nerd and I like to "collect" phones and gadgets. The reason is simple: I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't waste money on anything, so at least, I think, I can get me some nice phones from time to time. All were bargains, most I got from eBay. The reason I like smartphones is that i carry them around all the time, so I can really have a benefit of owning them. A PS3, for example, may be a nice piece of hardware, but I would not have much time at home to really make use of it.
What do I want to know?
Basically, if you guy's can use the Athena as a phone. Do you REALLY use it as your sole mobile phone, or is it too big and clumsy (specially having to use BT headphone) to make calls?
The Universal is big, but it does fit nice into my back pocket of the jeans - how do you carry the Athena around?
What are the real advantages of an Athena, compared to a Universal? The screen resolution is the same (I guess having a bigger screen, will make the RealVGA usefull - on the Universal things get far too small), the CPU speed can be the same, by overclocking the Universal (actually not overclocking, but letting it run at full speed), the GPS is nice, but can be overcome with an external one (like the one I have).
I know these are lame questions, but 250-300 Euro is still a lot of cash and I want to make sure i don't regret it.
My major concern is that the device is not usable as a phone. I hate carrying two devices with me and that is exactly the problem I have with the eeePC: it's screen is too small to replace a proper laptop and to replace the MDA Pro, I would have to carry two devices with me. That's too much.
So any feedback is appreciated, as I am wondering what would be more USEABLE on a daily basis: an eeePC 1000 (10" screen, 1.6Ghz, 160 GB HDD, battery up to 6 hours...) for around 380 Euro, or an Athena second hand at eBay for around 300 Euro.
The eeePC 1000 has the advantage of replacing a laptop, but the disadvantage of not replacing a phone.
I know, long post, but please shed some light into this.
Thanks,
vma

x7510 a great device
vma said:
What do I want to know?
Basically, if you guy's can use the Athena as a phone. Do you REALLY use it as your sole mobile phone, or is it too big and clumsy (specially having to use BT headphone) to make calls?
The Universal is big, but it does fit nice into my back pocket of the jeans - how do you carry the Athena around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a proud owner of a Blueangel for 4 years and loved it. I started to get tired of it a couple years ago and then I found xda-developers and discovered how to upgrade and turn my old WM2003SE device into a top notch WM6.1 device. Needless to say with all the smaller screen, slower CPU devices on the market I stayed with my trusty BA. That is until I found the x7510. My BA lives in a drawer in the bedroom now, I keep it charged so I have it if I need it, and I use my Athena exclusively for all my phone/PDA needs. I carry it in the back pocket of my blue jeans and it fits fine.
My major concern is that the device is not usable as a phone. I hate carrying two devices with me and that is exactly the problem I have with the eeePC: it's screen is too small to replace a proper laptop and to replace the MDA Pro, I would have to carry two devices with me. That's too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not regretted my upgrade from the BA to the Athena for a second. The only reason I have not sold my BA yet is becuase I have had the Athena for less than 1 month and am keeping it as a backup. I plan to go this weekend to the local market and have a custom belt carry case made for it. I am in Kuwait and it will not cost me much at all for this. The only reason I am doing this is for the added convenience not becuase it is required.

7501 is my everyday device
If yoi look at my sig. I also own quite a few devices. Since acquiring my 7501 6 months ago, I have not used any other of my devices. I used a BT headset with all of my oyher devices anyway. The 7501 is by far the best device I have ever owned.

You can turn the volume all the way down and hold it like a regular phone, with the mic hole by your mouth. Its not perfect and not private in a quiet room, but its useable. I also hate carrying a BT headset all the time for private conversations, but my Jabra BT8010 also gives me caller ID and vibrate, "fixing" several of the major problems with the Athena all at one time. Also gives me a decent stereo headset for MP3 and radio streaming.
I've had mine a year now and will never be able to go back to a smaller phone. The screen is just so much more useable than most other pdas or phones.

Thank you for your replies.
I think I will keep it on hold, though.
I have been researching the Ameo and basically understand that the 7500 and 7501 are basically similar and feature a real Hitachi Microdrive HDD.
The 7510 has a different keyboard and a 16GB SDD Flashdisk and requires a different ROM. I believe it cannot be SIM-Unlocked either.
There seems to be a problem with the Microdrive failing and having read-errors. This is a turn-off for me, when buying from ebay, as this fault is not easy to detect and proove, but surely may be a reason to get rid of such a device at ebay... Yeah, call me a suspicious guy...
The 7510, on the other hand, lacks the joystick and I definitly require that for my ebook reading, which I love. Paginating by touching the screen all the time is not very appealing.
Then there are those who say: go for the 7501, forget about the HDD and just get a 16GB SDHC. The point is: I can get that for my Universal!
So now I am wondering what REAL benefits I would have from an Ameo and I guess I will wait for either a superb bargain at ebay, a new one on sale at a local store (doubt that, however) or until the prices drop further at ebay (below 200 Euro).
Thangs again.
Cheers,
vma

Hi,
I have purchased an Athena these days and here is what I have to say to all those considering the move from the Universal to the Athena.
1) The Universal reached the 100 Euro mark at eBay, while the Athena (7500 version) is being sold at 200 Euro. These are the prices at ebay.de for the MDA Pro / T-Mobile Ameo versions.
2) First impression: the Athena is big. And when I say big, I mean it! I already had played with one in a store, but actually owning one is different, because only then you notice it won't fit in any of your pockets! After using it for 2 days, I picked up my Universal and found myself smiling at the "small" size of it!
3) Second impression: damn! It is a huge device... I will have to carry it in my hand if I want to take it with me. I mean, other people carry a book or a filofax. I now carry this super phone...
4) Funtionality: there is everything you can think of. You get highspeed mobile internet, WLAN, Bluetooth, all possible GSM standards, motion sensor, huge ROM/RAM memory, 8GB microdrive, GPS, ... The Universal not only lacks onboard GPS, it is struggeling with having only 64MB RAM. That is a limitation for the upcoming WM 6.5 firmware releases being cooked. And even with WM 6.1 some limitations exist. Soldering extra 64MB on my Universal is too expensive in my opinion.
5) Screen: the screen is fantastic! Compared to the Universal, though it has the same resolution, it is big enough for the eyes to take advantage of small fonts. After using the Athena, I now look at the Universal screen and I have to admit it is a little bit too small for such a resolution.
6) Keyboard: despide several online reviews stating the opposite, I do like the touch and feel of the keyboard. i would have prefered separate numeric keys, though. Also, I like the Universal's keyboard design better. Having a separate magnetic keyboard is less functional, I think.
7) Pros of the Athena:
- big screen
- speed: fast device
- speed: internet is very fast, pages load much quicker than on the Universal
- GPS: nice to have everything in one device
- memory: yeah! 128 MB RAM plus 8GB storage, plus Mini-SD slot... That rocks! And you can always use a Micro-2-Mini SD card adapter to use the cheaper and more available MicroSD cards
- overall exquisit looking noble device: if you are a hacker, you will survive a lonely day in a hotel room with this beast!
8) Cons of the Athena:
- too big to fit any pocket, specially back trouser pocket...
- keyboard is a bit odd
*** CONCLUSION ***
So, is it worth the change from the Universal?
No.
You should not want to CHANGE from the Universal to the Athena.
You SHOULD have an Athena as a second device, which you use on special days:
- boring days in the office/mother in law/waiting rooms
- meetings (this 200 Euro second hand device will kill all the attention normally spent over iPhones and similar phones at over 600 Euro)
- trips (planes, train and hotels)
Plus, it is simply a gorgeous device, which does appeal to any hacker!
Hope this helped anyone considering which phone to get...

Best way to carry the Athena: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=344605

Just buy it and try it out , it will not cost you an arm and a leg !! If you find it not suitable for whatever reasons , just sell quick it away at 30% loss , you probably bought many devices already , one more wont make you suffer that much i am sure , but many of advantage owners from day one it launched till now really do love it , some to the extremes too , so are you one of us ? , only you can answer this yourself , cheers , take care and enjoy - ok ?