Related
I am so amazingly happy since I made the switch from Universal to Wizard.
The Universal, whilst clearly higher spec, more powerful, more impressive screen etc - was an unusable bit of kit. I battled and battled and battled - I wanted this 'superior' equipment to serve me well. I upgraded and tested various ROMs, tried every minor registry tweak and software trick known to man. Despite everyone in the Universal forum saying it *was* possible to get a solid, fast, reliable setup - I battled hard but never got close. It was still impossible to do the important little things like make or receive calls reliably, perhaps with one hand.
The Wizard is a proper phone - you can hold it between your ear and shoulder whilst stirring pasta with one hand and sipping vodka in the other.
The Wizard has proper buttons, ones that get used. The Universal had a multitude of useless buttons on the side that got pressed by accident thereby hanging Windows so that when you wanted to actually do something you may as well reset. The Universal had stereo speakers for God's sake. STEREO SPEAKERS? Does anyone else see the stupidity of such a thing? The whole point of stereo is that one channel feeds sound to one ear and the other channel to the other ear. What's more, the Wizard's handsfree speaker is clearer and brighter than the Universal's stereo speakers.
On the Wizard, I can make phone calls with one hand. I can pick up calls straight away, with one hand - I press the button and I'm talking immediately. With the Universal, not so. It's a long process involving three steps, invariably failing in most cases resulting in my having to call the other person back. Useless.
Sure, the Universal has a 520MHz processor. And when it's all optimised you really can feel the speed. But frankly that processor power is wasted on the most basic and major functions: the screen flip when answering a call. With the Wizard, sometimes screen flip lags, but thankfully I don't need to wait for the screen to flip just to answer the call!
That little Wizard collapsing stylus is a gem.
Here's what I use my Wizard for. I'm sure we are all used to this amount of functionality from one device - I've had most of it for years. But finally I have something close to the perfect all-in-one, and I'm happy!
Phone
Text messages
Voice command and phone in the car
Alarm clock (using the app Chronos) - how brilliant
Notebook
Calendar
Email on the move
Satellite navigation - tells me to slow down for speed cameras and talks to me when I get lost in London!
Portable music player (gigabyte mini SD card for MP3s)
Camera
Checking the news with RSS reader
Checking the next few days' weather in London from Today screen
I've even experimented with streaming video from my desktop over wireless. Works a treat, can watch a whole episode of The OC.
Yes, I can get rid of my old sat nav unit, my old pda, my old phone, my ipod, my alarm clock. It's everything in one tiny but beautifully usable package. (Actually, not entirely true, see below.)
There is ONE thing I am disappointed with. I had really hoped to eliminate the need for buying myself a new ipod. I am happy with a gigabyte of music - it seems fine to copy music as and when I need it. However I connected up my lovely Shure sound isolating headphones and the quality of the sound wasn't what I had hoped for. So sad about this - good sound would have completed the perfect package. There's just too much noise on the output, and the sound is horribly mid-range distorted. Gutted.
Anyway, I had to get this all out of my system - overall I am a very happy Universal to Wizard convert.
Thanks for listening
Mat
I can confirm all that. I ditched my Universal a week ago and bought a Wizard: Its LIGHTYEARS better in ease of use., speed, etc.
DO NOT BY UNIVERSAL. IT SUCKS BADLY !!!
completely agree. if i wanted a proper tiny computer i would buy a toshiba libretto. not the flawed, heavy and unstable universal.
Sounds right - the thing to remeber is that threse units are no laptops.... they are PDAs with phones ( not phones with PDAs if you see what I mean ).
Having swapped form a Jornada 540 I probably wont see the difrence your talking about but as a I can access most of the major features - Sat Nav / Phone / PIM I'm happy - its a portable viewer and ideal for when I am not in my own car.
Re the Ipod - doubt you'll beat that in this case - thats an Audio device - this is one that can do audio if you see what I mean.
Glad you like the change.
Terran
I'm finding this a very interesting topic.
I've just switched from aHP iPaq hx4705 to a Universal and so far I have been very pleased. however the choice between the Universal and the Wizard was a difficult one for me as I wanted a connected PocketPC / Windows Mobile device as opposed to a phone with a PPC in it.
My iPaq has clearly paid for itself in 15 months and time was right for an upgrade to WM5 and full connectivity. However my decision between these two devices was clouded I had a small chance to play with the Wizard in Dixon's one day when there was no Universal to play with.
And I liked it. Small, responsive, good lucks, surprising good keyboard (I wasn't sure what to expect to be honest) - all in all very good.
However I need to run a couple of power apps - PI and Planmaker - and I wasn't sure how it would cope.
I then had a try on a Universal in a O2 shop and I liked that. Everything looked good especially the screen (smaller than my iPaq but possibly even better quality) and the general speed.
So I got to the point to go for one of these. Initial cost wasn't a big deal as I was getting it on a contract with only about £50 difference between the two. And at this price £50 isn't enough to worry about.
I've currently got a Universal and am typing this out on it now. I'm loving it but that doesn't mean that the Wizard wouldn't also suit me as well. I have another 11 days before I lose the chance to take this back and swap it and I would really like to know from those of you using the Wizard how it copes with things like Planmaker due to the processor and the smaller screen size.
What a difficult choice though?! Two great devices to choose between.
I have an xda exec and xda mini s or wizard (two separate contracts). Both brill bits of kit. I use the exec for planmaker and textmaker and the xda mini just as a bit of fun. I like gadgets. You can't fault either device. I use both equally but for different purposes. I also used to have ipaq's for years but i wanted thephone functionality. The exec makes a wonderful mini laptop and the wizard a super ppc. If you shop around you can get bothdevices on contracts which added together give you a great deal in minutes+texts etc. yet give you the devices at a bargain price.
best wishes
Patricia
I agree. There really are some amazing devices out there at the moment and I am really pleased to be using one of them.
At the moment I can't see me getting rid of the Universal for a Wizard but that is because I have a clear idea of what I am after in this device. The Universal I know already after a few days is meeting my full needs.
Maybe if things go well I can buy a Wizard sometime late in 2006 when I guess they will drop in price! Just don't tell the wife!
dnt regret my purchase of a wizard. hope it stands the test of time and I'm using it for a long time. I think the trick to enjoying it is to remember in reality its your phone, everything else is a bonus.
i like to have 2 or 3 devices on the go and find if u shop around u can get really good deals recooping losses later by selling the devices on.the wizard is being offered for a small price on contract and like all similar devices will hold its value so why wait.i enjoy using the exec and wizardand find both equal as regards performance and functionality.planmaker, textmaker and tom tom work great on the exec whereas i use the wizard more for the phone side.
my other half uses tom tom but finds everything else a waste of time.i always have to explain that when we broke down in france this year in the motorhome my devices came to the rescue. tom tom for navigation and the predecessor to the xda mini a magician a great way to communicate to the rescue service and to find the nearest garage for repairs etc.
best wishes
patricia
Wizard v Universal
The wizard really is a great piece of kit but the BIG disadvantage for me is the missing 3G radio.
We have been crying out for this type of pocket pc ever since 3G was launched and I must say the breach has been filled admirably.
Obviously size is important and having owned both (and still do) I would agree that that the universal platform is not the most stable and the last thing you want to do is take a call on the Universal whilst in public
I have managed to incorporate all the settings taken from a symbian platform handset ie Nokia 6680 and managed to use the device successfully even browsing with the '3' homepage. The security of the '3' was the most difficult to crack and I can now download the various downloads offered by the cheapest network.
I also have subscribed to the £45 package which gives you 512mb of bundled data which allows me to visit other sites now the 'garden wall' has been demolished once and for all. This really is where the universal comes into its own.
One thing I will agree with is the size prevents use as a normal handset so I use a bluetooth headset with the appopriate hacks from the wi-ki developers page.
I cant help thinking that the Universal would be a far slimmer device if they hadn't incorporated the keyboard which I find absolutely useless due to my prolonged use of the graffiti facility(far quicker to write anyway).
I look forward to a new alternative to the Universal which may do away with the keypad once and for all. This should make the device a more suitable size instead of the similarities with the old handhelds ie HP 720 and the like which I'm sure many of us remember.
I think this is crucial given that devices like the Sony Ericsson P990i are just about to be launched with 3g capability and many people will see this as a more pocketable phone/pda. Not in the same league I agree as a windows mobile 5 device but still blessed with a good email client and now of course wi-fi.
Just my personal experience but I felt necessary to post in order to even things up a little bit.
Re: Wizard v Universal
jonboy8841 said:
The wizard really is a great piece of kit but the BIG disadvantage for me is the missing 3G radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 things... is it '3' that no longer have a walleed garden ? Im just curious...
Re 3G ( and I know this is Off topic ) - is it me or is there no actual use for 3G for joe public ? Yes I can understand business use and to a certian point show off to your mates video calling but until its on all networks and all phones ( inc fixed ) in all contries its best feature wont be used... again another reason to go for the Wizard rather than Universal.
Terran
PS Before any one says 'but you can watch TV' DVB-H will kick that in to touch soon
3G makes a BIG difference if you actually go websurfing... (which is actually the only reason I find it interesting, I really don't care about video calling, actually I really hope it wont become standard for a long time)
I don't have a universal, but I'm guessing the bigger screen (and more importantly resolution), along with the 3G, makes it perfectly suitable to websurfing.
Universal is a great gadget, but it is not a usable phone. The way I see it it can be used as a small notebook, provided you don't expect too much. VGA and UMTS are great for browsing and mail. Also connected with BT mouse it can be used for Word or Excel (TextMaker and PlanMaker) and even Project. The issue is only that lack of USB Host and no Video out mean it can't be used as full laptop. So it comes down to personal preference and at least for Phone and PDA I'm going with Wizard for small notebook we'll see...
Finraziel said:
3G makes a BIG difference if you actually go websurfing... (which is actually the only reason I find it interesting, I really don't care about video calling, actually I really hope it wont become standard for a long time)
I don't have a universal, but I'm guessing the bigger screen (and more importantly resolution), along with the 3G, makes it perfectly suitable to websurfing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wizzard supports EDGE, it is more than enough to do web-sirfing..
It's really interesting to see how different members use their devices-I didn't realise when i first purchased the exec that i needed a different sim card and tariff to use 3g. I think 3g is also more expensive and as other members have commented limited by network coverage and most people still having basic handsets. None of my contacts use 3g-in fact they find my interest in these amazing gadgets bemusing, eccentric...This doesn't bother me but thankgoodness there are othersout there who share my interest.
I really didn't think that the difference between 3g and a good gprs was much. i played with both in the o2 shop and couldn't think of a reason to buy the universal, although it does have a few advantages.
FYI I have a vodaphone 3g motorola 770 as my main phone (cost £90 payg) and I successfully linked the wizard to it via bluetooth and surfed at 3g speed. So I have the option if needed.
One other advantage to 3G is that in a few months you will be able to dial into video servers that will have news, television, etc going over the circuit switched network, so you'll have much more reliable and responsive service, if you're willing to use your video minutes on it.
With the new ROM, i'm glad i didn't give up my universal. It is now worlds faster WITHOUT any tweaking, and even more with tweaking.
I also had the Universal or WIzard dilema and only one factor mattered to me : SCREEN REAL ESTATE!
Guess who won
Me = Wizard ---> Universal
Agree Jorgee.
The universal with the latest O2 rom is working super. With the next rom update, with radio version 1.09 and push email it will be even better.
I had a wizard for a few months and had to get rid of it.
Firstly note that I do not use either as a phone. i have a small cell phone for voice calls. I use these devices as my pocket pc with data only tariffs (a key advantage of o2 above all the other providers).
In this context the Wizard is really not a player:
1. Terribly slow cpu and os
2. Screen too small
3. No VGA.
4. Too slow to run skype well
5. Too thick (universal is thinner) - difficult to fit in backpack with papers.
6. Horrible stylus
7. Minisd card. All my deivces use SD. Its another std too far.
8. Non-std headphone socket
9. No 3g. GPRS web browsing is a joke.
Sry guys, but as a PDA there is no contest!
Hi,
does anybody have any recommendations abt bluetooth gps reciever?
Example: http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/item.aspx?itemid=6009
What is important to think abt when you buy a GPS reciever?
Royaltek RBT-2010...
SirfIII, 17 hrs battery, small, light and cheap.... marvellous!
A week with it and I'm still astonished about the skills of this GPS.
Look for reviews of it and check it!
Thanks for the tip!
Googled but only got results in: spanish, italian, russian or german sites!!! Don´t know any of these languages.
My guess is that it´s called something else in other countries. Anyone knows?
I've got one like this Oasis Media Bluetooth GPS Receiver: € 79,-
www.pdashop.nl probably in others shop as well
M
I can recommend the Holux GPSlim 236. It lasts about 10 hours, is small, light and very good at acquiring and keeping a signal (it's SirfStar III).
Generally you should go for a SirfStar III these days, especially if you want to use it in cities with tall buildings or out hiking in woods.
There is one slight problem with them however. For car mode you should really engage static navigation mode (this prevents the map rotating or recalculating when you are travellig very slowly or stopped). But for hiking and geocaching you really need to have static navigation turned off. There is a windows app that can switch it on or off but I've found that the pda app to do the same doesn't seem to work on my setup. I therefore use mine with static navigation turned off and get the occasional recalculation and map spins.
Thanks for your reply!
Are there differences between recievers considering static navigation mode? What I mean is if it´s in the software you do the setting or if you change directly at the reciever unit?
Been looking at this one;
http://www.dustin.se/DustinPictures/PDF/G/5010079858.pdf
Nice one, how about the price?
In Sweden the best price is abt 125 euro. Plus delivery costs.
Hmm,
That's about the same price I paid 8 months ago for my GPS, simular to the Oasis one I posted. A collegue of me bought a SirfStar III GPS 2 months ago for around €160, you're deal is much better (depending on the shipping costs). We tested both devices & his device got a lock on more satellites & quicker as well.
So it's up to you whether you want to pay twice the price for the better GPS. Usually my GPS works fine even in cities, but I guess a SirfStar III chipset will be much more capable with tall buildings. I'd go for a SirfStar III chipset, when I had to buy one now & knowing my own experiences.
Regards, M
emil73 said:
Thanks for your reply!
Are there differences between recievers considering static navigation mode? What I mean is if it´s in the software you do the setting or if you change directly at the reciever unit?
Been looking at this one;
http://www.dustin.se/DustinPictures/PDF/G/5010079858.pdf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some manufacturers of SirfStar III GPS may provide their own software for switching between modes - but they may not. The software I use on the PC is provided by someone at SirfStar I think. As I said it works fine on the PC but obviously you really need it on your pocketPC. So far I haven't found any software that will change modes on the pocketPC - I have software but it doesn't seem to work. Maybe someone here can suggest pocketPC software for switching modes?
At the moment I leave mine with static navigation off and it doesn't have too much of an effect on car navigation where I drive.
The PC software seems to allow you to also alter the signal strength at which a satellite's data is disregarded. Upping this a little may help with the problem at the slight disadvantage of making the receiver a little less sensitive. I think you could lower it a reasonable amount and still have a sensitive receiver - mine works fine in the glovebox and I can get a fix in the middle of my house - that's how sensitive they are!
Look on manufacter page http://www.royaltek.com/content/view/97/27/
about the Royaltek. It's in english (or Chinesse :lol: ) and you can search there for a distributor in Sweden.
Good luck!
I still use my old XDA 1 (Himilaya) for sat nav (running TomTom5 - haven't upgraded to 6 yet) with a wired GPS mouse, so both the GPS receiver and XDA are always charging when the ignition is on/engine running. I leave all that kit in the car all the time. I've also got an MDA Pro (Universal) and am thinking of using that for TomTom instead because:
a) Take advantage of the data tariff on it and subscribe to Traffic Plus (or whatever TomTom call it)
b) I also intend to get a Parrot CK bluetooth add on for the car (allow the car speakers to be part of a speakerphone) so I can make/receive calls and also listen to WMAs whilst driving (I hate all headphones)
So, questions.
1) TomTom5 works really well on the original XDA 1 (no crashes, smooth scrolling, very responsive, etc). Will it work just as well on my Universal?
2) If using the traffic service (over GPRS/UMTS), will voice calls still come through OK? T Mobile UK
3) Would pretty much any BT GPS unit off ebay be OK?
4) How long do the batteries last before needing a charge on these BT units?
5) Are there any wired solutions, so I don't need batteries and the Universal could also be on charge? I'd much prefer that.
6) Is the traffic service good? I mean, does it warn/reroute you sufficiently in advance? Does it know, for instance, that some roads are always slow and avoid them?
7) Anything in TomTom6 worth the ugprade over 5?
Or should I forget the traffic (and still rely on the radio) and just stick to the satus quo, or maybe still get the BT thing for MP3/WMAs? Anyone got any experience of a similar setup to report? TomTom5 on the XDA is one of very few tech products with which I'm completely and utterly happy.
Can no one help on any of the questions?
Hi Xiasma,
I sell a Car Kit for £40, which sounds like it should do what you want.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/shop/xcart/T-Mobile-MDA-PRO-Handsfree-Custom-Car-Kit-with-speaker-pr-36.html
It'll charge your phone and GPS at the same time, amplify the voice, etc. and comes with 3 different mounts to attach to your car. I haven't sold many and one person is complaining about people not hearing him when he makes recieves a call, although we've proved that the microphone is working correctly. See this thread for an in depth discussion on pro's, con's, etc.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/phpBB-2.0.18/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=275
I have no experiance of other solutions, but I think that as you have problems with loudspeaker, you'll have the same trouble as the guy in the thread. The thread goes on a bit, but I think you'll find it usefull.
Any bluetooth GPS reciever should work well with your phone, but I'd advise going for one with a Sirf III chipset, people seem to find them much better than sirf II. I have some new ones due in next week around the £50 mark, which sound a better deal than any others I sell at the minute.
HTH
Dave
That's great, Dave, thanks. It's got a built in microphone, but does it have line out so I could have the sound going through my car speakers (ie for MP3 and the like)? That would be perfect. Well, almost, I'd prefer to mount the MDA Pro open with the keyboard underneath - I guess this won't allow that, will it?
How many hours use does a good BT GPS unit last between charges?
Hi Xiasma,
unfortunately it doesn't have a line out, but I've seen Y-adapters around for a few pence which could well serve the purpose you require.
As you wish to plug it into your stereo anyway, you don't neccessarily need an amplified mount. Herbert Richter make several suitable mounts and a body which will hold your device with the keyboard open. (Laptop Style) It has cutouts for most buttons, sockets, etc. So you could easily plug your phone in to charge and connect it to your stereo.
Heres a good GPS reciever, the manufacturer claims the battery will last 11 hours. I honestly haven't tested one myself, so I don't know how accurate this info is.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/shop/xcart/GlobalSat-359S-Sirf-III-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-pr-42.html
HTH
Dave
As 2007 draws to a close, I have - thanks in large part to the people here on this forum - got pretty much a perfect setup going. I thought I'd share it with you:
I use my Ameo mainly for organising my work and personal life (a Filofax replacement if you like). I upgraded to the X-Black WM6 rom provided by your goodselves and as a by-product had to unlock the beast with a well-known program also supplied here (programmer may be rude, but he is certainly talented). This enabled me to insert my work SIM and to fully utilse the exchange-based activesync provided from work.
- Work/personal life updates, sorted
- Work E-mail, sorted
I have set up my home e-mail as IMAP and the server there is configured to use dynamic dns. Home e-mail on the Ameo configured to use gmail as SMTP client, leaving it fully mobile.
- Home E-mail, sorted.
The Ameo is kind of clunky to use a a phone. Thanks to this forum I found the LG I-style to use as a handset (ebay) - by FAR the best option I have used so far
- Work/Home Phone, sorted
In the car I have Brodit holder wired in (using the much more elegant Dashmount bracket rather then the ungainly Brodit), giving me power and a great looking platform for GPS functionality. Also just installed is Blaupunkt radio with integrated bluetooth so I can utilise the phone "on the go". As I get in the car, turn off the LG I-style and the Blaupunkt connects in its place. Seemless.
- Car Phone, sorted
- GPS (car), sorted
For music on the move, I have an I-tec bluetooth/radio with some really decent earphones. When I am travelling listening to music, this can connect instead of the I-style, switching between music and phone calls
- Music/mobile Phone, sorted
And finally, in my airplane I have configured my Pilot knee-pad to use the magnetic points on the Ameo to hold it in place whilst I am flying.
- GPS (Aviation), sorted
So with all that in place, could it be better? Well I bought the Ameo in the first place due to screen size (for flying), so I am happy with that. The keyboard I love (ex Psion Netbook, so of course I would) and the ability to leave it aside when not required is great. The WM6 is a HUGE improvement in both speed and stability over the original ROM. The only thing I think I would alter is the micro-drive - would love to swap for SSD version to achieve lighter weight and speedier access time.
And what am I carrying? - well normally just the main unit (without k/board, slipped into inside pocket) plus the I-style hand set. In my briefcase is the I-tec and the headphones plus spare battery. Total weight around 400g and it will all fit into suit pockets without spoiling the cut (the beer-belly does that without any help)
Let me know if you have any thoughts for improvements. Either way, thanks for all your help, especially the talented ones (let me know if you appreciatee contributions as this sort of work should not go unpaid).
Have a great Christmas and a better 2008.
Robert
Thanks for the well-written info
This is a great post: helpful, informative, inspiring. Thanks for taking the time to give back to the community!
I might take a leaf out of your book and try some of your ideas. I have kept a bog standard Ameo from T-Mobile in the UK which I bought 6 months ago. I always wanted to try upgrading to WM6 but I haven't found anywhere that will walk me through step by step. I think you just convinced me.
The keyboard broke on my Ameo (now has poor connectivity) so I'm hoping to get a Bluetooth keyboard as a replacement for Christmas.
The microphone and ear buds also are a bit dodgy now - I bought a "Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset" so I can make calls but I'm not too happy with it - I might get a "LG BLUETOOTH STYLE-i HBM-700 HEADSET" like you suggest.
I understand your reticence - I held back for many months before taking the plunge.
There are a few step-by-step guides to the upgrade (see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=347240) and it is worthwhile taking a few lunch-times to run through the threads here on the site. Then when you have a full evening spare, go through methodically.
Good luck
Robert
Mrsums said:
As 2007 draws to a close, I have - thanks in large part to the people here on this forum - got pretty much a perfect setup going. I thought I'd share it with you:
I use my Ameo mainly for organising my work and personal life (a Filofax replacement if you like). I upgraded to the X-Black WM6 rom provided by your goodselves and as a by-product had to unlock the beast with a well-known program also supplied here (programmer may be rude, but he is certainly talented). This enabled me to insert my work SIM and to fully utilse the exchange-based activesync provided from work.
- Work/personal life updates, sorted
- Work E-mail, sorted
I have set up my home e-mail as IMAP and the server there is configured to use dynamic dns. Home e-mail on the Ameo configured to use gmail as SMTP client, leaving it fully mobile.
- Home E-mail, sorted.
The Ameo is kind of clunky to use a a phone. Thanks to this forum I found the LG I-style to use as a handset (ebay) - by FAR the best option I have used so far
- Work/Home Phone, sorted
In the car I have Brodit holder wired in (using the much more elegant Dashmount bracket rather then the ungainly Brodit), giving me power and a great looking platform for GPS functionality. Also just installed is Blaupunkt radio with integrated bluetooth so I can utilise the phone "on the go". As I get in the car, turn off the LG I-style and the Blaupunkt connects in its place. Seemless.
- Car Phone, sorted
- GPS (car), sorted
For music on the move, I have an I-tec bluetooth/radio with some really decent earphones. When I am travelling listening to music, this can connect instead of the I-style, switching between music and phone calls
- Music/mobile Phone, sorted
And finally, in my airplane I have configured my Pilot knee-pad to use the magnetic points on the Ameo to hold it in place whilst I am flying.
- GPS (Aviation), sorted
So with all that in place, could it be better? Well I bought the Ameo in the first place due to screen size (for flying), so I am happy with that. The keyboard I love (ex Psion Netbook, so of course I would) and the ability to leave it aside when not required is great. The WM6 is a HUGE improvement in both speed and stability over the original ROM. The only thing I think I would alter is the micro-drive - would love to swap for SSD version to achieve lighter weight and speedier access time.
And what am I carrying? - well normally just the main unit (without k/board, slipped into inside pocket) plus the I-style hand set. In my briefcase is the I-tec and the headphones plus spare battery. Total weight around 400g and it will all fit into suit pockets without spoiling the cut (the beer-belly does that without any help)
Let me know if you have any thoughts for improvements. Either way, thanks for all your help, especially the talented ones (let me know if you appreciatee contributions as this sort of work should not go unpaid).
Have a great Christmas and a better 2008.
Robert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
enjoy the phone and glad to hear another person is satisfied with this beast we call the athena.
It was kinda long fight but now i'm really satisfied with my Athena too.
The main reason for getting an Athena was the need to Remote Control of some Servers we got running under Windows and Linux. So i needed a device running Putty and Remote Desktop with UMTS speed.
A device with a Screen Resolution and Screen Size of the Athena is perfect for this.
When i got My Athena wich came as T-Mobile Ameo i was extremly disappointed with the T-Mobile WM5 running on it.
It was unstable, slow and nearly unusable for the things i really needed it to do.
So i tried the T-Mobile Upgrade to WM6 but still wasn't very pleased with it.
I decided to unlock the device and install the Athena Projekt Black WM6 ROM and it sorted out that running this ROM with RealVGA at the 128dpi setting made the Athena usable. It ran stable and with an acceptable speed but there was to much crap installed so i reinstalled the Athene Projekt ROM without the software in the EXTRom and finally had the device i wanted.
After setting up some extra Software like
- Navigon6
- Mort Player
- RemoteDesktop for WM6
- putty
- TCPMP
- HTC Home (the new one)
- Total Commander
- PocketVNC
- pBar
- Pocket CM (really stylish Contact Manager)
- PCM Keyboard (finally an usable OnScreen keyboard)
- SIM Display (really useful beacuse i use an Anlago DualSIM Adapter)
and some Registry Haking to get a German Keyboard Setting i had a really usable Device.
This setup runs for 8 weeks now. No Softreset since then, no SystemCrash.. just a really good working Device.
Usually i carry the Athena without Keyboard because the PCMKeyboard really works good and can be used with the fingers.
Only thing left is finding a good and usable Headset
If you know what to use it for, the Athena really rocks.
Hello all! I am curious if free GPS (no data plan, just free GPS service) is available on the HTC 8525? I am really liking the Tilt [8925] with the full-keyboard, GPS, wi-fi, and 3 Megapixel camera, but I see that the HTC 8525 has a full-keyboard, wi-fi, and a 2 Megapixel camera. I can live with the 2-MP camera, but I really would like the GPS for free, if possible. Is there a GPS freeware software made for the 8525? Could the 8925 GPS software be installed on the 8525 with no issues?
Sorry if this sounds too easy. I am very inexperienced in "modding" a cell phone (my latest is making an old Motorola v120e WAP-enabled -- 4 years ago before cell phone carriers charged for it!). Back to the topic, if the GPS software requires modding the 8525, I would like a "modding for dummies" step-by-step instruction in layman's terms, and hopefully a guarantee that it won't fry the cell.
Lastly, if anyone has the 8525, would you be so kind as to critique it, compared to the 8925 if possible?
Thanks in advance!
Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).
ohpfan said:
Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GPS software that you can use on the Tilt can be used on the 8525. That's not really the problem. The issue is that the 8525 has no built in working GPS hardware. So this means you have to use a small bluetooth GPS receiver. It actually works well but you have to carry the bluetooth receiver in your pocket / car.
Mike
Interesting! I never knew that Bluetooth GPS existed! A BT-359 costs $46.95, which isn't too bad.
Sorry to get slightly off-topic, but what are the requirements for a handset to have, to be able to use that Bluetooth GPS device? I have the Samsung A707 Sync currently, would it be compatible with that handset? If so, would I need to get on an unlimited data rate plan [$30/month], or just by buying the GPS device, it covers all costs to using it? Is the software to put into the Sync included, or do I have to pay for it? I just use the Sync for voice calls (no texting/data messaging), but a hand-held GPS is pretty cool, especially when it's built-in to the cellular phone!
Thanks for your help!
Sorry, can't say about your Samsung A707 but if you connect via bluetooth there are NO charges to use the GPS software (apart from getting the sodftware and maps) as long as its not something that constantly requires updating through the GPRS system. But thats just crazy to do... Better to get a standalone GPS program, I've got Tomtom, and purchase maps.
Cheers....
mikechannon said:
But the advantage of having a program that you can buy a map/s for is that it will operate more smoothly in my experience as the map is held in your device.
The GPS Sirf III receiver I use is:
http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=120534
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the info! This is still all new to me, so forgive any stupid questions. Is there a difference between different Bluetooth models, besides the obvious rechargeable battery or included AC or DC power adapter?
I'm still unsure how this all works. What exactly does the Bluetooth adapter do, if the maps are stored on the cell phone? Like does it have up-to-date POI (points-of-interest) or are those required to be downloaded?
By the way, I have decided not to go with the 8525 at this point. I am still considering buying a Tilt (8925) if the Bluetooth adapter sounds too difficult to match up to my cell phone. (I understand that neither of you know for a fact if the Sync can get the maps loaded into it.)
Thanks again for any new info!
As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...
Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike
ultramag69 said:
As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply! I don't currently own the Hermes 8525; I seen it on eBay for the price I mentioned earlier and was considering buying it. About 15 minutes later, I realized it's intended for T-mobile service, which I know can be unlocked to any SIM-card compatible company (i.e. AT&T/Cingular in the States) for a fee.
I am a bit unsure what you mean by "Standalone" though. I presume you don't have a "ready out of the box" GPS system with viewing screen, but the only other option I can think of is you put the memory card into the cell phone (or a PDA / laptop PC).
My Bluetooth-compatible cell phone has a MicroSD memory card slot on it, and I have the SD card adapter where I can put songs, pictures, and text files onto my cell phone via the memory card. Therefore,all that is needed is a memory-card compatible cell phone, and then download maps to the memory card and insert it into the cell phone. If that's the case, then I should be set! I would only need to find a Bluetooth GPS adapter (with 25 channels for best results). Am I correct on this understanding?
I heard that there are a few free map sites online, do they offer POIs for free too? I am going on my honeymoon in Los Angeles, CA and would really like to just use my cell phone with the above features on it with the Bluetooth adapter for convenience as well as not having to carry a full-size GPS with me.]
Another silly question, if you don't mind. Do the Bluetooth adapters work on more than one device at a time? For instance, my Sync A707 cell phone and my fiancee's Blackberry Pearl could each have a copy of the maps. Would the receiver work on both cells at the same time; or is it only pairable to one at a time? For the above scenario, we would have to both be within the amount of feet required to receive the Bluetooth signal, of course. [Since we're on our honeymoon on the other side of the U.S., I doubt we'd be separated that far away.]
ultramag69 said:
Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that helped me understand it much better than before. Not to belittle ultra, but I was thinking the cellular phone had to have 25 channels, but he meant the Bluetooth adapter should have 25 channels for best results.
I am considering a Hermes and probably will be getting one shortly within a week. I am not the OP, but either way thanks for the info. Which TomTom version is best on the Hermes - and which reciever is best with TomTom. Or is there a better GPS software for the hermes. Thanks again for all the info. I have been active on the Excalibur section, but have been interested in getting a Hermes as my next phone.
To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.
es_bih said:
To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.
ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...
ohpfan said:
Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi
abc12345 said:
I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, geez that eBay member sure didn't do his research then! Thanks for that info too!! I even looked on CNet to compare models and it didn't mention the 8525 has Wi-fi in it.
To ultra: I will check tonight about if my cell can support GPS. Been a busy weekend here, so not much time online.
ultramag69 said:
ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just found out that the Sync uses a proprietary firmware, so I would say no to Windows OS . From my understanding, the Java in my Sync phone doesn't accept Bluetooth is why the GPS isn't able to work. Unless there's an updated Java that supports Bluetooth, I am not able to use my current cell. Which leads to the question: Is there a "universal" Java update for Bluetooth support, or is it cell phone specific?
OK, I found a nice price for a 8525 on eBay, only $115 (including shipping) for one that is sold "as-is," but it doesn't sound like anything other than a battery or charger is wrong with it. I purchased it, and should be shipped on Wednesday. I will keep you all informed on what happens with it when I get it! Once I get it working, I'll go for the Bluetooth adapter later on.
Just a little update ... there is another Sync user who is trying to get the Samsung u600 firmware "altered" so that the Sync can use the Bluetooth GPS adapter.
Hi, I'm back again, with an AT&T-replaced reconditioned 8525. It's really strange, that I've made a full circle once again, after about a month of asking this question! I am now a bit wiser, and hopefully not as naive, as before!
As mentioned in other threads, I've updated to WM6 already. I am back on eBay looking for Bluetooth GPS adapters. Ultra mentioned earlier to look for a 25+ channel model, which I found two that meet or exceed that data.
My research has found the lowest price [shipping/handling-included] at $39.90 for a BT-5 (12 channels); the next one up at $44.48 for a Sirf-3 (12 to 16 channels); and the last at $44.99 for a BT5721 (44 channels).
The obvious choice is the BT5721 for only $5.09 more than the cheaper BT-5 model, but has anyone had experience with any of the 3 models mentioned? Also, it seems that the TomTom brand is predominant in the U.S., but how reliable is the software -- does it hang, lock up, etc.? I don't want to first experiment with it on my honeymoon and get the other half upset for being lost in the 'hood.
I will consider any suggestions for what models to buy, be it from any of the 3 above, or other ones. I would like to spend no more than $45, as the BT5721 seems the best deal right now!
I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites BUT I had a 16 channel receiver and got BAD signal coverage (around urban environments especially). At one point my GPS software was telling me I was in the middle of Sydney Harbour (but to take the next right - don't ask me Tomtom did it...).
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
Others may have a different opinion but I believe the one with the most channels is money well spent, and the petrol you save running around in circles trying to get a GPS fix & trying to work out WHERE THE HELL YOU ARE (not to mention the high blood pressure and hair replacement costs) more than make up for the "extra" $$$$$...
Cheers...
ultramag69 said:
I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites
. . .
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! After I posted on here, I located a 51-channel solar Bluetooth GPS -- the BT2.3MR (not available "Buy it Now" but first one I monitored sold for $56). To see the item I'm talking about, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Solar-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-51-Channels-free-ship_W0QQitemZ300246493051. Are there any issues with solar-powered GPS devices? Or are they too new to even get feedback on?
I will keep looking for a 52-channel GPS receiver, as I'm pretty frugal with my money on eBay. Thanks again!