HTC Universal and The USA - JASJAR, XDA Exec, MDA Pro General

I've had the Wallaby since T-Mobile (USA) offered it (I think about three years). I've gotten a lot of good use out of it, mostly thanks to this forum. However, it's time for me to upgrade, and I'd like some feedback from everyone.
First, I'd like to upgrade to a device that has an intergraded keyboard, since my wife has the h4355 and, comparing usage of her device to mine in that respect, it is indispensable in my opinion. So if I upgraded now I would like to get a Blue Angel clone.
But, all these glowing reviews and pictures of the HTC Universal tempt me to wait to upgrade. It truly looks like a dream device!
Since I live in the USA, though, our carriers may not pick this up for another year (if at all?), and at my rate of years-per-upgrade I would probably miss out on quite a bit. So here are what seem to be my choices at the moment:
1.) Forget about getting my hands on the Universal for the next year (or longer), upgrade to the BA now.
2.) Wait until it is released in Europe and probably pay well over $1000 to buy it from a third party.
3.) It is worth the wait for a US carrier to pick it up. It may be a shorter time than I think.
4.) Other.
So which would you do?
Other things to keep in mind are that there are no decent BA's currently offered by any of the US carriers, they are all stripped versions, minus this feature or that feature. So I would have to get one of those from Europe anyway. Do you think US carriers will strip the Universal the same way they have with the BA? Additionally, as someone else previously mentioned, how much do you expect the Universal to be, if the BA is currently around $800?
Can anyone offer any speculation of cost or release date in the USA?
Thanks for the feedback!
Shawn

I think that the universal keyboard will be better than the thumboard on the BA - so you should not buy a BA now, unless you REALLY need something now.
The Universal will be released in europe probably sometime in september from what I have been hearing, so you can get it in a few months for the "normal" price of 900-1200 (which is what the range was for the BA when it originally came out)
It is not likely that US carriers will release this. *maybe* T-mobile will release it, but judging from their past history, it seems unlikely.
Cingular will DEFINATELLY not release it because it lacks GSM 850. Also the UMTS band that is on the universal is not 1900/850 which is what Cingular uses and will use in the future. if the universal was quadband GSM and triband UMTS it might have been a different story.
If you are on the T-Mo network and really want it, just get it when it gets released in europe. That way you have form, function and the WOW factor since it wont be released in the US
Note to HTC: please, please, please make the next version of the universal quadband GSM and at least dual band UMTS (1900/2100)

I will select the "WAIT" if I were you, T-Mobile in NYC was not able to setup my Qetk 9090 on GPRS, the anwser of their failure... we do not know this device... :? (however I succeed to make it work) But I would also wait, PocketPC Italia is talking about 2 devices this year and more coming in 2006 It only depends on how "wealthy" you are but well if you purchase the Universal and that a 9090 like shows up... what will you do?
By the way if you are in the Chicago area you may find a lost Universal
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/_assets/video/TechEd/Final-MobilityV7-300K.wvx
Bottom line this is a nice devie not SO big but the lack of Screen control on the body (like a communicator) may make it borring to use (my 2 cents)

Perhaps North American users can wait and hope for an 850 MHz model, like done with the JAM.

i voted other
i dont know whyi anybody that has already a HTC machine capable of using win2005 will upgrade for a company that dont support the machines they build.
i will stay with my qtek2020 and if i dont have 2005 for it i will choose another manufacter....
........

Re: i voted other
rictec said:
i dont know whyi anybody that has already a HTC machine capable of using win2005 will upgrade for a company that dont support the machines they build.
i will stay with my qtek2020 and if i dont have 2005 for it i will choose another manufacter....
........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some people on earth, like, who are FED UP of only being able to use his 9090 only when he is outside of his country... In Japan we ONLY HAVE 3G... and I cannot use the phone function of my 9090 that I love when I m in a GSM country... so I will buy again and again and again ANY HTC Products simply because of their amazing quality and potential (look around can you cook an iPAQ 4700 or a Treo? and how EASY it is to change a rom) and with a Phone capability...
Cheers

Related

A CDMA version of the HTC Universal?

Since the Apache has come out so close to the Wizard, does anyone (especially the monitors of forums) have any news of a CDMA version of the Universal? Some people on other sites have mentioned that it was possible that Imate might announce a CDMA version in September at a conference (whose name I forget). I would think that for the U.S.A. customers, Audiovox would be the rebrander (especially for me given that I am with Verizon). Does anyone know someone at Audiovox who would be in the know?
Also does anyone know some of the latest on this device? Is it going to have the graphic accelerater like the Dell Axim x50v. That device is amazing for graphics, videos look amazing and I think there is some games coming out soon that will take advantage of the chip.
I would also be very interested in a CDMA version of this phone. Specifically, a Sprint version. Oh man, it would be awesome if SPrint got a CDMA version running that graphics chip...
Gentelman, for now just go ahead and exhale! If it took almost 2 years to bring BA to the other side, CDMA, I can only imagine what this will take. I would love to have it myself but I think there is a better chance os getting a GSM version than CDMA. But who knows, I hope I am wrong about this one.
Well, there is a CDMA Wizard, so why not a CDMA Universal? Speaking of that, we need a Wizard section on this site...
Has anyone else heard more about a CDMA version of the Universal? I got confirmation from my VZW business rep yesterday, that Audiovox has a new phone that will going into testing that matches the Apache's specs. No release date yet though. I would imagine that Audiovox would rebrand this phone for the American CDMA like they did for the Blue Angel.
The Apache is a CDMA Wizard. It's scheduled for release on Sprint as the Audiovox (or whatever their new name is) PPC-6700 in September or October.
The Universal would be awesome though. We do need a CDMA version and we need to know about it before we all go out and buy the Wizard, lol.
SaltyDawg said:
The Apache is a CDMA Wizard. It's scheduled for release on Sprint as the Audiovox (or whatever their new name is) PPC-6700 in September or October.
The Universal would be awesome though. We do need a CDMA version and we need to know about it before we all go out and buy the Wizard, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I think that I am going to buy the Apache, hopefully next month, and then hope that by the beginning of the year that the CDMA Universal is released. Then I am going to give the Apache to my wife, so that she can stay organized. She has been dying for a camera phone and I have been wanting her to get organized, so this would be a great phone for her.
I'm buying the Apache for my wife too. As soon as it comes out. And I'm also buying one for myself (unless there are rumors of a CDMA Universal making it to Sprint). So, hopefully we will hear about a CDMA Universal and the potential carriers before the Apache is released. I would sure hate to have to come up with the money for a Universal right after buying 2 Apaches.
Yeah I would say so. That is expensive buyer's remorse.

IMPORTANT question about the US version of the Hermes

how accurate is this information ?
As feared, Cingular is crippling yet another phone for the US market. The highly anticipated and much drooled over HTC TyTn (Hermes) next generation Windows Mobile device will indeed be arriving stateside this year, but with its front video-eye gouged out and the video-phoning software disabled. Here are the leaked photos of the Yankee bound device thanks to msmobiles.com. While this is still an excellent phone and destined to be a best seller, why is the American market continually forced to deal with delayed, disabled, and walled-off handset releases?
If this is true wouldn't it be reasonable to give up the luxury of carrier warranty and buy the European version of this phone ?
The information appears accurate, but it may be a moot point: At this time, Cingular is not supporting/enabling the videocalling feature on its network.
So, even if you buy the HTC TyTN version of the device (with videocamera), you'll be unable to use that feature on Cingular's UMTS network.
If you travel internationally and want the camera (and can live without the US Carrier subsidy, support & warranty), then it might make good sense for you to buy a version with the camera.
question is will i be able to enable those features myself ?
im a USA t-mobile subscriber and intend to remain so the cingular version and its crippled hermes would not compensate me with carrier warranty.
anyone has an idea when will t-mobile bring the Hermes to the US?
is it worth the wait or i can only expect them to butcher the features as well?
Oct 5 release for the 8525 in the southern US is what I'm hearing btw.
Cingular is replacing the video call feature with PTT instead. Although its not implemented yet, the PTT software installs from an extrom cab and attaches to the former video call button.
As a TyTN owner I might consider working on a bit of engineering that allows for the toggling of it and the TyTN's video calling app depending on what network I'm using. Kind of like a press/hold = video call and short press gets PTT app.
Also in this vein, there are rumors floating around that the 8525 still has the front camera, but it's hidden under the front plate. This makes a certain amount of sense to me. I guess its verification only awaits the debunker having the 'nads to look... :shock:
any news on t-mobile ?
...that would be only way to get the warranty

Anyone know if the build quality changes are showing up in Non-US versions as well?

Hi everyone -
Based on some of the reports out there, such as the Boy Genius review, it sounds like the US (CDMA) version has some improvements over the GSM version, specifically the build quality of the slider and a better keyboard. I'm in the US but want the GSM version (I use AT&T) and am thinking of getting an import.
Given the delay in availablility, my guess is the US/CDMA version was designed and built after the GSM version, so they may have made some production tweaks. Anyone know if those same tweaks are showing up in the GSM model? If not I may just get the CDMA model, even with that stupid attached flappy thing.
Thanks!
Mike
landshark said:
Hi everyone -
Based on some of the reports out there, such as the Boy Genius review, it sounds like the US (CDMA) version has some improvements over the GSM version, specifically the build quality of the slider and a better keyboard. I'm in the US but want the GSM version (I use AT&T) and am thinking of getting an import.
Given the delay in availablility, my guess is the US/CDMA version was designed and built after the GSM version, so they may have made some production tweaks. Anyone know if those same tweaks are showing up in the GSM model? If not I may just get the CDMA model, even with that stupid attached flappy thing.
Thanks!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i suggest u wait because even if they are producing gsm shifts with the new improvments then it will take a while till they trickle down to the shops. plus the wait will also allow the price to go down.
Pawel062 said:
i suggest u wait because even if they are producing gsm shifts with the new improvments then it will take a while till they trickle down to the shops. plus the wait will also allow the price to go down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you ever seen the price of HTC product lowering down ?
I wish the shift could get the price lowered ... will see !
koala996 said:
have you ever seen the price of HTC product lowering down ?
I wish the shift could get the price lowered ... will see !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes but i ment on the online shops. the touch cruise used to be over 800 new. not its about 700 new. shift will be same. u might see it soon going on ebay for about 1400-1500.
WAIT???? But I want it NOW!!!!
<Credit to Verucia Salt and Charlie and the Chocolate factory>
http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/w...lyrics_68869/i_want_it_now_lyrics_668039.html
Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I know I should wait, but I was hoping someone would say all was well and the changes had already trickled down. If I wait, I'll probably end up with an Asus EEE 900.....<grin>
Mike
Why wait?
If you want one now, just get it.
And get the one you want, the GSM model.
A few weeks ago (at the UMPC Portal meeting after CeBIT) I had a chance to hold and play a little with a UK model (what you'd probably go for).
This was the most solidly built UMPC (actually, the Asus R2E felt similar but is a completely different type) that I had layed hands on yet (and on that day I held quite a few) and I can't imagine that any improvements that they might or might not have made to the CDMA model would really be significant. The sliding mechanism worked very well, although I must admit you needed both hands to close it. To me this is no issue taking the size of the Shift into account. It is not a 3" phone that I'd expect to operate with one hand. With the way I would use the Shift in mind I actually prefer it to be a little "sturdier".
If the sliding mechanism on the CDMA model in the review really was more "loose", this could also point to production variations or some people probably would even interprete this as an (insignificantly) lower build quality oft that version .
If you should be interested in an opinion of the build quality of the German version (released last week), wait another day, I will pick MY Shift up from the post office tomorrow.
By the way, something else to consider: The GSM model does not have the case bolted on. It is really ridiculous that somebody at the FCC thought this would protect users from too much radiation Probably HTC should add a roll of aluminum foil to the package - one can make wonderful hats from that
Completely agree with the last post. My Shift is very sturdy and build quality is superb, sliding action is firm but smooth, just how you'd want it.
landshark said:
Hi everyone -
Based on some of the reports out there, such as the Boy Genius review, it sounds like the US (CDMA) version has some improvements over the GSM version, specifically the build quality of the slider and a better keyboard. I'm in the US but want the GSM version (I use AT&T) and am thinking of getting an import.
Given the delay in availablility, my guess is the US/CDMA version was designed and built after the GSM version, so they may have made some production tweaks. Anyone know if those same tweaks are showing up in the GSM model? If not I may just get the CDMA model, even with that stupid attached flappy thing.
Thanks!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I talked to tech support today about an wifi issue. I have an import gsm
He told me in May the shift will be in US in both cdma and a unlocked gsm version. He had a unlocked gsm US version himself while on the phone with me.
Also said the US gsm version has an updated ROM than what my import gsm version has and includes telanav on both the cdma and gsm.
will not have a built in gps reciever, will triangulate position off cell towers

The Dream are all equal?

Good evening to all. has been a while I'm thinking of buying a Dream, and I'm looking at the prices in stores. I buy it again seems a bit expensive, so I turned to ebay and I saw that second-hand cost rather less. Now I'm wondering though: if I buy it outside of my country, like in America or in Germany (for example) can still use it in my country? or just not working. I ask this because I am about to go on holiday in America and I do not know whether to buy or not ...... You know where this goes from country to country?
be careful on eBay, lots of look alike phones are appearing! Make 100% certain it is truly a HTC phone!
No, that's ok it is that you resemble is fine, but for sure I care what you purchase, I do not want to buy it is a clone. However, then the Dream are all equal?
Ebay is ebay. People are trying to get the most money for their item. Some people will start lower prices than other. Some people are luckier and have more people interested and bidding higher. Some items are in better physical condition.
As others have said, don't accidentally buy a clone. They are VERY sneaky. You need to watch out for all the details and features and make sure nothing is missing.
But I am sure however that a German or American Dream can go well in my country?
the dream is a world phone, so it's going to work anywhere (gprs data, hsdpa data is only the frequency that T-Mo us runs, i think)
There are no differences between dream devices, other than the motherboard they come equiped with, and this can be the difference between been able to root and getting a brick if you try, but, again, afaik, they all come with the puny 192 mb ram and 256 mb nand flash.
I'm not sure which you want but they are NOT the same, the rogers dream will work on att 3g the tmo g1 is tmo 3g only, make sure the frequencies on the phone match your carriers...
All dreams should work, its a matter of how quickly (ie 3g or not)
I'm not sure which you want but they are NOT the same, the rogers dream will work on att 3g the tmo g1 is tmo 3g only, make sure the frequencies on the phone match your carriers...
All dreams should work, its a matter of how quickly (ie 3g or not)
Thanks for answers. If I had to take it, take the Dream brand T-Mobile or AT&T, or directy unlocked
Cadetto Entusiasta said:
Thanks for answers. If I had to take it, take the Dream brand T-Mobile or AT&T, or directy unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no ATT branded device.
ALL dream *except* rogers will work 3G *everywhere except* ATT/Rogers. ATT/Rogers are oddball carriers with frequencies that don't match anywhere else.
Note that asides from the frequencies, there are devices with different KEYBOARD LAYOUTS. Most will have QWERTY layout (i.e. from english-speaking places), there are also QWERTZ layout (German), and I don't know what layout is used from French-speaking places (AZERTY?).
if you live in europe it would almost make more sense to buy a tmobile g1
the tmobile version has both wcdma 1700 and 2100 bands....and 2100 should work where you are...so you won't lose 3g in the deal like you would with the rogers dream
newspeak said:
if you live in europe it would almost make more sense to buy a tmobile g1
the tmobile version has both wcdma 1700 and 2100 bands....and 2100 should work where you are...so you won't lose 3g in the deal like you would with the rogers dream
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A "tmobile g1" *** IS A DREAM ***, so your statement reads as "it would almost make more sense to buy a dream [than a dream]", which has absolutely no meaning.
And quit calling it a "tmobile g1"... tmobile is NOT the manufacturer, and "g1" is NOT the model name -- "tmobile g1" is just tmobile's way of pretending that they actually had something to do with something and tricking people into contracts and limitations on features.
As someone who is becoming rather aggravated about the continuing lack of ETA for the Tilt 2 I was wondering if a Rogers version of the Dream would be a good alternative for me?
Specifically I am looking for a smartphone with a bigger screen than my 8525, a physical keyboard, wifi, the ability to surf the web and use Logmein to access PC's, and the ability to read various ebooks (txt's, doc's, rtf's, lit's, pdf's, etc). I would also like to be able to listen to mp3's on headphones and play some bejewelled/popit style games however these are less important. I am also restricted to the AT&T network as my cellphone is on my company's AT&T plan (which is why I was thinking that the Rogers version of the Dream would be better than the other versions as from what I understand it should allow it to be compatible with the 850/1900 band?)
Anyways, I was wondering if the Rogers version of the Dream would meet my requirements or if there are any other Android phones that might do so? Thanks in advance for any information and advice and sorry if I'm not asking this in the correct place.
Yes.
......
coscom said:
As someone who is becoming rather aggravated about the continuing lack of ETA for the Tilt 2 I was wondering if a Rogers version of the Dream would be a good alternative for me?
Specifically I am looking for a smartphone with a bigger screen than my 8525, a physical keyboard, wifi, the ability to surf the web and use Logmein to access PC's, and the ability to read various ebooks (txt's, doc's, rtf's, lit's, pdf's, etc). I would also like to be able to listen to mp3's on headphones and play some bejewelled/popit style games however these are less important. I am also restricted to the AT&T network as my cellphone is on my company's AT&T plan (which is why I was thinking that the Rogers version of the Dream would be better than the other versions as from what I understand it should allow it to be compatible with the 850/1900 band?)
Anyways, I was wondering if the Rogers version of the Dream would meet my requirements or if there are any other Android phones that might do so? Thanks in advance for any information and advice and sorry if I'm not asking this in the correct place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

evo in the uk

Hello all
you lucky sods we are not getting this phone or a version of it here in the U.K or Europe. So my ? is what’s the possibility of this phone working on our networks as i am thinking of getting one from you lucky sods. cheers jez
The EVO is a CDMA phone, so if you could somehow unlock the phone and then get it activated on a UK CDMA network(do such things exist?) you could get it working.
Tilton53 said:
The EVO is a CDMA phone, so if you could somehow unlock the phone and then get it activated on a UK CDMA network(do such things exist?) you could get it working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Tilton53
been looking and it appears it will not work on our network and as usual HTC are blind to our requirements and have no plans to launch a version for us. It amazes me how someone who bleets on about how they listen to their users always miss the mark for us. Maybe they will wake up one day and make a phone like this and make it world wide universal. I mean I don’t like apple in any sense but a least they make their products universal and available world wide. Cheers jez
P.S maybe someone here will crack the issue so we can use them and get it from the U.S.A
The UK only has GSM networks, so it's a no-go for you guys. And quit complaining about missing the mark. We've always had to wait months and months for HTC to release their handsets in the US after their European release. I'm sure HTC has something cooking for the rest of the world if the EVO takes off.

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