Database Users

is it still worth to buy Win2003 Magician ?

hello guyz,
This is my first post here. I have a couple of questions from experienced PPC users . Please respond as early as possible. Thanks in Advance.
1) I am getting a very good deal for Magician(i-mate JAM). But i am confused wether to buy it or not. Is it still a good idea to buy a WM2003 PPC device OR should i wait for WM5 PPC devices to become cheaper. ( i might have to wait around1 year which is a loooong time... )
2) Are people still writing softwares for PPC WM2003 devices? or the majority has moved to writing softwares for WM5 ?
3) Right now which windows have more softwares available. WM2003 or WM5?
4) If i purchase softwares written for WM2003, will these softwares run on PPC WM5 device?
5) Finally i need some nice websites for free or paid softwares for PPC. ( you can PM me if you are not allowed to post websites links here)

The magician is a great device and, if you don't need integrated Wifi, still the best compact PPC you can get.
WM2003 in general has some advantages over WM5: It is usually faster and has less bugs. WM5 only offers better one hand use and no data loss when battery is down. The latter can be compensated for WM2003 with using good backup software (sprite backup) and the internal backup battery of the magician. I never had data loss because of this.
Get the magician for a good price. You won't regret. Really advanced devices are still to come. Maybe the Hermes will beat the Magician but it will definitely be more expensive at that time.
Regarding the software question: I haven't seen any software which only works on WM5 and not WM2003 but I have seen many softwares not supporting WM5 yet but WM2003. Most softwares are even still backwards compatible to WM2002. You can compare this to the desktop world. Most programs can still be run under Windows 98.

I recommend to get the imate Jam with 128Mb RAM if possible
Get the imate JAM if you do not have a wi-fi network at home

I fully agree Dandie's comment. I tried my friend's O2 Atom for a week (he need me to install softwares for him) and I still prefer my Magician as my working/entertaining machine.
Pro: Cheaper, more responsive and faster (media will have jitter sometime on the Atom if running GPS together), more softwares are available to 2003SE than WM5
Con: No wifi (not a problem to me since I can BT over Activesyn at home), Bad Camera.
Unless there is a very good deal. I never see the need to upgrade to 128mb if U know how to manage the RAM use. (I always run TomTom 5/IGuidance 2/TCPMP together without any problem.)

Unfortunately WM5 is the way of the future, but it's unlikely you'll encounter software that won't work on WM5 and WM2003 (since both can use .net, the "new" developers environment).
I still use my Magician as my main phone, although I'm upgrading in a few weeks and it'll have to be a WM5 phone, probably a Mio 702. WM5 adds some usability features, but not enough to turn my head IMHO.
If you're getting a good deal on a Magician, I'd certainly consider it. I'll be holding on to mine for a good while yet.
Oh, and I recommend using VJLumos II. It really brightens up the Magician screen, gives it a new lease of life.
V

I agree with V the magician still is a wonderful device & when you don't want to wait for the devices that sports hsdpa you can have loads of fun with it.
Like stated earlier TCPMP for video, Mortplayer for audio. Lots of games & other goodies. AEButton Plus for one-handed in combi wit ... VJKeyPress.
Make sure you got a good deal & enjoy it.
M

WM2003 also means no bluetooth A2DP, at least not from anything other than WMP, and even then with some odd bitrate and sample rate restrictions.
Also, I don't know about you guys, but getting stereo sound out of the magician at the same time as using an external mic is a goddam pain. Every handsfree kit I try with a mic will only play sound in the left ear.
Personally, I'd go for a Wizard (or even a Hermes <3 ). It's only a bit bigger, but has WM5, WiFi /and/ a keyboard. Now, if only Orange carried it in the UK... >.<

I've got a Wizard. It's the 3rd one in 5 months and it locks up nearly every day but a soft reset sorts it out and it fails to recognise the memory card 2-4 times a day (a known wizard issue) If you dont need the wi-fi stick with the Jam NEVER had a problem with mine. As for the wizards keyboard..I use the on screen one it's quicker.
For stereo headphones with mic try the SE P900/910 headphones they work brilliantly!

bobgorila said:
WM2003 also means no bluetooth A2DP, at least not from anything other than WMP, and even then with some odd bitrate and sample rate restrictions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe just the O2 Atom and my stereo headset, the quality of BT A2DP is just a joke for me.
bobgorila said:
Also, I don't know about you guys, but getting stereo sound out of the magician at the same time as using an external mic is a goddam pain. Every handsfree kit I try with a mic will only play sound in the left ear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just U. I use my Sony headphone (with shorter cable) with this 2.5 to 3.5mm adapter w/ external mic. And it just work GREAT!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...PageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Mine can be bought here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9725172095
I upgraded to the Prophet. 8)
This is the second listing on eBay. The first one got hit by a nigerian scammer. :roll: Now I've had to specify UK only and PayPal only.

thank you for your comments guyz
i have bought the magician device. So far i am pretty happy with it.

Join the club, did you got a nice offer?
M

i think i did get a good offer
i got imate jam (scratchless screen) + alumunium case + 128Mb kingston SD card for 19000Rs ( 316$ )

Seems like a fair price to me. Did you search the other threads for goodies & tips?
M

Both magician and mini are great device.
Wifi? sandick sdio wifi card with 256m storage is available in a reasonable price now. BT & MINI CABLE could bring with most functions you need.
In my point of view, never try detailed camera in PDA.
So, congradulation you with a desirable product.

navid_ahmed said:
i think i did get a good offer
i got imate jam (scratchless screen) + alumunium case + 128Mb kingston SD card for 19000Rs ( 316$ )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where did u get it so cheap......i bought it for 24000rs with no accessory

jackleung said:
It's just U. I use my Sony headphone (with shorter cable) with this 2.5 to 3.5mm adapter w/ external mic. And it just work GREAT!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...PageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine arrived this morning, it works, it works!!!
Thankyou.

xda2i or xda exec?

I've recently had my xda2i stolen (again) and the insurance company are offerig me an exec as replacement.
I use it mainly for tomtom (5) and my calendar.
I can't get the version I have to install on the exec, but it seems a better machine.
Which one is best, and how can I get version TTN5 5.21 which seems to be what is required

I changed from a IIi to an exec, it's a nice phone and a worthy replacement.
As for tomtom, surely you can just re-install it from the original disks, AFAIK 5.21 is a free upgrade for legitimate users

I agree, i missed my 2i like mad, but after spending time sorting the exec I would miss it like mad now, just think of the screen resolution and the keyboard, hard things to live without once you have had them!
Bryson

For what it's worth, I just switched from a 2 to a 2i to an Exec. The 2i was very nice but there's no WM5, and I'm too fond of persistent storage now to give it up.
Plus the Exec really is a nice machine. The keyboard is useful (more so if you get PQz so you can have Control and Alt back), the battery life is longer, the screen is nicer. And Buzz is about to release a SIM unlocker, so no more worries about that!
Personally, I'd rate the machines in this order, best at the top:
- Exec
- Himalaya with WM5
- Alpine with WM2003SE
G

Thanks for the replies all.
In the end I decided to go for the 2i, mainly because I already have a thb setup in my vehicle and the tom tom works OK on it.
I've had 2 stolen in 6 months, lets see how long this one lasts

Should I buy the Atom?

Hi All,
I appreciate all your help with this. I currently own a Magician and love the size factor of the Atom. Is everyone happy with their Atom and would you recommend getting one. I know the new ROM upgrade makes a huge difference in performance speed and such. Also, I read somewhere that the Atom does not have a button lock so you can only have the power on button work(have it in your pocket and not accidentally dial out, that sort of thing) Is this so, and if so has the new Rom upgrades added this feature or is there a way around it.
Thanks so much in advance.
Todd
I also forgot to ask: I have just downloaded the new Windows Vista and there is no longer activesync but a new program. Has anyone had any experience with Vista and will their Atom still sync?

Update the Vista using windows update and you will get the mobile sync function. Does not use activesync anymore. Read this info somewhere here :roll:

You might want to reconsider the Atom. Consider a Prophet or Wizard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=40441
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=38148

hanmin said:
You might want to reconsider the Atom. Consider a Prophet or Wizard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...Why?!Are you used all this devices?I sure that you does not... :wink: Atom better,faster and more usefull (but also more expensive) than both Prophet and wizard.
If you like atom go and get one (or HP 6828 if you like it more),one device that may be better (if you realy need keyboard) and can also be considered its new 9600 (Hermes) - also great device,by far better than 9100 (wizard)

Well the Atom Exec release date is 4th July and it will be retailing for a price of $1130 and that include Bluetooth headset and IR keyboard. so your problem might well be solved, if you dont mind a matte grey case and dont mind paying an extra $280 over the HP then the Exec could be your bet.

Yukon_28 said:
hanmin said:
You might want to reconsider the Atom. Consider a Prophet or Wizard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...Why?!Are you used all this devices?I sure that you does not... :wink: Atom better,faster and more usefull (but also more expensive) than both Prophet and wizard.
If you like atom go and get one (or HP 6828 if you like it more),one device that may be better (if you realy need keyboard) and can also be considered its new 9600 (Hermes) - also great device,by far better than 9100 (wizard)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used the K-Jam and the JAmin (Prophet and wizard) and currently having the Atom, can not compare, it is a lot better, faster, and more stable and has got more features. I rarly soft reset it.
I will hold on to it for a while

Atom
Thanks all for your advice,
I did buy the Atom and love it. Far superior to my old Magaician. Its love again!
Todd

Like Todd, I'm looking to upgrade my magician, I was looking at the Hermes, but I don't really want a real keyboard, but the Hermes looked to have all the right functions. Having look around, and getting confused by other brand names this is what I have concluded.
The prophet is the same as the wizard but without a keyboard, so hopefully the Atom is the same as the Hermes but also without a keyboard. I can't find any reviews to confirm my hunch so I hope someone can answer my question or tell me where I can look.
All I want is WM5, built in wifi, and fast (400 Mhz +) processor.
Does Atom have a jog dial like the Hermes?
What type of memory card.
Thanks in advance

fingers88,
the atom is its own brand (not htc) I have had it for over a month now and it rocks. kicks butt on the magician. it
is mini sd and no jog but it is not missed, buy it, you will be glad you did.
Todd

Iam an atom user... have been for 1 month...
and I have fallen in love with it...
it's my mobile buddy... a welcome upgrade from my xda2 since I divorced the love relationship, because it was too damn huge!
I recently dropped it from 5 ft to a stone tiled hotel bathroom and it survived 100%... just like my xda2 has done...
also a great thing about the atom is it hasa notch/hook on the top left corner for a lanyard... it is an ideal size for a lanyard too.
i've some major scratchesonthe plastic... but idont care about them... the screen is finewith a protector.
G

Atom or HP rw6828

Thinking of getting one of them, which one is a better device? Since both of there are basically the same device with different housing, is it possible for me to flash atom's ROM to rw6828 and vice versa just like those prophet like dopod 818pro, imate jamin and qdek s200?
One more question, do I really need 192mb ROM in atom exec or 128mb in atom is sufficient enough?

Get the HP my friend, the Atom and Atom Exec have faulty LCD screens. I know because I have had 3 Atoms and 2 Exec's replaced and the devices still squeal like a mosquito. O2 is horrible to deal with each time the device needs to be sent away you can expect it to be gone for at the very least a month and they do not give extended warranty for the time spent at the service centre.

Hi homer285, thanks for your reply, just curious, if there is LCD problem in atom/exec then HP should suffer the same since they are sharing the same device except for the housing and design. Anyway, I am testing the HP now, so far so good except for the wifi range and battery life...

nukie said:
Hi homer285, thanks for your reply, just curious, if there is LCD problem in atom/exec then HP should suffer the same since they are sharing the same device except for the housing and design. Anyway, I am testing the HP now, so far so good except for the wifi range and battery life...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necassarily true, I am yet to hear the HP has this problem and I think you'll find there's more than just housing and design difference.

Borrow one unit rw6828 back for testing, the wifi reception not very good, I have Apple Airport Express in my study room next to my bedroom, the signal only one bar where my 4 yrs old Toshiba notebook has 4 bars. Battery life also not very good, having the phone in standby mode for about 6 hours (played 2 songs, make and received 3-4 short phone calls), the battery drain from 100% to 49%. Does Atom did the same?

O2 Atom or HP 6828 (I've found something better!)
Hi All,
After having the O2 Atom for 3 weeks, I've decided to sell it off. I hate to say this, I have been a firm supporter of O2 from the days of XDAII to the days of O2 Mini, but I am sad to say O2 Atom is the worst of the lot I have ever used. I don't think it can get any worse (hmm maybe I am wrong and it can get worse?!). Maybe all the good phones are by HTC and this real bad one is by Quatar (or is it spelt that way? Who cares, I'm never gonna buy any phone from that manufacturer again).
This is what I have found bad about the Atom:
1) Bad design of hardware buttons (both O2 & HP)
- Why would any manufacturer design a hardware that doesn't take advantage of the new OS?? WM5 was design with ease of use in mind with the introduction of the left/right hardware keys (much like the nokia h/keys).
- Imagine you get the latest OS but you still have to touch the screen to access those quick menus, is this dumb or what?!
2) FM Radio is almost useless (reception & design)
- Poor reception (my pocket radio gets better reception, but then again this is a PDA phone so what the heck ..)
- Poor design because you need to have the wired headset attached to it when you want to hear the radio!
3) Cheap Plastic Cover
- Reminds me of the USD2 cheap nokia cover made in china (both the HP & Atom) squeaks, both the top and bottom does not allign properly
- I personally feel that both the XDAII & Mini built is much better (feels more solid)
- For the price you are paying for the Atom Exec, we should be getting the state of the art carbon fibers casing.
After I have sold it off, I have moved on to the Dopod 838pro. Any regrets? Other than the steep price (hey it's only USD100 more that then Atom Exec..) & microSD, it's a dream phone!!
Specs:
- GSM 850/900/1800/1900, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS(3G), HSDPA(3.5G)
- 13 hardware keys (1 dedicated video call key)
- a side slide out keyboard (w smart backlight) & Real Wheel (not jog dail)
- 2M pixel camera
- 802.11g Wi-Fi (802.11b compatible)
- 128mb flash 64mb RAM
... I can't ask for more. So .. for those planning to get an Atom Exec ... I would strongly recommend you check out the 838 Pro or in some place it's called the TyTN, HTC hermes, O2 Trion, Qtek 9600, iMate JasJam etc ..

HP 6828 Battery issue can be solved
Well you can certainly address the battery issue on the 6828 with success. Find help thru the link here

TomTom 6 & WM5 on Hermes, opinions?

Hello,
I'm running a stock 8525 (ROM v1.34.502.1) with several hacks (works great). I just purchased a Qstarz BT-Q818 and it worked out of the box with Google Maps and even Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006. Neither of these products are fully-capable GPS navigational products.
I've seen questions and comments about TomTom 6, upgrades from 5, work with WM6, etc, - but I'm curious if anyone can share their experiences installing and using TomTom 6 on Windows Mobile 5. I plan to use US maps, but I don't know if the selected country's maps makes a difference to the reliability, ease-of-use, or installation experience. I don't plan to migrate to WM6 for a bit (until I have a real good reason).
Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Well, I can't help you with Tom Tom on WM05 with this phone.
I had my phone for all of 1 phone call, text message and MMS before I went to WM-6.
That said, I've got Tom Tom 6 with the latest (US and Canada) maps on it, and it works great. Mind you, it isn't as fast (overall) as the dedicated Tom Tom units are, but it gets the job done. In fact on the new LVSW it is pretty close to being at the same speed as a GO300. I'm using it with a Visiontac VGPS-700 bluetooth antenna.
Also, I've got a Motorola MPx and used Tom Tom extensively on that. It is running windows mobile 2003 (IIRC). Obviously its way slower than the 8525, but it worked just fine and got me where I needed to go.
The hardest part of the install on either unit is to get Tom Tom to "see" the bluetooth GPS. And, actually on the MPx it is way easier than on the 8525 with WM06.
I know, I know... you wanted experiance with WM05... but thought that this would help at least a bit.

Thank you, this is helpful. If it turns out I'm the last person on the planet still running WM5, then I'll have to upgrade. Basically, my ROM was ok out of the box and I applied my hacks and apps without any trouble, so I haven't considered an upgrade given the stability vs risk + stability considerations.

I run TT6 on WM5 and I love it. I have had zero stability issues and it works great with my HOLUX 236 BT GPS. I also can receive/send email, calls, internet all while it is running in the background with little to no issues. Once and a while, when I am updating traffic (BOSTON,NYC AREA) performance can be a little slow if I'm multitasking. Other than that, it's flawless for me!

Ditto on the good reports - have run tomtom6 for many 10-15 hour drives, never had any issues. The phone integration features of TT6 are handy - being able to call a POI (eg, pizza shop) from TT6 is sometimes useful. Switches seamlessly between calls and the nav screen without dramas. Handles loss of GPS signal or a slightly incorrect map fine.
Er, you may very well be the last person with WM5 , I've got WM6 as well

@ Guy... lol, except for the guy before you who is running it on WM05.
Oh, I forgot to mention, On my Mpx, I could take two calls with Tom Tom running in the background before the phone would lock up and I'd have to soft reset.
With the 8525, I've had a couple of days where I was on the phone, and forgot Tom Tom was running and it ran from the time I went to work until I left... a 10-12 hour day making calls sending sms and mms, some internet searches etc...never locked the phone up.

I ran TT6 on the stock Vodafone UK WM5 ROM and it was ok but every now and then it would lock up and I would have to end the app and start it up again.
I upgraded to WM6 for one reason SPEED, I don't know about your WM5 ROM but mine was slow. I got so fed up of waiting for 2 seconds after I pressed the red button for a call to end. It did my t*ts in.
Anyway, running TT6 on WM6 has been a superior experience so far as it has not locked up once (on Black 2.0/2.5). Only small gripe is that when a call comes in while using TT the HERMES does not return to the TT screen until the call is finished (you can manually switch back to TT).
One thing to watch out for is the Black 2.5 ROM which updates your HERMES device code and therefore requires TT re-activating. Because of this I have reverted to Black 2.0 (which I find better on battery consumption incidently).
HTH.

TT6 on Std UK T-Mob WM5 ROM
I found that TT6 runs OK but I had to turn off the plotting (on screen) of all the POIs to get it to run smoothly. Some people seem to have reported issues with the rate of data access from their MicroSD cards so it's worth getting a good card (NB - lots of issues reported with Sandisk cards). I run TT6, my phone and CamerAware (which warns about cameras better than TT6). I have had the odd lock-up but in the main all works very well and I am able to count on TT6 with my Vario II. BTW - I use the Holux GPSlim240 which is very nice.
I have even got Windows Live Search running at the same time with a GPS plotted position and mapping/Sat view running from a 3G connection - all very impressive to mates if of little in-car use whilst driving!
Regards

Guy_Incognito said:
Er, you may very well be the last person with WM5 , I've got WM6 as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed wm6 and i try and run the start app that installs tomtom and it doesnt do anything im using xplore 1.1!