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Will yuo lot all get an HTC Omni?
I am thinking of it - I cannt go back to a norma phone now!
Even the tytn doesn't quite do it for me.
What do youse lot think?
lr
Well from what I understand, the Omni is still a concept...... So until I know specs, size etc I will reserve judgement. Altho the Tytn looks impressive I won't be runnning out to get one just yet. I was an early adopter for the PDA2k and the universal and don't relish the teething problems again.
That said, most software is WM5 compliant now and I have my uni running like a dream. As has been said before, I like both the form factor, VGA and the keyboard so will defo be interested if and whwn an omni materialise
well according to the dude in the know - the vp for mobile comms for micro$oft, it's the same form factor but thinner, lighter and with more h/ware buttons on it.
lol.
it can apparently output to a projecter too - tho that's nothing I imagime many users would cherish.
have a look on the mocado forums it's all on there...
little_rock said:
Will yuo lot all get an HTC Omni?
I am thinking of it - I cannt go back to a norma phone now!
Even the tytn doesn't quite do it for me.
What do youse lot think?
lr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went from the Uni to the g-Smart i128. Haven't looked back!!!
will take a look at the g smart..
lol you betrayer!
would u not go back to htc phone then?
why it the g smart so much better than the uni mate?
cheers,
lr
Gigabyte g-Smart i128
little_rock said:
will take a look at the g smart..
lol you betrayer!
would u not go back to htc phone then?
why it the g smart so much better than the uni mate?
cheers,
lr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LR.,
I just love the size of it, it actually fits in my pocket! It's just as quick (albeit with a slightly slower processor) and I love the extra features that Gigabyte have supplied, such as answer phone, call recording, call background noises (great for pretending you're somewhere where you're not! ) and it's even got the gimicks of live analogue TV and Radio.
Gigabyte don't seem to offer good tech support, but if you've had one PPC... you'll know how they work. Also you get a spare high capacity battery, desktop charger, case, all as standard (With i128 version)
The screen is just as crisp, the speakers louder and clearer than the Uni.... I've started a thread about it here with more indepth info and pictures...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=273825
The VGA screen and clamshell design is important for me. So if the new phone can't surpass or can't match what the Universal have, I won't even bother looking. A while back, there was another thread showing a little specs for the Omni and the first thing I noticed was there was no mention of a VGA screen and 3G, If that is true, then it is more of a downgrade than upgrade.
cktlcmd said:
The VGA screen and clamshell design is important for me. So if the new phone can't surpass or can't match what the Universal have, I won't even bother looking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Inclined to agree, woul also appreciate an improvement in battery life. I am fortunate, cause mine spend most of its life plugged into an active car cradle otherwise, I don't think I'd make it through the day!
Paul O'Brien, a Microsoft MVP and Admin of MoDaCo (which should give the following story some credibility) claims many HTC Universal's wishes have come true - HTC IS working on a Universal successor, a clamshell QWERTY phone device with a VGA screen. The device, code-named the HTC Omni, will be smaller and thinner, but sport more buttons.
It will have HSDPA, and will ship with AKU 3, which will allow projector functionality. Unfortunately one of the biggest requested improvements, a small external display, did not make it into the design.
Paul claims the design is still fluid, but if it is meant to ship at the end of '06 / early '07 this does not seem likely.
http://www.clieuk.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?threadid=7826
Just in time for my next upgrade
Cheers slave this was a better version of my original post - lol mine was made from my uni on teeny tiny opera!
Charms said:
Inclined to agree, woul also appreciate an improvement in battery life. I am fortunate, cause mine spend most of its life plugged into an active car cradle otherwise, I don't think I'd make it through the day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend this, it's not good for the battery, it needs to drain down otherwise won't hold it's capacity as well.
The specs say it is .6 inches or 16 mm thick. Is that with or without the keyboard... what about in the leather wallet?
bandersnatch said:
The specs say it is .6 inches or 16 mm thick. Is that with or without the keyboard... what about in the leather wallet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 16 mm specs is without keyboard, 20 mm with keyboard, 27 mm ~ 31 mm (aproximately because the leather wallet form is not uniform).
Regards!
Thanks
Thanks much. Seems pretty big. I wonder if it will fit in my shirt pocket...
Not unless you're on the 'large' side. I can only just get it in the big pockets on my combat style trousers. 'Tis a beast for sure!
not going to be the phone for me.
I hate to say it. I've been lusting after this thing since I heard it might be coming to tmo usa. But if it is as big as I think it is, I wouldn't be able to carry it on my person. That 5 inch screen is probably going to be too much of a good thing for me. I would have happily settled for 4.
thinking on the same lines
bandersnatch said:
I hate to say it. I've been lusting after this thing since I heard it might be coming to tmo usa. But if it is as big as I think it is, I wouldn't be able to carry it on my person. That 5 inch screen is probably going to be too much of a good thing for me. I would have happily settled for 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same way, when i first saw this device (heard the announcements about availability on T-Mobile in the UK) i was well excited and pleased, but then i did a thourough study regarding the size, including measuring my old diary which strangely seems to be about the size of the ameo in its case. I gave it some deep thought like "Gavin do you seriously think you can carry that around?, and the fact that you need a headset", hmmm will wait to hear about how others are getting along, especially after a few more weeks or months down the line. Ameo/ Athena users would like to hear more about:
1) You and your device on a daily basis, where do you carry it, and how do you use it? on a table/ lap/ other?
2) How is the keyboard getting along, or maybe you are using some other input methods?
3) What about calls are you using a wired headset or bluetooth stereo?
Just general impressions from owners over the last 3 weeks ( i know its not been long, sorry)
The Weight...
It is also 375 grams. The wizard is 150 grams. It weighs 250% MORE than a wizard....
bandersnatch said:
It is also 375 grams. The wizard is 150 grams. It weighs 250% MORE than a wizard....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where to begin after 2 weeks of owning an Ameo....happy. Yes very happy!
I would never have contemplated doing the things I do with the Ameo that I probably couls have done with previous devices owned (JasJar, Hermes, Prophet, Wizard, Xda Mini and Xda IIi....and others).
The Ameo can do what all these devices put together couldn't do.
TV out is quite a treat and allows everything to be displayed on virtually any other type of display that supports S-Video, Composite or VGA.
The USB host functionality allows a FULL PC USB keyboard or mouse (with pointer) to be used.....and it works extremely well!
Remote Desktop (WM6 version) is a joy to use on the Ameo...a smaller screen just would't be up to the Job. Whilst I'm having problems connecting to my own PC, I am easily and quickly connecting to my wife's XP Pro PC via RDP. It is truly astounding and responsive. You literally see and operate the XP PC as you would through your native monitor hooked up to your desktop PC.
Movie Playback when the occasion calls for it is pure eye candy if your using a DVD Rip. Sheer quality!
The speakers are no sound system but prove to be worthy of being best-in class from my experience of PPC devices to date. It is loud and NOT tinny or hollow.
WM5 is no faster than any other 520Mhz device I have used....but that will change when we can upgrade to WM6.
WMLive (from WM6) works seemlessly and beautifully and you even get a Message tone and visual notification of incoming Instant messages or Voice clips...if on-line at the time of incoming message. It's fast and works very well for me.
Wisbar Advance 2 completely changes the look and feel of the device and this is where standard VGA as opposed to ozVGA comes into its own for me, as the font size is just right for me and the cascading start menu etc works well with this size screen.
The Screen. Yes the screen is amazing.....and if screen real estate is tht important to some...you instantly have a choice of a host of resolutions if using RDP to XP/Vista and there are tweaks such as ozVGA and others if you really need it in the WM O/S.
The keyboard....NOT impressed in the slightest! I much prefer the keyboard on the Universal. With that I can type up a book if need be in comparison to the non-tactile feedback of the keyboard buttons on the Athena....but it's not a major issue for me as I am usually at a desk where this problem is much alleviated by a steady base on which to place the Ameo. Full size USB keyboard and mouse come into their element here with the standard non-supplied 4-1 cable.
The Ameo is a great GPS device with a screen large and clear enough to rival the biggest dedicated in-built GPS systems in top-spec luxury or performance cars. I'm not complaining.
Dual TV screen for GPS, Movies or internet surfing using HSDPA whilst travelling a few hundred miles with the kids is great. The possibilities are staggering.
I won't go on.....because the Ameo has much more to offer IMHO. I was considering a Sony UX UMPC, now I've got the Ameo, forget it. I've got me direct access to a powerhouse desktop PC where I can edit videos download torrents and other large files directly to my home or office PC whilst retaining the enhanced Mobile telephony functions of this baby via a tiny BT earpiece.
Call quality is excellent and I'm able to receive calls whilst on wi-fi or GPRS/3G/HSDPA...but this is sometimes temperamental. The new HTC Shift will be the new king, but for me, I'll be sticking with the barely pocketable Ameo.
Yes it's larger than any other device called a Pocket PC, but then this is far more than the sum of its or any other devices parts.
Did I mention that the on-board 3megapixel camera was the best I have come across in any PPC? and that it far surpassed my expectations? Well it has, enough so that I no longer need to carry another camera around at any time.
Long live the Athena....you could do worse....but I doubt you'll do better for quite some time. It just comes down to what you're comfortable with.
For your information....I carry mine without Leather casing or keyboard happily in my front or rear jeans pocket or inside suit pocket....but it actually fits with everything together aswell, but then it is a tight squeeze.
Hope my long boring post helps some of you to stick to your original decision and get one...you won't regret it...but if not..why not try one for a week and return it to your supplier if your not happy with it.
Very good and informative post. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
eagle 1 said:
Very good and informative post. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the positive feedback.
@ All....Additionally thanks to Eagle1 I can now connect to all PC's in my office/home from my Ameo via wi-fi!! Great stuff....HSDPA - Home network is next on the Agenda.
This device is become more and more like a UMPC, but without the ability to play movies or games....but that can be done natively through WM5 and a PSP if one is that way enclined.
Well, looks really like a cool device, was waiting for a VGA, GPS, fast processor, WM6 with keyboard for a loooong time...
but first what i did was look for the size of Qtek 9000, which had all that, but could not have it (had it for testing for 2 weeks), since it was too heavy and big for a device that i carry with me all the time...
If it was only a little lighter and smaller.... the HP 4700 screen was more then big enough for PDAs, think it was 4", and bigger device then that (also fatter) just does not get me. But the features are perfect, they just need to squeeze it into 4"vga, 250g max. and then ill be running into the store looking for it.. untill then whoever buys it, hope you enjoy it, it looks really like the best pda out now..
But here is somthing that catches my eye...
http://www.gsmarena.com/i_mate_ultimate_7150-1882.php
is this a HTC product? and if, anyone knows their version of this phone?
a VGA 3.5 + keyboard , secondary display outside so you dont have to open the pda if getting a call ...
now thats a heart breaker for me
As far as I know, it's not a HTC product...
Moskus said:
As far as I know, it's not a HTC product...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not, iMate is no longer partner of HTC, this device is made by also a Taiwanese company, but not HTC.
papizdono said:
But here is somthing that catches my eye...
http://www.gsmarena.com/i_mate_ultimate_7150-1882.php
is this a HTC product? and if, anyone knows their version of this phone?
a VGA 3.5 + keyboard , secondary display outside so you dont have to open the pda if getting a call ...
now thats a heart breaker for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took a look at this, but was disappointed that it does not support SDHC, which means I can't have wikipedia and lots of MP3 music with me.
I understand that HTC is the one designing and manufacturing the i_mate (please check this out yourself from wikipedia under HTC). HTC in fact designs and manufactures just about everyone's PDA including Dell's, HP's, etc. but they just put in other's labels until recently when they starts to use their own HTC label.
eaglesteve said:
I took a look at this, but was disappointed that it does not support SDHC, which means I can't have wikipedia and lots of MP3 music with me.
I understand that HTC is the one designing and manufacturing the i_mate (please check this out yourself from wikipedia under HTC). HTC in fact designs and manufactures just about everyone's PDA including Dell's, HP's, etc. but they just put in other's labels until recently when they starts to use their own HTC label.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is only true about 4 months ago, now HTC don't design and manufacture for iMate anymore, it's done by another taiwanese company (can't remember the name).
wu5262 said:
that is only true about 4 months ago, now HTC don't design and manufacture for iMate anymore, it's done by another taiwanese company (can't remember the name).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see... Thanks for the updated info, Wu.
Guys,
Here I am posting this thread coz those who are using Athena can share their view/review so others can see wether to have it or not.
Or you can post your suggestions or comments for Athena in compare with Uni.
Thank you,
I had my QTEK 9000 (Universal) well before Cingular (USA) launched their HSDPA. I travel and work at times in the UK so UMTS 2100 is great when I'm overseas. Sadly, Cingular's HSDPA is 1900 & 850, making the QTEK 9000 default (slowly) to GPRS .
The next device out of the chute with multi-band UMTS, VGA resolution, hign end processor, loads of memory and an upgrade path to WM6 for me was the Dopod U1000. It's a little bigger than the QT9000, but after geting used to carrying the 9k, moving up to the U1000 was no problem. It merely opens up new opportunities for other accessories, like the LG Style-I since you can't (won't) hold the Athena up to your face to talk. I've done the BT Headset thing for years and the Style-I is a nice 'eye-catching' gizmo along side the Athena. Both serve the same purpose, not many have ever seen them so the looks are frequent and numerous.
As for the features, the HSDPA in the US is excellent on the Athena and WM6 has been a joy. I have not had to carry (lug) a laptop to the UK as I can do all I need on the Athena. The 5 inch screen is a welcome expansion from the QT9000, and even that being VGA 3.8 inches was much sharper than the over done 320x240 devices which dominate the market. If you want to own one of these devices, IMHO, you want to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Your device speaks volumes about you without you saying a word.
Love the Screen, love HSDPA, love the storage.
Hate the keyboard, hate the lack of vibrate, hate the battery life.
Still can't get myself to get rid of my Universal but do love the Athena.
Satisfied.
Love the Universal keyboard and backlight. Everything else I think I love the Athena on. I won't go back the Universal....the Athena outperforms it so love the additional power.
Much more better....
Advantage compare to Universal:
positive side:
-bigger screen
-bigger memory (wich is difficult to make it full like in Universal)
-8 gb drive
-gps
-better camera
-joystick
-better speakers (now I can hear it)
-better software already instaled
-cabel 4in1 and its possibilites
-A2DP
-possibility to disconnect it from keyboard
-for me faster than Universal
negative side:
-much more bigger and heavy
-keyboard (no full keypad and no light in it)
-no vibritate (but Jabra 8010 can compasete lack of it)
-no easy to put in and out card slot like in Universal
-difficult to take battery out
i love it had universal n a few other pocket pcs this is the best untill the shift comes !! downside again need bt headset no vibrate a pain at work as is on sillent n its big but welll worth it
Im just about to finally part with my Universal (XDA Exec) as I am now happpy with the Ameo I have.
I'll miss the keyboard as the Ameo one is totally pants and very unresponsive - but im working on getting a small USB one for it soon so wont take the crappy one with me any more!
I love Athena more than UNI except the keyboard and the size. The rest Athena outperform my UNI.
cheers..
As far as I am concerned the Athena is very good. I use mine for a lot of things every day,and my only complaint is the un-lighted keyboard.
Now, if the Shift is anywhere near as good as this one is,I will be in heaven.......LOL
Later.........
No Contest!
I still have access to my wife's WM6 (Laurentis ROM) Uni, so can always do direct comparisons.
No contest whatsoever! Athena all the way for me.
Very Satisfied, but seriously wish it had the accellerator of the Axim....
Hate the keyboard, waste of time and has caused more scratches then I would have without one.
Love the possibilities on this thing though and having a 5" screen makes it all worthwhile...Universal does just not cut the mustard like the Athena IMHO.
You gotta be on crack to ask such a question.. who wouldnt be fully satisfied... It has way better performance and structure. I hate putting the Uni to my ear and this ones done it!
It's great... For about 2 hours a day.
Battery life is atrocious. Using it the way I do, fpr MP3 player, GPS, calls, web browsing, Push Email, the battery dies on me in about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Carry a USB cable or my charger with me at all times now... Love the device itself, tho.
skoop99 said:
Battery life is atrocious. Using it the way I do, fpr MP3 player, GPS, calls, web browsing, Push Email, the battery dies on me in about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Carry a USB cable or my charger with me at all times now... Love the device itself, tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that was certainly useful information. Thanks skoop99
Thanks to xda-developers
I love the device more and more as problems get solved. I believe the last major problems to be fixed were the Jabra BT8010 issues - thanks to the program Priority256_fix.
I'm sure I would not have liked the device nearly as much without the help of this forum.
Many thanks!
Use Plantronics FTW!
I also have the same feelings as other members have posted.After Update to WM6, I had been facing problem with Bluetooth Sound, I use this as my main phone.I get 100 calls a day and in some cases the caller cannot hear my voice.I use Jabra 8010.
Else, the device is cool.I hv tried disabling Microdrive and battery lasts for 3 days
Any one here can make/find disable Microdrive Programatically, then it will b boon.
Hi all.
I have a HTC Athena for daily use and others for developing and testing (Tynt, s200, p3300 and Universal) and I ve the posibility to get a cheap kaiser. My question (not easy)is..
"...Should I replace my Athena with kaiser??"
Athena strong points against kaiser.
1) SCREEN SCREEN SCREEN
2) a better Keyboard?
Athena weak points agains kaiser
1) Worst gps
2) very bulky.
3) My headsets makes me crazy many times.
4) touchflo?
I would like to listen other thoughts about it....
Thanks¡
I actually have both but am considering selling the Athena as it proved to be just a bit too big for my daily use... I just need to be able to put it into a pocket (even if it bulges out) every once in a while - something I couldn't do with the Athena, especially not in the leather 'case'. And I'm not a big fan of the 'quick-draw-western-style' holsters for the belt...
I've had the Kaiser only for a very few days and have found a few bugs, but they are not deal-breaking for me... and I'm enjoying the form-factor...
Functionality-wise I think they are very similar... apart from the VGA-resolution screen on the Athena.
Thanks Marcoma.
Apart of form-factor, do you appreciate more improvements in kaiser not present in athena (speed, phone speed, battery live, etc, etc).?
I think I would miss the vga screen too much
Dani
Well - the speed does seem a bit faster, but then again it is only driving a 320 x 240 resolution... I am able to watch movies again which is really nice (have to use an adapter for the headphones though since it doesn't have that nice 3.5" plug like the Athena) and I benchmark around 145 - 170% in Coreplayer.
Remember the actual CPU is slower than the Athena (520 - 620MHz if I remember correctly).
I don't find the phone a lot faster, but I didn't use the phone itself that often... the battery lasts about as long as I got out of the Athena... depending on the usage 1 - 2 days. if you watch movies, use GPS etc. it's a day - no more
What is very nice is the application that comes bundles where one just takes a picture of a business-card and it OCR's the picture and puts it right into contact - pretty darn accurate and way cool (and for me actually useful).
Overall, i feel it's like the Athena, just in a smaller package...
I had a HTC Advantage X7500. I returned that to mobileplanet for a full refund $1100. Now I own a HTC Kaiser TyTN II $750. I would call Kaiser the best available in its size group.
I disliked a few things in the HTC Advantage X7500. High Price, Battery not highly upgradable, Size, Weight, Portability,
When HTC Advantage X7500 prices drop I will go back for it. I love the fact that you can upgrade its microdrive and it supports miniSDHC. HTC Athena is a good device for modding.
I have seen a lot of people who are in the Kaiser community who are no more in the Athena community.
danielherrero said:
Hi all.
I have a HTC Athena for daily use and others for developing and testing (Tynt, s200, p3300 and Universal) and I ve the posibility to get a cheap kaiser. My question (not easy)is..
"...Should I replace my Athena with kaiser??"
Athena strong points against kaiser.
1) SCREEN SCREEN SCREEN
2) a better Keyboard?
Athena weak points agains kaiser
1) Worst gps
2) very bulky.
3) My headsets makes me crazy many times.
4) touchflo?
I would like to listen other thoughts about it....
Thanks¡
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not used a kaiser but..
Worst GPS? Why?
touchflo?
better keyboard? not tried kaiser but prefer Universals.
Well, finally got a kaiser.
1) Screen is qvga, logically
2) GPS is much much better.
3) Fits in my pocket.
4) Keyboard is good but Athena's one is better.
5) I can forget my headset if not necesary
....
I am happy with It but I wouldnt pay 650€ for a kaiser if I already ve an Athena....
danielherrero said:
Thanks Marcoma.
Apart of form-factor, do you appreciate more improvements in kaiser not present in athena (speed, phone speed, battery live, etc, etc).?
I think I would miss the vga screen too much
Dani
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
speed? The Athena has clearly the faster processor and running the same OS (assuming WM6) why should Kaister be faster?
Im in a similar boat, T-mobile upgrade is due, using a hermes, considering the Athena, but feel the Kasier is what I need. I really love reading all the athena stuff, and feel its a great device but on a daily basis ill just go crazy. Found an old diary which is about the same dimensions of the Athena, and kept carrying it everywhere to imagine what it would be like using the athena. Anyways I am gonna pop into a T-mobile shop and see what deals are available on both and then decide. Its more like Loving this hot babe, but knowing you cant live with her... LoL..
if you are more of a talker then a smaller phone is for you
personally i am much more of a internet browser, video streamer etc so the Athena blows away anything for me at the moment.
Its more like a mini laptop that can make phone calls than a true phone which suits me just fine but is not for everyone
Spacecat I echo your point. I'm also more an internet browsing person, although I also watch movies a lot with its big screen. So for me the big screen, although bigger size, is the biggest advantage of Athena. I don't care about hardware keyboard as Tengo is working so well for me, especially on big screen.
After using real VGA at 128 dpi, I just can't imagine using QVGA. Its simply no longer acceptable anymore. A small VGA screen does not go well with realVGA even at 128 dpi( this is assuming that you do come across a smaller VGA enabled device)
Bottom line: BIG VGA screen is the single most important consideration for me. It's not the storage space or keyboard, especially when you can get 8GB microSDHC card.
Thank you spacecat and eaglesteve, for your inputs, I am gonna think this one out a bit more, but it always feels very re-assuring to hear first hand experiences.
I am a 8525 user and i will upgrade soon
but i'm not sure with one i'll choose
I have read lots of reviews of the athena,one thing I haven't found, is it possible to use it as a phone ( speak with it, with out a speaker phone or a bluetooth)
just placing it against my head and speak
and no vibration ... ? how do you get your mail or sms during a meeting ?
is it possible to put it in your pocket ... for exemple in a pocket of a jacket coat or a jeans ?
thank you
The phone works out of the box as a 'speaker phone'. If you plug in a pair of earphones you get privacy for the incoming side of the conversation and the mike will still work. This makes it similar to a regular phone. If you have a 3.5 plug headset that will work also as will bluetooth headsets.
I doubt this device would ever get in a jeans pocket unless you have a large cargo pocket on the outside of the leg. I have been using such pairs of pants and it is satisfactory but I think a pouch attached to your belt is the best way to go.
Brad
I do hold it against my face.
ariaguest said:
and no vibration ... ? how do you get your mail or sms during a meeting ?
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not an issue for me. I simply go to sound setting and change the announcement for new sms and mail to a soft beep. I can always hear it but others don't really notice it. Or if they do, no one has said anything. You can do the same for incoming call before going into a meeting, just change the ringtone to a soft beep.
I do use the phone without bluetooth and hold it against my face. Does'nt bother me a bit. However,when using voip, I use a wired headset otherwise there will be echo at the other end as the other guy's voice coming out of the speaker feed into the microphone.
I use a diy belt pouch to carry it around without keyboard,and it's not big at all.
I also prefare X7500, althogh have just ordered Keiser fir m wife. The screen is most important. When in the car there is no comparison to any other device. I use it hardly as a phone, but also as data/info storage, mailing, internert and as access pont for my laptop, when on the move.
I always use my Jabra stereo headset and keep it on a belt. This way I do not have to bother to get it out when the call rings. People usualy do not know wheather I am on the pohone or am talking to them. This is the only problem. Jabra aso works great when on voip.
same doubts. I'm on the 3 pieces bandwagon. A tablet (IBM X60) which is the main office, a very slim/small/cheap cell (LG KG320) and a WM hardware. Until few days ago I use a HTC TyTN and went to HKG looking for an Athena. Find only the old Dopod version and get disapointed with the white looking and price. So, got a Kaiser. Very good machine, no questions. BUT, when I want to work light the Kaiser is not enough to show products to a client. The screen is just to small for a more professional use. On the other hand is too expensive and bulky for a constant use as a cell (which I carry even for jogging). I think that if you choose the 3 pieces approach for a mobile work the Athena is probably the best. I had a look on the UMPCs and find many nice and even well priced. Problem? Vista. Who wants a mobile hardware with slow boot and all the problems Vista related (plus anemic processors) and a battery that does not last a full work day? I will try to get an Athena from USA where the prices are more reasonable.
The Universal has severed me well for several years, but I feel that there must be something newer, shiner out there.
(I basically want a new toy)
I love having a proper keyboard, the ability to open word/excel files as well as web browsing and email.
Any recommendations
Ash
I got an XDA Orbit - but still keep going back to my Exec. It may be bulky but I still love the flexibility of it.
Take a look at HTC Athena or HTC Shift, its bulky but a step up indeed.
I'm not moving on, the Uni is still the best IMHO. No other phone has a full keyboard (including number buttons), VGA screen, normal sized SD card slot, 3.5mm headphone socket, 3G, and massive extended batteries of over 5000mAH. The Athena is not counted, since you need a headset or speakerphone to use it as a "phone", which I find too inconvenient.
I will not upgrade until a phone comes out which has most if not all of the above features.
I upgraded to O2 XDA Atom Life a couple of weeks ago. I never used the keyboard of universal, so, being keyboardless on atom life does not hurts. 1gb rom is a big plus. I've stored everything on my device(including a 600mb movie too ). Its fast(624MHZ) too. Its qvga, but, at 2.8', it looks sweet. And hey, its beautiful from outside too
Overall, a happy guy. Impressed with quanta's hardware quality too.
edit: here is the review of it on my website
http://gadgetmix.com/reviews/atomlife/atomlife.htm
Kaiser - the HSDPA and GPS nearly makes up for the lack of VGA screen and full number row.
Surur
I'm upgraing to... The universal! Yep apart from going to the athena which i dont have the money for nothing compares to the Universal. Must admit the Kaiser did appeal to me but with it's GPS chip, but a 400 Mhz processor and QVGA persuaded me to that the Uni was better. Now if HTC was to put a GPS chip in the Uni? It'd be perfect and have everything.
Psi
when is the omni expected? any news?