Hi everyone,
so I'm determined to learn how to use my Jasjar like a one-handed device, even though the form factor does not lend to it.
I know it's not meant to be a one-handed device... but I think it could be with the right software and workflow.
Yes, the Jasjar could use more face buttons, the screen moved up a little bit so your thumb falls right on it, an LCD screen on the flip-side with a numeric pad like the Nokia Communicator, etc... but I think it could still be salvaged, so to speak
One of the things I admire about the Treo is that it can easily be used one-handed, and the main reason for this is that the calendar / mail buttons and directional button allow you to navigate everthing you need... multiple presses of the calendar button switch between day / week / month view... a handy feature.
The side buttons on the Jasjar are not big or accessible enough to be usable in this way. However, I'm thinking that I could remap the directional buttons to calendar, mail, etc... to make it a little more usable one handed.
Just for phone calls, I could get a Jabra BT800 so I don't have to open the phone to see who's calling, but that doesn't solve the problem for the calendar or email.
To my knowledge, there are no other devices on the market that have the Jasjar's power (the Treo 650 is apparently more unstable than Windows Mobile 5, it has no built-in WiFi, the Treo 700w has a 240 x 240 screen, also no built-in WiFi, the Nokia E61 takes Mini-SD cards, and that hurts the max capacity, the K-Jam and PPC 6700 don't have the directional buttons near the middle so they are not as friendly to one-handed use, the Nokia Communicator doesn't have vibrate, etc...) and I can't really find something with the Jasjar's feature set with the Treo's usability.
Anyone had experience with this ? Can you suggest any software / shortcuts / workflows ?
Thanks !
WIsbarAdvance2 and WAD make the desktop awesome for large thumb-click icons which covers off a LOAD of issues.
@ikaris,
sorry mate the Treo 650 is much more stable than the JJ/WM5! Also my Treo is on for three days (24hrs a day) before it needs to be re-charged, unlike my Exec which run out off puff in about 15 hours. M$ got help from Palm to design new UI features of the Treo 700w as the Treo 650 is so easy to use one-handed. The Nokia 9500 is even more stable still, I only needed to reset it about twice in a year!
I was considering the Treo 650, but the lack of Bluetooth 1.2+, Wifi, limited RAM (even though the Jasjar is pretty close in free ram...)
I've heard bad things about the Enfora sled...
but I just love the simple one-handed usability of the Treo.
The 700w is nice, but the 240x240 screen and lack of integrated Wifi is killing me ! What were they thinking ?!
Hi
I have now had my Universal for almost a year. It will soon be time to upgrade. Seems to be no sign of a Universal-2 - perhaps HTC will not bother, I have no idea how popular they were.
The Tytn comes the closest, but has a very small keyboard with no dedicated number keys, its only QVGA and it does not have a full sized SD-Slot.
I like the form factor of my universal, and can handle another phone of the same size/weight. I would prefer it to be narrower across-ways at the expense, perhaps of being a little longer. Here's my wishlist:
- 800x480 widescreen display
- External display (b/w fine) showing time, name of caller etc etc
- Retain full sized SD slot
- GPS built in
- HSDPA
- More sturdy hinge design
- Better battery life
- More sturdy (click-in-click out) stylus hole (like Psion Series 5 please)
- Hardware 'OK' button
- Jog dial like Tytn, and loose the daft hardware volume control
- Have the backlight button do something useful instead (turn on camera LED for use as a torch for instance
- Instant ring from standby when someone calls
- Access to SIM card without having to remove battery, or dual sim holder and option within OS to switch sims.
- White LCD backlight rather than flourescent aka Sony T3XP (better batt life)
- Modern, efficient Samsung processor
- More memory - ideally 256MB to save installing to SD card
- 802.11G wifi or even WiMax if delayed that long!
- 6MPix camera with digital zoom controlled by jog dial giving 2Mpix image at 3x zoom.
- Ditch the aerial holes on the spine - nothing was ever made available that used them.
- Light up the pickup/hangup buttons on the spine when unit closed and call recieved.
- Appear as flash disk when connected to PC without activesync running
- Retain full sized headphone socket
- Sould not require 6 months of firmware updates before it becomes usable
- Drop stereo speakers on front & IrDA if nessesary to house stuff above in compact package
Anyone else got things to add?!
Nigel
Hi all,
For some reason the search function is not working for me (xp/firefox 1.5) as it always returns null searches.
Anyway, apologies if this has been discussed already in detail...
I'm almost ready to go ahead and buy the Advantage having researched numerous reviews online.
Everyone is in agreement its a marvellous device, let down by one main aspect... the keyboard.
Many report that the keys have very limited tactile feedback and one reviewer commented that the keyboard felt very rubbery like the old spectrum keyboard, making it sluggish for typing on.
I would see this as being a pretty major drawback, effectively slowing productively on a regular basis.
I currently use a Nokia E61 for work, and, while it has a small thumboard, tactility is excellent and with some practice, its responsive and fast.
While the larger keyboard is welcome on the Advantage I would really like to hear users opinions and thoughts, good bad or indifferent, about the keyboard in daily use.
Thanks!
i think the keyboard is much better than reviewed all the time. it has no definite pressure point but still you only have to touch it a little bit so you don't really need the pressure point anyway. i haven't typed anything wrong yet. quite impressive.
but still i think that the athena itself has a far too deep (and bad) when the keyboard is attached, if you wanna type in bed f.e. it's hard to see the screen right and good.
so keyboard is really good, but angle between keyboard and display isn't good for use with both hands, in bed etc. (just on a high table).
sry, don't really know how to say it in english.
I'm still prefer the keyboard of Universal's.....and it turns out I carried the U1000 without the Keyboard 90% of time.
BR
Tommy
I too prefer the Universal keyboard compared to Advantage keyboard. Not only for the typing (little "click" with Universal, nothing with Advantage), but for the number of keys as well. In fact in Universal keyboard the number 1 to 0 are typed directly, instead in Advantage you need the function key before.
On Universal there are more symbols that availlable directly from the keyboard (with or without the function key).
But, considering all, I can give to my Advantage keyboard a rate of 6.5 (in a range from 1 to 10) and to Universal keyboard a rate of 8.
Can we all look into the possibility of using a bluetooth keyboard..I think it will b a very useful companion with Athena
Cheers guys. I'll probably end up using my Think Outside BT keyboard which has served me well over the past couple of years. It seems a waste to use it though when you have a magnetic keyboard which also doubles as a screen protector.. and its another thing to carry and have spare batteries for.. I hope they introduce a more tactile feedback into future revisions..
I don't think I'd mind the fact that the number keys are not on the top row. Its an inconvenience but means more room for qwerty (and I'm used to it from the E61 layout).
Speaking of room..
Advantage looks just a little too cramped for 2 handed typing effectively so are you guys holding it like a thumbboard or huntin'/peckin' with two fingers while it lays flat on a desk..?
it's very, very tough to hold it like thumbboard (as I said before) , so most of the time I use it while it lays flat on a desk (which should be high enough to see the whole screen while typing because of the bad angle).
I really dislike the keyboard, since it has absolutely no tactile feedback. It's very odd to type, and I make many errors. It was even nicer, and faster using the keyboard that came with my Cingular 8525, and I dislike Thumbboards. It does make a good stand when watching media, though!
I don't mind the keyboard for occasional use - you certainly wouldn't want to type an essay on it, but a quick e-mail, txt or even a forum post doesn't stress too much. Its easier than the soft keyboard on the screen anyway.
The bits that I don't like, are:- the telephone dial button is in the wrong place (top left) - I'll quite often start dialing someone, just because ive caught the button by accident as I'm holding the device up.
And sometimes it can get the caps lock stuck on, and I cant work out a consistent way of turning it off (usually a press of the dot, then the caps key does it, but not always).
Other than that, not too bad.
They keyboard sucks. The key spacing is all wrong. I continualy hit the wrong letter. For a good touch typist this is torture.
The lack of numbers it pathetic too. The universal fitted a considerably better keyboard into it.
The good thing? There is nothing to stop people making replacement keyboards!
I want a keyboard that works better as a screen protector, because if I dont use that stupid leather wallet, everytime I put it in my pocket, the keyboard slips off and scratches the screen itself.
Now, I look like something out of the 1980's with a huge leather filo-fax thing.
A good keyboard would be complete case, with flip up screen protector (or slide up) and a kb that flips around from the back (the contacts are wired such that its always connected when not totally flat on the back) meaning you can have it at any angle.
Hinge the KB at the bottom corners and screen protector at the top corner. It could be a complete life saver.
ok the keyboard in Athena is completely useless. Universal one is much better. I made so much typing error because I had to press hard on the keyboard. It is not responsive enough. Whenever I wanted to type fast, I kept on missing a character such as the A character. Even my Fitaly soft keyboard is 3x better.
It is annoying having to carry keyboard all the time because you need that to keep U1000 in the leather casing closed nicely together. but that is about it.
I too agree that the keyboard is next to useless. I've been using it purely as a way to hold up the unit at home, so that it looks like a PC instead of the screen lying flat. I still much prefer to use the enlarged on-screen keyboard. For more specialised typing such as word documetn, I have my Full Screen Kyboard activated hardware button that was once used for starting the browser. In that way, I can alway call up the Full Screen Keyboard anytime I need.
I don't actually carry my keyboard around. I've designed and made a belt pouch myself (yes, using my old notebook carrying case's materials) which can either take both the unit and keyboard or just the keyboard. In either case, I don't put the leather case into my pouch. It works very well for me.
At home, I would like to look for either a BT or USB keyboard.
Hmmm....
But for me athena keyboard still useful even not as good as universal one. But i still can feel it...
Actually I kinda like it.
Its better than I expected it to be. Rarely misses a key when I'm typing. I'm coming at this from keyboardless pdas though so can't compare with other smartphones (except Nokia 9300 which was ok but I actually think this is better.)
Its certainly handy having it there and it makes the pda sturdy when you want it sat up just to see the screen while playing music, watching movies etc.
I think all the above comments on the keyboard, the some good, and the some bad, are valid.
That being said, I do not think it's a deal breaker to not get the Athena. In addition, it can't be a deal breaker, as there are no alternatives. Yes, if all other things were remaining equal, and there was another device identical, except for a better keyboard, I'd obviously opt for it, even at a higher cost.
But, I LOVE the Athena. It is the portable computing device (plus GPS) that I've been hoping for. And I use in in CONJUNCTION with another phone (a Blackberry Pearl, for now). Comparing it to TyTN or the like, are too different. It runs faster than handheld pocket PCs, seems more stable, and quite frankly, when you mix too much usage at one time, like a phone, GPS, and PocketPC, is too much for any device. This is a PC with 3g data first, then maybe a GPS, and THEN a phone.
I have no complaints. I use it a good 3-4 hours a day instead of my laptop. It's good for emails and simple word/excel editing. Makes me able to sneak about without anyone noticing.
It could have had a little more tactile feedback, but the lack of it makes it dead quiet instead, which in my opinion is a wonderful thing.
I'm sure someone will make use of the extra space between keys... ie moving the main keys closer together and adding a numeric keypad somewhere in there. I wouldn't mind.
Perhaps make them round, and with a groove in the middle of each key so when the keys are tightly put together you still have high accuracy speed typing.
I'm used to the Wizard and Hermes, and they both have keyboards that give a little more response than Athenas keyboard. However, I see that this also is a good idea if you want to use the keyboard when you are en a meeting or in a lecture, or whereever you are where you have to be quiet.
anyone has tried Thinkoutside bluetooth keyboard with U1000 yet?
No, but I have tried the Freedom Keyboard (www.freedomkeyboard.com), and it works perfectly.
It's a little smaller than a normal qwerty-keyboard so it takes a little to get used to it, but I think it is rather good.
The Stowaway Travel Mouse also works perfectly.
If we are gonna go for Bluetooth keyboards, try the Apple PRO full qwerty kb. Its nice. I used it on my Nokia770, and my XDAII easily.
Not tried on the Athena, but no reason it shouldnt work. Great for using when you are at home/office for typing. Just dont expect to carry it around.
Hey everyone...
I'm currently working on a school project to re-design the housing of a pda.. I've decided to use the 8125 as my base. I've just recently started researching and learning about the software. I plan on upgrading to WM6, adding Touchflo, and whatever mods seem interesting. I was curious if you all had any suggestions as far as improving the overall original design. I'll be making two phones. One being a slide with a rotating screen feature, and two being a thin, non-slide, full touchscreen model similar to the HTC Touch. Any suggestions you all have would be great to work with and put into my research report. Keep in mind I can change just about every physical aspect of the phone, speakers, battery, buttons, ect... Thanks very much guys.. Looking forward to some intersting feedback..
they never did stuff like that when I was at school!
I would change the D pad because the up button has to be quite precise, maybe make it with a bit more relief.
Also would move the speakers from the side because I tend to cover them when I hold the phone (thumb covers right side, forefinger covers left) in my left hand. possibly put them on front.
I use infra red a bit and sometimes wish it was on top of the device instead of the side.
good luck with the project.
Edit: nearly forgot to say move the stylus silo from the bottom then if it goes loose (they all do) then it wont fall out as easily.
some pics would be nice when its done.
Sounds good.... Thanks you for the reply. I'll definately post photos when I finish.
I always liked the "tablet" design of the Universal...if you could make it a little less bulky. Of course I've never used that device, but it theory it seemed cool.
Well since you said that it will be using TouchFlow my first bit of advice would to be to make the screen flush with the housing. The biggest issue I have with the Wizard when it comes being finger friendly is hitting the X/ok key in the upper right corner. If the screen was flush with the casing this wouldnt be an issue.
Another thing would be to switch out the mini audio jack on the bottom with a standard headphone jack. I know that you might loose the ability to use a mic with headphones but it would be a small price to pay for the ability to use a nice set of phones without the need for an adapter sticking out the bottom. Not to mention that Bluetooth would take care of the need for a headphone with mic.
I read in one of the tech user manuals for the Wizard that there is a 2megapixel CCD for the phone along with the stand 1.3mp. Im not sure of the validity of this, but if you can get your hands on it that might be pretty nice.
Adding a more powerful IR to the phone and placing it at the top would be a nice touch as well. Would be nice to have the TV remote function with this phone.
Im sure Ill think of some other things, and Ill post them here as well.
PS another Idea would be to use the hardware listed here... pretty cheap if you ask me. http://www.compulab.co.il/x270em/html/x270-em-datasheet.htm
Good luck.
Awsome... Thanks very much for the suggestions... I checked out the Compulab Embeded phone... However, the minimum quantity they will sell is 1000 units. It would make for a nice base though...
HTC advertizes the x7501's weight to be 359gr, with battery. Is this weight with the keyboard included too ?
How much does the keyboard weigh ?
Thanks.
on my old kitchen scales I get 375 with the KB and 300 without it, my scales are hardly precisely callibrated though.
This is very interesting, if correct.
Assuming one does not want to carry the keyboard, then the Athena's weight becomes similar to a HTC TILT with a leather case (those leather cases, even those with minimalist design, are ~100 grams, and the TILT is another 190 grams, so it totals to 290 grams).
So assuming you can carry the Athena inside a large pants pocket without a case and keyboard...
(just thinking whether I should get into the Athena).
it's a fab phone and I love it, but it is huge and 1 handed operation is out of the question, so texting on the move is a chore.
You have to use a bluetooth headset because talking directly into the device is unfeasible, and now im looking a getting one of those bluetooth vibing watches to let me know who/when is calling, as it is awkward to get it out your pocket and open it up to screen your calls, and it has no vibrate function.
I agree the HTC 7500/7501 is an awesome phone. Although big its pretty manageable. What some ppl don't know is (I found this out by accident) if you get a "Good" cover for it it will have a small clear cutout where you can see who is calling and other info through the clear plastic of the keyboard. You cant see this with the factory HTC cover but an aftermarket one will...TJ
One handed operation
I have acheived a sort of one-handed operation - I have a Peil Frama case now (cases.com offered them for about US$85).
I have small hands, and in a pinch can stick my right hand/fingers between the case and the unit and can operate it in portrait mode with my thumb, everything except the camera button. if I need to operate the joystick, I have to pre-position my hand for it and then can't reach the commMgr, IE, & power key. It's not terrbly stable, but I can do it in a pinch if I really need to.
Side note: I was having trouble keeping the unit sliding up the unit with the keyboard attached, so I coated the inside (just where, and entirely where the actual unit is, so you can't see any of the gluey-ness while the unit is in it; I still have trouble making sure the case doesn't get stuck to itself when I take the unit out of it, and it's hard to put in and take out, but it's worth it to me, and removeable with some friction- it's rubber cement. It helps my hand stay in, too.
I'm thinking about designing and making a case with a hand strap so that units like this could be one-handed. Would anyone be interested if I could get it to a saleable standard?