I've been buying HTC devices every year since the very first XDA came out. It seems to get harder each year to choose a device as more choice becomes available. I don't think the Athena was out last year (or only just out and a bit out of my price range) so it wasn't really a consideration.
Anyway I went for an Orbit/Armatis which I've really enjoyed, it has just about everything I need. Perhaps the only improvements I would make is 3G, VGA, more memory, faster processor and I do like the sound of the tv-out. So sounds like the Athena is still on the cards.
I'm just a bit worried I've missed the boat. What I mean is, is it a bit outdated now? Will they bring out a smaller/lighter version soon?
Other questions you could answer for me are as follows..
How have you all coped with the size?
For those of you using them as phone (rather than a umpc) how have they stood upto being in your pocket (without the case/keyboard)
I've heard they're not too good playing Divx movies (700mb variety). Is this true. Will the Roms available here correct this?
Any more advice great fully received.
Many thanks
DannyBoy
Now is good many peoploe are looking for something new Umpc's, Asus eee or shift type things and a few going on ebay mine will be gone soon i expect but its a great device if ur using as a phone a lot get a good BT headset like LG Style-i
Id recommend it, as long as you wanted a mini-pc, rather than a phone. The internet features, harddisk, screen, and connectivity options really tick all the boxes, and the enhanced roms really improve the product.
If you want to use it as a phone, be prepared to use a BT headset or the wired option, or the speakerphone. I can't fault it on sound quality, but if you're a pub regular, you'll feel like a bit of a tit having it on your belt or in your pocket. Either that, or face swapping your sim out to another more portable phone. Luckily I've got a work mobile as well, so I can take that out with me.
The TV out is pretty good as is the VGA, provided you're not putting it on too large a screen (only 640x480 res). But is ok on my work monitor, watching last nights telly programme that I missed, or a film. One thing to be wary of, is that you MUST run the movies off the Microdrive (or memory). If you try and play it off a USB keyfob, its just too slow to support it. MP3's are ok (although can take a fair few seconds to load).
All in all, it comes down to if you want a mini-pc, or a phone with PDA functionality.
the size took quite a bit of getting used to but once u get the feel of its awsome w/the 5" touch screen.i use my jabra bt8010 and its probably the best bluetooth stereo headset for the athena coz its got a caller ID and vibrate.i usually keep the athena in a pouch or in my pocket.i dont use the case since it makes it fatter and kind of akward to hold.playing divx,xvid,flv..etc videos are great on the athena.there are specific settings to be made in TCPMP and once they are set ur good to go.ive never had any problems playing videos after making the settings.just make sure u go look for a demo or someone with on and test it out for a while and try to get a feel for it.hope this helps
If you're mainly looking for a phone, I suggest you look elsewhere. But if you want internet on the move, this is just about the only device in the market currently. The smaller screens may be VGA, but the're too small to run REALVGA program. REALVGA is one of the greatest improvements to WM6's useability. If I have access to a notebook, I would of course prefer to use that to surf internet. But on the road, do I want to carry a ASUS eee with me just to surf internet or would I prefer to just carry an Athena? The answer is clearly Athena. But please don't expect the speed and functionality of a full web browser like some do.
Besides the large VGA screen, the presence of harddisk AND MicroSDHC is also brings about benefits that no other devices AFAIK can offer. By installing all your programs in the Microdrive, you give yourself the ability to swap the MicroSDHC (currently 8GB each max) in and out. I place all my musics, pictures, and videos on MicroSDHC. This means I have UNLIMITED storage capacity. Currently I have close to 80 applications on my microdrive, and uses less than 10% of microdrive's capacity.
GPS works great on screen of this size, although it looks good enough on smaller screen.
Another application of mine that works great on this 5 inch screen is Meta Trader 4, which displays chart of shares, currencies, commodities. The ability to know what's happening to your investments anywhere anytime is just fantastic.
Carrying it around has not been an issue for me. I have a home made belt pouch with velcro flap. I carry the device without keyboard, as a software keyboard called Tengo is far better than the hardware keyboard anyway.
I don't have any issue using the phone even without bluetooth headset, but others prefer to use it with one. Someone just posted a wristwatch styled headset which should complement this device perfectly. Google "bluevision watch" and you will be able to read more about this.
I don't have any issue with playing videos. It looks excellent from my perspective (always smooth and clear), although some think that it is crap, something I could never never understand. I don't compare that with my home theatre system's quality.
Next comes the camera. Its quality under bright daylight is excellent, but in indoor situation it is a bit lacking.
MP3 plays very very well on this device. Battery life is reasonably long. Depending on the use, about a quarter of people polled in another thread run it down in less than one day, a quarter in one day, a quarter in two days.. something like that.
In summary, this is the best convergent device in the market with the most ideal size imaginable. HTC SHIFT has got the size completely wrong IMHO. It is too big to be carried around 24/7 whereas Athea is not.
I've been a very very satisfied owner for about 9 months now. If I lost it today, my next phone is still going to be Athena, of course, unless they come up with a skinnier and lighter version, with FM radio, TV tuner, and infra, without reducing the size of the screen.
Thankyou for giving such detailed opinions guys. It is much appreciated.
I think i'll get one but probably second hand rather than start a new contract.
Looking forward to playing with the Rom's in here. they look great.
The athena is a cracking device, but for me it was a case of it falling between two devices and not doing either as well as they could be done.
too small to be a laptop and too big to be fone
so i have gone down the separate small fone and small laptop route.
i found after a while the phone function just became a pain in the bum and i actually wanted XP and not WM6 functionality
spacecat said:
The athena is a cracking device, but for me it was a case of it falling between two devices and not doing either as well as they could be done.
too small to be a laptop and too big to be fone
so i have gone down the separate small fone and small laptop route.
i found after a while the phone function just became a pain in the bum and i actually wanted XP and not WM6 functionality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I'm the opposite - I want a machine for instant email access and web access with GPS etc which I can carry. I ahve a computer at work and at home.
The truth is, I'm afraid, you're going to have to make up your own mind! It is a big device but very usable (especially with a bluetooth headset). Everyone has their own opinion of it / uses for it but they may not match yours.
if you use the GPS function in a car its a no brainer, as its nearly as a cheap as a decent satnav and can do a lot more.
otherwise ..like he said
spacecat said:
if you use the GPS function in a car its a no brainer, as its nearly as a cheap as a decent satnav and can do a lot more.
otherwise ..like he said
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS in a car does not meet my need. Only a mobile one allows me to find direction after parking my car. You don't have to drive to enjoy the benefits. I use it to find points of interest such as restaurants . I use it while walking downtown to get to unfamiliar places rather than carrying a heavy streets directory.
Only a mobile one lets me play golf with a golf GPS software, telling me how far I'm from water hazards, from green, from trees, etc.
Only mobile GPS allows me to bring it overseas.
Also, after trying out a few 'dedicated' GPS, they are just inferior to mobile ones in terms of functionality.
Sure you can tell me that there are dedicated mobile GPS around which can satisfy my needs. But how many devices do you want to carry? For me, I want to take with me only one convergent device. I don't want a dedicated phone, another dedicated GPS, another dedicated web surfing subnotebook, another dedicated mp3 player, another camera, another video recorder. I'm sure there are people who fervently wants the best equipment dedicated to every single task, but that's their choice. I'm very happy to have made the Athena choice and sticking with it until a better convergent device comes along.
eaglesteve said:
GPS in a car does not meet my need. Only a mobile one allows me to find direction after parking my car. You don't have to drive to enjoy the benefits. I use it to find points of interest such as restaurants . I use it while walking downtown to get to unfamiliar places rather than carrying a heavy streets directory.
Only a mobile one lets me play golf with a golf GPS software, telling me how far I'm from water hazards, from green, from trees, etc.
Only mobile GPS allows me to bring it overseas.
Also, after trying out a few 'dedicated' GPS, they are just inferior to mobile ones in terms of functionality.
Sure you can tell me that there are dedicated mobile GPS around which can satisfy my needs. But how many devices do you want to carry? For me, I want to take with me only one convergent device. I don't want a dedicated phone, another dedicated GPS, another dedicated web surfing subnotebook, another dedicated mp3 player, another camera, another video recorder. I'm sure there are people who fervently wants the best equipment dedicated to every single task, but that's their choice. I'm very happy to have made the Athena choice and sticking with it until a better convergent device comes along.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? im referrering to the GPS system in the Athena
Let's not forget I've had it built into a device literally half the size of the Athena for a year so its not really a selling point for the Athena.
Have you seen this? ...7501!
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3153290&Sku=H224-1010
As an ex Clie pda user, I have ditched the little keyboard and use the WM6 version of graffiti text input, and have never looked back at the keyboard again. With the supplied leather case, it improves portability so much it can fit into the back of my jeans pocket.
Haven't loaded gps, but will in the coming year.
A must is the Jabra bt8010 for stereo bluetooth, and phone use, so you don't have to pull out the athena everytime. Otherwise you are using the speaker phone to talk to people, not the best.
I would have to say, if you want the screen size, the Athena is hard to beat when you look at the spec sheet. Most UMPC's don't have a cell phone built in. Most cell phones don't have a big screen that give you pda functionality.
I would say the only other alternatives is the HTC Touch, if you can live with the smaller screen size.
My only gripes on the Athena:
Video performance @30fps is BAD
Occasional A2DP stereo bluetooth skips, A2DP is so good I would never use an iPhone or iPod or any phone without it again!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If they come out with an Athena2, this is what I would like to see:
Solid State Hard Disc of at least 32GB
Solid video performance
Drop the keyboard - it scared away a lot of people with the gimmicky magnet attachment and small useless size.
To sum up, if you like the large screen of the PDA's (480x320), and love pda functionality, then you will like the Athena. It lets me carry only one device.
DON'T FORGET THAT THE CES SHOW IS ONLY A MONTH AWAY, there could be a new device that manages to top the Athena there, lets hope it is the Athena 2!
keithwwalker said:
As an ex Clie pda user, I have ditched the little keyboard and use the WM6 version of graffiti text input, and have never looked back at the keyboard again. With the supplied leather case, it improves portability so much it can fit into the back of my jeans pocket.
Haven't loaded gps, but will in the coming year.
A must is the Jabra bt8010 for stereo bluetooth, and phone use, so you don't have to pull out the athena everytime. Otherwise you are using the speaker phone to talk to people, not the best.
I would have to say, if you want the screen size, the Athena is hard to beat when you look at the spec sheet. Most UMPC's don't have a cell phone built in. Most cell phones don't have a big screen that give you pda functionality.
I would say the only other alternatives is the HTC Touch, if you can live with the smaller screen size.
My only gripes on the Athena:
Video performance @30fps is BAD
Occasional A2DP stereo bluetooth skips, A2DP is so good I would never use an iPhone or iPod or any phone without it again!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If they come out with an Athena2, this is what I would like to see:
Solid State Hard Disc of at least 32GB
Solid video performance
Drop the keyboard - it scared away a lot of people with the gimmicky magnet attachment and small useless size.
To sum up, if you like the large screen of the PDA's (480x320), and love pda functionality, then you will like the Athena. It lets me carry only one device.
DON'T FORGET THAT THE CES SHOW IS ONLY A MONTH AWAY, there could be a new device that manages to top the Athena there, lets hope it is the Athena 2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with your wishlist. I'd add to that TV tuner, FM radio, infra. Would also be nice to shed some weight and thickness.
I hope there is an Athena 2 soon. This is a wonderful size for a convergent device.
Just a reiteration here, but it is about personal preference. I tried to get along with the athena with pks rom, and although it was noticeably better than before it still didn't quite do it for me. I had constant complaints about the quality of voice calls using the speaker phone, and although a bluetooth headset worked fine, for me it still wasn't as practical as i would've liked. I went back yesterday to an n95, and bought a nokia n800 for portable browsing and email (although the n95 is more than capable here anyway). The two combined cost me about the price of an athena, and for my personal needs they work together to give a superior experience. The n95s gps locks on much quicker than the athena's so is in many ways a more practical device to use for personal navigation - especially with google maps' integration of the internal gps. The browser on the n95 is also better than pocket internet explorer, but when required i have the unbeatable os2008 browser to hand with the n800. Nokia have also just released a firmware update for the n95 which makes everything snappy and enjoyable - how it should have been all along really! The only thing i really miss about the athena is texting on a big screen. For some reason i really enjoyed that. The wmwifirouter app was useful too, though that's not exclusive to the athena. I think among the current fold of handsets the only thing that sets the athena apart is the screen size. There is nothing else on the device that can't be seen elsewhere. It just didn't cut the mustard for me as i had to persevere too much and it was a little embarrassing to use, but as they say - each to their own. One final point i will make is that i DON'T THINK the athena is a good convergence device. It provides no more than a big screen. Video performance is often shoddy, browsing does not offer full internet, the camera is pretty crap and usb host is only really of use for hid and playing music\photos. Aside from the large screen, usb host and touchscreen the n95 8gb offers: better multimedia playback (multi codec with coreplayer), a far superior camera, with shockingly better video recording functionality, integrated gps which locks on quicker than the athena and a quicker browser which allows effortless access to all but flash sites (soon to be remedied. With flash lite 3.0).. If the athena is a convergance device then the n95 8gb is just as good, particularly given it's size. You can even use a bluetooth keyboard with it. P.s. I typed all this on an n95 and it was a piece of cake!.
leoni1980 said:
Just a reiteration here, but it is about personal preference. I tried to get along with the athena with pks rom, and although it was noticeably better than before it still didn't quite do it for me. I had constant complaints about the quality of voice calls using the speaker phone, and although a bluetooth headset worked fine, for me it still wasn't as practical as i would've liked. I went back yesterday to an n95, and bought a nokia n800 for portable browsing and email (although the n95 is more than capable here anyway). The two combined cost me about the price of an athena, and for my personal needs they work together to give a superior experience. The n95s gps locks on much quicker than the athena's so is in many ways a more practical device to use for personal navigation - especially with google maps' integration of the internal gps. The browser on the n95 is also better than pocket internet explorer, but when required i have the unbeatable os2008 browser to hand with the n800. Nokia have also just released a firmware update for the n95 which makes everything snappy and enjoyable - how it should have been all along really! The only thing i really miss about the athena is texting on a big screen. For some reason i really enjoyed that. The wmwifirouter app was useful too, though that's not exclusive to the athena. I think among the current fold of handsets the only thing that sets the athena apart is the screen size. There is nothing else on the device that can't be seen elsewhere. It just didn't cut the mustard for me as i had to persevere too much and it was a little embarrassing to use, but as they say - each to their own. One final point i will make is that i DON'T THINK the athena is a good convergence device. It provides no more than a big screen. Video performance is often shoddy, browsing does not offer full internet, the camera is pretty crap and usb host is only really of use for hid and playing music\photos. Aside from the large screen, usb host and touchscreen the n95 8gb offers: better multimedia playback (multi codec with coreplayer), a far superior camera, with shockingly better video recording functionality, integrated gps which locks on quicker than the athena and a quicker browser which allows effortless access to all but flash sites (soon to be remedied. With flash lite 3.0).. If the athena is a convergance device then the n95 8gb is just as good, particularly given it's size. You can even use a bluetooth keyboard with it. P.s. I typed all this on an n95 and it was a piece of cake!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I disagree that web browsing and emailing experience is even practical at all with N95. The device is just too tiny for such purposes. I went to the shop and asked the assistant to demo it. It is way way too slow for once. The screen shows a small portion of that Athena would have shown. The input with the keypad is completely unacceptable and unpleasant.
I hate to say this, while I understand your desire to find a better browser and email client on Athena, I don't think N95 is a better one.
eaglesteve said:
Sorry, I disagree that web browsing and emailing experience is even practical at all with N95. The device is just too tiny for such purposes. I went to the shop and asked the assistant to demo it. It is way way too slow for once. The screen shows a small portion of that Athena would have shown. The input with the keypad is completely unacceptable and unpleasant.
I hate to say this, while I understand your desire to find a better browser and email client on Athena, I don't think N95 is a better one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that was too polite.
Leoni, you can't seriously be suggesting that a buggy S60 phone with a tiny screen and a gimmicky media player is even close to the Athena. My other half has an N95 and even she (a gadget hater!) thinks it is a dysfunctional version of the Iphone (now that is quite an insult, coming from her!). The only good think about it is the camera.
Leoni is right, it is about personal preference. But iof you want decent browsing, decent email, decent screen size, decent satnav, the N95 is most certainly not the way to go. Sorry.
a viewty and an EEE pc thats the way to do it
spacecat said:
a viewty and an EEE pc thats the way to do it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my brother just got the viewty, nice camera but the rest sucks lol
Related
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.
Well, I was thinking about buy a Kaiser and then I started to look at the specs and the Im really really thinking about getting 7501. I have few questions for people that own it.
1) First how is it as a phone ??/?
2) Is it posible to cary on belt, the belt clip case ?
3) How is the internal GPS ?
4) How is the camera quality ?
5) is it worth it ?
Thanks in advance.
1) It works great as a phone... if you're willing to use a bluetooth headset. Along with voice dial, I rarely need to actually touch the device for phone functions. Speakerphone is very good if you don't mind everyone hearing your business.
2) There is only one know belt clip case, and that had problems, I think. Updated model is "Coming soon!" (I hope)
3) GPS works well. Slow cold startup with some programs. Very convenient after years of carrying a hockey puck.
4) I find the camera good for a phone camera, some people have reported some color issues. I ahve not experienced that.
5) For me, yes, it is worth it. It is big... but I am in love with that gorgeous screen where I can actually see spreadsheets, web pages, etc. Wouldn't type the next great novel on it, but keyboard is fine for writing shortish messages. Workmanship is solid. The mag attachment of the keyboard actually works pretty naturally, although backlighting on keyboard would have been a plus. Probably not possible. Also nice sans keyboard as a lovely video player.
If you can afford it, don't mind comments about "your phone is HUGE", and like to have something that is more functional overall than the usual PPC phone, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, Kaiser might suit you better.
yozh said:
Well, I was thinking about buy a Kaiser and then I started to look at the specs and the Im really really thinking about getting 7501. I have few questions for people that own it.
1) First how is it as a phone ??/?
2) Is it posible to cary on belt, the belt clip case ?
3) How is the internal GPS ?
4) How is the camera quality ?
5) is it worth it ?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PS: Great support network on this board as well.
wgary said:
PS: Great support network on this board as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THanks for a great explanation. THe belt part is really a killer for me. I really love to have such a nice screen. I would love to see it in person and try it out for my self. Video reviews are great, but until you see it, its not the same. Thanks again for the comments. Anyone else with some comments ?
The best one i ever had... never fell the same before... this is the best...
Nice screen, great functionality.. Perfect storage size... etc
Just recommended!!!
Belt clip
yozh said:
THanks for a great explanation. THe belt part is really a killer for me. I really love to have such a nice screen. I would love to see it in person and try it out for my self. Video reviews are great, but until you see it, its not the same. Thanks again for the comments. Anyone else with some comments ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am actually using the t-mobile HP 6315 belt case for the phone and it works perfectly. Its a pretty tight fit for the phone and keyboard but if you are of with just carrying the phone, it would not be a bad option!
cornelius said:
The best one i ever had... never fell the same before... this is the best...
Nice screen, great functionality.. Perfect storage size... etc
Just recommended!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like LOVE to me! And I know just how you feel. My wife says I love my phone more than her. No comment.
You do raise an excellent point -- not constantly running out of memory is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
wgary said:
1) It works great as a phone... if you're willing to use a bluetooth headset. Along with voice dial, I rarely need to actually touch the device for phone functions. Speakerphone is very good if you don't mind everyone hearing your business.
2) There is only one know belt clip case, and that had problems, I think. Updated model is "Coming soon!" (I hope)
3) GPS works well. Slow cold startup with some programs. Very convenient after years of carrying a hockey puck.
4) I find the camera good for a phone camera, some people have reported some color issues. I ahve not experienced that.
5) For me, yes, it is worth it. It is big... but I am in love with that gorgeous screen where I can actually see spreadsheets, web pages, etc. Wouldn't type the next great novel on it, but keyboard is fine for writing shortish messages. Workmanship is solid. The mag attachment of the keyboard actually works pretty naturally, although backlighting on keyboard would have been a plus. Probably not possible. Also nice sans keyboard as a lovely video player.
If you can afford it, don't mind comments about "your phone is HUGE", and like to have something that is more functional overall than the usual PPC phone, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, Kaiser might suit you better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) - (5) Agreed. As to size, I have never felt the ameo is too big. I rarely carry the keyboard (not that that adds much. It fits neatly into a pocket (suit, jeans, short) and you never have to put it to your head, using a BT headset. I always felt slightly worried with my Uni to my ear).
Finally, the crowning glory - the screen. I upgrade every year but could never go back to a smaller screen. That applies even when not running in VGA.......
Love? Probably.
I love it but I disagree about the size.
It is too big as a phone. The need for a bluetooth headset is such that one should have been included.
Although calls with bluetooth headset are PERFECTLY convenient it still means you have to have the device on your person: while this is fine for work or home it does mean that you need to take a second phone out if you fancy some leisure.
Yes the device can happily be used without the keyboard, but I never liked the idea of carrying £500 worth of technology in my jeans without some kind of hard protection over the screen, much as it did feel 'nicer' without the keyboard attached.
I have heard mention of belt cases but I couldn't bear the reaction from my girlfriend/friends if I had to unzip a big pouch strapped to my waist to send a text.
The camera is superb, maybe not as responsive as a Cybershot camera phone but very impressive in terms of clarity and sharpness. I suspect the Kaiser's camera will be identical to that of the Ameo, although the Ameo does have a very bright LED light compared to any other phone I've seen.
The build quality of the Ameo is superb. A really well-built little machine and I LOVE using it. I NEVER use it as a phone but a lot of people manage to, so it's probably more my easily-embarassed nature that stops me doing so.
Oh and you can plug gadgets into it!
The long and short of it is that despite the impressive spec of the Kaiser the QVGA screen still puts me off. I didn't used to be too bothered but the Ameo has changed my mind.
Yes I like it and I think everyone should get one, though you might want to keep your old phone if you've got a stag do or a birthday party looming on the horizon!
Leo, what gadgets do you plug to it?
yozh, you HAVE to look at the device in person. Everytime I saw a review on the x7500 I passed it by because I thought it was BIG and it never interested me. I went today to a local store were they import phones and I was about to purchase the nokia e90. I told the guy as I was getting ready to pay for it that I would just like to take a quick look at the x7500. He opened it and I said WOW WOW WOW. Love at first sight, I pushed the nokia to the side and told the guy to ring me up for the x7500!
Btw, I spent 2 hours reading reviews and some forums to make sure the nokia was for me. Than I finally gave in to buy it. But with the x7500 I had no clue what it was and what it did and just bought it that quick. I did know it was a ppc and that it had 3g support (which works great in chicago) and I was sold. Than when I saw the screen as he turned it on for me I was a happy camper. Than he tells me it also has GPS! And than he said it has 8gb on board! And a 3mp camera and ......... I went home with empty pocket and a smile in my face.
It is one GREAT device! OH, with a2dp,3g,wifi and if you want better battery life you can switch to just use gms,edge. You cannot go wrong. Just need to buy a BT headset that vibrates when phone rings.
Know what you mean!
I had a similar experience to you. Altho ive used alot of Windows Mobile based Pocket PCs and Smartphones, I wanted a decent high spec device to check emails, surf the net, wifi and 3G were both a big plus for me.
I wandered into my local T-Mobile store and asked to have a look at the Ameo, didnt even think id own one. But i took the plunge, travelling another 30-40 miles the next day as my local T-mobile didnt have it, so they called up another store and made sure that stock was available.
Ever since then ive been more than happy with it.
Yeah its huge, and yeah its cumbersome in terms of size in your pocket. Maybe its a substitute for the size of my manhood, hehe! we'll never know! (when i get the phone out usually i receive the response - 'look at the size of that!!!!!')
The point is:
1. Huge screen - Great in VGA mode, but also great in standard, out the box mode to. Watching movies on the Ameos generous sized screen is a joy. Ive never been able to do that on any other phone for lengthy periods of time.
2. 8gb Storage! wow! What more can i say!
3. GPS - as long as the frequent updates are applied, getting a GPS fix is quick and works like a dream
4. 3Million Megapixel Camera. Just got a seperate Canon camera for serious shots, but when abroad on holiday, the Ameos camera was fine.
5. Heavily used as an mp3 player, can use my Bluetooth headset OR standard 3.5mm headphones, a great little touch! (thats what I like, USB charging, standard headphone socket - shows that HTC arent greedy!!!! take note, Samsung / Sony etc etc!)
6. Mini SD memory! Cheeeap! Get a 4gb card! 12gb total storage! Now thats useful!
7. Wifi, rapidly available in most places now.
8. 3G - Sooo speedy, ive found its actually faster than Oranges 3G!
9. Internet Sharing - Use this when theres no Wifi for my laptop, great little feature which works really well.
10. Windows Live - Another application that uses the size of the screen to an advantage! This is the best Messenger yet!
This device is built for T-Mobiles Web'n'Walk plans. No worring about surfing the net, anywhere, anytime! Its great, complete data freedom!
Now when i look down at my device and the little G or 3G symbol has appeared, no frantic panic'ing trying to close the apps down and close the internet connection.
All i would say is that since the Apple iPhone, i really hope the Windows Mobile interface continues to improve. Rather that being the slightly dull business style interface, should be more like SPB Mobile Shell and Wisbar.
Roll on fancy interfaces, i mean, the quality screen would look amazing with a decent UI! Its only a matter of time.
Yeah its big, but who cares! Its not the size that matters! Its what it does that counts! and there are wayyyyyy to many plus points having this phone! (as i hope ive illustrated!)
I cant help thinking how the next device will improve on this one???? Better VGA Screen? Bigger Storage? Slightly smaller overall size? Mmm! Its gonna be tough!
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.
At the moment i have the universal, and uses it primarily for navigation and reading e books. have normal SEk810i for phoning.
i have been waiting for the omni, but date keeps pushing and no official responses has been made whether it comes or not.
And now i have found me a very nice offer that i can afford
Its the HTC Advantage X7500 and not the 7501.
How simple will the upgrade be to wm6 ?
and what other differences is there beside the fmradio (which doesn't matter to me)?
should i go for this or should i wait ?
One last note, the size of the athena doesnt scare me, i like big screen when reading and using navi.
I bought one 7500 couple of months before. The upgrade to WM6 was easy, but... I wouldn't buy it again - the microdrive makes me very big problems (it stops working in unpredictable times - not realiable) and also the GPS chipset inside is not SirfStarIII, be careful, if you need it for detailed measurements... :-(((
the athenais an amazing device look at the thread in the upgrading section called 'athena & WM6 getting rid...' and have you considered the shift it is bigger but a huge screen gps and phone 30GB vista and everything you could everneed (apart from a great battery life if using Vista) it is a bit more money and not released till 21st of december in uk not sure about ret of world also a higher screen resolution
spzero said:
the athenais an amazing device look at the thread in the upgrading section called 'athena & WM6 getting rid...' and have you considered the shift it is bigger but a huge screen gps and phone 30GB vista and everything you could everneed (apart from a great battery life if using Vista) it is a bit more money and not released till 21st of december in uk not sure about ret of world also a higher screen resolution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does everyone keep saying the shift does large screen GPS, None of the GPS solutions for Vista are as good as tomtom and the like for PPC and none of the pictures of the shift show it using the full wide screen when in PPC mode, this means that the 4:3 image in a 7" wide screen is barely over the 5" screen of the athena anyway.
Shift would simply be to big for my tastes. need something that can fit in my pocket easily due to my job. and the battery life discourages me also.
so today i went in with both legs and bought a brand spanking new athena.
i had won one on an auction, but after winning i got email from the seller saying sorry but it has broken and he has to cancel auction. ( still thinks he was pissed not getting the doe he was expecting )
so now i have gotten it today. have hardSpl'd it and flashed the pk3 rom. and i have that warm feeling inside again
i have to say that with mobipocket installed it is just perfect for reading, and when it comes to navigation, i have the full tomtom6 and so far no problems with the gps reception. and if the problem should arise i have my tomtom bluetooth antenna to be fired up in case..
so for now i will enjoy my new toy and hope it will last me a good while (wife will go mad if i want a new one for at least the next year ...)
what i have seen so far has been all good, hope it lasts
charon72 said:
Shift would simply be to big for my tastes. need something that can fit in my pocket easily due to my job. and the battery life discourages me also.
so today i went in with both legs and bought a brand spanking new athena.
i had won one on an auction, but after winning i got email from the seller saying sorry but it has broken and he has to cancel auction. ( still thinks he was pissed not getting the doe he was expecting )
so now i have gotten it today. have hardSpl'd it and flashed the pk3 rom. and i have that warm feeling inside again
i have to say that with mobipocket installed it is just perfect for reading, and when it comes to navigation, i have the full tomtom6 and so far no problems with the gps reception. and if the problem should arise i have my tomtom bluetooth antenna to be fired up in case..
so for now i will enjoy my new toy and hope it will last me a good while (wife will go mad if i want a new one for at least the next year ...)
what i have seen so far has been all good, hope it lasts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
welcome to the club
spzero said:
the athenais an amazing device look at the thread in the upgrading section called 'athena & WM6 getting rid...' and have you considered the shift it is bigger but a huge screen gps and phone 30GB vista and everything you could everneed (apart from a great battery life if using Vista) it is a bit more money and not released till 21st of december in uk not sure about ret of world also a higher screen resolution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO, the Shift cannot be compared to a Windows Mobile device.
I carry a Windows notebook computer as well as a Windows Mobile device.
Now, that I have an Advantage, I find myself using the notebook computer far less often. The long boot-up time of the PC, and the easy synch of my data along with nearly-instant "on" of the Advantage, make my Advantage my first choice nearly all of my away-from-office time.
charon72 said:
Shift would simply be to big for my tastes. need something that can fit in my pocket easily due to my job. and the battery life discourages me also.
so today i went in with both legs and bought a brand spanking new athena.
i had won one on an auction, but after winning i got email from the seller saying sorry but it has broken and he has to cancel auction. ( still thinks he was pissed not getting the doe he was expecting )
so now i have gotten it today. have hardSpl'd it and flashed the pk3 rom. and i have that warm feeling inside again
i have to say that with mobipocket installed it is just perfect for reading, and when it comes to navigation, i have the full tomtom6 and so far no problems with the gps reception. and if the problem should arise i have my tomtom bluetooth antenna to be fired up in case..
so for now i will enjoy my new toy and hope it will last me a good while (wife will go mad if i want a new one for at least the next year ...)
what i have seen so far has been all good, hope it lasts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I congratulate you for making this wise decision. SHIFT is TWICE the area of Athena and three times the weight. It also is quite useless on the road because it has completely unacceptable battery life. Even if it has GPS, proper camera, MP3 player on the WM side, and voice call, it's not going to be worthwhile. Even if you don't mind lugging this phone along, you can't really use it worry free because anytime it's going to run out of power. Do you want Vista that badly? That's the real question. Even if you really really need portable VISTA, it is wiser to have ASUS eee PC, with an Athena.
In my mind there are two types of portability. The "body portability" and the "briefcase/backpack portabiliity". In first type of portability allows you to either put the device in your normal size pocket or a normal size belt pouch. The second category allows you to bring it along for holiday and travel, but you would not really need it to be carried on your body. Phone/GPS/MP3/Internet Browser/Camera/Radio should be converged into one device of "body portability". More serious work related and very infrequently used device such as VISTA could accept a "briefcase portabilty" as those applications typically requires much bigger screen and keyboard. These two types of device should not converge.
The real issue with SHIFT is not weather it can have phone, full WM6. It is the weight, size and battery life. Athena is the one to go for.
eaglesteve said:
I congratulate you for making this wise decision. SHIFT is TWICE the area of Athena and three times the weight. It also is quite useless on the road because it has completely unacceptable battery life. Even if it has GPS, proper camera, MP3 player on the WM side, and voice call, it's not going to be worthwhile. Even if you don't mind lugging this phone along, you can't really use it worry free because anytime it's going to run out of power. Do you want Vista that badly? That's the real question. Even if you really really need portable VISTA, it is wiser to have ASUS eee PC, with an Athena.
In my mind there are two types of portability. The "body portability" and the "briefcase/backpack portabiliity". In first type of portability allows you to either put the device in your normal size pocket or a normal size belt pouch. The second category allows you to bring it along for holiday and travel, but you would not really need it to be carried on your body. Phone/GPS/MP3/Internet Browser/Camera/Radio should be converged into one device of "body portability". More serious work related and very infrequently used device such as VISTA could accept a "briefcase portabilty" as those applications typically requires much bigger screen and keyboard. These two types of device should not converge.
The real issue with SHIFT is not weather it can have phone, full WM6. It is the weight, size and battery life. Athena is the one to go for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HERE HERE.
Very well put Eaglesteve.
I have, and will always have issues with the size of the Athena - as a phone I struggle to get along with it, and continually go back to my Hermes. The past few days with the Touch Dual ROM however I have warmed to it and think if you don't mind vociferous phone conversations or connecting bluetooth earphones it's actually a very good bit of kit.
I never use the keyboard as it adds bulk and isn't as nice to use as Fingertouch, I would LOVE a Linux hack but don't see one happening soon and I think web browsing is not as smooth and reliable as it should be, but you can't have everything I suppose.
If you enjoyed your Universal then I have no doubt you will be a happy member of the Athena club, and the Shift?!?! I wouldn't touch it with someone else's bargepole owing to 3 critical - and no doubt predictable - factors:
1 - It's too small to be a laptop replacement; too big to be a cellphone replacement.
2 - Owing to its expense and niche market, development will be VERY restricted.
3 - battery life is grimly short.
As previously stated, buy an EEE if you want a bit extra to go with your Athena - the cost of this AND the Athena is less than a Shift alone, with twice the battery juice.
leoni1980 said:
HERE HERE.
Very well put Eaglesteve.
I have, and will always have issues with the size of the Athena - as a phone I struggle to get along with it, and continually go back to my Hermes. The past few days with the Touch Dual ROM however I have warmed to it and think if you don't mind vociferous phone conversations or connecting bluetooth earphones it's actually a very good bit of kit.
I never use the keyboard as it adds bulk and isn't as nice to use as Fingertouch, I would LOVE a Linux hack but don't see one happening soon and I think web browsing is not as smooth and reliable as it should be, but you can't have everything I suppose.
If you enjoyed your Universal then I have no doubt you will be a happy member of the Athena club, and the Shift?!?! I wouldn't touch it with someone else's bargepole owing to 3 critical - and no doubt predictable - factors:
1 - It's too small to be a laptop replacement; too big to be a cellphone replacement.
2 - Owing to its expense and niche market, development will be VERY restricted.
3 - battery life is grimly short.
As previously stated, buy an EEE if you want a bit extra to go with your Athena - the cost of this AND the Athena is less than a Shift alone, with twice the battery juice.
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Whether or not you find Athena's size to be a problem depends on how to use it. For me, I completely dislike the hardware keyboard. It's no where near as fast and accurate as Tengo software keyboard, so I don't have the burden of carrying it and the leather case.
Next, if you try carrying it with the pockets of your shirt or trousers, you will find it too bulky and heavy. The right way to carry this is to use a proper belt pouch. I have a self made one. I carry my Athena 24/7, even at home. The only time it comes off my body is when I shower and sleep. In my belt pouch I am completely unaware of its presence. I will not be able to do the same with SHIFT.
hardware keyboard is interesting but daft, unresponsive and a burden when it comes to answering calls. the universal's design is better in a sense (and it doesn't wipe hard drives), although once the keyboard is removed the Athena feels a lot nicer.
i have never used Tengo. is it better than fingertouch?
leoni1980 said:
hardware keyboard is interesting but daft, unresponsive and a burden when it comes to answering calls. the universal's design is better in a sense (and it doesn't wipe hard drives), although once the keyboard is removed the Athena feels a lot nicer.
i have never used Tengo. is it better than fingertouch?
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much much better
many more options
leoni1980 said:
hardware keyboard is interesting but daft, unresponsive and a burden when it comes to answering calls. the universal's design is better in a sense (and it doesn't wipe hard drives), although once the keyboard is removed the Athena feels a lot nicer.
i have never used Tengo. is it better than fingertouch?
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much much much much better. bigger hitting area, more accuracy, takes up less real estate, more comprehensive and complete in functionality than Finger Touch . I've posted a comparision somewhere under the thread called "Finger touch, much better than tengo".
To add to the idea of using an Athena along with an Asus, you don't even have to link them with USB for the Asus to get network access. Get the (beta) wmWifiRouter and your Athena turns into a portable wifi hotspot. Then your Asus, and anyone else travelling with you with a laptop, gets internet on the go.
techntrek said:
To add to the idea of using an Athena along with an Asus, you don't even have to link them with USB for the Asus to get network access. Get the (beta) wmWifiRouter and your Athena turns into a portable wifi hotspot. Then your Asus, and anyone else travelling with you with a laptop, gets internet on the go.
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hey, thats what i do, and it works a treat. for anyone who cant be bothered to search ive attached it. just go to start, settings, connections, wifi, add new. give the new connection whatever name you like and make sure you tick 'ad hoc'. then just run wmwifirouter. simple.
And because of this program there is less of a need to hack the ee to add internal bluetooth like some have lately. I cant think of any reason, actually.
Wow, i am really amazed to how this thread has boomed since last night
My main reason for never even considering the shift is size and battery life.
and every night when i go work i bring my laptop anyway.
The job i do is nightguard for a mentally handicapped man in his thirties. this involves long hours sitting in a chair watching him doing weird stuff and sleeping on the couch. so i need a device to keep me company in the chair
and it has to be something i can flick shut at seconds notice in case he gets a seizure (bad spelling i know) or freaks out. and for theese reasons SHift would be very impractical.
i like the look of shift and would like to have it just for playing around with it, but i also know i would tire of it really fast, so i dont see a reason to waste my money on a shiny new toy i wont use(have plenty of those)
The athena is now 2 days old and bringing it to work now for the third night and so far it has fulfilled all my expectations and even more.
combined with mobipocket it is absolutely fabulous to read on, and i am even considering leaving the laptop at home
So far i am very happy to have made the transition from the universal.
And on a side note...
Now my mom can discard her old Moto A1000 cause i am giving her the universal instead
leoni1980 said:
I would LOVE a Linux hack but don't see one happening soon
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What is a 'Linux hack' ?
eaglesteve said:
I carry my Athena 24/7, even at home. The only time it comes off my body is when I shower and sleep. In my belt pouch I am completely unaware of its presence. I will not be able to do the same with SHIFT.
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Do you wear it when you have sex?
spacecat said:
Do you wear it when you have sex?
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I thought everyone has sex with his Athena. No?
I received my as part of the pre-order process about a week and a half ago.
My overall rating on this device would be a 8/10.
Upside - Super Fast boot -
works wireless and wired
magically increases phone screen resolution
Downsides
price is a bit high
the keyboard is small, but usable, even for real typing.
I have had some mixed results with different roms and programs. For the basic programs - email, calender, office, IE - everything works fine. Some programs though don't play well with the Redlfly, such as the official opera 9.5 release.
When a program doesn't work, the redfly screen goes black. Also, HTC photo album, tomtom do not work.
Google maps works.
Nothing is perfect- the actual web load speeds combined with substandard browsers make certain tasks great, but some pages are more of a pain then they are worth.
am i ready to travel without my laptop - Yup, especially for short trips. When the newer opera starts working with redfly, i think that will make a huge difference.
As in other reviews the battery life is one of the real selling points here. I left it going, wired, using the phone and a cordless mouse - for several hours and had no indication of losing my power and my phone was powered out at max (i was using a bluetooth headset)
the other way to use it, is to whip it out of a case, hit a button and bamb wirelessly send an email, looking something up, ect ect.
The redfly is VERY well constructed - very lightweight, but feels solid and well put together, the materials and the feel of the case are rubbery - and they look fantastic.
I did not experience the lapse in typing as the reviewer in pcworld did - maybe she needed a rom upgrade
Currently i'm using Lorentis' V5 diamond rom - this rom for some reason redfly doesn't like my today screen plugins and they look "scrambled" like a bad tv signal, but this is just a minor issue as you can see all the icons and move into the programs with no difficulty.
If your traveling or if you want to be able to expand the capability of your phone in random situations - this Redfly is the thing to have.
Relating to media - redfly's screen refresh rate is pretty slow - which can cause issues when scrolling on large web pages - but - it works.
My slingbox program played, but looked like a slide show and you can see the screen refresh line re-writing. - So, you can use this as a nice portable media screen- but it is my guess that this screen thing is not only a limitation of their driver and our phone, but i think it also is part of the battery life having a less active monitor.
one of the great things on the keyboard is there are lots of built in shortcut keys - they were REALLY awesome and work very well.
I got a mobile dvd player case that fits it very nice - and there is enough room for my mouse - i'm thinking about adding backup battery - one of these deals Tekkeon MP3450 for the heck of it.
again this is a fantastic device - it doesn't turn your phone into a laptop - relating to multimedia but, it greatly expands the capabilities for both speed and ease in the core applications
If you have any questions, shoot away
I've been looking at many reviews and ads and videos on this thing and I honestly must say with all due respect that I don't see the point.
You state that it improves capabilities for "both speed and ease in the core applications." I can only assume you say "speed" because you think you can do things quicker on a larger screen. AFAIK the redfly does not actually speed anything up for the phone. It is simply a dumb terminal that scales the screen larger and passes input/output.
If this device cost $200 I could possibly see it. But, for $500 you could buy a used P3 ultra-mobile off of ebay that although would be about 25-50% bigger would provide much much more in terms of capabilities, especially when paired with the phone itself for wireless internet.
Multimedia is not increased and, as you state, it has compatibility problems with quite a few applications. Pocket Office is really no where near as functional as real Office...I would never attempt to write a real document over a few paragraphs using pocket Word. Outlook is really the only thing that is very functional (since it is basic e-mail which aren't generally too long) and for that I find the small Kaiser/Tilt screen fine.
I suppose if I had limitless money I would buy one (just like I would by everything), but as I said an old PIII ultra-mobile can be had for cheaper.
Also, generally I am either packing just a phone, or I'm packing my whole case. If the redfly is to big to holster on my hip (which it is) I have to carry a case, and at that rate I might just as well carry my full size notebook.
And as far as being able to quickly whip it out and start on an e-mail, etc... Yes, you probably save about 15-30 seconds vs bringing a laptop out of standby...I'll give it that. But, that brings me back to the fact that I would consider it a waste of time to pull it out in the first place for just an e-mail which I feel is quickly and easily done on the tilt keyboard itself.
The only rational explanation I read for using these things is if you are a company that wants to fit mobile employees who already have phones with "laptops" for very basic tasks (like e-mail). Because the cost of a laptop (and all associated maintenance) can be bery high, this could be a one time fee solution that wouldn't require any additional support.
For an individual user, especially a power user, I can't see that the benefit of a larger screen is really worth the $500. But I'm glad you like it (to each his own), apparently they tapped into some market of people that find it useful and cost-effective.
in principal i don't disagree- it does not speed up your phone
however, for me, it has speed up and made easier my ability to use the phone
primarily in email, calender word, excell- ESPECIALLY excell.
If your on the go - it can be helpful
there is a big difference from my comptuer bag carrying my Dell 700m at 4 pounds and my tiny portable DVD player bag i use for the redfly - less than 2lbs, its like a feather
i have a bad back, the less stress the better - this is light enough to just grab and go anywhere with.
Its also somewhat future proof cause it can go from phone to phone, - hopefully they keep up the drivers.
I debated a small PC eee or something. you can even get them for 200 bucks.
For now i'm sticking with the redfly. - also, i note the pricepoint is the only major downside to the device.
once they get opera 9.5 working - i think it will take it to a whole new level.
I see your selling yours... no longer satisfied?
The price is now $400 new.
Protonus said:
I see your selling yours... no longer satisfied?
The price is now $400 new.
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needed full laptop functionality - changed my job from running around locally to flying around nationally - needed to use photoshop ect ect with me
its yours for 350 - basically new, paypal and shipped conus