My contract runs out next month. I was confident I would go straight onto a Kaiser, but I have just seen the touch cruise !!! decisions decisons
Which way are the ROM cookers going to jump? I have to say the hard work of those guys really brought the best out of my hermes.
there are rom cookers for most of the devices
i would guess the cookers who pref keyboard will go kaiser
and others will go tc
Haha... I think I'd have to get another Hermes if mine ever died.
I don't like the shoddy video performance on the Kaiser, it's also not quite clear to me if the Kaiser can be folded out flat, which is far more useful if you aren't at a desk than the 'pop-up' motion. Also, I use a bluetooth Sirf Star 3, which is infinitely better than the crappy built-in GPS on the Kaiser.
The Kaiser (and my hermes) just seems to be beginning to feel just a little too bulky !
I'm sticking with the Hermes for awhile ...
I'm sticking with my Hermes for awhile too!
1. I already have a Garmin GPS 10 (Bluetooth), so I really don't need the GPS of a Kaiser. I run Garmin Mobile XT (& BeelineGPS) from my SD card, so space isn't an issue either. And this is all more than accurate enough for my Geocaching adventures!
2. I have a 2 gig microSD (soon to be upgraded to 4 or 6 GB), so I really don't need the extra memory of the Kaiser (especially with these memory freeing ROMs - thanks to our ROM Chefs!) Even with my GPS maps, I still have plenty of room on my microSD.
3. I just recently went from carrying a Motorola RAZR, Dell Axim X50v and Bluetooth Keyboard ... to carrying only the AT&T 8525 (a.k.a. Hermes 100). So, I'm still enjoying carrying only 1 device.
4. True it's sort of large, but not as much space as 2 devices. Besides, it's not that bad when I use the leather belt holster or place it in the hidden pocket of my Docker's Mobile pants (part of Docker's premium line - so I can wear them at work). It's small enough that it doesn't bulge out on my leg, so it truly remains hidden!
5. Also, as far as size goes, if the keyboard/thumbboard was any smaller, I think it would loose it usefulness.
6. With all of our cooked ROMs, we're getting all sorts of software-based advantages of newer models. Why pay more $$$ for the same stuff?
Maybe I should be a salesman for HTC?
sbetts000 said:
My contract runs out next month. I was confident I would go straight onto a Kaiser, but I have just seen the touch cruise !!! decisions decisons
Which way are the ROM cookers going to jump? I have to say the hard work of those guys really brought the best out of my hermes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used your Hermes for video playback and want to continue doing so with your new device then you'd better steer clear of any of HTC's devices using the Qualcomm 7200 and 7500 chipsets!
Why ditch your phone just cause your contract is running out? Pay month to month and keep your Hermes!
I'm in same situation as you. However I'm going to hold out for the sony ericsson x1.
I went into o2 on thursday to see if i wanted to get out a contract for a kaiser.
saw the phone picked it up and the screen was abit loose.. wobbling when flat on the keypad. I had also read about the issues with drivers / choppy graphics and that was the decider.. i walked straight back out and got a hermes, and imo it feels alot better and more secure than the kaiser. so i would wait until they revise the design of the kaiser or something.
I'd have to agree that the few advantages of the Kaiser are not enough for me to trade in my Hermes. The video issues alone are incredibly crippling...I watch alot of video on my Hermes and to have to fight with video drivers on a $600+ device is unforgivable.
The Kaiser does have a 3.0MP camera, but the default camera drivers on HTC phones has always been ****. Cool Camera's software give much more control and was the software that took the photos from my Hermes from looking so-so to being very nice. I could only guess that the Kaiser's camera could only look even better running Cool Camera software on it.
The GPS issue isn't much of an issue for me. I don't use GPS too often, but it would be nice to have it built in rather than to have to get out the Bluetooth unit.
The tilting keyboard I've yet to be able to see as very useful. I don't put my phone on a table and peck away at my keyboard...I hold it and type with my thumbs. However, I could see it as being slick for watching videos.
But even with all that, I don't want to drop all that money for a phone that does the same thing mine does, just slightly better. A tilting keyboard, slightly better camera, and built in GPS simply aren't enough to warrant the cash required for a Tilt.
Even though it is being somewhat of a traitor around here, it was the Kaiser's lack of large enough advancements that caused to pick up an unlocked iPhone rather than a Kaiser. I figured I would have the Hermes with all of its Windows Mobile bad ass-ness, and the iPhone for music and video.
...and then Slide 2 Play with coverflow comes out two weeks later. Go figure. There went my reason for the iPhone. ; )
Related
Hey everyone,
I currently have a Wizard and am very happy with it. I am extremely tempted to buy a at&t 8525 just cause I have a huge amount of money to play with right now, and I would like to know what everyone thinks of their phones. Do you like it? What are your favorite ROMs? How is the battery life? Camera? Speed? etc etc. Please post something of a mini review. Much appreciated.
-Nstefanelli-
well, i love mine, the 3G and large keyboard buttons were a seller for me and my huge thumbs.
not a very detailed reply but thats my 2 quick cents
I've had little but problems with the Cingular and AT&T ROMs. I thought for a while that I had a defective phone, but it turns out they just don't know how to program well. If you do get it, just make sure you unlock the thing and get a better ROM.
I have used PocketPC phones for a very long time.
I had some really old one that I don't even remember what brand it was.
I also had a Hitachi G1000 and a Blue Angel.
I also have an 8125 (wizard) that is still in use.
The 8525 is the best, hands down. The main drawback would be that case seems the least rugged out of them all, but this might just be a perception issue -- it's smaller than the others and the battery door seems far too flimsy for its own good. However, there are hard plastic snap-on skins available for just a few dollars on ebay which eliminate this problem -- though these of course make the 8525 a little bigger.
The other drawback would be the MicroSD card slot. MicroSD is a BAD IDEA. These cards are far too small. My biggest fear is having the card pop out when I'm out and about and never being able to find the card again. If you make a device that uses a memory chip that is the size of a fingernail, you really need a door over it. Or, better yet, don't design devices that use them and let MicroSD die quiety....
Otherwise, the 8525 is nicer than the others in every measurable way. It's not much smaller than the 8125/Wizard, but it is more rounded so it feels smaller. I use the 8525 far more than I ever used the other devices, and as you can tell I've been sold on the technology for a good while.
Amazon had 8525s for $99 and $149 for a few weeks with a new plan or a renewed plan if you're eligible to renew. Totally unbeatable price.
Hi. I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks. I had checked the boards here for "real life" use of the 8525 before actually getting my own. Then I started watching for devices on eBay. Then one Saturday morning, I lucked out and was able to get a *really* !! great deal on a refurb from AT&T with a 2-year plan. The phone I got did not have the new ROM and - from what I've read - not so sure I'm going to upgrade until the WM6 comes out.
Having had the opportunity to play with it for 2 weeks, I really love the device. This is my first PDA phone, and use of the PPC platform - having come from the world of Palm OS devices. I'm a gadget freak, and this one has kept me up nights downloading new apps, playing, deleting apps, performing backups, and ultimate resets. I've hard reset the phone at least 3 times so far.
Not having played with other PDA phones, my biggest complaint is the internal memory - or lack thereof. I've encountered a couple of low memory issues, even though the few extra apps I was running were installed on the MicroSD. Wi-fi has been testy - it seems to find networks when I don't need them, but fails to find and/or connect when they are available (i.e., my office).
All in all, I love the 8525. And, am looking forward to more good things to come.
dKaye
I have come close to throwing this thing out the windows so many times
So many problems with mine. Freezes about once an hour. If not more. Randomly freezes. Sometimes it'll freeze when it's in standby mode in the case so I end up missing calls and emails and everything. WTF.
I have installed (most on my 2 gig card - ex. for SPB Shell, PP, PS, Diary and GPRS Monitor):
SPB Mobile Shell
SPB Pocket Plus
SPB Phone Suite
SPB Diary
SPB GPRS Monitor
SPB Pocket PC Tips and Tricks
SPB Air Islands
SPB Backup
Google Maps
Windows Live
Microsoft Live Search
PHM Registry Editor
Blue Point Studios Pocket Earth
DIVX Inc DivXPlayer
PhatWare PhatPad
NoviMedia NR Deluxe
Resco Picture Viewr Sync Module
Resco Photo Viewer
Resco Today Plugin
Resco FTP Add-in
Resco Explorer
Microsoft .NET 2.0
Aspecto Software WiFiFoFum
TomTom Navigator 6
Microsoft Voice Command
e-mobile Pocket Streamer
e-mobile HandiTV
Pocket Mechanic
Blackberry Service Connect
Webcamera Plus
Landware Shanghai
Landware Shanghai Tilesets
Landware Shanghai Music
Come to think of it... I think it's just really bloated with too much stuff?
nstefanelli said:
Hey everyone,
I currently have a Wizard and am very happy with it. I am extremely tempted to buy a at&t 8525 just cause I have a huge amount of money to play with right now, and I would like to know what everyone thinks of their phones. Do you like it? What are your favorite ROMs? How is the battery life? Camera? Speed? etc etc. Please post something of a mini review. Much appreciated.
-Nstefanelli-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After initially being enthusiastic about it, am getting more and more negative about my Hermes.
- the functionality is excellent, but that comes from WM 5/6 not from Hermes.
- the design (shape and color) looks somehow cheap - but that's of course a a matter of taste, other ppl might love it
- the manufacturing quality is miserable, absolutely cheapest plastic parts of any PDA/phone in this price category you can buy these days,
- the sliding mechanism is worn out (if not loosing its hold entirely) after a very short while.
- I suffer from the screen alignment issue + weird colors and fading white screen, The screen is fading, and if you touch certain points on the frame, you get weired artefacts, and such stuff.
- the camera is bad, it's not only that auto-focus is missing or that it has only 2 Mega, other build in cameras with the same specs deliver far better quality.
I see the Hermes based on an excellent idea, but cheaply designed and at least partially of shoddy quality .
randomtask16 said:
I have come close to throwing this thing out the windows so many times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, considering the "official" price for an unlocked one without a carrier contract, Hermes is not a good buy.
nstefanelli said:
Hey everyone,
I currently have a Wizard and am very happy with it. I am extremely tempted to buy a at&t 8525 just cause I have a huge amount of money to play with right now, and I would like to know what everyone thinks of their phones. Do you like it? What are your favorite ROMs? How is the battery life? Camera? Speed? etc etc. Please post something of a mini review. Much appreciated.
-Nstefanelli-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Hermes..but if I was you, I would go for the HTC Kaiser! That will be my next device!
i really like it specially coz there are so many roms to put on it and ways to upgrade it.
furthermore, the people making them are ace and are so easy to use, unlike the other HTC machines which are less popular and their upgrades can be still confusing at times.
i really like this phone!
Moving from the Wizard to the Hermes was the best decision I have made in ages.
The Processor is faster and browsing is 10x faster
Bram87 said:
I have the Hermes..but if I was you, I would go for the HTC Kaiser! That will be my next device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, Hermes is almost history. Softbank, for example, will stop selling it soon. There are better devices, from HTC but also other manufacturers now in the market.
I have to say it's the best phone I have ever had. Featurewise it is brilliant and I have never had any problems that I didn't cause myself .
In terms of it's build, well i dropped it onto a hard concrete surface from about 2 meters last week (it was one of those moments where the world seems to suddenly drop into slow-motion) and all that happened was a couple of scratches and the battery cover flying off. I just clicked it back on and all was fine.
All that said, I would probably be looking at the HTC Kaiser now which has the built in GPS and thinner size. Anyway, just throwing in my 2 cents. Hope it helps
I agree with Dinty. The best device I ever owned so far. The flexibility of the the device is amazing.
The device is just terrible. I keep having problems with the screen alignment.
I even replaced the device with a completely new screen, but to no avail.
With the new screen, the aligntment issue is a little bit less worse. Alot of times I can't close applications with the close button. It just seems unresponsive. The funny thing is, when I either re-align the screen, or click the start button once, I can close the application.
My girlfriend has the same device, and is also having the same problems.
We both have the 3.0 Black WM6 ROM.
I originally bought this as a business tool. However if I had my time again I would think twice before buying one.
Apart from the software lockups which have taken me the best part of 6 months to resolve, I now find that the quality of the product is questionable.
The stylus head fell off the other day (my second) and now stylii simply slide in and out without the ability to extend as you could do when new. So you get the situ where you slide the stylus out, then have to struggle to physically extend it before you use it. I now carry a non collapsible item in my pocket rather than go through this palaver.
As an innovative idea the Tytn is a great one; however its execution in a number of areas is rather poor.
WB
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.
Yes, I have searched the forums and up to this point I'm looking for something more specific into my situation, more like word of wisdom from whomever have had both devices for practical usage. And I don't have the luxury to keep both.
What I love about the Hermes that's not found in Kaiser are flash light, IrDa, and comm manager button. On the other hand Hermes is missing GPS, bigger memory, the "possibility" of having hardware accelerated graphics, supposedly better camera, tilting hinges, and in my particular case front camera (I'm using 8525 and there's no _practical_ solution to put the front camera in and if I were to get Kaiser it better be NOT AT&T tilt that has no front camera as well).
I'm afraid I'll be missing Hermes exclusive features if I switch to Kaiser, even though I don't use those features too often. It is however very tempting especially the built in GPS feature (yes I have followed the hidden GPS thread and struck down by the bad news that we can't practically revive the chip in Hermes).
I'd like to hear a word of advice or two from you guys please.
Hmm,
Difficult one this. When i first heard of the Kaiser I was all setup to swap my TyTN for a new device. Then I started to read the Kaiser forum and got wind of all the deficiencies there are with the kit.
Bottom line is I decided to stick with the TyTN, not only because of its features but because it is so customisable and there is shedloads available for it on here and elsewhere.
I have never seen the lack of a built in GPS as an issue. I have a separate receiver attached to my car keys. Whenever I am out and want to use a navigation tool on the TyTN, I simply switch on the external GPS unit and off we go. Simple.
Until some of the known issues are resolved with the Kaiser then its not on my list. You probably want to pose this question in the Kaiser forum as well to see what their views are.
Hope this helps.
WB
First of All when you Upgrade the ROM with this forum customized ROMs you will lost the warranty of your new device (Kaisar) and as usually the warranty last for one year you have to wait that long. If you are not planning to change the ROM then its a good practice to change the mood and taste every year but only if you got enough money. Because these type of devices don't return much on selling or trade-in facility. I was planning the same but now I realise that I only need a Windows based device for my information to be organized and not new the functionality or more ram matters. Well I am thinking to go for HTC Touch Diamond when it will be launched in my area.
Good question, cyberblue. I have kinda been in the same boat as you. I have recently qualified for a 'reduced-price' upgrade ($299) through the new Cingular, and was toying with the idea myself.
But after reading up on all the issues with Kaiser, and realizing that I am finally comfortable with my array of software, my setup, my customizations, my abilities to tweak the ROM myself, and other comforts, I find no need to spend any extra money. I just don't think the 'advances' made in ANY device thus far do not justify switching.
That's MY take, even though I have not owned both.
-pvs
By destiny's randomness, I have both devices. You might be surprised, but I am using the Hermes. Why? Here's why:
- I really like the flashlight, which is not present on the Kaiser.
- Duttys ROM have Internet Call that works thru the front speaker, the same you use to make calls through the cellular network. On the Kaiser, I could not make it work that way, only thru the rear speaker. Since I use VoIP a lot, it is very convenient to switch between cell and voip.
- I also use WebCamera Plus, that currently has a video cropping problem on the Kaiser. On the Hermes, works like a charm.
- Is nice to have a remote control everywhere, using NoviRemote.
- The Hermes doesn't weight as much as the Kaiser.
- My personal experience is that the battery of the Hermes lasts longer.
Obviously, what I miss of the Kaiser is:
- The embedded GPS: one good practical app for this is VitoFindMe. This cannot be done with an external GPS, at least not in a practical way.
- Tilt screen. For watching videos, it adds a lot of comfort.
- The 3 mp camera and better photos overall. The photos of the Hermes look more like your typical cell phone camera. The Kaiser ones are almost the quality of a dedicated digital camera.
- I like the stylus a bit more. The telescopic stylus of the Hermes is a bit awkward.
- It is a bit smaller in size.
What is not an issue for me is:
- The Kaiser doesn't have commcenter button, but you can access it by long pressing the send button.
- The bigger memory of the Kaiser. I install almost everything on my 8 gb card, so memory is not an issue on the Hermes.
Thats my humble opinion. Cya.
i also have both and personally i think if it wasnt for the gps and the extra rom and ram it wouldnt be worth a second thought i love my kaiser but its a labor of love. if you really want to know what your getting into read all the radio and rom compatibility issues with one you might not get sound another and youve got no camera. and the tilt screen only comes in handy for videos but the hermes trashes the kaiser when it comes to any task that involves graphics. that being said i jumped at the chance to get one and would do it again plus the new roms really make a difference now i can play most snes games
Thanks a lot for all your insights guys, I have a strong feeling I'll stick with my Hermes. I'll try to post in the Kaiser forum just to see if anybody there has traded their Hermes for Kaiser and whether they regret it
Hi,
I am considering to get me an Athena and I need some help and advice.
I already own:
1x Blue Angel
2x Universal
1x HP iPaq 514 Voice Messenger
1x VDA GPS (aka Toshiba G710)
I also have an Asus eeePC 701.
My SIM has an internet contract included (100 MB download/month) and I have an USB Internet adapter which I can use i.e. with my eeePC.
Having said this, you probably understand I am a nerd and I like to "collect" phones and gadgets. The reason is simple: I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't waste money on anything, so at least, I think, I can get me some nice phones from time to time. All were bargains, most I got from eBay. The reason I like smartphones is that i carry them around all the time, so I can really have a benefit of owning them. A PS3, for example, may be a nice piece of hardware, but I would not have much time at home to really make use of it.
What do I want to know?
Basically, if you guy's can use the Athena as a phone. Do you REALLY use it as your sole mobile phone, or is it too big and clumsy (specially having to use BT headphone) to make calls?
The Universal is big, but it does fit nice into my back pocket of the jeans - how do you carry the Athena around?
What are the real advantages of an Athena, compared to a Universal? The screen resolution is the same (I guess having a bigger screen, will make the RealVGA usefull - on the Universal things get far too small), the CPU speed can be the same, by overclocking the Universal (actually not overclocking, but letting it run at full speed), the GPS is nice, but can be overcome with an external one (like the one I have).
I know these are lame questions, but 250-300 Euro is still a lot of cash and I want to make sure i don't regret it.
My major concern is that the device is not usable as a phone. I hate carrying two devices with me and that is exactly the problem I have with the eeePC: it's screen is too small to replace a proper laptop and to replace the MDA Pro, I would have to carry two devices with me. That's too much.
So any feedback is appreciated, as I am wondering what would be more USEABLE on a daily basis: an eeePC 1000 (10" screen, 1.6Ghz, 160 GB HDD, battery up to 6 hours...) for around 380 Euro, or an Athena second hand at eBay for around 300 Euro.
The eeePC 1000 has the advantage of replacing a laptop, but the disadvantage of not replacing a phone.
I know, long post, but please shed some light into this.
Thanks,
vma
x7510 a great device
vma said:
What do I want to know?
Basically, if you guy's can use the Athena as a phone. Do you REALLY use it as your sole mobile phone, or is it too big and clumsy (specially having to use BT headphone) to make calls?
The Universal is big, but it does fit nice into my back pocket of the jeans - how do you carry the Athena around?
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I was a proud owner of a Blueangel for 4 years and loved it. I started to get tired of it a couple years ago and then I found xda-developers and discovered how to upgrade and turn my old WM2003SE device into a top notch WM6.1 device. Needless to say with all the smaller screen, slower CPU devices on the market I stayed with my trusty BA. That is until I found the x7510. My BA lives in a drawer in the bedroom now, I keep it charged so I have it if I need it, and I use my Athena exclusively for all my phone/PDA needs. I carry it in the back pocket of my blue jeans and it fits fine.
My major concern is that the device is not usable as a phone. I hate carrying two devices with me and that is exactly the problem I have with the eeePC: it's screen is too small to replace a proper laptop and to replace the MDA Pro, I would have to carry two devices with me. That's too much.
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I have not regretted my upgrade from the BA to the Athena for a second. The only reason I have not sold my BA yet is becuase I have had the Athena for less than 1 month and am keeping it as a backup. I plan to go this weekend to the local market and have a custom belt carry case made for it. I am in Kuwait and it will not cost me much at all for this. The only reason I am doing this is for the added convenience not becuase it is required.
7501 is my everyday device
If yoi look at my sig. I also own quite a few devices. Since acquiring my 7501 6 months ago, I have not used any other of my devices. I used a BT headset with all of my oyher devices anyway. The 7501 is by far the best device I have ever owned.
You can turn the volume all the way down and hold it like a regular phone, with the mic hole by your mouth. Its not perfect and not private in a quiet room, but its useable. I also hate carrying a BT headset all the time for private conversations, but my Jabra BT8010 also gives me caller ID and vibrate, "fixing" several of the major problems with the Athena all at one time. Also gives me a decent stereo headset for MP3 and radio streaming.
I've had mine a year now and will never be able to go back to a smaller phone. The screen is just so much more useable than most other pdas or phones.
Thank you for your replies.
I think I will keep it on hold, though.
I have been researching the Ameo and basically understand that the 7500 and 7501 are basically similar and feature a real Hitachi Microdrive HDD.
The 7510 has a different keyboard and a 16GB SDD Flashdisk and requires a different ROM. I believe it cannot be SIM-Unlocked either.
There seems to be a problem with the Microdrive failing and having read-errors. This is a turn-off for me, when buying from ebay, as this fault is not easy to detect and proove, but surely may be a reason to get rid of such a device at ebay... Yeah, call me a suspicious guy...
The 7510, on the other hand, lacks the joystick and I definitly require that for my ebook reading, which I love. Paginating by touching the screen all the time is not very appealing.
Then there are those who say: go for the 7501, forget about the HDD and just get a 16GB SDHC. The point is: I can get that for my Universal!
So now I am wondering what REAL benefits I would have from an Ameo and I guess I will wait for either a superb bargain at ebay, a new one on sale at a local store (doubt that, however) or until the prices drop further at ebay (below 200 Euro).
Thangs again.
Cheers,
vma
Hi,
I have purchased an Athena these days and here is what I have to say to all those considering the move from the Universal to the Athena.
1) The Universal reached the 100 Euro mark at eBay, while the Athena (7500 version) is being sold at 200 Euro. These are the prices at ebay.de for the MDA Pro / T-Mobile Ameo versions.
2) First impression: the Athena is big. And when I say big, I mean it! I already had played with one in a store, but actually owning one is different, because only then you notice it won't fit in any of your pockets! After using it for 2 days, I picked up my Universal and found myself smiling at the "small" size of it!
3) Second impression: damn! It is a huge device... I will have to carry it in my hand if I want to take it with me. I mean, other people carry a book or a filofax. I now carry this super phone...
4) Funtionality: there is everything you can think of. You get highspeed mobile internet, WLAN, Bluetooth, all possible GSM standards, motion sensor, huge ROM/RAM memory, 8GB microdrive, GPS, ... The Universal not only lacks onboard GPS, it is struggeling with having only 64MB RAM. That is a limitation for the upcoming WM 6.5 firmware releases being cooked. And even with WM 6.1 some limitations exist. Soldering extra 64MB on my Universal is too expensive in my opinion.
5) Screen: the screen is fantastic! Compared to the Universal, though it has the same resolution, it is big enough for the eyes to take advantage of small fonts. After using the Athena, I now look at the Universal screen and I have to admit it is a little bit too small for such a resolution.
6) Keyboard: despide several online reviews stating the opposite, I do like the touch and feel of the keyboard. i would have prefered separate numeric keys, though. Also, I like the Universal's keyboard design better. Having a separate magnetic keyboard is less functional, I think.
7) Pros of the Athena:
- big screen
- speed: fast device
- speed: internet is very fast, pages load much quicker than on the Universal
- GPS: nice to have everything in one device
- memory: yeah! 128 MB RAM plus 8GB storage, plus Mini-SD slot... That rocks! And you can always use a Micro-2-Mini SD card adapter to use the cheaper and more available MicroSD cards
- overall exquisit looking noble device: if you are a hacker, you will survive a lonely day in a hotel room with this beast!
8) Cons of the Athena:
- too big to fit any pocket, specially back trouser pocket...
- keyboard is a bit odd
*** CONCLUSION ***
So, is it worth the change from the Universal?
No.
You should not want to CHANGE from the Universal to the Athena.
You SHOULD have an Athena as a second device, which you use on special days:
- boring days in the office/mother in law/waiting rooms
- meetings (this 200 Euro second hand device will kill all the attention normally spent over iPhones and similar phones at over 600 Euro)
- trips (planes, train and hotels)
Plus, it is simply a gorgeous device, which does appeal to any hacker!
Hope this helped anyone considering which phone to get...
Best way to carry the Athena: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=344605
Just buy it and try it out , it will not cost you an arm and a leg !! If you find it not suitable for whatever reasons , just sell quick it away at 30% loss , you probably bought many devices already , one more wont make you suffer that much i am sure , but many of advantage owners from day one it launched till now really do love it , some to the extremes too , so are you one of us ? , only you can answer this yourself , cheers , take care and enjoy - ok ?
So that time has come where my MDA vario III, is a bit worse for wear and it's time for something new.
Is the G1 up to the standard (and then some) of the Kaiser spec.
My main uses are heavy normal phone and sms use, tomtom, a bit of wifi, and other usual pda stuff like calculator, calandar, games etc. After a ROM flash (to Sleuths) it was great and not buggy or sluggish.
The kaiser let me down on call quality, bluetooth quality (with jawbone II still no good) and the speaker & camera were a joke.
Can the G1 fill the gap that is going to be left when I put the Kaiser to rest?
well, so far the G1 is a nice phone...good call quality...bad battery...wifi works well...as does SMS and such.
there is currently no tomtom for g1 but that will probably change next month. calculator calendar and games are better than on windows mobile and the touchscreen kick's the kaiser's @$$.
i'm not sure about bluetooth quality...i'd assume it's good although there is currently no support for bluetooth file transfers.
i think speaker and camera are pretty good.
I think It's a good upgrade. I upgraded from Kaiser myself.
The screen is better both resolution- and touchwise. Android really blew me away. As I use many Google services daily It's really important for me. I find the GPS accuracy better. There is now a tilt sensor just like a currently released phone should have. Mounting the microsdcard via UMS on Ubuntu still allows you to use the phone (probably the same with Windows). The trackball is really nice.
On the bad side; battery drains quickly, there is no videocalling camera (mainly thinking about the new Googletalk webcam feature), no neckstrap attachment hole available (I've solved it in my own way) and no possibility to use the phone as a modem like my Kaiser (afaik).
Currently I'm wondering why I'm not prompted about an OTA upgrade and all custom ROM links on the WIKI are dead.
edit:
Using CFW now and i figured out how to use it as a modem.
I had a kaiser, and I loved it. I since bought a Raphael, but work have just bought me a G1 to play with and I'm in love.
So right now, I've got a Raphael and a G1, and the G1 is so much better it's embarrasing. Just waiting for the battery life and range of apps to catch up.
Hey, it's all about the track ball. I also have an iPhone 3g to play with, and I find it inferior to the G1 but superior to the Raphael (and Kaiser). Hardware kb and track ball kick iPhone into touch for my money.
The browsing experience on the G1 is superb, the best of the lot for me.
However, until all the software I use on the Raphael or equivalent is released for Android, I'm not yet ready to ditch WM and the Raphael.
Luckily for me, I have all three toys to play with, but the G1 is my absolute favourite by far.
I have had the Kaiser, am currently using the Raphael and also have a G1. Personally the G1's battery life is the biggest drawback for me and that it does not support WPA Enterprise which my school uses everywhere and I have no cell reception on campus so the phone is basically useless to me when I am at school. If these problems were solved, I would definitely choose the G1 over the others.
Thanks for the responses people - much appreciated.
It seems like the G1 will be the way to go. I was considering the raphael before the G1 came out but it seems like it's really not enough of a step up from the Kaiser.
I will never go iphone - overpriced, underspecced, and I'm not paying over a $1000 a year for the most basic (cheapest too!) package AT&T have. They do look nice and the screen was a ground breaker but everyone I know that has one has to literally charge it everyday and the limitations are too many.
I know that's probably going to be the hadrdest thing to deal with switching to the G1 - I got about 4 days to a single full charge with my Kaiser.
Thanks again!!!!
I also had a kaiser and the g1 is superior by far.... windows mobile is still buggy no matter cooked rom is installed in the phone.... the phone that can give the g1 a run for its money is the blackberry storm and nokia e71 and n97....
I'm in the same boat.... could upgrade to the g1 next week and most likely get a reduction in rental too (customer of almost 3 years) but am stuck between this and the touch hd..... keep getting swayed both ways!!
Have to agree with Miguel though and I think he's swayed me to the g1... windows mobile is extremely buggy and slow so maybe I should jump ship now and consider coming back for Windows Mobile 7.........
i just upgrade my at&t tilt with a g1. After a couple of days i think was a good choice
the screen is amazing , the touch is another generation from the tilt .
i was missing htc connection manager but i replied it with aSetting.
the gps from the satellites not from the network is faster to fix the position than the tilt
the keyboard still good for me but the slide system on the top look kind of weak.
the only big problem is the battery , the tilt wasn't good ether but the g1 is worst.
i go to sleep with 50% and i weak-up with 20% left , maybe there is a way to close all the programs in the background ?
another is the tilting of the screen i have to say that i miss it.
and another issue is the network i don't know why the g1 lose more often the edge or 3g connection
Christian
The hardware is solid, the OS is generally better, but the software support isn't there yet. It does sport arguably the best web browser in the smartphone market right now (probably tied with iPhone), and the app support will probably pick up dramatically in January when the paid apps system goes live (of course, then you'll have to pay for stuff).
Very fun phone, but not really a productivity workhorse. I never used my WinMo phones for productivity anyway, so I don't really miss it, but the lack of decent games is kind of a bummer.