Database Users

How does the wizard compare to Xda EXEC ?

Hi all,
I have an XDA exec, and am looking to change it for a Wizard. How much difference (if any) is there in the speed of these devices, as I understand the Wizard doesn't use an Intel processor it uses Texas Instruments.
Does this mean having to get different binaries ? or do ARM ones still work ?
How do these devices compare... any thoughts appreciated.
Cheers

Well i had an exec and made the exact same decision as you are thinking of making. I have no regrets believe me. First and foremost the phone part works brilliantly, secondly it seems faster to me than the exec, you dont look like a tit when you answer it and it doesnt weigh a ton.
Things i miss:-
VGA Screen
3g Data speed
Nicer keyboard
Things i dont miss:-
Useless phone
Slow speed
Weighty
Large and hard to use
Any more questions just ask
Chris

chrissyboy6969 said:
Well i had an exec and made the exact same decision as you are thinking of making. I have no regrets believe me. First and foremost the phone part works brilliantly, secondly it seems faster to me than the exec, you dont look like a tit when you answer it and it doesnt weigh a ton.
Things i miss:-
VGA Screen
3g Data speed
Nicer keyboard
Things i dont miss:-
Useless phone
Slow speed
Weighty
Large and hard to use
Any more questions just ask
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phew, glad it's working out for you Chris!

I switched too...
I had an exec and now I HAVE A WIZARD... I will never look back. I miss the VGA screen but that's about it.
Cyb

Have both but going to sell my exec.
Again will only miss the beautiful VGA screen.

Would O2 do a straight swap for the wizard (xda mini) or did you guys buy and sell yours privately ?
EDIT: Only within the first 14 days
Anyone wanna swap a XDA exec, bought in october 2005 for a xda mini (wizard) in black.
PM me if interested

Thanks for the responses gents, seems like a unanimous decision all round to me

Just to uphold the concensus ...
I got the Exec first , then an MDA Vario
I must say I agree with all that is said so far , the only downside is the size of the screen and the lack of 3G (no big deal IMO ) But in it's (the vario's) favour , it is a much better PHONE than the Exec , and I do need my device to be able to function as a phone as well as making the tea etc.
I am a bit gutted , as I loved the Exec , and feel sad that the Vario has rendered it almost obsolete (for my needs , at least)
Tried to sell the Exec on Ebay , but had a bit of trouble - and to be honest I was quite pleased , as I don't REALLY want to sell it :? , but can't really justify keeping it either !

I could have written that post!
I have the O2 mini and Exec. Why? Well I got the Exec through my work when upgrading and I got the mini for myself as it looked agreat bit of kit. Have had both for about three weeks.
Guess what is sitting there not getting used - the Exec!!! Sure it has a great screen and the keyboard is a flashback to the Psion 5 but for sheer convenience it has to the the mini - excellent (not fantastic a an actual phone but a great all rounder).
It will be inetresting what will be out this time next year!
Anyone want an Exec?

I have to agree with everything above. I had an Universal for about 6 weeks and loved it, however, I did find it totally unpractical as an everyday phone and ended up diverting calls to an old Nokia, which sort of defeated the object!! I then saw a K-Jam in PC World and it was love at first sight Got a fantastic deal from T-Mob (Vario) and have never looked back. I think the Universal is a great bit of kit but the Wizard does it for me every time

TyTN vs Zinc - help me choose??

Hi Folks,
I need a bit of help choosing my next PDA, I've had loads of pocketPC, windows mobile devices inc. HP Jornada 548, Tosh 540, Dell X5, iPAQ hx4700 but this will be my first forage into "convergance" devices.
I was originaly tempted to upgrade my phone to the Orange UK version of the HTC TyTN but i'm now getting cold feed with all this talk of new devices due out, I know there are always newer and better just around the corner but I don't want to jump into a 12 month contract just to find a newer and better unit being available next week.
My dilema is this.....after seeing the specs for the O2 Zinc with the Xscale 520Mhz processor and seeing the benchmarks against the TyTN I'm now more inclinded to wait the for the release of this Zinc (26th March 07), however on my travels through the tinternet I have stumbled upon what I would consider my ideal device...the HTC Kaiser, does anybody have any ideas which network will be carring this device and when it will be released????
I'm fairly sure the overwelling opinion on the site will be for the TyTN but I just need to know what makes this device a "No Brainer" compaired to the O2 Zinc.
Cheers Jim

jb2001 said:
Hi Folks,
I need a bit of help choosing my next PDA, I've had loads of pocketPC, windows mobile devices inc. HP Jornada 548, Tosh 540, Dell X5, iPAQ hx4700 but this will be my first forage into "convergance" devices.
I was originaly tempted to upgrade my phone to the Orange UK version of the HTC TyTN but i'm now getting cold feed with all this talk of new devices due out, I know there are always newer and better just around the corner but I don't want to jump into a 12 month contract just to find a newer and better unit being available next week.
My dilema is this.....after seeing the specs for the O2 Zinc with the Xscale 520Mhz processor and seeing the benchmarks against the TyTN I'm now more inclinded to wait the for the release of this Zinc (26th March 07), however on my travels through the tinternet I have stumbled upon what I would consider my ideal device...the HTC Kaiser, does anybody have any ideas which network will be carring this device and when it will be released????
I'm fairly sure the overwelling opinion on the site will be for the TyTN but I just need to know what makes this device a "No Brainer" compaired to the O2 Zinc.
Cheers Jim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really the answer you want, but my philosophy on life is, get the best you can today and not worry about what's out tomorrow... otherwise you'll never get anything because you'll always find that a month or so down the line something better will come out... so to say!
Otherwise, the Zinc does seem impressive... but O2 have already delayed the release once, so who's to say it will actually be out at the end of march anyway

True....Very True. The exception to that case was the iPAQ hx4700. which in my opinion is still one of the very best PDAs out there and its now 2 years old ???
I decided to hang back for the release of the Zinc hoping WM6 will be on it. have you tried flashing your rom to wm6??? if so did you have any problems setting the phone back up for T-Mobile??

jb2001 said:
True....Very True. The exception to that case was the iPAQ hx4700. which in my opinion is still one of the very best PDAs out there and its now 2 years old ???
I decided to hang back for the release of the Zinc hoping WM6 will be on it. have you tried flashing your rom to wm6??? if so did you have any problems setting the phone back up for T-Mobile??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll agree with you on that... I used to have a hx4700 myself... it was the VGA aspect that appealed to me, but I felt it was before its time... oh, and slightly big!
I think the Zinc will have v5.2 on it???
I've flashed my MDA several times and can almost memorise the internet/mms settings that takes approx. 2 mins to put back in... its all good fun

You may never flash WM6 on a Zinc...

stewcp said:
I've flashed my MDA several times and can almost memorise the internet/mms settings that takes approx. 2 mins to put back in... its all good fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah - similar case here. I flash frequently and I could probably set it all back up again the way I like it with my eyes closed Top tip: get CAB files for all your favourite apps (and any relevant serial numbers) and keep them in a folder on your storage card. That way you can even get all set up from a full reset with nothing but your phone.

Izzard-UK said:
Yeah - similar case here. I flash frequently and I could probably set it all back up again the way I like it with my eyes closed Top tip: get CAB files for all your favourite apps (and any relevant serial numbers) and keep them in a folder on your storage card. That way you can even get all set up from a full reset with nothing but your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutly agree.... I kept all my CAB files on my SD card..Just incase.. but that was WM03se. Is there a HTC "official" rom update available for wm6...where did the wm6 roms come from?? oh and whats the best...

back to the original question,
I own a TYTN and ive had good test run with the Zinc, even though the Zinc has a faster OS the tytn feels faster and reacts better. The finish of the Zinc is a big cheap looking too.
If i was to buy a new phone today it would be the Tytn again, if i was to wait then it would be kaiser or even one of the new samsungs.

Cheers lads.....Just bought a TYTN - Orange SPV M3100 to be more precise.
Now whats the score with all these ROM upgrades.
and is there a today plugin simliar to the Orange today screen

Problem with O2 is the data charges. They're probably the worst out of all the UK networks!
I'd hate to get a phone like the Zinc or Kaiser and have to constantly monitor my data useage.

jb2001 said:
Cheers lads.....Just bought a TYTN - Orange SPV M3100 to be more precise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent choice (in terms of looks - a very stylish design).
jb2001 said:
Now whats the score with all these ROM upgrades.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's far too big a question. You've got some reading to do - see the wiki

for the mods.. you can delete this message if you want...
i just want people warned specially in asia region that o2 zinc is not that good ..
although better processor ( but you will not see the difference compare to HTC hermes ),camera and o2 integrated software..
THere are many other choices on O2 products... Atom exec, atom life..etc..
Just not this is O2 Zinc is not worth recommending....
or im strongly recommending HTC HERMES (Dopod 838 pro, Softbank, or the HTC Tytn if available) if your fun of slide keyboard...
I promised you this will be a great help on you...
Trust me...
I just want you to be happy like me now..

Future HTC Phones

Hi everyone,
I've had Orange M3100 (Hermes) phone for about a year now and loved it to bits (helped by the fact this site is a god send for customising!). However - my contract is coming to an end and I'm considering upgrading. It seems the only upgrade route I can really see is to a Kaiser. Thats not so much as an upgrade as just the same phone with a few new features. I've already upgraded my M3100 to WM6, I'm not that bothered in GPS that the Kaiser has, and the spec of the Kaiser is almost indentical to the Hermes.
So my question is - is there anything else in the pipeline from HTC that would be worth waiting for. I'd rather wait 3 or 4 months for a newer phone to come out if there was one available.
Anyone any idea....?

good question, im in pretty much the same preticament. only thing ive found really is the newer version of the touch, with the faster cpu +wifi etc, or maybe the touch cruise, but neither have hardware keyboard. not sure if i could cope without my keyboard

You could take a look at http://www.pdadb.net/ for some info on what's coming soon.

The Cruise looks nice, kinda like a keyboardless kaiser

Yeah - my partner has just got a HTC Touch and it looks nice but I couldn't do without the keyb. That counts out the Touch Cruise as well.
Guess I'll hold onto my M3100 and see what turns up next year

thenoble06 said:
So my question is - is there anything else in the pipeline from HTC that would be worth waiting for. I'd rather wait 3 or 4 months for a newer phone to come out if there was one available.
Anyone any idea....?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to work out what you want on your new device? I have considered the Polaris as the keyboard on the Kaiser looks, um, fragile...
Good Luck
Elwyn

Is Hermes good smartphone to start with right now?

I am about to take a leap into smartphones. I want to mainly use the phone for calendar/contact/notes, internet browsing using my home WiFi, some light music/video, very little (none) messaging or using the data from AT&T GPRS/G3.
I was looking at Blackberry, iPhone, other WM devices, and the TyTN and TyTN II appeal most to me. However, I am hesitant to spend ~$450 on eBay for the latest version when I can pick up a used Hermes for ~$250. Since it's my first PDA phone, I am not sure yet how exactly I am going to be using it, so don't want to spend more than I have to. Also, I heard of TyTN II's hardware/software insufficiencies.
Basically, I am asking if getting a Hermes now is too late in terms of support for it drying up, and units available older, or does it make sense?
This site is one reason I am considering HTC since it looks like there are tons of resourses out here.

trade67 said:
I am about to take a leap into smartphones. I want to mainly use the phone for calendar/contact/notes, internet browsing using my home WiFi, some light music/video, very little (none) messaging or using the data from AT&T GPRS/G3.
I was looking at Blackberry, iPhone, other WM devices, and the TyTN and TyTN II appeal most to me. However, I am hesitant to spend ~$450 on eBay for the latest version when I can pick up a used Hermes for ~$250. Since it's my first PDA phone, I am not sure yet how exactly I am going to be using it, so don't want to spend more than I have to. Also, I heard of TyTN II's hardware/software insufficiencies.
Basically, I am asking if getting a Hermes now is too late in terms of support for it drying up, and units available older, or does it make sense?
This site is one reason I am considering HTC since it looks like there are tons of resourses out here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is TONS of support for the Hermes dude, the Kaiser (TyTN II) is also a good device but if you are put off by the video driver issues and some of the other foibles it has then the Hermes should do you fine.
Dont be put off by the lower RAM size and etc....I believe for the beginner the Hermes is still a great starting point, you should learn alot about WM devices from it.
Before you buy do make sure the device is fully working and is not a half-bricked device since if the whole thing works fine you can customize it as much or as little as you wish.

trade67 said:
I am about to take a leap into smartphones. I want to mainly use the phone for calendar/contact/notes, internet browsing using my home WiFi, some light music/video, very little (none) messaging or using the data from AT&T GPRS/G3.
I was looking at Blackberry, iPhone, other WM devices, and the TyTN and TyTN II appeal most to me. However, I am hesitant to spend ~$450 on eBay for the latest version when I can pick up a used Hermes for ~$250. Since it's my first PDA phone, I am not sure yet how exactly I am going to be using it, so don't want to spend more than I have to. Also, I heard of TyTN II's hardware/software insufficiencies.
Basically, I am asking if getting a Hermes now is too late in terms of support for it drying up, and units available older, or does it make sense?
This site is one reason I am considering HTC since it looks like there are tons of resourses out here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi trade!
i have been in your boat i took a bigger leep from the sony ericsson p990i to the hermes and can i say..... thats got to be the best leap ive took....there is endless support for the hermes... the TyTN 2 is very nice aswell but i do think there is a bit of a disign fault with it!... if it has a flip screen and u want to sit it down y put the speaker underneath?
but we all make mistakes
bottom line is yes i recromend upgrading to hermes!

Westie277 said:
hi trade!
i have been in your boat i took a bigger leep from the sony ericsson p990i to the hermes and can i say..... thats got to be the best leap ive took....there is endless support for the hermes... the TyTN 2 is very nice aswell but i do think there is a bit of a disign fault with it!... if it has a flip screen and u want to sit it down y put the speaker underneath?
but we all make mistakes
bottom line is yes i recromend upgrading to hermes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I made the leap from a SE P900......old skool

hmm.... the p990i was the underdog... people seemed to like its older brothers more....
im looking into getting a o2 cocoon....
im a student and taking a valuable phone (in my view) to school... I dont like
but i love flashing the brillient software like S2P and S2U2 (really annoys thouse who spent a bit on the ipod touch )
but yeah... i love the cocoons exterior hidden LED display
WM rules!

Thanks for the replies, everybody!
I am geting closer to the decision. I am basically trying to combine my old Sony PDA's and Siemens phone's features and also take advantage of some of the new technologies like BT and WiFi. I just want something reliable that performs its main functions well, not necessarily the "next best thing". Sounds like Hermes is a good device for that, while having potential for going far beyond.

Well the hermes is very reliable.... just aslong as you dont upload it with a dodgy ROM
and i hope too see you around the hermes fourms!

Hermes is a great windows mobile PPC...highly recommended! good luck!

Made the plunge! Just got a used one on ebay for $250.
Quick question: is it possible to sync PIMs with Outlook at home and Notes at work (I am not allowed to install Outlook at work, and most of the input to my calendar I do there)? I apologize if it is not the right forum for this question.

trade67 said:
Made the plunge! Just got a used one on ebay for $250.
Quick question: is it possible to sync PIMs with Outlook at home and Notes at work (I am not allowed to install Outlook at work, and most of the input to my calendar I do there)? I apologize if it is not the right forum for this question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thing to do is to use an exchange account (quite easily found and cheap) so you can edit your calendar and tasks etc... using the web based outlook interface both at home and at work.
Plus its best to use an exchange account if you dont fancy re-entering your contacts etc...

mrvanx, thanks for the tip. I will definetly give mail2web a try. I've never even known what an exchange account is, but am reading up on it now.
I still don't want to use any data plans to access my email, so I guess the main advantage of the exchange account is the ability to sync everything through the web and consistent interface. I guess I would use WiFi to sync it to the 8525?
Please, forgive all the newbie questions, I've never dealt with a PDA phone before.

I've been making my way up thro' the ranks too.
Palm - Clie - Loox - Wizard - Hermes.
I'm waiting for my Hermes to arrive, bought it 30 mins ago from the 'bay for £50ish ($100ish) - but I have plenty of experience flashing the Wizard - HTC have done a great job on these platforms.....
Take that step.

Is Hermes better than Artemis (XDA Orbit)?

I've had my Hermes for about 5 months now, and I do love it but it seems XDA Orbits (HTC Artemis) have come down in price so I'm tempted to sell the Hermes and get one of these instead.
Are they better than the Hermes? I know they don't have QWERTY, but they do have a GPS which is a handy gadget to have I guess. Do they offer anything else the Hermes doesn't have?
Any replies would be great!

hope this helps
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacomparer&id1=619&id2=506

southeastblue said:
I've had my Hermes for about 5 months now, and I do love it but it seems XDA Orbits (HTC Artemis) have come down in price so I'm tempted to sell the Hermes and get one of these instead.
Are they better than the Hermes? I know they don't have QWERTY, but they do have a GPS which is a handy gadget to have I guess. Do they offer anything else the Hermes doesn't have?
Any replies would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
battery is much worse than the one in hermes. actually as far as i am concerned they don't make such 'long life on batteries' PDA's anymore - and i say this when GPS is off because with GPS Artemis dies in a moment :] for me most important thing is 'how long my device can live without charging' that's why i don't have Kaiser for example

I've changed my mind, seems the Hermes is better Spec'd other than GPS and has the larger battery!
Maybe I'll wait until something else comes about! Thanks.

good to hear your sticking with the hermes
just wanted to say an external gps reciever with a hermes would run better than the orbit
(channels, battery etc)
so you made the right choice

I caved in and sold the Hermes in the end (£105), and I bought the Artemis (Orbit £120) off ebay.
I was just annoyed at the little scratch on the screen and couldn't be bothered to change the screen/digitizer. Just hoping the screen on my new phone isn't scratched or I'll be back in the same place again! Although I've seen Orbit screens for £18 so it's not too bad even if I do have to swap.
Anyway goodbye people, nice owning the Hermes but time to move on!