Database Users

So long and good bye

thanks to everyne who has posts I read over the last 6months.
I No longer own the exec. I do now own a ipaq hw6915.
Much faster. phone pick up / power on / gps.
No flippy screen
So far Bat life seams much better.
Built in GPS !!!!!
does not feel like a brick in your pocket.
No 3g but never used it anyway.

mind if i ask how/where you were able to come up with a 6915? I am dying to get my hands on one (or one like it)

HP are releasing them in stages to main dealers.
I got mine sim free from expansys (slightly over priced i think but thats what you get for having it now) they currently out of stock.
Loads of places selling them. expansys is doing contract deals
inkino.co.uk & Dabs claim they have stock.
Expansys had 113 on 6/7/06 all sold by the 7th. (sim free) they still have contract bundles.
it really is good.

It's good, but it's 240 x 240 which is very very poor by today's standards. Also, the built in GPS is a really battery killer so use it sparingly. I also dislike the lack of mini-usb ports for ease of cables etc.
That said, the keyboard is very good, the ability to dial numbers from the today screen is excellent, wi-fi has good range and in general it's a great phone edition for someone who is not used to other devices.
As you came from the Exec with it's VGA screen and now you are on less than QVGA what do you thing of the screen?
Most of my existing software would not work properly and I've since rested the 6915 and gone back to my Mini-S.
For information, my rom version is 1.31.
Cheers
H

Bye. Try not to stand on this one. :lol:

the screen is ok. to be honest it will put a lot of people off. (it was not one of my reasons for getting the exec but you can really notice the difference. that said if you had never seen the vga on the exec you wouldnt know any better). I will be able to live with the lower end screen.
your right about the GPS hammers the bat big time. I got the tomtom car charger so not such a big deal. I had it on last night taking photos ( it puts location on the photo) and i did 1/2 a full bat in 40mins.
the cable thing dont mater as i use bt at work and home. Wifi range is so much better than execs.
the biggest + for me with this is you can see who is calling. if the exec had a screen on the lid (when closed) i would never have changed.
i do like these toys i have become a pocket pc anorak. the htc tyny looks nice so i have no doubt ill be back.

Carll said:
the screen is ok. to be honest it will put a lot of people off. (it was not one of my reasons for getting the exec but you can really notice the difference. that said if you had never seen the vga on the exec you wouldnt know any better). I will be able to live with the lower end screen.
your right about the GPS hammers the bat big time. I got the tomtom car charger so not such a big deal. I had it on last night taking photos ( it puts location on the photo) and i did 1/2 a full bat in 40mins.
the cable thing dont mater as i use bt at work and home. Wifi range is so much better than execs.
the biggest + for me with this is you can see who is calling. if the exec had a screen on the lid (when closed) i would never have changed.
i do like these toys i have become a pocket pc anorak. the htc tyny looks nice so i have no doubt ill be back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you like the thumbpad on the 6915? i've tried it and was not comfortable with the feel. i thought the battery life was better but it was not nearly as fast as the universal/exec at its best. i could never part with my large qwerty, SDIO, well placed stereo speakers, VGA, mini USB, etc., etc.

Thickness with Keyboard

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.

Advise please...and some questions...

I plan on purchasing a brand new 7501. I know a new model came out 7510. I already read the differences between the two and currently leaning towards the 7501, because it is cheaper. I don't see the point of paying 500 dollars more just for added memory and a new OS.
As of now, I can only find Amazon.com selling brand new 7501 for 850 dollars.
Now for my questions:
I know it's a year old, isn't too much to pay 850 for it? If any of you guys know a cheaper store, don't hesitate. Let me know.
I know it comes with WM5 OS, does it have a WM6 official OS?
I read up that radio 1.57.00 is the best, which ROM version is the best?
What is the highest capacity micro SD card does it support?
I have not tried ebay yet, to be honest, I am hesitant to buy expensive stuff off ebay.
Any input is appreciated.
===

hi there! i see your uni has reached its shelf life... same as mine, I think Im ready to retire it. Im also thinking of getting the athena (dopodu1000) and you're right, the 7510 isnt worth the extra price.
Looking forward to the other athena owners to give inputs to you... as it will help me as well. I suppose the only uni replacement is the Athena hmm?
Good luck

I've had my Athena for ages now and I love the size of the screen and it's power, it's a great device - especially with AP4 ROM, but coming from the Uni you will be disappointed with the keyboard - the one on the uni is great.
Someone here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=391485 is advertising one already pimped up if you're interested - caveat emptor and all that.

The 7501 is a great unit for what I got it for which is to use it for mobile internet access, the large screen is clear and easy to read. The keyboard is ....well to cut it short crap, I tend to get the Caps Lock mode for no reason and it is annoying when you find you have typed a couple of lines without noticing!
I use an external keyboard these days, but leave the inbuilt one attached to offer some additional protection while the device is in the case, I purchased a Piel Frama case in green for my unit as I didn't like the case it was supplied with. Sme users have found this aftermarket case a poor fit, mine seems very well made and I am happy with it.
Overall the device is decent, although heavy internet usage using the 3G connection speed which is fast in use hammers the battery, after a couple of hours use you will be looking for somewhere to plug in a charger.
I used the Uni for quite a while and the Athena seemed to be the next logical step, but it is a large device and you should really try and find one in a shop before purchase to see if you like the size and weight of the unit. It will fit in a pocket, but you need large pockets, the only other accessory I purchased was the 4 in 1 cable for the unit to add the capability of USB connectivity and composite video output - Mike

cuteangelika said:
hi there! i see your uni has reached its shelf life... same as mine, I think Im ready to retire it. Im also thinking of getting the athena (dopodu1000) and you're right, the 7510 isnt worth the extra price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not to mention the loss of buttons... :C ... actually, I was really holding back for 4 months now. I wanted to know more about its successor before deciding myself, but I can't convince myself to shell out 500 dollars more just for the extra 8 GB and a slightly improved keyboard layout. Now if they improved the processor speed to 700, then maybe they might hook me up for the 7510.
Confucious said:
I've had my Athena for ages now and I love the size of the screen and it's power, it's a great device - especially with AP4 ROM, but coming from the Uni you will be disappointed with the keyboard - the one on the uni is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The size of the screen and power as you mentioned are the best things I like about it too.
Is the AP4 an offial OS? Is it WM5 or WM6?
mikealder said:
I used the Uni for quite a while and the Athena seemed to be the next logical step, but it is a large device and you should really try and find one in a shop before purchase to see if you like the size and weight of the unit. It will fit in a pocket, but you need large pockets, the only other accessory I purchased was the 4 in 1 cable for the unit to add the capability of USB connectivity and composite video output - Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The size does not bother me, coming from an O2 Exec with extended battery, the weight of the Athena might be lighter in comparison.
I plan to use an external BT keyboard and BT mouse, which brand are you using?
I will probably purchase the highest micro SD available too, do you know if it supports SDHC micro SD cards?
I plan to buy a BT headset too. I read the LG HBM-500 with OLED Display and Vibra works well with it.
I might invest on the HTC 4 in one dongle for presentation purposes too.
===

I just read the differences between 7500, 7501, 7510 : http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=474
Does this mean the 7501 has no second camera even though it has WM6? Thus no video conferencing capability?
===

AP is the Athena Project, AP 4.0 is the latest cooked ROM based on the 7510 ROM and is WM6.1 - not official but you'll be waiting a long tome for WM6.1 to be released on the 7500!
The 7501 has no camera as it was intended for the US market where there is no video calling so the front camera was dropped to save costs or so I believe.
The Athena is about the same weight as an O2 Exec with extended battery (subjectively - I just held one in each hand and they feel the same) but the Athena is quite a bit bigger - hence the gorgeous 5" screen

got mine 7501 after almost a year looking, searching, waiting for the new one. the loss of hardware acess to functions was the main point to stay with the 7501 instead of the new one. the additional memory and improved keyboard (how much?, it will keep being an emergency keyboard!). it's big but very handy due to have everything big on screen, easy to track a message, to hit the right place on the screen, just very handy. I'm using on the original leather cover without the magnetic keyboard to save some volume. for small text input the large letters the softkeyboard pull out on the big screen is reasonable enough. for serious work a cheap and thin USB keyboard connected by the 4x1 cable is perfect. there are no other machine like this to fit in between a cell and a laptop. try one and you will find out. i had several others before, last one the Kaiser but the advantage is really a heavy contender for anyone interested in having a powerhorse at pocket.

I know i'll get flamed on this but
I've done extensive research and reading on x750x series and im sold, im sold to the point i bought one and it comes in tomorrow, its x7501 already unlocked. i've scoured this website, i've read up on all that i can, i know all the procedures all i now need to know is what order do i do them in, the radio 1.57 first then the unlocker? is that right, and do i need to use the athenawrapper at all?
is it two steps or three or four, radio unlocker wrapper
or radio wrapper then unlocker or
just radio and unlocker
or radio, unlocker, wrapper, updater?
just need to know what order, thanks again
i know i'll get flamed on read/search. and i have and im sorry, i just need a reply as to the order.
thank you
and thank you to all those who put the time and effort in for this product, i heard something about android and if all goes well id love to donate to that.
ps as you can see this is my second post

Nerd question about the Athena...

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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 ?

Tab Experiences after first couple of days

Hi. I think I promised to tell my feelings of the Samsung slab after I got it, so here goes:
tl;dr: I like it very much, almost perfect for what I want it to be.
Specs we all know, so not much point brooding over that.
(EDIT: For those of you who want to know: Froyo.XWJJ3 / Baseband P1000XXJID / Kernel 2.6.32.9)
Price: I'm paying 32.90€/month for mine, no other charges. Unlimited data/calls are part of my earlier contract. I think it's worth it, even though the price is quite high compared to, for example, the states.
First impression: Sturdy, heavy. Perfect size. NICE display.
Usage
Browser: Otherwise butter-smooth (pinch-to-zoon is smooooth), but somehow scrolling is really jerky. I don't like that, but it's not THAT bad.
Camera: Sucks balls. It's easy enough to use and that 7" display is a treat to use as a viewfinder, but really, the camera is bad. Much worse than SGS's. (Still pictures, I haven't tried video.) I haven't really tried in good like outside (hard this time of year here), but inside the pictures suck. No way to say it nicer, sorry.
Interface: I hate TouchWiz. The stupid "you-are-on-screen-#" at the top spoils the look and makes it impossible to arrange widgets so that the topmost looks good. The Application Drawer is .. I don't know.. infernal? If there wasn't LauncherPro Plus available for such a small price, that alone would've made me re-think the purchase. I can't comment on the smoothness of TouchWiz on Tab since I installed LP+ after just about 20min of use. LP+ on the other hand, is butter-smooth. I really like it even though it only supports the standard 4x4 grid of icons (or, with the option I always keep selected, 4x5 grid).
I don't use the included mail client since I only use Gmail. No comments on that. The calendar is really good, it fits my usage perfectly. the Notes app is about the same as in SGS and I couldn't really live without it anymore. I use it too much
The reader's hub is rather pointless here, since the newpaper AND magazine parts aren't yet activated. Only the books work, and since it's the Kobo reader, it only supports the kobo-store and can't import ePubs (at least I couldn't find the option). Sucked balls, but at least Samsung included the "eBook" app by Aldiko.
Which, weirdly, is NOT the same app that is included with the SGS. The Tab's version is waaay better with more options to view/arrange the books and looks nicer with page transition animations. Weirdly though, it takes RREEAALY long to load a book if it has many pages. Much, much longer than the free Aldiko app takes on the same Tab. I like the free app so it doesn't matter that much.
The speakers aren't really that great. Much, much better than SGS, but that isn't much to say, SGS's speakers suck deep. You aren't going to enjoy listening music via the speakers, but I don't think anyone expected that anyway. They are good enough for game sounds and voice calls.
Incidentally, call quality is top-notch compared to Desire or SGS. I can't see why I wouldn't use the Tab as a primary phone al the time (other than the fact that I own the SGS already and carry it with me anyways). If you have something private to talk about, use headset (or a separete phone as I do with SGS. Since they all work with the same contract via MultiSIM, I can use every device interchangeably as they all ring the same time and calls come from the same number regardless of what device I call from.)
Size: YES IT DOES FIT. (sorry) Unlike some other forum members seem to think (and now that I really own the Tab, I REALLY call shenanigans on some parts of that said member's writings, or his sanity, depends) the Tab IS pocketable. I only own TWO pairs of trousers that I can't fit the tab in. I only carry it in front pockets so I can't comment on back pocketing ability) The build quality is SUPERB it doesn't, really doesn't feel like plastic-y like the SGS. When that one member commented something about breaking the Tab in half, he was either Trolling on purpose, or he had been trolled BADLY in the first place. The Tab is really sturdy and I couldn't bend it if I wanted to, much less BREAK it. The front is covered with Gorilla Glass for added protection.
It IS rather heavy, so I don't expect to carry it around in any trousers that don't sport a belt, but that's not really a problem. I don't use jeans at all, so don't know about those.
It DOES NOT recharge when connected to a computer via an USB port. The supplied charger, however is standard-looking adapter that plugs into a mains socket and has an USB-port on the top. I will test to see if the tab recharges from a) two usb ports on a computer connected with y-cable, like some 3G modems need or b) 3rd-party USB-charger like that one Samsung supplied (but goes around 5€ rather than ~30€ for the Samsung one...)
Somehow the Tab downloads/installs programs REALLY much faster than the SGS and it doesn't have the "SGS-lag" Supercurio is so adapt at fixing. I haven't tried any benchmarks for scoring, but based on pure opinion and usage, I'd bet that the Tab DOES NOT utilize the same RFS partitions as the SGS. At least it doesn't act like the SGS, which is all good and cool
The battery lasts long, but with only two days of use I can't comment more. I'll just say that as it came pre-charged and I played with it the whole day, it was only down to ~45% in the late evening.
Please, do ask questions about the Tab and I'll answer as much as I can. And I'll add more info about it after a few more days of use.

Thank you for your feedback here.
I also own it for two weeks now and I 100% agree with your comments and experience .
It is the best android device I ever owned to date (and I owned MANY).
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

I agree about that "best android device" statement. I really like this Tab a lot.
A couple more bits of info:
Sadly, no, you CANNOT recharge the thing with either a) or b) options. I was using a Deltaco -branded 5€ mains-socket -style usb charger rated with 1A and the Tab refused to work. Also same when connected to computer via y-cable adapter that came with Huawei's 3G modem (takes power from both usb-ports).
The supplied charger is rated at 2A, which might be the point here. I'll continue to search for a 3rd-party charger that would work because I really, really don't feel like ordering any number of the original Samsung adapters at that price.
The screen: OK - it's not a SuperAMOLED screen, which I'm DEEPLY in love with in the SGS. It is just pure bliss and heaven watching that 4" screen with so vibrant colors and awesome contrast - nothing even comes close.
But. It's no standard TFT either. I'd say it's just on par with normal AMOLED/SuperLCD screens used in the HTC Desire currently. Definitely better than the HTC Hero's screen. The black is not as black as SGS's SuperAMOLED but otherwise the color reproduction is quite close to that. It's crisp and contrasty enough.
I'm not complaining at all

Thanks for the review man
Its great to see that the battery is up to some heavy usage and that its nice and smooth to use.
As soon as vodafone gets its act together and puts them up for order here, I'll have mine 24 hours after that Still can't believe that its so close to release and there's no prices *grumble*

This has been discussed before... the tab will charge over powered USB. Just very, very slowly.

The USB can be plugged into an Apple Iphone socket and used in the wall as well to charge....

ftgg99 said:
This has been discussed before... the tab will charge over powered USB. Just very, very slowly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'd really like this to be true. But unfortunately at least my Tab doesn't. Or then it recharges REALLY slow, I mean less than 1% in 3 hours. I tried.
Mine just displays the charge icon overlaid by a circle with a slash when connected to any other than the supplied charger.
I don't own an iphone so can't try that charger.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

Just a correction, with launcher pro you can have even a 10x10 grid, the option is under homescreen settings
Sent from my Galaxy Tab

Azhad said:
Just a correction, with launcher pro you can have even a 10x10 grid, the option is under homescreen settings
Sent from my Galaxy Tab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not REALLY, no. It's just a grid to arrange the icons, it's not "the real thing". As in, with that columns/rows option, LP just crops/cuts the icons/widgets and sticks them to the screen. MOST of the time this just looks HORRIBLE. There's another option that allows the real 4x5 grid, and that's what I'm talking about. The columns/rows option is just a "virtual" grid over the "real" one.
Ok, I don't make much sense, but try it. I wouldn't keep those options up more than absolutely necessary, they destroy any semblance of nice visuals there is
EDIT: Hookay, TRY before speaking... I was talking with the experience of using that option in the Galaxy S.. on Tab it ACTUALLY looks kinda good... I admit, my fault. -> I'm now using a grid of 6x7 and it looks mighty good - thanks for that mate!

AnttiV said:
Well, I'd really like this to be true. But unfortunately at least my Tab doesn't. Or then it recharges REALLY slow, I mean less than 1% in 3 hours. I tried.
Mine just displays the charge icon overlaid by a circle with a slash when connected to any other than the supplied charger.
I don't own an iphone so can't try that charger.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will charge faster off a powered hub or one of the ports at the back of your pc. Im using a dlink port replicator and when the tab is plugged in i can play angry birds without losing battery...

ftgg99 said:
It will charge faster off a powered hub or one of the ports at the back of your pc. Im using a dlink port replicator and when the tab is plugged in i can play angry birds without losing battery...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always (regarding phones, at least) use a powered hub (or my G19 keyboard, which acts like a powered hub anyways), or the aforementioned Deltaco-brand charger that outputs 1A (double the amount of a powered usb port) but still no dice. My Tab just DOES NOT recharge on anything else that I have available than the supplied 2A-rated Samsung charger. I haven't tried y-cabling two of those, but honestly, that is going a bit too far
Fortunately, recharging the Tab is not that an issue as it is with the SGS, I'm still only down to 52% battery and I last recharged yesterday evening-ish or so. Played with it a lot and read late at night. Been surfing and doing stuff the whole day with it. I'm guessing from current battery drain that I can get around 20h of near-constant use out of it, which is way more than I expected so I'm very happy with it.

AnttiV said:
Since they all work with the same contract via MultiSIM, I can use every device interchangeably as they all ring the same time and calls come from the same number regardless of what device I call from.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please give further information on this ~ as in where you got the SIM's from, how much, what kind of tariff, etc. etc.
I would dearly love to use the same SIM contract on both my Galaxy S & Tab.

Beards said:
Can you please give further information on this ~ as in where you got the SIM's from, how much, what kind of tariff, etc. etc.
I would dearly love to use the same SIM contract on both my Galaxy S & Tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it is kind of standard here in Finland for operators to offer such service. Mine is from Saunalahti. The original contract is from 2006? or 2008 I don't really remember. It includes 3000 min of calls to the same (and parent/sister) operator. Monthly payment is 0€. (it was originally like this because I took a phone at the same time.)
Later I added a data plan to it that's 13.90€ per month, includes unlimited data at unlimited speed (depends on network) and MultiSIM for up to 5 devices total. All features of the original and data plans are accessible from all the five devices simultaneously except sms messages only arrive to the device with the original sim card.
Well, that's it, really.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

AnttiV said:
Well, it is kind of standard here in Finland for operators to offer such service. Mine is from Saunalahti. The original contract is from 2006? or 2008 I don't really remember. It includes 3000 min of calls to the same (and parent/sister) operator. Monthly payment is 0€. (it was originally like this because I took a phone at the same time.)
Later I added a data plan to it that's 13.90€ per month, includes unlimited data at unlimited speed (depends on network) and MultiSIM for up to 5 devices total. All features of the original and data plans are accessible from all the five devices simultaneously except sms messages only arrive to the device with the original sim card.
Well, that's it, really.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks..... Appreciated.
If anyone in the UK has heard of a similar deal I would be very interested.
I'm currently on T-Mobile and they told me they do not do multi-SIM deals.
I seem to remember Tesco selling two cards for one some time back but this has now stopped.
Thanks in advance.

My opinions are here.
Clowneh said:
Yeah I got mine at lunchtime on Monday from CPW on Oxford Street. Came with a free 16GB memory card. I ended up going for the £500 deal + £10 monthly contract.
First impressions are that it's just a big phone. It does everything my HD2 loaded with Android 2.2 does, perhaps a little bit less! My tab does seem to like streaming my mp4 files from a http server even though they stream on my phone. Another minor minor quibble is that the Facebook contacts don't sync pictures with my current contacts but I'm not too arsed about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse