Database Users

HTC Hermes: good bye Universal

Check this out:
http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4473.html
Same Universal performance but no swivel screen (better) and probaly a bit thinner.

Again, no VGA display.....

andreuroig said:
Check this out:
http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4473.html
Same Universal performance but no swivel screen (better) and probaly a bit thinner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no way this is going to replace my Universal. I wouldn't even consider anything without a VGA screen at this point. Besides... I like the swivel screen that affords a larger keyboard.
Brett

BrettS said:
I wouldn't even consider anything without a VGA screen at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.
Hermes looks like the 3G replacement for the Wizard anyway.

Hoax photo - video cam spelled as 'vedio cam'
And it's a JAM style phone, not a 'true' XDA type phone.
No contest.

joebongo said:
Hoax photo - video cam spelled as 'vedio cam'
And it's a JAM style phone, not a 'true' XDA type phone.
No contest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, there is a contest. I'll miss the VGA screen, but I think I can cope. I went from a JAM to an Exec for 3G, now there's no reason for me not to go back to the smaller size, especially since I have an aquapac and a RAM Mount holder all at the right size for my bike and GPS...
What's the going rate for a second hand Exec?

I dont know if its the same pic or not (too lazxy to click the link, and correct my spelling apparently)
But heres the pic of the Hermes I came across a month ago in another article.
In any case this is just a spiffed up 3G version of the Wizard, I dont see it as a competitor for the Universal.

Osir1s said:
In any case this is just a spiffed up 3G version of the Wizard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For many, thnat's effectively what the Universal is.
(And a damned good one!)

What other good alternatives are coming?
I'd like a VGA but don't want to come back to the Universal as it's too big for me.

im not dealing with HTC anymore..the new one i bought crapped up on me 4days later. (white screen)
I think i will go Symbian OS :shock:

jlforlife said:
im not dealing with HTC anymore..the new one i bought crapped up on me 4days later. (white screen)
I think i will go Symbian OS :shock:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All hardware has a percentage of faults. Don't let one faulty device make you change to a completly different OS, you fool.
You obviously wnted a HTC Windows OS device for some sort of good reason.
Why not simply get a different Mobile Windows device?
Is that too easy?

Yeah, you are right. The screen that died on me has made me moody and thats not right. Infact WM 5 devices are of the advantage if you want to use it corporately..

Yes, in a corporate usage it is a must; although I also enjoy playing great games, which I'm not quite sure to get the same quality in other systems... There are also a huge choice of all kind of softwares available...
I can't imagine going for another OS.

I am considering the Hermes as well but I am waiting on the replacement for the Uni to come out [if HTC has something planned] before I make my decision final. I'd probably miss VGA as well I tried using a qVGA device again [hp iPAQ rw6828] and always ended up going back to the Uni's gorgeous VGA screen. I've since sold the iPAQ. :wink:
As for Symbian OS I think it depends on which variant of the OS, for now I'd stay away from the N series [3rd Ed of Symbian Series 60] as most people I know who got these mobiles complain that they're really slow... maybe the hardware needs to be updated by Nokia to support their *new* OS.

Ehm, hello? Hermes is a mobile phone with PDA capabilites and the Universal is a PDA (rather even a UMPC) with phone capabilities. These two are different kind of devices, as both are what they are in first place, but can never be perfect for what they are supposed to be in second place! I always wanted a replacement for my Psion Revo, with a keyboard big enough to actually write. And I do write with 6-8 fingers on my Universal, where as on the Wizard I can write with 2-4 fingers max - that makes a difference. Plus I can put the Universal on the table and put the screen in such a position so I can do video calls without having to hold the device - impossible with Hermes! Don't get me wrong: Hermes is a wonderful device for those who want a mobile phone with A+ hard- and software. But it can never be a replacement for those who want a UMPC they really can work with...

TRJS said:
Ehm, hello? Hermes is a mobile phone with PDA capabilites and the Universal is a PDA (rather even a UMPC) with phone capabilities. These two are different kind of devices, as both are what they are in first place, but can never be perfect for what they are supposed to be in second place! I always wanted a replacement for my Psion Revo, with a keyboard big enough to actually write. And I do write with 6-8 fingers on my Universal, where as on the Wizard I can write with 2-4 fingers max - that makes a difference. Plus I can put the Universal on the table and put the screen in such a position so I can do video calls without having to hold the device - impossible with Hermes! Don't get me wrong: Hermes is a wonderful device for those who want a mobile phone with A+ hard- and software. But it can never be a replacement for those who want a UMPC they really can work with...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right said!
I have also got a lot of fresh air with the Uni, maybe the first time after leaving my Revo.

I'd say that both are PDAs with phone capabilities, and not a phone with PDA capabilities. However, the Uni is more focused on PDA (maybe 80% PDA 20 phone) and the Hermes is something like (60% pda 40 phone). HOwever, right now I'm after an Advance TC MAGIC. I'll miss my Exec's VGA though... if only we could upgrade screens to VGA at will... along with the appropriate OS tweaks, of course.

Is this the first release of it in the UK?
The Register reports on the Orange SPV M3100.

There's also HTC TyTN already out.

nope, not a universal upd8/upgrade/replacement as its not VGA.
yes, i do agree that WM PDA-phones r more PDA than phone as opposed 2 symbian devices w/c r more phone than PDA. d palm OS PDA-phones (treos) can b classified IMO as d more balanced PDA & phone. but im more of a PDA person than phone so i still prefer WM PDA-phones.
y doesnt HTC release another VGA PPC-phone? isnt d universal popular enough? :roll:

HTC Shift vs. HTC Athena

I am still trying to decide what i should buy. HTC Shift, HTC Omni and HTC Kaiser will be announced in Q3 just like HTC X7501. I am still waiting as my friend WU told me to do. I will wait till Summer July or September where more juicy stuff will come and therefore I decided not to buy HTC Athena.
One is a UMPC and the other is a Pocket PC. Compare both in all ways, from price, technical spec's and style.
I find the Shift to be much better than the Athena. What do you all think?

I have the Ameo now, and by the time the novelty of that has worn off, the Shift will be out.
And of course, I'll have to have one of them as well.....

nuclear said:
I am still trying to decide what i should buy. HTC Shift, HTC Omni and HTC Kaiser will be announced in Q3 just like HTC X7501. I am still waiting as my friend WU told me to do. I will wait till Summer July or September where more juicy stuff will come and therefore I decided not to buy HTC Athena.
One is a UMPC and the other is a Pocket PC. Compare both in all ways, from price, technical spec's and style.
I find the Shift to be much better than the Athena. What do you all think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will never buy the HTC Shift, and none of the UMPC. You see, i think PPC and UMPC are completely different product. I don't like UMPC, you can't turn it on in one sec, even you put it in stand by, it will still take a while. And also, none of the UMPC can last for whole day, i do not want to charge my device every so often.
I want my device to be 24hr connect to Internet to check mail, that you can't do with UMPC.
So i still prefer Athena, and don't forget this, i can use my U1000 to do remote control to my home pc.
If you compare Athena with other PPC, yes other PPC might have better spec when it comes out, but i find it quite hard to go to any smaller screen size then Athena. So again, it's all depends on personal needs and use, personally, i find Athena meets my needs

I agree with Wu. Why would need some slow device, I have it at home. When I am mobile I want something that would last for whole day, would be with me when I need it to check my emails, use it to go on MSN or Yahoo messenger, would have big screen and wont take ages to respond in some action (for instance Symbian phones).

schoofter said:
...wont take ages to respond in some action (for instance Symbian phones).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait till you see E90 in action it will blow Athena apart

I don't like XP/Vista in my phone. Slow startup and wake up from hibernation is a huge problem. Another con is since it is essentially a XP/Vista machine, it uses the ordinally desktop application which comes with all none-essentially adds-on and this blown up the size they needs. 40G storage will depleted in no time.
Battery staying power is another huge issue for UMPC.
Granted E90 is quite good but Symbian apps. is more on multi-media centric, so professional softwares are quite limit and hard to come by.

raven2000 said:
Wait till you see E90 in action it will blow Athena apart
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Click to collapse
I am sure E90 would be a interesting device but after my N73 I doubt I would like any other Nokia. It is all sparkly and nice on paper and when you read it on Net it is super duper but when you start to use it then it gets on your nerves. Nokia maps is so nice on first look but would be with maps of other countries? I don't think they would ever make map for my country so no use of it and you can't use any other app for GPS because it is made just for Nokia.

schoofter said:
and wont take ages to respond in some action (for instance Symbian phones).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welllll, that's some really controversial statement
All the Symbian devices I've ever used performed WAYS faster, than their CE/WM competitors, though the specs were usually much lower.

E90 ????
raven2000 said:
Wait till you see E90 in action it will blow Athena apart
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know with you all, but for me what is nokia E90 caps so beat Athena. I don't have them both, but
1. Do E90 will be supported by many software developer?
2. Do it will doing many "assistan" thing?
For me it's not a "smart phone" at all... it's just a phone...
Once again it's personal opinion, i doubt if someone already use PPC/Palm will move to NOKIA thing...
But everyone have their opinion..

cornelius said:
I don't know with you all, but for me what is nokia E90 caps so beat Athena. I don't have them both, but
1. Do E90 will be supported by many software developer?
2. Do it will doing many "assistan" thing?
For me it's not a "smart phone" at all... it's just a phone...
Once again it's personal opinion, i doubt if someone already use PPC/Palm will move to NOKIA thing...
But everyone have their opinion..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i totally agree with you, i think E90 can only be call a phone, looks at the number of third party software that PPC has, yes it might be faster on E90. But slow is just usual for Windows device, for example, Windows is slower then Mac, but does that mean everyone will run and get Mac? No, because windows has much more application.

chtan said:
I don't like XP/Vista in my phone. Slow startup and wake up from hibernation is a huge problem. Another con is since it is essentially a XP/Vista machine, it uses the ordinally desktop application which comes with all none-essentially adds-on and this blown up the size they needs. 40G storage will depleted in no time.
Battery staying power is another huge issue for UMPC.
Granted E90 is quite good but Symbian apps. is more on multi-media centric, so professional softwares are quite limit and hard to come by.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always with 2 devices with me, 1 PDA and 1 Phone..
Before Dopod 900 / Nokia E60
Now Dopod u1000 / Nokia E60
Get the smallest and most powerful phone around for normal phone call.
Nokia E series (edit/view word/powerpt/excel.. wifi, Really good webbrowser + another Opera), PDA (Contact/Schedule/Todo can make it by 1 hand..)
WM5/6 for web/email/entertain and relax ur eyes

its very interesting..
im thinking of either the E90 or the HTC Advantage! the advantage will be out earlier and the prices of both will not differ by much. at the end of the day, the desicion of buying one rather than the other relies on what do you really want from a phone/pda.
maybe someone can help me:
my interest after all is to:
-have a device good with making calls and good for using to sync with your PC. both have the abilities but one rather probably has a better phone functionality than providing a pda/sync functions.
-as for multimedie, i have my digital camera which will never be replaced but to have a 3 mp is not too bad to take pix of some urgent things
-as a music player im not too picky as long as i get some sound
-storage wise, Advantage has plenty of those and it beats E90 easily.
-emails and so forth are important ot me. however, i would liek to upload email from my organization server which can be done through B.berry connect i suppose only. i believe both phones have the capability of doing such a thing, right? but i think the wm5/6 has a better email capability in geenral than symbians, right?
-i would get some softwares to add to my phone ans it seems windows based phones have far more titles (professional ones atleast).
-battery life: i think the E90 wins here..not sure.
-GPS capabilities: not sure which set has a better nad a more reliable one. it seems like nokia has introduced maps which can be downloaded on individual basis which is a nice idea depending on the country you are travelling to.
-multimedia again---watching movies..hmmm..it could be interesting if you are in your car as a passenger for a while..i guess it is easier to watch it on an advantage due to bigger screen..and the hard drive will assist in having bigger files on board. what do you think? but how many movies can you watch with the battery before it runs out of juice?
interesting comparisons and it is difficult for me to decide really as both devices cost lots of money and i dont want to make a desicion then regret. perhaps a user fo both devices can shed more light.
Cheers!

you said: but one rather probably has a better phone functionality than providing a pda/sync functions.
so E90 will be able to do phone thing than Athena becaus lack of earpiece on athena and vibrate notification...

just get yourself a bt headset(Jabra BT8010 is recommended) and everything will be fine, or may be excellent?

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.

just bought x7501

I currently have a nokia n800, that i am using less and less due to the fact that it is NOT a cell phone in any way. My second latest device is an HTC Touch Dual, i love WM6, and just about everything except the build of the phone. I am getting some disturbing side to side motion in the slide, and it effects how you press the top power on/off button. Luckily i have a squaretrade warranty and im gonna return it and get my money back. Now the point of the post, I have just picked up a new in box, unlocked, x7501. Should arrive in the next couple days and I am totally stoked, I cant wait to see the 5 inch screen! Any quick tips for a new x7501 owner? Thanks for all the help!

flash pk's rom, and instantly switch to realvga 96dpi. gives you masses of screen space. I got mine on christmas eve, and its been a joy to have. just installed all my fave apps and now got it working just how i want it. the realvga thing is my top tip.
x

Thanks very much, i just cant wait to get it! One of the things im most excited about is using an rss reader on the home screen and being able to see more than the first 4 words of the headline, thats how it is on my touch dual!

lol. at first i was annoyed by the large screen. on my hermes, i had the cube and an iphone ui, along with pocket plus on another page using wisbar advance desktop. then along came my athena, and when i finally got a working iphone vga theme, it lookes so stupid. now ive got pocketplus 4, with diary and gprs monitor integrated for all my shortcuts, and resco today plugin for my memory usage. perfect, and shows how you adapt to a device.
And youll probaly get a whole page of rss, with 96dpi, i think its like having 4 qvga screens right next to each other.
rory
x

rorydaredkign said:
lol. at first i was annoyed by the large screen. on my hermes, i had the cube and an iphone ui, along with pocket plus on another page using wisbar advance desktop. then along came my athena, and when i finally got a working iphone vga theme, it lookes so stupid. now ive got pocketplus 4, with diary and gprs monitor integrated for all my shortcuts, and resco today plugin for my memory usage. perfect, and shows how you adapt to a device.
And youll probaly get a whole page of rss, with 96dpi, i think its like having 4 qvga screens right next to each other.
rory
x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the opposite and got rid of my Ameo for an N800!
Waiting for Gnokii to be ported so I can use the N800 to send sms/make calls through my N95. The ameo was good but too big, based on the fact that i couldn't 'detach' the cellphone aspect of the device and therefore always had to have an oversized phone on me, whether at the office or on a night out.
I prefer to have a phone (N95) and N800 (via bt dun) for Internet browsing as the browser is infinitely better than either opera or PIE on the Ameo and the sreen res is higher - despite the smaller size - but that's just my personal preference.

yeah, the n800 is still a great product, and it can do a wonder of things. The best part is the linux os, so just about all the best software for it is FREE! I would have never put my n800 down it it had cell abilities. The responsiveness of the touchscreen on my n800 blows away any touchscreen phones ive ever used...I love typeing with the soft keyboard on the n800 Huge thumb buttons. my touch dual has been the biggest dissapointment of all my cell phones....only because as each day passes i feel like the top slide portion is going to break off. Its been getting more play in its slide every day ...Im fairly confidant that i can handle the size of the advantage just fine...as long as i get me a good small earbud style bluetooth.

touchlasvegas said:
yeah, the n800 is still a great product, and it can do a wonder of things. The best part is the linux os, so just about all the best software for it is FREE! I would have never put my n800 down it it had cell abilities. The responsiveness of the touchscreen on my n800 blows away any touchscreen phones ive ever used...I love typeing with the soft keyboard on the n800 Huge thumb buttons. my touch dual has been the biggest dissapointment of all my cell phones....only because as each day passes i feel like the top slide portion is going to break off. Its been getting more play in its slide every day ...Im fairly confidant that i can handle the size of the advantage just fine...as long as i get me a good small earbud style bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait for cellphone tool to be fully functional on OS2008 before you get rid of your N800. It will enable you to connect through your regular cellphone to make and receive calls and texts. The Athena is really no better than your Touch Dual aside from the screen: in fact if i still had my Athena I'd have swapped you!
In order to get over the problem of the Athena's size I bought some Sony earbud Bluetooth headphones, but I never managed to get caller I.D. working and it still didn't get over the size issue: I still had to take the damn thing out with me in some form or other! Without headphones the sound quality of calls through the loud speaker is appalling.
Would be nice if you could get back to us in a few weeks with your thoughts
this user bought an Athena less than a month ago and is selling it already due to usability issues.
I decided the Athena was more trouble than it was worse, and its size was simply unjustifiable given its poor video and browsing performance. Nice screen though, that I have to agree on!
Still got my Hermes though.

I don't think the sound is appaling without headset. I normally use just the speakerphone and have no issue with it. As long as I can have a phone conversation, I don't need the clearest sound in the world. It's a much better solution than having to carry another device. Just my personal preference. Others would like to have headset, which is also a much better solution than having to carry an additional device. I understand you prefer to have multiple devices, and have no problem with that. Hope you allow me to be as happy with Athena as much as you're happy with your N95/N800/Asus eee combination.

eaglesteve said:
I don't think the sound is appaling without headset. I normally use just the speakerphone and have no issue with it. As long as I can have a phone conversation, I don't need the clearest sound in the world. It's a much better solution than having to carry another device. Just my personal preference. Others would like to have headset, which is also a much better solution than having to carry an additional device. I understand you prefer to have multiple devices, and have no problem with that. Hope you allow me to be as happy with Athena as much as you're happy with your N95/N800/Asus eee combination.
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I had two Athena's and both had sound issues, though I naturally used to hold them to my face rather than away from me. This was probably the problem. I didn't like broadcasting my conversations to the world though!
I like everyone to be happy of course Eaglesteve and I really don't begrudge your love of the Athena. I like my setup because it gives me more choice, and since I am a browsing addict the N800 fitted the bill better since it not only has a better browser but a higher resolution screen for displaying web content. It lacks a GPS golf companion but that's not something I need right now .
I tend to drift in and out of love for things though. If Windows produce a better mobile platform I'll probably be back to them (after testing it with my Hermes of course). I just wish, Eaglesteve, that Windows were a little more open with outside developers. Perhaps then the true power of the Athena could have been felt. It could have been SO MUCH BETTER - a true multimedia powerhouse.
Aside from the obvious loss of Windows Mobile applications, if Linux were on the Athena THEN we would see what it could do - great video playback, fully functional Firefox browser, USB and a HSDPA modem....it would kick my EEE into touch, since INHERENTLY it is a bloody excellent bit of kit, marred by Microsoft's restricted and buggy software.

well i got my Advantage yesterday Soo, much in love with it, even without changing anything yet. Took it to the bar last night and gave everyone around me gadget envy I picked up the cheapest jabra bluetooth at frys until i order the one I want off ebay soon. So far, the responsiveness of the machine is noticibly faster than the touch dual, not to mention all the other issue ive had with my dual. I know the advantage has a faster processor and all, but i only have about 15 programs installed on my touch dual and at times it lags soo much i try a soft reset, and it boots up with the same lag. I think the roughly 200MHZ bump in processor speed will help a little with this. I love how the keyboard and advantage fit into its leather case, very creative. I find myself using the soft keyboard more than the hard keyboard so I may end up leaving the keyboard at home most of the time. Secondly about the keyboard, when you attach it to the advantage as a screen protector and use the clear portion for the "sub display" I found it very finiky to get the sub display to appear, and i definatly couldnt get it every time I tried. I'll update you as I begin to modify things

Ok, now to begin with the flashing, before I try flashing PK's rom, do I need to do any kind of unlock on the phone first? Its already factory unlocked to any carrier, but I thought i read that there was another unlock that had to be done to allow custom roms. THANKS
edit* It appears that i need to run olipros 3 step unlocker first before installing PK's black rom. Now on PK's page it says that the latest rom version does NOT INCLUDE a radio, and they reccomend upgrading your radio to version 1.50 before flahing the rom.....any tips on how I would go about doing this before I flash the rom?

Hey touchlasvagas, I would like to share in your excitment. I just recieved my Advantage this past Thursday 1/10/08. I too, went to work and made some gadget envy with my supervisor (the guy who hooked me to PDA's). All in fun. The screen is phenomonal. The clarity is superb...and coming from the x51v (which is another amazing machine) there is alot more to see with softwared installed. The processor is extremely fast. After updating the Opera and reworking the configuration...the internet browser does a fine good job at work and school.
I hope I can find an extended battery somewhere!
I'm following your post so please post when you discovered the steps to unlocking, flashing, and all the other good stuff.
Just sharing in the excitment!!!!!
Kenjari

Kenjari, is yours a factory unlocked x7501 as well? Im ready to begin the flashing, I just want to get word from someone regarding the fact that it states the radio is left out from PK's rom....the radio for what? He recommends updating the radio rom before flashing and I have no idea what hes talking about hopefully someone chimes in so I can get a'flashin

touchlasvegas said:
Kenjari, is yours a factory unlocked x7501 as well? Im ready to begin the flashing, I just want to get word from someone regarding the fact that it states the radio is left out from PK's rom....the radio for what? He recommends updating the radio rom before flashing and I have no idea what hes talking about hopefully someone chimes in so I can get a'flashin
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Touchlasvegas, I believe he is refering to either the Bluetooth, GPS, or Wifi. I will scan the forum to see if I can dig up more information. I could be wrong though.
Yes, I have an unlocked x7501.
If I'm wrong...hopefully someone will come along soon.

the phone comes with radio rom installed, but it might not be 1.50.0.0. people claim this is the best, but on both of my wm devices, ive only had one radio rom. so if you dont have signal problems with your advantage, there isnt much need to upgrade radio [my opinion]
x

thanks for the info rory, i havent tested out my wifi yet, however the gps and everything else seems to be working great, so i would imagine i have no real reason to upgrade my radio. Looks like in the next couple hours i will give olipros unlocker a try and then flash the new rom

kenjari i would say hold off on flashing for right now, i believe i followed all the steps and now it appears i have a bricked, or at least semi-bricked advantage in front of me I made a post with all the descriptions of what i did and what happened, please feel free to check it out if you can help

touchlasvegas said:
kenjari i would say hold off on flashing for right now, i believe i followed all the steps and now it appears i have a bricked, or at least semi-bricked advantage in front of me I made a post with all the descriptions of what i did and what happened, please feel free to check it out if you can help
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touchlasves, I just responded you your other post. Please take a look. I think you're still safe. Anyway, it's a good idea to wait fo touchglasvegas to complete his experiment from the viewpoint of risk management.

thanks eagle, im gonna try pks rom now as soon as i figure out which exe file to run first

Thanks for the advice touchlasvegas and eaglesteve. I hope everything works out okay. Let me know if there is anything you need me to do. I can research with you if you want!!

[Q] suggested replacement for XDA Exec

hi all
I currently have an O2 XDA Exec and I love it to bits, I'm not someone who jumps from phone to phone as soon as they come out, I usually buy something, use it until it falls apart and then look around for a good current replacement.
Now I've had my XDA for a good couple of years now and the battery is starting to fade on me, the keys are starting to wear and I'm conscious that one day it's just not going to work any more
OK I could go through the whole repair/refurbish cycle but technology has moved on apace and I reckon I've had my money's worth out of this one
It probably won't be for a while but can anyone suggest a decent next smartphone
preferably with a large screen and keyboard as I really don't like typing on a touchscreen, but with features like WiFi, bluetooth decent browser capability, business applications, decent camera - the usual bells and whistles
one thing I really would like, would be for it to be less like a phone with a computer added and more like a computer with a phone added, one thing that really irritated me was the inability to make a backup of the entire machine so I can for example make a backup, load up a different OS, try that and then restore my original if I didn't like it
so any suggestions ?

I haven't used it, but the Nokia N900 seems to fit the "more like a computer with a phone added" part best. The hardware is starting to show its age, though. It's not like it was a cutting edge device hardware-wise even when it was released anyway. Windows Phone 7 seems to be a dead end as far as the pocket computer angle goes. You could get an iPhone but they are not hacker friendly, to say the least. Watching the new Android models and picking the one you like best with a keyboard is your best bet if you find the N900 lacking.
But I'd suggest replacing the battery and waiting for a little while if the keyboard doesn't cause too many problems. The new generation of mobiles with dual core processors is right around the corner. If anything, you'll probably be able to get great deals on current gen devices.

I reckon my exec will last for a fair while yet but it is showing signs of age, I'll have a look at the N900, thanks for the suggestion

I've gone from the Universal to the Rhodium (TouchPro2). It's not cutting edge, but has been a great replacement for my old Universal with much the same form-factor - ie, good keyboard and big screen (although it's wide-VGA so slightly different size). One thing I really liked was inbuilt GPS as I always had to carry around my GPS mouse with my Universal.

thanks I'll add the rhodium to the list

I still have active my Universal and there is not any newer device who competes with our great keyboard and pivoting screen, this is so far the best kb ever made!.
Said that I went for Rhodium and used it for like a year, great device, smaller screen (I preferred my super VGA Uni screen) and keyboard but it´s a great device, now I´m on Desire Z and keyboard is a bit smaller than Rhodium but it´s damn faster than it!
Only prob is that is has only Android on it...

another rhodium vote and a desire z. thanks for that

No prob
Please let us know what you finally got.

probably won't be for a while but at least now I've an idea what to look at

Well you have some start guide with comments above!

Another very interesting upcoming device is the Motorola Atrix
http://www.slashgear.com/motorola-atrix-4g-and-laptop-dock-hands-on-demo-video-08125261/.
It seems to be a very good phone + netbook replacement.