Hi
I have an XDA for over a year and am very happy and impressed with it.
I am looking forward to the new XDA II and am almost certainly going to get one. Before I fork out for one I have considered buying a Sony Ericsson P800 which has similar functionality.
I know the XDA II runs on WMPPC 2003 and the P800 runs on the symbian platform, but this doesnt mean a lot to me.
Could anyone suggest in suer terms the differences and dis / advantages of one device over the other.
Thaks for your time if you can help !
Cheers
Ric
For my 2 cents worth.........the XDA is compatable with a plethora of software across the spectrum, games, comms, databases, etc etc, the amount of freeware for the ppc platform is staggering. If you use your machine for the inbuilt functionality then it makes no difference, but I use mine for allsorts, including GPS navigation, it cost a very small amount to add the hardware and the software is freely available or very cheap. Also with the launch of the XDA2 it usually follows that the XDA1 will come down in price. I just bought a new XDA, boxed immaculate for £150, now that is value. You may have noticed, I admire this little machine greatly, I also admire the people that are able to add usability and value to it by sheer determination coupled with amazing technical know how. If the manufacturer of the XDA teamed up with the XDA developers we would see something special.
One of my friends bought a P800 and had loads of probs with it. They replaced the unit a couple of times and then he sent it back and replaced it with an IPAQ and a bluetooth phone combi.
I have both the XDA and the p800. Let me start by saying that the XDA wins without a doubt.
If you are looking for a phone with some PDA functions, then go for the p800. If you use your pda alot, the XDA is for you.
I found the p800 to be too slow as a PDA. Using downloaded apps are problematic, and of course, the amount of software available is limited when compared to pocketpc.
Crusin Thru, SPS and XDA Rocks,
Thanks for takin the time to reply. As you are unanimous in your opinions you have convinced me.
The XDA II it is !
You can preorder them from a number of online suppliers, but my favourite is www.expansys.com. Great site with excellent info and Customer service.
Once again thanks for you input
Cheers Ric.
PS Perhaps as expected at this site.............Nobody thought the P800 was the best!
I love my 8525 to death and I had thought it would fulfill just about any need I could possibly want in a cell phone (especially considering the impressive modding capability). Surprisingly, I discovered that it is lacking in one area: web browsing. This became more pronounced after I used the Xperia X1 for the first time.
Right now, the phones I'm considering are:
1) Xperia X1
2) HTC Touch Pro2
3) Toshiba G900
4) Toshiba TG01 (*drools*)
5) Let me cut it short: Basically any phone with 480x800 res or higher
So after mulling it over and doing an enormous amount of research, two particular points are sticking out in my mind: the importance of PPI (pixels per inch) and processors. To break it down:
1) I've been informed that screen clarity depends a lot on PPI and, basically, the more ppi you have, the better. Is this true?
2) There have been issues in the past regarding HTC and Qualcomm drivers. Is this still an issue in new phones?
Thank you to all.
Out of all those phones, the only one you'll one you can buy right now, and likely for quite some time is the X1, so that should make your decision much easier. And by the time those devices make it to the market, you'll likely be drooling over the Touch Pro 3 leaks.
Oh, and yes, Qualcom still sucks in all newer devices. Either use Core Player or just avoid movies altogether.
FYI: You clearly have an apetite for WVGA, just be aware, that many programs aren't compatible with that resolution. For example, the commerically available version of TomTom doesn't work.
Oh, I wish it made my decision easier, but as a traditionally patient guy, I'm all too willing to wait for the other phones. You also might be right about me drooling over the Touch Pro 3 leaks when those phones make it out, but I certainly hope not. I was completely happy with the 8525 in virtually all aspect, save for the web browsing experience, so if I could mitigate that, I might be able to hold the gadget beast inside of me.
It's also a shame about the Qualcomm thing. It wasn't just movies that I was actually concerned with, but general usage. Lack of drivers essentially made everything slower than it should be, doesn't it?
Lastly, from my usage of the Xperia X1, I realized the potential for problems concerning the screen. However, the only problem I encountered so far is with Java games. Everything else worked fine. I got Tomtom to work perfectly fine too (well, I got look fine. I'm still tweaking to get the GPS to actually function).
Well I say either go for the X1 or be patient until after the Touch Pro 2. I honestly feel that the TP2 will be an end of cycle device.
1. Hopefully WM7 will be making its debut maybe 2 to 3 Quarters later. (We have no idea what WM7 may require storage wise or even screen wise...capacitative?)
2. We are at the limit for the SDHC spec with 32GB cards not too far off, we will likely see devices carrying the SDXC spec next year.
I just have this feeling that unless you get a nicely priced carrier subsidized TP2, you will likely fell upset about having spent so much money if the TP2 isn't seemlessly upgradeable in the future. Besides, the TP2 is more of a software upgrade to current devices as it carries similar specs with the exception of a larger screen.
Thanks for responding, Sonus.
Concerning the TP2 being an end of cycle device, I'm not sure what that is. Do you mean it's the last device HTC makes before it starts developing devices with better specs? If so, I guess it's entirely possible. HTC seems to be big with Qualcomm processors, and Qualcomm has introduced those new Snapdragon processors. Of course, keeping up with new SD formats and Windows Mobile is important too.
I'm also not certain what you mean by 'seamlessly upgradeable'? Personally, I think the Touch Pro 2 sounds like a great phone. However, as I said before, I am a patient guy. I would be all too willing to wait for the new HTC devices (or whatever other company's devices), but it would make it a lot easier to start waiting if only HTC announces something.
8525Smart said:
Thanks for responding, Sonus.
Concerning the TP2 being an end of cycle device, I'm not sure what that is. Do you mean it's the last device HTC makes before it starts developing devices with better specs? If so, I guess it's entirely possible. HTC seems to be big with Qualcomm processors, and Qualcomm has introduced those new Snapdragon processors. Of course, keeping up with new SD formats and Windows Mobile is important too.
I'm also not certain what you mean by 'seamlessly upgradeable'? Personally, I think the Touch Pro 2 sounds like a great phone. However, as I said before, I am a patient guy. I would be all too willing to wait for the new HTC devices (or whatever other company's devices), but it would make it a lot easier to start waiting if only HTC announces something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cosidering that you have a "buissness oriented device" and assuming you want to keep on that "line", I´ll erase from the list:
1) Xperia X1 ERRASED
2) HTC Touch Pro2
3) Toshiba G900 ERRASED
4) Toshiba TG01 ERRASED
So same as you, I am comming form an exelent device: UNI, also buissness oriented and the only one I can see on the sooner future is TP2
More similar to Hermes than to Universal
I have patience...
Meh, it doesn't really bother me whether the phone is 'business oriented' or not. Basically, when I purchase a phone, I look for three things:
1) Specs
2) Design (i.e. keyboard and frontal hard buttons)
3) OS
So long as all of the above fits my requirements, I'm good to go. Of course, if the device is meant as a successor to the TyTN, then it's all the better as it would make the transition easier (I suppose), but I don't think it's that important.
To be honest, I don't understand the difference between a 'business oriented' device and otherwise anyway. So long as the OS is Windows Mobile, it seems to be most anything a 'business oriented' device is capable of is also possible on another phone, save for the hardware specific things, such as GPS or FM radio, of course.
8525Smart said:
Thanks for responding, Sonus.
Concerning the TP2 being an end of cycle device, I'm not sure what that is. Do you mean it's the last device HTC makes before it starts developing devices with better specs? If so, I guess it's entirely possible. HTC seems to be big with Qualcomm processors, and Qualcomm has introduced those new Snapdragon processors. Of course, keeping up with new SD formats and Windows Mobile is important too.
I'm also not certain what you mean by 'seamlessly upgradeable'? Personally, I think the Touch Pro 2 sounds like a great phone. However, as I said before, I am a patient guy. I would be all too willing to wait for the new HTC devices (or whatever other company's devices), but it would make it a lot easier to start waiting if only HTC announces something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey smart, you got my points exactly. I think the TP2 generation of devices will be the last with the 528Mhz Qualcom processor, and maybe the last of devices before SDXC cards start being produced. As for "seamless upgrades", I just mean attaining a bug free upgrade path to WM7. You have a Hermes, so I am sure that you are familiar with the issues and sometimes persistant bugs that present themselves when upgrading to ROMs with newer OS's.
If you want a look at the future according the HTC (at least for 2009) look here:
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_2009_roadmap_leaks_in_pictures_seems_quite_promising-news-733.php
Sonus,
I see what you mean now and you're right. I did my fair share of upgrading/changing OSes on the Hermes and I also read a few threads concerning why some things simply can't work, so I am somewhat familiar with the importance of updated hardware. WM7, I believe, is supposed to be a milestone, so I think it's all the more important to keep a phone capable of upgrading to that.
Concerning HTC's roadmap, to be honest, I'm a bit surprised by some of those phones. It's a bit difficult to follow the roadmap, but it seems to me the most likely device to get a specs upgrade is the Thoth and possibly the Topaz. It may just be my interpretation, however.
Nonetheless, thank you for the link. It's enjoyable to see HTC's plans for the future and where XDA may go as a result.
8525Smart said:
Concerning HTC's roadmap, to be honest, I'm a bit surprised by some of those phones. It's a bit difficult to follow the roadmap, but it seems to me the most likely device to get a specs upgrade is the Thoth and possibly the Topaz. It may just be my interpretation, however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update on the list (This time w/specs!):
http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=3428
Another thanks, Sonus. From the looks of things, the Firestone is the next HTC phone to look out for, though I'm disappointed it's only clocked at 600Mhz instead of 1Ghz.
I wanted to put out my views as to what's wrong and what's right with Microsoft Phones.
Apple have a good business model - create something that is aesthetically pleasing and has a rich gui - set up an app store to get more money after the sale of the device and link it with the itunes store to get even more money... and when this isn't enough to compete with newer models of phones - they just launch 1 monre iphone device with improvements to again compete... (remember the iPhone original and all they did was give it a 3g chip and people just had to have that!)
The BEST bit about this is Development... The devices get many many updates and if you compare this to windows mobile devices - you are lucky to get even 1 update from microsoft or the network or manufacturer during its lifetime - this is in order for microsoft to sell more windows mobile licences and the manufacturers to sell more devices.
MIcrosoft has just recently come round to understand that the money is in software people buy after the device is bought - the problem is they are playing catchup and so far so bad.
Without HTC windows mobile would have died almost as fast as a gastrotrich (google it).
What I want most of all is for my device to match it's potential - Currently I'm using HTC Touch HD and I just think that spec wise its far far better than an iPhone - however I wish that HTC didn't stop at just giving it a touchflo 3d scaled to fit the screen resolution.
This device should be an iPhone killer but it's not there at all.
my resons for this -
TouchFlo3d should have been re-sexified and made to completely skin wm6
Give ne a rich gui - Apple can do it - Palm with web os can do it.
All I can show off is my flipping clock and the weather demo.
Games - well Apple have fully embraced gaming - and due to the fact that windows phones have different display properties - and different technologies - there is not a game that plays well on all devices = especially with this device due to lack of hardware buttons.
resco's bubbles is the best game at the moment - but I want to see more than balls moving round my screen and the sony ericsson xperia game got me interested to see what it can do but probably will never see the potential exploited as htc need to sell more devices and microsoft more licences.
Microsoft either needs to buy HTC for a Massive figure to act more like apple - selling 1 or 2 models at a time - and then ensuring that new models are backward compatible and people who want to stay with the device can pay to upgrade the os like apple do.
sorry this was a bit of a rant - i just know that my touchHD will never beat the iPhone with everything that apple does to control the market.
My advice to Microsoft - Windows Mobile 7 had better be everything that windows 6 isn't.
HTC - make a device you can sell by the bucketload and maximise its potential.
what do you think?
here's the main thread on this old subject with a lot more views:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=443504
spvc500,
Please join the other thread. I had a response to your post there.
Duplicate.
Thread Closed.
Dave
I know you guys mostly work with htc-built phones, and tis forum has been a huge resource in modding my Xperia.
However, in the search of learning more WinCE i have now bought myself a meizu M8 and i am extremely impressed with the performance and looks of it.
Somethings been irritating me though; most of the apps for the meizu are cross-platform or customized specifically for it. This far i havent seen many WinMo apps customized for the meizu, and people keep saying it cant be done, since its a different os..
But WinMo has a WinCE core, and thus porting any WinMo app shouldnt be too hard unless it contains very much hardware-specific code.
So i figured i'd come here for help, since you guys are no doubt the masters of this domain.
Please! Any one who has tips, useful links, working examples or any info concerning Conversion of apps from WinMO to CE, POST HERE!
Any help is appreciated
*Edit* I dont mean this thread to be limited to Meizu or any other device, it is about the two operating systems.
WinCE is only the core.
Windows Mobile has many addons to WinCE core and it tightly used by most applications. For example, whole phone part and shell is property of WM.
I didn't see Meizu, but as far as i heard it uses WinCE6 which is far better than amy current WMs in terms of memory and other resources management.
While MS claims that most applications for WinCE5 should work under WinCE6, in real life it's not so true. So, even some incompatibilities beteen 5 and 6 add problems to use WM apps.
I beleive, software developers for Meizu should add many proprietary frameworks to make PhoneOS from WinCE60.
Meizu should have its own separate community definitely. Something can be shared with WM, but not much, actually.
Well looking at the SE blog in the coments about the gingerbread update someone post this link for a global petition to SE about their actual strategy on the market
i´ve allready sing what do you think of this are you agree or not? http://www.petitiononline.com/se2011/petition.html
umm...what?
The future is smartphone, and I will argue that the X10, arc, Vivaz, all SE smartphones, DO have the Sony Ericsson touch. You can see it from the style, the looks, everything.
I don't see the point of this.
Apparently the petitioner does not know anything about how much it costs to actually produce those "simple phone" interfaces. If you look at the later phones with that generic OS, they are powered by better processors, but the speed of those are only on par with the older phones. The reason is behind the poor OS structure to begin with. The foundation was not solid enough to be built upon, hence, the little improvements from model to model. SE did try to fix the foundation. W395's software was written by a total new team from ground up. If you have played with it, the speed is much faster than any other similar OS devices from SE. However, the timeline from that point on was touched upon Android, and people were looking for phones with the ability to expand its capabilities(such as applications and such). To revamp the whole OS, or to adopt a new OS and just spend on development, the answer should now be clear. Plus, SE has been doing a heck lot to simplify users who are not customed to smartphones, which is why Yendo and such have similar UI's so users can easily switch or move up models without having to relearn everything. Software and applications also came out where users have everything they need. IMO, that petition will land no where but in the scrapyard. It's understandable, but on the development front, it is no where to become a new reality.