Related
Okay, I have have to say, I'm pretty disappointed in PDA phone choices out there. Everything seems to be going "Blackberry" - but I don't like the idea of being limited/forced into Blackberry's services and programs.
So, since they tend to have some cool phones, has anyone tried to make a Windows Mobile 6 version that can replace the Blackberry OS? If so, can you tell me where I could find more information on this? Is it even possible?
ExploreMN said:
Okay, I have have to say, I'm pretty disappointed in PDA phone choices out there. Everything seems to be going "Blackberry" - but I don't like the idea of being limited/forced into Blackberry's services and programs.
So, since they tend to have some cool phones, has anyone tried to make a Windows Mobile 6 version that can replace the Blackberry OS? If so, can you tell me where I could find more information on this? Is it even possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean "replace"?
What specific functionality do you want added to WM6? In what way do you think Blackberry is superior?
I think that WM6 has more potential than Blackberry. If you like the GUI, you should look around for Today/Homescreens. There are many many plugins which can offer various functionality to give you what you want.
I think he wants to run WM6(standard?) on a Blackberry.
Explore, trust me, its not worth it nor (because of hardware) is it possible if I'm not mistaken.
You're better off with a MotoQ9 or something.
The only reason anyone should have a Blackberry is for work (email) or for the person who doesn't needs the extras of a PDAphone or average Smartphone.
As for the looks & shape you have many similar Smartphones that share the look of the Blkbry.
What type of PDA interests you? Better yet, what are you looking to do with it?
If you like the Blkbry design you have:
Moto Q9, BlackJack II, HP 910 Business Messenger
Slide QWERTY PDAs:
Mogul, Tytn II, Eten M800 etc.
Media focus PDAs
iPhone, HTC Touch/Sprint Touch, N95 etc.
PowerExec phones:
Nokia E90, XDA Flame, I-mate ultimate 9502 etc.
I'm sure at least 2 of them won't dissapoint & 8 of them run a variation of WM6.
Hello from Duluth
Noiro said:
What type of PDA interests you? Better yet, what are you looking to do with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically, I'm looking for a PDA that isn't so slow...like my MDA. I mostly use it for e-mail, excel (expense tracking when I'm out), and calendering/scheduling/contacts. It just seems like with the MDA, whenever I do anything there is always a sense of lag and such.
However, I also don't want to spend as much money on a phone as it would cost for a high end laptop (like the JasJar for example).
I just thought perhaps the new blackberries had better than 200Mhz processors in them and could support my needs better if I could get rid of BlackberryOS and put WM6 on instead.
ExploreMN said:
Basically, I'm looking for a PDA that isn't so slow...like my MDA. I mostly use it for e-mail, excel (expense tracking when I'm out), and calendering/scheduling/contacts. It just seems like with the MDA, whenever I do anything there is always a sense of lag and such.
However, I also don't want to spend as much money on a phone as it would cost for a high end laptop (like the JasJar for example).
I just thought perhaps the new blackberries had better than 200Mhz processors in them and could support my needs better if I could get rid of BlackberryOS and put WM6 on instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this will ever be able to happen.
I have the Sprint Touch and have no issues at all with it's 256MB RAM and 400 Mhz Processor.
Hi Guys,
I am looking for an advise please.
i am not a power user and I am looking for a device with a large display in order to:
50% make calls
40% web browsing
10% emails
I tried the iphone this morning and I must say that I was amazed by the comfort in browsing the websites specially with the multitouch thing.
Know I understand that the Touch HD offers a larger display and more features but do you think that for an average user, this is a good choice compared to the iphone specially keeping in mind the multitouch advantages?
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
For you: iPhone
SiliconS said:
For you: iPhone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe same thought.
Think the HD is for people who wants to spend time to configure the device to their needs.
So I also think that for you an Iphone would be best.
iPhone.
You might end up overwhelmed and confused by the sheer endless capabilities of Touch HD. It offers so many tools and things that took me as a pro some hours to even find them (e.g. WorldCard Mobile)! It is not difficult to use, but for the basic tasks you described, iPhone will get you there more quickly and efficient.
Ferator said:
Hi Guys,
50% make calls
40% web browsing
10% emails
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this tasks you can do good enough with the iPhone. Touch HD seems to be a real high-end device (hardware)... windows mobile is not very comfortable to use by fingers, for this reason htc offers the TouchFlo interface, but behind that you still have WM.
so, I agree with the posts above, iPhone for you!
IPhone
Me too, I'd say IPhone, although I'm rather a IPhone-hater. But the fact that its easily usable with the features from the begining on is really good for non-hardcore-user. But you should know that as you buy it, you'll not be able to configure much or expand the software much, you'll have the phone its whole "life" like it was at the begining. So, if you love the phone as it is in the shop in your hand, than buy it! You'll have meterw a device thats so easy and intuitive to use as the IPhone. I doubt even that wm7 will be a real competitior in usability to the IPhone. Oh my god, I am writing this?? *shocked* anyway, IPhone +1 have fun with it^^ greez, cad
Don't mean to throw a spanner in the works - but how about the G1.
The hardware may not be as savvy as the HD or iPhone, but the user interface is very good and slick.
The google browser is fantastic and quick !
You can also customise the look and feel of your interface more than on the iPhone, plus give it a few months and you'll get loads of juicy apps !
as long as you don't want to copy/paste any thing from your web browsing into an email and can live with deleting yr emails one at a time an iphone is great.
Go for iphone, great for web browsing, texting and calls. I had one few month ago, but for me I love WM and I think thats me
Hi in you place i think i would go to HTC Touch HD. Why?
You say that you use it this way:
50% make calls
40% web browsing
10% emails
That is things that this phone does without any special effort for configuring.
It as a bigger screen. Making web browsing more eye candy and efficient.
But the diference on this phone is that if you want something for future, i meant, if "tomorrow" you want more from the phone, the HD will allow you to more things for free. You can use GPS (with TomTom, etc..), Write/edit word docs, Share files with bluetooth, and lots of other things... anyone correct me if im wrong.
It´s up to you. This phone is really simple if just use the basics, and if you use TouchFlow 3D you wont get any problems with it.
For a Multimedia based phone, games go for iphone.
If you want a Multimedia (but games not like iphone) and also professional phone just go for the HTC Touch HD.
its just my opinion.
Sorry for my english lol
I also say that you should go for the iPhone. Personally i dont like it and i'm facing the same choice atm, but i'll definetly go for the Touch HD, cos i like what WinMo is offering.
Out of the box iPhone will do what you want and that's it.
Out of the box WinMo might not do everything you want but with some configuring, apps and love you can get it to do whatever the hell you want it to do
i vote for the iphone if the user wants
-simplicity
-non-power user
-no need for specialty programs on windows
Thank you guys for your feedback.
Quite clear that out of the box device winner is the iphone and HD for advanced users.
I am going to try to find a shop in France having the HD in test in order to check the web browsing before to buy anything.
Gracias
i get the feeling that Ferator was hoping to hear lots of reasons why he should buy the HD and definately definately not the iphone.
If you want to have a good proxy for your choice, answer the following question:
"do you prefer an Apple personal computer or a PC (windows or Linux)?"
then use the same answer for the Iphone/Touch HD question. In my opinion, the answer will be correct for 99% of the users.
...Who cannot answer should buy the Iphone.
Ferator said:
Thank you guys for your feedback.
Quite clear that out of the box device winner is the iphone and HD for advanced users.
I am going to try to find a shop in France having the HD in test in order to check the web browsing before to buy anything.
Gracias
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As good as the HD appears to be now, WM devices just get better and better especially the first year they are released because of the availability of updated software and new ROMs. If the HD is good now, next year it will be jumping through hoops with all of the tweaks and updated software that will be coming. When I bought my Trinity it was a brand new device and had all kinds of problems, now it is near perfect. It is just the hardware that is getting long in the tooth
Matterhorn said:
As good as the HD appears to be now, WM devices just get better and better especially the first year they are released because of the availability of updated software and new ROMs. If the HD is good now, next year it will be jumping through hoops with all of the tweaks and updated software that will be coming. When I bought my Trinity it was a brand new device and had all kinds of problems, now it is near perfect. It is just the hardware that is getting long in the tooth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fully support Matterhorn, really really true....
frustin said:
i get the feeling that Ferator was hoping to hear lots of reasons why he should buy the HD and definately definately not the iphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitly
Since the i-thing (iphone, ibook, ipod... you name it) has been around, I always sticked to the windows environment because I do believe that it is much more efficient.
Perhaps not the best user friendly experience but always getting the max out of your investment and not comdamned to a restrictive environment (itunes, iapp market, last technologies for the best prices, plenty stuff/soft whatever what you are looking for...).
But what works for a laptop, home computer can't simply works the same way for a phone.
Let me explain:
I am a sales director. If I can leave witout a laptop during 1 or 2 days, I definitly have to work with an efficient phone, easy to handle and work with, reliable and fast.
In my company out of 9 sales guys, 7 were using HTC devices.
6 of them changed those HTC for iphones and honnestly they're happy.
So conclusion is that if I can check that this device + few tricks answer my basic needs I will go for it otherwise apple will have a new customer.
Ferator said:
Hi Guys,
I am looking for an advise please.
i am not a power user and I am looking for a device with a large display in order to:
50% make calls
40% web browsing
10% emails
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just be sure you never want to MMS, video call, change the battery or load up some special software you read about.
Oh and you don't need a large display "in order to" make phone calls (50% of the usage).
well, i am not sure what is the best Professional communicator. However, i am answering from the blackstone,without any wap tricks and using the fckeditor by seeing the full typing window EASILY. which other phone can do it?
Hi All,
I gave up my Dopod 818 Pro to get an iPhone. But was not happy about the voice dialing, restrictive software etc...etc.. anyways, got rid of the iPhone and looking to buy another HTC product with more friendly Windows product - should I go for Touch HD? How is the call quality? I have been reading in the reviews that the call quality is poor - any cooked ROM or app to increase the call quality? Any other alternatives?
I kind of like the bigger screen face (3.8"), I like to have good call quality and easy to access features? I like the Microsoft Calendar etc, Voice Tagging and voice dialing, file explorer and be able to see what exactly is stored in the phone and not just a black box. I like to press my bluetooth headset and tell it "Call Home" and let it dial rather than fumbling around with the phone when driving. Any recommendations welcome?
Have a great weekend!
Brenda
Have you tried a JAILBROKEN iPhone? I have not researched much into Bluetooth voice dialing yet myself. Have you tried to find out if firmware 3.0 offers what you need?
Anyway, if I'm you I would try to be more thorough in listing my requirements before looking for the new phone. There are a lot of other considerations I'm sure beyond Bluetooth voice dialing.
Hi Steve
Thanks for the reply... I tried the jailbroken iPhone, don't get me wrong it is pretty good but still too much restrictive software - I hate iTunes.. one of the least intuitive programs, wiped out the song collection quite a few times..the jailbroken one gave me cydia and installer...still too cumbersome...
My requirements are:
Atleast 3.2" Touch screen
SMS capability
Microsoft Windows - Calenday, Contacts & Sync with outlook
Voice dialing
Blue Tooth
Good call quality
Play mp3
Enough memory to operate well - I had to clear the memory quite often on the Dopod 818
Ability to browse the web to read yahoo / gmail emails and get some stcok quotes
I am not too keen on camera, I will carry separate one for that
Thanks
Brenda
Brenda_Sheldon said:
Thanks for the reply... I tried the jailbroken iPhone, don't get me wrong it is pretty good but still too much restrictive software - I hate iTunes.. one of the least intuitive programs, wiped out the song collection quite a few times..the jailbroken one gave me cydia and installer...still too cumbersome...
My requirements are:
Atleast 3.2" Touch screen
SMS capability
Microsoft Windows - Calenday, Contacts & Sync with outlook
Voice dialing
Blue Tooth
Good call quality
Play mp3
Enough memory to operate well - I had to clear the memory quite often on the Dopod 818
Ability to browse the web to read yahoo / gmail emails and get some stcok quotes
I am not too keen on camera, I will carry separate one for that
Thanks
Brenda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If bluetooth voice dialing is high up on your list, and you do not seem to have lots of functional requirements here, I think most of the HTC phones will meet your needs, including HD. But, you know the usual window mobile problems I guess. I would also take a look at HTC Magic and Nokia if your requirements are only those. Current iPhone is weak in bluetooth. Not sure about in firmware 3.0 despite all the speculation.
HTC Magic actually caught my attention and I really want to play with it. I got the impression that it also has multitouch screen like iPhone's. I hope it is as fast, stable, and smooth as iPhone. Unfortunately, I don't seem to be able to find a Telco shop in Sydney that has a demo unit (most just have a dummy). If anyone knows how I explore this alternative phone in Sydney please let me know.
Brenda_Sheldon said:
Hi All,
Any recommendations welcome?
Have a great weekend!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is Iphone?
You are in the right thread already...so get yourself a Blackstone
HTC lova said:
...get yourself a Blackstone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why buy a phone about to be phased out? If you love HTC phone and have a brand new chance to buy one now, would you not consider Touch Pro 2 and Touch Diamond 2 at least? If nothing else, you get newer ROM that can zoom properly, and not like cooked ROMs ported to HD that can't do proper zooming due to hardware differences.
Or even TG01, with the much more powerful processor?
Or HTC Magic, with it's iPhone like touch screen?
eaglesteve said:
Why buy a phone about to be phased out? If you love HTC phone and have a brand new chance to buy one now, would you not consider Touch Pro 2 and Touch Diamond 2 at least?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why buying a new overpriced device with smaller screen / "communicator" keyboard? defeats the purpose of having a touch phone
HTC lova said:
Why buying a new overpriced device with smaller screen / "communicator" keyboard? defeats the purpose of having a touch phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always believe that every user should comprehensively list down what are important to that person, and the list differs from person to person. While I like big screen like you (which was why I still own an Athena), not everyone agrees on what constitute adequate screen size. So, 3.2 inch mentioned by Brenda is small for you and me, but she does not see it as important.
Brenda, I think it pays also to find out the firmware upgrade policy on HTC magic and see if future Android OS would be given to you free of charge. It is sad to see HTC users having to keep paying for new phone over and over again in order to get the most updated ROM. I would take this aspect into account in addition to your listed considerations.
eaglesteve said:
I always believe that every user should comprehensively list down what are important to that person, and the list differs from person to person. While I like big screen like you (which was why I still own an Athena), not everyone agrees on what constitute adequate screen size. So, 3.2 inch mentioned by Brenda is small for you and me, but she does not see it as important.
Brenda, I think it pays also to find out the firmware upgrade policy on HTC magic and see if future Android OS would be given to you free of charge. It is sad to see HTC users having to keep paying for new phone over and over again in order to get the most updated ROM. I would take this aspect into account in addition to your listed considerations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree mate. Brenda asked for suggestions and I stated mine (which is the Blackstone)
I have the HD, but at this point in time...you should look at the newer HTC ppc's Touch Pro 2 or Touch Diamond 2
Does Touch Diamond2 come with voice dialing?
Hi Steve and HTC Lova,
I seriously looked in to Diamond2 especially the call quality was rated high - but I then I read some review that it does not support voice dialing. If that's the case then I have to rule it out unless there is a voice cab that can be easily loaded and activated.
Is the Touch Pro2 kind of heavy - 178 gm compared to Diamond2's 117 gm or Touch HD's 146 gm?
I am not sure about the HTC Magic - android - especially if I have to pay for firmware..
Will wait to hear from you guys on the Diamond2 voice dial cab.
Thanks
Brenda
Brenda,
You can always install microsoft voice command by yourself.
Good to know....
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the fast reply...How good is the Microsoft voice software? Have you used it? In my previous Dopod 818, I installed a voice cab file and thought it was better than any thing else..I am not sure where I got the voice.cab file from.
Is it similar to Dopod to flash similar cab files in Diamond2?
Thanks again.
Brenda
Brenda_Sheldon said:
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the fast reply...How good is the Microsoft voice software? Have you used it? In my previous Dopod 818, I installed a voice cab file and thought it was better than any thing else..I am not sure where I got the voice.cab file from.
Is it similar to Dopod to flash similar cab files in Diamond2?
Thanks again.
Brenda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried both cyberon voice commander and microsoft voice command. None works for me because I can't speak with American or British accent I guess. It is so inaccurate and frustrating that I gave up quickly years ago. I always prefer speed dial button style of calling. When I flash cooked ROMs, I always choose the version that does not do voice dial.
just got $100 ticket for having iPhone in the hand...
Steve,
I just got a $100 ticket for picking up the iPhone, that made my decision to get rid of that... I had pretty good connection between the dopod 818 and the headset, but gave away the dopod to a friend...regret that...
I am going to look in to Diamond2 more and make the decision soon - seems light enough, as long as i can read occasional yahoo mail and send my son sms, it will be good.. I liked the iPhone's big screen and quick response but the non-windows application drove me nuts...
I did take a look at TG01...not sure where to get it and more importantly the price..looks like it may be exorbidant.
Thanks for the inputs..
Brenda
Brenda,
Another iPhone alternative that caught my eye is Palm Pre. The user interface is also fantastic, very similar to iPhone in some ways. Here are some video demo
http://gizmodo.com/5126752/palm-pre-full-video-tours
This is Palm's version of WM7, so is definitely worth taking a close look.
Has an incredible browser that should be a good match for Safari. See here:
http://palmgoon.com/meet-the-web-browser-on-the-pre/
Apparently, the palm pre browser handles flash!
I have not gone deep enough into it and researched enough to say if if it good or not. Just as a potential candidate for evaluation I think it qualifies. In case I'm starting to sound like a Palm fanboy, I assure everyone that I'm still a winmo and iPhone fanboy in and out
Hack, when you got a chance to buy a new phone, with so many new candidates on the market, why not keep our mind completely open once again? The bar has been lifted higher and higher each year. Why choose a device based on very low expectation and standard?
The most important area to research IMO is what sorts of third party software could be found and their quality. If it has an apple store equivalent, then I think it would be extremely attractive. If anyone here can speed up our learning process in this area I'd greatly appreciate it. I like to know if I can run the like of TomTom, iGO, etc on Palm Pre, or if it has a credible GPS software of its own. I also have lots of other questions like if an MS Offfice compatible spreadsheet exist, any good Golf Score/Handicapping software, quality of video capture and playing software, quality of camera, ease of downloading movies/MP3 etc, likes of eWallet type software, likes of Cash Organiser Premium type software, etc etc. I'm also interesting in seeing the "file structure"/file coying/file moving/file renaming features. I want to make sure that it is not just a phone, but a computer. Can someone help?
I could'nt find definite anwer to your question on whether it can do voice dialing over bluetooth, but here is a thread that you can follow:
http://forum.treonauts.com/palm-sma...l-pre-allow-voice-dialing-over-bluetooth.html
Cheers.
galaxys said:
I have the HD, but at this point in time...you should look at the newer HTC ppc's Touch Pro 2 or Touch Diamond 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't need a bigger screen, the Touch Diamond2 is a great phone. If you need a bigger screen like the HD, then the upcoming Firestone might be worth waiting for http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_2009_roadmap_gets_updated_now_weve_got_the_specs-news-821.php
If you need a keyboard, then the Touch Pro2 might be what you need.
I have an HD with my eye on the Firestone.
Matterhorn said:
If you need a keyboard, then the Touch Pro2 might be what you need.
I have an HD with my eye on the Firestone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definately the Firestone is on my list for an upgrade when it shows up in Oct. or Nov.! But, I'll be playing with the TP2 w/ 3G on t-mobile USA!!
I'm curious to see what the battery life is going to be like on the Toshiba Tg01, i'm a little disenfranchised with HTC's incremental (if that much) upgrades.
The Tg01 seems much snappier and seems to have really good graphics performance, which is more than we can say for the last couple HTC iterations.
The only thing remaining for me to find out, is the battery life, and if there is any hope for a US operator to take it up...OR...another market that uses US 3g bands.
hmm. i dont know about rushing for firestone. i think hd will be great phone for long time. it has got nice hardware and maybe it will run android or wm7.
The Atrix to me is one of the first steps of a mobile computing topic my buddies and I have been debating for about 3 years now. That the phone will become the center of basic personal computing and, if so, how. The laptop and desktop "docks" for the Atrix are early steps in the direction of those arguing the phone will become the central device with simple docks.
This wouldn't replace a hard core gamer's monster system or a CAD workstation. However most people I know use their computer for just 5 things:
1) Internet (browsing and email).
2) Documents (word processing, spreadsheet, and simple photo editing).
3) Multi-media (listening to music and watching videos).
4) Hard copy (print and scan).
5) Simple games (solitaire, sudoku, etc).Really, that is it!
I lean toward the dock being more powerful and providing the extra horsepower needed for what we know think of as "desktop level performance and graphics" when docked. But really for the 5 tasks listed above I think Atrix class hardware might be able to run those applications already (giving points to those who side with the simple dock solution, sigh).
What do you think?
I agree I long dreamed of such a situation. small dock with extra storage and processing power. mobile phone as a sort of key. pop it in, full desktop OS. take it out. full mobile phone.
kinda exactly like the atrix. but more refined.
vzontini said:
The laptop and desktop "docks" for the Atrix are early steps in the direction of those arguing the phone will become the central device with simple docks.
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd have to agree. Even if I don't get the Atrix I am so happy that Motorola came out with the webtop application for the docks. This will push the smartphone industry upward and other manufacturers will have to follow suit with the smartphone becoming the central and only communication device for almost everything.
The laptop dock looks sexy as hell. I loved the macbook air's design but couldn't get myself to buy an overpriced mac with an extra "apple tax" attached to it. The Atrix laptop dock is even thinner and so beautiful its crazy. I'm really hoping that it's priced low ($150 - 200) in order to get people to want to buy the Atrix.
The only thing that I'm not sure of yet is the HDMI mirroring. I know they have a regular dock for the TV but I'm not sure if the phone has actual mirroring. If its not then the emulator gaming gets screwed up and I'll have to pass on this phone
Either way I can't wait to have a phone as my only device for everything. Pure heaven is coming
The Atrix looks cool, dual processor, etc.. But "docks" are a thing of the past, in my opinion. I just want the phone to seamlessly integrate with the cloud. As a matter of fact, I'd just assume when you bought a phone, the only cable you got was an AC adapter, no USB, nothing.
Motorolla locked bootloader coupled with AT&T bloat just makes this phone more of the same.
I've been very disappointed with recent cell phone offerings and that the unlocked/unsubsidized super phone isn't really taking off, and partly thats because we are still supporting the Atrix/G2/etc of the world that are locked down. Again, all nice hardware but "fastboot oem unlock" and unsubsidized is the way to go. Thats why I'm hoping a AT&T Nexus S is released even though I don't care for Samsung and the phone isnt much of an upgrade, I plan on voting with my dollars and not buying something a carrier has mangled..
Yes.
The question is will it be smartphones or tablets?
Many will still opt for the power and versatility of a full option desktop. Simply too far ahead in the power curve and it takes too many gens to shrink that power for portable use. (For now anyways)
Eventually BT/Dlna or perhaps a new wireless method will be available that simply placing your device on a *home* base will initiate the usage as opposed to physical wires. But again we're not just there yet.
Atrix is a huge step towards this and agree with the OP.
Main issue of course will be OS compatibility getting a TV / input methods / monitor /mass storage/ and ideally home controls to communicate seamlessly is proving impossible as every hardware maker wants to use proprietary methods.
Android maintaining momentum is key as Apples approach will always be restricting and MS will never get there heads out of there butts long enough to make something significant happen.
I seriously hope Atrix doesn't price users out of its features. I likely wont get one but I truly want to see it succeed just for this purpose.
I mentioned this in the EVO forum but this is something that excites me. The Atrix is a first step but its still too rough for me to enjoy. What I really want is a integrated experience. I.e. plug in to a TV and Google TV kicks in, plug it into a monitor and a Chrome-esque OS or Android like desktop experience kicks in, or if you plug it into a touch screen the tablet version of Android kicks in. Right now you'll get a probably horrible/crude Linux build to start up. Maybe some enterprising devs will get a better more satisfying distro on the Atrix but I'd still want that integrated experience over that.
This might stir up some folks here but I'd bet good money that Apple (iOS/Apple TV/the iOS-fication of OSX), Microsoft (WP7/Media Center/ARM based Windows 8), or even HP/Palm will do it first. Personally I'd probably opt for a Windows or Apple solution just because of the better professional apps (Adobe CS, etc.) that'll probably be available early on.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I'm pretty excited about the Atrix personally, but there's one thing that keeps spinning around in my head. I love the little laptop dock, extremely cool. And it uses the phone for everything and it's connection obviously. Then I got to thinking, will AT&T consider this tethering? Quite obviously to us, this isn't tethering at all. BUT!!! I wouldn't put it past AT&T at all to pull this kind of stunt. That would be the one buzzkill for me for this phone. Leave it to them to change the language and say that when you dock, it will consume more bandwidth and therefor be tethering.
AbsoluteDesignz said:
I agree I long dreamed of such a situation. small dock with extra storage and processing power. mobile phone as a sort of key. pop it in, full desktop OS. take it out. full mobile phone.
kinda exactly like the atrix. but more refined.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a dream and vision once; around 10yrs ago; moto atrix is the closest so far... waiting for the release and first person experience...
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
crachel said:
I've been very disappointed with recent cell phone offerings and that the unlocked/unsubsidized super phone isn't really taking off, and partly thats because we are still supporting the Atrix/G2/etc of the world that are locked down. Again, all nice hardware but "fastboot oem unlock" and unsubsidized is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree 100% with that. Now what if the next Nexus phone is an Atrix type device from Motorola? Now *that* would be a worthy replacement for my N1.
Someone has to take the first steps and with my limited knowledge of the mobile market this appears to be the first step. I agree it lacks refinement but that what technology comes out of the shoot already polished. It takes multiple iterations of real world testing to work out the kinks. People end up doing things the original designers never dreamed of.
I also hope that the Atrix is just the beginning and the concept catches on. My hacker side doesn't want a locked down device. Again my thought is this is just the first step in an evolution of the phone. I think it will be the phone versus the tablet because so many people want something pocketable. IMO the tablet won't be the center because it is just too big.
Only time will tell. Anyway it is pretty exciting.
Actually now that I think about I think I would much rather have a bigger 4.3' screen android phone that I could pair with my foldable bluetooth keyboard as well as HDMI mirroring capabilities to play emulators with a bluetooth wiimote.
Not that the laptop dock isn't sexy as hell, but I'd rather just be able to pair an HID bluetooth keyboard with my bigger screen phone to use as my all in one device...
Now if the Atrix can pair with a HID bluetooth keyboard, has wiimote support, and HDMI mirroring then sweet! but if it's missing any of these 3 things then perhaps the Droid Bionic or LG Optimus 2x???
Is it bad that this phone sexually arouses me? I just hope that this is functional on rogers frequencies because I know other bell phones have before... I don't even expect rogers supposed lte network to work with it as long as the 3g works I'm gravy...
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
crachel said:
... "docks" are a thing of the past, in my opinion. I just want the phone to seamlessly integrate with the cloud. As a matter of fact, I'd just assume when you bought a phone, the only cable you got was an AC adapter, no USB, nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't disagree more! "Integrated with the cloud" is a nice-to-have, but what I'd really want is for my phone to integrate with my own way of working. If that means having access to gobs of local storage in addition to (or even instead of) Google's online services, that should be my choice. An optional dock is a perfect companion for me, especially if I would be given a choice of operating system the phone would run when connected to one. Imagine if the next generation super phone ran a flavor of Linux when connected to a dock. We can already run Ubuntu on our Nexus Ones, so this isn't much of a stretch at all. The next wave of dual-core phones should have no trouble at all running a full desktop OS, with all bells and whistles.
crachel said:
Motorolla locked bootloader coupled with AT&T bloat just makes this phone more of the same.
I've been very disappointed with recent cell phone offerings and that the unlocked/unsubsidized super phone isn't really taking off, and partly thats because we are still supporting the Atrix/G2/etc of the world that are locked down. Again, all nice hardware but "fastboot oem unlock" and unsubsidized is the way to go. Thats why I'm hoping a AT&T Nexus S is released even though I don't care for Samsung and the phone isnt much of an upgrade, I plan on voting with my dollars and not buying something a carrier has mangled..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This I can totally agree with. I paid full price for both my HTC Dream and Nexus One (unlocked and off-contract) and don't regret it for a second. If Nexus S wasn't so "last year" in terms of specs, I'd be all over it. I am currently waiting for a true "next gen" phone like Moto's Atrix to be released as a reference developer phone before I give up my N1.
vzontini said:
This wouldn't replace a hard core gamer's monster system or a CAD workstation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give it a few more quarters and Moore's Law will take care of that. Already Tegra 2 equipped phones can run better games than my 2-year-old desktop machine that was considered top of the line when I put it together.
My provider is using the AWS band. As soon as one of these is available in this band, I'll probably get one.
This is the exact thing I need: 1 device does (nearly) all!
First off, let me say that i'm no fan of Apple and I really can't stand Steve Jobs. Yes, i've bought his products, but I hate being told what to do once I give him my money. I like customization. I like options. Hence, I do not like Steve Jobs.
I was very excited about the Xoom. I checked online every day for information about it since it's announcement. I had very high expectations and, even though the price tag was higher than I wanted to pay, I was the first to buy it at my local Best Buy.
Now, with that being said. I'm coming up on my 14 day return policy and am debating if I should keep it. I am new to this forum and have been reading through all the threads and learned a lot. However, in my learnings, I have also found things that concern me.
To start, let me tell you why I bought it. I had an iPad before and I mainly used it for online browsing around the house. For movies when I go on trips. And I wanted to use the Xoom for all of that, but also as my work and personal organizer. For easy access to business plans and work integration.
Here's where I'm having problems. If these are things that I should expect to be fixed with updates over time, then great. If not, then I'll have to find another option.
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies. Now, I have gotten them to work on RockPlayer. But it has that watermark in the top left hand corner and my status bar at the bottom of the xoom never fades out. Also, and this is the biggest problem, the quality doesn't look good. It looks like their is a subtle light grid in the background. Almost like the original LCD's you saw in airports back in the day. When I first heard about the Tegra issues, I was just going to return the Xoom and get another Honeycomb tablet, but then I saw that all of the Android Tablets will have one.
2) The Browser. I did the trips where you go into debug mode and tell the Xoom to view all webpages in Desktop mode, but there are still a few sites that will only show me the mobile mode. Also, I like to have my bookmarks sorted by the order in which I visit them, yet the Xoom seems to randomly organize them for me. Kinda annoying.
3) Accessories. The only thing that I loved about my iPad was not the unit, but the Apple portfolio case. The motorola porfotlio case is just bulky, scratches the unit, and the latch is loose at best. I've found some nice leather cases online, but none that fold over and cover the screen. Yes, I have a screen protector. But, even those I can't find a good one with anti-glare.
4) eMail. I use exchange and apparently my work email is one of the ones that won't work on the xoom. I had to get Roadsync, which is okay, but I just prefer to use the default, integrated email/contacts/calendar programs. My EVO is perfect for this.
5) Widgets. Seriously, what's the deal with having cell phone sized widgets on a 10.1" screen. LauncherPro is nice, but still has custom icons like it's a phone, which I find to be in the way.
I know that most of these things seem small. But when you drop $800 on a device because you expect atleast the same functionality as your smaller cell phone, you come to have higher standards. I knew about Flash and the SD card issue going in, but the rest is bothersome. I know i'm an early adapter and with that comes quirks.
In any case, you all are 1000x smarter than me with this thing. I will take whatever advice you have.
1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change
OK, first off, I agree with alot of what you have said, your right the software is a bit buggy at this time, again at this time. What you have to consider is that that this is an android device, and by that I mean it does not have all the overage that alot of companies put out on top of the overall software that make it look nice and neat, to include custom apps and infrastructure, but this also means that it is much easier to update. Half the time lost between when an actual Android update comes out and the time it takes for your device to get that update is due to all the crap that the company puts on top of the original Android infrastructure.
Give it a bit of time and I am sure that most of your problems can be worked out to you satisfaction due to them being software and not hardware problems.
Also take into account that since Motorola chose to use this clean interface it makes it much easier to modify by the hacking community , which is definitely something that an iPad cannot due.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
virgil1528 said:
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any CPU/GPU can play video so long as it supports the right codecs. Have you tried transcoding to a supported codec?
xlGmanlx said:
1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
If this wasn't a Google Experience device, I'd say your complaints would carry more weight.
However, Google has always done a good job of keeping their GE devices updated and at the forefront.
This device only just came out, I'm fairly sure they will get things handled fairly quickly.
As far as the apps/widgets go. This is still a new device and platform. All android tablets are going to suffer from the same right now. However...again... this issue is largely due to the limited time the device/platform has been available. Within a few weeks...I'm sure we'll see a lot more apps/widgets (even the ipad had limited selection out right). Just think of what it'll be like in a couple of weeks/months with more custom apps/roms/kernels etc...
I had buyers remorse for the first evening...not for any particular reason...and now I can't put it down. Not to mention my wife (who has an iPad), won't shut-up about when she is getting her Xoom
So I would say hang on to it, but that's just me. Do what makes you happy
I've come to the decision that I'll be taking mine back on the 13th day.
I've tried to really give it love and get use out of it, but tablets just don't really fill any niche except "web browsing on the couch".
I'm a sysadmin by day, and although I've carried the Xoom with me every time I step away from my desk, it just hasn't served a single purpose on the job. I had imagined it would be neat to dial into servers using RDP, but the interface is just horrible. I'm much better off just dialing into the server in question at any desk I'm in front of. I'm never more than 8-12 feet from a desktop machine, so there goes that.
Pulse news reader is basically the killer app, but is hardly worth 1000 (799 + tax + extra charger + 129 protection plan against drops for 1yr + case).
Motorola certainly hasn't won me over on the price especially considering I prepaid for it on the first day I could (at two different best buys just to cover bases), and then people who *DIDN'T* do that had a chance at 200 dollars off that was honored in the end. Ridiculous.
I had intended to pick up android development for tablets eventually, but I can hold off and stick with honing my Python until these come way down in price or offer some more functionality.
That's too bad, this has taken over as my laptop and let's me have a mobile office so to speak
For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Yeah, unless you wanted to leave the mouse and just use the tablet as a touch screen with a keyboard your better off with a laptop. But like you said in a pinch its tough too beat
richardjr said:
For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /
Not all tablets are create equal, and sometimes it takes having one first hand to validate all the information out there and how it applies to your situation
ixobelle said:
I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return your Xoom and buy it in 6 months for cheaper price
Or probably there will be a new kind of better Honeycomb tablet at that time.
Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
codeman05 said:
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the free version of Touchdown this morning after reading this thread. Could you explain to me why it is so great? I haven't had time to use it extensively but maybe you can quickly list some advantages over the stock mail client?
Thanks!
I understand your frustration and you ultimately need to do what makes you feel most comfortable. Most of your issues are software related and you know things can only get better with updates. Google has a lot riding on Honeycomb so I expect updates to come fast and often.
1) The Tegra Processor - Seems like your issue is not with the Tegra but with how the codecs handle Divx. Software update could fix this but also developers can do wonders.
2) The Browser - Software update again. The browser is a great starting point and, with some minor tweaks, will be fantastic.
3) Accessories - As more Xooms sell, more 3rd parties will have a business case to make accessories for it. I'm thinking that when the Xoom wifi and Xoom for Europe are released (indications say that will happen at the same time) then we'll see a flood of new 3rd party goodies.
4) eMail - Software update. ALTHOUGH, I'm not 100% sure this is a priority for Google. People complain that they wish the AOSP phones went a step further with their Exchange implementations. Still, the chances are you'll be ok moving forward.
5) Widgets - This is a microcosm of the entire app market right now for Honeycomb. Devs need to start updating their apps with Tablets in mind. Again, more people owning Honeycomb, more reasons for devs to get on it.
The point I'm trying to make is the only way for the Xoom to go is up. As more people buy, more attention the aftermarket will pay to it. If previous Android versions are any indication (and they are,) this is a snowball effect. It'll just get bigger and bigger.
As to the RDP: I use the XtraLogic Remote Desktop app and it works wonderfully, completed designed around the touch interface.
Between Remote Desktop and ConnectBot, I've found a million uses for this as a sysadmin. I don't know how you haven't found a single use for it.