Database Users

HTC Omni, the successor of Universal !

Paul on MoDaCo brings the first info abou the successor of HTC Universal - the HTC Omni !
Read the full article
I'm think support of HSDPA too, but the Samsung processor (same as in TyTN) is too slow for the best PPC Phone ed. device :-(

Sounds good, can't find a single picture yet though, how annoying!!
My O2 contract renewal is in a month, do I delay upgrading and wait for this, or will it not be out *that* soon?

So reading this it sounds like it will be to the Exec as the 2i was to the 2, or am I wrong?
Will it actually be VGA or will we need to hack it again :-(
G

jerrry said:
the Samsung processor (same as in TyTN) is too slow for the best PPC Phone ed. device :-(
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Click to collapse
WRONG!!! Samsung processors yield 30% more performance than Intel. That means, if there is a 300 MHz Samsung, it's every bit as fast as a 390 MHz Intel. 400MHz Samsung = 520MHz Intel. Also it drains less power.

jerrry said:
I'm think the external displej is really good idea
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You must've mis-read. It says an external screen ISN'T included

GaZ said:
jerrry said:
I'm think the external displej is really good idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must've mis-read. It says an external screen ISN'T included
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh sorrry, Yes I'v missed this

Now if it has a 533(+) MHz Samsung S3C2440, GSM-Quad-Band, Bluetooth 2.0, HSDPA, some sort of 3D-accelerator (like the nVidia GoForce) and built-in GPS I will be very happy - and maybe throw in an 1" hard-disk-drive (Seagate has one offering 12 GB now, after all, Windows CE 5.0 supports it, right?) while you're at it.
OK, one can dream, but I have been waiting for such a device for years now - and of course this info just HAD to come in as I was ready to finally get a Universal for a whopping <50 EUR from my provider - but then, I'd be stuck with it for two years, while everybody else gets to play with the (superior?) Omni. They better come out with substantial info on this device soon, before my provider drops the Universal from their portfolio for good.

As long as it's quadband and VGA I'll buy it in a heartbeat... I will never give up the VGA screen on my universal - I use it almost daily for remote management of the servers I manage and I need that VGA screen, but I use Cingular here in the US and the lack of an 850MHz band is a serious annoyance. I can't wait until any quadband VGA device is out... hopefully with EDGE support as well. I'll be keeping my eye on this Omni.
Brett

Anyone get hold of any pictures of this wonder device yet?

Why dont they ever listen ???????????? " Popular demand" says an external screen is a necessity not a luxury. Now even though the design is said to be "fluid" after waiting so long an external Lcd wouldnt be asking too much OR perhaps more $$$£££ in the form of Universal 3 is the cause! :?

BrettS said:
As long as it's quadband and VGA I'll buy it in a heartbeat... I will never give up the VGA screen on my universal - I use it almost daily for remote management of the servers I manage and I need that VGA screen, but I use Cingular here in the US and the lack of an 850MHz band is a serious annoyance. I can't wait until any quadband VGA device is out... hopefully with EDGE support as well. I'll be keeping my eye on this Omni.
Brett
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry Brotha, I dropped them for a very similar reason. I actually think that cingular is predominantly 850mhz, but the universal doesn't support 850, it supports, 900, 1800, 1900, and 2100 mhz. I switched to tmobile, who happens to have GREAT 1900 mhz coverage mostly everywhere. As long as you don't live off on a farm somewhere or in a real rural area, tmo should have 1900 coverage in the area. Now with T, I get 3 - 4 bars everywhere I go, with a solid 4 bars here at home. The only other consideration is that US UMTS coverage cannot be 2100mhz atm because the military uses that frequency for its satellites. So you're stuck with GPRS speeds or battery consuming wifi. For a while I just paired and DUN'ed the Exec with my Fathers sprint Apache.

EVO - There we are, Android HD2 equivalent is announced

http://now.sprint.com/evo/?ECID=vanity:evo
4.3'' screen, Sense, 1GHz Snapdragon, 8MP main cam + 1.3MP front one, same thin border design, added stand, all the same good stuff, plus even an HDMI output... Now who's complaining HD2 doesn't get WP7S? Screw WP7S

kilrah said:
http://now.sprint.com/evo/?ECID=vanity:evo
4.3'' screen, Sense, 1GHz Snapdragon, 8MP main cam + 1.3MP front one, same thin border design, added stand, all the same good stuff, plus even an HDMI output... Now who's complaining HD2 doesn't get WP7S? Screw WP7S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this must b released as hd3

Hopefully this will be easier to get android on the HD2 with this, hopefully someone will get a dump from this phone and let the android development begin!

I tried the N1 and didn't like it, even with the Desire ROM. Something about the aesthetic design of the HD2 lured me back. And it pretty much already did whatever I wanted, so that was cool too. If I didn't already have the HD2, I'd definitely switch for this phone!

im jealous, i don't know much about my HD2 but I put the buggyness and stuff down to it being windows, i thought the HD2 would be better as android.

I'm jealous...
I just ordered a Desire to replace my HD2, but this blows everything away... unfortunately, only for US citizens

wow. seriously.
hdmi out, 720p 8mp cam., front facing camera...
im still getting the tmo hd2. and from the pics of both, i still prefer the hd2 looks.

Do we know what 3G bands (if any) this supports?

optimus82 said:
wow. seriously.
hdmi out, 720p 8mp cam., front facing camera...
im still getting the tmo hd2. and from the pics of both, i still prefer the hd2 looks.
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It had to come didn't it? Just when we thought our gorgeous HD2 couldn't get any better.
Let's hope HTC are on a roll with these big screen fast machines, for now my trusty old HD2 will suffice (just about )

hd2 is now killed from both sides (no updates , better hardware avaliable)

New Snapdragon(8650), HDMI-out, 4G, 8Mpx Camera, 1.3Mpx Front Camera, 1Gb internal storage.. and the list goes on! Best phone ever.

There is just no end to this technology chasing race, now is there?
at this rate, I might as well have 4 different lines.
T-Mobile, At&T, Verizon and Sprint.
Oh, and to top that,
EVO has 1500Mah battery.
[email protected]!

Spike15 said:
Do we know what 3G bands (if any) this supports?
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Re-posting this so it doesn't get overlooked -- it's the important question for non-Sprint customers or non-USA residents.

hoss_n2 said:
hd2 is now killed from both sides (no updates , better hardware avaliable)
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so what? do you expect it to be best phone for ever? omg I don't get people like you... buy something and expect it to be the best think for eternity.

shu8i said:
what? do you expect it to be best phone for ever? omg I don't get people like you... buy something and expect it to be the best think for eternity.
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i didnot say that i only said it is killed iam who don't understand you

Looks thicker. Maybe 14-16mm? Seems like they integrated the kickstand from the extended HD2 battery into the body of the EVO.

Toss3 said:
New Snapdragon(8650)[/B] [/U]
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The QSD8x50 platform consists of the QSD8250™ which supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA networks while the QSD8650™ supports CDMA2000 1X, 1xEV-DO Rel 0/A/B, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and HSPA networks.
So its not faster or anything. Only difference is the supported network connectivity ...
And, like aceo07 said, it seems to be thicker - and longer too.
The Evo 4G looks nice, but I think the HD2's formfactor is perfect ... wouldn't want to trade for an hdmi output and the better camera, as I just don't really need both ...

chalid said:
The QSD8x50 platform consists of the QSD8250™ which supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA networks while the QSD8650™ supports CDMA2000 1X, 1xEV-DO Rel 0/A/B, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and HSPA networks.
So its not faster or anything. Only difference is the supported network connectivity ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quoting this for effect and reinforcement.

chalid said:
The QSD8x50 platform consists of the QSD8250™ which supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA networks while the QSD8650™ supports CDMA2000 1X, 1xEV-DO Rel 0/A/B, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and HSPA networks.
So its not faster or anything. Only difference is the supported network connectivity ...
And, like aceo07 said, it seems to be thicker - and longer too.
The Evo 4G looks nice, but I think the HD2's formfactor is perfect ... wouldn't want to trade for an hdmi output and the better camera, as I just don't really need both ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd trade in mine any second! I know it isn't faster, but newer hardware is always newer hardware.

Toss3 said:
I'd trade in mine any second! I know it isn't faster, but newer hardware is always newer hardware.
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Click to collapse
8650 is not new it was released when ours released and there is devices already uses it ,look at qualcomm site

WHY NOT?

Why the heck can't we get it all in one device?! The Verizon SGS is by far the best looking of all versions of the SGS. The iPhonish chrome lining of the SGS is painted black on the Verizon SGS = a better look. The Verizon rear is also changed with an all black dotted design, rather than that awful blue dotted design. The Verizon also has a flash and even though there is no front facing camera, I'm totally good with that because I'm not hooked on Apple. I mean lets be real here; folks didn't give a dang about front facing cameras in the U.S. until Apple put one on the iPhone. FFC's have been around for years in Europe (HTC HD and many others) and we didn't miss them then.
Okay so what's wrong with the Verizon SGS? Well it only comes with 2GB of storage memory rather than 16GB like the ugly ATT SGS. Why oh why could they not give it to us all in one package.......

A classic saying says this:
Dont put all your eggs in one basket.

just add a 32gb SD card and you have your all in one device? galaxy is limited to 1.8gb of local apps storage anyway. Froyo will let you have it on SD I think.

rodh257 said:
just add a 32gb SD card and you have your all in one device? galaxy is limited to 1.8gb of local apps storage anyway. Froyo will let you have it on SD I think.
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I was hoping to rid myself of my iPod Classic (16GB Internal + 32GB Micro SD Card). Large music and audiobook collection......

The Galaxy S has way more internal memory enabling it to have 1.8GB for apps and stuff. The Fascinate has far less internal memory... 2GB total. All to make room for a flash. The Epic also suffers from the same fate. The Captivate and Vibrant will have the 16GB touted with the intl. version

I had not read that the Fascinate had an LED flash.
Sold. I have been on the fence about the HTC Incredible (I do like the Sense UI overlay) vs. the Galaxy S.
I am not concerned about the internal storage - I only have about 15gb of music, so a 32gb card provides me pretty substantial overhead. It irked me that there was no flash on the Galaxy S, though, as it seems like such an easy and useful feature to add.
I agree that front-facing cameras do not excite me. I don't take self-portraits and have zero interest in on-the-fly face-to-face phone chats.

Registered just to respond to this thread. Completely agree with OP. I'm currently with Verizon, their version of SGS looks better, but hate that it only has 2gb on board. You can never go wrong with having more memory. Fast 32gb cards are what an extra $100, plus with 16gb already on board, the Tmo version has potentially more total storage by adding a 32gb card to it. Even if I only have 18gb of music now, how can I know what I'll have in the future? Video podcasts? Movies? Recorded video and pictures? Having the ability to swap memory cards is an awesome feature, but the less I have to do it the better.
Considering jumping to Tmo and the uglier design for the added memory and HSDPA. Torn.

binary visions said:
I had not read that the Fascinate had an LED flash.
Sold. I have been on the fence about the HTC Incredible (I do like the Sense UI overlay) vs. the Galaxy S.
I am not concerned about the internal storage - I only have about 15gb of music, so a 32gb card provides me pretty substantial overhead. It irked me that there was no flash on the Galaxy S, though, as it seems like such an easy and useful feature to add.
I agree that front-facing cameras do not excite me. I don't take self-portraits and have zero interest in on-the-fly face-to-face phone chats.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the gallery of Verizon SGS images that had me sold as far as the looks go and you can see the flash in a few of the images: http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-verizon-fascinate/
sec1has said:
Registered just to respond to this thread. Completely agree with OP. I'm currently with Verizon, their version of SGS looks better, but hate that it only has 2gb on board. You can never go wrong with having more memory. Fast 32gb cards are what an extra $100, plus with 16gb already on board, the Tmo version has potentially more total storage by adding a 32gb card to it. Even if I only have 18gb of music now, how can I know what I'll have in the future? Video podcasts? Movies? Recorded video and pictures? Having the ability to swap memory cards is an awesome feature, but the less I have to do it the better.
Considering jumping to Tmo and the uglier design for the added memory and HSDPA. Torn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I left T-Mobile after trying the HD2 for a couple of months and 3G wasn't available enough in some areas for me. Verizon seems to be the best network for me in my area and travels, so I'd like to go back to them (currently on Sprint with the Evo). The look of the Evo is very nice and so leaving it for an SGS version that just doesn't appeal to my eyes the way the Evo does, was on my list of cons. But Verizon's SGS can take care of that.
I may just have to end up holding onto the iPod to store all of my music and audiobooks. And then just sync playlists of my most wanted music/audiobooks to my smartphone. Guess I'm still dreaming of an all in one superphone (128GB storage, Canon quality camera, etc).........

The HD2 has terrible 3G reception

heygrl said:
The HD2 has terrible 3G reception
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heygrl, I noticed your speed test results in your sig. Was that in the LA area? If so, what's your overall coverage/speed like in socal?

Hm, I had seen the blue back in some review photos, but my (Asian?) Galaxy S is all black, and IMO has better design and finish than the EVO.
I walked into Best Buy ready to buy the EVO, but when compared to my iPhone 3Gs, it seemed poorly made. On the other hand, after ordering the Galaxy S sight unseen from Ebay, I am reasonably happy with its built.
I was planning to dump AT&T and get T-Mobile, but data is a real issue on T-Mobile in LA.
On AT&T, I see "H" and just measured 1817kbps down, 1088 up.
If I insert my new T-Mobile SIM card, I see "E" and barely get 60-70 kbps down, and low 100s up.
What APN settings are people using for T-Mobile?

AT&T 3g and Tmobile 3G are on different frequencies. You have one compatible with AT&T. You'll only see edge speeds on TMobile with that phone.
Also... I don't understand the complaints about the look of the Captivate vs the original SGS. I prefer the Captivate. I think the SGS looks too much like an iPhone.

MacGuy2006 said:
Hm, I had seen the blue back in some review photos, but my (Asian?) Galaxy S is all black, and IMO has better design and finish than the EVO.
I walked into Best Buy ready to buy the EVO, but when compared to my iPhone 3Gs, it seemed poorly made. On the other hand, after ordering the Galaxy S sight unseen from Ebay, I am reasonably happy with its built.
I was planning to dump AT&T and get T-Mobile, but data is a real issue on T-Mobile in LA.
On AT&T, I see "H" and just measured 1817kbps down, 1088 up.
If I insert my new T-Mobile SIM card, I see "E" and barely get 60-70 kbps down, and low 100s up.
What APN settings are people using for T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
European Galaxy S doesn't have 1700 band. It doesn't work on Tmobile's 3g network. It will only work with AT&T's 3g network. You need to buy the Vibrant if you want to see Tmo's HDSPA speeds.
PC magazine did a review earlier this year of all carriers' data speeds, for LA, they gave Tmo the highest score (combined raw speed with reliability).

You'll have to get the Vibrant if you want T-Mobile 3G

Can I use the Verizon version in Europe or it is only for US??

that was one of the reasons i returned my HD2 - side by side with my MyTouch 3G, the HD2 kept jumping from 3G > EDGE and back to 3G, while the MT3G showed strong and steady 3G signal (not reading the bars, but going into that #*#*4636*#*# access and reading the signal strength
figured it had same issues as the nexus one, weak antenna or radio chip

sec1has said:
heygrl, I noticed your speed test results in your sig. Was that in the LA area? If so, what's your overall coverage/speed like in socal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not in Los Angeles, but I hear favorable things.. still some 3G coverage holes to be dealt with this year
larryccf said:
that was one of the reasons i returned my HD2 - side by side with my MyTouch 3G, the HD2 kept jumping from 3G > EDGE and back to 3G, while the MT3G showed strong and steady 3G signal (not reading the bars, but going into that #*#*4636*#*# access and reading the signal strength
figured it had same issues as the nexus one, weak antenna or radio chip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has to be, because it was pathetic to see this phone drop 3G constantly. Sure, the 3G signal *was* weak but the only phone to drop out (when held of course) was the HD2.

Android 4.1 Smartphone Called CUBOT A8809

I found a android 4.1 OS phone, dual core mtk 6577 3G smartphone 4.7 inch screen
they call cubot A8809, selling only $173.49. free shipping.
This link:http://www.mcbub.com/item/CUBOT-A88...Android-4-0-GPS-3G-WIFI--8-0MP-Camera-152607/
how do you think guys?

Specs are nice, price can be found elsewhere too
I like the specs; but it can be found at the same price elsewhere (for example here)...
Until a couple of weeks ago, I was very sceptical towards buying a cheap smartphone, but I've had some good experience with the Huawei Ascend 300G...

Wemelboy said:
I like the specs; but it can be found at the same price elsewhere (for example here)...
Until a couple of weeks ago, I was very sceptical towards buying a cheap smartphone, but I've had some good experience with the Huawei Ascend 300G...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ye the same price.
huawei_ascend_g300 is a good one and many good review but expensive than this one.

wslimk said:
oh ye the same price.
huawei_ascend_g300 is a good one and many good review but expensive than this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ye website you suggest GEEKBUYING.COM has updated a review and video.
I decide buy from them now
finish night work back home sleep....

i got it's fast and pretty design
real android 4.1 OS that's cool
love it

I've bought some I phone clone on early model and had bad experience, reception was horrible, I think I stick with the real thing

wslimk said:
i got it's fast and pretty design
real android 4.1 OS that's cool
love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CAn you say how is the battery life??...is it really 2500 mah or some fake??
And how is the camera? Is it really 8mp or 5mp one?

the battery is soso, some times it can last one and half day, but you must charge it every day, when i play games or watch video from youtube, cant last one day, maybe 7-8 hours.
the camera is good as geekbuying shows, it is clear and sensitive.

Just wondering has anyone tried this phone in North America? It says it supports WCDMA 850/1900/2100 MHz so technically 3G should work in North America. Just want to confirm before ordering.

At&t 3g should work...but tmobile 3g wont
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium

Manan79 said:
At&t 3g should work...but tmobile 3g wont
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably depends on whether it's used in an area T-Mobile has refarmed. They have 3G on 1900 in many metro areas now.

Was going to buy but payment page is not secure

amandez said:
Was going to buy but payment page is not secure
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paypal? are you serious?

Guessing you haven't heard the PayPal horror stories?

amandez said:
Guessing you haven't heard the PayPal horror stories?
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Click to collapse
hahah, and how do you pay on internet?

Using trusted sites and my bank card

amandez said:
Using trusted sites and my bank card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
500000000 people in world know that using bank card for online international payments is unsafe. You are crazy. Learn what paypal is and how it works first

Mini-Review from an AT&T user in the US:
I bought one of these for my wife (I figured it was a good trade --- Just kidding.) I don't feel like committing to AT&T for another 2 years.
I bought it from Geekbuying.com. It arrived in only a few days.
It seemed to have the best specs, and the correct frequencies for AT&T in the US. For these types of phones, the dual core MTK6577 SoC is actually not a bad chip.
I can confirm that it does report an "H" connection (HSDPA) almost everyplace an AT&T signal is available.
My Acer Iconia Smart (HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 non-US version) Rarely connects as 3G since it does not have 850 HSDPA.
She only uses the 1 SIM. I have a T-Mobile SIM/Account I use for testing, but since it is her phone, I have not tested it on T-Mobile. T-Mobile 3G may actually work, at least in some areas, since as part of the failed takeover of T-Mobile by AT&T, they have a 7 year frequency-sharing agreement. With Quad Band GSM/GPRS, Calls, and 2G data will work fine on T-Mobile.
Performance is also good. Switching Apps, scrolling on the browser, returning to home screen all happen without any irritating delays.
It is a very clean and stable version of Android 4.1.1. Google Play is present, but see below for a problem. Force closes are rare to never.
The screen is beautiful for a Chinese phone. Overall the phone also looks very nice for the price (I bought her the white one.)
Call quality, Mobile signal, and WiFi are also all excellent. -- No compromise as compared with a name-brand phone.
Battery life is also good. Runs fine for a whole day, and with some effort to do battery management, (WiFi on only when needed, BT off, Conservative Brightness and Screen time-out settings) it will go a second day if she forgets to charge it.
But I do have some complaints:
The back, and the way it attaches to the phone is very cheap. I am not sure how many times you can take the back off without it breaking.
It's not bad to hold and use, but I'm pretty sure one good drop will kill it. Of course, 1 drop can kill even a name-brand phone.
It seems to only have one microphone. Most newer "real" phones have 2 or even 3 mics for noise cancelling or for use in different orientations (like using Voice search, or using it in speaker phone mode). This would only be a problem in noisy environments.
Edit: I had previously written something about filesystem corruption. That gave an incorrect perception of a minor problem.
My wife had a problem installing a paid app from Google Play. I believe I could fix the problem, but that would require a factory reset or user data wipe, or rooting. The problem seems limited to the installation of that one app. Other apps install fine.
--

Linuxslate said:
Mini-Review from an AT&T user in the US:
I bought one of these for my wife (I figured it was a good trade --- Just kidding.) I don't feel like committing to AT&T for another 2 years.
I bought it from Geekbuying.com. It arrived in only a few days.
It seemed to have the best specs, and the correct frequencies for AT&T in the US. For these types of phones, the dual core MTK6577 SoC is actually not a bad chip.
I can confirm that it does report an "H" connection (HSDPA) almost everyplace an AT&T signal is available.
My Acer Iconia Smart (HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 non-US version) Rarely connects as 3G since it does not have 850 HSDPA.
She only uses the 1 SIM. I have a T-Mobile SIM/Account I use for testing, but since it is her phone, I have not tested it on T-Mobile. T-Mobile 3G may actually work, at least in some areas, since as part of the failed takeover of T-Mobile by AT&T, they have a 7 year frequency-sharing agreement. With Quad Band GSM/GPRS, Calls, and 2G data will work fine on T-Mobile.
Performance is also good. Switching Apps, scrolling on the browser, returning to home screen all happen without any irritating delays.
It is a very clean and stable version of Android 4.1.1. Google Play is present, but see below for a problem. Force closes are rare to never.
The screen is beautiful for a Chinese phone. Overall the phone also looks very nice for the price (I bought her the white one.)
Call quality, Mobile signal, and WiFi are also all excellent. -- No compromise as compared with a name-brand phone.
Battery life is also good. Runs fine for a whole day, and with some effort to do battery management, (WiFi on only when needed, BT off, Conservative Brightness and Screen time-out settings) it will go a second day if she forgets to charge it.
But I do have some complaints:
The back, and the way it attaches to the phone is very cheap. I am not sure how many times you can take the back off without it breaking.
It's not bad to hold and use, but I'm pretty sure one good drop will kill it. Of course, 1 drop can kill even a name-brand phone.
It seems to only have one microphone. Most newer "real" phones have 2 or even 3 mics for noise cancelling or for use in different orientations (like using Voice search, or using it in speaker phone mode). This would only be a problem in noisy environments.
Edit: I had previously written something about filesystem corruption. That gave an incorrect perception of a minor problem.
My wife had a problem installing a paid app from Google Play. I believe I could fix the problem, but that would require a factory reset or user data wipe, or rooting. The problem seems limited to the installation of that one app. Other apps install fine.
--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone will not work on T-Mobile it only has 3G 850/2100 like all the other China mtk6577 devices do not buy if you're expecting it to work on T-Mobile 3G! The specs are false saying it supports 3G bands 850/1900/2100!

That's what I'd say too. The specs are good and price is ok for the specs but not exactly a deal.
wslimk said:
I found a android 4.1 OS phone, dual core mtk 6577 3G smartphone 4.7 inch screen
they call cubot A8809, selling only $173.49. free shipping.
This link:http://www.mcbub.com/item/CUBOT-A88...Android-4-0-GPS-3G-WIFI--8-0MP-Camera-152607/
how do you think guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wemelboy said:
I like the specs; but it can be found at the same price elsewhere (for example here)...
Until a couple of weeks ago, I was very sceptical towards buying a cheap smartphone, but I've had some good experience with the Huawei Ascend 300G...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Seeking Advice: Smartwatch for Camping

I'm planning on doing some hiking and camping this summer, and am considering replacing my pocketphone with something strapped to my wrist - less fumbling to get at a camera, less weight, longer battery, and so on. I'm hoping that some of the fine folks here can offer advice and suggestions before I decide to plunk down my all-too-limited money for a lemon of a wrist-computer.
So far, the factors that have occurred to me as being important to consider include:
* Battery life: 24 hour standby seems a bare minimum, 48 hour seems almost as important, and the longer the better. (I do have a small solar panel with battery-stick I can hang on my backpack, for longer trips.)
* GPS. A large part of the whole point.
* SD card with enough room to hold, say, an offline copy of Wikipedia and all sorts of offline maps, with enough room for lots of pictures. 16GB? 32GB?
* Software that can apply GPS readings to said offline maps, Wikipedia, and whatever other apps seem likely - planetarium, calculator, weather, dictation, symptom checker, etc.
* Presumably wifi, to download said apps, Wikipedia, and so forth.
* Camera. Preferably a couple of megapixels.
* Phone, in case I break my leg while in range of a cell tower. GSM 850/1900 appears to be what's compatible with the carrier I have in mind.
* Moderate price. The more I spend on the phone, the less I can spend on camping food and other such things. $200 is nigh-certainly too much; $150 is pushing it, especially if I still have to buy a 32GB SD as well.
* Extra bonuses that would be nice: Waterproofing; FM radio (for weather reports); a non-silly-looking case.
From what I've been able to dig up, not counting the price, the stats advertised for the "IK" with a 1.54" touch screen, or the Zgpax S6 seem to come reasonably close to what I'm looking for - though I have no idea how to figure out if the Kiwix reader would run on either of them, nor do I know if there are better choices, or even what sites would provide the best prices for shipping to Canada.
Do you have any comments, criticism, or advice?

Unfortunately, the ZGPAX is 2G only in N. America. There's not many watch phones that offer the 3G/1900mhz capability, SD card slot, and full Android 4.1+.
Right now... the US version of the Omate TrueSmart, AI Watch and the Neptune Pine offer NA 3G frequencies. All of which are higher than your budget. However, I have seen many go on eBay for less... but you have to be really careful about whom you get one from and, for some, manufacturing date is critical.
Waterproofing is a real crap shoot. Many vendors state that their devices are water resistant/proof. However, this is has become a real issue with OEM claims and actually real world use. For example, the Omate was advertised as waterproof...but actually turned out to be more resistant to water. Many people wore their watch in the shower, and quickly became a paperweight. Plus, if you decide to open the watch and upgrade the 8GB SD with a 32GB...you just voided your warranty. Crazy, huh?
The best thing to do is research the user experiences. Not the OEM's advertised claims.
If you go to Alibaba, smart phone-watches are everywhere. However, very few will meet your needs, not to mention quality standards.
I wish you luck! Feel free to PM if you have questions about any watch you're considering. I'll do my best to help guide you through this difficult tech segment.

mghtymse007 said:
Unfortunately, the ZGPAX is 2G only in N. America.
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I don't expect to use significant amounts of data through the phone system. If it helps, the provider I'm looking at mentions the frequencies at www . speakout7eleven.ca /support/prepaid-phone-questions#gsm-phone-with-wireless .
There's not many watch phones that offer the 3G/1900mhz capability, SD card slot, and full Android 4.1+.
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Is there any reason I should focus on Android 4.1+, and rule out any watches running 4.0?

DataPacRat said:
I don't expect to use significant amounts of data through the phone system. If it helps, the provider I'm looking at mentions the frequencies at www . speakout7eleven.ca /support/prepaid-phone-questions#gsm-phone-with-wireless .
Is there any reason I should focus on Android 4.1+, and rule out any watches running 4.0?
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My contacts inside the NA telecom industry have all either mentioned or heavily hinted more and more about the shut down of most 2G towers to make way for the more powerful 3G/4G/LTE towers.
This article is mainly about the US, but the same is happening across all of NA:
http://www.telogis.com/2g-sunset-ad...JBJlOVZjgbsiW2CSYY09a1iB6-NCe_7uPIaAq108P8HAQ
As you can see, this is happening now...not just in the works. Plus many GPS apps use the data channel for various purposes in addition to location.
First of all, I've personally owned and used most of the mainstream and highly rated standalone watches. A few of those are the ZGPAX S5, TrueSmart, Neptune Pine(more of a mini phone than watch), and now the Gear S.
I mention Jelly Bean or higher due to the vast improvements in areas that were made from ICS. A standalone smartwatch benefits greatly from these improvements. Here's a brief article comparing the two.
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-android-4-0-and-vs-4-1/
With only 1.54” of screen real estate, 4.1+'s interface is more precise... an important factor with so little room to navigate. There's many other articles you can research and see why watch-phones benefit from the upgraded OS. When I got the TS, the difference between that and the S5 was substantial. From that day, the TS became my daily driver.
Also, you mentioned in your OP that you were hoping for a watch that will last 48hrs...minimum 24. Never have I gotten more than 24hrs on a single charge, regardless of the OEM's claims and recommendations. The solar charger will be a very important gadget to have on your trip.

mghtymse007 said:
First of all, I've personally owned and used most of the mainstream and highly rated standalone watches. A few of those are the ZGPAX S5, TrueSmart, Neptune Pine(more of a mini phone than watch), and now the Gear S.
I mention Jelly Bean or higher due to the vast improvements in areas that were made from ICS. A standalone smartwatch benefits greatly from these improvements. Here's a brief article comparing the two.
With only 1.54” of screen real estate, 4.1+'s interface is more precise... an important factor with so little room to navigate. There's many other articles you can research and see why watch-phones benefit from the upgraded OS. When I got the TS, the difference between that and the S5 was substantial. From that day, the TS became my daily driver.
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After looking further through DX's site, I've found mention of two watches that seem to come within shouting distance of my needs, and which have at least Android 4.1: an iMacWear M7, which other discussion seems to claim is a clone of the TS; and the Zgpax S8. I'm a tad leery of the first as the price is bumping against my budget, and I think I ignored the latter the first time because its listed "standby time" was only 24 hours. Does anyone reading this thread have any thoughts on either of them, in terms of camping gear?
Also, you mentioned in your OP that you were hoping for a watch that will last 48hrs...minimum 24. Never have I gotten more than 24hrs on a single charge, regardless of the OEM's claims and recommendations. The solar charger will be a very important gadget to have on your trip.
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I'll make a further note to myself, to make sure that I start out with my external battery-stick fully-charged, in case of cloudy days.

Keep in mind the iMacWear's and S8's Frequencies are 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, 3G: WCDMA 2100MHz , which isn't enough for 3G in the US.
Look at on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_frequencies. I would suggest looking closer at used US 3G smartwatch devices via ebay, which might push more popular brands in your price range.

Apokriphos said:
Keep in mind the iMacWear's and S8's Frequencies are 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, 3G: WCDMA 2100MHz , which isn't enough for 3G in the US.
Look at on Cellular_frequencies. I would suggest looking closer at used US 3G smartwatch devices via ebay, which might push more popular brands in your price range.
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Click to collapse
Going by my current provider, according to www .fido.ca /web/content/phonewarranty/configure_unlocked_device_guide , the frequencies I seem to need to watch for are:
Fido said:
Your device must be compatible with the Fido network, which uses GSM, UMTS, HSPA and HSPA+ at 850 MHz and 1900 MHz. To access LTE network, the phone must be compatible with:
700 MHz on Band 17;
1700/2100 MHz on Band 4;
2600 MHz on Band 7.
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However, I know that an iPhone 4 can connect to 3G on that network, and according to Wikipedia, the frequencies it can handle are
Wikipedia said:
quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
(800, 850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz)
Quad-band UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA
(800, 850, 900, 1,900, 2,100 MHz) (800 MHz is not yet officially supported by Apple)
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... of which the only 3G frequency overlapping appears to be 2100 MHz. Do I really need to look for phones that can handle 700 and 2600 MHz, as well?

I'm going to definitively rule out the S8; it turns out its 8GB memory is hardwired, and it doesn't have an actual SD slot.
DataPacRat said:
... of which the only 3G frequency overlapping appears to be 2100 MHz. Do I really need to look for phones that can handle 700 and 2600 MHz, as well?
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Assuming that I only have to worry about 2100 MHz, I get an interesting assortment of smartwatches at www .dx.com /s/2100?category=529&PriceSort=up , from the S6 on the low end to the iMacWear M7's just at the extreme top of my price range (and likely beyond it, counting adding a 32 GB SD card).
Relatedly, I find myself in possession of a Bluetooth v3.0 keyboard. Does anyone have any information on whether or not any of the watches in the above link can accept external text input via Bluetooth?

Unless you live in Europe (which works with just 2100), you need either 850, 1700&2100, or 1900 to receive 3G in the US. There is a 2G 850 frequency you might be getting confused with the 3G version.
DataPacRat said:
I'm going to definitively rule out the S8; it turns out its 8GB memory is hardwired, and it doesn't have an actual SD slot.
Assuming that I only have to worry about 2100 MHz, I get an interesting assortment of smartwatches at www .dx.com /s/2100?category=529&PriceSort=up , from the S6 on the low end to the iMacWear M7's just at the extreme top of my price range (and likely beyond it, counting adding a 32 GB SD card).
Relatedly, I find myself in possession of a Bluetooth v3.0 keyboard. Does anyone have any information on whether or not any of the watches in the above link can accept external text input via Bluetooth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Apokriphos said:
Unless you live in Europe (which works with just 2100), you need either 850, 1700&2100, or 1900 to receive 3G in the US. There is a 2G 850 frequency you might be getting confused with the 3G version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's entirely possible I'm confused - I'm still quite new to the whole shebang.
Looking through that list at DX, only a scant few mention all the 3G frequencies in question as 3G frequencies: the Zgpax S6, the iradish i6S, and a few above CDN$200. Of those two, I'm leaning towards the S6; it's $50 cheaper, and the camera placement is better for taking pictures of things rather than my own face.

DataPacRat said:
I'm going to definitively rule out the S8; it turns out its 8GB memory is hardwired, and it doesn't have an actual SD slot.
Assuming that I only have to worry about 2100 MHz, I get an interesting assortment of smartwatches at www .dx.com /s/2100?category=529&PriceSort=up , from the S6 on the low end to the iMacWear M7's just at the extreme top of my price range (and likely beyond it, counting adding a 32 GB SD card).
Relatedly, I find myself in possession of a Bluetooth v3.0 keyboard. Does anyone have any information on whether or not any of the watches in the above link can accept external text input via Bluetooth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Zgpax S8 will allow you to use a bluetooth keyboard and does have a removable SD card. (it is tucked under the battery and two cables...the job isn't difficult but is NOT for the non-tech savvy person) I have a Galaxy Gear 1 running NULL and decided to buy the S8 as well. (it was a close call for me...the M7 has a better design IMO plus a larger battery BUT the S8 has much more community support plus a working TWRP recovery)