Hi
I seem to see a lot of issues witht he Orbit/HTC Artemis.
I was about to buy one so wondered 'if you were buying again TODAY would you buy this phone or another?'
Cheers.
Robin
Why not?
You are sking about Orbit/Artemis, but I believe the guys with the O2 version are the most affected by the bugs The P3300 etc. have shiped ROMs available so it is easy to restore when in trouble. The lesson here should be not to start messing around with your device if you are not in possession of the original ROM.
I have been very happy with my device and would buy again, only I am waiting for the HTC Advantage. When we start tweaking that too we will have the wailing and gnashing of teeth if people do not take precautions
Once I managed to get the P3300 Rom on my Orbit it's been a much better device.
Previously I had a I-Mate K-Jam (Wizard) and the main downside I had with it was the size of thing when it was in my pocket. I don't even notice the orbit meaning that it can now be my all the time phone instead of just my weekday phone. Previously at weekends I found myself changing the Sim Card to a smaller phone when I didn't care about having the extra features.
But if I was buying now I'd wait and see what happens with the WM6 upgrade (if it comes along).
I would buy again - not had any problems with my standard Orbit
No problems with the storage card. TomTom working well
This may be a bit off topic but it is just to erritterate what "victoradjei" said... I remember when the Magician was quite new and users who started tweaking intensively encounterred a lot of problems and I was at first very scared to buy it. I eventually bought one and waited until hacks/tweaks were reliable. As of today my Magician works well.
I would buy it again, too.
The CPU is a bit slow, but I knew it before.
Everythings works for me.
I have the P3300 and I didn't mess around with the ROM or use any tweaking programs.
It does what I want it to do - so I see no point trying to turn it into a super computer.
Bottom line is I am happy with my choice - then again, my last phone was a Nokia 6100 and that was pretty high tech for me at the time also.
I didn't buy mine (part of my job entails maintaining over 1500 O2 UK smartphones so I get to play with a few of them), but the Orbit is easily the best iteration I have used so far.
The best as in form factor and it-is-a-phone-after-all usability/battery life, responsiveness and reception quality (no 3G or keyboard are not concerns for me).
So to OP, definitely (until the next FOTM arrives)
Definately yes - THE only thing that will tempt me away is apples iphone..... Which I hope someone will make a BT GPS unit to work with it.
On the orbit The only really annoying thing I find (having now hacked the Stereo BT to work, and tweaked Today interface) ... is the camera is cr*p ....it only works outdoors, no macro, autofocus - beaten by ANY sony E !!!
I must admit it is the iPhone I am waiting for but I need a phone in the meantime..
Robin
The only issue I see is that with mSD cards going garbage.
Apart from that, I never had any problems (and if you do ... well ... it is Windows agter all !!!).
I would definitely buy another P3300, especially if there will be an updated version with mSD fix, a faster CPU and some more built-in storage. WM6 would be cool.
Robster said:
I must admit it is the iPhone I am waiting for but I need a phone in the meantime..
Robin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why ?
Its bulky, no 3G, can't load 3rd part applications, no GPS, only 8gb for music (I need at least 30gb otherwise I need to pick each day what I put on), suspisious battery life.
colonel said:
why ?
Its bulky, no 3G, can't load 3rd part applications, no GPS, only 8gb for music (I need at least 30gb otherwise I need to pick each day what I put on), suspisious battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to get off of the subject, but my wife gave me the Creative Labs NOMAD Jukebox Zen (USB 2.0) one year for X-Mas.
Since then, I have taken out the 20gb laptop drive in there and replaced it with a 60gb drive
It seems like the since the iPod came along - having very limited storage space that cannot be upgraded without tossing out the old one and buying a new one - it set a trend in the rest of the market.
I look around the shops once in a while and see how mp3 players went from 60gb off the shelf now only hold a few gigs at the most for the same price.
Now this brings up the question:
Is the iPhone going to drive the technology backwards like the iPod did for the mp3 players making end user lose out in the end?
This could run and run
Although the iPhone can't do anything my Orbit can't, I am very impressed with the form factor and user interface of the iPhone - if it works as slickly as the demos suggest.
Similarly, my Nomad JB3 40Gb does a lot of things that my early iPod Photo 60Gb simply can't do - but the NJB is just such a crude device to operate in comparison to the iPod.
At the end of the day they are only products to be marketed, and for the majority of consumers the i*** interface and form factor are an easy sell.
allenf said:
This could run and run
Although the iPhone can't do anything my Orbit can't, I am very impressed with the form factor and user interface of the iPhone - if it works as slickly as the demos suggest.
Similarly, my Nomad JB3 40Gb does a lot of things that my early iPod Photo 60Gb simply can't do - but the NJB is just such a crude device to operate in comparison to the iPod.
At the end of the day they are only products to be marketed, and for the majority of consumers the i*** interface and form factor are an easy sell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is my favourite type of discussion. off-topic of course ....
my counter-argument to you is why the macbook is a tiny minority. Sure its slickly marketed, looks cute and has a nice interface (although - kill me - i kind of like vista . Buts it has no pcmcia card (so my 3G card can't be used), is heavy (5lbs vs, say 4lbs for a toshiba U205) and ir overpriced. most people are more intelligent then the marketers, which is why some fish are snagged (i.e. the macbook sells at all) but most people who want a cool small laptop still go for a samsung or sony. and most sensible people get the £400 15" basic .....
Now we are WAY OFF TOPIC.........
I am intrigued by Colonels comments, I bet he has never used a Mac for real?
Many people are forced to use a PC for work but I know many people who have been PC users for years and finally tried a Mac for home use and would not go back to a PC again.
But back to my original question. )
Robin
Related
Hi
My PDA2K is falling apart (I have dropped it a couple of times which has not helped.
I need to replace it and I am wondering with what.
I could simply go for another PDA2K but really never want to buy from i-mate ever again so am looking at [email protected]'s XDAIIs and IIi or the T-Mobile MDAIII.
Which is the best or would you steer totally clear of this phone because of all its problems?
Robin
I've got an O2 XDA2s & a work colleague has the T-Mobile MDAIII. Persoanlly I'd use either agin depsite their known issues. I like having an all-in-one device & am happy to compromise to get it
I would definitely buy another XDA IIs, if mine died. The grey colour of the O2 device simply oozes more class than the silver handsets.
Quality has been good (except for the hard reset issue when removing the battery - which is easily solved by keeping the power cord in when changing the sim card). I would be tempted to hang on for the universal though....... NICE!
i simply cannot afford to buy a brand new one if mine died, id have to wait til i can upgrade again, but if i could, then i would buy another as i have already got my bro to get one of these, and also he is a driving instructor, so its useful for his appointments and stuff.
if i was close to my upgrade date tho, i would just wait and get the next xda
joey.
Personally, no. I've realised I don't need the organisation or programs of a PDA. I bought it for Skype, but that doesn't work. The build quailty is not amazing.
I'll be going back to standard Sony Ericssons next contract period.
Chris
I'm very disappointed with all PDA's.
As a long time user AND enthusiast, I'm completely dissatisfied with everyone available. Moving to the BA from a HP, I expected better innovation from the leading producer of WM based PDA's, especially after seeing what HP was producing with the 6500's. Now I just realized that HTC is producing the 6500 for HP...!?!
Why wont someone produce a quality device with a hires (vga) screen, good memory (128 RAM, not to mention the availability of multi GB micro drives), reliable phone (GSM), fast data (GPRS/EDGE), un-crippled Bluetooth (audio/voice), and a small form factor (Treo). It has to be possible. I paid $850 for the BA (unlocked), and it's ridiculously unstable, and can't do what my $50 cell phone can do.
Bitter, Bitter, Bitter...
I hear you man. Sometimes I wonder if I should have got a different Pocket PC so Skype would actually work.
All of them are crippled/broken/manufactured badly in some way. The BA has its fair share of problems, but the important thing is that they're no more than any other PDA (apart from maybe the keyboard).
Chris
Some guy at work has te iPaq hybrid pda/phone. Quite swanky. I recently have this descision on my plate. Keep my new XDA2s or swap for the slower, but better made and more stable SE P910.
I'm waiting for Nokia N91.
I will surely buy another Blue Angel. Wish they could makde the keyboard more stronger and add WM 2005 in it .
I am pretty happy with the stuff .
NO!
his hardware its really crap...
Robster said:
Hi
My PDA2K is falling apart (I have dropped it a couple of times which has not helped.
I need to replace it and I am wondering with what.
I could simply go for another PDA2K but really never want to buy from i-mate ever again so am looking at [email protected]'s XDAIIs and IIi or the T-Mobile MDAIII.
Which is the best or would you steer totally clear of this phone because of all its problems?
Robin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your phone covered by your house insurance.....was it you that dropped it? I would be suspicious and claim for a new one if you get my drift!
I would definetaly buy another one! It has had it's issues, but they all do to one extent or another. I use mine for my work all the time, and it has been the best unit that I have owned to date.
Later.......
i will never buy xda lls.
i hope i can change my xda lls to xda lli now.
but i have no money
Absolutely NOT. Sick of the instability, the poor support, the resetting 3 times a day and everything else that goes with it.
Never again!
I like the idea of an all in-one-device but...
1) phone is unstable
2) bluetooth is unstable
3) pda is unstable requiring resets
4) no UMTS
5) no "good" camera (0.3 MP ? come on! 5MP cam phones are out already)
6) no EDGE support
7) low memory
8) don't use keyboard as often as I thought
it is an OK device, but could use a lot of improvement.
I live the universal and I would give it a try if it were quadband
Until 3 days ago I would have said no. My 02 XDA2s was horribly unstable in all the ways described above.
I then had to try and find a replacement all-in-one. All I found that does everything this does that I need is the XDA2i (which from reading the forum sounds just as bad) and the Nokia N91 (out this Christmas at the earliest - I needed a handset NOW!)
I will take the keyboard of the XDA2s over the camera of the 2i anyday (all XDA cameras are limited by the crappy lenses anyway, no matter hoe good resolution they make them). The keyboard's really useful when doing things like entering passwords with greater accuracy or chatting on MSN.
I then flashed my ROM and radio to the latest availible and I have not had to reset yet in over 24 hours!
I was resetting my other XDA2s with 02 ROM 5 times a day!
Flash your ROM!! It makes this thing work to an acceptable level! Media Player 10 is great too, although the buttons are disabled which makes toggling the screen difficult. Album art and media centre synching make it worth it
Nope, I would not buy another BA. Next time I want to upgrade to get the HTC Wizard. Smaller phone with built in wi-fi and WM5.
With the BA:
I have never used the slide out keyboard
I am fed up with wi-fi choosing whether or not it wants to turn on
I am fed up getting the driver low memory message on BT
I am fed up with the phone locking up up so I can't call out and others can't call me without doing a soft reset or turn on/off BT every time.
Some of you are missing the point here! Let's compare to units that are already available, not things that have not arrived yet! With the right rom combination,this is an acceptable unit! Edge is new and very limited right now,and was not available when these came out.Stability issues can be resolved by cooking your own rom! Using reasons like that,as well as "I don't use this,or that feature", is not really the point,is it!
Just my 6 cents worth..... Later....... 8)
ill still buy ba or the upcoming one
this is the best i've ever had...i started from xda1 then xda2 now xda2s...that's why i love this site...and thanks t'all the people Here...lm working at night, n use my wifi w/o problems...use my verichat for chatting or agile, surf net...play my old school super nintendo (thousand selection)...use resco to ftp my website n upload/dowload mp3's ,files etc....listen my new remix mp3's w 2gigs while im in the gym ...ayt....
With the current selection of phones/pdas in the market today, I would still buy the same IIs I have....thats considering I can still aford one
been researching for while for my first smart phone, and had it down to the TP2, N97 or new i phone when out
but looking at the latest reviews the TP2 looks awesome
bit wary as i have never had a WM device, but i am told you can put also sorts of apps on and hack/customise what ever you want
i have been with 3 in the UK for 6 years but my contract is up and im getting my PAC, whats looking like the best deal in the UK
light talk/text maybe 300of each but defo need unlimited web acces
also is there any limit to the SD card it will take (take it is is micro sd)
thanks for any help
If you've never used WM, you're in for a real treat, or a real hassle, depending on whether you like using a device, or making the device yours (and then using it, of course).
The customization part is absolutely true; it is possible to customize the living crap out of a WM device, with whatever hacks, applications, custom ROMs, etc., which is why I personally find WM so appealing. Plus, if you buy the TP2, you have one of the largest unofficial smartphone support communities (XDA-Developers) behind you.
The Touch Pro2 has a MicroSDHC slot, which will, theoretically, take SDHC cards up to 32GB. I've only seen cards up to 16GB as of now, but it's inevitable that a 32GB one will come from some manufacturer. If you need a MicroSD card, I hear that there are amazing deals on eBay (buy from well rated sellers, there are A LOT of fake memory cards online).
If you would like to learn more about this device, you might want to take a look here. It's a review which speaks quite highly of the TP2. And lastly, I'm in the US, so I don't know about UK deals, prices, carrier plans, etc., but you might try the Prices around the World thread for more info. All the best, and welcome,
Dave
yes exactly what he said. the beauty of WM is your ability to customize it but you will find virtually all meaningful functional on WM as you will find on an iphone. What i mean by meaningful is you will not find stupid apps like a zippo lighter haha. WM is for productivity so if you have a need to keep connected via email, messengers, office functionality then there is absolutely no other choice. I personally i will never own anything but WM unless something major changes in the game. BUT, you need to expect to customize or get the desire too because that is a major part of the fun
thanks for all the info , sold to the man looking for a new smart phone
i love tinkering with my pc and software etc so i have no doubt with a bit of reading and coaching etc i will love WM, as you zippo lighter or ifart, yeh funny for about 2 seconds then what
i will start looking now for deal on contract
forgot to mention i want to be able to listen to my local radio station over the web , do thi on my pc using real player, would there be an app for that ( god i sound like a bloody i phone advert)
There is a realplayer mobile, which you can get free here, but you have to register. Make sure you pick PocketPC for Device if you do choose this methond. Alternately, you might want to try the excellent, and also free, Kinoma Freeplay. It has a giant database of radio stations, videos, etc., and all for free. Hope that helps,
Dave
thanks
im defo getting one , was all but waiting for the N97, but its grahics look like cartoons compared to the pro2, its keyboatd is not as good,and ovi srore sucks by all accounts.
like the T mobile deal of web and walk for £30 a month on 12 month and £113 for the phone, BUT i like vodafones no roaming charges but they have no good deals for 12 month contracts
anything will be better than my viewty
combat goofwing said:
thanks
im defo getting one , was all but waiting for the N97, but its grahics look like cartoons compared to the pro2, its keyboatd is not as good,and ovi srore sucks by all accounts.
like the T mobile deal of web and walk for £30 a month on 12 month and £113 for the phone, BUT i like vodafones no roaming charges but they have no good deals for 12 month contracts
anything will be better than my viewty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, the touch pro 2 was going to have a built in radio, but they took that out, if you want you could check out the diamond 2, the screen is a bit smaller, its thinner, doesn't have a keyboard, but has a better camera, it has a radio, and its lighter weight
no i want a keyboard so web radio is fine
my mission tomorrow should i choose to accept it is
get my PAC code from 3 (so thats half the day gone)
then get me a Pro2
just got my account cancelled with 3 and getting my pac code , have 30 days to use it, when do you think we will start seeing , the likes of vodafone, etc selling the pro 2 direct, i want to be able to haggle a good 12 month deal out of them, like the T mobile 12 month deal but i get better coverage off vodafone
-not the best of photos, but you'll get the drift. If anyone wants better ones, just let me know
Nice . Not that the phones look like eachother, but still funny to see. People who have the universal rate it high.
What grades would u give to both phones concerning the useablitiy?
Just from looking at it, I would prefer the TP2 for typing and watching movies.
Strange thing btw, everyone says the screen is briliant and you can see everything, even in the sun. but on photo's it realy glares a lot.
quarintus said:
Strange thing btw, everyone says the screen is briliant and you can see everything, even in the sun. but on photo's it realy glares a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's because the screen dims after a few secs if you don't touch it. To save battery life.
Yeah it's cool to look at both machines but the second pic is a bit too blurred to see. Sorry...
Tomo said:
-not the best of photos, but you'll get the drift. If anyone wants better ones, just let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I´m happy to find this thread!
As an proud Universal owner as primary buisness oriented device I have been waiting patiently to find the perfect replacement for my Uni, but 4 years later nothing worth to look.
TP2 is a good candidate as it has better specs in almost all, but still missing the form factor swiveling screen as Uni is really more like a micro lap top with phone than a phone with nice stuff like TP2.
I´m still no sure that TP2 can really be Uni succesor but at least is a posibility
I´ll wait till the ends of 09 to see what new models comming from HTC or Toshiba and then I´ll make my desicion on what device to buy to replace my Uni (If replaceble)
Cheers,
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacomparer&id1=1751&id2=313
orb3000 said:
I´m happy to find this thread!
As an proud Universal owner as primary buisness oriented device I have been waiting patiently to find the perfect replacement for my Uni, but 4 years later nothing worth to look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From all the threads I read that you have posted, you really do love your little Universal. He he he... Not saying it's a bad thing. I respect people like you, people that knows exactly what they want and won't jump and just buy anything that is new.
It really does take a lot of patients. You will make a good equity trader! Waiting for 4 years is a long time mate! Perseverance of finding the perfect handset is hard to hold.
Me, I am waiting to buy my first full QWERTY handset, the TP2. I hope the wait is worth it. Waiting for 4 months is already very hard, don't know how I can wait for 4 years. My hands will be so itchy, there will be no hands left.
For me, the Universal was my dream phone, but the form factor made it utterly impractical for day-to-day use for me.
Now that I have a TP2, I can finally enjoy a universal-class phone in a form factor that is practical.
The keyboard is SO much better than any other HTC device I have used before. Certainly it wipes the floor with the Kaiser keypad. I feel it is more responsive than the Universals.
The screen is just plain tasty, and touchflo has been massively improved.
I am pleased!
dazultra2000 said:
For me, the Universal was my dream phone, but the form factor made it utterly impractical for day-to-day use for me.
Now that I have a TP2, I can finally enjoy a universal-class phone in a form factor that is practical.
The keyboard is SO much better than any other HTC device I have used before. Certainly it wipes the floor with the Kaiser keypad. I feel it is more responsive than the Universals.
The screen is just plain tasty, and touchflo has been massively improved.
I am pleased!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I-hate-you....NOT.
I'm on Sprint (CDMA) and can't wait to get my hands on this provided the rumors about a mid-June launch are true. Was going to get a Palm Pre but will be forced to change my plan to almost double, so TP2 it is.
How is the battery life, ear piece quality and does it get hot? I had the original Touch Pro for a month and took it back because battery life was horrid and it would heat up in the middle of the keyboard area bad after a few mins on Opera. Thanks.
Battery life so far is on par with my TyTNII. It's not great, but it's not terrible!
It hasn't got hot for me yet, but I've not really been pushing it.
Not made enough calls to comment on the quality of the earpiece yet, but the speaker is louder than my TyTNII (though sounds a bit more "echoey")
Main concern at the moment is there is no lens cover on the back shell as with most other phones. It's just a hole that leads through to the main camera sensor lens...hoping I don't scratch it!
Oooh and the ambient light sensor and g-sensor are cool!
dazultra2000 said:
For me, the Universal was my dream phone, but the form factor made it utterly impractical for day-to-day use for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the same for me, in 2005 when I bought the Wizard, my dream was the Universal. I bought it last year and keeped it only 6 month (unpractical).
dazultra2000 said:
Battery life so far is on par with my TyTNII. It's not great, but it's not terrible!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True with the htc roms. False with the last radio. With last radio the battery life is excellent and with the last M2D and WM6.5 it terrible!!!
If the Pro 2 is something between TyTn2 and Universal, it's perfect for me. If the bluetooth stack works fine with my S705, doesn't matter for the FM radio (it's integrated in my S705).
I wanted it in Orange offer.
orb3000 said:
As an proud Universal owner as primary buisness oriented device I have been waiting patiently to find the perfect replacement for my Uni, but 4 years later nothing worth to look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I once had a Uni, 'upgraded' to the TYTNII and am now waiting to see if my carrier will have the TP2. Whilst the newer phones out perform the Uni (for me!) I still wish that I could get something with the guts of a TYTNII in the casing of a Uni. That was a brilliant device.
Snapped some of my own pics for you guys to ponder over.
dazultra2000 said:
Snapped some of my own pics for you guys to ponder over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pictures. Nice one!
Great comparison pictures!
Thanks a lot!
Besides the size and RAM I´m still choosing Universal!
orb3000 said:
Great comparison pictures!
Thanks a lot!
Besides the size and RAM I´m still choosing Universal!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a fellow Universal afficionado, I share your view of how great a device it is, but apart from the RAM and size there's the GPS, higher connection speeds, screen & camera capability. These things might not be important to everyone, but made me make the change (still have the Universal though)
My Universal is long gone, Touch Pro 2 is the new King!
Tomo said:
As a fellow Universal afficionado, I share your view of how great a device it is, but apart from the RAM and size there's the GPS, higher connection speeds, screen & camera capability. These things might not be important to everyone, but made me make the change (still have the Universal though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for the Uni lovers.
I still haven't found a replacement for my Uni.
It is still by far the most practical business PDA / UMPC on the market.
I am waiting for a TP2 to arrive, and have been highly disappointed with the Raphael. (my fault for jumping in and buying one without doing my research first) I could never get used to the tiny 2.8 screen or the little keyboard.
My Uni still makes me smile every time I use it, it has never let me down (and I've had it since they were first released) robust, decent keyboard (with tilt and flip, so no issues of not being able to see the screen whilst typing comfortably) The only let down for my poor Uni is lack of GPS, with the 128mb ram upgrade I managed to make her last a bit longer as a primary device, but eventually had to get an "All-In-One " device that was more practical for everyday use.
I hope the Rhodium lives up to the reviews and has better reception amongst other things over the TP.
LONG LIVE THE UNI
I'll post some pics of my devices for peoples enjoyment (Still have a fully functional Wallaby at home too)
Cheers,
Beasty
Here's another post from a Universal fanboy
I've been using the Universal exclusively for almost 4 years now. Except for a big mistake I made when I ordered a Glofiish M800 and used that for a couple of days, got rid of that one real quick, and since I exchanged it for a Qtek 9000 I made that wrong right again. So I now own an MDA Pro a Qtek 9000 and... since 2 days, a Touch Pro 2.
I have to start out with saying that I personally always carried the Universal with me in my pocket. I Never had an issue with it's size. And as for the real reason I got a new device? Well you know, I want to see myself as a sort-of early adapter and since that Universal was way ahead of it's time, and I pre-orderd that device in spring 2005, I just wanted something new to play with. Why it took so long for anyone to release a device that even came close to the Universal is beyond me.
Personally I never really used a lot of local applications on the Uni. Except for the phone, sms and calender functions and navigation software the thing I used the most by far was remote desktop. The size of the screen, the resolution the AWESOME keyboard and the UMTS and Wifi connections really let me use my workstation and server to their full potential, ANYWHERE in the world.
While I did flash the device with new versions of Windows Mobile that I found on this forum I never really owned a device with TouchFlo on it. Obviously I did play around with TouchFlo on devices that friends and colleagues owned.
After having used the device for about a day these are the things I noticed when I compare it to our beloved Uni's:
TP2 Pro's:
-Size: Like I said, the size never bothered me, but as I was used to the Universal the Touch Pro2 is TINY
-Resolution: 800x480 beats 640x480, especially when using Remote Desktop.
-HSDPA
-Internal GPS
-Conference call option in TouchFlo (which someone on this forum has probably hacked into the Uni already as well)
-Just having something new already
-Audio call quality is higher
-Keyboard is almost as good as the Uni's
TP2 Cons:
-While I never used it, I just don't get why there's no mini-jack connection
-No flash: While I used the flash on the Universal as a flash light most of the time and not as a flash for the camera I just don't get why they couldn't at least put a LED light on the device.
-No TAB-key on the keyboard. I really miss this when filling in forms online.
-The slide-and-tilt formfactor is ok, but not as good as what the Uni does. When the screen on the TP2 is fully tilted It's difficult to press the number keys (top row). Also when I carried the Uni in my pocket the screen was always well protected. I guess it takes some getting used to as well.
-Keyboard is ALMOST as good as the Uni's
Johny58 said:
Here's another post from a Universal fanboy
I've been using the Universal exclusively for almost 4 years now. Except for a big mistake I made when I ordered a Glofiish M800 and used that for a couple of days, got rid of that one real quick, and since I exchanged it for a Qtek 9000 I made that wrong right again. So I now own an MDA Pro a Qtek 9000 and... since 2 days, a Touch Pro 2.
I have to start out with saying that I personally always carried the Universal with me in my pocket. I Never had an issue with it's size. And as for the real reason I got a new device? Well you know, I want to see myself as a sort-of early adapter and since that Universal was way ahead of it's time, and I pre-orderd that device in spring 2005, I just wanted something new to play with. Why it took so long for anyone to release a device that even came close to the Universal is beyond me.
Personally I never really used a lot of local applications on the Uni. Except for the phone, sms and calender functions and navigation software the thing I used the most by far was remote desktop. The size of the screen, the resolution the AWESOME keyboard and the UMTS and Wifi connections really let me use my workstation and server to their full potential, ANYWHERE in the world.
While I did flash the device with new versions of Windows Mobile that I found on this forum I never really owned a device with TouchFlo on it. Obviously I did play around with TouchFlo on devices that friends and colleagues owned.
After having used the device for about a day these are the things I noticed when I compare it to our beloved Uni's:
TP2 Pro's:
-Size: Like I said, the size never bothered me, but as I was used to the Universal the Touch Pro2 is TINY
-Resolution: 800x480 beats 640x480, especially when using Remote Desktop.
-HSDPA
-Internal GPS
-Conference call option in TouchFlo (which someone on this forum has probably hacked into the Uni already as well)
-Just having something new already
-Audio call quality is higher
-Keyboard is almost as good as the Uni's
TP2 Cons:
-While I never used it, I just don't get why there's no mini-jack connection
-No flash: While I used the flash on the Universal as a flash light most of the time and not as a flash for the camera I just don't get why they couldn't at least put a LED light on the device.
-No TAB-key on the keyboard. I really miss this when filling in forms online.
-The slide-and-tilt formfactor is ok, but not as good as what the Uni does. When the screen on the TP2 is fully tilted It's difficult to press the number keys (top row). Also when I carried the Uni in my pocket the screen was always well protected. I guess it takes some getting used to as well.
-Keyboard is ALMOST as good as the Uni's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great comparative with pics that give an idea of sizes comparison!
Thanks a lot for this!
Every new year comes I think if HTC would do again something on the form factor of Universal: A micro lap top with phone functions!! but nothing...
I cannot for the life of me decide which HTC phone to buy, previously I've had the following:
O2 XDA - Decent at the time
Blackjack II (Samsung) - decent phone
HTC TyTN II - Awesome business platform but too bulky
Nokia E71 - Best of the lot but hated Symbian OS (missed Win Mobile)
I want to buy one of the new HTC phones but I cannot for the life of me decide which one, it needs to last me a good 18 months and something I'll settle with and enjoy everyday I use it, stuff I'll be doing with it:
1. Emails - Googlemail, Microsoft Exchange, Hotmail
2. SMS - Will really need an unlimited SMS contract
3. MMS
4. Decent Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn integration
5. Opera browser
6. Windows Mobile 6.5 (looks great)
7. Live messenger
8. Movies
9. MP3/Music
10. PDF's/Docs/Powerpoint (view only, not much editing)
11. Remote Desktop/Putty in worst case scenario
12. Shared internet
Ok what do you guys think?
Stunno I know you asked in another thread about the TP2, what do you think about it honestly now the novelty has worn off (if it has!)?
I cant imagine the Diamond 2 being up to the task of loads of typing, but I really like the look of it, but the more I look at what I need the TP2 ticks every single one of those boxes.
At the same time I'm loving the look of the HTC Hero (android) and would wait for that if it could also tick the above!
Damn this is hard to choose.
Also what the best place to get this phone in the UK? I was thinking MPD, is it worth phoning Vodafone after I have bought one to try to improve the contract? (I think some of you guys have done it)
But ultimately which damn phone should I buy! lol cheers
Gonna get one ordered tonight hopefully if I can decide.
Doubt you'll get any bad feedback in here about the Rhodium.
As far as I can tell everyone is extremely happy with theirs so far (par the odd faulty unit owners )
By far the best HTC Device I've ever owned (Par my Uni but it's a very close call)
Read through Shingers thread (if you haven't allready), it really is a stunningly impressive work of art, the hardware and OS integration is a first for HTC, the stock Rom is amazing, the screen is bright, vibrant and crystal clear, the keyboard has nicely spaced well sized keys (although not as good as Unis) and the tilt function feels much more solid than the Kaiser.
Forget the Topaz, the Rhodium blows it away
Cheers,
Beasty
I cannot make your decisions for you but my thoughts so far are:
Looking back over my Winmo phones, the one that I remember most fondly is the Wizard (Tmobile Vario). I loved that phone! Don't know why, it was big heavy and slow, but it didn't seem to matter at the time (I was gutted when I dropped it on a concrete floor and shattered the screen)
The TP2 is better in every way than the Wizard, and is the best Winmo phone that I have used, although it isn't perfect yet. I have a Vodafone branded phone and have had a few niggles due to the branding, or rather due to the removal of the branding. Oh and I have other niggle, my email always shows a new email even when there isn't one!
My only criticism would be that it is BIG! Which may be just because I have upgraded from a Diamond, which was tiny. If they could get the screen, keyboard and battery life in the Diamond's form factor I would sell one of my kids for it! (Actually I wouldn't. It would take two of them to get the phone )
I have only tried a few of the applications/uses that you have listed
1. Email, Exchange, Gmail work perfectly
8. Divx TV episodes work fine with Coreplayer
9. Only used the TF3D player and have had no problems at all (I don't mind the stock headphones, I must have funny shaped ears)
I've had a play on the G1 and am not a fan of the OS, yet, it seems thrown together somehow. But then again I'm not a great fan of Linux either for similar reasons
I think my Voda contract worked out cheaper than MPD (although I have the dreaded branding)
My advice?
Go to a Vodafone shop and try one! If you can live with the size then this seems to be the best phone out there at the moment
Really interesting question....
I would add, if you are LUCKY enough to find a shop that has a TP2. I went looking today, and
a) VF Business Centre: No demos, only to order.
b)Orange: No Stock yet although not discrimination tween business and personal customer.
c) T-Mobile - Nothing yet; End of July.
I am also looking for a professional device with very similar reqs to yours. I was looking at the Tytyn11, but took too long over it and so the TP2 seems a logical choice. However it is VERY NEW and it still has s/w compatibility issues like LogMeIn support etc. I have heard some of the issues are related to the high res screen. However, having talked to a number of people the TP2 does seem to be a de facto business device so I am thinking that if I am going to commit to a 24 month contract then I am better off doing it with something like the TP2 which I can grow into as the problems get solved rather than get something that will be obsolete asap.
I have also looked at MPD and fine and dandy if you want a unbranded phone, but the deal is not as good as VF's IMO especially when quidco included. Also I question whether I would get a replacement mobile as quickly from HTC as VF. Perhaps I would ......
And finally the keyboard.... If you need this then that rules out a lot of options. I do.
Just thoughts, and best of luck matey...
Back to my glass of wine in the courtyard enjoying the warm sun go down !!!
Sam
Thanks all
Stunno, appreciate you replying to my questions.
I'm still undecided, I would love to buy the TP2 and get it tomorrow but I'm still not sure, the keyboard is a big deal - I think I'd definately use it heavily, I did with my old TyTN 2.
Yesterday I went to two different Voda shops (business) and none had it in stock, one girl didnt even know what it was (lol).
Right now I'm down to these:
1. iPhone 3GS - bit of a gimmick though and too expensive, but I got to try it and although the functionality looks quite thin (I had an Ipod Touch so the interface novelty wore off) its a nice phone, dont think it will suit my needs.
2. HTC Hero - I like android and what its trying to achieve, I also love Linux (my job) but I do NOT like the way the device is shaped - nightmare in the pocket.
3. HTC Diamond 2 - The more I look at the reviews the more this phone is top of my list, BUT the only issue is the touch keypad, I just think it wont be good enough, I dont know.
4. Samsung Omnia HD - Amazing phone, but not a big fan of Symbian, was almost tempted to buy this until I read about the codec issues with the sound recording and Samsung stance on fixing it.
5. Samsung Omnia Pro - ????
Decisions decisions, so many damn phones!
Final question, did anybody here order from MPD on a Friday (contract) and get the phone saturday???
SuperAdvan said:
Thanks all
Stunno, appreciate you replying to my questions.
I'm still undecided, I would love to buy the TP2 and get it tomorrow but I'm still not sure, the keyboard is a big deal - I think I'd definately use it heavily, I did with my old TyTN 2.
Yesterday I went to two different Voda shops (business) and none had it in stock, one girl didnt even know what it was (lol).
Right now I'm down to these:
1. iPhone 3GS - bit of a gimmick though and too expensive, but I got to try it and although the functionality looks quite thin (I had an Ipod Touch so the interface novelty wore off) its a nice phone, dont think it will suit my needs.
2. HTC Hero - I like android and what its trying to achieve, I also love Linux (my job) but I do NOT like the way the device is shaped - nightmare in the pocket.
3. HTC Diamond 2 - The more I look at the reviews the more this phone is top of my list, BUT the only issue is the touch keypad, I just think it wont be good enough, I dont know.
4. Samsung Omnia HD - Amazing phone, but not a big fan of Symbian, was almost tempted to buy this until I read about the codec issues with the sound recording and Samsung stance on fixing it.
5. Samsung Omnia Pro - ????
Decisions decisions, so many damn phones!
Final question, did anybody here order from MPD on a Friday (contract) and get the phone saturday???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add to the mix - Omnia 2 has started to get some coverage...
Yeah I noticed that too mate, the Omnia Pro?
Coming July, but still, there are many many bugs with the HD version (it maybe Symbian based but...) which puts me off.
I think I am going for the TP2, though my brain is telling me to wait a month or two.
without being device specific what I see is the need for you to do a lot of typing so i would recommend something with a great keyboard. Rhodium certainly has that
SamJolly said:
a) VF Business Centre: No demos, only to order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To order, yes, but if you call up their upgrade line and be doubtful at them, they'll tell you that if you're not happy with it you can send it back within 7 days with no quibbles... That might only be relevant to current customers mind, and distance selling regs don't apply if you go to a store. I called them up just over a week ago since I was out of contract and had one delivered the next day. A friend got the HTC Magic on the same deal the same day, and another friend has an iPhone so we were able to compare the three phones over a number of days of real use. I kept the TP2... It works well enough, there are a couple of very minor niggles, but most of those are to do with Windows Mobile (and being new to it so expecting things to work in a slightly different way) rather than the phone itself.
Steve.
SuperAdvan said:
Thanks all
Stunno, appreciate you replying to my questions.
I'm still undecided, I would love to buy the TP2 and get it tomorrow but I'm still not sure, the keyboard is a big deal - I think I'd definately use it heavily, I did with my old TyTN 2.
Yesterday I went to two different Voda shops (business) and none had it in stock, one girl didnt even know what it was (lol).
Right now I'm down to these:
1. iPhone 3GS - bit of a gimmick though and too expensive, but I got to try it and although the functionality looks quite thin (I had an Ipod Touch so the interface novelty wore off) its a nice phone, dont think it will suit my needs.
2. HTC Hero - I like android and what its trying to achieve, I also love Linux (my job) but I do NOT like the way the device is shaped - nightmare in the pocket.
3. HTC Diamond 2 - The more I look at the reviews the more this phone is top of my list, BUT the only issue is the touch keypad, I just think it wont be good enough, I dont know.
4. Samsung Omnia HD - Amazing phone, but not a big fan of Symbian, was almost tempted to buy this until I read about the codec issues with the sound recording and Samsung stance on fixing it.
5. Samsung Omnia Pro - ????
Decisions decisions, so many damn phones!
Final question, did anybody here order from MPD on a Friday (contract) and get the phone saturday???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't mention the N97 for some reason. When I was deciding on my upgrade I ended up with a straight choice between the TP2 and the N97 as I had decided that a keyboard was a must.
The TP2 won out because of several points WM being the most obvious (I've had loads of WM phones and am used to it) and Tomtom being the clincher ( I have a shockingly bad sense of direction which, incidentally, has been made much worse by Tomtom but at least I don't get lost now)
If it is down to TP2 v TD2 then it is simply a choice between keyboard v size
There are loads of shops with the TD2 in stock. Give it a go
EDIT: Vodafone gave me 7 days to return the phone if I didn't like it. IIRC Order by 2pm for delivery next day
I just received my TP2 yesterday. I brought it from MPD on payg voda which was £453 - it comes unlocked and unbranded so I chucked my o2 sim right in.
I as well as many others had a tough choise to make - I research everything to death before I buy them, and I have to say on most occasions when I do commit and buy, its a disappointment.
However now using the TP2 it has exceeded all my expectations from all reviews I read and video's I watched (probably 100+).
The stock rom is fantastic, very fluid, very productive and hides nearly all the standard windows mobile interface (only having to see it when using explorer).
I don't expect I can change your mind by this post, but what I will say is that once you actually have it in your hand you will understand why everyone here rants on about it. I compared it to my friends HD last night and the rom beats the HD rom in terms of speed and features, and the quality of the product itself is astounding.
Couple this with the future release of WM6.5, flash 10 for WM in Oct (beta), and HTC Sense release - you have a phone that should last you 18 months - after all, I don't think we will see WM7 on phones till the end of next year, so then is when you can upgrade again.
I haven't tried the TD2 or Samsung HD i900 (or whatever they called it now), but picking between this and the TD2 comes down whether you need a keyboard, or if you like things as small and compact as possible.
Let us know how you get on - keep trying to find a place to try it out
Sounds good - I am very tempted to just pay out for the SIM free as you did since most of the contracts on there incurr extra charge for daily surfing, my existing T-Mobile contract is up for renewal and does NOT incurr extra surfing charges, its also only £22!
I am tempted to renew it and see if I can get a better deal on unlimited texts and buy the phone SIM free from MPD or Expansys.
Definately the Rhodium... or wait for the Omnia Pro
SuperAdvan said:
Sounds good - I am very tempted to just pay out for the SIM free as you did since most of the contracts on there incurr extra charge for daily surfing, my existing T-Mobile contract is up for renewal and does NOT incurr extra surfing charges, its also only £22!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
£450 or so for an unlocked handset equates to a lot of surfing!
My phone was free on 30/month (ex VAT), including 500Mb data which should be enough for my needs
Only downside is a 24 month contract
Steve.
i think htc hd is the best choice for know it has thin body 3.5 mm audio jack good battery bigger screen than all
Hi folks,
Noob here - I'm currently running a Tilt2 with an Energy rom, and am pretty happy with the interface... just not the size of the display. (gettin' old & cranky).
I use the FM radio (on external speaker) while I'm working, so that's a must. I also have a GPS program that works well with the Tilt2 (NoniGPS). I find that the audio (speaker) from the Tilt2 is really pretty good (in my old-ears opinion).
I'm thinking that I may miss the keyboard tho, as I've got big fingers and find that most of the on-screen keyboards are too small.
I've looked at many of the comments here - some are lamenting the lack of apps... can you run the 'older' 6.x version apps on this platform?
I played with one at the ATT store the other day, and couldn't figure out how to get to all of the tools settings like the Tilt2... maybe AT&T turned it off so folks couldn't mess with their demos.
I'll continue looking and reviewing, just figured I'd ask a few questions.
Thanks!!
Tim
The FM radio only works on headphones, unless the phone is unlocked (which we haven't done yet). GPS will come with the Lumia (Nokia Drive).
The keyboard is one of the best I've seen in a phone, very accurate and responsive.
And no, you can't run the WM 6.x apps in WP7.
tim051 said:
Hi folks,
Noob here - I'm currently running a Tilt2 with an Energy rom, and am pretty happy with the interface... just not the size of the display. (gettin' old & cranky).
I use the FM radio (on external speaker) while I'm working, so that's a must. I also have a GPS program that works well with the Tilt2 (NoniGPS). I find that the audio (speaker) from the Tilt2 is really pretty good (in my old-ears opinion).
I'm thinking that I may miss the keyboard tho, as I've got big fingers and find that most of the on-screen keyboards are too small.
I've looked at many of the comments here - some are lamenting the lack of apps... can you run the 'older' 6.x version apps on this platform?
I played with one at the ATT store the other day, and couldn't figure out how to get to all of the tools settings like the Tilt2... maybe AT&T turned it off so folks couldn't mess with their demos.
I'll continue looking and reviewing, just figured I'd ask a few questions.
Thanks!!
Tim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be unhappy with the lack of customizability.
You will be happy with the reliability.
FYI, former Tilt, Tilt2, Fuze owner here.
Former Tilt2 owner (last one was sold on eBay this past week). Most of the apps that are missing from WM6.5 are utilities that you don't need/cant use on WP. Like Total Commander for example.
WP is very short on customization, so you won't find tools and menus. Ultimately, the choose is yours, so take this for what it's worth. I was so convinced that WP would be too immature an OS for me in 2010, I bought two backup Tilt2s to compliment the one I already had. Figured it might take a year or two to mature. Spent an hour with the HTC Surround on launch day, and knew I had to have it. Yes, I miss a little from WM, but there is so much more. And WP is so buttery smooth. The L900 is the best phone I have ever owned.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro
Hi guys,
Thanks for the inputs. Wow, 6.x apps won't run on 7. Guess I'll have to see if there are 7 versions for the stuff I use. I figured all the 6.x would do ok... figured that's a big marketing thing that Msoft wouldn't let go.
Can it sync with outlook? (I don't use it for e-mail, although it's where my contacts are.
I don't really have any issues with the current Energy ROM & tilt2, it's <pretty> stable... haven't had to do a hard reset yet. Just looking for a larger display.
Guess I could keep the Tilt2 & use it every now and then!
Oh, I read in one of the on-line reviews that the FM radio can play through the speakers.. if not, guess I can wait till the unlock comes around... I didn't have that capability until I upgraded to the Energy ROM
But hey, Amazon has them for $20, so I guess I can't complain. Just have to re-up for another couple of years contract. Shouldn't be any more $, as I already have unlimited text/data plan, etc.
Again,
Thanks!
Tim
tim051 said:
Hi guys,
Thanks for the inputs. Wow, 6.x apps won't run on 7. Guess I'll have to see if there are 7 versions for the stuff I use. I figured all the 6.x would do ok... figured that's a big marketing thing that Msoft wouldn't let go.
Can it sync with outlook? (I don't use it for e-mail, although it's where my contacts are.
I don't really have any issues with the current Energy ROM & tilt2, it's <pretty> stable... haven't had to do a hard reset yet. Just looking for a larger display.
Guess I could keep the Tilt2 & use it every now and then!
Oh, I read in one of the on-line reviews that the FM radio can play through the speakers.. if not, guess I can wait till the unlock comes around... I didn't have that capability until I upgraded to the Energy ROM
But hey, Amazon has them for $20, so I guess I can't complain. Just have to re-up for another couple of years contract. Shouldn't be any more $, as I already have unlimited text/data plan, etc.
Again,
Thanks!
Tim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant use the WM6.5 appa as this is a new OS..
cant sync outlook but you can load outlook connector on your outlook and move your contacts and calande to your windows LIVE account, whic will sync with your WP7 (lumia 900). i was worried about this as well but now tis the best thing. i changed from HD7 to Lumia 900 and all i had to do was log in to my windows live ID and and all my contacts and calander items were in my phone at the telco counter...
but if you are happy wit tilt 2 then you shoud not change it...
So as a fellow Tilt2 user. How often do you need to soft reset? On my L900, I never need to. But I might every few weeks, just for the heck of it.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro
I knew it was a new OS, but figured they would keep some kind of compatibility like 95 - 98 - XP. Guess it's too major of a change.
On the soft resets... with the original rom (the newest 'official' one), it seemed that I needed to do it pretty often for major lockups.
With the new Energy ROM, it seems about once a week I need to for minor issues.
However, I'm really happy with most features of the new rom - on the original one, internet (even over wifi) was poor at best. The new energy rom really makes it work better. Can't seem to run netflix with it tho (on wifi). It comes back and gives me an error saying it can't run with the browser. Maybe there's something that needs to be changed. (maybe the OS)?
But, there's still the display size issue.
Tim
The onscreen keyboard on either the Lumia 900 (4.3") or HTC Titan (4.7") are plenty big enough for my clumsy mitts, I use both phones and apart from the odd typo never seems to create a problem, Bear in mind you can type in landscape mode giving you a bit more keyboard to play with ;-)
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the info.
Since you have both phones, what differences do you see between the 900 & Titan? (other than the larger screen) Build quality, durability, speed, etc.
I figure they are pretty close, perhaps some of the software bundled with the Nokia may be different than that of the HTC.
Thanks,
Tim
Yes the software bundle with the Nokias is very good, Nokia Drive being the most prominent and Free compared to HTCs Locations which you have to pay for As for build quality well the Titan is a sturdy and quite slim build but the fact it comprises of two parts ie: Screen & Rear housing & then you have gold contacts to worry about for antenna & wi-fi etc, These need to be checked once in a while or you can experience connection issues, Funnily enough it doesn't feel too big and is similar in overall size to the Lumia 900.
The Nokia Lumia 900 is a solid single piece of Polycarbonate which is as tough as nails and although the screen is slightly smaller than the Titan the amoled screen reallly does make up for that difference & it is made from Corning Gorilla Glass, The Titans slcd screen really appears somewhat washed out in comparison, Not a problem as it still displays nicely and if I hadn't experienced the Lumia then I would be more than happy, One advantage of the Titan is you can remove the battery and swap it for a higher capacity one although I do get very good battery life from both handsets under moderate usage,
Performance wise there really is not much in it and to be honest, Both are super esponsive which is partly down to the OS to some degree, The Titan can be a smoother experience as I have encountered very slight lag when scrolling on the Lumia on occasion, Nothing drastic though.
Pros and cons for both depending how you look at it.
If I had to choose one it would be the Nokia for the simple reason it is more durable with a nicer display and great bundled software, There is nothing I dislike about it, It also stands out clearly away from the mundane looking HTC and is in a different class where looks are concerned.
I have to agree on displays. I had a samsung super amoled and when the upgrade came up my choices for HTC didnt hold a candle when I put the samsung next to it. Oddly enough I prefered HTC for almost 5 years prior and until I actually did the side by side I thought the HTC was great. Little did I know. I suggest an in-store side by side before deciding. And I mean literally side by side. The fact that amoled can be seen in sunlight outside was enough for me. The color richness and the fact that it doesnt look washed out completed the sale.
Thanks Andy,
Nice comparison!
Tim
tim051 said:
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the info.
Since you have both phones, what differences do you see between the 900 & Titan? (other than the larger screen) Build quality, durability, speed, etc.
I figure they are pretty close, perhaps some of the software bundled with the Nokia may be different than that of the HTC.
Thanks,
Tim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will help answer your question too: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_900_vs_htc_titan_2-review-755.php