I know that there is a thread concerning this subject, however, I am concerned that anyone has read my reply on this subject, as the last post before mine was Aug. 2007... I needed the seniors to read, any help[ will be much appreciated.....
Here is what I posted:
Bluetooth reception...........
Has anyone got an update on this subject since Aug 07?
I have the SX-66 version (Cingular/AT&T)
I have had this phone Since the middle of 2006.
I have upgraded to what I believe is the most up to date programming mods that are available: (other than WM5/6, of which I have planned to do in the near future, I have tons of software and utilities that only run in 2003 edition and I would have to reacquire.)
BA---PH20B1
WM2003 2nd edition
Ver. 1.42.00 WWE
Build date: 09/05/05
Radio Ver.: 1.15.00
Protocol: 1337.45
ExtROM: 1.40.125 WWE
BT- PPC/PE Ver.: 1.0.0.3900
The thing about Modding the chip or placing an antennae jack IS that, all of which that is exposed, in the naked pics of the Blue Angel, are all in fact, canned and can be difficult to expose, to do any modding, without micro precision equipment and a steady hand. I have accomplished modding regular cell phones this way, however, this device is a bit more at risk and can get expensive and messy. I have a few boards, I have acquired through buying spare parts for mine in the case of accidents, of which I have performed with ALL the help of these forums. I will work on this, at this point IF you folks do not have any other alternatives, outside hanging pointless wires hanging around (me thinks that is WHY the bluetooth and wireless technologies were implemented?) With any success, I will report, outside failure, with some sort of procedure and details, that maybe someone with a bit more knowledge and expertise can modify to a possible easier closure on this REAL problem. Sure there are maybe better devices that can, maybe measure up to this Blue Angel, but I love my Angel, even with the flaws!
It has been a great challenge and all of the possibilities that XDA development has brought to the table.
In the last 2 years I have had this phone this is my FIRST posting.
The Bluetooth has been my ONLY real problem. I have to carry it in my shirt pocket using a BT headset and it is still really bad at that. I have used some of the best headsets and gone to great expense, to try and alleviate what I thought, by chance, that I could have finally found one that would supercede
the problem, however, to no avail, I still have the same problem.
If by chance that I could actually find a bigger chip, I think I would have to have the right drivers for it and will have to lead a command string, I am guessing through going to the kitchen and cooking up some ExtROM for the 'moddapplication'?
Blackberry has, I think, one of the strongest chips available. I have a 7100t that i could answer from 300 ft of a house with walls. My 650 isn't that good.
I apologize for being long winded, I suppose I am catching up from not communicating in the past, but I followed the rules of this site, and I haven't needed to ask a question and not needed to help someone else, because you guys have had the answers in these forums. Without further a'due........
Finally, if you have any FRESH ideas or direction on this bluetooth delima, outside using a can opener, .........***please***, let me know............
Best regards,
gcopher
http://www.michellebrown-and-mmd.com
Edit/Delete Message
Same problems
I have the same problems with my bluetooth, It does however work better with WM6. I, like you also have a lot of programs that only work with WM2003. I use a bluetooth GPS receiver with this and it seems to work fine at a longer distance. Don't know why it's so bad with headphones, I use my motorola Razr (V3xx) for MP3's and stereo bluetooth.
Honestly, I've not seen anything that really states if the BT problems the angel has are due to a crappy BT chip or a crappy antenna design.
I could have sworn the BT (and wifi) antenna were outside of the RF shields on the angel's mainboard. Those are the bits I was thinking could be replaced with something better, but if the antennas are under the shields, then I would say we are bollocked.
Related
Can anyone shed any light on rumours that I have heard concerning a priocessor speed and camera upgrade to the XDAIIs in Q1 next year.
I read somewhere there would be a 500MHz CPU and a 1.3MPixel camera released mid January?
R
perhaps, it's called XDA IIi ------->HTC Alpine
Is it really true that O2 gonna come out with the XDAIIi? Is there any facts to justify this? If it is true, I guess it will be the best ultimate machine ever produce from O2 with all those awesome specs.
Its true... it looks like an XDA II, has 1.3Mpix camera, 500MHz proc, but no keyboard. Wifi is still present. Cant remember where I read this now, but it was in several locations.
Nigel
xda iis better specs?
I was going to get an xda iis early next year, because I really like the looks, love the keyboard, and like the better specs than the original (forgot what processor speed is), but you say there is a better one? I've also heard there were a few problems with the xda iis, but don't know specifics. Question is...does anyone know what bennefit I would have to waiting for the new one mentioned here with even better specs than the blue angel? I will just say that I must have a built in keyboard (don't like stylis's) and I like the way the thumboard is and the way the blue angel is built in general...any suggestions or ideas is appreciated
blue angel better specs?
does anyone know where I can find info on the newest one mentioned here? who has the blue angel and what do you think?... would you upgrade to the newest one or stick with the blue angel? thanks
Hi
Blue angel is a nice device (mine is the XDA IIs variant), but like you say, it does have some problems. For the post part these can be cured by firmware updates. It is likely that the Magician (o2 XDA Mini), and the future O2 XDAIIi will also have firmware issues. Search these forums for 'veletron' for my rants about the issues that I have found). Should point out that the Magician has no wifi and is unlikely to prove a suitable device for someone otherwise considering an blue angel.
My advice would be to avoid O2 and the other telcoms companies and maybe go for a IMate PDA2K. Reason for saying this is that IMate is the *only* reseller of the blue angel that appears to have done anything about the extensive bluetooth problems that the device suffers from. I suspect the fix comes from HTC, but IMATE are the only lot that have packaged this fix as an update for its users.
O2 are notoriously bad for issuing updates, preferring to do a new firmware release that contains a load of fixes in one. IMHO, the bluetooth issues warrent a prompt patch from each of the blue angel resellers.
I dont think that the O2 XDA IIi has a keyboard, it looks just like the O2 XDA II. I would not sacrifice the O2 XDA IIs' keyboard for the faster proc & better camera myself.
Hardware wise, the main issue with XDA IIs devices has been yellow screens (though mine is fine <-- looks yellow when viewed off angle), and the loose keypad - starts off tight but the slider mechanism gets slack. Some kind of a slider lock would have been nice here. Battery life is par for a device of this kind. Wifi reception is bad (but sufficient).
There are also worries over call quality using the internal microphone (no one can hear you). I think that a firmware upgrade will fix this though.
I have found around 50 software issues (some serious) but I will stick with mine since:
1) when it works, it works well
2) 95% of these problems are softare and can be fixed with an upgrade
3) There is nothing else like it on the market
Regards
Nigel
There are people on howard forums who have done reviews of the Blue Angel, Magician, etc, and they have briefly discussed the upcoming Alpine (XDA IIi):
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=519561
It seems that we are not the only ones who are unhappy with the quality issues surrounding the Blue Angel. According to the review, the Alpine will be based on the previous Himalaya design, NOT the Blue Angel.
blue angle vs xda iii
thanks for the link...certainly great information. I will have to say I'm still partial to the blue angel because I like keys and easy, conveniant user options. The xda mini is impressive as well, but I didn't see anything about keys or built in keys in the xda mini. think I will wait for a couple of months and see what comes up. I am one who likes heavy duty material and durability, but willing to sacrifice this and get a case if the other features are more benneficial. comments? (can you get the xda iis in the us as of yet?)
Will i-mate carry a variant of the XDAIIi? If so when and what will it be called? Can't find it on the i-mate website yet.
My main issue is that the upcoming Alpine will be designed to support and probably ship with PPC'005 and that is something worth considering when stacking it up against the BlueAngle.
If PPC005 will be available as an upgrade on the Blue Angle and it runs just as well as on the Alpine -- then I like the keyboard and layout on the Angle. But what if 2005 borrows from the Wintel playbook of old and requires more Mzh or Ram or other hardware novelty that is the real reason for HCT releasing the Alpine so hot on the heels of what is otherwise a successful product just now maturing to the point where most of the bugs are fixed.
I had one of the first phones these guys made and remember what a joke the MS PPC was -- not even supporting SMS sender recognition etc .. and how long it took to get 2003 working and the associated hardship involved. As a result of that I have complete and utter faith that the master cooks in this forum like Lump will come up with a fix to get '005 on the Angle -- but if it is a big problem, then perhaps I should just make the best out of having a circa 1999 spec MegaPixel camera in my pocket all the time.
Anyone have any ideas about PPC'005 compatibility with the Blue Angle ??
-d
The thing that'll see me shelling out for a new phone to replace my XDA 2s will be a 640x480 screen resolution device at a decent price.
The XDA 2s does appear a little buggy in places, but on the other hand I am pretty much converted to the idea of a phone integrated with a PocketPC, and this form factor (particularly the keyboard) is what really floats my boat.
It would be a great shame (but bloody typical) if I've just bought something that is at the end of its evolutionary branch!
There's been rumours and even photos of the MDA4 with VGA resolution, faster processor and 3G radio (with keyboard).
I'll buy that!
yes the rumors are in fact called the xda 3, this model is due middle to late 2005 with 3G radio CF & SD and running the PXA 272 500Mhz processor with Windows Mobile 2005. But dont get your hopes up yet, there have been problems with MS supporting the 3G radio and software, because they do not have plans for 3G support on Windows Mobile, they are talking about CE.NET 5 to support 3G
But where is the "real" news here? It's not really surprising that - how ever it is named - a "UMTS Xda" will have VGA display (because mid next year VGA will be standard for Pocket PCs), using a Bulverde CPU above 400 MHz (even today's high-end devices have this), and will have CDMA (otherwise it wouldn't be a UMTS/§G device).
The information at msmobiles isn't everything else than a rant (please notice msmobiles is reporting a "XScale" CPU).
So if we are ranting here I can add that a "UMTS Xda" will most likely have a mega pixel camera with flash, either a second camera for video telephony or a rotateable, and is supposed to use the "next generation" Pocket PC Phone Edition OS. Release date is anytime between January 05 and December 05. A first view will either be provided in Cannes at the 3GSM congress (which I will attend for sure - as every year) or in Hannover at the CeBIT (which I will attend as well).
So you see, all it takes is to use the excising information, merging it and you have a "3G Xda".
But does we know more now? Comes time comes Xda XYZ.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot stop my self for writing this...
I 'm the happy owner of a BA (XDA IIs) after:
smashing 2 IPAQs 2210 in less than a month
losing my Lumix FX7 digital camera (same month)
and go swiming with my cell phone on me...
I'm a heavy user of GPS while biking so you can guess the heavy duty and stress i put in my electronics... (150kms/h on a handle bar mount for example)
Looking for trips and stuff to get more form my BA I have been able to compile a series of apparent failures or deficiencys and I looked like a great idea to post them here in a list form...
so the list starts...
The weakness
*Some users report that the screen starts whistling after 1 month or so of use
*Bluethoot under performing (actually I never been able to use the headset)
*Wifi Under powered (some blame the antenna location for both BT and WIFI)
*When on the bike craddle camera and record buttons constantly pressed by craddle grip (creating eternal lag)
*Power button apparently dies easily
*No data extension, so no possibility to use CF backpack
*Aparently unstable device in overall (some users report daily resets)
*Over billing of GPRS due to crappy implementation
*Stylus fall off the handheld (already lost 1 and dropped the 2nd several times)
*lack of support from the manufacturer (almost al updates are cooked ROMS (kiss the cook))
*Lack of accesories
*hard to find accesories due to the millions of names under the same machine is commercialized
*2.5 mm headphone jack
*sub performant IR port (also on the side not in front)
*Short Battery life
But you're still a happy owner?
I like my device overall.
The high-pitched sound eminating from my screen is annoying me, though.
However, in my mind, I truly do consider this device a beta device.
It's just not "tight" and "solid".
I am referring to the antenna. The loose stylus. The daily resets. The lack of support. The bluetooth problems everyone complains about.
To me, it sounds like this device is a work in progress.
Whistling screen aside, though, I do still like it more than other PPCs I've owned.
They are almost ALL beta devices!
Beta devices ???
Well I must agree with Mike about the Beta thing...
I am actually regretting having bought that µGPS from Holux a year ago... It is when all started for me lol
Anyway never paid 800 euros to be a beta tester before... :roll:
And yes I am happy with my BA
The only issue I've suffered from is teh sporatic "No Sound" issue when i make a call or receive one. Guess I've been lucky.
Before upgrading to rom 1.4 i pretty much had to hard reset daily, since upgrade (1 week ago) have only hard reset once, and only then as I was required to after installing a program!
The only issue I've suffered from is teh sporatic "No Sound" issue when i make a call or receive one. Guess I've been lucky.
Before upgrading to rom 1.4 i pretty much had to hard reset daily, since upgrade (1 week ago) have only hard reset once, and only then as I was required to after installing a program!
Pretty unhappy with my device also
Here is my review after 6+ months. No problems on the build quality, mostly stability/software issues. This device is soooo beta....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=23880&highlight=
I original bought the BA as a cheap way to get gps.
I rarely use it for gps but couldn’t live with out it during day today use.
However im very unhappy with the build quality within a couple of days the casing started to get scratched. It feels really cheap and im hating the ugly nav button. The idea of selling it in a years time will be a no go as by then it will be beaten up.
I haven’t taken it back to o2 as im sure they will say its normal wear and tear and not due to shoddy hardware.
I might loose the item soon :wink: and hopefully the nice insurance peeps will replace it with a 2i
Guys!!!
Looks like O2 has made differrent hardware alongwith the Asia ROM.I too use it on bike heavily....may not be at the speeds as mentioned above ,but 100 kms a day...about 1-2 hrs of GPRS, NO GPS, 3 Hrs of talk tme...with environmental condtions, most of them dusty, varying temperatures and other harsh conditions.But...here XDA 2s working fine....no such above complaints..
I like Blue Angle and I must admit thatn the hardware is excellent and is more stable than all of the HTC devices so far... :lol:
Mine comes from asia originally....
I bought mine in Malaysia (extremelly expensive compared to what you find in Ebay this days)
I paid the equivalent to 850 euros for it !
only to discover that is the same device that goes 2nd hand in ebay for 300 !!!!! (The names thing !!!! ) how can you guess that a qteck 9090 is an XDA IIs, which also is a Blue Angel, which also is a PDA2K bla bla ....
Atop whistling screen, constant crashes, loose styolus and the no sound in call problem, my XDA2s has scratched the kyyboard through normal use. It must be too tight or something.
Definately a beta. I'm surprised this passed EC quality control.
Im from the Philippines and I got my IIs a few weeks ago, Im a N9210 user for 4 years and I was thinking of getting a 9500, but the deciding factor was the stylus which the 9500 lacks since I was looking for a wifi Phone and the stylus was important for my use. so I opted for a IIs. THe main problem with my IIs now is the stability, as what many complain about!!!! the "no sound" problem is a real pain, but I still have hope for the IIs thanks to this site!!!
BTW i still have the old ROM version, Im afraid of upgrading coz I might have more problems than benefits.
Upgrade upgrade
2 path...\
Most of the probs go away when u use the beast in corporate mode with latest rom upgrade....
Hello guys,
I have long heard of whistling screens but never really understood what its really about - until last night. I heard it! It is sooo damn annoying. If I send my BA to i-mate Dubai, do they replace it for free? What are the costs? Please, if anyone can answer ASAP because I have under 1 month of warranty.
Thanks a lot.
c'mon, boys, help this mate... :roll:
z_rudy said:
Hello guys,
I have long heard of whistling screens but never really understood what its really about - until last night. I heard it! It is sooo damn annoying. If I send my BA to i-mate Dubai, do they replace it for free? What are the costs? Please, if anyone can answer ASAP because I have under 1 month of warranty.
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never experience this "whistling sound" at all.. Im happy with my BA. 'no sound" problem? I just upgraded to the latest Radio and CE rom.. I tried also the WM 5.0, butI decided to go back to SE..
no probs at all
I have had my 2s for a whole year now. I have never really experienced any problems with it. (Except for the scratches and lost stylus pens though). I've yet to experience software problems and the so-called whistling screen. I, too, have tried upgrading to wm5 but I did not like the changes. I'm running on '03 SE with my own cooked extrom. :lol:
I like my 2s overall.
I think I'll live with it
Thanks anyway...
So if it's sooo bad what's good Pocket PC phone then, tell me, so I can decide...which to buy, I need a quad band, and one that is 100% perfect.
Hi all,
I've been going thro' the rigmarole of upgrading the Radio and the ROM. Tinkering with the device, making it a power users dream machine.
But, I tell you, my device sucks as a phone!
My friends are fed up of my calls breaking up while I talk to them. I thought it was my by bluetooth headset (a Jabra 250v) but even without it, while I hold my beloved brick against my head the calls keep breaking up! I thought this new imate ROM (dated 20 Feb 2006) was the answer to my prayers, but frankly I think the call quality has deteriorated.
Sure it's faster than before but I paid for a phone too, damn it! It's degrading into a sad joke. And I paid a handsome amount for a joke I don't find funny.
So tell me, am I alone or is anyone else suffering like me?
The ROM installs, and Extended_ROM customizations etc are all fun, but pointless if the phone doesn't work!
Yeah, I've had a pda and a phone for years. I thought this would be a truly convergence device. But I read on the forums of ppl (true Power users) carrying a 'real' phone and a universal. So did this $1000 investment fail?
I don't know, but I miss my Eten M500.
I am truly disillusioned. And yes I've upgraded to the new ROM version JASJAR_WWE_13076_164_10900_wwe_ship.
But it hasn't solved my Radio/ Bluetooth problems.
ok, rant over. I'm headed off to a bar for some drinks.
FWIW I live in Mumbai, India and use the Hutch network.
Fellow suffers pm me so I know it's not my device, since service out here is non existent and I'd just have to flog it on ebay. And it's a shame because I just love the screen.
peace
jafar
my969 said:
Hi all,
I've been going thro' the rigmarole of upgrading the Radio and the ROM. Tinkering with the device, making it a power users dream machine.
But, I tell you, my device sucks as a phone!
My friends are fed up of my calls breaking up while I talk to them. I thought it was my by bluetooth headset (a Jabra 250v) but even without it, while I hold my beloved brick against my head the calls keep breaking up! I thought this new imate ROM (dated 20 Feb 2006) was the answer to my prayers, but frankly I think the call quality has deteriorated.
Sure it's faster than before but I paid for a phone too, damn it! It's degrading into a sad joke. And I paid a handsome amount for a joke I don't find funny.
So tell me, am I alone or is anyone else suffering like me?
The ROM installs, and Extended_ROM customizations etc are all fun, but pointless if the phone doesn't work!
Yeah, I've had a pda and a phone for years. I thought this would be a truly convergence device. But I read on the forums of ppl (true Power users) carrying a 'real' phone and a universal. So did this $1000 investment fail?
I don't know, but I miss my Eten M500.
I am truly disillusioned. And yes I've upgraded to the new ROM version JASJAR_WWE_13076_164_10900_wwe_ship.
But it hasn't solved my Radio/ Bluetooth problems.
ok, rant over. I'm headed off to a bar for some drinks.
FWIW I live in Mumbai, India and use the Hutch network.
Fellow suffers pm me so I know it's not my device, since service out here is non existent and I'd just have to flog it on ebay. And it's a shame because I just love the screen.
peace
jafar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
It is Hutch network not the phone, all SP'S in india are getting choked due to the cheap tarrifs that they are rolling out.
The rom upgrade is nothing to do with voice breaking. Try 1.09.0 Radio upgrade it is awsome with out any issues.
Cheers, Taurus
Thanks for the reply but the upgraded ROM includes the 10900 Radio.
ie. JASJAR_WWE_13076_164_10900_wwe_ship
the hutch network sounds fine on my ol nokia 6600, no probs.
and the jabra 250v works flawlessly with it.
I could use it and my trusty ol palm pda. Keep the "brick" at home.
sheesh! I put down a $1000 to get the latest technology, and i'm considering my old nokia and palm, because I have it (wouldn't cost me anything) and I know it works!
I had the version 10800 Radio before this I feel it was better, but then it's just my subjective observation.
boy am I in a dark mood.
my969 said:
Thanks for the reply but the upgraded ROM includes the 10900 Radio.
ie. JASJAR_WWE_13076_164_10900_wwe_ship
the hutch network sounds fine on my ol nokia 6600, no probs.
and the jabra 250v works flawlessly with it.
I could use it and my trusty ol palm pda. Keep the "brick" at home.
sheesh! I put down a $1000 to get the latest technology, and i'm considering my old nokia and palm, because I have it (wouldn't cost me anything) and I know it works!
I had the version 10800 Radio before this I feel it was better, but then it's just my subjective observation.
boy am I in a dark mood.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same combination i mean Jabra 250V + Dopod 900. I am running with 1.13 Rom + 1.9.0 Radio Version. In singapore i do not have any Voice breaking problem it works flawlessly.
When i travelled to india with the same combination it was the worst. Especially with Airtel / Hutch.
Probably 6600 is a strong one & manages well for indian scenario.
I can confirm that mine works flawlessly as a phone in the UK with a motorola HS850 headset - maybe it is the Hutch network??
ive never had a call break in the middle ...my jasjar is working flawlessly (in asia)
Tauras - i was in Sing for this new year - the voice calls break in Sing. I had raoming - so I used both the netwrks (I forgot Sxx was giving me UMTS I think - it was worse than the other). When I was on ship - my siemens worked flawlessly but Imate was without netwrk. Same in Malaysia where Imate spent most of the time searching, my nokia and Siemens were dead on clinging to their netwrks.
In Delhi - I switch netwrks a lot - but on GSM - few call drops. I was given UMTS by ... Airtel? Call drops.
I think all this problem is UMTS radio not being stable. In GSM mode - this is at least as stable as other cheap chinese made phones. But cant touch the stability of calls of Siemens/Nokia/SE.
Yes - This phone is useless. Its more of a beta device - The BT device never works as designed. Looses netwrks more often that other phones. And the problem of BT having its own mind was never solved.
jasjar works fine with any bluetooth any radio version...even Exec...in India in Mumbai...in Pune...in Bangalore.....with any provider...also with BSNL :lol:
Just to confirm ...
Mine too is absolutely fine after the Radio upgrade
Although I admit I had some issues with the phone with all the previous Roms
hello
i can confirm that i am having no issues with the new imate rom on my exec.
all is working fine and good voice clarity on the hcb300 SonyErricson bluetooth hands free carkit, used yesterday for about an hour whilst driving home no issues at all except the usual signal loss on the hilly area of the M1 motorway!!
cheers
EDIT:Signal loss meaning phone reception and not bluetooth. Sorry for not being clear
hdubli said:
jasjar works fine with any bluetooth any radio version...even Exec...in India in Mumbai...in Pune...in Bangalore.....with any provider...also with BSNL :lol:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously are not aloof with the fact that Bluetooth switches itself off after some time.
And
Whats BT got to do with the network?
Think before you talk. We are discussing here the shortcomings and faults of the phone. I mentioned BT becasue it never wrks reliably. Exactly like the radio of Universal.
l6cum said:
hello
i can confirm that i am having no issues with the new imate rom on my exec.
all is working fine and good voice clarity on the hcb300 SonyErricson bluetooth hands free carkit, used yesterday for about an hour whilst driving home no issues at all except the usual signal loss on the hilly area of the M1 motorway!!
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you use handsfree profile or Headset? Headset profile never had any problem. Its the easiest profile to implement.
My bluetooth and phone functions work perfectly.
I've never had any problems with mine at all. Bluetooth mains connection for significant car journeys whilst connected to my gps car kit - phone has been very stable through all releases that i have tried.
Please don't be as quick to dismiss other people's experiences when you are trying to get your own across.
I have this problem: can't play streaming URL with WMP. When I try to lounch it via PIE or via WMP, appears this WMP message:
Cannot play any items in the playlist. For additional information,...
Did someone experience the same?
my969 said:
I had the version 10800 Radio before this I feel it was better, but then it's just my subjective observation.
boy am I in a dark mood.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must admit I think I've noticed this too. I don't have any call breaks, but the quality of the sound seems to have deteriorated somewhat - not to a large degree, but enough to be noticable.
I'll try to downgrade to 1.08 and will report the findings.
Sounds to me like you have an intermittent hardware fault with your phone that no amount of ROMming about will solve. Is this a feasible concideration?
Andy
I am a pedestrian, so usually I am a little closer to buildings than is optimal for most GPS receivers. I also have very different needs as a person who doesn't drive in terms of GPS software. Telling me to get on to C-470 for two miles, for example, isn't really very helpful at all.
However telling me what's within an eighth or a quarter mile of my current position would be extremely useful.
Given these somewhat unique conditions (an American without a car!? :shock, does anyone have a good recommendation? I'll be using this on my Wizard, but I'm posting in the more general accessories forum because I'm pretty sure nothing about what I am asking has much to do with my Wizard per se.
I wonder if I could do a little bit of tweaking to get a little serial Bluetooth thing working with my old Magellan SporTrak here. It's a bit bulky, but it tracks three sats inside my apartment, which is quite a feat. That's probably a project suited more for one of the xda-devs hard hat zones.
Thoughts on any of the above welcome! Can't say I've ever played with GPS on a PDA before. Just a bit using my Magellan as a standalone device.
Well, if you're going to be close to or inside buildings you'll want a solution based on the Sirf III chipset, as it has superior performance with weak signals. Sirf III units include the Globalsat BT-338 and the Holux GPSlim 236 -- they're basically identical, but the Globalsat has a larger battery so it'll last longer on a charge.
For software, I'd recommend Route 66 Navigate 7; it has the most recent maps and has a pedestrian mode. www.buygpsnow.com and www.semsons.com are probably the two best US outlets for buying these items -- they both offer bundles that can save you a few bucks.
Is Route66 really much better than eg TomTom? As I said, I have thus far only played with my Magellan. I used a free tool to load some map data on to it and have pretty much just used the device as-is so far. I guess TomTom just has better marketting with those ridiculous commercials, but I have no idea how the packages compare. The pedestrian mode is a big deal--I guess the other question yet to be answered is how nicely does it play with Mobile Speak Pocket, since I usually can't read most fonts on any device you'd be willing to hold up to your ear without it.
The reason I bought a Wizard is because, while it is reasonable to use as a PDA, it is not unreasonable to use also as a phone. Using it also as a GPS would be awesome (though I guess I won't be wardri--er, warwalking?--with it based on some of the comments I've read on WiFi bugs..)
TomTom can also do pedestrian routes.
The TomTom product is waaaay better than those ridiculous commercials would suggest.
Car
What is the best out there for someone who is just going to be in a car. I just got a mda and was looking at getting bluetooth gps. I was not quite sure which is the best around, I had looked at tomtom 5.
For drivers, TomTom and Route 66 both look very nice. Turns out though my best bet is probably Wayfinder, just in terms of likelyhood of getting something that I can use. I'm going to hold off on that purchase for awhile until I hear that it actually is working well for people with MSP.
I think I like Route 66 better if I could actually use it.
TomTom 6 is coming soon in October so you'll probably want to hold off if you are considering TomTom.
I personally use and like iGuidance V3 a lot ~
GPS receiver wise I think any SiRF III unit is good.
I go walking a lot in Derbyshire where I live, and use Memory Map. Don't know about the US, but here I use the Ordnance Survey maps which are detailed to 1:25,000 scale fantastic for walking with.
I hook my MDA compact up to a Copilot bluetooth GPS unit, which is also used for Tomtom 6 when I am driving.
Between the two programs I can get myself to any postcode or national grid reference in the UK
Hi,
I currently own a Prophet (I-Mate Jamin model) which I bought around 12 months ago on an o2 contract. I'm happy with the device and haven't had any issues with it that I haven't been able to resolve myself (& by lurking on these forums) but as I mentioned, I've had it about 12 months now and I'm due an upgrade with o2.
I'm considering getting an XDA Orbit but the specs seem pretty much the same as my Prophet. I'm attracted to it becauase physically it looks nicer from what I can tell, but that's pretty much it.
Can any of you shed any light on what the main differences are between these devices and if it would actually be worth me upgrading to the Orbit?
WM6 is obviously a big factor in this, I don't know if it will ever be availible for the Prophet but it appears that there may be a chance it will be availible for the Orbit.
The only faults I have with my Prophet are the way it has the worlds worst vibrate feature (very noisy & long) & it's quite weighty and a bit bulky for my pocket. If these features are better on the Orbit then it would be a selling point for me.
Lastly, one thing that's importnat to me is the 'keypad' software that seems to be present on the Prophets roms. I'm used to this for one handed input, - is this availible on the XDA Orbit?
I realise this is all a bit drawn out but I'm hoping that there will be members hear that can relate to my issues and give me some advice!
If not, I might just stick with my Prophet for now and see what else comes out in the future, although I'm also slightly tempted to go the Symbian route and get a Nokia N95 which o2 also have an offer and it looks quite nice (but then I don't know a great deal about Symbian)
Any views??!
Thanks for any help!
An update to an Orbit will be fairly easy for you as you will be used to the operation of the phone
You will also get
wi-fi - I use this all the time
GPS - either Co-Pilot or you can get TomTom (worth the upgrade on it's own in my opinion
WM6 next month (hopefully)
O2 will let you have it for free, you can sell your old one on ebay for £150ish
I don't think the N-95 is all it was cracked up to be. The GPS is not as good as the Orbit - either the hardware or the supplied software
What have you got to loose ?
Hays
Gah, screwed up...
Thanks hays, I appreciate that.
This might be a silly question but can you get the T9 'phonepad' on the Orbit, it's just I read in a review that it wasn't available & I use this constantly on my Prophet.
One of the other things about the N95 that's been attracting me is the camera quality, but I do feel more comfortable sticking with windows mobile if I'm honest, especially if I can upgrade for free.
Also my Prophet does have Wi-Fi, I use this a lot...The N95 also has it...
Thanks again,
yes the phone pad was posted on the forum and I use it all the time with my orbit.
I cant argue re the camera - the orbits is good in daylight - not so good in low light. Definately 1-0 to the N95 for that one
I've not seen tomtom running on a 95. I gather the supplied s/w is pretty lame. The GPS chip is not SIRF III, meaning it takes a few mins to lock on when you start up. Also needs a failrly good line of sight in your veh according to some
My orbit locks on in around 20 secs. It can even get a lock from the middle of my house
Hi hays, thanks again for the free help!
Sorry to keep up with the questions, but one last thing - GPS is new to me. Is this something that there are data charges for? I'm not sure how it works.
I've a Vodafone sim from my works phone that I was hoping to use in the Orbit but I'm not sure if I'll still be able to use GPS with it or how much it costs if I stick with my o2 sim.
I guess I should probably be proactive and Google this!
Thanks again,
(also, good news about the phone pad)
GPS = Global Positioning System. Free and used worldwide
GPS is free on the Orbit as it behaves exactly the same way as a regular in car GPS (unless you subscribe to live traffic updates which use GPRS - which is your phone's mobile data service)
The maps are stored on your storage card and therefore require no downloads. It does not matter which network or sim card you use as the orbit's GPS is stand alone
I believe the N95 uses GPRS to download the maps so that may be a factor to consider