I finally have one...

[Jason Dunn]

With all the controversy surrounding the new Phone Edition devices, I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my very own North American-frequency HTC Wallaby/Spaceneedle (Wallaby = European frequencies, Spaceneedle = North American). This is functionally the same hardware as the T-Mobile Phone Edition device, the 02 XDA, etc. Pictured below...<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/myspaceneedle.jpg" /><br /><br />Notice how the light reflects off her glorious metallic casing...even the light worships her splendor. But I'd better hide it before my wife gets home - wouldn't want her getting jealous. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif" /> I haven't activated it yet, but I'm hoping to get hooked up with voice and data from Fido this week. Currently running some battery tests, and it's performing quite well indeed. The screen is shockingly nice - it makes the iPAQ 3870 screen look quite pale in comparison. It's not a back-lit screen like the 3900 series, but lit from the bottom. It just looks...better. I also found it curious that the backlight has two modes: off and on.<br /><br />Stay tuned for the continuing adventures of Jason and his Spaceneedle (I should give it a name)...

[klinux]

Ooooooo, preeeeetyyyyy lights. &lt;drool drool> :P

[entropy1980]

You can almost hear the angels saying "ahhhhhhhhh" and the clouds parting as light gleams off it ... :D

[Jonathon Watkins]

Oooooooh - pwetdy. DO let us know how you get on (as if you wouldn't. :wink:)

[Ed Hansberry]

• Notice how the light reflects off her glorious metallic casing...even the light worships her splendor.
• But I'd better hide it before my wife gets home - wouldn't want her getting jealous
• I should give it a name
I am thinking you should get therapy. :wink: :lol: :lol:

[Jonathon Watkins]

I am thinking you should get therapy. :wink: :lol: :lol:
Hey - is that any way to talk to the Profit? :wink: He has the Tablet of Silver and the Glory goeth before him.

So what does it say about us that we log in and read about it? :D

[szamot]

oh where in Canada does a mortal get one of these... I bet this is the first one in Alberta.

[hopeful797]

hi jason--

i very much enjoy your site, but this is my first post. :)

saw the T-Mobile version in NYC yesterday and was impressed. beautifully sleek and small and ipaq enough to make me happy. so i'm tempted.

but maybe you can help out with 2 questions, please? :)

1. does it have an IR port and the same serial port as the IPAQ (i know they're both made by HTC) so it can take an ipaq stowaway keyboard or other peripherals that hook up with IR (such as an IR modem).
when i travel, i use my ipaq with the stowaway and CF modem to get web access where cell service isn't active and thought of using an IR or serial modem to replace the CF modem.

and

2. can it install a WAP browser for WAP-enabled sites if you don't want to use IE/WWW bandwith?
voicestream high-speed data services are very expensive (at least to me) and i thought about using it with WAP at the slower voice rate (i think thats the right acronym!) at times to save bandwith and $$$$.

i know these are detailed questions, but i thought i'd send them off to the world in the hopes someone could help. :-)

thanks,
hope

[JonnoB]

I only wish it had 64mb of RAM and a CF slot so that I could abandon my existing Pocket PC.

Any word of at least RAM upgrade options?

[Jason Dunn]

oh where in Canada does a mortal get one of these... I bet this is the first one in Alberta.

Yes, quite likely. They're not available anywhere in Canada...I wish I could say I was the first, but Barry Shilmover (also in Calgary) from Sonic Mobility borrowed one from Microsoft, so he was the first. :cry: But I get to keep mine. :wink:

[Jason Dunn]

1. does it have an IR port and the same serial port as the IPAQ (i know they're both made by HTC) so it can take an ipaq stowaway keyboard....2. can it install a WAP browser for WAP-enabled sites if you don't want to use IE/WWW bandwith?

IR = yes

Serial port = theoretically, yes, but I've heard from other Spaceneedle owners that the Stowaway doesn't work. pt, Wes - what's the verdict?

WAP = Google EZWap - they have a Pocket PC WAP client

[Venturello]

Jason, this is hard to believe but, just to be sure... you say the backlight has two settings, ON and OFF. Does this mean its intensity level is not user adjustable?

Wierd!

Enjoy, I am very jealous! :)

[Jason Dunn]

Jason, this is hard to believe but, just to be sure... you say the backlight has two settings, ON and OFF. Does this mean its intensity level is not user adjustable?

Correct. I was a little surprised too - what possible reason is there for having it that way? I can't think of one.

[jdhill]

I should give it a name...
When I doubt (I always say), call it "Fred". Like the famous explorer Fred Columbus that discovered America. Or Fred Edison, inventor of the light bulb. :wink: :wink: :wink:

[Ed Hansberry]

I am thinking you should get therapy. :wink: :lol: :lol:
Hey - is that any way to talk to the Profit?
Is that the guy that makes the money, the Profit? :wink:

[Jonathon Watkins]

....what possible reason is there for having it that way? I can't think of one.
Need to cut corners in order to go full speed to market & sloppy design?
Even top class firms can cut corners occasionally.
Been there - testesd that - been over-ridden as marketing says the slop needs to ship....... :roll:

[Jonathon Watkins]

I am thinking you should get therapy. :wink: :lol: :lol:
Hey - is that any way to talk to the Profit?
Is that the guy that makes the money, the Profit? :wink:
Here in the UK we call that irony, or tinny if it's not as good. :wink: Even though I don't have a grammar checker install I do no hoew to rite good.

[hopeful797]

thank you jason!

[heov]

so when the backlight is on, is it at Max brightness (and if so, how bright is it compared to iPaq?) Also, I wouldn't be two worried as I'm sure this can be adjusted via a ROM update. They probably rushed it to the market and were too lazy to include software to adjust the brightness, because Pocket PC OS does not have support for brightness control, just on and off, the OEM has to ad that them selves.

[kagayaki1]

Jason, this is hard to believe but, just to be sure... you say the backlight has two settings, ON and OFF. Does this mean its intensity level is not user adjustable?

Correct. I was a little surprised too - what possible reason is there for having it that way? I can't think of one.

Accurate battery life results. Fairly easy to put a number on the page when the adjustable backlight is taken out of the equation.

Along with the 4096 colors, someone in development had some GREAT ideas on how to keep battery time on par with the rest of the non-PDA phone market. Very compelling.

[Master O'Mayhem]

Its about time Jason. I have had one for about 2 months now.

[Shapeshifter]

I went to Media Markt yesterday and saw the XDA. Quite a nice device actually, looks great, is small. I also like the OS enhancements O² added. Pity the SD slot is at the bottom :(

[Jonathon Watkins]

Its about time Jason. I have had one for about 2 months now.
Showoff. :?

[DrtyBlvd]

I am thinking you should get therapy. :wink: :lol: :lol:
Hey - is that any way to talk to the Profit?
Is that the guy that makes the money, the Profit? :wink:

Naw Ed - you're confusing him with the taxman :D

[DrtyBlvd]

I am thinking you should get therapy. :wink: :lol: :lol:
Hey - is that any way to talk to the Profit?
Is that the guy that makes the money, the Profit? :wink:
Here in the UK we call that irony, or tinny if it's not as good. :wink: Even though I don't have a grammar checker install I do no hoew to rite good.

Thought it was bronzie?

And wuz that ingleesh froooom a booooooooq?

[Paragon]

The screen is shockingly nice - it makes the iPAQ 3870 screen look quite pale in comparison. It's not a back-lit screen like the 3900 series, but lit from the bottom. It just looks...better.

Did they change the screen in this. I thought that this had the 12 bit, 4096 colour screen in it?

Dave

[Jason Dunn]

Did they change the screen in this. I thought that this had the 8 bit, 4096 colour screen in it?

12 bit = 4096 colours

I haven't looked at photographs on it yet, I'm strictly talking about clarity, brightness, crispness, etc.

[Paragon]

12 bit...ya that's what I said....... :D Thanks for the correction Jason.

Dave

[snappy2515]

You should call it HAL like the computer from the movie "2001 a space odyssey" :lol:

[kagayaki1]

Nice Photoshop (maybe PhotoImpact, knowing Jason) work, Mr. Dunn. Strange that mine doesn't seem to do that, but maybe it's a Canadian thing. :lol:

-Jason

[pt]

Serial port = theoretically, yes, but I've heard from other Spaceneedle owners that the Stowaway doesn't work. pt, Wes - what's the verdict?

not yet, but it's possible.

cheers,
pt

[heov]

What ever happend to the Vox Thera? Did that ever make it to the market. Also, what makes this better than the jornada 928 besides the fact it can work in the US. One last thing, Are they ever going to make a Pocket PC that is just used for wireless web, like the i705, or blackberry, that's always on. I really don't need the phone, just the internet.

Also, is this thing actually made of metal, or is it like the iPaq, just painted plastic? One last thing, is the stylus in the antenna, and is it any good, or is it just a cheap flimsy piece of plastic?

One last question, where is the SD slot? and is it SDIO compatible?

[Master O'Mayhem]

Jason is this the one promised from March of this past year in Goettingen?

[pt]

What ever happend to the Vox Thera? Did that ever make it to the market. Also, what makes this better than the jornada 928 besides the fact it can work in the US. One last thing, Are they ever going to make a Pocket PC that is just used for wireless web, like the i705, or blackberry, that's always on. I really don't need the phone, just the internet. Also, is this thing actually made of metal, or is it like the iPaq, just painted plastic? One last thing, is the stylus in the antenna, and is it any good, or is it just a cheap flimsy piece of plastic? One last question, where is the SD slot? and is it SDIO compatible?

-the audiovox thera if sold through verizon, it's kinda crummy (i think).
-yah, it's better than the 928, cause' i can get it here. if i could get the 928 here in the usa, i would.
-i don't think we'll see a wireless only ppc. that said, just get a regular ppc and get a data card.
-the pocket pc phone is made of metal, it's soooooooo sweet. no paint, just metal.
-the stylus is in the antenna, and it's metal and high quality.
-the sd slot may or may not be sdio, since there aren't sdio cards for me to test, i don't know.

cheers,
pt

[Hooch]

Does anyone know if I can still use Agenda Fusion and Pelmar's Wisbar with this phone? Are there any incompatible apps?

[Master O'Mayhem]

Does anyone know if I can still use Agenda Fusion and Pelmar's Wisbar with this phone? Are there any incompatible apps? Yes and Yes... its PPC2002

[szamot]

Yes, quite likely. They're not available anywhere in Canada...I wish I could say I was the first, but Barry Shilmover (also in Calgary) from Sonic Mobility borrowed one from Microsoft, so he was the first. :cry: But I get to keep mine. :wink:

look and touch don't qualify, ownership is the key therefore in my books you are the 1st. I will call Calgary the capital of AB if you let me touch it, I am sure I can convice Klein of that....suddenly the prospect of 1x card just does no even interest me anymore. I want one of these babies.

[heov]

so where is the SD slot again? On the side like the palms/loox/casio, and if so, is it on the top part or the bottom part of the side.

[kagayaki1]

My understanding is the XDA is NOT SDIO compatible, at this time. There is some speculation as to whether or not it could be some day (software v.s. hardware upgrade), but usually that is a hardware thing.

Even if a Bluetooth SDIO card could work, though, there would have to be intermediary software to use the phone in conjunction with a BT headset. As they say, a setup is only as strong as it's weakest link...[/b]

[kagayaki1]

so where is the SD slot again? On the side like the palms/loox/casio, and if so, is it on the top part or the bottom part of the side.

http://www.tekguru.co.uk/PPC_Reviews/XDA/Inhand02.jpg

See the longer of the two slots? The on the left side of the device in this picture? THAT is the SD slot. It is on the bottom of the phone. (picture courtesy Tekguru)

-Jason

[Liquidrice]

Hey Jason, I almost feel like we're buddies. I got mine today too. T·Mobile call me this morning and told me have them in stock again so I ran there. (23rd and 5th ave in NYC had them in stock at 12pm aug 7)

I was HIT was a SURPRISE!! where the hell is the headphone jack!!????? Then I find these nasty headphones/headset that has a wacky smaller plug. damn it I wanted to use my cool sony headphones. So has anyone figure out where I can get cooler headphones for this unit???

and the cheapest 256MB SD card card is at buy.com for $147.95 free shipping. 512mb @ $355.95 both out of stock($10 off when using a visa CC)
thenerds.com has 256 for $143 after shipping, out of stock as well... they are all sandisk brands.. anybody with better prices?

[Paul P]

Hey Jason, I almost feel like we're buddies. I got mine today too. T·Mobile call me this morning and told me have them in stock again so I ran there. (23rd and 5th ave in NYC had them in stock at 12pm aug 7)


Did you pay the same price as they have online? I am pretty close by. I hope it's out of stock, for my wallet's sake.

Thanks

[Master O'Mayhem]

where the hell is the headphone jack!!?????

lookat the picture above. The little plug on the right side next to the red battery indicator is the cover for the headphone jack

[heov]

what kind of idiot decided to put the SD card on the BOTTOM! I mean, you can't have anything stick out of it if you want to sync it (i think). That would probably meen no SDIO too, I mean, if bluetooth ever got that small, then that's cool, but right now, it sticks out about an inch. Same with cameras, GPS, wifi, etc. They are more than likely going to stick out. Also, you wouldn't be able to add sleeves or sleds to it either as it would blcok the SD port. Also, wondering how much this thing weighs as it's made of metal; too lazy to check specs.

[Liquidrice]

Paul P:

Came out to be $595. I am selling my jornada 567 and ericcson t39 phone so hopefully I'll make up some how. There the $50 rebate too. so hopefully that'll come.

[Liquidrice]

where the hell is the headphone jack!!?????

lookat the picture above. The little plug on the right side next to the red battery indicator is the cover for the headphone jack

I can't fit a normal headphone plug in there. Do they make headphones that fit into that? (the headphone/headset that comes with it is not bad but the ear bud headphones are pretty uncomfortable.)

[pt]

so where is the SD slot again? On the side like the palms/loox/casio, and if so, is it on the top part or the bottom part of the side.

at the bottom:

http://www.pocketpcmagic.com/tmobile

cheers,
pt

[pt]

what kind of idiot decided to put the SD card on the BOTTOM! I mean, you can't have anything stick out of it if you want to sync it (i think). That would probably meen no SDIO too, I mean, if bluetooth ever got that small, then that's cool, but right now, it sticks out about an inch. Same with cameras, GPS, wifi, etc. They are more than likely going to stick out. Also, you wouldn't be able to add sleeves or sleds to it either as it would blcok the SD port. Also, wondering how much this thing weighs as it's made of metal; too lazy to check specs.

it's really light, 6.8 oz. speaking of light, lighten up...this phone rocks.

i'm 100% happy with this, and where the sd slot is at.

cheers,
pt

[pt]

I can't fit a normal headphone plug in there. Do they make headphones that fit into that? (the headphone/headset that comes with it is not bad but the ear bud headphones are pretty uncomfortable.)

you can get an adaptor or get another set...i did. go to radio shack, they've got all sorts of goodies.

cheers,
pt

[jeffmckean]

1. SDIO is theoretically possible but the software would have to be updated. And like somebody said, it would stick out the bottom. Otherwise, I'm happy with where the SD slot is.

2. I've tested other 2.5mm phone headsets with mine and they work fine. You need an adaptor to use other headphones or speakers with it; you can get one at Radio Shack.

3. It is the most beautiful device on the planet and it radiates goodness on all who are fortunate enough to view it.

4. In a burst of creativity, I named mine 'Spaceneedle.'

:wink:

Enjoy it, it's a magnificent piece of equipment!

[Nikhil]

Some questions:

-How's the sound quality on the unit? Any pops? (I finally own a unit that has no pops...the iPAQ 39xx)

-If I don't want the high-speed GPRS, just standard slower speeds, can I just use my voice minutes for regular data? If so, does this unit support it?

-Is there a record button on the site, or something I can map to Scroll Down for eBook reading?

-How's ClearType on the unit?

-How is (is there one?) the built-in speaker in terms of volume? Does the unit support a speakerphone?

[Liquidrice]

Sorry to be a bugger. Is it me or does the fonts look a little blured. It's like running a lcd screen at different resolution then the native resolution.

[Corn Bread]

Sorry to be a bugger. Is it me or does the fonts look a little blured. It's like running a lcd screen at different resolution then the native resolution.


The Fonts look little blurred in the pictures because ClearType is activated.

[pt]

Some questions:

some answers!


-How's the sound quality on the unit? Any pops? (I finally own a unit that has no pops...the iPAQ 39xx)

it's perfect, no pops.


-If I don't want the high-speed GPRS, just standard slower speeds, can I just use my voice minutes for regular data? If so, does this unit support it?

sure does, i dial up to earthlink all the time.


-Is there a record button on the site, or something I can map to Scroll Down for eBook reading?

sure, you "can" do stuff like that, or use the joypad.


-How's ClearType on the unit?

it rocks, it's the best "displaying" device i've used.


-How is (is there one?) the built-in speaker in terms of volume? Does the unit support a speakerphone?

it's LOUD and the speaker phone is LOUD too, it rocks.

cheers,
pt

[Nikhil]

wow this unit is sounds pretty awesome right about now...is the non-GPRS serviceepeed 9.6kbps?

[pt]

wow this unit is sounds pretty awesome right about now...is the non-GPRS serviceepeed 9.6kbps?

yep.

cheers,
pt

[Jason Dunn]

Also, is this thing actually made of metal, or is it like the iPaq, just painted plastic? One last thing, is the stylus in the antenna, and is it any good, or is it just a cheap flimsy piece of plastic? One last question, where is the SD slot? and is it SDIO compatible?

1) Real metal - it's friggin' gorgeous.
2) Yes, stylus in the antenna
3) SD is SD memory only

Your other questions like "why is this better than the 928" are too rhetorical in nature to answer - the 928 won't be sold in North America, so there's no point in me answering that question. Ask Marlof. ;-)

[Jason Dunn]

Nice Photoshop (maybe PhotoImpact, knowing Jason) work, Mr. Dunn

PhotoImpact all the way baby! :lol: I was wondering when someone was going to mention that lens flare... :wink:

[Jason Dunn]

Jason is this the one promised from March of this past year in Goettingen?

No. Mobius attendees were given one as promised, but not MVPs. We have our...other source. ;-)

[Jason Dunn]

what kind of idiot decided to put the SD card on the BOTTOM! I mean, you can't have anything stick out of it if you want to sync it (i think). That would probably meen no SDIO too

You answered it yourself: thre is no SDIO support, so having it on the bottom works just fine. Don't get too upset - you don't own one yet. ;-)

[Jason Dunn]

The Fonts look little blurred in the pictures because ClearType is activated.

...and because I took the photo in a hurry and didn't let it focus properly. ;-)

[heov]

Hmm, looks like a nice phone. Anyone know where I can find a review (in depth, like the gadgeteer?). I didn't like the Brighthand one, but steve says another is coming soon; same with the Gadgeteer.

Also, what were the minor differences in the style with the older ones and the newer TMobile one, I thought it had different curves around the buttons (I think I saw that pic here). If I buy one, how do I know I get the better one, or is there one?

And my final question before I look into buying one. What is the batter life in real use (standby time, talk time (actually talking), and normal pocket pc time (games))? Thanks for all the help!

[pt]

Anyone know where I can find a review (in depth, like the gadgeteer?). I didn't like the Brighthand one, but steve says another is coming soon; same with the Gadgeteer. Also, what were the minor differences in the style with the older ones and the newer TMobile one, I thought it had different curves around the buttons (I think I saw that pic here). If I buy one, how do I know I get the better one, or is there one?And my final question before I look into buying one. What is the batter life in real use (standby time, talk time (actually talking), and normal pocket pc time (games))? Thanks for all the help!

when you say in-depth review, what type of things are you looking for? here are some answers to your q's.

there are no "older and newer" ones for tmobile, just one model.

real battery life--i'm getting 3-4 days, no charging (did that once)..at least 4 hrs talk. my guess, it reminds me of the hp and it's awesome battery life.

cheers,
pt

[Birdman]

Jason, you mentioned that you were going to hook up with Fido. Given that this lovely creature is not yet available anywhere in Canada, will Fido support it? Does this mean I can order one from Amazon (for example) and then just take it to my local Fido retailer here in Toronto and get hooked up? Do you have sense for when this product will be rolled out in Canada?
While many in the mainstream press may complain about how it is less than the sum of its parts, so far from what I have read, it sounds PERFECT for me. I use my "old" ipaq 3635 constantly and only use my cel phone periodically, and generally just for quick calls ("Yes, I'm on my way home") or checking my voicemail when out of the office.

Oh yeah, another question. Given that the SD slot is at the bottom, is it possible to sync (cradle? cable?) while the SD card is in the slot or does the card stick out such that you can't sync while the card is in place?

Any type of screen cover? I would normally carry it in my pocket and would think it would get pretty scratched up without some type of screen cover or lid.

Sorry for the rambling post and questions but this just may cause me to hold off on purchasing a 39xx (which is WAY TOO expensive here in Toronto).

[marlof]

Also, what makes this better than the jornada 928 besides the fact it can work in the US.

Nobody says this is better. It's different. It's smaller. It's made out of metal, not plastic. It has SD, no CF. It doesn't have an active flip. It doesn't have a phone screen. I would be glad with either of those two devices to be honest. It's just that Jornada Boy prefers the 928. :)

[marlof]

Also, what were the minor differences in the style with the older ones and the newer TMobile one, I thought it had different curves around the buttons (I think I saw that pic here). If I buy one, how do I know I get the better one, or is there one?

It is just that the German (not the US) T-Mobile used a different model for their MDA shots. I think that in Germany, this device looks slightly different. But that's all on the outside, not on the inside. Therefor there is no better model, it's just one model. And in the US, only one model is sold.

[Jason Dunn]

Jason, you mentioned that you were going to hook up with Fido. Given that this lovely creature is not yet available anywhere in Canada, will Fido support it? Does this mean I can order one from Amazon (for example) and then just take it to my local Fido retailer here in Toronto and get hooked up? Do you have sense for when this product will be rolled out in Canada?...Given that the SD slot is at the bottom, is it possible to sync (cradle? cable?) while the SD card is in the slot or does the card stick out such that you can't sync while the card is in place? Any type of screen cover? I would normally carry it in my pocket and would think it would get pretty scratched up without some type of screen cover or lid.

1) GSM is GSM - I could take the SIM out of a regular GSM phone and it would work. Fido doesn't even have to know what device is on their network, although I'm hoping to get a sponsored account from them for testing.

2) No word about it being rolled out in Canada

3) The SD card doesn't stick out at all, so no synching problems. Then again, I have no cradle - only a cable.

4) No screen cover. Solution = don't carry anything else in that pocket.

[JMD]

long time board reader finally deciding to post for the first time...I've tried them all over the past few years..every generation of ipaqs, jornadas, clies, palms, visors, sharp hpcs. I recently tried the Thera because I had Verizon service already and I loved the idea of wireless e-mail. I returned the Thera becaue it was a brick with atrocious battery life.

I walked into CompUSA Tuesday to buy an ipaq 3975 and saw the T-Mobile...love at first sight..vivid immensely bright screen, battery is 1500 (ipaq is 1400), and wireless.. all in a small comfortable design. I don't use it as my cell phone because Voicestream service in my sales territory only covers half the areas I travel. I still use my Verizon cell phone, but I bought the t-mobile just to have Pocket PC with wireless email. I don't even use the GRPS, I just configured the inbox to dial into my ISPover the regular cell connection. This might just finally be the one.

[Birdman]

I just configured the inbox to dial into my ISPover the regular cell connection. This might just finally be the one.

Do you dial into your ISP to surf the net or to sync your mail? If the latter, are you using Outlook to sync? I have been having some problems doing a "remote" AS.

[denivan]

I don't quite understand the last question. You make it seem like you have only the option of surfing the web, or activesyncing remotely. Can't you just use Inbbox to connect to your imap or pop3 mail server ?

I read/write mail remotely with T68i and ipaq. The only time i've done a remote activesync was over LAN, not wireless.

[JMD]

What I meant was that I set up service through inbox connection to just dial directly into my ISP (a pop3 server) and send and receive emails that way.

[Birdman]

If I understand correctly, you set up a new service POP3 in Inbox and use that to dial up to your ISP and grab your mail. When you actually do an AS through your cradle, do you not sync your Inbox through AS? Do you get duplication?
I have tried setting up a new service through Inbox and dialing into my ISP that way, but so far, no luck.

[kettle]

Does anyone know if there are plans to release a SPRINT PCS version?

[Liquidrice]

May I ask if anyone has found this device slightly slow. (I had a Jornada 568 before this one) It's my first day using it and recieving calls on it. I got locked from all buttons except power button and touch screen while the phone rang there was nothing I could do but turn off power and on, didn't help. I ended up soft resetting it. Once I had it back up, while dialing the missed call, the "voice mail message" came up and the device slowed to a point where it froze and only power button worked. Reset again. Overall i've found that it's pretty slow. Perhaps it's because I have very little memory left. Anyone else? Perhaps it was because my jornada had 64mb of memory but this device stalls especially when using the phone feature.

Does anyone know a pocket pc phone discussion board?

[jdhill]

Does anyone know if there are plans to release a SPRINT PCS version?
While it is possible that Sprint PCS will release one (they would need only to change the radio from GSM/GPRS to CDMA/1XRTT), Sprint PCS announced their new 3G network today. The only PDA/Phone that they announced appears to be a Sprint branded version of the AudioVox Thera, and the price will be $799 (yikes!!!)

[jdhill]

Does anyone know a pocket pc phone discussion board?
Jason just added a new category here in his forums.

There is also: http://pocketpc-phone.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi

Not much traffic on it yet, perhaps it will pick up.

[cludwig]

I only notice slowness when memory is an issue. 32 megs really just doesn't cut it anymore. :-( But, other than that the device is fantastic.

When Amazon finally gets around to shipping that 128 meg SD card (thanks for the link Jason!) then I assume my troubles will be over, since I'll move my big apps (like Vindigo with data for Philly and NYC, big ebooks, etc.) over to the card.

May I ask if anyone has found this device slightly slow. (I had a Jornada 568 before this one) It's my first day using it and recieving calls on it. I got locked from all buttons except power button and touch screen while the phone rang there was nothing I could do but turn off power and on, didn't help. I ended up soft resetting it. Once I had it back up, while dialing the missed call, the "voice mail message" came up and the device slowed to a point where it froze and only power button worked. Reset again. Overall i've found that it's pretty slow. Perhaps it's because I have very little memory left. Anyone else? Perhaps it was because my jornada had 64mb of memory but this device stalls especially when using the phone feature.

Does anyone know a pocket pc phone discussion board?

[cludwig]

The T-Mobile US version ships with a cradle and a nice leather(ette?) case that has a flip cover over the screen.

Of course, I'm partial to IR, and always sync that way, and have been carrying the device in my front pocket without the case for over a month without incident. I did cut up an iPaq screen protector to fit, but you should be fine so long as you keep your car keys out of that pocket!

I should note that if you're a greasy half-Italian, half German like myself, you'll be wiping down the display a lot. It's kind of gross, but there you have it. Best reason to use speakerphone mode or the headset.

Speaking of speakerphone mode, I've found that it's great to have the extra boost in volume when you're in particularly loud places like night clubs. I watch other people struggling to hear their friends ("SPEAK UP, I CAN'T HEAR YOU!") and all I do is hold down that green button a little longer and suddenly I've got mucho decibel enhancment.

Jason, you mentioned that you were going to hook up with Fido. Given that this lovely creature is not yet available anywhere in Canada, will Fido support it? Does this mean I can order one from Amazon (for example) and then just take it to my local Fido retailer here in Toronto and get hooked up? Do you have sense for when this product will be rolled out in Canada?...Given that the SD slot is at the bottom, is it possible to sync (cradle? cable?) while the SD card is in the slot or does the card stick out such that you can't sync while the card is in place? Any type of screen cover? I would normally carry it in my pocket and would think it would get pretty scratched up without some type of screen cover or lid.

1) GSM is GSM - I could take the SIM out of a regular GSM phone and it would work. Fido doesn't even have to know what device is on their network, although I'm hoping to get a sponsored account from them for testing.

2) No word about it being rolled out in Canada

3) The SD card doesn't stick out at all, so no synching problems. Then again, I have no cradle - only a cable.

4) No screen cover. Solution = don't carry anything else in that pocket.

[whydidnt]

All of these posts almost have me hooked into going out and buying the T-Mobile. I've been dieing for a PocketPC based phone ever since I ditched my IPAQ in favor of the Palm based Samsung I300 :twisted: . After looking over the T-Mobile website I'm concerned that this phone only does GSM. Is ti '"dual mode" so I can use it on an Anolog Network if there isn't a digital signal in the area I'm traveling? My job takes me all over the place and while the digital coverage map seems to cover most of the cities in my territory I am conecerned about having service on the 4 hour drives between them. These drives are where a lot my work gets done. I sure appreciate any comments regarding using the phone "off-network". :)

[jeffmckean]

"why," I'm sorry to tell you that the spaceneedle is only GSM/GPRS...it doesn't do analog or any other flavor of digital. You can use it overseas on 900MHz networks in addition to 1900MHz North American.

[pdagal]

We've just added our hands on review, having had the T-Mobile for a few days now. http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tmobile.htm . More to be added later. As someone else said, there is no old and new version, perhaps you were thinking of the Audivox Thera, which is being updated for its release on the Sprint Network next week.
As for battery life, for a Pocket PC it's very good. As a cell phone it's not very impressive.

Hmm, looks like a nice phone. Anyone know where I can find a review (in depth, like the gadgeteer?). I didn't like the Brighthand one, but steve says another is coming soon; same with the Gadgeteer.

Also, what were the minor differences in the style with the older ones and the newer TMobile one, I thought it had different curves around the buttons (I think I saw that pic here). If I buy one, how do I know I get the better one, or is there one?

And my final question before I look into buying one. What is the batter life in real use (standby time, talk time (actually talking), and normal pocket pc time (games))? Thanks for all the help!

[Hooch]

May I ask if anyone has found this device slightly slow. (I had a Jornada 568 before this one) It's my first day using it and recieving calls on it. I got locked from all buttons except power button and touch screen while the phone rang there was nothing I could do but turn off power and on, didn't help. I ended up soft resetting it. Once I had it back up, while dialing the missed call, the "voice mail message" came up and the device slowed to a point where it froze and only power button worked. Reset again. Overall i've found that it's pretty slow. Perhaps it's because I have very little memory left. Anyone else? Perhaps it was because my jornada had 64mb of memory but this device stalls especially when using the phone feature.

Does anyone know a pocket pc phone discussion board?

I just got one of these units. Something similar happened to me. I accessed a phone number through Contacts. The caller hung up, but my phone would not; it was frozen on the little call window. I ended up soft resetting the device. It hasn't happened since then. I do notice that this device really slows down or locks up if you have more than a few apps running. Looks like MS hasn't improved dynamic memory with the Phone Edition. Regardless, this device is GREAT!!! Jason and the others are not exaggerating. Now if I can only convince my wife... :?

[pdagal]

I'm not Wes, of course, but while the connector is the same shape and size, none of the iPAQ 3800/3900 series work. Not even the charger.



IR = yes

Serial port = theoretically, yes, but I've heard from other Spaceneedle owners that the Stowaway doesn't work. pt, Wes - what's the verdict?

WAP = Google EZWap - they have a Pocket PC WAP client

[Hooch]

Does anyone know of a website with a list of URL's for mobile or WAP versions of news and sports websites?

[pdagal]

http://www.mymobilestuff.com/ is a portal of PDA-friendly sites, including maps, news and etc.

Does anyone know of a website with a list of URL's for mobile or WAP versions of news and sports websites?