XDA II Released In Dubai, Will Be Available Through PPCW

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://217.160.215.102/index.php?itemid=1576' target='_blank'>http://217.160.215.102/index.php?itemid=1576</a><br /><br /></div>Arne reports that the XDA II is now available in Dubai, and the discussion on PPCW seems to back this up. What I want to know is why the UAE is so far ahead of us here in North America and Europe, technologically speaking. :lol: I suspect Arne is thinking the same thing, so you'll be able to buy the XDA II through his site very soon. It'll be $850, which is not surprising since the device is brand-new, and will be unlocked and unsubsidized... it might be a solution for those of you who must have the newest hardware as soon as possible.

[cookie_monster]

I also sent the news about this item yesterday after seeing it at the GITEX computer show. I also saw it in the shops today and almost bought one. I currently use an IPAQ 5450 and the XDA is 100 times lighter, man I'm jealous. Looking to sell my Ipaq now. 8)

[Pocket PC Dubai]

I paid AED 3050 ($ 828) for it. It was officially introduced in the 7th of October in a press conference; then it was available for the general customers in the 19th of October. I was talking to a sales representative he said: “People are going crazy over this device; we are brining more and more stock to keep up with the demand. It looks like they know this device very well”.

[yawanag]

I'd jump on this but I'll wait to see if Amazon will have a rebate when it's on the US side. That's how I got the first one.

128 MB WOW!!! What on earth will I do with my SD card? Don't answer that!

[Pocket PC Dubai]

What I want to know is why the UAE is so far ahead of us here in North America and Europe, technologically speaking. :lol:

Dubai is a happening city!! it has the best Airport in the world (http://www.dubaiairport.com/), the first airlines in the world (Emirates) (http://www.emirates.com/), Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world (i.e. Buj Alarab (http://www.burj-al-arab.com/baa/index1.htm)), the largest man maid island in the world (alnakhla), soon the tallest building in the world (http://www.burjdubai.com/), soon the first underwater hotel in the world, the richest horse race in the world, (http://www.godolphin.com/) The world’s first Internet City (http://www.dubaiinternetcity.com/). So it is one of the most advanced cities in the world don’t be surprised.

[Janak Parekh]

So it is one of the most advanced cities in the world don’t be surprised.
Hey, I'm not putting down Dubai, at all. I just feel lame over here in New York. ;)

--janak

[yawanag]

I've been checking out photos of this device. Now I have a few questions. Will I be able to use my accessories? I mean will I have to buy a new case and car charger, etc? It looks pretty much the same without the antenna so I am hoping my current cover will work. I spent a fortune on software and accessories for the one I've got.

[Pocket PC Dubai]

So it is one of the most advanced cities in the world don’t be surprised.
Hey, I'm not putting down Dubai, at all. I just feel lame over here in New York. ;)

--janak

I’m cool about that I think many people maybe curious to know more about Dubai:

http://dubaitourism.co.ae/www/main/content.asp

[David C]

Am I the only one, or is there a trend here. I’m seeing more and more Americans becoming dumber where as other parts of the world grow smarter. American and our superiority complex think that we are already the best in the world, and there for no change are needed. At the same time, other parts of the world are developing faster, zooming right pass us.

[Janak Parekh]

David - that's a generalization that's off-topic for this thread. If you really want to start a thread on it, do so in the Off-Topic forum, but beware the mods won't really tolerate a flamewar. In this case, it's simple -- the US, with its small GSM footprint and conservative carriers, tends to retail new wireless equipment later than the rest of the world. It doesn't have anything to do with "being dumber".

--janak

[bdegroodt]

Anyone that has one and had the original XDA care to compare? Reception, battery life, bugs, goofy headset?

[hoxbox]

David - that's a generalization that's off-topic for this thread. If you really want to start a thread on it, do so in the Off-Topic forum, but beware the mods won't really tolerate a flamewar. In this case, it's simple -- the US, with its small GSM footprint and conservative carriers, tends to retail new wireless equipment later than the rest of the world. It doesn't have anything to do with "being dumber".

--janak

Yes lets keep it on topic.... Personally I'm gonna wait for the ipaq 6000 dream machine.

[DaleReeck]

David - that's a generalization that's off-topic for this thread. If you really want to start a thread on it, do so in the Off-Topic forum, but beware the mods won't really tolerate a flamewar. In this case, it's simple -- the US, with its small GSM footprint and conservative carriers, tends to retail new wireless equipment later than the rest of the world. It doesn't have anything to do with "being dumber".

--janak

Yes lets keep it on topic.... Personally I'm gonna wait for the ipaq 6000 dream machine.

iPaq 6000, yes :) If the XDA II had WiFi to go with its bluetooth and 128MB memroy, I would go with the XDA, but having phone, WiFI and BT all in one, especially the WiFi, is too important to me. Plus, the 6000's expected small size is impressive for a loaded device like that. It even has a camera. The only thing I don't like about the iPaq 6000 will be 64MB memory. The XDA II's 128MB is impressive.

My dream device: phone, WiFi, BT, camera, SDIO, CF slot, 128MB memory, small size 8O Some might throw in a built in keyboard, but I think size for a PDA phone is important.

[SandersP]

So it is one of the most advanced cities in the world don’t be surprised.
Hey, I'm not putting down Dubai, at all. I just feel lame over here in New York. ;)

--janak

Dubai is sort of the 'free port/ open city' of the persian gulf. Think of HongKong, Monaco or Singapore, except it's oil money and persian gulf financial hub.

[Janak Parekh]

Dubai is sort of the 'free port/ open city' of the persian gulf. Think of HongKong, Monaco or Singapore, except it's oil money and persian gulf financial hub.
I know. There's a reason it's a hugely popular stopover for airlines as well. But hey, NY is a port too! No fair! :lol:

--janak

[Jon Westfall]

I really could care less where it comes out first - I just want Santa to bring me one for christmas (Please T-Mobile... release the thing before the holidays!).

And yes, I know I could fork over $850 for the unlocked phone at ppcw and use it here with a t-mobile sim, but that would deny me the cool t-mobile ringtone*

*sarcasm added.

[rmasinag]

This device really looks great! It might finally convince me to get a phone. Put t he Ipag 6000 sounds very intriguing too. But by the time the ipaq comes out, theis would probably be a heck lot less than $850 too. Either way, by waiting for its competition, I can win savings! :mrgreen:

[azur]

The reason Dubai is ahead is because of 2 things

First- Carrier Devices the company behind imate has moved their head quarters from europe to Dubai, this is as they put it "as part of a wider strategy to become the primary supplier of innovative wireless handheld devices for the Middle East"
Thus Dubai was strategically chosen to be the first place they would launch their products.
http://www.carrierdevices.com

Second- Gitex, The Middle East's most significant IT event, the imate was launched on the event's first day. This is ofcourse was done for obvoius reasons (Sales and media coverage)
http://www.gitex.com

Also the event's first day coincided with my purchase of the imate :D

btw, I believe the SE T610 was first introduced in UAE before anywhere else in the world as well.

[Arne Hess]

No offense pal ;-) but I have to correct some stuff here (IMHO only for sure)... ;-)
it has the best Airport in the world (http://www.dubaiairport.com/)
but last time I've landed in Dubai (1999) it was the most worst airport I was (but I think it was during rebuilding it) but hey, it wasn't fun to stay there for 8 hours or so...
the first airlines in the world (Emirates) (http://www.emirates.com/)
Nah... Never... The best one is definitely Singapore Airlines where it was a real pleasure to fly from Frankfurt to NYC (Janak, can you here me ;-)) in the 1st class! :lol:
Compared to that flying Emirates was a kind of boring trip (but they had smoking seats available which makes it more friendly for me ;-))
Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world (i.e. Buj Alarab (http://www.burj-al-arab.com/baa/index1.htm))
Definitely! So far I wasn't there but looks good! However, the Peninsula or Island Hyatt in Hong Kong isn't that bad at all too... ;-)

Overall others can compete with UAE but you are right, there everything seems to be compressed! :-) :way to go:

[ucfgrad93]

$850?!?!?!?! 8O I think I can wait until it comes down in price. Other than that price, it looks very impressive.

[orinoco]

In case you just can't wait...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3054529911&category=38331

I am tracking it just for curiosity. I can't handle the $800+ right now.

Cheers,

FMW

[Pocket PC Dubai]

No offense pal ;-) but I have to correct some stuff here (IMHO only for sure)... ;-)
it has the best Airport in the world (http://www.dubaiairport.com/)
but last time I've landed in Dubai (1999) it was the most worst airport I was (but I think it was during rebuilding it) but hey, it wasn't fun to stay there for 8 hours or so...
the first airlines in the world (Emirates) (http://www.emirates.com/)
Nah... Never... The best one is definitely Singapore Airlines where it was a real pleasure to fly from Frankfurt to NYC (Janak, can you here me ;-)) in the 1st class! :lol:
Compared to that flying Emirates was a kind of boring trip (but they had smoking seats available which makes it more friendly for me ;-))
Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world (i.e. Buj Alarab (http://www.burj-al-arab.com/baa/index1.htm))
Definitely! So far I wasn't there but looks good! However, the Peninsula or Island Hyatt in Hong Kong isn't that bad at all too... ;-)

Overall others can compete with UAE but you are right, there everything seems to be compressed! :-) :way to go:


In 1999 that was the old Airport, the new concourse was opened in 2000, and this is the one I’m talking about, now they are expanding it again to hold a larger area which it looks like they are going to extended it double its size, its already huge. 8O

This is not by my book but sometime back Emirates Airlines won an award for being the first in the world and that’s also applied to many general opinions, however it had its fair share of complaints for a while, if you don’t think it is the first! Still it stands up as one of the best in the world.

If you are visiting Dubai let say for example every year, I bet you that every time you will always find new stuff happening in Dubai, I’m talking about developments and technologies. You are always welcomed :werenotworthy:

[Arne Hess]

In case you just can't wait...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3054529911&category=38331

I am tracking it just for curiosity. I can't handle the $800+ right now.

Hey, someone is selling my i-Mate there:

http://i24.ebayimg.com/03/i/00/cc/4b/dc_1.JPG
Check the owner name... ;-)

Hmmm... Where is my girlfirend, where is my i-Mate!?!? 8O :lol:

[cookie_monster]

What can i say, I've lived in Dubai for the last two years from the UK, the airport is very good, maybe not the best in the world but then again I have not seen all of the others. The best hotel in the world, definately. The Burj Al Arab (Arabic Tower) is the worlds only Seven star hotel, and until you have seen it or even spent a night there please reseve your comment. Your right in saying one thig though Dubai has all the attractions compressed into one city, and believe it or not their biggest earner is Toruism and not oil. Several products are launched in Dubai first as it is strategically well placed to cover the east and the west.

I would suggest people visit the palce first before sounding off.

No offense pal ;-) but I have to correct some stuff here (IMHO only for sure)... ;-)
it has the best Airport in the world (http://www.dubaiairport.com/)
but last time I've landed in Dubai (1999) it was the most worst airport I was (but I think it was during rebuilding it) but hey, it wasn't fun to stay there for 8 hours or so...
the first airlines in the world (Emirates) (http://www.emirates.com/)
Nah... Never... The best one is definitely Singapore Airlines where it was a real pleasure to fly from Frankfurt to NYC (Janak, can you here me ;-)) in the 1st class! :lol:
Compared to that flying Emirates was a kind of boring trip (but they had smoking seats available which makes it more friendly for me ;-))
Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world (i.e. Buj Alarab (http://www.burj-al-arab.com/baa/index1.htm))
Definitely! So far I wasn't there but looks good! However, the Peninsula or Island Hyatt in Hong Kong isn't that bad at all too... ;-)

Overall others can compete with UAE but you are right, there everything seems to be compressed! :-) :way to go:

[Steven Cedrone]

All right...

Lets get back on topic...

Steven Cedrone
Community Moderator

[cookie_monster]

Good point Steve,
From what I have seen from the XDA II, it is light and has all the necessary functions, ie; Bluetooth, camera, 128mb etc, it would certainly be my first choice if I needed to buy a PocketPc today, in fact if I could sell my iPAQ 5450 tomorrow I'd buy one.

It is a little pricey though, and considering the XDA I has only gone down a fraction in price I'm not sure how much cheaper this will be even in six months time.

What I would really like to see is all that functionality in a PocketPC the size of the IPAQ 1940.

All right...

Lets get back on topic...

Steven Cedrone
Community Moderator

[cshields1]

Can Windows Mobile 2003 (WinCE 4.2) address 128M natively?
I have the original XDA I and upgraded it to 128M with PocketPCTechs. Since PocketPC 2002 (WinCE 3.0) only addresses 64M, they provide a RAMDrive of sorts to access the upper 64M of the 128M.

[ctmagnus]

The iPaq 555x series ships with 128MB RAM.

[Janak Parekh]

Can Windows Mobile 2003 (WinCE 4.2) address 128M natively?
Even WinCE 3.0 could handle 128MB of RAM. Your problem stemmed from the fact that the OEM's ROM (in this case, HTC's XDA ROM) couldn't address more than 64MB. The 3975, which shipped with Pocket PC 2002 and 64MB, was able to address 128MB directly after a Pocket PC Techs upgrade. And as ctmagnus states, several new devices come with 128MB.

--janak

[octop8]

Interesting section in myxda.com which is a must read for all those considering buying the early batch of XDA IIs:

http://www.myxda.com/XdaII/personal...nLimitations.vm

Use //www.myxda.com/XdaII/personal/template/XdaIIKnownLimitations.vm if the abbreviated link does not work. I've got my hands on one and some issues identified so far are:

- screen colours darker than typical (e.g. my iPaq 2210). May be just a problem with my unit, but does not seem to render dark colours too well - screen definitely not as vibrant as the 2210
- hardware buttons (date and contacts) on top of screen make it inconvenient to play shoot-em-up games
- 3 hardware buttons along the left side panel are a little annoying as you accidentally hit them (especially the camera button) all the time when you insert into sync cradle or remove/insert the xda II into the case
- Battery Pack (OmegaOne) shows up oddities - probably a compatibility issue with WM2003 Phone Edition (more details if required), indicating potential compatibility problems with other software

The most annoying oddity I found was that after you connect GPRS, the connection bubble does not give you an option to "disconnect"! There is a "connect" option in the connection icon bubble when you need to connect but not to disconnect after you have connected! www.myxda.com suggests that the work-around is to press and hold down the red "end-call" button for 2 seconds. Not exactly intuitive but people should know before they buy!

Draw your own conclusions! I am still happy with my purchase though.

[The Source]

In all my years in the channel never have I seen such excitement for a product -

The clamour on the day of release at Gitex Shopper was amazing.......and continues today - almost a month later. It was a good feeling

Customers were buying 2s 3s and more
The Resellers were like pigs in mud !

Supply has stabilized now and the street price hovers around 3049AED - 3099AED (3.68AED : $1) out of the Major Retailers in Dubai -

Only thing missing now is the accessories which I`m pleased to say are on the way