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View Full Version : Yet More HTC Universal Pictures


Janak Parekh
05-18-2005, 08:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://gallery.mlife.at/' target='_blank'>http://gallery.mlife.at/</a><br /><br /></div>I admit I have a problem: I really want the HTC Universal. I really <b>really</b> want the HTC Universal. As a result, I feel compelled to post on any new picture findings, such as this great gallery at mlife.at with pictures of the T-Mobile Germany branded version. The unit is pictured at every angle, and there's some comparison pictures against an HTC Magician in there to help you get a handle on the size of the device.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20050518-HTCUniversalMLife.jpg" /><br /><br />:drool: So... anyone with me? ;)

hidefguy
05-18-2005, 08:08 PM
I admit I have a problem: I really want the HTC Universal. I really really want the HTC Universal. ...
:drool: So... anyone with me? ;)

It looks really nice but I'm told has no hardware graphics acceleration which is a pity.

Kowalski
05-18-2005, 08:20 PM
thanks but no, i didnt even like the device at all.
firstly thumb keyboards are no good for me, i have tried but it didnt work, and i am very happy with stowaway BT keyboard. second, the device has UMTS! what am i gonna do with UMTS?! EDGE would be better for me, faster access, same cost as GPRS, and lastly the device is very big.

jeasher
05-18-2005, 08:21 PM
I'm with you man. Usually when a new device is out, we in the community carp about how it is outdated already, missing this or that feature, or it's just plain ugly. This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

Jonathon Watkins
05-18-2005, 08:23 PM
The huge number of well shot images really let you get a handle on this device. It is tempting, but there are a number of minor and not so minor quibbles about it for me, the lack of video acceleration being just one. :? I really want to like it, but I think I may stick with my X50v and possible an Orange C550 Smartphone. Having said that, I could still be tempted by the HTC Universal once I play with one. :wink:

Still, it promises to be the first in a huge wave of new phone-enabled Pocket PCs, so the future really looks bright! 8)

rhelwig
05-18-2005, 08:24 PM
... This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

Where's the quality screen? QVGA is so 1990s.

Other than that, I'd be lusting after it as well.

Jonathon Watkins
05-18-2005, 08:24 PM
Where's the quality screen? QVGA is so 1990s.

Other than that, I'd be lusting after it as well.

Umm, it has got a VGA screen.

CrashX
05-18-2005, 08:28 PM
I have just one thing to say: http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/media/users/17292/tpdrool.gif

ignar
05-18-2005, 08:28 PM
I like the spec and form factor, but size worries me. I have an iMate JAM and it's about the right size. Anything larger than JAM feels awkward as a phone, and smaller than JAM will be too hard to read the screen. I'm more attracted to i730 style phone since it has one big missing feature in JAM: built-in thumbboard.

Duncan
05-18-2005, 08:29 PM
I'm with you man. Usually when a new device is out, we in the community carp about how it is outdated already, missing this or that feature, or it's just plain ugly. This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

No buttons on the front and a lack of ROM or RAM are weaknesses for a start.

jeasher
05-18-2005, 08:30 PM
... This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

Where's the quality screen? QVGA is so 1990s.

Other than that, I'd be lusting after it as well.So are you lusting for it now?

jeasher
05-18-2005, 08:31 PM
I'm with you man. Usually when a new device is out, we in the community carp about how it is outdated already, missing this or that feature, or it's just plain ugly. This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

No buttons on the front and a lack of ROM or RAM are weaknesses for a start.What are you talking about? What are the specs?

T-Will
05-18-2005, 08:38 PM
:drool: :drool: :drool: Very cool! I expect we'll see more of these convertible devices coming out in the near future. I'd like to see this compared to a 4100 or a standard Pocket PC.

Duncan
05-18-2005, 08:44 PM
I'm with you man. Usually when a new device is out, we in the community carp about how it is outdated already, missing this or that feature, or it's just plain ugly. This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

No buttons on the front and a lack of ROM or RAM are weaknesses for a start.What are you talking about? What are the specs?

According to picture 12 the device has 64 MB RAM ( a later pic shows that only 56 MB is available) and only 48 MB flashROM. The lack of buttons on the front is fairly obvious.

I'll add that the SD slot and power button are on the bottom and there is no CF slot. Further weaknesses.

jeasher
05-18-2005, 08:52 PM
I'm with you man. Usually when a new device is out, we in the community carp about how it is outdated already, missing this or that feature, or it's just plain ugly. This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

No buttons on the front and a lack of ROM or RAM are weaknesses for a start.What are you talking about? What are the specs?

According to picture 12 the device has 64 MB RAM ( a later pic shows that only 56 MB is available) and only 48 MB flashROM. The lack of buttons on the front is fairly obvious.

I'll add that the SD slot and power button are on the bottom and there is no CF slot. Further weaknesses.

64 and 48 should be sufficient if that's what the final numbers will be. Also, why is it a weakness to have the SD slot and power button on the bottom? BTW, the buttons are on the sides. Who still uses a CF slot and what is the purpose of it? CF is so turn-of-the-century. :D

Kevin Daly
05-18-2005, 08:59 PM
I'm with you.

In fact, I have this feeling that if I cover my wall with pictures of it and utter its name constantly in suitably reverent tones, perhaps one will drop into my lap.

But then again that didn't work when I tried it with Winona Ryder.

jeasher
05-18-2005, 09:03 PM
But then again that didn't work when I tried it with Winona Ryder. Did she steal your heart? :D

Wasp
05-18-2005, 09:10 PM
I agree that its an impressive device, but it will never fit into my shirt pocket. Convenient accessability is key for any handheld device that I use. (And I am certainly not holstering that sucker on my pants...) 8)

DaleReeck
05-18-2005, 09:14 PM
I'm with you man. Usually when a new device is out, we in the community carp about how it is outdated already, missing this or that feature, or it's just plain ugly. This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

No buttons on the front and a lack of ROM or RAM are weaknesses for a start.What are you talking about? What are the specs?

According to picture 12 the device has 64 MB RAM ( a later pic shows that only 56 MB is available) and only 48 MB flashROM. The lack of buttons on the front is fairly obvious.

I'll add that the SD slot and power button are on the bottom and there is no CF slot. Further weaknesses.

But doesn't the device have Windows Mobile 2005? WM 2005 uses ROM for the OS/storage and RAM is dedicated for app execution from what I understand. In that case, 64MB is more than enough memory. It also explains why some premiere devices like the iPaq 4705 had only 64MB of RAM. Not good for WM 2003 but very good for WM 2005. Maybe they were looking ahead.

ale_ers
05-18-2005, 09:16 PM
This looks like a very well thought out design. It looks like you can start and end calls as well as access voice command (pix 29) without even opening the device. I also wonder if that speaker on the outside would allow you to talk on the phone with it closed (screen on the inside). That would allow you to answer the phone without opening it and without getting face grease on the screen. Of course, you wouldn’t be able to see caller id this way, but voice command could announce it for you.

It also looks like it has stereo speakers on the side.

The big thing I am wondering about is the Bluetooth implementation in the new devices. It seems that a phone I got for free from AT&amp;T (Siemens s56) does a better job with Bluetooth headphones than any Windows Mobile device. And the Windows Mobile devices need it more than small cell phones…No one wants to hold a pop tart up to their ear when they talk.

surur
05-18-2005, 09:34 PM
The big thing I am wondering about is the Bluetooth implementation in the new devices. It seems that a phone I got for free from AT&amp;T (Siemens s56) does a better job with Bluetooth headphones than any Windows Mobile device. And the Windows Mobile devices need it more than small cell phones…No one wants to hold a pop tart up to their ear when they talk.

All true. I wonder why its such a struggle to get the simple things like this right on ppcphones.

Surur

Jonathon Watkins
05-18-2005, 09:47 PM
Who still uses a CF slot and what is the purpose of it? CF is so turn-of-the-century. :D

Come on, don't go CF trolling now....... :wink:

A large number of us want CF cards for the microdrives, large &amp; high speed CF cards we already own, usage of CF peripherals and compatibility with our cameras. It's enough to be going on with and I really hope that there will continue to be CF equipped PPCs out there. All should come with at least one SD slot, but a CF slot just completes the ideal PPC. 8)

that dan guy
05-18-2005, 09:50 PM
I have just moved from my x5 advance to a samsung I700 ( I know it's not the latest and greatest but verizon did give it to me for free) and i must admit that ppcpe rocks. I like having all in one device and screen is big enough and beta player plays every video I throw at it smoothly. I plan on getting an audiovox 6600 for bluetoof. I love the universal and hop that verizon will get a similar device. I think that the device is bigger but it is nice to have everything you want in one device. I think that samsung is going backwards with the I730. I like the size of 3.5+ inch screens instead of the sub 3 inch screen on the I730. I don't really miss the cf slot on the x5 since flash memory prices seem to be falling and you can get a 1 gig sd card for under $80. This thing rocks I hope more companies follow the universal's model design.

danno

Jonathon Watkins
05-18-2005, 09:50 PM
I wonder why its such a struggle to get the simple things like this right on ppcphones.

Possibly because we are still just emerging from the first generation of devices and possibly because there aren't enough techies involved in the design process? Or then again, maybe because marketing and deadlines force compromises? :?

Or, it could be that we are all very picky and hard to please? :wink:

Paragon
05-18-2005, 09:56 PM
According to picture 12 the device has 64 MB RAM ( a later pic shows that only 56 MB is available) and only 48 MB flashROM. The lack of buttons on the front is fairly obvious.

Oh, man, that HAS to be wrong! If this is to be a WM 5.0 device with persistent storage it need much more that 48MB of ROM???

At 48MB of ROM I think that seals the fate of this device as never being upgradable to WM 5.0, right?

Dave

Kevin Daly
05-18-2005, 10:00 PM
According to picture 12 the device has 64 MB RAM ( a later pic shows that only 56 MB is available) and only 48 MB flashROM. The lack of buttons on the front is fairly obvious.

Oh, man, that HAS to be wrong! If this is to be a WM 5.0 device with persistent storage it need much more that 48MB of ROM???


Dave

I wondered about that myself...and then I wondered if the figure displayed is the amount left after the OS? Although that doesn't seem likely.
But then as you say 48 MB seems useless for WM 5.0. Assuming you can cram the OS into that, what's left for storage? All that RAM to run programs and nowhere to put them...(I've never been happy about installing to SD)

Chris Spera
05-18-2005, 10:11 PM
Oh, man, that HAS to be wrong! If this is to be a WM 5.0 device with persistent storage it need much more that 48MB of ROM???

At 48MB of ROM I think that seals the fate of this device as never being upgradable to WM 5.0, right?

Dave

I thought that this came WITH WM 5.0; and that may not be the entire shot. This is obviously not a production unit (in my mind). the final unit may have a bigger ROM.

does anyone have a link to the final specs for the device?

I put in a pre-order for the hp 6515 with eXpansys USA. Depending on the cost of the device, I may not fill that and get this instead.

lorettaboy
05-18-2005, 10:13 PM
I'm with you man. Usually when a new device is out, we in the community carp about how it is outdated already, missing this or that feature, or it's just plain ugly. This is the first device I can think of that is flawless in its execution. Where is the weakness?

No buttons on the front and a lack of ROM or RAM are weaknesses for a start.What are you talking about? What are the specs?

According to picture 12 the device has 64 MB RAM ( a later pic shows that only 56 MB is available) and only 48 MB flashROM. The lack of buttons on the front is fairly obvious.

I'll add that the SD slot and power button are on the bottom and there is no CF slot. Further weaknesses.

But doesn't the device have Windows Mobile 2005? WM 2005 uses ROM for the OS/storage and RAM is dedicated for app execution from what I understand. In that case, 64MB is more than enough memory. It also explains why some premiere devices like the iPaq 4705 had only 64MB of RAM. Not good for WM 2003 but very good for WM 2005. Maybe they were looking ahead.

As far as I know, this device will have 128MB of ram. I have read this in several news pieces lately. Check it out:
http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000977043001/

griph
05-18-2005, 10:24 PM
So... anyone with me? ;)
It looks like a nice design - is that a silver finish like the MDA Compact - or is that a pale grey paint job? If the latter then I dont like it!

I have a couple of problems with the Universal:

1) OMG Its a brick! I have the MDA Compact - and the Universal is absolutely huge when compared with it!! 8O
2) That keyboard is going to be horrible to use - shiney convex plastic. The keys on a normal keyboard are concave for a good reason - and the shine will show every small scratch!
3) I can see that single point pivot being a problem in the long term. Having had Psion's in the past I have always been wary of hinges and/or pivots that will get high wear and tear.
4) I was surprised (from the photo screen shot) that it didn't seem to have the previously reported 128mB Ram (or 128mB ROM for that matter) - it obviously has WM5 loaded. It seems to have Total RAM 64mB and Total Flash ROM of 48mB. Is that right :? My MDA Compact has more than that!
5) There are no app buttons on the front - I'd find that a pain!

Paragon
05-18-2005, 10:28 PM
I thought that this came WITH WM 5.0; and that may not be the entire shot. This is obviously not a production unit (in my mind). the final unit may have a bigger ROM.

Yeah, it was my understanding that this was to be a WM 5.0 device, that's why I think there must be something wrong with the stated ROM...it just can't be right!

A device like this, with its features, and large size, it is meant to be much more of a data device, than it is a phone-centric device. It has to have more memory than that.....keeping in mind, Motorola had nothing to do with this design. :lol:

Dave

Jonathon Watkins
05-18-2005, 10:48 PM
.....keeping in mind, Motorola had nothing to do with this design. :lol:

:worried: .......we hope!

Janak Parekh
05-18-2005, 10:58 PM
No buttons on the front and a lack of ROM or RAM are weaknesses for a start.
True... however, I'm willing to live without the buttons. I like the fact you can "flip it closed", which enables pocketability without needing a case. As long as it's not too thick, I'd be willing to dedicate most of a pocket to one.

As for ROM and RAM, I bet this is preproduction. I'd be very surprised if it shipped with this configuration, considering the Blue Angel and predecessors.

--janak

surur
05-18-2005, 11:05 PM
I wonder why its such a struggle to get the simple things like this right on ppcphones.

Possibly because we are still just emerging from the first generation of devices and possibly because there aren't enough techies involved in the design process? Or then again, maybe because marketing and deadlines force compromises? :?

Or, it could be that we are all very picky and hard to please? :wink:

Being in Europe you must understand bluetooth voice dialing is a basic function even a midrange phone must have. Europe has been a major adopter of WM phones (vs the USA) so I really think the developers need to concentrate some resources at serving the market here.

Surur

ADBrown
05-18-2005, 11:10 PM
64 and 48 should be sufficient if that's what the final numbers will be. Also, why is it a weakness to have the SD slot and power button on the bottom? BTW, the buttons are on the sides. Who still uses a CF slot and what is the purpose of it? CF is so turn-of-the-century. :D

48 MB of ROM, minus room for the OS, would only leave you with about 10-20 MB of room for programs. Remember that this is WM5, not 2003. And lots of people still use CF--ethernet, GPS, storage up to 8 GB, aircards, etc., etc....

gibson042
05-18-2005, 11:45 PM
Well, the pictures look fantastic! So thorough, and dare I say it, artistic as well (e.g., 21 (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1266.jpg), 43 (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1239.jpg), and 44 (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1272.jpg))! Please, keep the front page posts about this coming! :drool:

That is one funky looking stylus (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1302.jpg), but I love how it fits into the device (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1303.jpg).

And the storage issue... :?. All reports about the Universal's specs, including the one in my sig, mention 128 MB of RAM, and I think the whole community has just assumed that it will have 128 MB of ROM as well, for good reason. So why does this unit have less? I do remember the leaked WM5 beta not recognizing all the storage on Blue Angels, though I don't remember if the problem was with ROM or RAM or both. My guess—and my hope!—is that this unit has the same problem, which will be solved by launch time. As much as I love this device, I simply won't get one without at least 128 MB of ROM and 64 MB of RAM (128 MB strongly preferred, though).

Pony99CA
05-19-2005, 12:17 AM
As Paris Hilton would say, "That's hot!" :microwave:

One thing I'd like to see is somebody pick this up and release it as a non-phone Pocket PC -- at a correspondingly cheaper price, of course. :-)

First, that would make the two-piece people happy. Second, even though I'd like a connected PDA (http://thoughts.svpocketpc.com#THOUGHT_ONE_PIECE_TWO_PIECE), Verizon's data plans are still too expensive. Finally, a non-phone Pocket PC wouldn't require carrier approval for release and OS fixes and upgrades, and so could be released faster.

What do you think? Would you buy a non-phone version of this from Dell or HP?

Steve

kcrain
05-19-2005, 12:19 AM
Well, the pictures look fantastic! So thorough, and dare I say it, artistic as well (e.g., 21 (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1266.jpg), 43 (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1239.jpg), and 44 (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1272.jpg))! Please, keep the front page posts about this coming! :drool:

That is one funky looking stylus (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1302.jpg), but I love how it fits into the device (http://www.hallwachs.at/gallery/albums/mda_iv_images/IMG_1303.jpg).

And the storage issue... :?. All reports about the Universal's specs, including the one in my sig, mention 128 MB of RAM, and I think the whole community has just assumed that it will have 128 MB of ROM as well, for good reason. So why does this unit have less? I do remember the leaked WM5 beta not recognizing all the storage on Blue Angels, though I don't remember if the problem was with ROM or RAM or both. My guess—and my hope!—is that this unit has the same problem, which will be solved by launch time. As much as I love this device, I simply won't get one without at least 128 MB of ROM and 64 MB of RAM (128 MB strongly preferred, though).

Has anyone considered that the 48 mb of ROM is what is left available to the user, AFTER the OS has been installed in the ROM? That's usually what happens with past PPC's...the OS is installed, and the remaining ROM leftover is what is available to the user. I'm betting that's what 48 mb ROM means...it is left over after the OS is installed. So if there were 128mb ROM originally, that means the OS could be 80mb! that's pretty huge, but considering every microsoft os gets bigger with each iteration, it's probably not totally unbelieveable!

_4saken_
05-19-2005, 12:31 AM
hi guys,
wm2005 has a whole new way of managing the memory. the actual ram is split up in two sections. one that holds all the programs and data and one that is free to run programs.
when I installed the wm2005 beta rom from xda developers on my mda2 I had like 40mb free memory to run programs out of 56mb and 56mb in the storage part out of 62mb.
and that is all after the os is installed. 40mb for programs to run? hell, that's more than enough.
and as the specs stated, the mda4 will come out with 128mb. I can confirm that. had one in my hands at the cebit this year and it was equiped with 128mb.

so dont worry about the memory. there should be plenty to mess around with.

greets,
4saken

Pony99CA
05-19-2005, 12:32 AM
Has anyone considered that the 48 mb of ROM is what is left available to the user, AFTER the OS has been installed in the ROM?
Yes, and Kevin Daly (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=40199&amp;postdays=0&amp;postorder=asc&amp;start=25) actually posted it. :-)

That's usually what happens with past PPC's...the OS is installed, and the remaining ROM leftover is what is available to the user. I'm betting that's what 48 mb ROM means...it is left over after the OS is installed.
When most OEMs talk about ROM size, they are referring to the total ROM size (the part where the OS resides and whatever is left for user-accessible Flash ROM). Things like the iPAQ Asset Viewer also show the total ROM size, not the remainder. User-accessible Flash ROM is usually shown in the Memory Settings applet as a storage card (and often not even called "ROM").

Steve

Pony99CA
05-19-2005, 12:40 AM
wm2005 has a whole new way of managing the memory. the actual ram is split up in two sections. one that holds all the programs and data and one that is free to run programs.
Actually, I think that's how every Windows CE PDA has worked until WM 5.0. I think you mean that there are two types of RAM, right? Standard RAM will only be used for running programs, and persistent storage holds the user's programs and data.

However, I wonder if persistent storage is actually Flash RAM (like memory cards) or user-accessible ROM (like that used inside most Pocket PCs). Does it even matter? :-D

Steve

_4saken_
05-19-2005, 12:48 AM
yeah, that's what I meant.
some guys over at xda developers found out that when hard-resetting wm2005 it wount loose the installed programs and data.
if that is true this would be so cool. never to worry again about a battery running low.

Paragon
05-19-2005, 01:38 AM
However, I wonder if persistent storage is actually Flash RAM (like memory cards) or user-accessible ROM (like that used inside most Pocket PCs). Does it even matter? :-D

Steve

Persistent storage is exactly that "persistent" it is ROM. In WM 5.0 everything is stored in ROM, and RAM is used to run programs....so ROM is used 100% for storage, and OS, and RAM is used 100% to run applications....similar to desktop computers that store everything on hardrives and transfer it to RAM when you run the app. So, yes, you can turn your device off, go on an African safari for a month, come back, turn it on, and everything will still be there. 8)

Dave

welovejesus
05-19-2005, 04:46 AM
Anyone know what the cost of this device might be?
Also, does anyone have a good guess whether Verizon might carry this model?
Thanks in advance!

Janak Parekh
05-19-2005, 05:04 AM
Anyone know what the cost of this device might be?
Not yet. It's too early.

Also, does anyone have a good guess whether Verizon might carry this model?
Not this very model, since it's GSM. No clue if HTC will build a CDMA version. (I would be willing to switch away from Verizon for this unit, though, I must admit.)

--janak

Darius Wey
05-19-2005, 07:09 AM
Who still uses a CF slot and what is the purpose of it? CF is so turn-of-the-century. :D

Come on, don't go CF trolling now....... :wink:

A large number of us want CF cards for the microdrives, large &amp; high speed CF cards we already own, usage of CF peripherals and compatibility with our cameras. It's enough to be going on with and I really hope that there will continue to be CF equipped PPCs out there. All should come with at least one SD slot, but a CF slot just completes the ideal PPC. 8)

Count me in too. Sure, CF may be a little bigger, but I can think of many uses for it (the big one being the use of microdrives). If I had to pick between an SD + SD or an SD + CF combination, I still think I'd pick the latter.

griph
05-19-2005, 07:24 AM
Has anyone considered that the 48 mb of ROM is what is left available to the user, AFTER the OS has been installed in the ROM? That's usually what happens with past PPC's...the OS is installed, and the remaining ROM leftover is what is available to the user. I'm betting that's what 48 mb ROM means...it is left over after the OS is installed. So if there were 128mb ROM originally, that means the OS could be 80mb! that's pretty huge, but considering every microsoft os gets bigger with each iteration, it's probably not totally unbelieveable!
Well - my MDA Compact says under Device Information/Hardware:
Ram size: 64mB
ROM size: 64mB.
PPC DI/Hardware does not normally display residual ROM size - it states totals. As noted in this forum thread this is either a pre-production device - or someone has "messed up" and the device is going to be limited in respect of high end use.

alex_kac
05-19-2005, 09:20 AM
hi guys,
wm2005 has a whole new way of managing the memory. the actual ram is split up in two sections. one that holds all the programs and data and one that is free to run programs.
when I installed the wm2005 beta rom from xda developers on my mda2 I had like 40mb free memory to run programs out of 56mb and 56mb in the storage part out of 62mb.
and that is all after the os is installed. 40mb for programs to run? h-ll, that's more than enough.
and as the specs stated, the mda4 will come out with 128mb. I can confirm that. had one in my hands at the cebit this year and it was equiped with 128mb.

so dont worry about the memory. there should be plenty to mess around with.

greets,
4saken

First, you're using a ROM for a device never designed for WM5. Second, its a development ROM never meant for public consumption. The fact that the original ROM only gave 24MB of actual RAM to use and a hacked one gives 56MB shows that most of the ROM/RAM on your device isn't being used and somehow its hardcoded into the development ROM for whatever purpose. And finally, you're basing your knowledge of production WM5 devices on a hacked ROM for a device never meant to run WM5.

That's like saying a car with a V10 will only go 80MPH because that's all you can get it to go when put into a VW Bug with its transmission, small wheels, etc... - when it was meant to go into a Dodge Viper.

surur
05-19-2005, 10:36 AM
BTW, Alex, whats your opinion on this article:

Why Some Models Can Get Windows Mobile 5.0 Upgrades... and Some Can't
A Brighthand Editorial

http://www.brighthand.com/article/Persistent_Memory_Storage_and_WM05

What is the size of the production ROM image?

Surur

mr_Ray
05-19-2005, 12:39 PM
Windows Mobile 5? Check.
VGA screen? Check.
keyboard? Check.
voice+data/wifi/bluetooth? Check.
Decent battery? 1640mAh - Check.
Good RAM&amp;ROM capacity? ...currently uncertain.
Decent storage? ...1 SD only. :(

Either a 2nd SD card of a CF slot and confirmation of enough built-in memory (I could live with a small ROM if there was a 2nd SD slot, though) would be enough to move me from a 5% possibility of buying to 95% (assuming the price isn't too bad).

Perry Reed
05-19-2005, 02:48 PM
I love it! If only they'd do it as a CDMA device so I'd have a (slim) chance that Sprint would sell it.

As it is, if I could find a good data plan on Cingular or T-Mobile, and they were selling this, I could be very tempted to switch.

This is the first device I've seen that has me seriously considering trading up from my old trusty Jornada.

jayman
05-19-2005, 04:37 PM
Well probably time for me to finally upgrade from my XDA1
Which has done me proud thanks to the great upgrade support from
www.xda-developers.com
Plus great apps like beta player that have kept me away from a PMP.
One thing that will make this the biz is if the VGA can be brought out through the USB for presenting on a TV or monitor or pocket projector.
Then I can stay out of the office all week. Anybody know much about VGA out on PocketPCs??? Especially through USB. Anyone used Pitch Duo or similar???

Video of mark IV:
http://www.mpx200.org/forums/index.php?act=Attach&amp;type=post&amp;id=476

News on Pocket projectors:
http://www.chait.net/index.php?p=572&amp;page=1

That and a bluetooth virtual keyboard and it's desktop anywhere!!

Jayman.

davea0511
05-20-2005, 11:41 PM
The big thing I am wondering about is the Bluetooth implementation in the new devices. It seems that a phone I got for free from AT&amp;T (Siemens s56) does a better job with Bluetooth headphones than any Windows Mobile device. And the Windows Mobile devices need it more than small cell phones?No one wants to hold a pop tart up to their ear when they talk.

All true. I wonder why its such a struggle to get the simple things like this right on ppcphones.

Surur
I couldn't agree more.

griph
05-21-2005, 09:12 AM
The big thing I am wondering about is the Bluetooth implementation in the new devices. It seems that a phone I got for free from AT&amp;T (Siemens s56) does a better job with Bluetooth headphones than any Windows Mobile device. And the Windows Mobile devices need it more than small cell phones?No one wants to hold a pop tart up to their ear when they talk.

All true. I wonder why its such a struggle to get the simple things like this right on ppcphones.

Surur
I couldn't agree more.
It seems to be a problem with using Microsoft's own Bluetooth stack rather than the WIDCOMM BT stack. This is an issue with my MDA Compact - and the MS stack doesn't support voice dialing - rather defeats the benefit of having a BT headset! I dont think it is anything to do with the device per se - just poorly implemented software!

Newton Ford
05-21-2005, 10:46 AM
I agree that its an impressive device, but it will never fit into my shirt pocket. Convenient accessability is key for any handheld device that I use. (And I am certainly not holstering that sucker on my pants...) 8)

You still put your phone in your top pocket.....?

Learnt not to do that when an old Motorola 'brick' phone I had plopped down the crapper wiping the seat!!!!

I soooooo want one of these machines as soon as I can get one in the UK
:drool:

griph
05-21-2005, 03:20 PM
...I had plopped down the crapper wiping the seat!!!!
Now that is definitely more information than we needed! :wink:
I keep my phone in my trouser pocket. The MDA Compact fits too. The Universal will feel like a Colt 45 in any pocket! As Mae West once said "Is that a MDA IV in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" :)

Kadegboye
05-24-2005, 06:17 PM
Hi,
The idea behind MDA IV AKA Universal is impressive but there are a number of questions or specifications that are yet unknown about this device. Personally, I am not a favourite of thumb keyboard. I would only like to use it for dialing while driving. To make matters worse, the numbers on the keyboard are not sequested to the right side for easy dialing. If however, the voice activation system is an excellent one I would not need the keyboard. I am almost sure that the RAM will not be only 64MB or that will be the death sentence for the device. The speed of the processor is another important factor. I hope the manufacturer will make sure it is above or equal to the current highest i.e 512 MHz. Finally, the device looks very big in size. Anything bigger than the current common PPC-P like i-mate PDA 2K will probably not attract many users. The clamp-shell design is great.
Kay.

ale_ers
05-31-2005, 04:28 PM
Hi,
If however, the voice activation system is an excellent one I would not need the keyboard.
Kay.

I just recently bought MS Voice Command and I have been very impressed. It is a bit steep at $40, but works better than any cell phone voice dialing I have ever owned. I think (from the photos) that the Universal has a dedicated button for Voice Command. So I think you can plan on that problem being solved.

surur
05-31-2005, 05:47 PM
Ah, but can Voice Command be activated via a bluetooth headset? This is the important question.

Surur

LPC
06-02-2005, 11:00 PM
Ah, but can Voice Command be activated via a bluetooth headset? This is the important question.

Surur
No it's can't ... and that sucks.
I'm in the car connected to bluetooth. I need to make a call so I have to hold the JAM up and press the button to activate it. The woman on the PDA confirms my dialing via the JAM speakers then pops the call to bluetooth. It's a megga pain in the ass that no one appears to be addressing !

surur
06-02-2005, 11:53 PM
Ive ranted enough about this that its boring even to me. I figure its because Redmond is in America, and we know there is no real cell phones there ;) so they don't know how its really supposed to work.

Surur