CNET UK Reviews the O2 Xda Exec

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/handhelds/0,39030064,39193462,00.htm' target='_blank'>http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/handhelds...39193462,00.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The XDA Exec is big, feature-packed and has an unusually flexible design that accommodates both traditional handheld and laptop-style operation. The two-tone grey and black lid lifts up, clamshell-style, to reveal a screen and a small Qwerty keyboard. However, users are unlikely to require the built-in keyboard all of the time, so the lid section swivels through 180 degrees, Tablet PC-style, and lays flat, leaving you with a more standard handheld configuration with the screen facing outwards. The screen automatically switches between landscape and portrait orientation."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050916-O2XdaExec.jpg" /><br /><br />Just in case the 4,587,102 reviews of the O2 Xda Exec (HTC Universal) weren't enough for you, here's another one. ;) CNET UK felt it deserved 8.2/10.

[DaleReeck]

As per the review: We were not able to make voice calls to our pre-production device, so we can't comment on the quality here

They couldn't make calls so they can't comment on that feature? You would think a comment about the phone part would be fairly important in a review about a phone ;)

[biglouis]

Having played with one at my local O2 shop I would add the following opinion.

It is a staggeringly functional piece of equipment. Lots of very useful features and the 3G capabilities offer an intriguing data dimension.

You can also buy it online for a ridiculous price, UKP 139 plus a UKP 19 per month rental for 12 months, meaning the TCO is actually under UKP 400. In fact, I got it even lower by going to the O2 Business Team which offered it to me for UKP 139 and only UKP 16.50 a month (e.g. 12 months TCO = UKP 339!).

The thing is superbly built, btw, and has a real "Rolls Royce" feel. Only SD expansion (not CF as in other form factors) but at least NOT mini-SD.

The negatives, imho, are:

1. Weight - this is an incredible brick. Belt or pocket, it was too much for me.

2. I may be wrong but the physical dimensions of the screen appear to be smaller than, say, a hx4700 or x50/51v. If you are going to make the machine this heavy you might as well go the whole hog and beef up the screen as well. I may be wrong on the screen size but that is how it appeared to me.

3. Philosophical point, but I'll make it anyway, given the growing availability of WiFi, how important is 3G going to be????

4. Is the keyboard worth the additional weight?

If you deduct out the 3G element and keyboard then you are left wondering if the device is actually worth owning. I decided not and opted for a different solution but there is no doubt that the WoW factor is very high with this device. My head may have said no but my heart was not entirely convinced.

LouisB

[freitasm]

As per the review: We were not able to make voice calls to our pre-production device, so we can't comment on the quality here

They couldn't make calls so they can't comment on that feature? You would think a comment about the phone part would be fairly important in a review about a phone ;) Agreed. And they still give it a 8.2? Hmmm. This would kill the model in my opinion. :roll:

[DaleReeck]

As per the review: We were not able to make voice calls to our pre-production device, so we can't comment on the quality here

They couldn't make calls so they can't comment on that feature? You would think a comment about the phone part would be fairly important in a review about a phone ;) Agreed. And they still give it a 8.2? Hmmm. This would kill the model in my opinion. :roll:

Sort of like reviewing a car without taking it for a drive :)