HTC Athena (X7500) Photos are Out

[Paul Martin]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/20/htcs-athena-x7500-a-winmo-ppc-not-umpc/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/20/...o-ppc-not-umpc/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Oh sweet mother of WinMo computing, HTC looks to have a new one up their sleeves with this, the HTC Athena (X7500). It's apparently not their rumored UMPC, rather, this pup is said to run Windows Mobile Pocket PC "Pro edition" (whatever that is) so that's a 3.5-inch QVGA touch-screen with stylus and detachable QWERTY -- yes, detachable when you need to keep things light. The unofficial specs being passed around indicate that this handheld is destined for Europe: UMTS 2100 with tri-band GSM/GPRS radio (what, no EDGE or HSDPA?), 802.11b/g WiFi, 256MB ROM / 64MB RAM, 2 megapixel camera, SD expansion, and USB 1.1 interface. All running on a 400MHz Samsung processor. Still, doesn't this seem a bit light for all the device's bulk?"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/HTC_Athena_X7500_engadget.jpg" /><br /><br />Last week <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=52989">we posted about</a> the rumored HTC Athena. Now, Endgaget is <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/20/htcs-athena-x7500-a-winmo-ppc-not-umpc/">hosting clear photos</a> from pdaclub.pl of the Athena with a DETACHABLE keyboard. Be sure to read through the comments as some are claiming to have actually played with a prototype of the device. Also, mentioned is <a href="http://www.xda-developers.com/modules.php?name=News&file=showarticle&threadid=286884">this link</a> to the XDA-Developers website which suggests the specs may be much better: "<i>5 inch 640x480 very nice screen. Features include 8GB drive, GPS, BT 2.0, 2200 mAh battery, G-Sensor, VGA out, stereo speakers, MINI SD, GSM UMTS, W-lan, 3MP camera with flash, 624 MHz processor and more</i>". At this point, neither set of specs has been officially confirmed. I sure hope its the second set!

[Joff]

It looks interresting.

It reminds me of the Samsung NEXiO S160 (http://www.mobiletechreview.com/nexio_S160.htm)

Agreed Paul, device of this size/form-factor MUST include a VGA display to be really useful.

[alese]

I'm pretty sure the second set of specs is the correct one, but...

It's big for Windows Mobile and it's probably going to be expensive. So I'm not quite sure what to think.
The geek in me likes it, but if you look at it more rationally, it's pretty much an underpowered UMPC without "real" Windows...

[Paul Martin]

It almost reminds me of some of the larger HPC format devices that were mini-laptops running Windows CE. However, I wonder how functional that keyboard will be for those with fat fingers. :mrgreen:

[bkerrins]

At least things seem to be moving in the right direction for me. This still looks under powered and lacking memory even with 8G. But again, going in the right direction. I truly expect to see something this size with greater than 1Ghz speed, 40+ gig memory and all the wireless one could want (quad band, UMTS or some sort of 3G, wifi, GPS, etc.)

[ppcsurfr]

It almost reminds me of some of the larger HPC format devices that were mini-laptops running Windows CE. However, I wonder how functional that keyboard will be for those with fat fingers. :mrgreen:

You beat me to it...

I was going to say this is how the HPC Pro is supposed to be...

[whydidnt]

Hmm, the device by itself is fascinating. I could see myself wanting one, if the second set of specs is correct. But then, how much will it cost? If the Universal cost around $1,000, then they'll definitely want $1,500 - $2,000 for one of these.

It looks like it will be about the same size and shape as the OQO, but I think it will be more expensive. The question to ask is will people pay MORE for WM and the extra connectivity options? WM does provide an instant on experience, the apps are designed for mobile use, and the components are sure to be less power hungry than those found in the OQO. Still, you might have a hard time convincing all but the most hardcore of WM users that this is a worth the $$.

[MitchellO]

Yeah the price on this thing will definately be the killer. There is just no way that this thing is going to be affordable. Very nice, and awesome specs, but simply too expensive.

[saru83]

having this &amp; a slim smartphone "BlackJack" is all i need :twisted:

[beq]

The new Engadget news blurb:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/21/htc-athena-x7500-a-umtshsdpa-quad-band-UMPC/

"Better yet, it's said to come in two flavors: one for Europe, and a UMTS/HSDPA quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE flavor for the US unlike initial reports. Other notable features include GPS, a standard 3.5-mm jack for headphones, 2 megapixel cam with LED plus another cam up front for video conferencing, dual stereo speakers with 3D surround, USB 2.0 and another USB 1.1 host, TV-out, 802.11b/g WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and A2DP/AVRCP profile support. The unit weighs in at 12.3-ounces (350-grams) / 5.24 x 3.8 x 0.78-inches (133 x 97 x 20-mm) making that QWERTY (barely) usable as a table-top keyboard and not some awkwardly held thumbpad."

[alese]

The new Engadget news blurb:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/21/htc-athena-x7500-a-umtshsdpa-quad-band-UMPC/

"Better yet, it's said to come in two flavors: one for Europe, and a UMTS/HSDPA quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE flavor for the US unlike initial reports. Other notable features include GPS, a standard 3.5-mm jack for headphones, 2 megapixel cam with LED plus another cam up front for video conferencing, dual stereo speakers with 3D surround, USB 2.0 and another USB 1.1 host, TV-out, 802.11b/g WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and A2DP/AVRCP profile support. The unit weighs in at 12.3-ounces (350-grams) / 5.24 x 3.8 x 0.78-inches (133 x 97 x 20-mm) making that QWERTY (barely) usable as a table-top keyboard and not some awkwardly held thumbpad."

In order to use this as some kind of Notebook replacement, USB Host is essential, so this is good news, but I would really prefer USB 2.0...