Hands On With The X7501

[Nurhisham Hussein]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Board=news&Number=28140' target='_blank'>http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ubb...ws&Number=28140</a><br /><br /></div><i>"We just lucked into the new HTC Advantage X7501, the US version of the Advantage X7500 released a few months ago. In fact, we didn't think the 7501 was even officially released yet...What's different about the Advantage X7501 model? It's running Windows Mobile 6 rather than the 7500's Windows Mobile 5."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/hisham-20070730-mobiletechreview_advantage_wm6.jpg" /><br /><br />While this doesn't add much to what's already out there in terms of Advantage reviews, the addition of WM6 is worthwhile enough for this to check out, especially if you've been waiting on the upgrade (which for the WM5 iteration was only released a couple of weeks ago). The preview covers the basics, especially the differences between the WM6 version and the WM5 version - if you'd rather jump into the full review, you can go through this <a href="http://www.mobiletechreview.com/HTC-Advantage.htm">link</a>.

[whoster69]

Great review LisaG! This is the most thorough review I've seen of the HTC Advantage.

For those that are interested, you can get this phone through Amazon.com for $850. I pre-ordered mine about a month ago. It should ship any day now!

If you'd like more info on bluetooth headsets, check out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=351

xda developers have several forums dedicated to this phone.

Thanks again for the great review LisaG!

[yvilla]

I second that "great review" comment.

If I weren't also already anxiously awaiting mine from Amazon, I'd order it immediately! :lol:

[Jolt]

I also would like to say that was a great review! I too would go out and get one if I didn't already have one :twisted: ...In fact I've already up graded the rom to the new rom. :wink: It truely is a great device. My eyes are not that old but it is very hard to go back and look at my 4700 after using the advantage.

[whoster69]

So how does it rate as a phone Jolt in day to day use? Are you using a BT headset? If so, which one?

[Jolt]

So how does it rate as a phone Jolt in day to day use? Are you using a BT headset? If so, which one?

Phone use is very easy although I don't use it for a phone much. I personally like having a "dumb" phone for phone calls. :roll: However I do like using the built in telenav gps. By the way tomtom does not come with the US version. Also I don't have a BT headset but BT works well with my laptop. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[juni]

I must admit I'm getting a bit interested in this device :). How does the device stick to the keyboard? I think I saw a review where it kept falling off of it.

Also, if you get a WM5 device, is there a planned WM6 upgrade?

[whoster69]

I must admit I'm getting a bit interested in this device :). How does the device stick to the keyboard? I think I saw a review where it kept falling off of it.

Also, if you get a WM5 device, is there a planned WM6 upgrade?

The X7501 is a WM6 device. All reviews I've read (and I've read about all of them) say the keyboard sticks to the screen very well. If anything people seemed to think the magnet was too powerful.

I could confirm this one way or the other in a few days though... :wink:

[Jolt]

I must admit I'm getting a bit interested in this device :). How does the device stick to the keyboard? I think I saw a review where it kept falling off of it.

Also, if you get a WM5 device, is there a planned WM6 upgrade?
The device sticks to to keyboard with very strong magnets. It works very well and I have not had any problems with it falling off. I would like to see that review...for my keyboard to fall off I would need to shake it fairly hard. The 7500 comes with WM5 but there is suppose to be an upgrade to WM6. The 7501 comes with WM6 and the ones most people, like myself, bought from compusa here in America still had a WN6 test version so an upgrade was provided. My biggest problem is that I've used my 4700 so long that I'm still getting use to the much larger screen and in landscape. Also this device while I can put it in my pocket (very tight fit) never gets put there because people would think I'm smuggling a laptop. This is a large device and not for everyone. If you have any more questions I would be glad to try and answer.

[whoster69]

I must admit I'm getting a bit interested in this device :). How does the device stick to the keyboard? I think I saw a review where it kept falling off of it.

Also, if you get a WM5 device, is there a planned WM6 upgrade?
The device sticks to to keyboard with very strong magnets. It works very well and I have not had any problems with it falling off. I would like to see that review...for my keyboard to fall off I would need to shake it fairly hard. The 7500 comes with WM5 but there is suppose to be an upgrade to WM6. The 7501 comes with WM6 and the ones most people, like myself, bought from compusa here in America still had a WN6 test version so an upgrade was provided. My biggest problem is that I've used my 4700 so long that I'm still getting use to the much larger screen and in landscape. Also this device while I can put it in my pocket (very tight fit) never gets put there because people would think I'm smuggling a laptop. This is a large device and not for everyone. If you have any more questions I would be glad to try and answer.

That's very interesting about the X7501 coming from CompUSA with a WM6 test version of the software. I just got this from Amazon.com:


We're writing about your recent purchase of an HTC Advantage 7501
purchased from Amazon.com. We've learned that some units were shipped
out with pre-production software. If you received an HTC Advantage
from Amazon.com and are experiencing any problems or errors, please be
sure to upgrade to the latest firmware/software to avoid issues.

The download URL and instructions can be found on the right side of
the following page:

http://www.america.htc.com/products/advantage7501/default.html

We hope this information is helpful. Thank you for shopping at
Amazon.com.

In case anyone else is ordering from them... :wink:

Sounds like they rushed it out a bit fast.

[DaleReeck]

I had a CompUSA version of the 7501 (didn't know about the test software issue though I found it stable). But now I don't have it :)

It's not that I didn't like it, it had a gorgeous screen and was fast (though slowed a bit by VGA). The size wasn't too bad either. And I even got used to the magnet thing.

It was more of an issue that I liked my Cingular 8525 (Hermes) better. It didn't have a VGA screen or built in GPS. But it seemed just more convenient. For instance, I'm at the FedEx office and need my accout number from eWallet. The 8525, being smaller, made it easier to retrieve info when you are standing there. The 7501 is a bit awkward if you don't have a table to lay it on. The 8525 you feel you are less likely to drop it since it sits securely in the hand. Also, the 8525 was obviously a better phone. I ended up carrying my VZW Razr with the 7501, which got me back to the two-device mode I hate.

If you strictly need a laptop replacement, this does a nice job. But if you are thinking you can "make do" with it as a phone as well, it's difficult, especially if you are not a headset-type of guy. If it was $500-$600, I might have kept it as a second device. But at $900, it did not seem a wise purchase for me.

[whoster69]

Thanks for sharing your experiences DaleReeck. I've ordered the X7501 and will test it out for a month just for the reasons you describe. I'm concerned about using it as a phone. In a lot of ways I'm torn between the small screen of devices like the 8525 and the Kaiser (2.8") and the huge 5" VGA screen on the X7501 Advantage. I'm hoping that I can make the X7501 work as a phone OK, because it will be much better for web browsing &amp; email. Whether or not I can make it work as a phone is the real question...

Anyone else have any experiences to share on this question?

[disconnected]

The 7501 is a bit awkward if you don't have a table to lay it on.

I've been wondering about that. Is it just the keyboard that makes it awkward? I'd only use the keyboard while traveling (if I left my laptop at home), so I'm hoping someone will make a case that does not hold the keyboard.

If you use it in portrait mode, do the buttons seem awkwardly placed?

I'm sorry to hear that the US doesn't get TomTom! That would have made it a little easier to justify the price.

[DaleReeck]

The 7501 is a bit awkward if you don't have a table to lay it on.

I've been wondering about that. Is it just the keyboard that makes it awkward? I'd only use the keyboard while traveling (if I left my laptop at home), so I'm hoping someone will make a case that does not hold the keyboard.

If you use it in portrait mode, do the buttons seem awkwardly placed?

I'm sorry to hear that the US doesn't get TomTom! That would have made it a little easier to justify the price.

In order to allow the 7501 to be at an angle when it's magnetically connect the keyboard, the "long" sides of the device are angled at 45 degrees, not 90 degrees like most PDA's. If you were looking at it on it's side, it looks like this ("short" edge facing you):

___________
\-----------------\


That makes it feel weird to hold. Plus, even portrait mode, it's wide. Unless you have big hands, it's uncomfortable to hold for long periods.

[disconnected]

Thanks. It's beginning to sound more and more that it's not quite what I want.

I've been quite happy with my iPAQ 4700 and a separate phone. All I really need is a somewhat updated version of that with more RAM, GPS, and maybe a camera added. :(

[DaleReeck]

Thanks. It's beginning to sound more and more that it's not quite what I want.

I've been quite happy with my iPAQ 4700 and a separate phone. All I really need is a somewhat updated version of that with more RAM, GPS, and maybe a camera added. :(

I hate to discourage anyone since it is an excellent PocketPC in so many ways. I feel it is an excellent mini laptop PocketPC, but not a great phone or portable PocketPC. Not the kind you can whip out quick, look something up, then back into the pocket.

[whoster69]

Could you go into a bit more detail on why it's not a great phone DaleReeck? I know it's kind of big and only offers speakerphone, wired headset, or bluetooth headset.

Thanks.

Also Disconnected, over at XDA Developers theres several subforums dedicated to this device. There are lots of posts on cases for it that work well if you want to leave the keyboard behind.

[Jolt]

DaleReeck and Disconnected are right. This thing is not a smartphone to just carry around in your pocket. The advantage was made to avoid carrying around a laptop. I have a grinder gear pouch that clips to my belt and that makes it perfect for me on jobsites. Carrying around a laptop is not fun. I hope I don't discourage anyone because this really is the ultimate device...for me. :mrgreen:

[whoster69]

I understand that Jolt. I'm just trying to see if I can make it work for me for both. :wink:

[Jolt]

I understand that Jolt. I'm just trying to see if I can make it work for me for both. :wink:
I completely understand. If I'm able to find the right bluetooth device (one not so borg like) :robot: I would probably get rid of my "dumb" phone and just use this. Maybe the secret service has a solution. :snipersmile:

[whoster69]

I understand that Jolt. I'm just trying to see if I can make it work for me for both. :wink:
I completely understand. If I'm able to find the right bluetooth device (one not so borg like) :robot: I would probably get rid of my "dumb" phone and just use this. Maybe the secret service has a solution. :snipersmile:

Well, if you're looking for a good BT headset for the X7501, you might want to check out this thread on the subject...

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=319943

[Jolt]

Thanks for the link! Looks like I'll be busy deciding on bluetooth devices. :wink:

[whoster69]

Thanks for the link! Looks like I'll be busy deciding on bluetooth devices. :wink:

You and me both! :D

[DaleReeck]

Could you go into a bit more detail on why it's not a great phone DaleReeck? I know it's kind of big and only offers speakerphone, wired headset, or bluetooth headset.


I think that's the problem - it only offers speakerphone or headset. I'm not a headset sort of guy and having a BT headset attached to my ear wasn't my favorite thing. I have a BT headset, but I hardly ever use it. So I use my 8525 as a basic phone - phone to ear - something the 7501 can't do. Not that you would want to put something that big to your ear to begin with, but still....And even if you use a headset, there are times you need to see the phone interface, press buttons etc. Hauling the device out as a phone is awkward due to it's size.

But these are personal issues. If you use bluetooth headsets a lot, you can probably make it work. But if you are one to put the phone to your ear or need to act with the interface, dial pad, whatever, the 7501 is too awkward to use IMO.

[whoster69]

Could you go into a bit more detail on why it's not a great phone DaleReeck? I know it's kind of big and only offers speakerphone, wired headset, or bluetooth headset.


I think that's the problem - it only offers speakerphone or headset. I'm not a headset sort of guy and having a BT headset attached to my ear wasn't my favorite thing. I have a BT headset, but I hardly ever use it. So I use my 8525 as a basic phone - phone to ear - something the 7501 can't do. Not that you would want to put something that big to your ear to begin with, but still....And even if you use a headset, there are times you need to see the phone interface, press buttons etc. Hauling the device out as a phone is awkward due to it's size.

But these are personal issues. If you use bluetooth headsets a lot, you can probably make it work. But if you are one to put the phone to your ear or need to act with the interface, dial pad, whatever, the 7501 is too awkward to use IMO.

Thanks Dale. I've never used a headset, so I'm not sure if I'll take to it or not. I see what you mean.

Did you find the bigger screen with VGA a huge improvement for viewing websites and reading/writing email? One of the things that turned me off to the 8525 was how small the screen was. I realize it's a real trade off, having a screen that's big enough to be useful but not so big as to be hard to carry, but I'd love to hear what you thought of the usefulness of the screen on the X7501.

[juni]

I mostly use my hx4700 for web browsing on the sofa (wirelessly, of course) and ebook reading - so it would be essential for a new device to be easy to hold. I don't do a lot of typing so it isn't critical, although being able to answer emails easily would be a plus.

Is the Advantage a lot bigger than the hx4700? (I mostly use landscape mode, especially for web browsing)

For phone use I have small Samsung smartphone (WM5) which really is a great little device. :)

[DaleReeck]

Thanks Dale. I've never used a headset, so I'm not sure if I'll take to it or not. I see what you mean.

Did you find the bigger screen with VGA a huge improvement for viewing websites and reading/writing email? One of the things that turned me off to the 8525 was how small the screen was. I realize it's a real trade off, having a screen that's big enough to be useful but not so big as to be hard to carry, but I'd love to hear what you thought of the usefulness of the screen on the X7501.

The big VGA screen definitely made a difference. It's probably a match in quality and brightness for the HP 4700, IMO the best VGA screen ever. I use Thunderhawk, a proxy type service that renders webpages quickly and accurately. On the 8525, I use "medium" 640x480 font and it's still a bit small on the eyes. On the 7501's huge screen, even the "small" 800x600 font looked great and easy to read. PIE and Opera (it comes with Opera preinstalled) also looked good and if you use the "high rez" option with PIE that's only available in VGA, it looks great. Plus, PIE and Opera work with the system's motion sensor to allow you to scroll up and down, left and right by tilting the device. Very cool. It's defnitely a great browsing experience. Email too, though I don't think a big screen helps email as much as it does browsing.

Bottom line, it was a tough call and I would have kept it if it was less expensive or the phone experience was better. But $900 for a secondary PDA was tough to justify.

[whoster69]

Thanks Dale. That helps a lot! :way to go:

[Jolt]

I mostly use my hx4700 for web browsing on the sofa (wirelessly, of course) and ebook reading - so it would be essential for a new device to be easy to hold. I don't do a lot of typing so it isn't critical, although being able to answer emails easily would be a plus.

Is the Advantage a lot bigger than the hx4700? (I mostly use landscape mode, especially for web browsing)

For phone use I have small Samsung smartphone (WM5) which really is a great little device. :)


Sometimes I hold the Advantage but mostly I sit it on a table or something. At home I use it for web browsing and email. Also I use it to read my pocket Bible. For these features it is perfect, much better than a 4700. Another benefit is the large screen is great for gps. I personally believe that the screen is better than the 4700. Yes the screen is larger than the 4700 about 1 inch longer and 3/4 inch wider. You really need to see it to understand how large and nice it is.

[whoster69]

For those of you have have the X7501 how hard was it to remove your sim?

[Jolt]

For those of you have have the X7501 how hard was it to remove your sim?
Not hard at all if you have tweezers. :roll: I could not get it out with just my fingers.