TrustedReviews Takes A Look At The Kaiser

[Jon Westfall]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.trustedreviews.com/mobile-devices/review/2007/08/10/HTC-P4550-Kaiser-Smartphone/p1' target='_blank'>http://www.trustedreviews.com/mobil...r-Smartphone/p1</a><br /><br /></div><i>"With the P4550, HTC has taken what was already a competent smartphone and thought really hard about how to make it better. The result is a handset that does pretty much everything you could possibly want a handset to do. It'll work anywhere in the world, has fast data connections, a qwerty keyboard for fast and comfortable messaging, a tilting screen and even a GPS receiver for satellite navigation. Most importantly HTC has managed to package it all up in a highly usable, well-constructed and not-too-tubby package. When the time comes to move away from my current mobile phone contract and upgrade from my current phone, this is going to be the handset I'll be looking to replace it with. I can't praise it any higher than that."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/westfall-kaiser-trustedreviews-5169-IMG7744s.jpg" /> <br /><br />They've got nothing but good to say about the Kaiser on this review. I especially liked some of the crisp, big, photos. A good summary review if you're on the fence on this device.

[karen]

However, with its lack of a 3.5mm headphone socket (you have to use the awful bundled USB headset if you want to listen to your music) that's unlikely to be a common activity for most owners.

This is the complete deal breaker for me. Not because I listen to music, but because I listen to Audible.com books all the time on my PPC. And since that is normally for hours, not seconds, I don't see a Bluetooth headset being an option, either.

Sure, I drool over the fact that they've added GPS. But to not allow a regular headset to be used is a complete no-deal for me.

YMMV.

[DaleReeck]

However, with its lack of a 3.5mm headphone socket (you have to use the awful bundled USB headset if you want to listen to your music) that's unlikely to be a common activity for most owners.

This is the complete deal breaker for me. Not because I listen to music, but because I listen to Audible.com books all the time on my PPC. And since that is normally for hours, not seconds, I don't see a Bluetooth headset being an option, either.

Sure, I drool over the fact that they've added GPS. But to not allow a regular headset to be used is a complete no-deal for me.

YMMV.

http://www.boxwave.com/products/stereoconverteradapter/stereo-converter-adapter-cingular-8525_2110.htm

It will probably work on the Kaiser too :)

[HomeDad]

There are also non wire-type hard adapters and some with a Y adapter for headphones AND charging.
Stereo bluetooth is an option as well.
Looks to me like the headphone thing is a non-issue. It's gonna be hard to give up my TyTN and justify going to at&amp;t (crappy service) because as it is I can't use HSDPA as T-Mob is gonna be on a different frequency.
Oh well, if you wanna play (&amp; wk too sometimes) ya gotta pay!
The Kaiser Rocks!

[ikesler]

I love my 6800 Mogul but I wish sprint was getting this one big time!

[alese]

Great device, I just wish it would have VGA screen.
Yes I know the 2.8" screen is small, but I'm just tired of the QVGA limitations, especially when you browse the Web...

[aNiMeMaN14]

Yes folks, my Cingular 8125 is still getting heavy burn. It simply does everything I need it to do. I don't see myself getting rid of this until at least mid-2008, when my contract is up. Hopefully by then, we'll be looking at the Kaiser, like "Goodness, what a heap of junk that is!"

:lol:

[Underwater Mike]

Yes folks, my Cingular 8125 is still getting heavy burn. It simply does everything I need it to do. I don't see myself getting rid of this until at least mid-2008, when my contract is up. Hopefully by then, we'll be looking at the Kaiser, like "Goodness, what a heap of junk that is!"

:lol:

Funny enough, between the slow data, constantly dropped calls and overall pokey processor, I look at my 8125 and say "Goodness, what a heap of junk that is!" :wink:

[hamishmacdonald]

My HTC Touch just went into the shop for repair today (moisture or dust or something got under the screen -- memories of Compaq), so I'm tied to my desk at home and don't have a mobile phone now, either -- bah!

I keep doing searches for anything mentioning the HTC Polaris. I long for it. It looks like it'll have everything the Kaiser doesn't (big, VGA screen), and get rid of the things the Kaiser has that I don't want (bulky keyboard, little QVGA screen).

Roll on, October...

[jeasher]

I'm getting tired of my QTEK 9100 but I still appreciate what it has to offer. I see the slow processor, crappy keyboard layout, and dwindling battery efficiency. My customers see what I can do with my phone and marvel. It's all relative. But Kaiser is THE upgrade from the previous generation(s). It should last me until 2009 or 2010.

[Mikey]

Yes folks, my Cingular 8125 is still getting heavy burn. It simply does everything I need it to do. I don't see myself getting rid of this until at least mid-2008, when my contract is up. Hopefully by then, we'll be looking at the Kaiser, like "Goodness, what a heap of junk that is!"

:lol:

Funny enough, between the slow data, constantly dropped calls and overall pokey processor, I look at my 8125 and say "Goodness, what a heap of junk that is!" :wink:

I agree. I had to send back the 8125 after about 3 weeks. It was a heap. I am waiting on HTC to design a device like with the Ultimate screens &amp; processors. Until then, it's BB Pearl &amp; Axim x50v!!!

[dma1965]

This looks like the device for me. What really does it for me is the included GPS. I love the Treo 750 (now that I have WM6 on it), for its extreme ease of use without the stylus, but hate having to deal with a bluetooth GPS. having it built it just rocks. This looks like the next must have device for me.

[technofile]

I'm after a new phone, thought I'd get an all-in-one PDA/Phone.

Been thinking the Eten X500+ would be it, GPS (good), camera 2MP (OK), VGA display looks good, however then I read of slow video playback and general slow down in system use.

So looked at the Nokia N95, great camera 5MP and High Quality VGA video recording and playback, great MP3 player, even micro SD memory card. However the built in GPS isn't on the ball and won't easily use third party software, plus it's not a PDA as such, doesn't offer the Pocket PC extras out of the box, like drawing or editing of WORD files.

Do I have to wait ever longer, maybe this HTC model might fit the bill, but it doesn't use SIRF III GPS chip does it?

Seems there's always a compromise, fast processor and then we get short battery life. VGA seems the way to go in a Pocket PC phone model, but they're going to have to deal with the hit on processor speed, after all what's the point in 640x480 when games and video slow to a grind.

Maybe this HTC model is a good compromise? 3MP camera, GPS that is at least as good at SIRF III, not keen on the bulk of a keyboard though and it's only a QVGA. Doh!

[Hagow]

Just got an HTC Trinity a month ago because my ETEN M600+ was stolen and I just couldn't wait for the Kaiser to come out. Up to this point I am really happy with my Trinity, although the Kaiser looks great I will wait...since the Trinity will hold me over until a design with specs of Kaiser, plus VGA screen and without the keyboard(Trinity like design) comes along. Really hoping it will also have a jog dial too, cannot live without one now that I use it everyday. I must say the Kaiser is very tempting!!!

[karlth]

Interesting that they post the device weighing 160g when all reports so far have said a bulky 192g.

[randyzon]

I am really confused with marketing. There seem to be a lot of phones released in the past 2 years but none in the U.S. except the iPhone. I am one of those that would prefer a thin unit with a virtual keyboard, GPS, fast data and internet but it just ain't happenin in the U.S. With the history the Kaiser just won't make it to our market. I would like to upgrade my Tmobile and I am sure that they would like to get me off the $19.99 dataplan but I ain't budgin until I get a phone with something new.

[NTzeke]

So when will this be available in the states? Is it available to be shipped to the U.S. soon and what carriers will I be able to use it with?

Sorry, I don't know the process. I was in the market for a T-Mobile Wing - but I would rather have a better pda phone even if I have to ship it over and unlock it.

Are there any options besides this.

Sorry I am so new to this.

[mm]

I could buy the ATT Tilt in September with all it's extra unwanted programs but with the advantage of 3G or I could buy an unlocked Kaiser HTC P4550 from other places. I kind of like the all black look instaed of those shiny chrome buttons on the pix of the Tilt.

My question is ..... if I buy an unlocked Kaiser can I still get the ATT 3G services to work if I slip an ATT SIM card in it?

Thanks

[Jason Lee]

I could buy the ATT Tilt in September with all it's extra unwanted programs but with the advantage of 3G or I could buy an unlocked Kaiser HTC P4550 from other places. I kind of like the all black look instaed of those shiny chrome buttons on the pix of the Tilt.

My question is ..... if I buy an unlocked Kaiser can I still get the ATT 3G services to work if I slip an ATT SIM card in it?

Thanks

it depends. mobile planet is reporting that the htc version is not tri-band 3G which will not work for at&amp;t 3G. However it appears that the tilt will be tri-band 3G which implies that the htc version should be too. so no one really knows. :D
I would think that they would all be tri band 3G since they are quad band gsm. only makes sense. but maybe not.

I am kinda leaning toward the at&amp;t version because it is almost $600 cheeper if I renew my contract. I think a lot of the demo crap can be uninstalled. I would kinda like the new htc home plugin but that won't be too much of a loss as I already use spb mobile shell.

I dunno. it may also depend on which one I can get first. ;)