i-mate Announces the Ultimate 9502

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.imate.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.imate.com/</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20071023-ultimate9502.jpg" /><br /><br />Here we have the <a href="http://www.imate.com/">Ultimate 9502</a> - the second of two new devices announced by i-mate today. It packs much of the same specs as the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/index.php?action=expand,57065&/i-mate_announces_the_ultimate_8502.htm">8502</a>, except it has the added benefit of a 2.8" 262K-colour VGA touch screen, a 3.0-megapixel camera, a secondary VGA camera for video telephony, and a sliding mechanism similar to the Sidekick. Anyone interested in this device?

[RogueSpear]

Their spec sheet makes no mention of any sort of graphics chip (AMD or nVidia). Makes me wonder how they're going to manage to push pixels on a VGA screen. I knew this was to good to be true :(

[Brutalba]

SEXY! and when this baby will be available?

[Don't Panic!]

Even with my fetish for large screens this one looks good with its 2.8 inch screen. I wonder why they went with the 2.5mm audio jack though, is this headphone jack size gaining popularity?

This device has massive audio and video codec support

• Supports: AAC, AAC+, MP3, Midi, AMR, ASF,
WMA® Supports H.263, H.264, MPEG4, WMV®

Any idea which media players are running what?

This could be the Sidekick for adults! 8)

[tj21]

It doesn't tilt like the Kaiser. The screen just slides upward.

[SteveHoward999]

It doesn't tilt like the Kaiser. The screen just slides upward.

Like the Sidekick ... and that sold pretty well, huh? :-)

[srmz]

Hope the sliding mechanism is spring assisted as these are more robust in the sense that they do not become loose over time, but more than that I hope the device sees the light of the day and is just not another vaporware

[SteveHoward999]

I hope the device sees the light of the day and is just not another vaporware

Yeah, what happened to the other Ultimate devices pre'announced earlier this year?????

[wmm]

A couple of them (the 6150 and 8150) are shipping, although apparently not in the U.S. yet. I haven't heard about the other three models.

[JKingGrim]

I hope the device sees the light of the day and is just not another vaporware

Yeah, what happened to the other Ultimate devices pre'announced earlier this year?????Imate realized that they had great specs but were butt ugly?

This is my perfect device. Will it make me finally abandon the high speed of sprint and make me abandon fiscal sanity? :ppclove:

[Knocksock]

It has spring sliding mechanism in the screen/keyboard part. I'll try to figure out if there is any GFX CPU. The manufactur have made camera application and much other software for these phones

[Brutalba]

Hope the sliding mechanism is spring assisted as these are more robust in the sense that they do not become loose over time, but more than that I hope the device sees the light of the day and is just not another vaporware

so true. i lost my trust with I mate.

[Malkatraz]

It has spring sliding mechanism in the screen/keyboard part. I'll try to figure out if there is any GFX CPU. The manufactur have made camera application and much other software for these phones

The 8502 and the 9502 both run on the Qualcomm MSM7200 processor. This is a dual core processor which integrates AMD's (ATI) Imageon GPU IP. AFAIK, the MSM7200's have OpenGL ES 1, whereas the Goforce 5500 uses OpenGL ES 2.

It's highly unlikely the 8502 and the 9502 will include the Goforce processor as seen in the 6150 and 8150. Why would you when the Qualcomm processor is quite capable of handling VGA encoding/decoding? The only device that has ever integrated a Qualcomm and Goforce processor is the Toshiba G900.



Personally, I think Imate found the 6150's and 8150's expensive to build since most of the parts were not integrated into one chip as seen with the Qualcomm, hence why they've moved away from Goforce + Ericsson radio etc

[RogueSpear]

This is a dual core processor which integrates AMD's (ATI) Imageon GPU IP.
I stand corrected. Well I suppose if the price is right and a couple of reviews show it's build quality isn't suspect, this may be just what I was looking for to (finally) replace my aging ipaq 3975.

[Eriq Cook]

Nice. I wonder how well MS VoiceCommand works on this. I hope we see it released.

[Mikey]

I'd be real surprised if either of these make it to reality. I agree 100% with previous posts. What happened to the other Ultimate devices? They promised recently that the other 3 Ultimates would be out later, now these are announced. I DON'T TRUST iMATE!!!

[JKingGrim]

My theory is that they announced them to gather notes about the public reaction. I think these new models are responses to the critiques of the originally announced devices. And for the most part it looks like they listened. For instance, the landscape slider one seems to replace the 7150, and I like the new design. A lot.

[SteveHoward999]

My wife wanted the Flip version ... where'dit go? Maybe they don't want to sell any devices to Americans (ducking!)

[JesterMania]

This one is pretty attractive. It's basically a Kaiser, but in a Hiptop form-factor and a VGA screen - definitely nice! When and if this device is released, I'd love to see some benchmarks though. I was recently contemplating on buying an ETEN x800 but found the graphics benchmark to be absolutely horrendous. I hope this device will be as speedy as HTC's offerings.

Now my #1 question would be whether i-mate has any repair/service centers located in North America (Canada and/or the U.S.). A device is no good if it takes months to repair overseas (I've read many stories about this being the case with some other manufacturers).

[tj21]

It doesn't tilt like the Kaiser. The screen just slides upward.

Like the Sidekick ... and that sold pretty well, huh? :-)

Sure and I can kind of like the design. I was just responding to the original description that said it was similar to the Kaiser.

[Malkatraz]

This one is pretty attractive. It's basically a Kaiser, but in a Hiptop form-factor and a VGA screen - definitely nice! When and if this device is released, I'd love to see some benchmarks though. I was recently contemplating on buying an ETEN x800 but found the graphics benchmark to be absolutely horrendous. I hope this device will be as speedy as HTC's offerings.

Now my #1 question would be whether i-mate has any repair/service centers located in North America (Canada and/or the U.S.). A device is no good if it takes months to repair overseas (I've read many stories about this being the case with some other manufacturers).

There is about a 95% chance that it is going to a fair bit slower than the Kaiser. Think about it: the Kaiser is using exactly the same processor and pushing quarter the number of pixels...

I personally don't understand how a benchmark figure can sway someones opinion one way or another. If there are no slowdowns during any type of use, then there shouldn't be a problem. Having said that, I wouldn't purchase an X800 simply because I don't believe a 500mhz CPU (no GPU) can power a VGA device without slowdowns in particular areas (video comes to mind).

[Darius Wey]

Sure and I can kind of like the design. I was just responding to the original description that said it was similar to the Kaiser.

Yep, nice catch. The lighting on one of the product images misled me into thinking it had a tilt design. I guess a bit more sleep would have helped too. :oops: I've updated the OP.

[JesterMania]

There is about a 95% chance that it is going to a fair bit slower than the Kaiser. Think about it: the Kaiser is using exactly the same processor and pushing quarter the number of pixels...

And you're probably right - but how much slower? - that is what I'm interested in.

I personally don't understand how a benchmark figure can sway someones opinion one way or another. If there are no slowdowns during any type of use, then there shouldn't be a problem.

Right, if you are fortunate enough to be able to use these devices for several days to a week before buying then sure - benchmarks may become less relevant. For everyone who does not have this luxury, benchmarks are one factor in making a decision. I do not think benchmarks tell the entire story, but they sure give some idea. Like I said, the x800 seemed to have it all and without the benchmarks telling me just how BIG a difference its graphics performance was in comparison to other devices I would've never known and may have regret my $700+ purchase.

I also want to add - for Windows Mobile devices it is sometimes not as simple as comparing component to component. The optimization of the ROM plays a critical role in performance. Different manufacturers' parts may impact speed as well (Samsung vs Intel vs Qualcomm CPU for example). So even if we get the final data sheet, it is hard to predict the final performance.

[virain]

Spec's sheet says:
• Tri-band UMTS / WCDMA
- Band 1 (2100 MHz)
- Band 2 (1900 MHz)
- Band 5 (850 MHz)
- Diversity for Band 1
- HSDPA and HSUPA
Does "Diversity for band 1" means it will be T-Mobile USA compatable?

[Don't Panic!]

Right now t-mobile US is using the Band 2 and Band 5 GSM frequencies. Band 2 (1900 Mhz) is the predominate frequency. Band 5 (850Mhz) is used for roaming. Here's a coverage map (http://www.t-mobile.com/Coverage/) from t-mobile so you can check for compatability in your part of the US.

Where is your part of the US virain? There's nothing in your location profile.

[virain]

My question was regarding upcoming T-Mobile 3G not GSM/GPRS/EDGE bands/

[beq]

Do we know the HxWxD dimensions (preferably in inches), and weight?

How about an estimated price? :)

[Don't Panic!]

I seriously doubt it will work with the 1700 Mhz band virain. Right now the Samsung T639 (http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/Samsung-T639-announced-for-T-mobile-article-a_2096.html) is the only phone with the capability to take advantage of t-mobile's 3G network when/if it rolls out.

[ecsk2]

It doesn't tilt like the Kaiser. The screen just slides upward.

Like the Sidekick ... and that sold pretty well, huh? :-)

"Sold" why in past tense? As of today the new model Sidekick LX with WQVGA screen is released to "anyone", and to "veterans" since the 17th.

[ecsk2]

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20071023-ultimate9502.jpg

Here we have the Ultimate 9502 (http://www.imate.com/)

...and here we have direct links:

http://www.imate.com/product.aspx?product=ultimate9502&amp;skinid=1

Specs link (PDF)
http://www.imate.com/support/specs/SpecSheet_9502.pdf


Here is a video of it:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f-Bng3-Whf0&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f-Bng3-Whf0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[humayunl]

Is there any information on availability at all?

Any more info on whether this is vaporware too will it ever see the light of day?

[JKingGrim]

I wish someone would do something more interesting with this thing. Like load opera and browse the net. Or load coreplayer and play video fullscreen. Or remote log into a PC. Ah the possibilities.

[Don't Panic!]

I'd like to see some picks of the TV+ Audio out cable. I wonder if it's the same as the HTC Advantage 4 in 1 cable? or at least compatible to that port on the Advantage.

[SteveHoward999]

I wish someone would do something more interesting with this thing. Like load opera and browse the net. Or load coreplayer and play video fullscreen. Or remote log into a PC. Ah the possibilities.


Or plug into an external monitor, then remote-access a server, PC or even a Mac.

I've long looked forward to being able to only carry my device, not my laptop, and still work on my home machine as if I were there.

I've played around with LogMeIn to prove it can be done, and 1024x768 scaled resolution actually works OK on a VGA PPC. but without the ability to plug into an external monitor, that is an emergency-only senario.

[JKingGrim]

So does that usb port also output audio? Could a car mount possibly be designed to charge and output sound all just using the usb port? That would make an awesome landscape car dock.

[Knocksock]

So many questions..

Benchmarking - give me info/link to a benchmarking tool and I test it

I will try to test the other things mentioned here in short time..

[Knocksock]

I'd like to see some picks of the TV+ Audio out cable. I wonder if it's the same as the HTC Advantage 4 in 1 cable? or at least compatible to that port on the Advantage.

Its MiniUSB (and possible to connect out of the MiniUSB to another projector or screen - a rectangular part with a male MiniUSB connector and at the other end of the connector - a female MiniUSB connector) + 3 phone plugs to the projector/screen

Is it possible to upload i pic here ?

[Knocksock]

Do we know the HxWxD dimensions (preferably in inches), and weight?

How about an estimated price? :)

116mm x 59mm x 18mm when screen is "folded in"

91mm from top of screen to bottom when screen is "unfolded"

Thickness of screen 6mm

Screen part 81mm x 55.2mm

Screen display 72mm across

Weight with battery 198 gr, without battery

Estimated price..didn't i-mate say from US $695 to 725 on CTIA for the 4 Ultimate devices ?

[Knocksock]

I'd be real surprised if either of these make it to reality. I agree 100% with previous posts. What happened to the other Ultimate devices? They promised recently that the other 3 Ultimates would be out later, now these are announced. I DON'T TRUST iMATE!!!

Many people seems to "buy" the device before it's released and in the shops. Never sell your soul to a device that is launched! What really happened to the Ultimate product line is uncertain. It has been a fact that i-mate have promoted 6150 and 8150 for a while, but not confirmed anything about 5150/7150/9150. Its bad for the customers..who had already decided on these. i-mate having commercials saying mid 2007 for sale of the different models, and early 2008 is bad! so, take a learning from this as potential buyers!

[JKingGrim]

You can post pics on this website then post a link to the pic here.
http://www.imageshack.us/

How did you get your hands on one??? Please do post pics! I would definitely like to see the usb->tv+audio adaptor too. How fast does it feel compared to other devices that you have used? Does it switch from portrait to landscape quickly? Does the keyboard led automatically come on when opened?

[JKingGrim]

You can request a free copy of SPB benchmark here:
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/benchmark/download.php?en#personal

Another question, where is the microSD slot? Can you post pics? Is it SDHC compatible?

Can't wait to see more pics. :D Thanks!

[Knocksock]

You can post pics on this website then post a link to the pic here.
http://www.imageshack.us/

How did you get your hands on one??? Please do post pics! I would definitely like to see the usb->tv+audio adaptor too. How fast does it feel compared to other devices that you have used? Does it switch from portrait to landscape quickly? Does the keyboard led automatically come on when opened?

What I can say is that the picture of the TV Out cable for 8502/9502 on imate.com is not correct..I will check if I can take a pic of it.

It feels okay on speed, but ROM will be improved I suppose on some flaws. Light in keyboard, at the moment it doesn't seem to be any, but as said, the device is not finished.

[Don't Panic!]

Judigng from the pic on imate.com that audio video cable wont work with the HTC X7501. The video out port on the Advantage is more of a flatter trapezoid shape than a standard mini USB plug. If they stick with mini usb throughout I have hope that the rumored i-mate Shell (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/i_mate-shell/i+mate-creating-palm-foleo+like-umpc-with-i+mate-shell-314105.php) will work. Syncing on the Advantage is done through a standard mini-usb plug. Then again maybe not.... What if you need to connect the Shell to the Video out port?

[ecsk2]

Here is another video:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OCqUKIPAi-M&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OCqUKIPAi-M&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

*** Quote trimmed by moderator DW ***

[Knocksock]

Judigng from the pic on imate.com that audio video cable wont work with the HTC X7501. The video out port on the Advantage is more of a flatter trapezoid shape than a standard mini USB plug. If they stick with mini usb throughout I have hope that the rumored i-mate Shell (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/i_mate-shell/i+mate-creating-palm-foleo+like-umpc-with-i+mate-shell-314105.php) will work. Syncing on the Advantage is done through a standard mini-usb plug. Then again maybe not.... What if you need to connect the Shell to the Video out port?

8502/9502 uses MiniUSB with an in and out port..for connecting to more than 1 external screen ? Phone plugs out to the screen..

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8525/image00020ve2.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image00020ve2.jpg)

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2315/image00016bd3.th.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image00016bd3.jpg)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5103/image00018zf1.th.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image00018zf1.jpg)

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1850/image00017pz3.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image00017pz3.jpg)

[JKingGrim]

Thanks for those pics! I think the female connector on the other side is so you can still sync/charge. Very smart, IMO. One more question though, where is the microSD slot located?

[developerzero]

Is it just me, or does anyone else dislike the fact that they put the jog dial on the LEFT side of the phone instead of the right? That means I either have to hold it in my off hand and use my left thumb, or use my index finger. Either way, it sounds inefficient and uncomfortable.

Also, towards the end of the phonescoop video he says that the devices are kind of thick, and I was wondering just how thick they are/feel? Finally, about how big is they keyboard on each, and how do they feel to type on them?

Oh, and I'm surprised no one mentioned the integrated GPS :)

Just my 4 cents.

[JKingGrim]

Is it just me, or does anyone else dislike the fact that they put the jog dial on the LEFT side of the phone instead of the right? That means I either have to hold it in my off hand and use my left thumb, or use my index finger. Either way, it sounds inefficient and uncomfortable.

Also, towards the end of the phonescoop video he says that the devices are kind of thick, and I was wondering just how thick they are/feel? Finally, about how big is they keyboard on each, and how do they feel to type on them?

Oh, and I'm surprised no one mentioned the integrated GPS :)

Just my 4 cents.I have a Mogul with the dial on the left, and it never bothers me. I can use index or thumb. I also think the fact that they included a jog dial AND a volume rocker is awesome.

What I think is awesome is this device is just slightly thicker and longer than my Mogul, and my Mogul is comfortable to hold. I have no complaints about thickness. I imaging the keyboard on the 9502 will be slightly smaller than the Mogul keyboard. Wish it had caps and fn indicators. And I ish devices Kb's would start including ctrl keys! oh well.

And GPS is great! Not much more to say about it.. :D