i-mate Ultimate 9502 Reviewed

[Nurhisham Hussein]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1064' target='_blank'>http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=po...reviews&id=1064</a><br /><br /></div><em>&quot;The 9502 is faster, (a bit) thinner, and more enjoyable to use than the TyTN II. The 9502 is the no compromise, &quot;ultimate&quot; mobile companion that money can buy as of the date of this review. It's expensive, and it's going to leave a bulk in your pocket, but if you want the most capable Windows Mobile device yet, this is it.&quot;</em> <br /><br /><img alt="" border="1" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1211304517.usr14226.jpg" /><br /><br />Pocketnow.com has put the Ultimate 9502 through its paces and found it pretty good. This is about as premium a device as you could find, even if i-mate haven't done much to spruce up the UI as Sony-Ericsson are doing, and if some of the design decisions leave you scratching your head (telescoping stylus? card slot under back cover? Ugh!). Still, if you're more concerned about capabilities rather than just a pretty face, the 9502 might be just up your alley. Of course, the price is also way up there, though given the weakness in the US dollar right now, it actually looks pretty cheap to me. The Ultimate line has seen its share of controversies and disappointments over their development period - now that they're starting to appear on the street, we'll see if they'll meet the expectations i-mate have raised way back then.

[mmidgley]

I received my 9502 on Apr 25th (a few days before it passed FCC). I actually took some video and pictures much like these, but I was too lazy to put together such a nice presentation/review. I tend to agree with most of what was stated.

I noticed the default phone band too. It scared me at first to see No Service when it should be up and running. (It reminded me of my eten x800 that had phone issues). Maybe the next rom will have it set to auto.

I have an at&t data plan package that includes text messages, but I got billed US$0.25 for an "international" text. It took me a while to figure out that it was my 9502 registering with i-mate. This was very convenient (didn't have to enter an imei) but would have cost less if they just used a data session. I'd guess that all their remote activated stuff (lock, unlock, wipe, etc) works the same way with sms (to taiwan i guess)

This device will be top notch when i-mate includes the SDHC driver, puts WM6.1 on it, and frees up some RAM. I'm sure they'll be fixing up lots of other items as well (gps position in camera, sim advance,...).

m.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

I'd guess that all their remote activated stuff (lock, unlock, wipe, etc) works the same way with sms (to taiwan i guess)

Dubai actually, that's where i-mate is based.

Go ahead and give us your thoughts on it after you've had it a couple of weeks - I'm sure people here would like to know how it holds up.