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View Full Version : Dopod Launches the C720W (Excalibur-Based) Smartphone


Mike Temporale
11-02-2006, 09:30 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/mobilephones/0,39051200,39272180p,00.htm' target='_blank'>http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/mobilephones/0,39051200,39272180p,00.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"It was bound to happen. With all the buzz and hype surrounding the Motorola Q as well as the recently launched Samsung SGH-i320N, it was only a matter of time before a competitor would come and knock it off its pedestal--and that time is now. Taiwanese handheld maker Dopod, along with smart phone manufacturer HTC and Microsoft's Windows Mobile division, finally introduced the C720W (a.k.a. HTC Excalibur), and after putting it through its paces, we find that it deserves its title as a Moto Q killer for a number of reasons."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20061102-DopodC720.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />CNet Asia has a write up on the newly announced Dopod C720w Smartphone - also known as the HTC S620/Excalibur. The review was written using a T-Mobile Dash, so I wouldn't count on it be 100% accurate once the Dopod's hit the streets, but it will be pretty close.

Jerry Raia
11-03-2006, 01:02 AM
I don't think this thing will kill the Q. The Q has a good head start and if the GSM version shows up soon I think that will cement it's lead. Besides that jog strip thing is silly. :P

Kris Kumar
11-03-2006, 03:49 AM
I don't think this thing will kill the Q. The Q has a good head start and if the GSM version shows up soon I think that will cement it's lead. Besides that jog strip thing is silly. :P

I think it is. The HTC Excalibur aka T-Mobile Dash is an awesome device. First of all it feels great to hold one of these. The battery life (when you dont use the WiFi) is definitely better than the Q, really better. The WiFi integration in WinMo AKU 3 is pretty seamless. The cell reception is good. Overall HTC deserves a lot of credit for coming out with a winner.

The sad part is that this device is on the third or the fourth best network in the US. If it had been on Cingular it would have seen awesome adoption.

The jog strip is silly but then you know my opinion on the scroll wheel on the Q, it is silly too.

The Q's GSM version will have a lot to compete with. If they call pull off HSDPA/UMTS and WiFi with GSM, then they have a good chance. But if a carrier were like to offer both the Q and the Excalibur together, then I am pretty sure that majority would like the Excalibur. Once you hold it in your hands, it has a certain magic. :wink:

Jerry Raia
11-03-2006, 04:00 AM
Care to wager a Garbage Plate on this? :lol:

Kris Kumar
11-03-2006, 04:23 AM
Care to wager a Garbage Plate on this? :lol:

Absolutely.

I am surprised that you haven't made the switch. I don't think it is the love for the Q. ;-)

Jerry Raia
11-03-2006, 04:44 AM
I am surprised that you haven't made the switch. I don't think it is the love for the Q. ;-)

It's not. I just don't want to change carriers again. :lol:

Pete Paxton
11-03-2006, 09:20 PM
I went to look at the Q just for the heck of it even though I'm with Tmo. I then went and looked at the Dash. I ended up buying the Dash last night. The battery life, looks, and feel just seem way more professional to me. Just my opinion but I think cnet Asia is right on with this one.

Rocco Augusto
11-04-2006, 03:41 AM
i was just playing with a dash the other day at the t-mobile store. personally, i prefer the look and feel of the dash over the q. the dash just fit much more comfortably in my hand. now if only i can convince my girlfriend to let me buy another phone since i just got a 3125 a month or two ago :roll:

Kris Kumar
11-04-2006, 04:14 AM
I ended up buying the Dash last night. The battery life, looks, and feel just seem way more professional to me. Just my opinion but I think cnet Asia is right on with this one.

Good choice.

When I saw the Q for the first time, I was tempted to but the battery life and probably the keypad convinced me otherwise. Plus of course Verizon is a major turn off. Dash is different, I like the keypad (little tight but still nice, BTW I hate the stupid xT9). The battery life is decent, good compared to the Q.

But it is the feel, the way it feels once you hold it. HTC has definitely put some magic into it. I too agree with CNET Asia.

Jerry Raia
11-04-2006, 05:41 AM
I still like the Q. But I am seeing things that are bugging me more and more. That word professional kinda stuck with me there.

deavod
11-04-2006, 04:12 PM
I don't think this thing will kill the Q. The Q has a good head start and if the GSM version shows up soon I think that will cement it's lead. Besides that jog strip thing is silly. :P

Yes, but the GSM version has over 2.1 billion potential buyers (globally) while the Q is Verizon CDMA and stuck with Verizon.

The HTC S620 (the non-Tmo brand of the Dash) is available now world wide. Expect to start seeing the HTC S620 on the streets here in the USA in the next few weeks.