General XDA/O2/T-Mobile Impressions

[Cortex]

So it took a long time for me to finally get a T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone...

I'm impressed by several things and annoyed by others.

Here are the things that bug me:
1. Its too slick -- it always feels like I'm going to drop it (and have twice aready)
2. The power button is flaky -- it locks up sometimes and requires a hard reset.
3. The speaker pops sometimes (quite loudly!) while using the phone -- this may be from a weak signal but still annoying.
4. Its difficult to use the phone with one hand, even with the speed dial
5. The volume button is easy to press and often accidently turns on the device.
6. A larger screen with more colors would have been nice -- its noticeable on movies.
7. I'm really only using Agenda Fusion, GigaBar, and spb GPRS Monitor and yet have to reset the device often. This seems to always occur when I'm trying to quickly use the device such as making a call or taking notes.
8. The cradle is top heavy requiring both hands to remove the device.
9. The stylus is too short and narrow
10. You cant scale contrast and brightness
11. You cant toggle the speakerphone during a call

Things that impress me with the device:
1. The battery life is remarkably good. Without formal testing it seems better than my last handheld (casio em500) and is definately better than my Spring phone.
2. There is a lot of function packed into a tiny package especially considering the price (299 at amazon or compusa)

Overall my feelings are mixed but generally positive. I'm having a hard time getting rid of my sprint cellphone because of the lockups and some of the quirkiness of dialing with the T-mobile.

What are other peoples impressions????

[pkwjr]

Get the Fonix Voice Dial application today. Excellent program so far and eliminates any touch dialing, get it here...www.fonix.com

[Cortex]

VoiceDial installs and runs but I cant get it to recognize ANYTHING!

I tried customizing the recording for a contact in Settings and also played with the recognition sensitivity but it doesnt work.

Any ideas???

[pkwjr]

Cortex,
Sorry to read about the problem. I have the sx56 thru atw and can't live without voicedial. Not sure what the problem is, 99 percent of all the posts on this app are great. Maybe uninstall and reinstall, or email the people at fonix.
Sorry can't be of more help.

[Cortex]

im not sure what the problem was

i reinstalled it and it is excellent.

ive added it to my ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS list

[pkwjr]

Cortex,
Glad it worked out for you. If you run into any problems or discover anything else about this app, post it here so we all can get updated.

[alan williams]

Here are the things that bug me:
1. Its too slick -- it always feels like I'm going to drop it (and have twice aready)
I've had this same problem. While I've not dropped mine yet (knowck on wood), I constantly have the feeling that I might. I tend to sort of cup the decive now from the bottom.
2. The power button is flaky -- it locks up sometimes and requires a hard reset.
Very flaky. Somtimes I can't get it to turn the device on or off, somtimes the Cal or Contact buttons won't do it either. No idea why. I'll also run into the problem of the phone resetting itself after a call maybe 1 in 30 times or so.
3. The speaker pops sometimes (quite loudly!) while using the phone -- this may be from a weak signal but still annoying.
I haven't had this happen during a call, but while the phone was ringing for one. Yes, it is quite annoying.
4. Its difficult to use the phone with one hand, even with the speed dial
I have not had that experience. I tend to use the d-pad for one handed phone use and it works pretty well for me.
6. A larger screen with more colors would have been nice -- its noticeable on movies.
I like the size of the screen, but agree with you on the colours.
9. The stylus is too short and narrow
Coming from a Clie I think the stylus is pretty nice. :wink:
10. You cant scale contrast and brightness
Very annoying. Even simple Palm devices allow you to do this.
11. You cant toggle the speakerphone during a call
I've read this elsewhere, but I have always been able to. My sin likes to talk to his grandmother using the speakerphone option, when he's done, I just hold the button again and switch it back.

I don't like that there is not a better cover solution. I don't really like the case all that much but I'd like some form of protection for it. I'm also getting really annoyed with all of the dust under my screen. It started out as a slight problem, but it is getting much worse.

[Cortex]

I tried toggling the speakerphone during a call and IT WORKED! So I'll have to scratch that complaint off the list.

I'm very sorry to hear youre having problems with dust. I didnt realize that was an issue with these devices. Aside from one dead pixel, mines doing ok (but only 2-3 weeks old).

I'm not sure whats up with my speaker popping. I guessed everyone has this. Basically during a call there is a high frequency click about every 3 seconds but I think it only occurs with poor signal strength.

[S1X]

I tried using the speakerphone by pressing and holding on to the answer button it works ok but when the other party hangs up... the speakerphone on still stays... does anybody get this? I get feedback complains when i use the speakerphone too.
one more thing i see 3 or 2 bars signal strength but i can't get calls thru.. why? callers get engaged tone.

[Cortex]

mine stays on as well, but i just hold down the talk button to turn it off.

i havent had problems with feedback complaints. perhaps you can try changing the microphone autogain feature under settings. that might help.

the signal bar strength indicator is fluctuates wildly at times. it can be full power then switch to "unable to connect" while im sitting still. i dont have a good explaination for it but it seems to be worse than my prior sprint cell phone.

[gareth]

5. The volume button is easy to press and often accidently turns on the device.


I swear that there is a way of disabling all buttons apart from the on/off button when the device is asleep.

But I've just spent ages trying to find out how I did it, and I've got precisely nowhere!

Guess I might have to dust off that instruction manual tonight! :confused totally:

[gareth]

5. The volume button is easy to press and often accidently turns on the device.


I swear that there is a way of disabling all buttons apart from the on/off button when the device is asleep.

But I've just spent ages trying to find out how I did it, and I've got precisely nowhere!

Guess I might have to dust off that instruction manual tonight! :confused totally:

I have it!

From the start menu, tap phone - tools - options - more

Hardware button lock is the one you need to check!

(managed to find an online manual from O2 - here (http://www.sourceo2.com/O2_Developers/Launched_Devices/O2_xda/default.htm))