View Full Version : Pocket PC Dubai Reviews the PDA2K
Jason Dunn
10-30-2004, 11:30 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://pocketpcdubai.com/i-mate_PPC/PDA2K/review_page1.html' target='_blank'>http://pocketpcdubai.com/i-mate_PPC...view_page1.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"There are key features integrated in this device which were not available in the previous i-Mate Pocket PC Phone. The new additions include Windows Mobile Pocket PC Phone 2003 Second Edition which enables screen rotation on the fly and supports VGA screen resolution (in case of i-Mate PDA2K the screen is limited to QVGA only), GSM/GPRS Quad Band, new Bluetooth stack, WiFi, four extra hardware buttons, integrated QWERTY keyboard and enhanced 1490 mAh Lithium Polymer Battery."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/imatePDA2k.jpg" /> <br /><br />Pocket PC Dubai has put together a very comprehensive review of this unit. I got some hands on with the T-Mobile branded version at the recent MSN Search Champs meeting, where Matt Miller (palmsolo) had a unit. I was very impressed with the build quality and feel of the keyboard.
ctmagnus
10-30-2004, 11:55 PM
http://pocketpcdubai.com/i-mate_PPC/PDA2K/images/Boxitems.JPG
Is that the same AC to sync connector adapter that the HP's use?
whydidnt
10-31-2004, 12:26 AM
http://pocketpcdubai.com/i-mate_PPC/PDA2K/images/Boxitems.JPG
Is that the same AC to sync connector adapter that the HP's use?
It's the same size and shape, but the pins are aligned differently, so you can't use accessories from iPaqs.
whydidnt
10-31-2004, 12:34 AM
I'm a little disappointed in this review. It's obvious they didn't test the bluetooth thouroughly. The current bluetooth stack has several issues that weren't mentioned in the review. First, while you should be able to use the phone as a GPRS modem via bluetooth, the bluetooth connection drops within about 30 seconds. Second, depending on your BT headset, one of two things will happen when the headset is paired - the PDA2K will turn on by itself every 30 seconds to maintain the pairing, which of course if brutal on battery life, or if the device doesn't wake up like this, the pairing is dropped, so you can't answer a new call with your BT headset.
These issues have been widely discussed on the Club i-mate site mentioned in the review, so I'm surprised they weren't mentioned. i-mate has supposedly promised an updated bluetooth stack soon, but we are still waiting. This makes it almost impossible to use, as the size of this device makes is a perfect device for a bluetooth headset. :cry:
Mr. PPC
10-31-2004, 01:56 AM
Nice review! Just a few additional points from my experience with PDA2K. I can confirm the yellow screen issue (if you want to call it that), doesn't really bother me as I view PDA normally (looking straight at it).
Sliding the keyboard out is a two handed operation (as it should be). The unit feels heavier and more solid than the XDA II.
I have paired with a headset and a portable car kit without any problems so far.
When the units arrived they had an older ROM image than what was listed on the I-mate site, which supposedly is the default version. I upgraded all our units before customizing them for staff (installing Pylon Anywhere push software).
The new ROM details are below, those that say "upgraded" were changed from an older version:
ROM: 1.12.22 WWE (upgraded)
Radio: 1.02.00
Protocol: 1337.32 (upgraded)
Extended: 1.12.169 WWE (upgraded)
They also come with a new case compared to XDA II devices. The new case is a horizontal belt case. The same type sold by Nokia and others for their phones. I prefer this case over the XDA II flip cover one. Can't wait to see new cases for this by Vaja etc.
The connector appears to be same as XDA II. I have used XDA II connectors to sync and charge this unit.
So far the units are rock solid.
DaleReeck
10-31-2004, 03:52 AM
In regards to the BT, I believe they use an older verison of the famous Widcomm stack. Also, one of my favorite features, being able to output standard PPC audio over Bluetooth, isn't available (not so great for music but great or listening to audio books). The Dell X30 and X50 units as well as most newer HP models are some PPC's that support this. A guy at their support mentioned that they were working on adding PocketPC audio over BT in a patch, but you know how that goes ;)
thanos255
10-31-2004, 04:41 AM
Nice review! Just a few additional points from my experience with PDA2K. I can confirm the yellow screen issue (if you want to call it that), doesn't really bother me as I view PDA normally (looking straight at it).
Sliding the keyboard out is a two handed operation (as it should be). The unit feels heavier and more solid than the XDA II.
I have paired with a headset and a portable car kit without any problems so far.
When the units arrived they had an older ROM image than what was listed on the I-mate site, which supposedly is the default version. I upgraded all our units before customizing them for staff (installing Pylon Anywhere push software).
The new ROM details are below, those that say "upgraded" were changed from an older version:
ROM: 1.12.22 WWE (upgraded)
Radio: 1.02.00
Protocol: 1337.32 (upgraded)
Extended: 1.12.169 WWE (upgraded)
They also come with a new case compared to XDA II devices. The new case is a horizontal belt case. The same type sold by Nokia and others for their phones. I prefer this case over the XDA II flip cover one. Can't wait to see new cases for this by Vaja etc.
The connector appears to be same as XDA II. I have used XDA II connectors to sync and charge this unit.
So far the units are rock solid.
How do you like the python software? Right now I am trying the Good software and find I love the exchange ability but the software to be terribly lacking.
Thanks for your help.
maximum360
10-31-2004, 04:54 AM
Verizon needs to hurry and get ont the ball with this. They were rumored to be the first one with this device in the US but now it seems they will be the last to get it on board. Quite a disappointment. :evil:
whydidnt
10-31-2004, 06:19 AM
I have paired with a headset and a portable car kit without any problems so far.
The new ROM details are below, those that say "upgraded" were changed from an older version:
ROM: 1.12.22 WWE (upgraded)
Radio: 1.02.00
Protocol: 1337.32 (upgraded)
Extended: 1.12.169 WWE (upgraded)
Can I ask what headset you've paired with? And can you confirm that the headset still works to answer calls after the phone has gone into standby? Or alternatively, the phone doesn't keep turning on every minute or so, while the headset is paired?
Your statement is in direct confict with what I and others have experienced. Perhaps a different headset would help me resolve the issue. I have updated to the ROM you listed with the same (bad) results.
surur
10-31-2004, 08:15 AM
Wow! 12 hour battery life while playing mp3's with the screen turned off! Add a 2GB SD card and you can say goodbye Ipod!
Surur
farnold
10-31-2004, 09:49 AM
Very nice review and some good things like battry life and WiFi. But enough for me to upgrade from my XDA II? No, really not...
What I dislike?
OK, the keyboard looks interesting, but I doubt its practical use. I got a thumb keyboard for my XDA II and after I was through the play phase... I never used it again...
I thought they would have been smarter by now about the design. What I would like to see is the 12 keys of a telephone and not a full blown keyboard where my big fingers will always hit the wrong key. So, get rid of the keys above the screen, lift the screen and put the 12 keys on the front side - it's not so difficult, isn't it? 8O
Why didn't they finally get rid of the stupid camera in favor of GPS :?:
Overall some nice improvements, but nothing that I desire so much that I would buy it.
Mr. PPC
10-31-2004, 11:48 AM
I'll try and answer the questions I can.
Pylon Anywhere is great, $645.00 US for five users, additional for maint.
Real push from Notes or Exchange to Pocket PC, Palm, Symbian, XP and others - all clients included. You can push calendar, mail, contacts, tasks and notes in many different ways. Supports both real-time push or using SMS. If you haven't looked at it you should. If you need additional help or information I am more than happy to assist.
I believe the headset was Plantronics 3000, wasn't mine. Hopefully I can access it again tomorow and conduct additional testing for everyone.
I too have read the forum messages (on different boards) about the BT not working. I do believe there is something wrong with the BT system, but there have been a few headsets that have worked apparently. These are few, which is why I believe their is an issue with BT. I-mate is promising a patch soon, translated this means "maybe sometime".
Truthfully, I think the keyboard (in this case) is more a gimik than a feature. I have used the keyboard once so far. I am a lot quicker with stylus, especially since you have to use two hands to slide device apart to see keyboard (which is a good design). If I were sitting down and needed to enter a long message I would use it. For normal daily stuff, I don't think so. Now, I am not everyone so what I said is from my perspective.
If you compare this keyboard to the likes of the Blackberry, Treo or the much anticipated BenQ (and others) unit my feelings could be different. The keyboard is right there, no extra work to get to it. I used the keyboard on the Blackberries when we had them, you have too. I had no problem, it seemed natural.
If I had to list reasons why I would choose the PDA2K over the XDA II...
1. Feels better, more solid (noticeably).
2. Battery Life
3. WiFi
4. Second Edition
5. Keyboard
Hope that answers some of your questions. Anything else you want to know or for me to try?
xoiph
10-31-2004, 10:42 PM
bleh. yellow screen :idontthinkso:
Carlos
11-01-2004, 06:44 AM
Not a very "comprehensive" review if they missed the obvious issues with Bluetooth on this device. It makes the unit unusable.
Hope for the future is questionable. My girlfriend hacked up a copy of the current BT stack (1.5.0) and put it on her PDA2k. Still has issues. Might be better on pairing, but the power issue remains.
darrylb
11-01-2004, 07:50 AM
Not a very "comprehensive" review if they missed the obvious issues with Bluetooth on this device. It makes the unit unusable.
Hope for the future is questionable. My girlfriend hacked up a copy of the current BT stack (1.5.0) and put it on her PDA2k. Still has issues. Might be better on pairing, but the power issue remains.
Although if you read through some of the other posts, the bluetooth issues dont affect everyone. Mr PPC paired with his bluetooth car kit just fine.
These issues can vary between carriers because carriers generally have tailor made ROM's, so it is quite likely that this is a problem on a handful of older ROMs limited to a small bunch of carriers who may or may not release an updated ROM.
I dont think it is fair to write off the unit for a bug in one (or more) carriers ROM's. Check with your carrier and if necessary, lobby the carrier to release an updated ROM if you have a problem with the device they are selling.
sbrown23
11-01-2004, 10:50 PM
Did I see something in the original post about T-Mobile branded PDA2k at the MSN Search Champs thingy?? Is that T-Mobile USA??? Tell me it's not T-Mobile Germany.
I hope so! Would be far better than the anemic h6315 currently sold by TMO USA!
Pocket PC Dubai
11-05-2004, 07:33 PM
I'm a little disappointed in this review. It's obvious they didn't test the bluetooth thouroughly. The current bluetooth stack has several issues that weren't mentioned in the review. First, while you should be able to use the phone as a GPRS modem via bluetooth, the bluetooth connection drops within about 30 seconds. Second, depending on your BT headset, one of two things will happen when the headset is paired - the PDA2K will turn on by itself every 30 seconds to maintain the pairing, which of course if brutal on battery life, or if the device doesn't wake up like this, the pairing is dropped, so you can't answer a new call with your BT headset.
Actually I didn’t have this problem with the current BT Headset I am using with this device. However we have highlighted PDA2K Bluetooth issue in the review. I plan to perform more Bluetooth testing after Carrier Devices release the awaited fix to solve this problem. Currently I have added a brief update for using Java with PDA2K, you can check it here (http://pocketpcdubai.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=553609464&f=582600994&m=506101415&r=375104325#375104325). Thanks :)
Pocket PC Dubai
11-11-2004, 04:49 PM
UPDATE: Bluetooth patch is now available and you can download it from Club i-Mate.
http://www.clubimate.com/index.asp?PageAction=DEVICE_PDA2K_BT
I didn’t test it yet, but I wanted to spread the news first. Lets hope it will really solve the problem.
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