Differences between Siemens SX66,MDA III,PDA2k and HTC Blue Angel?

[woolygums]

I have seen these phones advertised and they all look pretty much the same, but I hear there are some differences.

I am thinking about buying one of them and using it in the Atlanta Georgia area.

Responses appreciated.

[Chris Spera]

All of these phones are the HTC Blue Angel. HTC (HiTech Computer, Corp) is the manufacturer. Siemens, i-mate, and T-Moble offer OEM versions of the same device.

The i-mate PDA2k is the closest one to the original device from what I have been able to determine, followed by T-Mo. The SX66 doesn't have a camera...I think.

All of these are good choices. The T-Mo version isn't available in the States. The PDA2k is about $850 or more, depending on where you get it. The SX66 runs about $599 or so with a 2 year Cingular Contract.

Hope this helps!

[galt]

I believe Sprint offers a version (possibly under the Seimens brand) w/the camera but w/out the wifi :roll:

I'm hoping T-mob USA will offer a version w/all the features...

*edit*: sorry, the Sprint version is the Audiovox PPC-6601, which is missing both wifi AND camera...

http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/5479.html

[Matt Kitchen]

The i-mate PDA2K is the true HTC Blue Angel in its fullest forms and is the only way you can get all the features in the US. IT is unlocked but expect to pay more for it - between $850 and $950 usually

Manufacturers have since crippled the device when put out. They either have no camera, no Wifi or neither. I believe Cingular's currently available (but not in stock) SX66 is the only one that has WiFi but is missing the camera. The rumoured X66 should remedy this problem by adding a camera but no one knows when/if it will be available.

[HobbesIsReal]

They are made by HTC. There are two flavors.

1) GSM with wifi. Both a camera and cameraless version
2) CDMA without wifi. Both with a camera and camerless versions.

All the phones are virtually the same except that HTC has licensed them to be branded by different companies for different markets or carriers.

Here is the order they were released:

iMate PDA2k: The first to be released in EU. GSM with wifi. Released last year....around June?

PPC-6601: Sprint in USA. CDMA without a camera or wifi. Released Nov 2004.

VZ6600: VZ in USA. CDMA without a camera or wifi. Released late Dec 2004

SX66: Cin in USA. GSM with wifi and I think without a camera. Released late Dec 2004 or early Jan 2005

PPC-6600: Sprint in USA. CDMA with a camera and without wifi. Due to be released on Jan 25th.

The VZ6600 and SX66 should have camera versions sometime in the future but no confirmed dates.

I hope this helps.

[dgrilli]

I agree I just went to the Seimens website and they purposely took out some technology out of these to cheat the unknownig business customers.

I purchased an i-Mate PDA2K back in October first day they were out as I posted earlier and I really love this device.

I don't think that I would be happy with being cheated out of the full use of the device.

The i-Mate company has released new Roms and now has a very excellent blue tooth stack and works like a charm.

Heard they will be releasing a new Blue tooth stack that allows you to pair a set of stereo headphones and other blue tooth devices. I downloaded the new Blue Tooth Stack from someone who got it from CES and it rocks.

[woolygums]

Thanks for the replies. The PDA2k looks like the way to go.

I am thinking about going with Cingular service. Am now with Sprint and have been very unhappy with their service, both in dropped calls and the jerks you have to deal with to get something fixed.

I have brought my Samsung phone into 4 different Sprint "Service" centers and received identically bad service.

After a very long wait, you are finally at the counter. Give them the phone and they disappear into a back room for about 20 minutes. (Drink a coke? Smoke something? Watch TV? Other?).

Then they return and tell you to come back in 30 minutes to pick up your phone. Return in 60 minutes and wait another 30 minutes to get the phone with the "updated" software.

So I am going to Cingular. I guess if I buy an unlocked PDA2K that Cingular can hook me up?

[asdrew]

I've been with Cingular (formerly BellSouth) for many years and have always had excellent customer service. I picked up an sx66 here in Orlando just before Christmas and I love it. I had consistent problems with Bluetooth staying linked and they swapped it for another rather quickly. I only have sporadic bluetooth issues now, and per my conversations with Cingular & Siemens, I'm waiting for an update to bring it all the way up to snuff. From what I've heard, unlocked phones aren't a problem.
I prefer the ability to walk into a Cingular store and get immediate assistance or replacement, so I went with the Siemens model from them.

[threedaysdwn]

It should be noted that, while lacking WiFi, the Sprint and Verizon versions have EV-DO, which the others do not.

Depending on where you live, this may be useless. But if EV-DO rollout moves along like I (very optimistically) hope it will, you may very well find it to be a worthy trade-off.

Also with Sprint you'll get 1xRTT service, much faster and more reliable than GPRS. I don't believe any of the GSM "Blue Angel" phones support EDGE.

[woolygums]

It should be noted that, while lacking WiFi, the Sprint and Verizon versions have EV-DO, which the others do not.

Also with Sprint you'll get 1xRTT service, much faster and more reliable than GPRS. I don't believe any of the GSM "Blue Angel" phones support EDGE.

What is EV-DO and how does it compare with wi-fi?

What is 1xRTT?

I was thinking about going with Cingular, but might reconsider.

Thanks
Bill