i-mate Releases the PDA2

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_PDA2.aspx' target='_blank'>http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_PDA2.aspx</a><br /><br /></div><i>"i-mate, the specialists in Microsoft Windows Mobile devices, proudly add the i-mate PDA2 to their range of market leading Pocket PC phones. The i-mate PDA2 tri-band GSM/GPRS incorporates one of the fastest PDA processors available at 520 MHz and has 128 MB RAM. This device is tuned for heavy data processing, and thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi, over-the-air synchronization couldn't be simpler."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050602-imatePDA2.jpg" /><br /><br />i-mate has just announced the release of the PDA2, which is packed with an Intel XScale 520MHz processor, 128MB RAM, 64MB ROM, a 64K-colour 3.5" QVGA screen, GSM/GPRS - Tri-Band (900/1800/1900), integrated 802.11b Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 1.3MP camera, an SDIO/MMC slot, and a 1,300mAh removable Li-Ion Polymer battery. Finally, it has Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. I'm wondering just how many people would be interested in this device. Without Windows Mobile 5.0 pre-loaded and a small 64MB ROM, this device may hit the history books a little too soon. For more information, click <a href="http://www.clubimate.com/press_releases/PR%20CDL0047%20-%20i-mate%20PDA2%20Launch%20310505%20-%20club%20i-mate.pdf">here</a> for the press release. Otherwise, click <a href="http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_PDA2.aspx">here</a> for extended specifications on the PDA2.

[Swordsman74]

The specs are better than the slightly-old i700 that I'm eyeing right now through Verizon. Well, to be fair, I'm mainly eyeing it because Amazon has it discounted now to $99... So, unless this PDA2 is going to compete with that price point some time soon, I think I'm going to have to pass it by. I'll just use the i700 until Verizon adopts the HTC Universal or an equivalent competitor...

[TMann]

Some refresh my memory...how much ROM is needed to run Windows Mobile 5.0? Isn't 64 mb supposed to be enough?

Otherwise, it's not a bad device, if it was priced reasonably. No VGA, or keyboard, but not everyone needs those.

TMann

[Darius Wey]

Some refresh my memory...how much ROM is needed to run Windows Mobile 5.0? Isn't 64 mb supposed to be enough?

It is, but i-mate seem to be devoting their interests in releasing new Windows Mobile 5.0 devices rather than releasing Windows Mobile 5.0 ROM updates on their WM2003SE-based devices.

[biglouis]

Nice looking device... if it had been released about six months ago.

LouisB

[Darius Wey]

Fancy seeing something interesting? i-mate PDA2 (http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_PDA2.aspx) vs. O2 XDA IIi (http://www.seeo2.com/product/XdaIIi/template/XdaIIiProductInfo.vm) - 64MB ROM vs. 128MB ROM respectively. :|

[fmcpherson]

You don't mention price. The PDA2K is one of the highest priced phone editions on the market. It has just about every feature you can think of, but I still find it hard to justify the > $800 price.

[Sooner Magic]

Can someone post a link to the Amazon $99 offering which Swordsman74 quoted?

[Darius Wey]

Can someone post a link to the Amazon $99 offering which Swordsman74 quoted?

I must say, this is a decent deal, despite the fact that it's an old device: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000659Q68/ref%3Dase%5Fjasondunn-20/104-2929626-9680732

[Sven Johannsen]

Well if they release an upgrade to WM2005 they will have to remove theand thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi, over-the-air synchronization couldn't be simpler.
blurb from their list of great things it does. To be sure WiFi sync still works, as long as it is to an Exchane server, which IMHO, takes simple out of the equation at least.

[possmann]

slick, but why not VGA? What is up with the QVGA display? come'on guys... get with it.

[pcdebolso]

Hi,
We tested this device (actually it was the Qtek 2020i version), along with the one it's replacing (Qtek 2020).
If you're interested you can check it at (Babel translation):
http://babel.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcdebolso.com/pcdb/noticia.asp?id=604&amp;lp=pt_en

Pedro

[LPC]

Screen too small but PDA to big :). If I want a PDA that big I need VGA. A phone PDA has to be small or you may as well dig out the old 1990s mobiles.

I'll have to stick with the JAM for now, just waiting on my 128Mb upgraded model to be delivered.

[szamot]

Some refresh my memory...how much ROM is needed to run Windows Mobile 5.0? Isn't 64 mb supposed to be enough?

Otherwise, it's not a bad device, if it was priced reasonably. No VGA, or keyboard, but not everyone needs those.

TMann

apparantly http://www.expansys-usa.com/ is selling it for $779 US unlocked and ready to ship. Tempting - there are 340 in stock.

[jeisner]

I hope no-one buys this expecting a Windows Mobile 5.0 update, imate don't do updates there will be a PDA3 released in 6 months with WM5 on it so you can 'upgrade' for only the price of a new PDA.....

/rant disgruntled PDA2k owner with no WM5 upgrade...