Up Close and Personal with the HTC Universal

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mml.com.tw/newsdetail.php?id=895' target='_blank'>http://www.mml.com.tw/newsdetail.php?id=895</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050726-HTCUniversal.jpg" /><br /><br />Taiwanese site, Mobile Life, has just posted a plethora of HTC Universal pictures. No translation needed here. Just sit back and marvel at its beauty. :drool:

[stevelam]

*ooooooo's* *ahhhhhhh's* *decides that he likes it better in black*

It does look very very nice though. Oh well better start saving then.

[Tim Rapson]

If there is a better configured pocket computer or phone in the world I can't imagine what it could be. This baby has everything. PDAs have arrived BIG TIME!

[ventivent]

My eyes are watering...it's awesome.

[szamot]

well today if I had to get one I would get the i-mate jam or jam pda2 simple because I could run WM5 and have it today. It is not better but is is something I can hold in my hand and play with right now. This unit will still take months too find its way onto this side of the pond.

[andydempsey]

if only the universl had the 850MHz band...... htc wizard it will be instead then.... I hate to settle for less.

[wesley762]

none of the pictures are showing up on the website, I am itching to see more pics of this device.

[Duncan]

*ooooooo's* *ahhhhhhh's* *decides that he likes it better in black*

Well then - you need to be looking here (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eprice.com.tw%2Fnews%2F%3Fnews_id%3D2913&amp;lp=zt_en)

BTW - The specs for the Universal (with the usual 'to be confirmed' caveats) are:

Size in mm (inches) - 131.6 (5.18 ) x 79.0 (3.11) x 21.6 (0.85)
Weight in grams (ounces) - 210.0 (7.40)

Screen size (inches) - 3.7 (tbc)
Processor - (PXA270) 520 Mhz
Wireless - Bluetooth (1.2); IR; Tri-band GSM + 3G/GPRS; Wi-Fi 802.11b

ROM - 96 MB (tbc)
RAM - 128 MB (tbc)

Slot - SD I/O
Battery - 1620 mAh (standby - 180 hr; talk - 5 hr)
Cameras - 1.3MP (Flash); 0.3MP
Other - 5-way D-pad; Keyboard; USB host (tbc)

[Janak Parekh]

if only the universl had the 850MHz band...... htc wizard it will be instead then.... I hate to settle for less.
The rumor I heard is that there will be both an Europe and a North American release, the latter with 850 instead of 900.

--janak

[Phronetix]

It's beautiful, has salivation-worthy specs, but for me the intangibles are more important.

How does it feel in the hand? Does it need an twice hourly reset? Does the silver paint come off after a month of use?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I saw the character for "flimsier than Aunt Jiang-mei's new Zhonghua (http://www.dw-world.de/dw/image/0,1587,1642961_6,00.jpg)" several times in the write-up.

:razzing:

[Duncan]

Nothing defines confusion better than companies describing their products specifications...

After I posted the specs above I got directed to a PowerPoint form O2 - problem is it badly contradicts what T-mobile have been telling everyone -

T-mobile say that the MDA Pro will have the following stats:

Size in mm (inches) - 131.6 (5.18 ) x 79.0 (3.11) x 21.6 (0.85)
Weight in grams (ounces) - 210.0 (7.40)
RAM - 128 MB
Battery - 1620 mAh (standby - 200 hr; talk - 5 hr)

O2 claim that in fact those dimensions are:

Size in mm (inches) - 127.7 (5.03 ) x 81.0 (3.19) x 25.0 (0.98 )
Weight in grams (ounces) - 270.0 (9.52)
RAM - 64 MB
Battery - 1620 mAh (standby - 200 hr; talk - 4 hr)

O2 add the following:

Screen size (inches) - 3.6
Processor - (PXA272) 520 Mhz
Wireless - Bluetooth (1.2); IR; Tri-band GSM + 3G/GPRS; Wi-Fi 802.11b

ROM - 128 MB

Slot - SD I/O
Cameras - 1.3MP (Flash); 0.3MP
Other - 5-way D-pad; Keyboard; mini - USB (host? - tbc)

Clear?

[Damion Chaplin]

Still very drool-worthy.

However, at this point I'm not buying another phone that doesn't have EDGE or some other form of high-speed communication...

Oh how I wish my 5600 had EDGE. :cry:

[Duncan]

However, at this point I'm not buying another phone that doesn't have EDGE or some other form of high-speed communication...

You know that the Universal uses UMTS - which is considerably faster than EDGE...?

[MitchellO]

none of the pictures are showing up on the website, I am itching to see more pics of this device.

Same. Whats wrong?

[Jason Lee]

just worked for me...

[saru83]

THIS IS A BEAST, I LOVE IT.... but i was wondering if anybody else interested in the BENQ P50 or HP 6510, coz they r already out there in Expansys...

Any Thoughts?? :roll:

[Pdaholic]

Regarding the "flimsiness" of the unit, I have to say that many people asked that same question about the Clie line of rotating handhelds. I owned three of them (NX, NR, UX), and never had a bit of trouble. I think you will find that you will spend most of you time in the mini-laptop mode, for writing quick notes.

As for the varying dimensions posted by Duncan, I hope the 7 Oz weight is more accurate. Believe it or not, those 2 extra ounces actually make a difference in the pocket. I'm gonna have a very large bulge 8O

As for the BenQ, I've given up on it. I would have dropped my cash on this baby along time ago when I first heard about it. No way I'm going to waste my time on it now. I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more HTC Universal (with added cowbell).

Thanks to the original poster for the link to these pics. Keep 'em coming. I can't get enough of teh universal.

[galt]

Regarding the "flimsiness" of the unit, I have to say that many people asked that same question about the Clie line of rotating handhelds. I owned three of them (NX, NR, UX), and never had a bit of trouble. I think you will find that you will spend most of you time in the mini-laptop mode, for writing quick notes.I'm not too worried about the hinge either. In this video (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/_assets/video/TechEd/Final-MobilityV7-300K.wvx) it doesn't look very flimsy, and he bangs it around a bit. It also has a nice sounding "click" when closed.

I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more HTC Universal (with added cowbell). Thanks to the original poster for the link to these pics. Keep 'em coming. I can't get enough of teh universal.I couldn't agree more (without trying really hard). :)

[MitchellO]

I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more HTC Universal (with added cowbell). Thanks to the original poster for the link to these pics. Keep 'em coming. I can't get enough of teh universal.I couldn't agree more (without trying really hard). :)

Cheers!! The Universal just looks sooooo cool, and the VGA screen + WiFi would be super for web surfing.

[MitchellO]

Ok, the pics worked, and 8O 8O 0X

I want one!! Every new pic of this thing just makes it better.

[stevelam]

*ooooooo's* *ahhhhhhh's* *decides that he likes it better in black*

Well then - you need to be looking here (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eprice.com.tw%2Fnews%2F%3Fnews_id%3D2913&amp;lp=zt_en)


Looking where it dosent work!!!! Arghhhhhh

[Darius Wey]

Every new pic of this thing just makes it better.

And it also makes the wait all the more torturous. ;)

[Darius Wey]

*ooooooo's* *ahhhhhhh's* *decides that he likes it better in black*

Well then - you need to be looking here (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eprice.com.tw%2Fnews%2F%3Fnews_id%3D2913&amp;lp=zt_en)


Looking where it dosent work!!!! Arghhhhhh

I've posted on this before. Take a quick look here (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=40424) if the aforementioned link isn't working for you. :)

[MitchellO]

Every new pic of this thing just makes it better.

And it also makes the wait all the more torturous. ;)

:oops: :oops: me want.....me want....

[stevelam]

*ooooooo's* *ahhhhhhh's* *decides that he likes it better in black*

Well then - you need to be looking here (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eprice.com.tw%2Fnews%2F%3Fnews_id%3D2913&amp;lp=zt_en)


Looking where it dosent work!!!! Arghhhhhh

I've posted on this before. Take a quick look here (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=40424) if the aforementioned link isn't working for you. :)

Arghhhhhh I was hoping for new pictures and everything.

Ok, the pics worked, and 8O 8O 0X

I want one!! Every new pic of this thing just makes it better.

Well according to the PPC people that I know in 02 they are releaseing it in September!!!!!! Thats only two months !!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Darius Wey]

Well according to the PPC people that I know in 02 they are releaseing it in September!!!!!! Thats only two months !!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=41077

i-mate also has plans to release an HTC Universal. The question is when? Sources indicate September as well. ;)

[stevelam]

Well according to the PPC people that I know in 02 they are releaseing it in September!!!!!! Thats only two months !!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=41077

i-mate also has plans to release an HTC Universal. The question is when? Sources indicate September as well. ;)

Well it'll be expensive thats all that we know. Also try not to take too much offence from my latest comment!! http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=41077

[Darius Wey]

Well it'll be expensive thats all that we know. Also try not to take too much offence from my latest comment!! http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=41077

Not even a whimper. Of course, I can't speak for the other twenty million who may or may not stumble upon your comment.

[daveshih]

Er...Darius,

Don't these pictures have explicit warnings on them that says only the MML website can use these pictures?

Dave

[Darius Wey]

Er...Darius,

Don't these pictures have explicit warnings on them that says only the MML website can use these pictures?

Dave

I understand what the message on the picture says.

We've used one picture as a preview and have explicitly directed users to Mobile Life since they are the rightful owners of the "featured article" (or whatever you may call it). We're not taking all 50-60 pictures and re-publishing them on our site since that ruffles a few feathers in the copyright department, and laws aside, it's simply morally wrong since Mobile Life are the original publishers of the content. What you see here is no different to the tens of thousands of other posts we've made: we come across an article we like, we post a short preview, and ask the readers to go to site XYZ for the full lowdown.

If you're uncomfortable with the current setting, you're more than welcome to contact me via email to discuss matters. Alternatively, if you feel it's an issue which Mobile Life should be made aware of, you're more than welcome to contact the Mobile Life admin (as suggested on the watermarked images). I've not heard from them since I made the original post, so I'm going to safely assume that they've got no problems with what we've done. If it's an issue to them, rest assured, I'm sure they'll contact me and if they request to have the image removed, I'll have no hesitation to comply.

[Kadegboye]

HTC Universal is one of the greatest devices ever built. However, is there anybody like me out there who doesn't care much for a keyboard on this small devices? I would have loved to have a device with numerical keyboard just for placing calls while driving but the new devices have voice activated systems that make this useless.
kay.

[galt]

HTC Universal is one of the greatest devices ever built. However, is there anybody like me out there who doesn't care much for a keyboard on this small devices? I would have loved to have a device with numerical keyboard just for placing calls while driving but the new devices have voice activated systems that make this useless.
kay.
Wow. I don't understand how anyone can see the greatness of the Universal without appreciating the keyboard centric design. Without the keyboard, what's special about it? The hardware specs aren't that spectactular, the UMTS 3G isn't going to be useable to those in the USA, the swivel screen is only useful in that it allows for the dual roles in PDA or mini-laptop form factor. It's still a VGA PPC Phone with WM 5.0, which is unique right now but I'm sure there will be plenty of those released in the next 6 months.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Actually, I have to agree with Kadegboye, the keyboard's pretty worthless for anything more extensive than SMS, all it does is add bulk. For that matter, I wouldn't mind if they lost the swivel screen either. I'd prefer a more traditional form factor (slimmer) with that 3G access - it may not mean much in the US, but it's great for us here in Asia and in Europe.

[saru83]

, the keyboard's pretty worthless.

Actually i have to disagree with u, coz it depends on personal needs, it might be worthless for u and some others but A LOT of people will pay for this beast just for its full functional keyboard and form factor.

SO basically its never YES or NO, it all depends.. :wink:

Regards,
Sarwat

[juventus]

I saw a few people posting that the UMTS feature won't be usable in america. How come it wouldn't work on Cingular's UMTS network? It's apparently available in my area (SF bay area):

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1773507,00.asp?kc=ETRSS03039TX1K0000564

It's also listed on cingular's site:

http://www.cingular.com/midtolarge/umts?awredirect=awspecificpage

The article says Cingular's UMTS operates at 1900mhz. Does that mean I'll be able to buy an unlocked phone and use it on Cingular's UMTS? I'm a newbie when it comes to unlocked phones.

Thanks.

[Jason Lee]

I saw a few people posting that the UMTS feature won't be usable in america. How come it wouldn't work on Cingular's UMTS network? It's apparently available in my area (SF bay area):

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1773507,00.asp?kc=ETRSS03039TX1K0000564

It's also listed on cingular's site:

http://www.cingular.com/midtolarge/umts?awredirect=awspecificpage

The article says Cingular's UMTS operates at 1900mhz. Does that mean I'll be able to buy an unlocked phone and use it on Cingular's UMTS? I'm a newbie when it comes to unlocked phones.

Thanks.

Wow their UTMS runs at 1900? that kinda strange since over 70% of their netowrk is 850... 8O