The O2 Xda Exec Reviewed

[Darius Wey]

<i>"The first aspect of the Exec to blow your mind is the styling - this is the most beautifully styled PDA that I have ever come across, and included within that statement is every PDA I've owned; from the Psion 5MX, the iPAQ's and the prior models in the Xda range. The basic design style from HTC is outstanding but O2 have enhanced this with the charcoal and black colouration and the raised O2 logos."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050913-O2XdaExec.jpg" /><br /><br />There's plenty to like about the O2 Xda Exec (HTC Universal) - everything from the VGA screen to the UMTS support, so when I read Tekguru's review of it, it wasn't the least bit surprising to see the device receive a final rating of 98%. The review is of a pre-release Xda Exec and it has been broken down into two parts - <a href="http://www.tekguru.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7031">Hardware</a> and <a href="http://www.tekguru.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7032">Software</a>. If you're one of the many waiting to order or have already ordered the device, then be sure to give this review a read. Plenty of images are included for your viewing pleasure. ;)

[dommasters]

I sold mine after using it for about 30 minutes. Slow performance ... and like holding a tombstone to your ear .... sure it's a techfest .... but personally I found it unusable ... and then there's the camera which is shxx ....
Dom

[Jonathon Watkins]

I sold mine after using it for about 30 minutes.

Why did you not return it for a refund?

Slow performance

I'm surprised to hear that, with a 520Mhz processor in there.

... and like holding a tombstone to your ear ....

That's what Bluetooth headsets are for! :wink:

... and then there's the camera which is shxx ....

All integrated cameras are! :mrgreen: :wink:

Sorry you did not like it. Personally I can't wait to get my hands on one.

[gavinfabl]

Cant believe the comments above either. I spent 3 hours with a non branded Universal 2 weeks ago. It was hardly slow. Even loaded some games and they worked beautifully.

Yes its rather large to hold to your ear, but this wont bother me as I always do this with my XDA IIs, and nobody seems bothered.

But I have bought a bluetooth headset just in case.

[ricksfiona]

Yup, I said in yesterdays post... This is one beautiful device. If it' weren't for the keyboard, I would consider getting it.

[jickbahtech]

The only thing that bothers me about the Universal is that out of a 128MB ROM, the end user only gets to use about 40MB. If the same holds true for devices getting upgraded to WM5 (and we have no reason to think other wise) I might hold off on upgrading my 2750.

[bigneeker]

can ayone tell me if the wired headset will let you plug in any 3.5mm earphones in there. it looks like the mic part has a detachable earphone piece.

[saru83]

Why do u think they Design different Models at the same time? this is because different people has differnt pereferences, So the UNIVERSAL is NOT for everybody. For me it the IDEAL PDA/PHONE

[Paoac]

I dont like the size of this unit

therefore
I'll root for the Wizard instead 8)

[DaleReeck]

I just received mine today and I like it alot. For me, I don't even care about the phone piece. That's just a bonus. I got it because of its PDA capabilities. I used to have a Sony Clie UX50. That was a cool little device that was the same concept as the Universal - a clam shell PDA with a gorgeous screen, WiFi and Bluetooth, except with PalmOS. I always wish I had a PocketPC version of the Clie and now I do :D

It is a tad sluggish at times due to the double whammy of WM5 and VGA. A 600MHZ processor might have been better than then 520 in the Universal. But for the vast majority of the time, it is quite fast. In fact, the sluggishness only appears occasionally when starting apps. Once the app is up and running, it handles data (for example, music files, video files etc) just fine.

The best thing to say about it is that the Universal is not for everyone. But for the people it is for, they'll love it.

[DaleReeck]

By the way, from what I understand, Expansys UK had almost 800 of these between the unlocked JasJar version and the O2 version back on last Wednesday. Five days later, they are on backorder now :D

[gibson042]

Man, that thing is gorgeous in the O2 theme of black with blue keyboard printing and backlighting! Definitely the best looking Universal so far.

[Patrick Y.]

It is AMAZING!! I wish I'm rich enough to buy it though... :cry: :cry:

[JAmerican]

It is AMAZING!! I wish I'm rich enough to buy it though... :cry: :cry:

Same. Amazing keyboard. This is my next device from the Sony CLIE UX series :)

JAmerican