AXIA 308 PDA Phone: The World's Smallest Pocket PC!

[Raphael Salgado]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.vipn.ch/uk/indexuk.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.vipn.ch/uk/indexuk.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"VIPN - Voice Internet Phone Network presents you the new AXIA A308 PDA Phone described as being a quad-band device offering GSM, GPRS and EDGE connectivity, the AXIA 308 also features Wifi connectivity. It is also the world’s smallest PDA Phone on the Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 5 operating system."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/axia308.jpg" /><br /><br />Now, here's a device to get excited enough to have a countdown on their website. :D The Axia 308 has all the goods of a Pocket PC Phone Edition device packed into the form-factor of a Smartphone. While the look and technical specifications have changed over the past few weeks, VIPN has confirmed the following in <a href="http://www.vipn.ch/pdf/308.pdf">their PDF spec sheet</a>: quadband GSM/GPRS with EDGE, 802.11b Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 1.2, Windows Mobile 5, 1.3MP camera with flash, a full keypad, and a 2.2" 262K-color QVGA touchscreen. VIPN has integrated VoIP SIP features with this phone, which makes it even more appealing. With an impressive price tag of 799 Swiss Francs (about $604 USD), will you be watching that countdown as well? :drool:

[Menneisyys]

$600? A bit overpriced, particularly if you take the price of the HTC Wizard (which is in no means worse, technically; in addition, its 2.8" QVGA screen and lack of the numeric keypad may prove be more usable in everyday situations) into account.

[DaleReeck]

I don't know, $600 isn't out of line for a phone of these capabilities and of this size. Plus, it's 400MHZ, not crappy 200MHZ OMAP like a lot of devices are going with.

For me, the issue is screen size. How small is "too small"? My Sprint 6700 has a 2.8 inch screen and I can't imagine going much smaller. 2.2 inches could be uncomfortable.

[Menneisyys]

I don't know, $600 isn't out of line for a phone of these capabilities and of this size. Plus, it's 400MHZ, not crappy 200MHZ OMAP like a lot of devices are going with.

IMHO, the 200 MHz OMAP is by no means "crappy", particularly if you overclock it to 240 MHz (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&amp;p=518&amp;more=1). I was really surprised by the real performance of the CPU of my HTC Wizard, particularly with a new(er) ROM (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&amp;p=518&amp;more=1) (not the dog-slow first).

For me, the issue is screen size. How small is "too small"? My Sprint 6700 has a 2.8 inch screen and I can't imagine going much smaller. 2.2 inches could be uncomfortable.

Yup, 2.2" is far too small in my opinion too. I even consider the 2.8" in my HTC Wizard too small sometimes.

[Raphael Salgado]

Just as a supplement to the article, I mentioned that the 308 has undergone some "evolutions" over the past weeks. For instance, this blog entry (http://www.vipn.ch/doteng/index.php?2006/02/14/6-the-axia-308) showed a much different device and with different specs:

http://www.vipn.ch/dot/images/axia308.jpg

Originally had tri-band GSM (no 850MHz), no mention of EDGE, and a whopping 3MP camera (now 1.3).

When you click on the "prebooking" (read: mailing list) button on that page, it says, "Your pre-booking of AXIA_308."

However, when you click on the 308 image on the home page, it says, "Your pre-booking of AXIA_308_V2."

Are there two different versions, and are we waiting for the next generation model?

[apeguero]

I was lured into Sprint by the Apache (HTC PPC 6700). I used to be with Cingular and used to have the Treo 650. I waited for ever and ever for Cingular to release the 8125. I gave up the wait last December and decided to just swallow up the $150.00 early termination fee from Cingular and go with Sprint.

Now, this phone is GSM. I've always liked the idea of GSM. I would also jump once again if a phone nicer than the PPC 6700 were released but I'm afraid this one isn't it. I mean, the dimensions make it as thick as the PPC 6700, as long as well (if you include the antenna on the 6700), but narrower than the 6700 by about 1/4 of an inch on each side. So, what would the advantage be on this phone? And, yes, it is probably the smallest Pocket PC Smartphone ever but by mear fractions of an inch.

I don't think one can go much smaller than the PPC 6700 without making the device uncomfortable to use. I see why there are PDA's with Smart phone capabilities (like the 6700) and Smartphones with limited Pocket PC capabilities (like the SMT 5600). I can't see how a company can develop one device to combine both kinds without developing something like the old Nokia Communicator, but much smaller and thinner off-course. Otherwise there would probably be too much to compromise, right? Thank God for Bluetooth Headphones.

Now, here's an idea, what if these companies placed a small keypad on a bluetooth headset? You know, with small rubber keys the size of the old calculator watches? That would be really cool. See, my biggest gripe with the PPC 6700 is how dangerous it is to dial a number while driving. The sensory feedback just isn't there - which is why I really used to like my old Treo 650. I also don't like voice dialing too much. But, if I could just dial a number right from it's small keypad then that would be very convinient. I think one would also get used to the keypad layout and just press the keys while wearing the earphone. Also, I don't think the size of the device would have to be that much bigger then the Motoroal 850s. Are there any bluetooth headsets with this kind of functionality?

[vicott]

Just as a supplement to the article, I mentioned that the 308 has undergone some "evolutions" over the past weeks. For instance, this blog entry (http://www.vipn.ch/doteng/index.php?2006/02/14/6-the-axia-308) showed a much different device and with different specs:

http://www.vipn.ch/dot/images/axia308.jpg

Originally had tri-band GSM (no 850MHz), no mention of EDGE, and a whopping 3MP camera (now 1.3).

When you click on the "prebooking" (read: mailing list) button on that page, it says, "Your pre-booking of AXIA_308."

However, when you click on the 308 image on the home page, it says, "Your pre-booking of AXIA_308_V2."

Are there two different versions, and are we waiting for the next generation model?
According to PocketPCItalia (http://www.pocketpcitalia.com/News/2006/02/Tre%2Dnuovi%2DPocket%2DPC%2DPhone%2DEdit/), this is Axia 308 and the new one is Axia 308 V2. That's kinda confusing. And I think the original Axia 308 seems to have better overall specs and more appealing design than V2.

[Paragon]

I think there is a market for a phone like this, but I think for many Pocket PC users this screen is far too small. The current 2.8" screens were quite an adjustment. 2.2" is just too small for a lot of people using current converged devices. A screen that size is going to severely limit the PDA functionality. For those wanting more phone function and not as concerned about PDA function, this should be a cool device. For me, no way. I wish I could get a 3.5" screen on a converged device in a size like the 1900/4100 Ipaq.

Anyone notice the site states it is 262k colors? I didn't think Windows Mobile supported 262K...am I wrong? did this change in WM5.0?

Dave

[adamz]

113.3mm X 48.8mm X 20.8mm is alot longer and thicker than the JAMin. While the width is shorter, I'm not sure this qualifies as the smallest Pocket PC. Smallest screen, maybe?

[Paragon]

113.3mm X 48.8mm X 20.8mm is alot longer and thicker than the JAMin. While the width is shorter, I'm not sure this qualifies as the smallest Pocket PC. Smallest screen, maybe?

With those dimensions I think the cost is far to high. It's thick. It's long, but it is narrow.....resulting in a very small screen. I realize that the narrowness and keypad make one handed phone operations very easy, but PDA functions are down the drain.

[hiatus]

I would really like to see how the QVGA screen looks like on the 2.2 inch screen. I have the X50v and I have been using "trueVGA" for almost a year now. I love how small the text is...

[whydidnt]

The text size could be an issue for some. I'm thinking I could live with it, it would probably be comparable, or even a little larger than TrueVGA on a 3.6 or 3.7' screen. I'd probably like it, but I'm not sure every one would.

My concern would be how i would have to enter information on this device. Trying to enter information via stylus on the i730 is a bit of chore due to the reduced entry area, but that has a keyboard to use for any significant text entry. With this device, you'd have the tiny entry area without a Qwerty keyboard, that may be too much to overcome.

I applaud the effort though. If someone wants a PPCPE device that is used almost exclusivley as a phone this would be a great device however. I think I prefer the landscape layout with a Qwerty keyboard like the Motorola Q offers though -- even thought that is only Smartphone OS - it would make better sense to run PPCPE on that device to me. However, the more options the better as far as I'm concerned.

[VIPN]

Hello pocketpcthoughts.com

We would like to thank all the posts about the Axia 308. We also believe that this phone is not perfect. Here at VIPN, we try to focus the people needs, and for that we need peoples advices ! So again thanks for the posts.

What we are doing with the AXIA is that we are putting together some special tools and apps that we think you will love it. Ok one of the things for example, is the interface for blind users allready integrated... And many other "evolutions". Applications that exists allready of course, but not allways integrated...

We would like to serve you, THE tool, but for that we need to grow up with you users. So please feel free (if you want) to send us messages, bad or good to help us in this project.

Best regards
VIPN team

[Damion Chaplin]

...one of the things for example, is the interface for blind users allready integrated...

Wow, here we were complaining that the screen was going to be too small... Imagine if you couldn't see the screen at all! 8O

[wastlaus]

I have never seen a Smartphone with a QVGA touchscreen. being a mature guy (otherwise also called an old fart) I have terrible problems sending an SMS, so a touchscreen with a Stylus would be great.

Are there any other Smartphone (NOT PocketPC) on the Markey with Touchscreen?

[Paragon]

I have terrible problems sending an SMS, so a touchscreen with a Stylus would be great.

I'm not so sure you would feel so excited after trying to use the soft keyboard (SIP) on this tiny little screen. Going from a 3.5" screen to a 2.8" screen I found the toughest adjustment was using the SIP without hitting wrong keys. The SIP on this screen is going to be very tiny, causing many errors, I think.

Dave

[Phoenix]

I can certainly say I won't be twiddling my fingers waiting for this one.

The WiFi, BT, and camera are standard ho-hum, and the screen is hardly anything to write home about. With no integrated keyboard (like we'd see on the Treo, for instance), input will be difficult, especially considering the screen size.

At least it'll have quad-band GSM and EDGE, so that's good. But based on what I see, this is a bit of a boring piece, IMO, not too terribly attractive, and seems overpriced to me.

[ricksfiona]

It's a REALLY tough call.

With the DualCor right around the corner, my next Pocket PC will be a super phone primarily used for Exchange eMail/contacts/calendar items and small note taking functionality.

The miniSD would almost guarantee a 'no deal' stamp, but with my new requirements, it can work. For eMail, viewing contacts and calendar items, this item will work just fine. I COULD do hardcore data entry via a BT keyboard as a last resort. Data entry via the screen would be like performing surgery and steady hands a necessity.

The e-ten M600 is a winner on screen size, storage capacity and currently cost, by $100. But it's a bit on the thick side and lacks EDGE. But since I consider my SE T610 too thin to handle easily, this can be a bonus. EDGE would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker.

Winner: e-ten M600 by a nose.

[Jonathon Watkins]

We would like to serve you, THE tool, but for that we need to grow up with you users. So please feel free (if you want) to send us messages, bad or good to help us in this project.

Thanks for that guys. It's great to see developers committed to receiving feedback from users (and potential users) and striving to develop better products. Keep up the good work. 8)

[gergd09]

I can certainly say I won't be twiddling my fingers waiting for this one.

The WiFi, BT, and camera are standard ho-hum, and the screen is hardly anything to write home about. With no integrated keyboard (like we'd see on the Treo, for instance), input will be difficult, especially considering the screen size.

At least it'll have quad-band GSM and EDGE, so that's good. But based on what I see, this is a bit of a boring piece, IMO, not too terribly attractive, and seems overpriced to me.

when you say integrated keyboard, isn't it similar to the keypads available on the phone already? correct me if i'm wrong.
i think it gives the user lots of options to input messages either though virtual keyboard, a transcriber, or through the keypads.
the screen is small but it would be lot benefitial to mobile (in-car) users because they are given a choice not to use their stylus.
1.3mp camera is bit disappointing though.
i guess the phone deserves a chance on the market.
i guess it would be best to wait for the reviews of actual users.

[Phoenix]

...when you say integrated keyboard, isn't it similar to the keypads available on the phone already? correct me if i'm wrong.
i think it gives the user lots of options to input messages either though virtual keyboard, a transcriber, or through the keypads.
the screen is small but it would be lot benefitial to mobile (in-car) users because they are given a choice not to use their stylus....

It has an integrated keyPAD, but not an integrated keyBOARD. (I'm not yelling at you, btw, with the CAPS :) ).

And yes, it offers the same input options through the OS as any other device would with the same OS, but that's not the same as having tactile input (other than a keyPAD).

I can't say that a screen this small would offer any benefit to anyone while driving.

[Kirkaiya]

I would really like to see how the QVGA screen looks like on the 2.2 inch screen. I have the X50v and I have been using "trueVGA" for almost a year now. I love how small the text is...

just FYI, I've been using the Axia A108 (predecessor to this phone) for about a year now. I got it after the battery in my iPaq 1915 was finally dying, and I was tired of carrying 2 devices (cellphone and my iPaq) all the time.

The 2.2" screen is actually not bad - it's the same resolution as my ipaq (240x320). I tend to just hold it a few inches closer than I did my iPaq - and no, it's not as nice as a 2.8", but that's not as nice as a 3.5", which isn't as nice as the 15" screen on my laptop, and so on.

But you can't really fit a 3.5" display onto a phone and have it be "cell-phone sized".

The build quality of my Axia A108 is only mediocre - the keys are a bit "plasticky", and the entire case feels a bit cheap, but aside from some OS issues (it runs on Windows CE 4.2, without the "Pocket PC" shell), it's been usable, more so after I upgraded the ROM two months after I bought it. My biggest compaint was always that it didn't (a) run windows Mobile 5, and (b) didn't have WiFi.

So the A308 seems to have addressed both of them. But, alas, I've pretty much decided to give up the touch-screen in favor of something slimmer, and am planning to get a HTC "StrTrk" (aka, QTek 8500 / Dopod S300 / SmartFlip) next month.

I just wanted to make the point that, if your primary use is as a phone, and you do some light AvantGo reading, and SMS'ing, very light email, and normal contacts/calendar usage, 2.2" has worked fine for me.