Yet Another Look at the HTC Hermes - With Finalized Specs

[Raphael Salgado]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://phonearena.com/htmls/HTC-Hermes-the-successor-of-the-MDA-8125-Wizard-article-a_1334.html' target='_blank'>http://phonearena.com/htmls/HTC-Her...cle-a_1334.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"After the introductions of the T-mobile MDA / Cingular 8125 (HTC Wizard) which became quite popular because of its compact design, full qwerty keyboard, excellent screen and WM5 operating system, on November 2005, a news about the future HTC line surfaced. One of the new models that leaked was the HTC Hermes or QTEK 9600, which despite the limited information available at that time, was a very promising model. Few days ago our friends from All4Smartphone.com had a chance to play with it and take pictures of the final version of the Hermes..."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/salgado-20060612-htchermes.jpg" /><br /><br />Who's had enough news of the forthcoming HTC Hermes? Yeah, me neither. ;) So, with more info cropping up about the "successor to the Wizard," we should be looking at an imminent release. It's just a real shame they can't announce a single, firm release date like they do with game consoles (speaking of which, did anyone preorder and from where?) At least this article confirms some finalized specs, such as the 400MHz processor (bless you, HTC!), a 2.0 megapixel rear camera, and an upgraded battery at 1350mAh. However, this line may put some people off: <i>"Earlier speculations about HSDPA support were unfounded and only UMTS is available."</i> Let's just hope it will be upgradable, and for our US readers, Cingular 3G support!

[martin_ayton]

It looks perfect and then... micro-SD :idontthinkso:. What is it with HTC? It seems to be company policy to make sure every one of their devices has at least one serious flaw. I think I could grit my teeth and accept mini-SD, but micro? It's too much to ask :frusty:

[Darius Wey]

It looks perfect and then... micro-SD :idontthinkso:. What is it with HTC? It seems to be company policy to make sure every one of their devices has at least one serious flaw. I think I could grit my teeth and accept mini-SD, but micro? It's too much to ask :frusty:

I just bit the bullet and got a 2GB Ultra II miniSD, so I can totally see the point you're making.

[Silver5]

I really hope that the battery life will hold up with the faster processor. I just bought an I-Mate JasJar and experiencing the faster processor has me enjoying the speed but barely making it into the evening some days. My Qtek 9100 can go two days with the same usage on its slower processor...

This device is looking really good though and I will probably give it a shot regardless.

[JwY]

It looks perfect and then... micro-SD :idontthinkso:. What is it with HTC? It seems to be company policy to make sure every one of their devices has at least one serious flaw. I think I could grit my teeth and accept mini-SD, but micro? It's too much to ask :frusty:

some other "flaws":
- no 2.5mm headset jack, uses usb
- loses stereo speakers from wizard

[JonnoB]

I know it is much slower for data, but I need EDGE. I am on T-Mobile's US unlimited data plan and I get good coverage with EDGE on their network and rarely need to enable WiFi as EDGE seems to be fast enough for what I am doing. I have WiFi throughout my property and work, but find that EDGE is sufficient to most everything I do on my phone. While UMTS would be better, it is not available on the US T-Mobile network. If this phone had EDGE, I would replace (upgrade) the Wizard devices we have right now.

[maximum360]

To make this thing even better they should have stuck with mini SD and kept the earphone jacks the same as the current model. (It seems like with every new HTC device I'm paying more money for a new memory card format. :evil: )

Add GPS, a VGA screen, and bump the mAH to 1500 and you've got a killer all in one device.

[l0wey]

I too just invested in a 2GB miniSD.
WHAT IS IT WITH THESE MANUFACTURERS.
I've said it before I'll say it again.
STANDARD STANDARD STANDARD.
No headphone socket - so I have to buy more stuff.
NO WAY!
NEVER
EVER
EVER
They fix one thing and break 2 more.
Is HTC brain dead or what.

[Jon Westfall]

I'd love to give this device a spin and compare it head-to-head with the Wizard. For anyone who loves plugging their phone into their car stereo, or useing EDGE, or keeping their Mini-SD investment, this phone may not be better - eventhough it screams "upgrade", it may be a downgrade in some ways!

[Brutalba]

I wonder when this device will be available for consumers?

[Jerry Raia]

I'd replace my 8125 with this in spite of the MicroSD.

[Underwater Mike]

I'd replace my 8125 with this in spite of the MicroSD.

I'd rather keep my 8125 and just swap processors! My only gripe with the 8125 is the putt-putt-puttering of the CPU -- and I have it OC'd, with the hacked ROM.

[Jerry Raia]

I'd rather keep my 8125 and just swap processors! My only gripe with the 8125 is the putt-putt-puttering of the CPU

I'm with you on that!

[bnycastro]

I went with the O2 XDA Exec coz the Wizard was a bit too slow for my tastes. I feel that going microSD is a bad move on HTC's part, and having no 2.5mm jack is an even worse move [I hope they don't do it ala Motorola V3 where in you use the miniUSB jack for headsets/syncing/charging, this means you can't sync and charge the device when you are using a wired headset--which is pretty dumb] also A2DP is not yet perfect so we can't rely on that for enjoying music on this device. I hope this is not the final spec. If it is then I will stick with my O2 Exec with A2DP hack, and wait for another 3G PocketPC phone I am pretty sure it won't just be the Hermes that we should be looking out for... :P

[Phillip Dyson]

Highlights
+ High speed internet with worldwide 3G.
+ Full connectivity with Tri-Band UMTS,
Quad-Band EDGE, Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi.
+ Instant access to email.
+ Sliding QWERTY keyboard for easy typing.
+ Secondary camera for video telephony.
Key Features
+ Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 5.0
+ Direct Push Email
+ WCDMA, HSPDA enabled, EDGE, GPRS
+ 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM
+ Large 2.8 inch Touch Screen LCD display
+ Jog Wheel for easy one-hand operation
+ 2 megapixel camera
+ Micro SD
+ Mini USB


According to the spec sheet it sports UMTS, HSPDA,WCDMA, and EDGE. 8O

I'm either confused, or in disbelief. How can they fit all those radios in there?