The Boy Genius Unboxes A T-Mobile Wing

[Jon Westfall]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/05/18/t-mobile-wing-unboxing/' target='_blank'>http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007...-wing-unboxing/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Maybe you were a little shy about purchasing an unbranded OEM HTC P4350, maybe you wanted a better price, regardless the T-Mobile should offer you the same device with a couple nice added features. Obviously the biggest selling point is that Windows Mobile 6 Professional is loaded right on. T-Mobile opted to have the case customized and to tell you the truth, it might be a tad thicker, but it almost feels nicer than the standard HTC Herald. The navigation buttons have been redone, also the Windows key, OK key, and a couple others were also changed. With a 200MHz processor it's still a very speedy device, and WM6 only helps! Pricing as stated before — $499 full retail, $299 with a 2 year agreement and $50 mail in rebate."</i><br /><br /><img src=http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/westfall-21-5-7-normal_T-MobileWing1.jpg><br /><br />Well, it appears that either last month's <a href="http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/19/t-mobile-wing-to-change-name-see-q2-release/">Engadget Article</a> regarding the "Wing" being renamed was either in error or the packaging shown in this juicy unboxing piece is outdated. Either way, the Wing looks pretty nice, especially for T-Mobile customers who are using the MDA now. WM6 may be the piece to get MDA users to upgrade - so was T-Mobile right in not bothering with the Hermes?

[adamz]

so was T-Mobile right in not bothering with the Hermes?

Yes, because T-Mobile USA does not have a 3G HSDPA network that the Hermes can access. T-Mobile will use different HSDPA bands when their 3G network is announced. Releasing the Hermes would've been a waste since it would be relegated to EDGE and GPRS only.

[JesterMania]

I like the look of this device - wish T-Mobile was in my country. Anyhow, just out of pure curiosity - does anyone know what 3G bands T-Mobile will be using?

[adamz]

Anyhow, just out of pure curiosity - does anyone know what 3G bands T-Mobile will be using?

1700MHz uplink and 2100MHz downlink for 3G AWS, although I think I saw some reports that people were getting UMTS reception in Manhattan on T-Mobile with an HTC Trinity... which means they're at least testing things on 1900/2100Mhz. Maybe they'll do a mixed 1700/1900/2100 3G network. There's another rumor that Cingular may be adding 850Mhz to the mix on their 3G network as well.

[linusmd]

When is Tmobile going to finish setting up their WCDMA network? They are almost 2 generations behind verizon now w/ verizon pushing out rev A soon, then rev B . Also, why are all proprietary networks such as tmobile picking up such low powered devices, especially with the new samsung and intel processors out there, this was obselete before it had the Tmobile insignia stamped on it. Another example of HTC failing its customers.

[Eriq Cook]

I just stopped by my local T-mo dealer today and got a chance to play with the new Wing for a few. I'm aware the specs are nearly the same, but WM6 and the great spring-operated keyboard (with CAPS and shift-lock indicators) is enough to pursuade me to buy. I wasn't too thrilled about the blue casing BEFORE I saw it in person, but after seeing I actually prefer it over the blah silver casing color on the old MDA.

I tried to pursuade the T-mobile rep to let me buy the Wing early (today) but to no avail. he said I'll be able to buy it first thing in the morning so that'll be my first stop :)

[virain]

Anyhow, just out of pure curiosity - does anyone know what 3G bands T-Mobile will be using?

1700MHz uplink and 2100MHz downlink for 3G AWS, although I think I saw some reports that people were getting UMTS reception in Manhattan on T-Mobile with an HTC Trinity... which means they're at least testing things on 1900/2100Mhz. Maybe they'll do a mixed 1700/1900/2100 3G network. There's another rumor that Cingular may be adding 850Mhz to the mix on their 3G network as well.
T-mobile does install 3G sell sites and, as it was with EDGE, they keep it quiet. You can read it in news releases:
http://www.t-mobile.com/Cms/Files/Published/0000BDF20016F5DD010312E2BDE4AE9B/0000BDF20016F5DE01110E97F3D5E067/file/TMUS%20Q4%20Press%20Release%20FINAL%20CLEAN.pdf

and I am not surprised that the cells are operational, T-Mobile has to test and tune them for full blown services

[Eriq Cook]

So I picked up the Wing early this morning. Here's a quick overview of what's good/bad:

PROS (aside from Windows Mobile 6 standard features):

- Microsoft Voice Command 1.6 comes STANDARD!
- Keyboard feels great and is much easier to type on. The spring-loaded mechanism works really well and the keyboard's backlight is better.
- Overall performance is better than MDA
- Speakers sound more "stereo-like"
- Feels more solid overall.

CONS:

- MAJOR: The Wing's microphone doesn't seem to work well. Using Microsoft Voice command is more difficult because the Wing has a harder time understanding me. I'm frustrated by this.

- Inability to remove "T-zones" from the Start menu. I never use t-zones!

- Since I lock my device using a 4-digit pin, typing in the complete unlock pin does NOT automatically unlock the phone. Now, you have to type in the pin, THEN tap "Unlock" button. It worked easier on the MDA when I could just quickly punch in the pin and it would automatically return me to home page.

- It'd be nice if they kept the IE and mail buttons on the top-front of the Wing like the MDA. I'm aware the mail icon was moved to the side, but it was convenient having these extra hardware buttons on the front. Now there's only the Windows and OK button.

- Another minor inconvenience is the movement of the USB port from the right-side to the left. It's more difficult using the keyboad when connected to a USB cable (car charger for example) sticking out of the left. But I suppose when NOT using the keyboard with a USB cable plugged in it makes more sense to be at the bottom. I still prefer the MDA's usb port location.

- Having the added bass to the speakers makes listening to Microsoft VoiceCommand confirmations a little more difficult. I wonder if there's a way to control the treble/bass...

A few new features I've noticed:

- Phone turns on automatically when keyboard is opened
- Holding down the red phone button automatically locks the device

Overall I'm pleased with the Wing and still prefer it over the MDA, but the big problem is the poor microphone performance due to the location of the mic (I actually can't find it lol). I use Microsoft VoiceCommand regularly and it doesn't work as well as on the MDA. I also wish the speakers were louder, but it's about the same as on the MDA. I also wish T-Mobile offered a black version instead of blue (reminds me of Casio EM-500), but it still looks better than the MDA IMO. Windows Mobile 6 and the improved Exchange support was the big seller for me.

That's my quick review.