HTC Announces Upgraded Advantage [Archive]

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Nurhisham Hussein

02-11-2008, 08:00 PM

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/htc-advantage-x7510-now-upgraded-with-16gb-flash-memory/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/...b-flash-memory/</a> </div>"HTC's Advantage is getting a new badge -- X7510 -- and a long overdue upgrade, today. Now officially equipped with 16GB flash memory (instead of that 8GB microdrive), the new Advantage features TouchFLO, Opera Mobile 9, and Google Maps, as well as all the rest of the features you've come to know and love" <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/hisham-20080212-engadget_htc-advantage-x7510-top.jpg" /> Almost slipping under the radar, what with the Xperia X1 taking all the 'oohs' and 'aahs' today, HTC has announced that the Advantage will be getting a facelift as we <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/index.php?topic_id=57969">reported nearly a month ago</a>. The significant items are 16GB flash memory over the 8GB microdrive used previously, a redesigned keyboard with much better keys and haptic feedback, and a software package update - it also looks like the buttons have been rearranged to better suit actual usage. Having just bought the now old version I can say that the improvements are very welcome, though I'm still wishing for a jog-dial and a d-pad. The X7510 should be available in Europe beginning in March. Update: We've got more photos and the press release for ya - after the break:<!> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/hisham-20080213-Advantage15_left.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/hisham-20080213-Advantage15_per.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/hisham-20080213-Advantage15_per-front.jpg" /> HTC Introduces Enhanced HTC Advantage™ New applications, keyboard and storage capacity expand user experience BARCELONA — Feb. 11, 2008 – Today at the 2008 GSMA Mobile World Congress, HTC Corp. (TAIEX: 2498; “HTC”), the world’s leading provider of Microsoft Windows Mobile® smart devices, announced an updated version of the HTC Advantage™ that introduces new software, increased storage and an improved keyboard. The HTC Advantage™ is an ideal companion for the business traveller who needs a powerful and portable device that includes constant connectivity. Developed from the ground up to be extremely portable, yet powerful, the HTC Advantage™ integrates a broad set of features into a compact and innovative design. Based on a future version of Windows Mobile, the updated HTC Advantage™ includes a customized HTC Home today screen that provides one-touch access to emails, text messages, missed calls, calendar appointments and contacts, as well as current weather conditions and forecasts for hundreds of cities around the world. The HTC Advantage™ features HTC’s TouchFLO™ software which enhances finger touch scrolling and browsing of Web pages, documents, messages and contact lists. The Advantage™ will also include Opera Mobile 9 and Google Maps for mobile. In addition to the many software enhancements, the HTC Advantage™ also adds a variety of new and improved hardware features including 16GB of storage, a new improved keyboard with haptic feedback and an updated version of VueFLO™ using a G-sensor that recognises the screen orientation of the device for optimal customer usage. “Having established broader boundaries for mobile computing with the first HTC Advantage a year ago, we are introducing a wealth of new enhancements focused on improving the overall touch screen and keyboard user experience,” said Peter Chou, president and CEO of HTC. “Our goal with the HTC Advantage is to provide a small connected mobile computing device that will replace notebook PCs on daily commutes or short trips.” With its innovative built-in video output capability, the HTC Advantage™ empowers its users with freedom to make presentations anywhere. Users can run presentations directly via the projector and TV output. Its 5-inch VGA colour touch screen and innovative, magnetic QWERTY keyboard are ideal not just for editing Microsoft Office documents, but also for enjoying leisure time. Users can watch videos, browse the web, use instant Outlook push e-mail, synchronize their contacts, tasks and calendar, and navigate anywhere with inbuilt GPS and TomTom NAVIGATOR 6. Offering a complete package of connectivity, the HTC Advantage™ offers a wide variety of Wireless connectivity options such as Tri-band HSPDA, Wi-Fi® and stereo Bluetooth® 2.0 connectivity. The updated HTC Advantage™ will be available in March in select countries across Europe. The Full product spec is as follows: Product name HTC Advantage™ (X7510) Size 133.5 x 98 x 16 mm (additional 4.75mm for keyboard) Weight 290g + 85g for keyboard Networks WCDMA/HSDPA: 850/1900/2100 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz Operating system Future Version of Windows Mobile® Display 5-inch VGA with touch screen Camera 3.1 megapixel with auto focus VGA for video calling Internal memory 256 MB + 16 GB flash; 128 MB RAM Memory card miniSD™ WLAN 802.11b/g Bluetooth® 2.0 GPS GPS Interface HTC ExtUSB™ (mini-USB and audio jack in one; USB 2.0 High-Speed); HTC 16 pin port (USB 1.1 host, TV/VGA out); 3.5mm audio jack with microphone Battery 2100 mAh Talk time WCDMA: up to 300 minutes* GSM: up to 360 minutes* Standby time WCDMA: up to 300 hours* GSM: up to 300 hours* Special feature Detachable QWERTY Keyboard with Haptic feedback; document printing; G sensor Chipset Marvell PXA270 624 MHz; Qualcomm® MSM6275 About HTC Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) designs, manufactures and markets innovative, feature rich smartphone and PDA Phone devices. Since its establishment, HTC has developed strong R&D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations and launched state-of-the-art PDA Phones and smartphones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the US, and Asia. These machines are available as HTC devices and as products individually customized for operator and device partners. HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit <a href="www.htc.com">www.htc.com</a>. For more information, press only: For more information, please contact Niki Hutchinson - +44 207 229 4400 or [email protected]

midtoad

02-11-2008, 09:26 PM

miterb

02-11-2008, 10:17 PM

"HTC announced today that the 7500 device that never made it to markets in N. America has been replaced with another device, the 7510, which will likely never make it to market either".

Nothing to see here except hot air, move along please.

Ah, but to own an X7501 - available in the USA - is to love it!

I too think that the 7510 design really should have retained the Jogstick or replaced with a D-Pad. I use the former all the time.

Brad

whydidnt

02-12-2008, 12:55 AM

miterb

02-12-2008, 02:40 AM

Why did they remove the joystick thing? I can't see this being very user friendly if I have to have the keyboard attached all the time to navigate without using the screen.
I'm glad to see the increased memory, though. However for the $1000+ they will likely charge for this I want 32 GB.

"the new Advantage features TouchFLO,". Which, I guess, is the popular way to do away with the joystick or D-Pad. The screen size on the Advantage lend itself to fingertouch activation pretty well. I probably should be doing that more than I do. TouchFLO = IPhone.

Brad

bmurphy

02-12-2008, 02:52 AM

"HTC announced today that the 7500 device that never made it to markets in N. America has been replaced with another device, the 7510, which will likely never make it to market either".

Nothing to see here except hot air, move along please.

I don't know about the "never made it to the N.A. market! I have one, and love it.... 8) I found if you are determined enough, it wasn't too hard to find on ebay. It was also available at Expansy Canada- along with accessories. I wanted it for the video conferencing advantage with the second camera and if that ever makes it to the N.A. market I'm set. I had the WM6 upgrade waiting before it came in the mail, and it went on beautifully!- I haven't even touched my 8Gig micro-drive (everything goes on the storage card), so I'm not envious of a larger flash drive. I'll wait until there is a large (8+) mini-SD card and use that! :lol: I can see where a flash drive would be better than the micro-drive, and double the space is nice!
My only fly-in-the-ointment is that I can only use Rogers for the phone and GPS capabilities. (their min. plan is "only" 72$) a month.
The jog wheel, I do use, but not all the time- The keyboard is where there was the most complaints, so that is good that they listened.
the keyboard keys I find are not quite where I expect them, so a new keyboard arrangement will be nice.
I'm glad they are keeping on with it and upgrading... it is a fantastic device!

whydidnt

02-12-2008, 03:43 PM

[
"the new Advantage features TouchFLO,". Which, I guess, is the popular way to do away with the joystick or D-Pad. The screen size on the Advantage lend itself to fingertouch activation pretty well. I probably should be doing that more than I do. TouchFLO = IPhone.

Brad

The problem with this is the size of the device. It's almost too big to hold with one hand. You can't comfortably hold it in one hand and use the other to point and navigate. My typical usage is to hold it with both hands and then use my left thumb to navigate with the joystick.

The other problem is that TouchFLO adds no usability to the device. It's just eye-candy and quickly disappears once you are out of the program menu and a few chosen programs. For example, will TouchFLO help me turn a page in my eBook?

It just seems like a bad, short-sited decision to eliminate a navigation option on such a large device.

bmurphy

02-12-2008, 04:44 PM

Personally for me.... I just snap the keyboard on and I either balance it in my lap, table, car steering wheel... it gives the true meaning of hands-free reading :lol: I either tap, or use the right arrow to turn the pages. I do use the jog wheel, if I'm reclining and my left arm is the one free. It is a built-in cradle, and if I'm showing pictures- or demonstrating something- it stands on its own.
The nay-sayers in this thread.... do you actually own one? I went to great lengths to get mine - and am totally happy with it. I'm sure the owners of the next version will like the new keyboard layout :mrgreen: and probably not miss the jog wheel.
The size and weight of it isn't a factor for me- I wanted the bigger screen- and was looking for a (really) UMPC type device- this is it! something between my PDA and my 12" laptop. I can use the VGA-out to demonstrate something on a computer - (say at my library, where I catalogue).
I don't insist that it is able to come with me riding (on my belt)- but if I did have it in my pouch and on the belt- or in a saddle bag- the phone would be answered with the blue-tooth headset, and no need to touch the device and bring it out.
I do wish that Skype would recognize the device and that owners want to use the embedded webcam with wifi and talk to other computers, but it isn't a perfect world :roll:

Richard76

02-16-2008, 04:03 PM

I am also really enjoying my X7500 running WM6, purchased from a Toronto dealer and using the 1GB plan on Rogers. I have a mount for my truck that allows the kb to be attached and the big, bright screen is awesome for these old, tired eyes.

But back to the X7510. I agree that they should have left the joystick, "Windows" and "Ok" buttons because quite often I use mine without the keyboard. Also, why no 802.11n? And no mention of the video processor? I would love to see the new NVIDIA AXP 2500 in this device. Perhaps in the X7511?

danrhiggins

02-23-2008, 05:41 PM

I posted a similar response on the thread referencing the Engadget "review". I have had a 7501 for 6 months and am a heavy users. In fact, I have been a heavy PDA user for years. Most of my communication is via email, not phone calls.

Bottom line is that I believe they have taken a major step backwards with the UI. I can't "feel" the keyboard and the new layout looks better (Page up/down, etc.) But I like to "feel" if my finger is on the key and I have never like membrane keyboards.

But most important, hugely important, is the removal of the joystick/D-pad or whatever you want to call it. I'm sorry but VueFlow is NOT a D-pad. Does not even come close. Very difficult to control except for basic up/down scrolling and even then awkward if you have the device positioned on a desk or table on the keyboard. Many apps use the joystick functions. I use it constantly.

In fact, I frequently use the device without the keyboard at all as much of my data input is with Transcriber. I review email (lots of it), web pages, Spb Insight, PPT slides, use PocketBible, manage projects/tasks, etc..

HTC needs to realize that this is primarily an PDA, not a phone. (I use it as a speaker phone or with BT headset for "scheduled" calls. Not as my primary phone which is a very small, phone-only device.)

The top two improvements I wanted were better battery life and possibly VGA mode given the size of the screen. Oh well, now I'll start watching for what HP brings out next. (Maybe a phone-enabled 4700-like device?)