Glofiish V900 Hands-On

[Darius Wey]

<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334842.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p>We uh... fished around for a Glofiish V900, got one, and thought we'd take a handful of shots for your perusal. It's certainly a beast - Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Samsung's new-ish S3C6400 CPU at 533MHz, 128MB RAM, 256MB ROM, a microSDHC slot, an accelerometer, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, an FM tuner, an FM transmitter, TV-out, a 3.0-megapixel auto-focus camera with flash, and a gorgeous VGA touch screen that isn't recessed. Oh yeah, there's also quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA connectivity, along with DVB-T/H and T-DMB/DAB support for all that OTA TV goodness. Plenty of accessories in the box, too. Sheesh, that's a mouthful, huh? Hopefully, we didn't leave anything out.</p><p>Click on for more pics. And if you have any questions, drop 'em in this thread.</p><p><MORE /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334826.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334817.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334861.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334880.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334898.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334914.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334928.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334940.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334958.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1219334978.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p>

[RogueSpear]

Holy smokes that's a lot of built in features! I sure wouldn't mind seeing Android on that thing.

[Jason Lee]

Wow, very nice device. I do love my hardware keyboards though.

So about this digital TV stuff? Is any of that actually being broadcast here in the US?

[Hooch Tan]

Darius, I hate you. My envy is greener than a summery grassy plain.

Have you tested it to see how the performance is? Mhz ratings are great, but there always seems to be such a variance between manufacturers, it's hard to tell if it's peppy or pokey.

Also, how's the video performance on it? Since I'm using an HTC TyTn II, I suffer from slightly choppy video performance (nothing that impedes my practical use of the phone) and yearn for smooth videos.

@Jason - AFAIK, OTA TV broadcasts have blanketed the US, much like here in Canada, though the selection of stations can vary widely.

[alexnvidia]

is there any GPU acceleration built in for the gorgeous VGA screen like the HTC touch diamond/pro (Qtv/3D GPU acceleration from qualcomm MSM7201)? can it directly play divx/xvid 640 resolution smoothly? the specs looks pretty impressive. and finally, how's the built quality compared to htc diamond?

[JonnoB]

@Jason - AFAIK, OTA TV broadcasts have blanketed the US, much like here in Canada, though the selection of stations can vary widely.

Unfortunately, the OTA TV broadcasts are analog and ATSC digital. May be broadcast from a terrestrial body (SH) or as IP and other forms. So far, DVB-SH and DVB-H are in trials only I think and many consider the DVBH already dead in the US in favor of SH and maybe some other implementations.

[Hooch Tan]

Unfortunately, the OTA TV broadcasts are analog and ATSC digital. May be broadcast from a terrestrial body (SH) or as IP and other forms. So far, DVB-SH and DVB-H are in trials only I think and many consider the DVBH already dead in the US in favor of SH and maybe some other implementations.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I didn't know or think of the different between OTA TV boradcasts. So much for it just works. :(

[Darius Wey]

Darius, I hate you.

Awwww. Already? :(

Have you tested it to see how the performance is? Mhz ratings are great, but there always seems to be such a variance between manufacturers, it's hard to tell if it's peppy or pokey.

It's peppy, especially for a VGA device. Much faster than past VGA devices I've used (and that includes the X50v, X51v, JASJAR, X500+, and X800). The 128MB RAM and the Samsung CPU help a lot.

Also, how's the video performance on it? Since I'm using an HTC TyTn II, I suffer from slightly choppy video performance (nothing that impedes my practical use of the phone) and yearn for smooth videos.

YouTube is smooth as silk. I haven't tested any 640 x 480 videos yet, since TCPMP isn't compatible with newer builds of WM6.1. I'll give CorePlayer a go over the coming days. But for what it's worth, one advantage of the S3C6400 is hardware acceleration for video, so it's unlikely that video performance will be choppy.

[Darius Wey]

is there any GPU acceleration built in for the gorgeous VGA screen like the HTC touch diamond/pro (Qtv/3D GPU acceleration from qualcomm MSM7201)?

I'm waiting to hear back from E-TEN on this, but I believe there is no dedicated GPU. The S3C6400 offers 2D hardware acceleration, not 3D.

can it directly play divx/xvid 640 resolution smoothly?

Just answered. Check the post above. :)

the specs looks pretty impressive. and finally, how's the built quality compared to htc diamond?

It's been a while since I've handled the Diamond, and I don't have one readily available, so I'm a little hesitant to offer a direct comparison. On its own, however...

The front is plastic, while the rear has a rubberized finish. Overall, the device is very lightweight and doesn't come across as cheap. In addition, I've yet to see any scratches, which you may find interesting, considering I haven't given it the kid-glove treatment.

[Darius Wey]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I didn't know or think of the different between OTA TV boradcasts. So much for it just works. :(

Yeah, unfortunately, it's not quite as simple as "hit the button and start watching". :( You'll probably find that most V900 users will end up using DVB-T - it's widespread in Australia, parts of Asia, and Europe. The DVB-H trial in the US didn't last long (the name "Modeo" may ring some bells).

[JonnoB]

On the topic of Mobile TV:
Norway shuns DVB-H for DMB, European mobile TV drama deepens (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/08/21/norway-shuns-dvb-h-for-dmb-european-mobile-tv-drama-deepens/)

The idea of being able to watch TV is not that big of a deal to me. I use a Slingbox at home and the mobile client is pretty good. I guess if I was in an area that did not have coverage, than that would be an issue.

It would be nice to see a round up of mobile TV applications and services and a state of the mobile TV industry and how it relates to our favorite devices.

[Hooch Tan]

Awwww. Already? :(

Call it toy envy. I'm trying to wrangle my budget which means I can only lust after the fun you have with the v900.

YouTube is smooth as silk. I haven't tested any 640 x 480 videos yet, since TCPMP isn't compatible with newer builds of WM6.1. I'll give CorePlayer a go over the coming days. But for what it's worth, one advantage of the S3C6400 is hardware acceleration for video, so it's unlikely that video performance will be choppy.

I've always found YouTube on phones to be quirky at best. Mostly because of the interface though, as I'm finding any web surfing on a phone eye squinting pleasure.

[ianl]

Yeah, unfortunately, it's not quite as simple as "hit the button and start watching". :( You'll probably find that most V900 users will end up using DVB-T - it's widespread in Australia, parts of Asia, and Europe. The DVB-H trial in the US didn't last long (the name "Modeo" may ring some bells).

Great that you have a unit to answer pointed questions about.

I'm more interested in the X900, but that is likely just the V900 minus the TV stuff, so:

1) are you absolutely sure, please, there is no GPU ? If there is not, then is the device relying on the next-generation Samsung CPU to deliver useable refresh rate for the VGA ?

2) have you tested the GPS yet, please ? TTFF (cold start) is an interesting question

3) is the battery the same 1530mAh that Eten has used in earlier models ?

4) Apart from the TV thingy, what else has Eten stuffed in there to slow it down ?

[Darius Wey]

1) are you absolutely sure, please, there is no GPU ? If there is not, then is the device relying on the next-generation Samsung CPU to deliver useable refresh rate for the VGA ?

Correct, no dedicated GPU. The S3C6400 is the workhorse. For what it's worth, it does a better job than the S3C244x that E-TEN previously used in its devices.

2) have you tested the GPS yet, please ? TTFF (cold start) is an interesting question

TTFF is 60-66 seconds. That's not the official figure; just what I've measured during testing.

3) is the battery the same 1530mAh that Eten has used in earlier models ?

Yes, 1530mAh lithium polymer battery.

4) Apart from the TV thingy, what else has Eten stuffed in there to slow it down ?

There's Spb Mobile Shell 2.1, plus the usual E-TEN apps (including the FM Transmitter and Namecard Manager (for OCR) apps) - in a nutshell, probably nothing that you haven't seen before.

All are optional, of course. You can hold down the Camera button during setup to bypass installation and start fresh.

[Gerard]

Whiile being sliightly diisapoiinted to read that diigiital TV iis somewhat dodgy, my iinterest iin thiis deviice remaiins very strong. The one feature that'd completely cliinch iit for me would be USB host support, whether natiively for external hard driives or viia RATOC drivers. Any iidea whether thiis iis a possibiiliity with thiis one? II'd probably stiill get one when they become avaiilable, but USB would make that a sure thiing. (Dang, where diid all those iiiiiis come from? II sound liike Peter Lorriie iin the Maltese Falcon...)

[JonnoB]

Dang, where diid all those iiiiiis come from? II sound liike Peter Lorriie iin the Maltese Falcon...

II do not know how you made all those iiis appear. IIs your ii key stuck iin the down posiitiion?
:p

[Gerard]

Who knows, maybe Eten watches the forums and they could reward brandiing reiinforcement... nah, probably not.

[alexnvidia]

it will be great if u could provide some benchmark results using coreplayer playing high quality 640 (or above) divx/xvid videos when you publish your review on this unit. this will give us a rough idea on just how powerful the new samsung chip is at handling high quality video and graphics. traditionally, windows mobile devices with VGA screen relies heavily on dedicated graphics chip to power that demanding VGA screen, which still holds true even for the latest HTC Diamond/Touch Pro.

[King_Dani]

Darius could you please inquire ETEN about final price on this beast?
since ETEN practically rejects every single received message , maybe your voice could get through .
and please , please do make a comparison with Diamond , because i'm still much concerned with the ability of CPU to handle VGA , while Qualcom has 64mb dedicated Graphic RAM and GPU , it still crumbles under heavy rendering of TouchFlo3D

cheers

[TOCA]

I do have 3 questions about this new gizmo:

When, where and how much?

[Darius Wey]

The one feature that'd completely cliinch iit for me would be USB host support, whether natiively for external hard driives or viia RATOC drivers. Any iidea whether thiis iis a possibiiliity with thiis one? II'd probably stiill get one when they become avaiilable, but USB would make that a sure thiing.

I've asked and will let you know when I hear back.

And yes, I'm totally resisting the urge to insert extra 'i's into my post. ;)

[Darius Wey]

it will be great if u could provide some benchmark results using coreplayer playing high quality 640 (or above) divx/xvid videos when you publish your review on this unit.

Sure, I'll do what I can.

By the way, I may or may not have time to publish my usual (and arguably painfully-long) 10-page review on this device, which is why I've turned this thread into an interactive Q&A; so as questions arise, I'll do my best to answer them. With regard to the benchmark results, they'll be posted here once they're done. :)

[Darius Wey]

Darius could you please inquire ETEN about final price on this beast?

When, where and how much?

I should have an answer for both of you in a day or two. Check back soon. :)

and please , please do make a comparison with Diamond , because i'm still much concerned with the ability of CPU to handle VGA , while Qualcom has 64mb dedicated Graphic RAM and GPU , it still crumbles under heavy rendering of TouchFlo3D

As per alexnvidia's request, I'll post CorePlayer benchmark results as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to offer a direct comparison between the Diamond and V900, since I don't have ready access to the former.

[alexnvidia]

fingers crossed that you'll be able to complete this review. it's been a while since your last device review (which is thorough and great for readers who want something more than just tech spec), but we totally understand if circumstances do not allow things to go smoothly. try your bests. cheers

[Crake]

Hello Darius Wey (http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/members/darius-wey/)

For what i have been reading since Computex 2008, this new device has the same specifications as the V900 you tested, plus the Dual-Sim functionality.

Are you in position to confirm this statement ??

If it is so, i certainly shall wait for it appearance.

Crake.

[Darius Wey]

Whiile being sliightly diisapoiinted to read that diigiital TV iis somewhat dodgy, my iinterest iin thiis deviice remaiins very strong. The one feature that'd completely cliinch iit for me would be USB host support, whether natiively for external hard driives or viia RATOC drivers. Any iidea whether thiis iis a possibiiliity with thiis one? II'd probably stiill get one when they become avaiilable, but USB would make that a sure thiing. (Dang, where diid all those iiiiiis come from? II sound liike Peter Lorriie iin the Maltese Falcon...)

Got an update for you, Gerard. Negative on the USB Host support.

[Darius Wey]

For what i have been reading since Computex 2008, this new device has the same specifications as the V900 you tested, plus the Dual-Sim functionality.

I assume you're referring to the DX900? If so, the specs are mostly the same. It has dual-SIM instead of mobile TV.

[Gerard]

phooey! Oh well, no real hopes of USB support anyway, just would have been gravy for an already very sweet package. (No more letters between h and j from me though, at least for the v900 thread. Me not so happy.)

[captgoodhope]

Darius, can you confirm the dimensions are actually 60.5 x 106 x 17.5 mm? Seems awfully thick.

[Gerard]

iPAQ 3xxx line (the old school 'slimmest PPC' design) = 17.8mm at the two thickest points, cursorpad and upper speaker cover

Toshiba e800/e835 = 17.5mm

O2 XDA Atom = 19.3mm measured at the camera lens/flash cover, the thickest part

All roughly in the same ballpark; just under 20mm thick. My old Casio EG-800 'industrial' PPC was a full inch (25.4mm) thick, by far the thickest PPC I've used, but still pocketable. The O2 is the most pocketable, in the sense that I often have to do a pat-down to figure out which pocket it's hiding in... if it were much small I'd lose it. So I think 17.5mm isn't all that thick, unless one has good 'oops, I sat on my phone and it broke in half' insurance.

[Darius Wey]

Darius, can you confirm the dimensions are actually 60.5 x 106 x 17.5 mm? Seems awfully thick.

That's about right - maybe knock off half a millimetre on each side.

[Darius Wey]

Apologies for the delayed responses. It's been a busy week... plus I have another device that I'll be posting soon, so watch out for that. :)

[ianl]

Apologies for the delayed responses. It's been a busy week... plus I have another device that I'll be posting soon, so watch out for that. :)

Darius

As far as I can tell from the blogosphere, you are one of a tiny handful of a reviewers that has an actual device to test, so I am still hoping you have the time for a comprehensive review.

One other reviewer has stated that the device is a "cheap plastic" design, you have stated it is front-plastic but not design-cheap. Such conflicts cause civil wars :)

This device is somewhat groundbreaking in its specs, with full quad-band GSM and tri-band UMTS, VGA etc. If it all works, there is no current device being offered on the market to touch it.

Some people are suggesting that Acer marketing will not release the DX900, X900 etc - not a large enough market population to service for these specs seems to be the point. But Eten (Acer) have already committed at least the V900 and DX900 to production lines.

A comprehensive review on this interesting, leading-edge device would be greatly appreciated.

[Darius Wey]

One other reviewer has stated that the device is a "cheap plastic" design, you have stated it is front-plastic but not design-cheap. Such conflicts cause civil wars :)

"Cheap" is subjective.

The front is made of plastic, but it's durable. I've yet to see any major scratches, cracks, stress marks, and whatnot. I wouldn't consider that cheap, but some others may disagree.

A comprehensive review on this interesting, leading-edge device would be greatly appreciated.

If this was a full-time role, I probably would have posted a comprehensive review by now. Alas, that is not the case, and there just aren't enough hours in a day. But I'll do what I can. :)

[ianl]

"Cheap" is subjective.

The front is made of plastic, but it's durable. I've yet to see any major scratches, cracks, stress marks, and whatnot. I wouldn't consider that cheap, but some others may disagree.



If this was a full-time role, I probably would have posted a comprehensive review by now. Alas, that is not the case, and there just aren't enough hours in a day. But I'll do what I can. :)

Thank you Darius.

Those who have access to an actual device are in a very strong position :)