IPAQ 910, Treo Pro, or Samsung Epix?

[me]

Very similar phone-PDAs in a lot of way, based in a lot of ways on the Motorola Q--Samsung Blackjack style of smartphone, but including a touchscreen (thereby running WM 6.1 Pro, wi-fi, etc.

I see some individual reviews here, but would like to see a comparison of the three. Anyone here tried all three? Anyone know of a comparative review of the three?

[Yahdie]

I just got a 910 after considering all the devices you listed. Although this is not answering the question maybe this will be useful anyway.

I have been using the 8525 as was very happy with it, but in recent months I've had to spend an increasing amount of time on the road; I found that using the on-screen keyboard or sliding out the built-in was just too cumbersome in stop & go traffic or banging out an email before the elevator arrives (and there is no way to carry that phone in my pocket).

I thought I would get the Q, but 1) I need a touch-screen device 2) no blinking LED message indicator. However the Q comes with loaded for a WM Standard device, has a great keyboard and is affordable.

My second choice the Samsung, I thought the mouse was pretty cool but I have my doubts about it when I'm in a hurry. I find that Samsung keyboards are not very easy to use but thats only my opinion, I wasn't very fast on my Blackjack either. Take my negatives because they are so subjective with a grain of salt, otherwise its a great device!

Thus began my search for a similar device with a better keyboard.

I narrowed it down to the HP 910 & the Treo Pro.

Without any hands-on I went for the 910 because of the keyboard and I haven't been dissapointed. I do wish that I could 1) lock the phone with a button press (like my Blackjack, holding the End button) 2) Wish that I could put it on vibrate by holding/sliding/pressing a button(like the Treo Pro etc).
I almost never use the stylus, every type of messaging on this, Outlook via Exchange, Text, Live Messenger, is really convenient. GPS works, I find that I use Google Maps(included) for my current location to a non-Contacts address, and for an address that is in my Contacts I use Live Search (free download), and both are quicker than the using GPS in my car (Mercedes; really cumbersome interface).
When I used it as a modem via USB, it looks like it also charges at the same time, but I need to test this to be sure.
Finally the phone is slim enough to fit in the pocket of my jeans when I go out, or in a pocket of a suit jacket.

Here are some reviews i found useful:
http://forum.brighthand.com/showthread.php?p=1687750
http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=14332
http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=14598
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2276312,00.asp

[me]

I just got a 910 after considering all the devices you listed. Although this is not answering the question maybe this will be useful anyway.

I have been using the 8525 as was very happy with it, but in recent months I've had to spend an increasing amount of time on the road; I found that using the on-screen keyboard or sliding out the built-in was just too cumbersome in stop & go traffic or banging out an email before the elevator arrives (and there is no way to carry that phone in my pocket).

I thought I would get the Q, but 1) I need a touch-screen device 2) no blinking LED message indicator. However the Q comes with loaded for a WM Standard device, has a great keyboard and is affordable.

My second choice the Samsung, I thought the mouse was pretty cool but I have my doubts about it when I'm in a hurry. I find that Samsung keyboards are not very easy to use but thats only my opinion, I wasn't very fast on my Blackjack either. Take my negatives because they are so subjective with a grain of salt, otherwise its a great device!

Thus began my search for a similar device with a better keyboard.

I narrowed it down to the HP 910 & the Treo Pro.

Without any hands-on I went for the 910 because of the keyboard and I haven't been dissapointed. I do wish that I could 1) lock the phone with a button press (like my Blackjack, holding the End button) 2) Wish that I could put it on vibrate by holding/sliding/pressing a button(like the Treo Pro etc).
I almost never use the stylus, every type of messaging on this, Outlook via Exchange, Text, Live Messenger, is really convenient. GPS works, I find that I use Google Maps(included) for my current location to a non-Contacts address, and for an address that is in my Contacts I use Live Search (free download), and both are quicker than the using GPS in my car (Mercedes; really cumbersome interface).
When I used it as a modem via USB, it looks like it also charges at the same time, but I need to test this to be sure.
Finally the phone is slim enough to fit in the pocket of my jeans when I go out, or in a pocket of a suit jacket.

Here are some reviews i found useful:
http://forum.brighthand.com/showthread.php?p=1687750
http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=14332
http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=14598
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2276312,00.asp

Thanks for the detailed info, Yahdie.

I'm still having a hard time deciding. I guess I'm in a similar situation as you. My current phone is the T-Mobile MDA (HTC Wizard, I think the ATT version was 8125, the predecessor of yours), and it is much too slow, clunky, and bulky. And I would like to be able to dial a phone number one handed, with buttons, not having to look where the numbers are on a touch screen.

Actually, the review you cited of the Epix gives good marks to its keyboard.

Although any of these would be much faster than my current MDA, it looks like the Epix has a faster processor than the other two. It seems to have a very good battery, so even with the faster processor, it has very good battery life. Using that slow OS, Windows Mobile, it will really be helpful to have a faster device.

I like the looks of the Treo Pro better, with its rounded corners. Also, I think it is a little smaller than the other two, even more pocketable, etc. And--I read one review that compared it and the Epix (unfortunately no mention of IPAQ 910 in that review, it would be nice to read a review that compares all three), and even with the faster CPU of the Epix, gave overall higher rating to Treo Pro, usability, etc. I forget the reasons.

Price is a consideration too. As a T-Mobile customer (really bad in its phone selection, especially WM, not having come out with a new WM phone in well over a year) (I'm finally getting tired of waiting for them to come out with a phone I like) (very jealous of ATT phone selection, but I have lower monthly rates with TM), any of these phones I would have to purchase unlocked, from a third party. (If you are an ATT customer, I'm surprised you didn't go for the Epix, which would have cost you so much less than the others, with a contract extension.)

The list prices of the phones are all similar, $400-$500. However, I have found a difference in prices available, especially on Ebay. All the Treo Pros I have found, cost about the same as their list price. However, I see many Epixes, and a couple 910s on Ebay that have been selling for around $300. The 910s I see now are used, however, supposed to be in good condition. There is one seller who is selling many Epixes, new and unlocked, at auction, usually selling for close to $300. (I have some qualms about buying a phone on Ebay, which I know has had ripoff artists, knock-offs, etc. However, the price differential is too much to pass up.)

Anyhow, I'd still be curious to hear from anyone else, who could comment on one or more of the above phones. (Still would be great to see a review comparing all three!)

[paulandre]

the treo pro is sweeeeeeet http://photosnag.com/img/1858/y08m1110mhmd/2.gif

[Reid Kistler]

Anyhow, I'd still be curious to hear from anyone else, who could comment on one or more of the above phones.

FWIW: Found the Epix rather attractive & thought Seriously about picking one up, partially upon recommendation of Favorite AT&T Rep (who knew I was considering replacing Axim & Razr with a PDA/Phone combo), & partially upon being able to play with it for a couple hours.

But finally passed on the Epix - and ended up with a Fuze (Touch Pro) - because could not get over the Screen layout.

This is obviously a matter of Personal Preference - and suspect it may well depend in part upon one's past usage of phones / pdas - but the Square Screen of the Epix was simply not as attractive as the "portrait" screen have grown accustomed to on the Axim, both for Information Display and for Data Input (short of a Full Sized Keyboard, have yet to find anything that is as Quick as FITALY - and certainly not for Sustained text input).

IF you are coming from a "Traditional" Windows PDA background - Axim / iPaqs - AND have a number of legacy apps you would like to move to a newer device, then Screen Layout is something you may want to consider.
But if this is NOT the case, then you presumably don't care (!) & thus still have 3 attractive devices to choose from!

[me]

Anyhow, I'd still be curious to hear from anyone else, who could comment on one or more of the above phones.

FWIW: Found the Epix rather attractive & thought Seriously about picking one up, partially upon recommendation of Favorite AT&T Rep (who knew I was considering replacing Axim & Razr with a PDA/Phone combo), & partially upon being able to play with it for a couple hours.

But finally passed on the Epix - and ended up with a Fuze (Touch Pro) - because could not get over the Screen layout.

This is obviously a matter of Personal Preference - and suspect it may well depend in part upon one's past usage of phones / pdas - but the Square Screen of the Epix was simply not as attractive as the "portrait" screen have grown accustomed to on the Axim, both for Information Display and for Data Input (short of a Full Sized Keyboard, have yet to find anything that is as Quick as FITALY - and certainly not for Sustained text input).

IF you are coming from a "Traditional" Windows PDA background - Axim / iPaqs - AND have a number of legacy apps you would like to move to a newer device, then Screen Layout is something you may want to consider.
But if this is NOT the case, then you presumably don't care (!) & thus still have 3 attractive devices to choose from!

Thanks for your input. I wouldn't be interested in Touch Pro, because I would like a keyboard, that you do not have to slide out and turn the phone to use. (I currently use T-Mobile MDA-HTC Wizard-I think it was also Cingular 8125.)

Regarding the square screen--I guess they found they had room o make the screen larger vertically, but no room to enlarge it horizontally, so went for making it as large as they could (for a keyboard phone), by enlarging it vertically. The Epix has this square screen (320x320), and I think (not sure) the Treo Pro as well. I am pretty sure the IPAQ 910 has the standard QVGA 320x240 screen.

Yes, I have MANY legacy applications. This (MDA) is the third WM device I have had, in several years. I have an IPAQ Pocket PC (not a phone) from years ago, running WM2003. I have a Audiovox SMT-5600 smartphone (non-touchscreen), also on WM2003. And my current phone, the MDA (WM5). I have many WM apps, compatible with 2003 and later, which I would like to be able to use on my new phone as well.

Are you saying, that the 320x320 square screen would cause a problem with older apps, not specifically made to use that resolution? If they cannot be set to that resolution, wouldn't they still display in 320x240, with black bars at the top and bottom (or perhaps just bottom), where the extra screen space is? Or? Problems with the touch screen alignment?

Is anyone reading this who has tried the Epix with older apps, who could confirm whether the square screen is a problem in using older apps? That would be a very important factor for me to know.

[Jake_Speed]

I have had the HP910c for about two weeks now, almost all the applications I had on my Dell Axim work on the HP. I had pocket informant, flexmail, Dell GPS nav, etc. The new Opera Beta works great. If you are using any applications that you are worried won't work and there is a demo of it, let me know I will try it out and let you know if it works with the screen.

[CeluGeek]

I have both the Epix and the iPAQ 910c. Here's my take:

Epix:

Very solid device software-wise. It does have its bugs, but none related to stability. It's fast - even all the bloatware from AT&T can't slow it down. Battery life is insanely long, even on 3G. It's a very reliable device.

The biggest downside of the Epix is ergonomics, or lack thereof. The keyboard has small keys and it's narrow. This doesn't leave you with enough room to hold the device in your hands comfortably for typing. Because of the narrow space of the keyboard, I frequently need to use my index and middle fingers to hold the device from the top part to feel I'm holding the phone securely. Guess what? The friggin flush touchscreen becomes a problem then, as I frequently end up either closing the program or moving the cursor somewhere else while typing, because of the touchscreen getting activated accidentally. I really prefer recessed screens - never had an accidental tap with these.

Dialing phone numbers and typing a quick TXT message one-handed is fine, but doing serious typing with 2 hands, such as long emails or Notes/Word documents is really uncomfortable.

iPAQ 910c:

This is the exact opposite device. Typing is really comfortable. I feel I could write an entire book on this device happily. But that's where the bliss ends. Battery life is mediocre, even on GSM-only mode. It's still gets me through the day, but with very little juice left when I get to charge it at night. Speed is fine, but then again, there isn't much bloatware to slow it down. The phone implementation is unstable. Reception is average (not terrible but not awesome either). Using a Bluetooth headset with the iPAQ 910c is asking for trouble. I've had the phone failed to answer an incoming call from the button in the BT headsert way too many times in the three weeks I've had this device. Upon ending a call where a BT headset was used, the iPAQ frequently loses on-device audio. The PDA portion is more stable, although when the device comes back from sleep mode, it takes a few seconds to recognize the Storage Card, while the Epix and older devices I've had (Treo 750 and Tilt) recognize the card instantly.
I can't comment on the Treo Pro. I've never had one, but given the ergonomics nightmare I've had using the Epix, I'm not looking forward to another narrow device with tiny keys and flushed touchscreen.

If only the Moto Q9 had used WinMo Professional... *sigh*