Newbie help - MDA II, XDA II, 2060 Windows Mobile 2005 Upgrading

Hi all,
I bought a cheapo 2nd hand XDAII to use as a satnav / MP3 / GPRS etc etc.
I have no experience of PDAs but they look like a good way to loose lots of time.
This site a has already tought me a few things i.e. what my XDAII really is ( Himalaya ).
I have several problems to overcome with it , and will no doubt be posting more queries over the next few days.
Firsly though, my unit is:-
Rom 1.72.00WWE , date 03/11/04
Radio 1.17.00
Model PH10B
It is an unlocked o2 UK unit that I have put a pay&go sim in. It is running Microsoft pocket PC V4.20.
Okay...the question..
My unit is running 'pocket PC'. What system is it capable of running? ( Windows Mobile 2005 or 6 ). What is recommended.
Also, based on the rom data above, does it need any flash upgrades ?
Sorry for my elementory questions, but I've to start somewhere

your device is running the last official rom for himalaya
namely wm2003
there are both wm5 and wm6 roms for it
but those are not official and can give issues
it's really up to you if you wanna upgrade or not
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Himalaya <-- hold just about any info you could want about the device

okay thanks.
From checking some of this forum I've concluded I need to do this memory mod ( from 14mb to 32mb ) if Im going to upgrade to WM6
I did try this earler but was unsuccessful ?. I got to the bit where I was supposed to unlock extrom but the icon didn't react... When I check my device information page the storage size is 14.57mb but the flash size is 32mb. So did it work or not ??
Next problem is I bought a car cradle off ebay clearly marked for an XDA II. When I browse the web for details I think its a "Chinese Northern Star". The general profile of the cradle fits my XDA II, but the interface connector doesn't seem to be the same. The cradle has two small stickers underneath it stating 'XDA II (NEW)' and '09A06'.
Can anyone advise if they XDA II units had different connectors ? My unit looks like the silver Himalaya ( like the wiki image...and also looks like the alpine )..not the grey image on this websites main page. Please advise as I'm in dispute with the seller on Ebay.
Thx

Don't worry how it look like an alpine. Mine to but it is still himalaya I have another himalaya in from Tmobile. It has black color arround the button. Both of them have the same size. If you bought craddle for XDA II it should be fit. Are you sure you bought himalaya cradle ?

yep I definately stated XDA II ( & IIs ) in the ebay add. Like I also stated, it has a sticker label on the bottom stating 'XDA II ( NEW)' ..
??? Why would the label specifically state '(NEW)' ???? It implies there is an older version doesn't it??

more likely that it's not an old second hand device

...sorry but I am not sure what you mean. Please explain
Here is a link to a snapshot I took. The top connector is my mains connector , the lower is the inside of the cradle :-
http://freespace.virgin.net/ian.jarvo/connector.jpg
The top connector appears larger but it is ~5mm closer to the lens. As you can see there are subtle differences.
I just hope someone can spot the small differences and identify what the lower connector actually is.
Plus on the other issue in this thread, I'd still like to know how I can tell if the 30mb upgrade worked on my XDAII

Related

GPS, WiFI, BT and Camera All in One Phone

:!: Sorry for the shameless attempt to get you here with a dreamy subject but it's relevant to the topic - honestly. :!:
I'm after a PDAPhone with built in everything. But looks so far like I'm going to have to compromise and get an external GPS receiver, however was just hoping someone might have a little gem that I couldn't find anywhere else in the forums.
I have owned and loved the O2 XDA range ever since my first XDA years ago and have since lugged around an XDAII. I damaged my II recently and have a nice cheque for £550 burning a hole in my pocket courtesy of the insurance company. This means that for the first time ever I don't need to go to a subsidised model. My initial thought was that I'd stump up a few extra quid and get a JamJar :lol: from expansys but now I'm a bit more mature I decided to check out the options first.
So far I've found (Ignoring Naming Variations):
Prices quoted are from expansys - they could be cheaper elsewhere. Pls let me know if you find any (UK Only though)
:arrow: iPAQ hw6515 - Looks a bit crap, small screen and no wi-fi listed but DOES have GPS & 1.3Mp Cam - Anyone know of any Square Aware issues with programs?
:idea: http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=120563
:idea: £439.95
:arrow: i-mate JAM - Small and sexy but no Wi-Fi and no GPS but would stop people asking if I've got a brick taped to my head. + 1.3Mp, COuld afford external GPS with this one.
:idea: http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=I-MATE_JAM
:idea: £359.95
:arrow:Qtek 9090- Has everything But GPS but would leave enough money for a BT GPS - No camera spec but I think it's 0.3Mp like the XDAIIs - Could be upgraded to WM5, My Mate has one and the Thumb Keyboard is easy to use whilst walking - If I use my head not my geekometer this is my favourite.
:idea: http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=QTEK_9090
:idea: £414.95
:arrow: i-mate JASJAR - Dogs balls but still no GPS and not much more than the 9090 + v Expensive & Getting Bigger - 1.3Mp Cam I think. (I have no 3G service anywhere near me so that's not a bonus) I really like the 3.5mm Jack - Overall a severe number of geek points! NO CRADLE Still needs GPS Seperate, not sure how useable while walking the keyboard will be. I really want one.
:idea: http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=119353
:idea: £669.95
:arrow: i-mate K-JAM - WiFi, BT etc, Smaller and lighter than Universal, WM5, 1.3Mp. I like the keyboard. Maybe my new best choice. JUST leaves enough money to think about an external GPS. Thanks JamiJam
:idea: http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=125518
:idea: £504.95
My criteria to consider are as follows, argue with them and persuade me otherwise with reasons if you so wish:
Phone + PDA Essential (Tri Band+)
Camera - Prefer 1+Mp
BT - Must Have
Wi-Fi - Optional but Preferred a lot
3G - Not required
Keyboard - Like to Have (It's awkward using handwriting when travelling)
GPS - Very Nice to Have I Drive a lot and would like to use TT in the future.
OS - Not Bothered, these can be changed
I have 1 Month to decide before I burst and spray money all over the place so I'd really appreciate any comments you might have.
Don't go off on any obscure tangents though please, post them in a new topic and link to it if you wish.
Wizard...
(aka K-Jam, aka Qtek 9100)
Not sure when it will be out but Orange are going to release the Wizard and call it the SPV M600. If you can wait then you'll have it subsidised. :wink:
hmmmmm
Ok, so far the Wizard is my favourite now. I'd completely forgotten about that. What's the keyboard like though? I'm not too fussed about the size (the one on the XDA III is smaller and still useable)? It's more the key action I'm bothered about.
Does it have those rubbish 'rubbery' 'spectrum' style keys? It looks like it does.
I'm still yearning for a Universal cos none of my mates will have one but my head is still saying I don't need it and one of the others will do everything I want.
AFAIK HTC has some kind of arrangement with compaq - HTC will not make a phone with GPS as it competes with a model HTC makes for compaq that does have GPS or something like that (the hw6515 maybe ?)
I have a Blue Angel (O2 XDA IIs) and it does all of this.
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=I-MATE_III
WM5 now available and working fine on it.
It has a keyboard too, it's those blister things (more like a ZX81 than a spectrum) but it is useable, although the keyboard layout is a bit ****e.
What with the newer models coming out you should be able to pick one up cheapish.
I run mine with a Globalsat Bt-338 Bluetooth GPS and Tomtom 5
oh, and FYI, this PDA holder from halfords holds the BA perfectly and can be mounted to your dash. It obscures no ports.
(The pic is upside down BTW)
http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=16600&type=0&cat=397
The keyboard on the wizard is excellent, in my humble opinion!
It also snaps in and out in a way that makes you feel it won't break down easily.
Finally, it automatically turns the phone's display into landscape mode, which is very handy.
Wizard or BA
I have to say I'm still impressed with the Wizard. Just made a scale model out of card (how sad is that) and it's tiny!
I like the BA but if the keyboard doesn't let the Wizard down I think it'll be my PDA of choice. The one thing I really didn't like about the Jam was its lack of Wi-Fi and that's solved in the K-Jam.
I assume the screen's readable, I like to think that I'll have good eyesight for a couple of years yet so I don't think the size will be an issue.
iPaq HW6515
I have tried without success to get details of the built-in GPS. The one authoritative source to whom I spoke was scathing about its performance. So whatever you do choose, I do not recommend the iPaq.
On a separate note I saw my first Jasjar close up today. It is lighter than you might think, but heavier than is reasonable for prolonged use as a phone. A bluetooth earpiece was being used that included a display for caller ID. As a data device it is pretty impressive.
I too run a GlobalSat BT-338 GPS, in my case with Mapopolis.
if you are going GPS, make sure it is SIRFstar III chipset (the current latest-and-greatest), especially if you live in a city as they are really good at "urban canyon" reception.
I have seen new BT-338s on ebay for £65 "buy it now" recently
plus another thing to think about...
a seperate BT GPS unit has various advantages:
1) Battery
It won't drain your PPC battery when operating, except the charge needed to communicate via BT.
2) Upgrading
If a new improved GPS unit comes out and you have an onboard GPS unit, you are carrying useless baggage and can't sell the old one.
Also bear in mind there will likely be new features added to GPS units.
one example: digital compass. At the moment, if you stand still and rotate, a GPS unit has no clue which way you are facing until you move. A GPS does already transmit heading AFAIK - it works out which way you are facing by assiming you are looking in the direction of travel. Integration of a digital compass therefore would probably require no changes to the protocol. This does exist ( see http://www.xemics.com/internet/solutions/compass.jsp?productID=108 )
3) Switching.
BT GPS units work on laptopss too you know
4) Safety. I use my GPS for a sport called mountain boarding. Same kinda deal as downhill mountain biking, I trace a route I have done using GPS software. I ride with my XDA in a reinforced case with foam in, but find the GPS reception suffers, so I keep the BT GPS unit in my bag and the XDA in the case.
Seeing as the XDA is MUCH more valuable than the GPS this makes sense.
5) Reception versus viewing position.
Sometimes the position with best reception is not the same as the position you can see the screen of your PPC best.
????
Good point.
Ok, more questions on the K-Jam
Camera: Says 1.3/2 Is this 1.3 with software to 'frig' it to 2?
Keyboard: Is the expansys keyboard silver ( http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=125518 ) or black ( http://www.expansys.com/zoompic.asp?type=item&code=125518 )
Silver ones look plastic whereas black ones look rubbery. Which have you got JamiJam? Is it from Expansys?
Processor: 200Mhz? Is that right? Seems quite a drop. Do you have any problems with media playback? I remember my XDA I used to have a problem playing big avi files.
Ta Very Much
Camera is 1.3MP, and it is ****.
Yes, it's better than the Magician, but it's still pretty bad. I wouldn't buy the Wizard hoping to use the camera for anything useful. In my opinion this is the #1 point on which HTC is lacking. They've worked on everything else, now they need to start putting decent cameras in these devices.
I have the silver keyboard and I bought my Wizard in a store. I believe that if you order from expansys you'll get a silver one.
Processor is 200MHz (different CPU architecture) but it seems to be on par with the Magician in practice, maybe 10% slower. So yes, you should be able to watch full screen movies, once you find a bit-rate/resolution/format that works for you. Not sure which XDA you had, but I would expect similar ballpark performance.
Hope this helps.
Ta
The 'performance lacking' XDA was the original XDA I and I'll take your word for it that performance is ok. I don't use it for anything too hot and my XDA II never had a problem with films.
To be honest, every camera phone I've had from the XDA Range was ****ty quality (Very grainy) but I spend a fair bit of time on site collecting info on wagons and stuff for my job and it's always handy to be able to snap a quick video or pic of something. The only reason I want a higher res is so that when some tit with a Sony Ericson goes on about his 2Mp camera I don't loose too many 'top trumps' points. I never print the pics and my main contract doesn't support GPRS so I don't often send MMS. You'd be surprised how easily you can still get by with just plain old WAP.
Good news on the silver buttons. I prefer them. Has anyone bought one from Expansys who can verify?
Sweetness & Joy
Just thought I'd post my decision for those of you who like seing things through to a conclusion.
After much ponderation and constructing various cardboard models I have decided on the HTC Wizard, purchased from expansys (i-Mate K-Jam). There's a delay on delivery at the moment (3 Days!!!! I can't wait) but once it arrives I'll post back with my oppinions.
I've also heard that my mate is buying the JasJar so I'll be able to make a comparison and post it back.
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:!: Come on Friday! :!:
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D'oh! Just a note not say the expansys delivery has been put back but they've dropped the price too.
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:!: Come on Some-Day! :!:
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Just been looking at some larger photos of the buttons
http://forum.xda-developers.com/files/keyboard-flash.jpg
I take back my spectrum comments, they look pretty good.
Hurrah!
Ok! I've got my Wizard at last. I ended up buying the Qtek 9100 rather than the K-Jam. Looks like I'll miss out on Club i-Mate. :-(
Thought I'd post my views on the phone here just to give closure to anyone reading this thread.
The screen is very sharp. Everything obviously is smaller because the pixels are closer together but the overall effect is a very good screen. The guy in our office with really bad eyesight liked it and he's normally a miserable git when it comes to gadgets.
I take back my comments about the keyboard, it looks fantastic, the action is really great and you can use it to type replies to text messages on the move, which is something I've always struggled with before using the Transcriber. People are also really impressed when the screen rotates thru' to landscape.
I've used it for playing some music and although the speakers built in are tinny as you'd expect, the headphones are really good. I don't know if they'd be the same for the i-Mate but they fit comfortably in my ears and have a very good sound compared to the old XDA & XDA II headphones (Not that that would be hard)!
I miss having a cradle. It was nice to be able to display your phone on your desk while it was charging. Just using a USB cable makes it all feel a bit less sexy as an experience but then you can't have everything I suppose.
The coolest thing I found was the Stylus. It's about 50mm long when it first comes out of the phone. Then you give it a little pull and it extends to... hold on let me get a ruler... 85mm. It's not as comfy to use as the XDA/XDA II styli but since i haven't used it for writing much it doesn't matter. The keyboard is so easy to pull out and use that I've only really used the stylus to point at stuff so that my fingers don't get the screen dirty. The softkeys in WM 2005 also mean that you rarely need to touch the screen.
It's a bit chunkier than I expected but still not big. It's only marginally bigger than my girlfriends Nokia 6230 and compared to an older XDA model it feels like it's tiny!
Voice recognition button on the side works really well so far. I've got about 10 contacts programmed in and it seems to be picking them up ok, even in the car.
Overall, i'm yet to find much of a fault with it. I'll try to get some piccies of bits posted sometime next week.
Feel free to ask any questions.
JASJAR II
When the damn thing releases.....of course
I really wouldnt auction my spare kidney and buy it, and then suffer with a RAM deficit! My xda 2 currently running on wm5, has 128megs ram and 32megs rom....compared to 43megs ram & rom of jasjar........one word.......RIDICULOUS!
i cant believe seeing a 7MB RAM free on a device, and i dont ever want to see it! HTC/ IMATE/ Whoever claim they put in less RAM for extended battery life....bucket of crap! I really dont care for those couple extra hours that i'd probably get, and i dont mind carrying a spare battery or a charger wherever i go....
Its a handicap which is BIG! Besides this, the Jasjar is divinely irresistable, and i cant stop oggling at it :shock:
So, i guess i'll wait for a JJ II to come out with same form factor, and somemore ram which would make the device practical....
HTC do you hear me??????
San
weeel
:shock:
RAM isn't everything. I have been using the device for a day now (Non-stop), often running WMP10, Outlook, PIE etc also playing Tomb Raider. I haven't noticed any diference between this and my XDA II which had I think 64Mb and a 400 odd MHz processor. The odd app is a trifle slow to load up but nothing more major than that.
If the battery life sacrifice is true, then it's not for this little puppy. All this usage (with wi-fi on but not actually using a wi-fi network) and the battery didn't drop below 60% yesterday (Using lightly whilst at work and heavily in the evening. I even synced using bluetooth).
Memory has crept down to 1Mb program mem free at times but I assume windows is just doing its thing because this comes back up after a while and I don't notice any drop in performance.
Re: Hurrah!
eayuwna said:
I miss having a cradle. It was nice to be able to display your phone on your desk while it was charging. Just using a USB cable makes it all feel a bit less sexy as an experience but then you can't have everything I suppose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This site: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/5735.htm claims that this desktop charger/cradle is compatible with the K-Jam so if that's true then it should be OK for your QTek. 8)

Which XDA is best?

I know this may be a fatal question. Further, I know it has probably been asked elsewhere but I can't seem to find it.
Looking to replace my old XDA II. Which to you experts feel is the best of the current bunch?
I'd like to use the phone as an MP3 player, ideally with a proper stereo jack. Also ideally with full size SD cards. It sounds like this limits me to the O2 Exec, but I'm really not keen on a 285g monster.
One answer, XDA mini, the other XDAs are too big.
XDA Exec / QTEK 9000 / Universal defintily
exec.... all others are too weak...
why buy a lada when you can have a merc? :wink:
xda mini is king. the atom has nice features like 3g and wireless in the hardware but the os is a let down. My mini has worked seemlessly for 1 year now and the software on it has not gone wrong once. It also has regular sdio sd slot. In the 1 week I have had the atom all I ever do is wait for menus to pop up 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. or fail to take pictures with the camera because the memory manager has decided it dose not want to use the megabytes of memory lying unused, or reset it because the new activesync (4.1) has crashed my ppc and my pc. In Australia the mini can be bought for as low as $800 now, pretty cheap for what it is.

Gigabyte g-Smart i128 - GREAT PHONE! Anyone else with it?

-------------- EDIT ----------------
READ WARNING AT FOOT OF MSG
------------------------------------
Hi,
Does anyone else have this phone? I took the gamble after reading a lot of reviews about the g-Smart range, mostly negative, and upgraded to this from the MDA Pro/HTC Uni.
I have had only two glitches with it todate, and neither serious, was wondering if anyone else had this handset and what their views are.
If anyone has got the handset, and from the London/Essex/Kent areas of the UK if they can post the settings that they have for the TV tuners, it would be GREATLY appricated.
Also does anyone know of any themes or add-ons designed for this device?
All in all, I'm glad I ordered the 128Mb version from Thai instead of getting the 64Mb version available to the UK, if anyone is thinking about this phone, I truely recommend it!
---------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING
PLEASE ENSURE THAT IF YOU ALTER THE ROM IMAGE OF YOUR GIGABYTE HANDSET THAT YOU USE THE CORRECT VERSION FOR YOUR DEVICE. IE. UPDATING THE G-SMART I (64M VERSION) WITH A ROM IMAGE FOR THE G-SMART I128 *WILL* BRICK YOUR PHONE.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING
I am also looking for the same..can u post more info as how is the speed, Visibility and especially the TV TUner..and if possible post some screen shorts..
yes more info and pics plz,wot are the pros and cons?
jaceuk said:
yes more info and pics plz,wot are the pros and cons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screen shots I can work on, but not able to get them at the mo as Mrs has the camera, but as soon as she's back, no problem...
These are compatible with PAL and NTSC, but not the french system SECAM (or something like that). The picture quality varies from area to area, I've had not that good picture at home in Kent area, but in London it's blinding, then visited someone else in Kent and great aswell.... if you can get a portable TV working, you'll get this working! You don't have to use the aerial thing if you're not keen, the headphones have an aerial built into them aswell...
If you are interested please DONT bid on any of the ones on eBay for ~100, they are ALL cons, if you look at the feedback, they are all from (0) feedbackers, no-longer members, and is a scam to get your dosh.
The only seller I've found that I would recommend is the one that I got it from in Thailand called Gadget-Gear, if you do a search for that name you will see he has stock of the 64Mb and 128Mb version.
The 128Mb version is the one to go for, it is expensive about US$830 including postage, but when you think of the prices of new HTC devices... not that much...
The 64Mb is available to purchase from www.expansys.co.uk, but I wouldn't get this version, as there's a lot less RAM and the glitches aren't fixed.
With the 128Mb version you get the aerial, a spare battery, desktop battery charger, and case all bundled with it, these are bits that are optional extras with the 64Mb one.
There are several great features that this phone has that my HTC uni doesn't, following are the pro's/con's compared to that, but all in all I think it's a GREAT phone.
PRO - Answer phone facility - which allows screening, you can hear the messages live as they are leaving it. Messages are stored on the phone, saving network costs.
PRO - Size & Weight - small handheld, and light.
PRO - Mapping of the hardware buttons - with the Uni you could map the Record button to do something different if you held it... with the G-Smart you can do this with all eight main buttons.
PRO - You get the super high capacity battery as well as the standard one, so you can choose slim phone, or long lasting power.
PRO - Phone recording - when set up, press the camera button during the call, and the call will be recorded and saved to the phone. Handy to prove what was said - (but remember to notify the person first,,, may be illegal otherwise... blah blah)
PRO - Background effects - out on the beer with mates? Told the Mrs that your at work... activate the overdub and she'll here the sounds of the office, the street, the station, airport etc in the background of the call...
PRO - 2.1 megapixel camera.
PRO - Pocket Ghost is preinstalled and great to backup/restore!
CON - no hardware keyboard,, but get TenGo Thumb... and who cares?!
CON - Mini-SD and none provided, but you can pick up a 1Gb one like I did from eBay for under a tenner including postage... great stuff.
All in all as I say, I've had one real problem, but it was my own fault, put a tweak that wasn't compatible on the phone, and crashed it, but hard reset and hey presto!
I've heard the customer service isn't that good from GB but I've not needed to use it, I tend to rely on forums like these to speak to real experts anyway... but the problem I had I got in touch with Gadget-Gear as first thought it was down to the phone and he was incredibly helpful.
As far as the phone, the build quality, the case and extras supplied...Gigabyte, you've done a great job.
Here are some pictures of my pride and joy...
I've put it next to a Sony Ericsson Z520i, so you can judge size etc, don't have any other phone at the mo.
hdubli said:
I am also looking for the same..can u post more info as how is the speed, Visibility and especially the TV TUner..and if possible post some screen shorts..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speed. fantastic, no issues with it at all, runs a lot smoother than my Uni ever did, got LOT more free space!, lot more memory for applications to run.
Visibility, the screen is a lot more sharper than my uni, and my mates O2 Mini, can't think of the HTC model of that one...
TV, as I've said, it's as good as the signal you have available, I've had crystal clear pictures in UK with PAL-i though. :-D
This is where I got mine from...
Great seller...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-GIGABYTE-...ryZ64355QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
There's a favorable review of this phone on a Thai website http://www.mrpalm.com/getcontent3.php?tid=389 My wife, who happens to be Thai, translated it for me & it echoes most of what jmdrizen says.
I'm looking to buy either the O2 Atom Exec or Gigabyte g-smart i128 mainly because I want a smaller pda phone. Not too fussed about a hardware keyboard as I'd rarely use it. Also camera quality isn't important for me either.
I want the phone to be fast because I use it primarily for GPS, Skype, watching the odd video & a bit of internet surfing.
jmdrizen I have a few question if poss
1/ Mr Palm says that the screen is a bit 'yellow' is it really bad?
2/ He also says that the speaker is very loud & clear, best of all the pda phones he's tried so far. I notice that speaker is on the back of the phone so when its on a table with the screen naturally facing up is the sound muffled & low or is it still loud enough to be heard acroos the room?
3/ Have you tried it with GPS or Skype - how does it handle these programs.
4/ How long did it take to arrive & did you get stung by customs. My wife is going to Thailand @ Xmas time but I can't wait that long..
Thanks
zen123 said:
jmdrizen I have a few question if poss
1/ Mr Palm says that the screen is a bit 'yellow' is it really bad?
2/ He also says that the speaker is very loud & clear, best of all the pda phones he's tried so far. I notice that speaker is on the back of the phone so when its on a table with the screen naturally facing up is the sound muffled & low or is it still loud enough to be heard acroos the room?
3/ Have you tried it with GPS or Skype - how does it handle these programs.
4/ How long did it take to arrive & did you get stung by customs. My wife is going to Thailand @ Xmas time but I can't wait that long..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer those:
1) Not noticed this, if anything I think the screen is sharper and clearer, I've compared it to the HTC Uni, O2 Mini, and Sony Ericsson W800i, and myself and my colleagues rate the Gigabyte g-Smart i128 as the better screen. Once every now and again - and extremly rarely - the screen shows a few dots like you get when your TV signal loses for a second, but that's it, and it is VERY rare.
2) The speaker is great, it is louder than that of the HTC Uni, but then that doesn't take much! You're right that it's on the back, but the camera lens sticks out about 1-2mm which means the speaker won't be flat on the table if you lay it flat, I've not noticed any problems with the audio, loud, crisp and clear. Great for when I'm in the car and got the TomTom going...
3) I use TomTom Navigator 5.21, which runs like a dream, fast, and pairs with the TomTom Bluetooth without any errors or problems, first time and everytime.
I've not used Skype much, don't know anyone with a Skype contact, but this comes preloaded with SkypePLUS which has extra settings and features to the normal Skype.
4) I had a slight snag with the delivery, Gadget-Gear stated it would take 7-14 days from Thailand to UK, which is acceptable, he posted it with Thailand Post, and gave a tracking number, about 5 days into it I got impatient, and emailed him discovering that for some reason it was posted back, but Gadget-Gear was already on the case, and posted it FedEx Express to me, all in all it was in my hand 7 days after I paid for it. Fantastic - I have nothing but praise for Gadget-Gear, the manual is in Thai, but you can download a copy of this, which I can't post at the moment, but will try again later... but the phone is English OS ROM, and he chucked in a UK adapter aswell.
I ended up purchasing a UK plug and Car adaptor, which are available from expansys.
Hope this helps!!
Oh and more importantly, I forgot... call quality - FANTASTIC! Clear and loud.
ALSO, another great thing about this phone is the Bluetooth Headset software, once the headset is paired, it will use that as the speaker if you like, so you can have TomTom or whatever audio you have going threw your headset. It has Voice Commander, not the cut down Voice Dialer, so is a lot better for voice commands.
zen123 said:
There's a favorable review of this phone on a Thai website http://www.mrpalm.com/getcontent3.php?tid=389 My wife, who happens to be Thai, translated it for me & it echoes most of what jmdrizen says.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, Zen, the phone they're reviewing in that site is the g-Smart i, I've got the g-Smart i128. It's even better than the site says, as it's got a few glitches sorted out, and the RAM helps,
Memory Details of mine are:
Storage: Total 117.29Mb, In Use 62.67Mb, Free 54.62Mb
Program: Total 50.32Mb, In Use 37.81Mb, Free 12.51Mb,
Don't let the only 12.5 free program memory fool you though, it runs a lot faster than my Uni did with double that! And this doesn't have the 520 processor either!
Thanks for the reply.
As I said I'm also looking at the O2 Atom Exec, heard good things about that as well. I was an early adopter & bought the original O2 Atom but that was a piece of [email protected] so I'm a bit skeptical about the new version.
The only thing I'm not too keen on re the i128 is the covers for the power outlet & non standard headphone socket.
I'm using the company Mio A701 at the moment & seriously miss the built in wifi of my lost HTC Wizard, although the built in GPS is great. There's too many deficiencies with the phone part of the Mio to make it a keeper.
I read there's a Gigabyte i300 on the way which has gps & wifi so I might even wait for that.
Anyways thanks for the reply & enjoy your new toy.
Very useful information...I just want to know the display font visibility as compared to say Magician or Prohet or Atom...do we need to stress too much our eyes...
zen123 said:
The only thing I'm not too keen on re the i128 is the covers for the power outlet & non standard headphone socket.
I read there's a Gigabyte i300 on the way which has gps & wifi so I might even wait for that.quote]
The non-standard headphone sockets not really an issue, as the i128 also comes with a converter to take your 2.5 connections
Where's the review on the i300?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hdubli said:
Very useful information...I just want to know the display font visibility as compared to say Magician or Prohet or Atom...do we need to stress too much our eyes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not got one of those three devices to compare, but it the screen is sharper than the Uni, you can have cleartype, but I prefer it without.
jmdrizen said:
The non-standard headphone sockets not really an issue, as the i128 also comes with a converter to take your 2.5 connections
Where's the review on the i300?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's cool. You are slowly twisting my arm.
The i300 isn't released yet.
Some more questions
1/ does the i128 have stereo over bluetooth
2/ can it be set up so that when the device goes to standby the screen is locked & can be woken by any of the buttons. When woken the screen remains locked. My Mio can do this but not the Wizard .
3/ I have TTN5 aswell what's the signal acquisition times? Is there any lag? What cradle do you use? I have a Brodit pro clip but they don't make a cradle for it yet.
I was thinking how cool it would be have the tv function on when stuck in a traffic jam it'd make time pass quicker.
zen123 said:
Some more questions
1/ does the i128 have stereo over bluetooth
2/ can it be set up so that when the device goes to standby the screen is locked & can be woken by any of the buttons. When woken the screen remains locked. My Mio can do this but not the Wizard .
3/ I have TTN5 aswell what's the signal acquisition times? Is there any lag? What cradle do you use? I have a Brodit pro clip but they don't make a cradle for it yet.
I was thinking how cool it would be have the tv function on when stuck in a traffic jam it'd make time pass quicker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1/ I'm not too sure about this, I've read that it does from a review, but haven't got a stereo bluetooth handset to test it. Does have the latest ROM features that everyone was after with the Uni, so *think* it does.
2/ I have mine set up to go into standby with PsShutXP, by launching it by pressing and holding the Call History button, you can have it so any button wakes, but I have it so only the power button does to avoid unwanted re-activation. It is also set up to lock on resume from standby, and initial activation, so yes.
3/ It connects to my genuine TomTom MkII bluetooth in seconds, as soon as the device has a signal, my phone's received it, no noticable lag.
The only thing I'm after for it is a propper car holder, and case, the case that comes with it is a great pouch, but I want something that I can access all the ports, and use without having to take it out. If you or anyone knows of anything... that'll be great!
Gigabyte g-Smart i300
Found the details about the i300, it does look a great phone, but doesn't have the TV, only the FM Radio.
Think I'd rather have the TV feature than the GPS, as TomTom MkII is fine for me!
jmdrizen
Hi how you getting on with the g-smart?
I just got a Orange SPV M3100. Great phone but wayy too buggy. I just sent it back to Orange & canceled the contract (14 day return). I'm still very interested in the G-smart.
My main concern is reliability. I don't want something thats unstable.
B prepared for 192 MB ROM Version..it will b there in a month's time...
Anyone know UK TV Frequencies???
hdubli said:
B prepared for 192 MB ROM Version..it will b there in a month's time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 192Mb version doesn't have the same features though I don't think.
And I'm more than happy with the phone, there were two small glitches, but think it was due to imcompatibility with third party software, as I've removed it, and they havent occured since.
The only thing that I'm after, I don't know if any one in the UK can help is the TV frequencies for the main five channels? The scan scans from 1-453, but this takes a while, you can scan small regions for the five channels, can anyone point me in the direction of where to find a narrower range for BBC1/2, ITV, C4 and C5?

Looking for one, may two reviewer(s) for in-car mount for Hermes, Artemis or Trinity

Guys, we are now expecting a brand new PDA specific mount for the Hermes, Artemis and Trinity series, dues to be launched on our site next week. We're looking for one or two person from UK to review this product. If you are interested, please pm me with your detail.
Thank you...
Thank you everyone for your fantastic feedback regarding product review. We have been inundated with enquiries about this product and holder are finally in stock, link below. We have chosen number of forum members for the review and review offer is now closed.
XDA Orbit holders are due within next 7-10days. All others are in stock and ready to dispatch.
HTC Trinity / P3600, Orange SPV M700, Qtek P3600, Dopod D810 / CHT9100
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18786
HTC Artemis / P3300, Orange SPV M650, T-Mobile Comact III, Qtek G200, Dopod P800W
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18789
HTC TyTN / Hermes, Orange SPV M3100, T-Mobile MDA Vario II, O2 XDA Trion, Vodafone 1605, Qtek 9600
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18780
HTC Advantage / T-Mobile Ameo
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18794
Thank you for your support
PDAHut said:
Thank you everyone for your fantastic feedback regarding product review. We have been inundated with enquiries about this product and holder are finally in stock, link below. We have chosen number of forum members for the review and review offer is now closed.
XDA Orbit holders are due within next 7-10days. All others are in stock and ready to dispatch.
HTC Trinity / P3600, Orange SPV M700, Qtek P3600, Dopod D810 / CHT9100
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18786
HTC Artemis / P3300, Orange SPV M650, T-Mobile Comact III, Qtek G200, Dopod P800W
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18789
HTC TyTN / Hermes, Orange SPV M3100, T-Mobile MDA Vario II, O2 XDA Trion, Vodafone 1605, Qtek 9600
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18780
HTC Advantage / T-Mobile Ameo
http://www.pdahut.com/store/product.php?productid=18794
Thank you for your support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really would like to know if there is one single chosen forum member?
To me it seems this is cheap advertising!
I was chosen.
It's not just a marketing ploy, they really do want feedback...
By the look of the images, it seems that the Trinty has to be slid into the holder.
Now, I have reservations when it somes to plastic sliding against plastic, as this inevitably means scratches.
I doubt the reviewers will use their own Trinity's to constantly slide the unit in and out of the holder, but I certaily would not consider a holder which would potentially scratch my PDA after frequent use.
What is the 'executive' element of these holders?
Noony said:
I was chosen.
It's not just a marketing ploy, they really do want feedback...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good to know that you are the chosen one, neo ! ;-)
I currently use a brodit active mount my PDA. I also used the same for my previous phone (Prophet/M600). I've used these mounts for over a year and like PaulusUK I did not feel comfortable sliding plastic against plastic (and the brodit ones are very snug) but so far - no damage at all (and I use my PDA loads).
I will give some feedback about the new mount when I've had chance to look at it/try is out for a few days...
I've managed to use this mount for about 300 miles here's the feedback:
It's a lot more durable than it looks on the pictures.
It's very adjustable and tightens up easily and nicely.
The slide in fit is secure and maybe not quite as tight as the brodit I do not see any problems with scratching although I will keep testing over the months and report back if anything happens.
The ball joint and extendible arm are nice touches.
The suction cup is one of the strongest I've seen although not quite as strong as the RAM version I cannot image it ever falling off.
It's virtually vibration free, you get a touch of vibration at times although it's nothing I could really complain about (it's loads better than the RAM).
I've used over 15 different mounts over many years and in summary this one is neat strong and does the job very well. I recommend it.
If anyone has any questions please just ask and I will try to help.
Noony said:
I've managed to use this mount for about 300 miles here's the feedback:
It's a lot more durable than it looks on the pictures.
It's very adjustable and tightens up easily and nicely.
The slide in fit is secure and maybe not quite as tight as the brodit I do not see any problems with scratching although I will keep testing over the months and report back if anything happens.
The ball joint and extendible arm are nice touches.
The suction cup is one of the strongest I've seen although not quite as strong as the RAM version I cannot image it ever falling off.
It's virtually vibration free, you get a touch of vibration at times although it's nothing I could really complain about (it's loads better than the RAM).
I've used over 15 different mounts over many years and in summary this one is neat strong and does the job very well. I recommend it.
If anyone has any questions please just ask and I will try to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to p u s h on the screen e.g. if you want to dial a number, can you do it in the holder (I hope you understand what I am trying to say) ?
saminegm said:
Is it possible to p u s h on the screen e.g. if you want to dial a number, can you do it in the holder (I hope you understand what I am trying to say) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem pushing on the screen. But if you have the arm extended you need to push it back first, then it's solid (hope this makes sense).
Noony said:
No problem pushing on the screen. But if you have the arm extended you need to push it back first, then it's solid (hope this makes sense).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think I understand. The extension is not fixed.
best pda mount ever (in my opinion anyway)... i bought it from the uk via ebay
http://stores.ebay.com/Buybits-GPS-Navigation-Store
search for keywords "bb deluxe magnetic mount"
it's magnetic and the pda mount is covered with soft rubber (or foam) so you don't need to worry about scratches. all you need to do is attach a small piece of metal to the back of your pda.

A warning to Australian Jasjam (hermes) buyers

i wanted to have this posted on this forum, i found reference to this very issue in the whirlpool forums and thought it would be good to have this here.
i recently (under a week ago) got an Imate Jasjam (hermes) from Telstra in Australia, it comes preloaded with a few things pool etc and Imate suite with 30 days trial.
i removed all the crap i could (like the games it comes with and the antivirus/ imate suite) but was checking my bill online today and came across 3 international SMS charges to the UK (which i didnt make cause i dont know anyone there), it was to the number +447736592312.
According to Whirlpool this issue went back to december with jasjam buyers experiencing the same problem (thankfully i only had 3 charges) which was eventually pinpointed to the preinstalled version of Imate Suite. because i removed it the same day i got it it only had time to send the 3 messages.
so if anyone gets a Jasjam make sure you remove the preinstalled Imate suite as soon as you activate the account. (the suite fairly useless anyway)
phones
Hi St3v3 and everyone else here, If I have posted this in the wrong area, please feel free to move it...
This is the first time this dog has posted here, I've done a bit of reading, very interesting stuff, and some very knowledgeable guys here !
OK, at the moment, I have a old Nokia 6385 CDMA (telstra, in australia) which I will be updating soon, as the CDMA network is supposed to be closing within less than 12 months. I like the 6385, its a good tough phone and has fitted the car kit I have had for many years and I run a proper external antenna on my vehicle (none of this "coupling" crap, its a real proper RF connection. Many of the places I go with the fire service/emergency services needs it)
Which brings me to my question. I imagine that I am going to need to go to nextg (I call it nextCDMA !), and accordingly would like a phone that can do the following:
HAve the field test diagnostic mode like the nokia has.
Has a proper external antenna port, and handsfree cradle that goes with it that properly connects the external antenna to the phone.
Good audio quality on a call
Im not into ringtones/games and all that wank value stuff - its a phone.
From looking around, the jasjam (do you guys call it "hermes" ?) seems to be able to do these things (may have a bit of extra wank value, but thats ok)
Any thoughts or suggestions from users of the jasjam, or other phones ? Just bear in mind, my 3 main essentials are: Field test mode, external antenna socket and good audio quality.
Should I wait to see if any newer nextCDMA phones come out, such as a nokia one ?
I did have a GSM phone (sendo brand) that had a program called "celltrack", which was like field test, only better, with real time graphs etc. It worked on the symbian6 o/s. Something like that would be very nice. Also, I do actually write software, and maybe could experiment with my own, as long as it will take applications made in VB.NET ?
Any help or advice on phones is appreciated, before I go out and buy one !!.
Thanks in advance from the little dog.

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