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Hermes.... Universal... or M.A.G.I.C.???

Hi guys,
I currently have the Xda IIs version of Blue Angel, running on the TuMa 1.3, but it seems like time for a change. I'm currently considering 3 options: HTC Universal, HTC Hermes, and Advance TC M.A.G.I.C. (I know it's not HTC, but...)
Details on M.A.G.I.C. can be found at:
http://www.advancetc.com/MAGIC_technical_specs.jpg
Thanks!

For me, it's gonna be Hermes. I had a Qtek 9000 (Universal) for a week to play around with, very nice features and the screen is very good, but it is far too large for me. I come from a Magician, so the Vario was the best option for me now in terms of size. I am very happy with it, so Hermes (with same form factor) is definitely the successor to my Wizard. Same goes for M.A.G.I.C. far too large for me, although the specs are astonishing. And since this phone is the first ever made by that company, expect lots and lots of flaws, poor support etc etc.
Have you seen the thread on the other HTC devices due to come out this year? Some include GPS, others the same specs as Wizard but much thinner etc etc. if they all make it to market here, it's gonna be a hard choice, but for now I am aiming at the Hermes.
If size is not an issue for you and neither is money, I would go for the Universal any time. it is available now, there is good support from this community, the specs are very good and ROM updates are frequent.

Eh...you forgot the winner - Atom! :wink:

Ha ha, sorry for that. But for me a keyboard is very usefull. Willing to give it up for a GPS, but Atom does not satisfy my needs, sorry!
Ideal devices all depend upon personal preferences, so Atom is no option for me. But if you don't need a keyboard, Atom is definitely a good option!

I don't think you should count on getting that M.A.G.I.C. any time soon! We really have no idea if it is good or not, and it wont be out for months.

M. A. G. I. C., but .......
read this
http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/con...e.Article_10065320-cb73c03a-b113c700-479d86e0
bloggy.

Koksie, my previous PPC was a BA with hardware keyboard. I have found that I type a lot faster with PhonePad and T9 on the Atom (HTC version, ripped from a Wizard ROM) then I ever did with that BA keyboard!

I find that I use the hardware keyboard more than I could ever have imagined when I had my Compact! On the Compact, I hardly send sms messages, because of my hesitation in using the phone pad or the on-screen keyboard. I just couldn't type fast enough to be convienent! With my Wizard, I just slide it open and type away! Well, every one has his favourite input method, that much is clear! Well, if you don't need a keyboard, better go for Atom or Prophet, since they combine a small form factor with great specs. Or wait for the trinity, which also look very good.

POLARIS Vs KAISER

Similar specs, with few differences with pros and cons, BUT whats your choice and why?
I like kaiser. Elegant, bit bulky but decent. Excellent keyboard and tilt screen just look very sexy in your hand or on the table. I have installed HTC Cube and new HTC Album, so it is working as Touch. Not sure if there is anyhting which I want and exists in polaris but not in TyTn II.
POLARIS or KAISER .....

dr_s said:
Not sure if there is anyhting which I want and exists in polaris but not in TyTn II.
POLARIS or KAISER .....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah...kaiser has everything more than Polaris...even the size...

Am also torn between the two I sold my Kaiser last weekend abroad and wanting to buy a replacement. The long wait for polaris may even send me into the iMate ultimate den

The decision is very easy. If you need a keyboard as your typing the whole day, go for the kaiser. If you need something light and handy get the cruise. The 200g weight of the Kaiser is no joke, you feel it pulling in every pocket. Just try to carry around two 100g bars of chocolate the whole day. 50g less with the Polaris is a tremendous difference. I gave back my Kaiser because of this.

Polaris, because of the sunlight readable screen.
(But subject to seeing the actual device first!)

Dear Santa,
I would like one of each please!!

Polaris all the Life!
size first of all! amazing!
better LCD display!
I like so much the central weel.
all the rest is FUFFA! (for me obviously)
Bye

Kaiser has a keyboard that can also tilt...that is fragile!!! I can't imagine with all the vibration of the car while the tytn2 is attached to the car consolle.
Go for Polaris of course.

Polaris is my choice.....
- best case
- hardest display
- better design
- compact size

Polaris. Better screen than Kaiser, I think, without the weight, bulk and the 'formal' look.

Apart that Kaiser is ugly, big, thick and heavy everything seems to be ok. Not a match for polaris but ofcourse I don’t need or want a keyboard

Each year has his own dilemma:
Wizard / Prophet
TyTn / Trinity
Kaiser / Polaris
What will be the next?

Over the last years I never owned a device with a keyboard and I don't need a keyboard on my 'phone' either.
So my choice was easy, Polaris! I also happen to like the looks more and the fact it's less bulky is also a major pro in my eyes.
On the other hand the Kaiser is a very nice device and I guess if you need to do a lot of typing on the device that one would have a major advantage because of the keyboard.
Just the way you look at it, the lack of keyboard is very important to me in a positive way. For others it's very important in a negative way. (negative as in: not in favour of Polaris).

video problems??
Does anyone know if the polaris has the same lack of drivers that cripples the kaisers video playback?
I'm also stuck between the 2, currently have hermes + love it

I'm a current Artemis user and the wheel is a godsend!! I would definitely go for the Polaris (and pass the Artemis to my wife.. hehe)
Also, I don't need a keyboard and I kinda like the idea of flushed screen.
Most users should be able to decide between the 2 depending on their keyboard requirement..
Anyways, why so some of ya say the Polaris has a better screen? Can elaborate?
Thanks

binners said:
Does anyone know if the polaris has the same lack of drivers that cripples the kaisers video playback?
I'm also stuck between the 2, currently have hermes + love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure if it is lack of drivers problem but there will be no difference in this issue bettwen Polaris kai Kaiser.

pretty sure i read somewhere that the polaris has different hardware that makes the touchflo stuff work better on it. but im not 100%

MasK said:
Also, I don't need a keyboard and I kinda like the idea of flushed screen.
Most users should be able to decide between the 2 depending on their keyboard requirement..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...and FM Radio.
MasK said:
Anyways, why so some of ya say the Polaris has a better screen? Can elaborate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Polaris screen will be the same as Touch. Compare the screen between Touch and Kaiser and you will figure out the answer by yourself!

binners said:
pretty sure i read somewhere that the polaris has different hardware that makes the touchflo stuff work better on it. but im not 100%
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hardware is the same. The software is different (because it is a touch PPC). TouchFlo and Cube will work better because of the different screen, not the hardware inside tha device.

I too have heard the screen is different for the Touch/Cruise. How is it different? Can some ellaborate on the technical details and how they traslate to making the TouchFlo work better?
After using the TouchFlo features on the Kaiser/Tilt, I am not impressed. Quirky to the point that it is not even usable. I find it to be a novelty at best and too prone to swipes being "interpreted" as taps.
So how does the Cruise improve on this?

I'm due an upgrade - Whats new on the market?

Hi there all - I currently have a MDA Compact III through T-Mobile and am due an upgrade next week. I don't mind moving networks. Whats better than what i currently have? Does anyone know if there are any new PDA's out on the market shortly? If so, what do they do and should i hold on or just go with whats out there now! I'd really appreciate your help and i'm totally open to all options.
Cheers and thanks for reading
Regards
Daddy H

yep the mda compac IV, stay that few extra months, itll bring the price of the device down, its also known as the HTC Touch Diamond. Comes out in june sometime on sim-free, probably july on T-Mob.
If you wait those 2 months, yoll probs get some loyalty bonus or at least a discount.
Definitely the best phone ive seen thats upcoming
Rory

Thread moved to general as this is not NEWS for most of us that is.

I might be wrong, but the Diamond doesn't have qwertry, memory card slot or a flash on the camera right? Hardly an upgrade from the previous MDA range. In fact that seems massively lower spec than the MDA Vario II to me. aGPS and VGA screen do look a treat though.
It is pretty, but if I wanted pretty I'd get an iPhone. Also, the back is hideous and looks like it would be seriously uncomfortable in your pocket.
I have an i-Mate 9502 (pretty much brand new out) which is lovely, but until i-Mate get their arses in gear with patches/updates it has no SDHC support and it doesn't play videos so well (no worse than the MDA 3 mind). These features are supposedly coming though. It looks a bit like a sidekick which you can either take or leave.
Sony Ericsson X1 is what I'm waiting for with baited breath, although its looking like its not going to be out until the end of the year now :/

I hid money from the wife just so i could save for the raphael as long as my money doesn't corrode waiting for it.

If you can cope without the external memory card slot then the Touch Diamond (MDA COMPACT 4) is definitely the one for you: particularly given that you currently use a non-qwerty MDA Compact 3. The interface looks superb and the only drawback seems to be the lack of a memory card slot. There is no flash on the camera either, but IMHO you wouldn't buy a Winmo device for its camera anyway as they're all crap!
Another advantage is that its release on the T-Mobile uk network is imminent.
The Raphael should also be released on T-Mobile given their record of releasing wizard and Magician upgrades but you could be waiting an awfully long time for something that may not offer you any more benefits than the Touch Diamond. Its size and weight will certainly be greater too.
As regards other networks, well in the UK there is no advantage of going to another network for your windows mobile devices as no-one offers as much choice as T-Mobile, nor as good a package as Web n Walk.

leoni1980 said:
If you can cope without the external memory card slot then the Touch Diamond (MDA COMPACT 4) is definitely the one for you: particularly given that you currently use a non-qwerty MDA Compact 3. The interface looks superb and the only drawback seems to be the lack of a memory card slot. There is no flash on the camera either, but IMHO you wouldn't buy a Winmo device for its camera anyway as they're all crap!
Another advantage is that its release on the T-Mobile uk network is imminent.
The Raphael should also be released on T-Mobile given their record of releasing wizard and Magician upgrades but you could be waiting an awfully long time for something that may not offer you any more benefits than the Touch Diamond. Its size and weight will certainly be greater too.
As regards other networks, well in the UK there is no advantage of going to another network for your windows mobile devices as no-one offers as much choice as T-Mobile, nor as good a package as Web n Walk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera on my 9502 is excellent! Obviously not as good as an N95, but definately useable. I could happily take it on a day out instead of a camera.

"Also, the back is hideous and looks like it would be seriously uncomfortable in your pocket."
it's just paint it's not a real "diamon" crystal shape

Thanks for all your replies!!!
Cheers All for your comments - as a matter of interest, does size matter? I know the qwerty keyboards are bigger and bulkier but are they worth it?????????? what extra do you get ?
Cheers Again
Daddy

as a matter of fact i've been using the fingertouch onscreen keyboard most of the time with my universal, however if you do a lot of typing it's very useful to be able to turn to a qwerty keyboard. from experience of owning a Universal, Athena and Tytn 2 i would say that the tytn 2's keypad easily beats the Athena's mushy and unlit metal jobby, though the Athena is the best for touchscreen typing owing to the screen size and shape of the device. if you only send quick texts, and quick email responses and you're not bothered about expanding the memory of your device beyond 4gb then i'd say the Touch Diamond is the perfect upgrade for you. let's face it, if you're happy with your mda compact 3 is it really worth taking the chance of a bigger or vastly different device when you've got a natural upgrade(the Diamond) already around the corner waiting for you? it might not be to everyone's taste but the Diamond DOES look like a slick and capable bit of kit which you could do no harm by trying out.

Cheers Leoni, just ordering my HTC Touch now. thanks for all your help!
Regards
Daddy

TyTN II -> Touch Pro... Is it worth it?

Hey Raphael / Touch Pro users...
The Touch Pro was recently released in South Africa and im considering the move from my TyTN II to the Touch Pro!
There is alot of nice looking technology in the Touch Pro and its a beautiful looking device... Im just wondering if people are as unhappy after moving to the Touch Pro as they were after moving to the TyTN II / Kaiser???
Im enjoying the TyTN II, after alot of tweaking i managed to get it feeling good and with the addition of CorePlayer 1.2.5 we can now get around the disgusting video playback issue!
So my question is...
Is the Touch Pro worth it??
What do you guys think??
Thank you!!!!!!

I think it's pretty much on what you need? TP is my first WM device and I'm had up and downs experience. I know it's a new product but just the simple phone function is having issue (not for everyone, I have the mute problem).
I like the screen resolution, the speed is acceptable. The design is great. Anyway it's a cool phone. If you love tech and have the budget, TP sure a nice toy to play around with.

I'm still using my Kaiser as well, but yes I was very happy with the upgrade.
Next is replacing the Diamond with the Touch HD

It's a good question. I heavily used a TYTN II in place of a Blackberry and when I changed jobs in September I bought a Touch Pro and don't use it as much for email anymore, but still use this functionality.
The only thing I miss is the jog wheel, that was very handy although "flicking" the screen to scroll through the mail is just as easy - just different. It's what you get used to.
I have found a number of bugs with the Touch Pro that have been widely discussed on this forum such as GPS lag, answering calls whilst in your pocket etc etc but have cured almost all of them again thanks to responses on this forum.
The Touch Pro is asthetically pleasing where as the TYTN II was purely function over form, and it has really nice touches - such as FM Radio, Opera, YouTube player all built in.
However, am I completely satisfied with the Touch Pro ? No, not completely. The GPS issue is a particular problem as I use it fairly frequently, and I'm noticing that there is an occasional breakup of or jump of sounds - voice calls, MP3's, SMS message tones - like an old record jumping - which to me take the "polish" of an otherwise accomplished device.
If I had to spend my money again at this point in time, I would be hanging on to see what the Xperia was like and then choosing - I will be watching that one with interest myself !

Hey guys!
Thanks very much for the replies, especially Half Penny, that was a very comprehensive reply
Ive only been using HTC devices for 2 months, but ive moved fairly quickly through devices, P4350 -> TyTN I -> TyTN II and i must say that ive come to love the HTC quality, the feel and just the way everything works, which makes me immediately hesitant to move to the X1!
The other issue i have with the X1 (and the Touch HD) Is the WVGA resolution, im worried about compatibility with existing apps, games etc! The X1 is also (in my opinion) an ugly looking device... But (considering i was a TyTN I owner hehe) this doesnt bother me that much!
I want the hardware keyboard, its the reason i moved from "regular" cellphones to these devices, so all the other HTCs and various other devices are ruled out because of lack of the hardware keyboard!
I was hoping that the Touch Pro would iron out a few issues HTC were facing, the poor video playback, the poor 3D performance etc etc... To be honest, if this isnt the case and im not missing that much, i might stick with the TyTN II for a year or so and see what happens (unless i pick up a Touch Pro for a bargain hehe), i love the tilting screen, its something ive come to use alot and im unsure as to why they decided to not include it in their new devices!
Anyway guys, i just thought id open this 1 up for discussion, thanks alot for the great input so far

Pro's and Con's
Whilst the TyTn II is not the most exciting looking device HTC came out with, it was one of the most stable PDA's I have owned. If it had a VGA screen I would have not traded it for the Touch Pro.
OK, the TP is very sexy, has a great screen and keyboard and oodles of RAM. But it has to be the most unstable PDA I have used, with constant glitches and weird errors that cause me to soft reset a couple of times a day. I think there is a real need for HTC to bring out a new ROM build that irons out all the well publicised faults.
Having said that, I love the sheer coolness of this device and the WOW's I get from mates when they see it. So I am pleased I bought it and I wouldn't get rid of it any day soon. I will continue to put up with the glitches and keep checking these forums for solutions.
Would I recommend it? For those who want a functional office device that they toss into a briefcase without a care.... NO!
For those gadget junkies amongst us.... YES!

as for me the TyTn II will be my first and last HTC device
am gonna switch over to Xperia or G1 or even a smart touch phone(samsung-nokia)
cuz HTC dont have good updates and all there roms are useless and LATE

xfox said:
as for me the TyTn II will be my first and last HTC device
am gonna switch over to Xperia or G1 or even a smart touch phone(samsung-nokia)
cuz HTC dont have good updates and all there roms are useless and LATE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good thing you're well informed and you know what you're talking about. "will be my first and last HTC device...", "am gonna switch over to Xperia (HTC) or G1 (HTC) or even a smart touch phone"... The only 2 phone models you named are made by HTC.

Advice for New phone (Omnia Vs xperia Vs pro)

Currently SEP900i for more than 2 years now and would like to change to Winmobile again.
Previously used O2 blueangel first with WM2003SE and then with WM5.
Currently i would like to know which phone do you suggest based on above 3. Though i would miss the keyboard on omnia but the camera and some other software features looks interesting.
Also since i dont change my mobile for at least 2 years leaving in China where we dont have mobile plans in EU so i would like to know if any of the 3 can be installed with WM7 whenever it is launched. Sorry if this is a little stupid but wont harm if i know could be done in future.
TIA.

omnia got a bigger screen but lower res
"i would like to know if any of the 3 can be installed with WM7 whenever it is launched"
nobody can say for sure
acceleration Meter would prob mean more wm7 features supported though x1 dont have that not sure about Omnia

Omnia has an accelerometer
edit: in Asia there is an Omnia that has an 800x480 screen, if your looking at Omnia's then check this out. I think its called the Omnia-T (but not sure - google is your friend). Also, Samsung are very prolific with firmware upgrades and being very aggresive at supporting the phone in this manner. Much more active than HTC have ever been and VERY quick to fix issues with new firmware. check out i900.modaco.com for more info.

The Omnia feels quite cheap, and is only so popular because a lot of people know Samsung.
The HTC's are by far the best.
The Xperia has a smaller screen, and a small keyboard.
The Pro is ofcourse very nice, but quite large around the waist. ;-)
Xperia has higher resolution and nicer screen.
I was doubting for a while too, but I've tested them all, and yesterday decided to buy the HD.
Omnia already had quite some problems, and the resolution of the Touch Pro is not suited for the future.
The Hd's 800*400-screen is unbelieveable.

That's right, go for HTC Touch HD.
Regards,
Carty..

guanodude said:
The Omnia feels quite cheap, and is only so popular because a lot of people know Samsung.
The HTC's are by far the best.
...
I was doubting for a while too, but I've tested them all, and yesterday decided to buy the HD.
Omnia already had quite some problems, and the resolution of the Touch Pro is not suited for the future.
The Hd's 800*400-screen is unbelieveable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tested them all? I OWN a Touch Diamond (before that, TyTN and TyTN2 and BlueAngel) and EVERY HTC device I have ever had has had to be returned for physical failures at least once if not twice. Actually, thats a lie: the TD hasn't because I gave up with it after trying various diferent ROMs. This has now been refunded by the ebay seller as under UK law its "Not Fit For Purpose". (And the new euro constitution want's to get rid of our Sales of Goods Act - UK people, dont let them!!!)
The last phone I had between the tytn 2 and TD was a Tosh G900 and this was faultless - just like my I900 which is also FAULTLESS. The Omnia has some software issues to start with (Blank screen of death) but these were aggresivley fixed by Samsung, far quicker than HTC have ever done with any of there issues.
HTC devices are designed great but pi** poor manufacturing quality in my experience as can be seen from my history. I said once before that I would NEVER buy another HTC device and I didn't but then relented and purchased a TD .... only to be proved that I should never buy a HTC device.
btw, the first phone to have a 800*480 screen was the Tosh G900 .... been there, done that.... for well over a year. Well done HTC for catching up .... finaly
Before anyone shouts TomTom (at the Omnia) ... this has been proven by the guys on Modaco that this is a TomTom programing issue and not a Samsung problem. But then, this is also easily got around with GPSGate or similar.
I will point out though that if games are your choice, the Omnia is not the best choice as games often have hard coded screen resolutions and these won't work - again, maybe look for the 800x480 Omnia which is about to launch in Asia.
And finaly, Hands up all those that have 32gig in there phone......
/me puts hand up