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Have Wallaby, want to upgrade to new model; best option?

I have a 3 year old T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition (HTC Wallaby) and would like to upgrade it to a new model Pocket PC Phone. I'm a little confused about some of the new models being offered on eBay. T-Mobile USA is supposed to offer the MDA (HTC Wizard) soon.
The HTC Universal (Jas-Jar) seems too large and heavy, and many people seem to be very disapointed in both the phone and the processor.
The HTC Magician seems very popular; small and fairly fast. The HTC Wizard looks like an upgraded model, plus the keyboard. The HTC Prophet looks like a Wizard without the keyboard? Am I missing something?
I really love my old Wallaby, especially since I upgraded the internal battery to a 1750mAh model! I use the pocket pc functions more than the phone. The radio in the phone is pretty weak.
Are the new models worth the price?
Do the phone radios work better?
Should I just stay with what I have; until it dies?
Thanks for any input!

I'd go with the Wizard right now. It's small, it has WM5 and an excellent keyboard. The only downside that it has a relatively small processor (TI OMAP 850, runs at 196 mhz), which you might not notice with regular usage, I'm pretty sure morphgear for example won't run on it with a decent speed. Skype has problems too. But if you don't really play games and/or use skype, it is a wise choice. If you do, and you don't need WiFi/WM5/keyboard, you should go with the magician.

Nah, HTC Universal is wonderful. The only downside to it is the size. If you can find your way past the size its the best possible device.

RyanZA said:
Nah, HTC Universal is wonderful. The only downside to it is the size. If you can find your way past the size its the best possible device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Universal is waaaay too big.
Mychoices would be between Charmer, Prophet and Wizard.

I totally agree with TheBrit & I love small devices. The magician is a bad choice nowadays as it's been replaced. So I'd go for a wizard for the keyboard, second pick Charmer & Prophet
M

Radio strength?
Do any of the new models have upgraded Radio Transmitters/Receivers? The phone reception on my Wallaby is pretty weak, I end up using my wife's cell phone if we are in an fringe area on reception.
T-Mobile is supposed to soon include 850 MHz Roaming here in the US, so I want a tri or quad band phone. If I get the Magician, I have to choose between 850 and 900 MHz. Since I travel a lot, I guess it'll have to be the Wizard or the Phophet, since they're quads.
Thank you for all the good advice!

Kaiser vs Touch Dual ?

Ok chaps, which is the one to have, I have narrowed it down to the T Mobile's Touch Dual or the Vario 3 (Kaiser).
I'm not bothered about Wifi, but do want GPS (which the Dual does not have).
Beyond that, I assume the Kaiser is better spec'd (processor, camera and software).
Any thoughts ?

obsydian said:
Ok chaps, which is the one to have, I have narrowed it down to the T Mobile's Touch Dual or the Vario 3 (Kaiser).
I'm not bothered about Wifi, but do want GPS (which the Dual does not have).
Beyond that, I assume the Kaiser is better spec'd (processor, camera and software).
Any thoughts ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few weeks patience & get the Touch Cruise

same cpu
kaiser have a better cam 3mp with autofocus vs. a 2mp with fixed forus for dual
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_htctouch_dual.htm
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_tytn_II.htm

I thought the cruise was discontinued ?
Is the Cruise any better, not sure if this will come to the Uk as quick.

i suspect that was just a update error at expansys
it also have wifi
it dont have hardware keys
same cpu
good gps
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_htctouch_cruise.htm
imho better

don't forget to check on the battery performance. I suspect the battery of the dual won't keep up as long as the kaiser.
also check out the Eten Glofiish M800, it has some nice specs, but some reviewers are a little bit disappointed on the keys.
to make your choice a little harder: the dual has a very sexy look

Obsydian
My renewal on T-Mob UK is coming up in January and I'm in pretty much the same boat as you. I originally was going to go for the Vario III but, to be honest, is it really THAT different to the Vario II that I've already got?
I'm looking at maybe heading for a change so the Touch Plus (as TMob are calling it) may be a good option.
I virtually never use Wi-Fi on my Vario II so that won't be a loss. I also hardly ever take pictures so a camera that's the same resolution as I currently have is fine.
If T-Mob start doing the LG KS20 then i would like to go for that - again something completely different, but I can't see it happening. It'll probably be the Touch Plus for me unless something else comes out in the next couple of months..

Thanks. I asked T Mobile UK about the Touch Plus, they are useless and have no idea, though in the end I was told Janruary there are a few new handsets due.
The touch dual is on orange and cheaper, but not sure what data plans they offer.

Decisions, decisions ...
Well, i've decided to ditch T Mobile and goto Orange
But I'm still stuck on the which handset "Kaiser" or "Touch Dual"
I can live with the inferior camera and gps (i have a standalone reciever), but moving to Orange (i.e. crap and expensive data plans) means Wifi would be nice.
Cost wise I found a good website, way cheaper than the others, meaning the Kaiser works out only £80 more over the 18mths (handset and tariff).
I've read every review, some mentioned the battery is worse on the Touch Dual, but I do like it just for the pose factor.
Not keen on the Cruise, I really do like keyboards or keypads.
Can anyone offer any final pearls of wisdom to sway me ?

I'm very happy with my Dual so far. I also considered the Kaiser, but ended up with Dual because it was cheaper, and a lot smaller and sexier I also had a bluetooth GPS receiver.
I'll pay more for data-transfer without wifi, but here in Norway the Dual was about 2000NOK cheaper (about 175£). I can do a lot of surfing for that price.
I don't really care about the camera. If I want to take pictures, I bring my pocket-sized Canon.

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

suggestions for wife upgrading from Nokia e65 to which WM6 device.

Hi,
Im looking for suggestions here. I am an avid Kaiser owner, and now i am looking to get the wife to upgrade from her Nokia e65 (s60v3)
The feature list that im looking for follows:
necessary:
Candybar form
3G compatible
numeric hardware keypad
Bluetooth
Wifi
important but not essential:
touchscreen
qwerty k/b
Dpad
The devices that appear to somewhat fit the (my) needs and (her) wants are:
WM6 pro
HTC Touch Dual (3G) this seems a good fit but doesnt have wifi
WM6 standard (non touch screen)
HTC Juno also good form factor but i dont know if its available in Australia
HTC Vox S710
HTC 730
Have i missed anything? What are your suggestions?
Thanks

When I read the title I've thought it was on of those joke posts about wife 1.0 upgrading to wife 2.0 and how much the upgrade costs!!!
I will let others say something about phones though as I am still holding my old beloved Universal till this date.
Cheers!

I would choose the s730 or consider also s621
It fits with your needs

the more i look at the S730 it looks bulky, and thats even whilst i own a Kaiser.
Plus i dont thinkg i can get that in Australia now.
The Touch Dual 850 looks to be the likely device.
I will have to see how my wife takes to it!

HTC TOUCH PRO 2 cdma: Experiences and Recommendations

Hi Friends:
I'm seriously considering to cancel my HTC MOGUL PPC-6800 and buy the new HTC TOUCH PRO 2, however, would help me with their experiences and recommendations especially coming from current owners ... my questions are:
1. Can I keep my number of Iusacell (Mogul) in new TP2?
2. Is there a procedure to obtain the "SPC Code MSL?
3. Are the procedure and software to unlock (Hard-SPL) the TP2?
4. What are your experiences with the latest ROMs for the TP2? What worked best for them?
5. What are the main differences between TP1 and TP2?
6. Other Recommendations for the Acquisition of a TP2? (clean ESN, accessories, etc.).
Thanks
TecMan
SPRINT HTC MOGUL PPC-6800
ROM version: Titan 23017-Mattsm
Carrier: Iusacell-Mexico (Plan Elite-50)
Radio version: 3.42.50
Memory Card: 8GB microSDHC

The TP2 CDMA is not currently unlockable. Cmonex at PPCGeeks is close, the had the HardSPL done but had some issues with the radio updates and had to redo some work.
The difference between the TP and TP2 is more or less overall quality and screen size. I suggest you visit cnet and watch a review for each.

1. Generally yes, you can keep your number, but make certain to keep your account (the one that currently HAS that number) active until the porting is complete.
2. The MSL can be easily obtained on the Sprint model, but my understanding is that the MSL on the Verizon must be gotten from customer support. The good news there is that they have been very generous with that information for existing customers. New customers must have service for 60 days or more.
3. As pointed out above, this is not yet ready and is KILLING those of us that already have the phone.
4. As there is no HardSPL for the CDMA versions, there are no custom roms to be had (yet), though several chefs have them ready. The GSM-only versions of the device (HTC's and Tmobile's) have SPL and roms, but they have no headphone jack.
5. PROS: The biggest and best reason to switch is the huge and stunning screen on the TP2. I have both, and as much as I loved the clarity of the TP's screen, it was always too small. The 3.6" on the TP2 is bigger, just as sharp, higher resolution, and more responsive. The keyboard is so damn big as to be superlative, the return of screen-tilting is fantastic, the built-in headphone jack rocks, the new speakerphone setup is as good as claimed, once quickGPS is installed the GPS locks are nearly instantaneous, and the whole device *feels* faster despite being on roughly the same hardware. Oh, the new wifi chip is MUCH better on battery when on but not being actively used and it never gets blistering hot like the TP1.
CONS: It's both larger and heavier than the TP1 - about the same size and weight as the old Tilt, tho it fits the hand better than the tilt. It's pricey to be sure, it has NO D-PAD! This sounds minor, but has proven to be a hassle with certain programs (particularly my e-reader).
In the end, I *love* the TP2 and wouldn't consider switching back under any circumstances.
6. Clean ESN?? ALWAYS: why line yourself up for trouble? While my device showed up with a screen protector in the box, it wasn't a very good one, so I'd recommend you order the phone and a good protector at the same time. Look carefully into GPS software: some versions are not playing nice with the monster screen on the TP2, though I've used Google Maps and Route 66 without issue. There are also a instructions on how to get Igo 8 working on it.

Isn't the MSL for Verizon 000000. I'm pretty sure it is

Be aware:
football0552 said:
The TP2 CDMA is not currently unlockable. Cmonex at PPCGeeks is close, the had the HardSPL done but had some issues with the radio updates and had to redo some work.
The difference between the TP and TP2 is more or less overall quality and screen size. I suggest you visit cnet and watch a review for each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there are 2 differents topics here: (if I'm in the wrong way, ps tell me)
The HardSPL it's for changing the ROM
And for "Unlock" "carrier" you need CID/Security/SIM Unlocker.
I just bought the TP2 Sprint Model, and I use with my new carrier in Mexico: Iusacell...

football0552 said:
The TP2 CDMA is not currently unlockable. Cmonex at PPCGeeks is close, the had the HardSPL done but had some issues with the radio updates and had to redo some work.
The difference between the TP and TP2 is more or less overall quality and screen size. I suggest you visit cnet and watch a review for each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the Touch Pro and now I have had the Touch Pro 2 for about 2 or 3 weeks. I have to tell you the TP and TP2 are NOTHING even in the same class. I think they under stated and down talked the device just calling it a Touch Pro. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Touch Pro but its nothing compared to the Touch Pro 2. Most of the hardware is the same like CPU, GPS and so on. The screen is huge and with a 480x800 rez looks impressive. The new Touch Flow is faster and smoother but has some little bugs. HTC added there own txt program but the wm6.1 txt program seems to have lost some function. For example, simple copy and past is a 12 step program now as before was highlight and go. The TP2 don't look, feel or act anything like the TP did. ohhh and my favorite fix over the TP was the slide out. The TP felt to me like it could break at any second and had lots of slop. The TP2 has 2 points of contact in the slide out and is tight with NO slop or unwanted movement. The tilt screen is cool for show but I don't find any function for it. I have a friend whom tilts every time he text so..... some could find use.

andresgvc said:
I think there are 2 differents topics here: (if I'm in the wrong way, ps tell me)
The HardSPL it's for changing the ROM
And for "Unlock" "carrier" you need CID/Security/SIM Unlocker.
I just bought the TP2 Sprint Model, and I use with my new carrier in Mexico: Iusacell...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the question is what do i need to do to get it on metropcs?
DJ_SirG said:
I had the Touch Pro and now I have had the Touch Pro 2 for about 2 or 3 weeks. I have to tell you the TP and TP2 are NOTHING even in the same class. I think they under stated and down talked the device just calling it a Touch Pro. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Touch Pro but its nothing compared to the Touch Pro 2. Most of the hardware is the same like CPU, GPS and so on. The screen is huge and with a 480x800 rez looks impressive. The new Touch Flow is faster and smoother but has some little bugs. HTC added there own txt program but the wm6.1 txt program seems to have lost some function. For example, simple copy and past is a 12 step program now as before was highlight and go. The TP2 don't look, feel or act anything like the TP did. ohhh and my favorite fix over the TP was the slide out. The TP felt to me like it could break at any second and had lots of slop. The TP2 has 2 points of contact in the slide out and is tight with NO slop or unwanted movement. The tilt screen is cool for show but I don't find any function for it. I have a friend whom tilts every time he text so..... some could find use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice :> mine is sitting still wrapped...