Feb 13 HP announces new iPAQ phone - hw6900 series
Found in:Devices, iPAQ, Smartphone,

Couple of months ago there was a rumour about a new HP iPAQ hw6900 phone and today it's finally confirmed at the 2006 3GSM World Congress.

The hw6900 is the successor of the hw6500 series and features similar 240x240 pixels 65k color touch display and full QWERTY keyboard. The hw6940 runs the latest version 5.0 of Windows Mobile Operating System for Pocket PC Phones and improves CPU power to 416 MHz, through Intel PXA270 Processor. HP iPAQ hw6940 main specifications are:

• Quad-band GSM phone; GPRS/EDGE support
• Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 OS for Pocket PC Phones
• 3.0-inch 65k color touch display
• 1.3-megapixel camera with flash and mirror for self-portrait
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 802.11b support
• miniSD expandable memory

source Phone Arena

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Nov 01 HTC Universal (i-mate JASJAR) released
Found in:Devices,

The HTC Universal is one of the most eagerly awaited devices of the past few months (and perhaps years) among all fans of pocketsize computers with a Microsoft operating system. Bill Gates himself used this device to present a new version of the OS called Windows Mobile 5, which is "faster, more stable, more intuitive, more sophisticated and user-friendlier" TM than all the previous version combined. This would have wreaked panic among piggybanks had they have access to online tech news. Few had expected that it would take another four months for the threat to materialise when the device eventually hit the shelves.
Like many other Pocket PCs from HTC, the HTC Universal, too, is marketed under several different brands. This is important, because vendors may offer slightly modified versions, differing in anything from accessories to pre-installed software. I had a model from i-mate name i-mate JASJAR. I would like to thank AH Mobile for lending me the device for review purposes.
What is in the box?

The contents of the package may seem quite low-profile considered the price. Although it includes everything you need to start using the device straight away yet a few more accessories would certainly be welcome. So, what is in the box?
The box The device in my hand

* HTC Universal
* 2x stylus
* Pouch
* Battery
* Stereo headset
* USB data cable
* Travel AC adapter
* 1x application CD-ROM
* User guide
* Quick-start guide

Although the HTC Universal is very tempting, we will leave alone for now and take a look at the accessories first. The package contains two 95-millimetre styluses that are different from usual touch-screen writing aids - these are not round but rectangular. The main part is made of light metal, the tip and the top are plastic. The shape of the stylus is so intricate that its description is beyond my linguistic skills - please refer to a photo below. Even though it is not very long, I was much more comfortable with it than with the stylus supplied with MDA Compact. The difference is that the top of the Universal's stylus did not scratch my palm, unlike the Compact's.
HTC Universal and the stylus
I have somewhat mixed feelings about the pouch bundled with the device. It is hard to think of any innovative case considered the hinge-mounted display. However, the pouch shipped with the device is too simple by me. It is good one is included, nevertheless, most users will probably buy a different one or do without it. It is nothing more than a strip of leatherette forming a pocket, holding together by rubber strips on the sides. It is softly padded on the inside; large surfaces are reinforced with solid plates. It will prevent scratches when you carry the device in your briefcase rather than provide protection against brutal force. Some parts of the device are not protected at all, so the first fall on the ground may well be the last. Another big disadvantage is the absence of any belt clip or hook or something. It seems that HTC thinks the device's weight will deter anyone from carrying the device on the belt.
Case Device in the case
A stereo headset is supplied with all phone-enabled pocket computers. The one bundled with the HTC Universal is cut above the average. Its 3.5-millimetre jack is gold-plated; the standard type of connector makes it possible to use any other pair of headphones. The earplug-type headset includes a remote control with an integrated microphone, volume control, and call make/break button. The shape of the earplugs is unusual yet they feel quite comfortable in the ear.
Headset Close-up of the headset
The USB data cable is the most ordinary one you can imagine, with a standard connector on the one end to plug in the PC and a miniUSB connector on the other end to plug into the device, with 120 cm of insulated wires in between.
USB data cable
The AC adapter is relatively small, with a 175-cm cable. I had to use a mains plug adapter but the device should ship with standard plugs used in the given geography.
AC adapter
The rest of the package includes common items, such as an applications CD. No localisation SW is included but again, it should be present depending on the target market. A quick-start guide is there for impatient users, others can learn everything from a detailed 190-page manual. And that's about all of some interest in the box:)
DESIGN:
If you are considering HTC Universal as your next pocket device, you need to answer a fundamental question first: do you really want to have a pocket-size device that will not fit in any pocket? However funny the question may sound, the size of the device is a fact you either have to accept or look elsewhere. On the other hand, size is not the only parameter that matters. If you compare the device with other Pocket PCs, you need to bear in mind that although the operating system is the same as that in the MDA Compact or iPAQ, it is a completely different category. I hate that word but the HTC Universal is a full-fledged communicator. The dimensions are exactly 5.00 x 3.19 x 0.98 inches / 81 x 127.7 x 25 millimetres and the device weighs 10 ounces / 285 grams. If you compare the HTC Universal with other VGA Pocket PCs, you will find that two of the three dimensions are not far from the average, the only big difference being the thickness (especially when considered it offers only one SD expansion slot and no CF slot). In To sum it up, the HTC Universal is quite bulky and heavy to carry around in the pocket. Considered the large size, it is good that the designers abandoned traditional silver colour and opted for glossy dark grey instead. t is a mater of discussion whether the colour makes it appear smaller but I like it better than the silver colour of Compact, anyway.

It is somewhat more difficult to describe the shape of this device than that of other Pocket PCs. This is because, as you may know, the HTC Universal can change its configuration. The device comprises two parts joined by a hinge - a larger part with a keyboard and a smaller part with a display that can rotate around two axes: around the hinge and a swivel built in the middle of the hinge. This makes it possible to use the device in two modes. You can either open the display and use the device as a miniature laptop, controlling it mainly by the keyboard, or turn the display around the swivel and close down to the main part to create a rather bulky Pocket PC that you can control using a touch display and stylus. I believe a series of photographs can tell more than a thousand words, so take a look.
HTC Universal HTC Universal HTC Universal HTC Universal

When the device is closed, its two part are not fastened together, so it is quick and easy to open the display. The display can be left in a range of positions but won't work with the stylus properly if it is not open fully - if the upper part is not fully open, it will yield under the pressure of the stylus until it reaches the end position. In this position, the display works in the landscape mode, creating a perfect impression of a "bonsai laptop".

If we turn the display vertically by 180 degrees and fold up the device, the Universal will become a classic Pocket PC. The display will automatically switch to the portrait mode and we can work. Over the few days I tested the device I could not get accustomed to this mode because of the device's weight, which is 300 grams. I should start working out:), to say nothing about female users. I let my wife try the device and its compatibility with her hand was yet lower. One would need to get used to but having used MDA Compact for several months, the difference is really big.

Moving on to design and we start with the device when closed. To make it clear, the device is lying on the table, with the inscription i-mate on the top facing the observer. Besides the inscription, there is only a loudspeaker on the top side. When we turn the device, we will find the lens of the better of the device's two integrated cameras, a high-power led that acts as a flash, and a cover of the battery compartment and SIM card slot. In order to prevent sliding of the device on the desk and scratches on rough surfaces, there is a rubber pad in each corner.
The front is a feast for symmetry lovers, with two loudspeaker grills, three buttons, a volume slider and an infrared sensor. Two out of the three buttons arte user-definable. The first one controls the camera, i.e. launches the camera application and releases the shutter. The second one starts sound recording and enables voice control of the device. The third one toggles backlight.
The right- and left-hand sides are less populated with controls, the right being totally bare, the left hosting an SD slot and the power switch.
Close-up of partially ejected SD card Comparison (top to bottom): MDA Compact, HTC Universal, iPAQ hx4700 Comparison (top to bottom): MDA Compact, HTC Universal, iPAQ hx4700

From this view, the rear somewhat resembles a full-fledged laptop computer with a headphones jack, a soft reset button, miniUSB connector for the synchronisation cable or power cable, two phone control buttons, two capped connectors for external antennas (GSM and WCDMA, respectively) and the stylus shaft.
Rear side Close-up of the rear side and hinge with pone control buttons Close-up of partly ejected stylus Comparison (top to bottom): MDA Compact, HTC Universal, iPAQ hx4700

That's not everything, of course. When we unfold the device, we can see another two large areas full of interesting elements. Most notably, it is the base part with a keyboard - more on that later. There are two rubber stumps in the right and left bottom corners that hold the display and keyboard at a sufficient distance to prevent the two parts from scratching each other. There are two curved LED indicators at the hinge. Both of them are two-coloured and inform about status and events: the left-hand one blinks green or blue to indicate wireless activity, while the right-hand one blinks green or orange to notify of alarms and appointments and charging. A microphone is hidden in a small notch on the left edge next to the green call answer button. There is yet another element in the area above the keyboard worth attention: it is located above the i-mate inscription and looks like a soft reset button but in reality, it is a light sensor that activates red backlight of the keyboard whenever it comes to the conclusion that it is too dark around for comfortable typing.
HTC Universal HTC Universal

Finally, lets take a look at the last part we have not mentioned yet. the inner side of the upper part. It is dominated by a VGA display 3.6 inch in diameter. To the left of the display, we discover a small hole - a speaker for the phone. On the opposite side is a cursorpad with a separate central button and a miniature camera for videocalls. The cursorpad deserves more attention for several reasons, the main being its unsuitability for gaming: it is a standalone control (user-definable buttons are somewhere else), and it supports only the four main directions, no diagonals. Speaking about buttons, I should add that they can be locked to prevent accidental presses.
HTC Universal Close-up of the loudspeaker Close-up of the cursorpad and camera for videocalls

Overall, I consider the HTC Universal as very well designed, especially in this dark grey variant. It is assembled well and does not look like the manufacturer economised on materials, even though the body of the devices is almost completely made of plastic but a few small parts. The biggest question is if the hinge and swivel are durable enough of in the long run or if going to service will become a new pastime of users. It is impossible to find out in just a few days, so I have no answer to that question.

Keyboard

HTC Universal is not the first Pocket PC with an integrated QWERTY keyboard. However, apart from dead-end Handheld PCs, this is the one of the best keyboards ever implemented in MS OS-based mobile devices, or perhaps the very best. I believe it is a microswitch keyboard rather than a membrane one. An advantage of microswitches is longer travel, better response and therefore better experience of typing. A disadvantage is relatively noisy clicking, which some may find disturbing, especially in quiet environments (e.g. you wife trying to fall asleep:). The keyboard consists of 62 buttons arranged in six rows. Normal buttons are 9.5 wide and 8.5 millimetre long but there are some keys of different size. First of all, it is the entire top row, buttons along the margins (the shape of the keyboard is not rectangular but I-do-not-know-how-to-describe-angular - see photos). Spacing between the keys is immeasurable by ordinary means, it is just tiny. The F and J key have the usual stops that make it easier to type without looking at the keyboard.
Close-up of the keyboard Keyboard backlight setting

The keyboard includes two types of keys - system/function and alphanumeric. There are 12 system and function keys, including a red and a green key that control the phone (call make and break), two program control keys (the two horizontal lines whose press is equivalent to tapping on the left- or right-hand side of the bar), an OK key (equivalent to tapping the upper right corner of the screen), a function key for typing the secondary character (red characters in the upper left corner of alphanumeric keys), a Win button to invoke the Start menu, a SYM button that makes it possible to type accented characters, such as "Ç" (type C and then press repeatedly to switch between various accents; however, some letters of the Czech alphabet are not supported - a task for localisers), and 4 application buttons (two of them are user definable, mail and Pocket Internet Explorer cannot be changed).

I should not forget about red backlight which is both appealing and efficient. When the sensor detects bad light conditions, it will activate the backlight upon a press of a button. The Universal then looks like a device from a sci-fi film:) The red light is not overly intensive, so it does not become obtrusive even when typing for a long time. It is possible to set for how long the backlight will shine or deactivate it completely.
Keyboard backlight

My real-life experience is mostly positive. When I laid the device on the table, I could type with four fingers quite comfortably. Yet I found it much more convenient to hold the device in both hands and type with the thumbs as I could reach all the keys without any problems. I chatted over ICQ and typed text messages this way. It was significantly more comfortable than with the Compact. I would not probably type the whole review this way but it was perfect for shorter texts. However, it is not all praise: there are a few minor issues, too. One of them is the presence of just one SHIFT key (located on the left). If you want to type capital A or Z, you need to reach it with the other hand. The clicking of the keyboard is tolerable but those who prefer an absolute quiet may find it annoying. Finally, the spacebar occupies the same space as two ordinary keys. Unfortunately, it has two microswitches, which is why I sometimes accidentally typed two spaces instead of one. The keyboard is generally very good and surely competitive in its category.
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Nov 20 UTStarcom Pocket PC 6700 from Telus
Found in:Devices,

Telus Mobility, UTStarcom Personal Communications and Microsoft Canada Co. today announced the Canadian availability of the UTStarcom Pocket PC 6700, the first Pocket PC in Canada with Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0.
The UTStarcom PPC6700 multifunction device offers high-speed mobile access to e-mail, the Internet, streaming video and operates in Canada on the Telus wireless high speed network.
In addition to Windows Mobile 5.0 software, was officially released by Microsoft on May 10, 2005, the UTStarcom PPC6700 has updated mobile versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player. The device also supports Outlook Mobile and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for over-the-air synchronization of e-mail, calendar and task information with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.
The high speed network is currently available to Telus subscribers in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal and offers download speeds of 400 to 700 kilobits per second. The UTStarcom PPC6700 is also backward compatible with TELUS Mobility's 1X network, which covers more than 90% of the Canadian population, and offers mobile data service where Wireless High Speed is not yet available.
Additional features include:

* Full sliding QWERTY keyboard that opens from the side;
* A 1.3 megapixel digital camera with video;
* Built-in WiFi capability;
* Bluetooth support;
* Automatically synchronization with Microsoft Exchange 2003;
* Built-in mini-SD slot for storing files.


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Dec 03 A701 Pocket PC phone coming to Europe first quarter of 2006
Found in:Devices, Mio, Pocket PC,

British online tabloid The Register was 2 times wrong about this phone: firstly they wrote Mio will next week preview the A701, its first GPS-enabled Windows Mobile-based smart phone and it has not (!) happened. Now they write, that The A701 is scheduled to ship mid-December but our sources directly (!) at Mio Technology (division of Mitac) have denied it, saying that it will be released in first quarter of next year.

Clearly all the claims of The Register about exclusivity are false because actually we also published information about A701 Pocket PC phone - that we received directly from Mitac. Furthermore claims about release date are also apparently false if even Mitac staff is denying them. We have impression that all these exclusivity claims are fabricated by The Register - just to pretend that they have exclusive information and to attract visitors.

One is for sure: they were wrong first time and now Mitac staff says that they are also wrong. If A701 indeed will not be available commercially "mid-December" 2005 then we all will have final confirmation of how unreliable source of information The Register really is. Since The Register was in past bashing Microsoft's efforts in mobile phone industry, now one can see that all these writings were not quite correct.

Some highlights about A701 Pocket PC phone:

* it will have slightly different specifications than A700 (Chinese version that is already on sale in Asia) but these differences are not yet officially announced or known
* built-in GPS
* built-in Bluetooth (but no Wi-Fi)
* GSM/GPRS support (but no EDGE or UMTS)
* fast processor: 520 MHz

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Nov 27 Acer n300 Review
Found in:Devices, Pocket PC, Reviews,

Designed for essential productivity, the Acer n300 features a high-brightness 3.7" VGA-quality display, the latest Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ Version 5.0 Software, a powerful processor and convenient wireless connectivity, for fast, versatile mobile computing.
The much-loved VGA baby of the Pocket PC world, the Acer n300, is now live on the Acer web site. An official specs sheet indicates that the device has a Samsung S3C2440 300MHz/400MHz processor, 64MB RAM, 64MB/128MB Flash ROM, a 3.7" VGA (480 x 640) TFT-LCD, an SDIO/SD/MMC slot, USB-Host/Client 1.1, Bluetooth 1.2, 802.11b Wi-Fi (on the high-end model), and Windows Mobile 5.0. No word yet on a release date or price, but it's signs like this that indicate the device will probably be on sale anytime soon.

A high-brightness 3.7" TFT LCD with 480 x 640 VGA resolution presents better clarity in sunlight, and increased screen real estate for greater productivity Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ Version 5.0 Software for Pocket PC Premium Edition delivers advanced multimedia and productivity features Landscape mode enables you to enjoy widescreen movies, or effectively work with spreadsheets and presentations An SD/MMC (SDIO support) slot and USB client/host allow you to conveniently expand functionality

Wireless LAN 802.11b and Bluetooth® 1.2 let you connect to networks or Bluetooth® devices with ease Data is saved to flash memory to safeguard your data against power loss Enduring battery life ensures that the Acer n300 is ready when you need it

Acer's new handheld design sports a slimmer, more contoured look, emanating a professional sophistication and style A plethora of pre-loaded applications make the n300 the perfect tool for every job: ‧Outlook® Mobile ‧Word™ , PowerPoint™ and Excel™ Mobile Acer's International Travelers Warranty (ITW) gives you peace of mind through worldwide technical support

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Mar 09 Advance Tech presents Windows Mobile 5.0 phone called M.A.G.I.C
Found in:Devices, Smartphone, WM5,

M.A.G.I.C is a new mobile PC phone announced lately and it is probably the world's fastest and first convergent mobile device, combining features of a personal computer with the capabilities of a mobile phone. This phone still is denoted as "prototype" but it has processor of 624 MHz which is faster than any Windows Mobile phone since now and it has built-in 8GB hard disk.

M.A.G.I.C operates on the latest Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, which allows fully functioning Windows environment. Other integrated software includes Sybase data management products which allows you to perform Over The Air data backup, data retrieval and software updates.



M.A.G.I.C can deliver rich multimedia experiences like a powerful desktop PC because of its powerful hardware, comprising Intel's fastest 624 MHz processor, inbuilt graphics accelerator and high fidelity audio codec. The phone can keep you connected while you are on the road with its features including GPRS, Edge, WiFI, Bluetooth and GPS.

M.A.G.I.C Features :

* powered by Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition
* processor: Intel Xscale 624 MHz with graphic accelerator 2700G3 and Video RaM
* connectivity standards: GSM quad band / GPRS / Wi-Fi 802.11b / EDGE / Bluetooth 2.0 / GPS / IrDA FIR 4 / USB
* card slot: micro-SD
* RAM 512 MB, ROM 512 MB, hard disk 8 GB
* 2 displays, both: QVGA = 320x240 pixels
* 2 cameras, both: 2 megapixel
* output: VGA Out, Print Out / USB printing
* dimension: 125 x 70 x 32 mm
* weight: 300 g
* QWERTY keyboard

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Jul 14 AeroPalm Aviation GPS and Flight Planning Kit for Palm devices
Found in:Mobile News, Palm, GPS, Software, Devices, Hardware,

Midwest Sport Aviation LLC, has just released a new Palm handheld based GPS solution for both the Sport Pilot and the general aviation market. The AeroPalm Aviation GPS is a flight planning and moving map solution that runs on Palm OS based devices.

AeroPalm Aviation GPS Features:

* flight planning
* fuel planning
* weight and balance
* flight plan form for calling the FAA
* E6B calculations
* moving map with airports
* airspace including special use and MOA’s, obstacles, and nav aids
* proximity page
* HSI, altitude, ground speed, vertical speed and an attitude approximater
* emergency “GO-TO” function to direct you to the nearest airport in the event of an emergency

It is available as complete Aviation GPS package or separately as a software on Palm handhelds and Treos as well as the Garmin iQue 3600, 3200, and 3000 and most other Palm OS Devices. The solution also works on the newly released Treo 700p. Those of you who already own a device, packages are available that include the GPS and mounting hardware for most Palm based PDA. For those that already have a Palm PDA, the software is available for $149 USD. The complete AeroPalm Aviation GPS starts at less than $535.00 USD.

More info you can find here.

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Oct 20 Agopc Releases the ago7 Ultra Mobile PC
Found in:Mobile News, Devices, UMPC,

Agopc has released its version of Ultra Mobile PCs, the ago7, touting its capabilities to connect to cellular data networks such as EDGE and CDMA EV-DO through it Bluetooth wireless interface.

ago7 UMPC runs the Microsoft Windows applications you already use on your desktop or laptop, with more capability than a PDA. ago7’s seven-inch touchscreen brings a world of convenience to your fingertips.

ago7 is equipped with a 1GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, and a 40GB hard drive, for just $799 plus shipping. agopc is dedicated to providing a quality product at a remarkably low price.

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Jul 19 AGPS and FM tuner available for E-TEN G500 in new ROM Update
Found in:Mobile News, Devices, E-TEN,

The long awaited AGPS (Aid GPS- see here for more information) i.e. Satellite Data Update as well as FM Tuner is bundled with this ROM update for E-TEN G500 Pocket PC phone.

Aided GPS describes a system where outside sources, such as an assistance server (by providing aid to the Almanac or Ephemeris data) help a GPS receiver perform the tasksrequired to make range measurements and position solutions. With such assistance from the network, the receiver can operate more quickly and efficiently than it would unassisted, because a set of tasks that it would normally handle is shared with the assistance server. With AGPS you can achieve GPS fix (location finding) very quickly.

FM Tuner which would be bundled in the future ROM upgrades. As the FM Tuner utilises the TMC (component of the GPS) protocol, best reception is obtained when outdoor.

With the FM TUner, TMC and RDS support E-TEN G500 seems to be one of the best Pocket PC Phones on the market now.

This new ROM update for E-TEN G500 Pocket PC phone is available for download here.

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Aug 27 Alltel released HTC PPC6800 Windows Mobile phone in USA
Found in:Devices, Pocket PC, Mobile News,

Alltel has just released HTC PPC6800 Windows Mobile Phone in the United States. It is one very solid phone which has slide-out QWERTY keyboard, WiFi and can work unde CDMA EVDO networks. As it looks like from the photo thae phone is supposed to be powered by Windows Mobile 6 although its distributor Alltel claims only Windows Mobile 5.0 compatibility.

Need to take your office with you? With the HTC PPC6800 from Alltel, you can. This smart device comes equipped with all the applications you need to stay connected when you're away from your desk. With Windows Mobile Office, you can view and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents, or preview your PowerPoint presentation while on the road. The handy slide-out QWERTY keyboard and Office Sync makes e-mailing easy. Plus stay connected and in touch with the touch-sensitive LCD screen and Wi-Fi capabilities.

If you want to learn more about HTC PPC6800 visit its official page.

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