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| O2 XDA |
| General |
| Network | Gsm 900 / Gsm 1800 |
| Announced | 2003 |
| Status | Available |
| Size |
| Dimensions | 129 X 73 X 18 Mm |
| Weight | 201 G |
| Display |
| Type | Tft Touchscreen, 4096 Colors |
| Size | 240 X 320 Pixels, 53 X 71 Mm |
| Ringtones |
| Type | Polyphonic (24 Channels), Wav |
| Customization | Download |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Memory |
| Phonebook | Yes |
| Call Records | Yes |
| Card Slot | Mmc/sd, |
| | - Intel Strong Arm 32-bit Processor
- 64 Mb Ram
- 32 Mb Rom |
| Data |
| Gprs | Class 8 (4+1 Slots), 32 - 40 Kbps |
| Hscsd | No |
| Edge | No |
| 3g | No |
| Wlan | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Infrared Port | Yes |
| Usb | Yes |
| Features |
| Os | Microsoft Windows Pocketpc |
| Messaging | Sms, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Browser | Html (pocketie) |
| Games | Yes |
| Colors | |
| Camera | No |
| | - Pocket Office(word, Excel, Outlook)
- Media Player
- Voice Memo
- Built-in Handsfree |
| Battery |
| | Standard Battery, Li-po |
| Stand-by | Up To 150 H |
| Talk Time | Up To 3 H 30 Min |
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O2 - XDAP-squared-DA with the O2 xda
Major features
Dual-band, PDA-based phone operating on Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition
High-resolution, 4096-colour TFT touch screen
High-speed data access via GPRS
SMS and email capabilities
SD/MMC memory card expansion
IR connectivity
5-way navigational key and physical buttons for basic phone features
Virtual keyboard and writing area for inputs
Speakerphone and stereo headset available for phone conversations
Dictaphone/voice recorder feature
Microsoft “Pocket” productivity applications
Audio and video clip playback with Windows Media Player 8 for Pocket PC
Compatible with most other third-party Pocket PC applications
USB docking station - for charging and synchronisation
Problems/Issues?
Backlight brightness levels cannot be varied
Brushed aluminium surfaces on front and sides may easily scratch
Sales package (should contain):
1 x O2 xda unit
1 x O2 xda device case
2 x styluses
1 x stereo headset
1 x USB docking station
1 x AC adaptor
1 x O2 xda user manual
1 x ActiveSync v3.5 installation CD-ROM
Overview
Most of us know this device as the O2 xda - a PDA-based phone running Microsoft’s latest Pocket PC 2002 (PPC2002) Mobile Edition operating system which tightly integrates both PDA and mobile phone functionality on a single device.
But for those who are unaware, the O2 xda is actually based upon HTC’s “Wallaby” hardware design. HTC is a Taiwanese manufacturer of Windows CE/Pocket PC devices that were also involved in the design and manufacture of Compaq’s iPAQ PDAs. See the connection huh?! :)
New/outstanding features
The O2 xda is the first PDA phone that I’ve come to review which runs PPC2002 Mobile Edition. What this means is the user gets a Windows-like user interface, and access to “Pocket” versions of Microsoft’s most commonly-used applications from the PC. The email/SMS program and phone applications are two applications on the “mobile phone” side of the O2 xda, where the Contacts application provides the required integration by supplying name, number and email information to the respective applications.
Other great features include the ability to surf the Internet quickly thanks to built-in GPRS capability, a speakerphone feature and playback of MP3 music files via Media Player where it can be heard through the supplied headsets.
Physical aspects
Although the O2 xda weighs slightly heavier than an iPAQ H3870 (201g versus 185g respectively), it actually comes in a smaller design which makes it easier to hold and use for both PDA and phone purposes.
By being smaller, this also meant the actual LCD screen needed to shrink down in size too - which was the case. The same depth in screen resolution was maintained (most, if not all, Pocket PC devices need to have a fixed size of 240 x 320 pixels) - therefore, the O2 xda having a sharper display thanks to smaller pixel sizing.
One piece of intelligent design that I really appreciate on the O2 XDA is the storage location of the stylus. The first time I got my hands on this device, I was thinking of it being something like the one found on an iPAQ. But when my fingers felt something unusual on the O2 xda’s external antenna, there was the answer. The stylus is actually a part of the antenna shape, and fits snugly into its resting slot when it’s inserted and not used.
Alike other Pocket PC devices, the O2 xda comes with several buttons that allow quick access to PDA features as well as phone functions. On the front, the ANSWER and REJECT buttons are conveniently located near the base of the unit on either sides of the 5-way navigational key. Adjusting the volume for calls can be done by pressing a button on the left side of the device, while turning the actual PDA (not the phone) on or off is done through the button at the top of the phone near the infrared port.
At the top, two preset-able buttons are available on both sides of the earpiece - one for the Contacts application (left), and the other for the Calendar (right). You can reassign these buttons from the device’s “Settings” menu.
Conducting phone calls with the O2 xda wasn’t any nightmare, on the condition that you are alright with the larger size and greater weight of the PDA/telephony device. I had a choice of either using the actual unit to conduct conversations (got use to it resting on my ear after a few round of calls) or via the supplied stereo headset - which could be a greater comfort for those only wanting to hold “less-than-100-gram-phones” only! :)
User Interface (UI)
Most people who have used PDAs would know that the Pocket PC operating system is based on Microsoft Windows technology - a version specially designed for PDAs. So using the O2 xda is going to be something like the experience with Windows - with the exception of the mouse being replaced by use of a stylus instead.
When compared with the likes of Handspring’s Treo 270 (which runs Palm OS), you will find both types of devices sharing a very different user interface and ways of doing things. Once you have mastered the basic fundamentals of getting around on a Pocket PC device, everything else will fall into place.
Conveniently, some relevant phone indicators are shown at the top of the screen on the menu bar. These include the current time, volume, signal strength, battery level (only shown when the battery level drops to around 30-40%) and message waiting/missed call indicator. You can turn off the phone, but not the PDA, by tapping on the signal strength icon and choosing “turn phone off” - and vice versa when the phone is off.
A service light indicator is also available on the O2 xda, and is located above the LCD and just below the PDA phone’s external antenna.
To access other applications on the O2 xda anytime, simply tap the “Start” icon at the top left-hand corner of the screen.
Making and receiving calls
There are three ways that you can take a call with the O2 xda - by using the actual PDA handset, via the speakerphone or through the stereo headsets. In all cases, the audio quality for calls were crisp and clear - which is most important when you want to conduct calls.
The phone-related applications on the O2 xda, including Phone and Inbox, are very simple to use thanks to a clean user interface. For example, making calls with the Phone application does not require the use of a stylus - simply tap the virtual 12-digit numeric keypad on the phone screen and tap the green SEND button (or the physical ANSWER button at the bottom of the phone) to initiate the call. You can also look up the number you want to call in your phone book by clicking on the “Contacts” icon at the bottom of the screen.
A tip for energy saving: once you have received the call and you do not need to use the PDA, press the power button at the top of the phone - which will turn off the LCD and backlight. You can still continue your call with the PDA off :)
Messaging
Whether it’s just a simple SMS message or an email for the boss at work, the O2 xda can do both wherever you may be. While SMS messages require the phone to be on the mobile network for it to be sent, e-mails can be done in the same fashion (either through CSD or GPRS) or sent when the phone is synchronised with the ActiveSync synchronisation software on your PC. Character input is done through either handwriting recognition (individual characters or entire words) or using the virtual keyboard.
Battery life
The internal Lithium-polymer battery of the O2 xda sure knows how to perform when compared with other Pocket PC devices. On average usage, I was able to get approximately 3 days’ worth of standby out of the device without any partial charging in between - which included high levels of PDA usage and around an hour worth of calls. The numbers will vary greatly depending on your usage patterns (that is, more/less of PDA/phone features, etc).
Major features...
Dual-band, PDA-based phone operating on Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition
The O2 xda is one of the first PDA phones to feature the new PPC2002 Phone Edition operating system, which tightly integrates both phone and organiser features together making operating such a device much more seamless than ever before. Both the GSM 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies are compatible with the O2 xda.
High-resolution, 4096-colour TFT touch screen
Alike other Pocket PC devices, the O2 xda comes with a 240x320-pixel TFT screen showing up to 4096 colours and having touch-screen capabilities.
High-speed data access via GPRS
Whether it’s a standard dial-up data connection or using your mobile network’s high-speed GPRS connection, the O2 xda comes ready with this support whenever you need it. No more “I need two devices to browse the web and send email” scenarios!
SMS and email capabilities
The Inbox application supports the sending and receiving of both SMS and email messages while on the move.
Main menu
Phone features
SMS templates
SD/MMC memory card expansion
Finding 32MB worth of internal memory not enough to get around with? Or you want to play back MP3 music files without having to bring another device around? The O2 xda provides the ability for memory expansion by using SD/MMC type memory cards and inserting them at the base of the PDA unit. A backup program is also available where calendar and contacts data can be “backed up” to a designated memory card.
IR connectivity
If you don’t have your USB docking station handy to send/receive information to and from your O2 xda and PC/laptop, the IR port can also be used for this purpose. Not restricting its use to synchronisations, it can also be used to send/receive other types of information - including business cards, images and other types of files.
5-way navigational key and physical buttons for basic phone features
It doesn’t have to be screen-tapping all the way! There are times when you can access specific functions via using the 5-way navigational key to manoeuvre the selection cursor around the screen, and confirming selection by depressing on it. Other buttons, such as the two customisable application keys, answer/reject and volume buttons provide quick and easy access to functions without having to whip out the stylus.
Virtual keyboard and writing area for inputs
The O2 xda provides several input methods for the user to enter data onto the device - including a virtual keyboard mode, a character recognition mode, and one that tries to recognise handwriting (I didn’t really have much success with the last one).
Speakerphone and stereo headset available for phone conversations
Don’t feel like holding a brick next to your ear (actually, it’s not that bad)? Fortunately, there are two other options for conducting phone conversations - either through the speakerphone feature or by using the provided stereo headsets.
Dictaphone/voice recorder feature
In addition to the built-in notes feature, voice notes can be recorded and stored onto the PDA’s memory for later retrieval and playback.
Microsoft “Pocket” productivity applications
Included with the O2 xda and it’s PPC2002 operating system are the Microsoft “Pocket” applications - including some from the popular Office package (Pocket Excel, Outlook and Word), and Pocket Internet Explorer for web page browsing. All applications are customised for use on a Pocket PC and probably provide practicality when reading or reviewing email attachments with relevant formats with the ability to make changes as well.
Audio and video clip playback with Windows Media Player 8 for Pocket PC
The popular audio and video player found on our Windows PC is also available on the PPC2002-enabled O2 xda, where it provides the ability to play back short sound and video clips. The player can also act as an MP3 player.
Compatible with most other third-party Pocket PC applications
If you have any existing Pocket PC software, it is most likely that you can use them on the O2 xda as well. This means the previous investments you made on purchasing software for your previous Pocket PC device won’t go to waste.
USB docking station - for charging and synchronisation
Provided in the sales package is the USB docking station allowing the O2 xda to synchronise and charge at the same time (provided that the power adaptor has been plugged into the docking).
Problems/Issues?
Top: Nokia 7650
Middle: O2 xda
Bottom: iPAQ
The O2 xda is undeniably one of the best PDA phones that I have come to review so far! You can actually see from an overall perspective that the designers have taken much of the ergonomics into consideration (sizing, positioning of features, etc) - allowing for maximum comfort and usability while using an above-average sized unit.
But there are always those one or two things that could have probably been added in to make things even better. We can’t win them all I suppose! :)
Backlight brightness levels cannot be varied
On other Pocket PC devices - such as the iPAQ, the device’s backlight intensity can be changed on a scale of 0% to 100%. While on the O2 xda, the backlight setting only allows enabling and disabling only - and nothing in the middle. It would have been great if I could have some backlight even in low battery situations - rather than having to switch it off.
Brushed aluminium surfaces on front and sides may easily scratch
The casing of the O2 xda feels great to hold. But the trade-off in having such a fine brushed aluminium surface is the ease of having it scratched if it is not protected properly. Even the iPAQ didn’t have such a fine surface, which made it slightly more durable in similar situations. Fortunately, the back of the device has been given a surface providing appropriate friction when placed on a variety of surfaces and also less chance of scratching.
In Summary
What can I say? All up, I found the O2 xda a beaut of a PDA phone where it won me on design, looks and usability. The elegant brushed aluminium casing and sharp colour touch screen put together gave the phone that bold look - unlike the Handspring Treo designs that I reviewed previously.
For those people who have been using Palm OS-based PDAs, probably the one thing on your mind right now is the need in re-learning how to use a PDA because of the differing operating systems and user interface. Yes, this is an undeniable fact but not the hardest of tasks to tackle. I am a Palm OS user myself, and I’ve tried taking on using an iPAQ. The end result - going back to my older device because I was more comfortable with it and the iPAQ didn’t offer me any additional benefits over my Palm device.
Also, you can’t use your third-party Palm OS applications on a Pocket PC device - which was another something that made be switch back.
The O2 xda may just be the device that will win my Pocket PC patronage - since it offered me the additional benefits of having telephony applications available at my fingertips plus the ability to communicate using other built-in applications. For example, Pocket Internet Explorer would just “sit there” on the PDA device viewing local HTML files unless you had an external device (mobile phone, connectivity kit, LAN card accessory, etc) that allowed an Internet connection.
Simply put, the O2 xda is an all-in-one device that cannot be overlooked. It has quite a bit to offer, and the integration of the mobile phone feature makes this Pocket PC PDA quite complete. |
| Common misspellings on this brand: po2 |
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