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| O2 XDA Exec |
| General |
| Network | Umts / Gsm 900 / Gsm 1800 / Gsm 1900 |
| Announced | 2005, August |
| Status | Available |
| Size |
| Dimensions | 127 X 81 X 25 Mm |
| Weight | 285 G |
| Display |
| Type | Tft Touchscreen, 65k Colors |
| Size | 640 X 480 Pixels, 73 X 55 Mm |
| | - Touchscreen Input And Qwerty Keyboard Input Modes
- Handwriting Recognition |
| Ringtones |
| Type | Polyphonic, Mp3, Aac |
| Customization | Download |
| Vibration | Yes |
| | - Dual Speakers |
| Memory |
| Phonebook | In Shared Memory, Photo Call |
| Call Records | Yes |
| Card Slot | Sdio/mmc, |
| | - 64mb Ram, 128mb Rom
- Intel Bulverde 520 Mhz Processor |
| Data |
| Gprs | Class 10 (4+1/3+2 Slots), 32 - 48 Kbps |
| Hscsd | No |
| Edge | No |
| 3g | Yes, 384 Kbps |
| Wlan | Wi-fi 802.11b |
| Bluetooth | Yes, V1.2 |
| Infrared Port | Yes |
| Usb | Yes, Miniusb |
| Features |
| Os | Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocketpc |
| Messaging | Sms, Mms, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Browser | Wap 2.0/xhtml, Html (pocketie) |
| Games | Yes, |
| Colors | Stylish Black |
| Camera | 1.3 Mp, 1280x960 Pixels, Video; Secondary Vga Videocall Camera |
| | - Pocket Office(word, Excel, Outlook)
- Java Midp 2.0
- Voice Memo
- Mp3/aac Player
- Video/audio Album
- Built-in Handsfree |
| Battery |
| | Standard Battery, Li-ion 1620 Mah |
| Stand-by | Up To 250 H |
| Talk Time | Up To 8 H |
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O2 - XDA ExecO2 XDA Exec
The 4WM web site has been granted the chance to take a look at one of the new high specification Windows Mobile 5.0 machines which are now launching on to the market place.
We are of course talking about the O2 Xda (Dopod 900/HTC Universal), the PDA which uses a revolutionary design to offer both a clamshell and portrait case form factor. The has been drawing interest throughout the world as being an amazing machine, and even spotlighted in the Mobile & Embedded DevCon (MEDC 2005) conference by Bill Gates himself.
So is this machine as fantastic as is claimed?
In the Box
The O2 Xda supplied is a pre-release machine meaning that the hardware is finalised but that the ROM has yet to be updated to the final build which will ship out on the retail machines. The machine was also supplied in an unbranded box without the O2 livery, so at this time we are unable to show you what the retail box will look like.
Due to these factors at this time we will review the hardware aspects of the machine and cover the ROM and applications at a later date.
The box when opened contained:
Xda Exec
Mains power charger (uses mini-USB)
USB to miniUSB cable (for connection to the PC)
1620mAh 4.2VDC Li-ion Polymer Battery
2 styli (one is in the machine)
wired head set
Slip case (no belt holster)
The Device In Detail
The first aspect of the to blow your mind is the styling - this is the most beautifully styled PDA that I have ever come across, and included within that statement is every PDA I've owned from the Psion 5MX, the iPAQ's and the prior models in the Xda range. The basic design style from HTC is outstanding but O2 have enhanced this with the charcoal and black colouration and the raised O2 logos.
Every line on the is smooth and contoured, there are no rough edges here at all indicating poor manufacturing.
Looking at the 'cover' of the you can see the central O2 logo and above it the piercings for the speaker which is used when the device is closed and being used as a phone.
There are two indicator LEDs embedded into the right and left outer spines of the hinges:
Bi-color LED on the right side: Green and Orange for GSM/WCDMA standby, SMS message, GSM/WCDMA network status, notification, battery charging status.
Bi-color LED on the left side: Blue and Green for Bluetooth system, notification of powered-up and ready to transmit radio frequency signal, and Wi-Fi status.
The left hand edge of the details (left to right):
The on/off (standby switch) - as with all HTC devices press and hold to toggle backlight on and off
The microphone (above the SD slot mid-way between power switch and the SD slot)
MMC/SD Cards or SDIO Accessories Slot - Lets you insert a storage card (MMC/SD) for storing data, of fit an SDIO device
The front control panel sports the following again left to right):
Left hand side stereo speaker
Camera button - press once to load the camera, press again to take a picture
Voice button - Press to load the voice recognition program, or press and hold record a voice note.
IrDA - InfraRed port - Lets you exchange file(s) or data with other devices wirelessly.
Backlight - Press to turn on the backlight.
Volume - Slide left or right to adjust the volume.
Again here you just have to admire those lines. The control panel buttons are slightly recessed into the body of the housing, this means (for me at least) that I do not have to have the button lock on while the is in my belt holster** - a first for a PPC device!
** - The holster which I use is that used originally for my Psion 5 MX Pro, and can be found here from Vega Holsters. It fits the perfectly and I in fact use it as my preferred belt case for all PPC machines.
The back and spine of the hold:
Send/Speakerphone button - Press to take an incoming call, or to dial a number. Keep pressed for one second to activate the Speakerphone.
End button - Press to end a call.
Stylus and Stylus Slot
WCDMA Car Antenna Connector (blanked) - Connect your WCDMA phone to an external or car antenna
GSM Car Antenna Connector (blanked) - Connect your GSM phone to an external or car antenna
Sync Connector - For synchronizing data or recharging the battery (USB 2.0)
Soft Reset - Press the Reset button with the stylus to soft-reset your device
Earphone Jack - Allows you to listen to audio media or use the phone’s hands-free kit. It should be noted that the jack is a 3.5mm plug which means that most common stereo headphones can be used!
The bottom of the (which acts as the base most of the time while on the desk) has been thoughtfully fitted with four soft rubberised feet which serve both to give the device a firm footing as well as prevent it sliding along the desk while typing on the keyboard or tapping on the screen.
The base also contains:
The camera lens for the 1.3mPixel camera
Flashlight
Battery cover / lock
O2 logo
The battery lock slides down the body and releases the battery cover which flips out slightly to allow easy removal. Once removed you have access to the inside of the machine allowing you to mount your 3G SIM card and the 1620mAh 4.2VDC Li-ion Polymer Battery. One these have been mounted you can gently slide and press the battery cover in to place.
One worry I've always has using PDAs (or phones) with cameras is that of damage to the lens while being used in the real world. This issue has been thoughtfully addressed by HTC as the actual lens itself is within the body and access is granted to via a 'glassed' in port within the battery cover. Clever!
The Stylus
The stylus supplied with the are weird, no excuses, no denials they are weird. The construction is made from both plastic and aluminum and curves abound along every face. Bend tests carried out indicate that the plastic portion has a relatively high bending moment (for the engineers out there) and is pressed tightly into the aluminum, so you will have no concerns about the plastic coming adrift or snapping off.
The stylus slides smoothly into its housing within the body and is held in by frictive forces aided by what feels like a weak spring clip which engages into the groove on the stylus body. The spring clip provides just enough force to hold the stylus in position whilst allowing a smooth easy withdrawal once you want to extract it from the body.
Modes Of Operation
The primary mode of operation for the is probably that of a mini-laptop, that is in clamshell mode. Once the lid has been raised and positioned to a comfortable angle (free positioning through approximately 165 degrees) the main screen and keyboard are revealed.
The 640 x 480 VGA screen is the almost standard 3.6" across the diagonal dimension and in operation is bright and clear (see later). To the left of the screen is the joy pad and action button along with the secondary smaller camera.
The joy pad directions automatically change depending on the orientation of the screen (clamshell or portrait) which is pretty useful!
The secondary camera is primarily used for video conferencing whereby it will record your video stream for forwarding on to your partner in the call.
Keyboard
The other half of the clamshell design of course holds the keyboard as well as the backlight sensor which is located immediately above the 'Xda Exec' name, this serves to measure the brightness of the ambient light and determines whether the keyboard backlight is needed or not.
The keyboard itself although relatively small is much bigger than the 'thumb boards' usually found on PDAs, and this means that those folks with large fingers need not worry there is plenty of room on each key and you'll not have any difficulty hitting any of the keys when typing at speed.
The keys themselves are quite firm in operation and each time a key is pressed a 'mechanical' click is generated, loud enough to be useful without annoying.
The keyboard itself follows the standard QWERTY layout for the main alpha-numeric keys although some of the secondary keys such as : " @, etc have to be accessed by using the blue FN key. Some symbol locations such as the @ symbol are more reminiscent of am American keyboard.
Above the main QWERTY keyboard are the Exec's special function keys which allow you to access (left to right):
Green Call Button - to pick up a call, make a call, or send a message. You can also enable or disable the Speakerphone by pressing and holding the key for one second.
Left Hand soft key - used for interaction with WM 5.0
Contacts Button - defined as standard to load the Standard Contacts Application
Video Call key - used to make a video-enabled call in a 3G environment
Right Hand soft key - used for interaction with WM 5.0
End Call Button - used to end a call or cancel a message
Other special keys which surround the lower part of the keyboard are:
FN - Press once to enter a second-layer symbol or number press and hold the key for continuous second-layer symbol or number entries
EMAIL - Press to start the standard Email Application
WINDOWS - Press to activate the Start Menu
EXPLORER - Press to quickly start Internet Explorer Mobile
SYM - Press to enter symbols or special characters from a predefined list
OK - Press to verify your data entries / close windows
So no shortage of key functions to use to interact with the Exec!
Just below the keyboard are two rubber pillars which serve to ensure the screen does not strike the keyboard while the is closed or that the hinge is stressed too much by being pushed too far closed.
Twist and Turn!
One of the unique features of the is the ability for the machine to work in both clamshell and portrait orientations. As an engineer this was one of my causes for concern as I had doubts about the integrity of the hinge and it's operation. I'm happy to say that these worries were groundless the central pivot around which the hinge turns feels pretty strong and seems well constructed.
The clockwise pivot action is achieved by the main hinge rising slightly from a dish bubble friction lock and once rotated through the 180 degrees a similar frictive lock holds it in the new position. This ensures that the screen can be rotated easily and yet once rotated is not easy to knock out of position.
Remember though that the screen does only swivel in one direction - do take care to ensure you do turn it correctly. However if you do try and turn it counter-clockwise you will immediately feel the pressure against an internal lock-stop and will know not to try and turn it any more.
So here we go with a pictorial twist and erm turn
Size
One of the major concerns folk seem to have concerning the is it's size, I hear over and over again that 'it is an inch thick and weighs a heck of a lot'. Yes it is large, but in reality the size and weight are not issues. If you look at the size chart here you will see that it is actually shorter in height than the Xda II and the iPAQ 4705, and only 4mm thicker than the iPAQ 6515.
The shaped contours also serve to effectively reduce thickness while closed, or in portrait mode, (it is extremely comfortable in the hand) and when open the size is eliminated if in desktop mode as you only interact with the keyboard and the screen.
The higher weight does serve to ensure that the sits well on the desk as most of the mass is under the keyboard which means you can tap on the screen with impunity, the is not going to tip over backwards (unless you are tapping too hard).
So for me at least as a 'power user' the size and weight is not an issue.
Initial Booting
Now that the actual design on the has been explored we can look at actually using the device. After the SIM and battery have been fitted it must be connected to the charger and allowed to charge for at least 8 hours..... sigh...
Once charged you can turn the on and follow through the standard Windows Mobile 5.0 initialisation scenario aligning the screen, setting up regional requirements, any passwords, etc.
Once that initial set up has been completed the will soft reset and load the O2 custom software. As per usual the device is locked at this point and you can not interfere with the process.
The when loaded with the release ROM will have certain special run modes available at this point, but as this is not a final build those are not documented here.
Once initialisation has been completed you will have a fully functional Exec! As you can see the screen is very bright and clear indeed, and for those who have the need I can reassure you - yes it is readable in full sunlight.
Of course the sun or decent lighting is not always available when you want to use the keyboard on the machine, and HTC have thought of that, the keyboard is nicely back lit, and the has been fitted with custom O2 blue backlighting which I think looks way cool!
Memory
One of the main features within the is the storage memory used. On older designs of machines your data (e-mail, contacts, calendar, settings, apps, etc) were stored in RAM. RAM has the advantage of being fast, but the major disadvantage is that it needs a continual power supply to retain data. Which means on older machines if the battery went flat you'd lost your information.
Persistent storage eliminates these problems, you can flatten the battery completely and the will lose none of your data! However after 72 hours of flat battery time, the real-time clock will be reset, so once charged the clock will need resetting - so if you have any time / date critical applications on your machine you need to make sure you reset the clock prior to running them!
As the new 'persistent' ROM configuration is significantly different in it's requirements so the memory map has changed on the Exec. Gone are the WM2003/SE specifications of 64/128Mb RAM & 128Mb ROM, the Exec's memory is as follows:
The features 128MB ROM and 64MB RAM.
The 128MB ROM is divided as:
Windows Mobile 5 (Windows CE Core)+Common apps: 64Mb
Extended ROM: 20Mb
Remaining Storage size (Visible to the end user): 44Mb (or 43.5Mb in the screen shot)
The 64MB Program Memory is completely separate to the 128MB area, and it is no longer possible to dynamically adjust storage and program memory, as in previous versions of Windows Mobile.
Of this 64MB memory, about 50Mb (47.93 in the screen shot) is available after Windows starts up, loads it's drivers, reserves space for graphics, peripherals etc. The 50Mb is then used to run your system applications (Today applets, etc) and installed applications (Spb GPRS Monitor or other application)
Hopefully that details the workings of the Exec's memory... phew!
[Note: The screen shot was taken from the after it had been loaded with a fair number of applications]
Hidden Extras
Hidden within the are of course other hidden extras, which are not obvious, some of these features are:
WiFi
Bluetooth - 1.2 specification
Persistent storage memory - which means even if your battery runs flat you should not lose any of your data
Enhanced Camera system - which we will cover in the next part of the review
USB 2.0 interface - Ensures that data transfer to/from the machine operates at high speed
External Pro's & Con's
Pro's
High level of styling and manufacturing quality
Non-slip body coating
Secondary Call / End call buttons on the hinge spine
1.3mPixel camera
Flashlight
Camera lens protection
3G video calling
QWERTY keyboard
Backlight on the keyboard
Dual usage modes - clamshell and portrait
BT and WiFi
Speakerphone
SDIO complaint SD slot
Voice dialling (Bluetooth headset supported)
Auto-change orientation of screen and joy pad
Windows Mobile 5.0 OS
Persistent storage memory
Headset ear buds updated compared to earlier machines
USB2 interface
MS Voice NOT used for the voice dial system
3.5mm Jack Socket allows standard headphones to be used
Can use standard SIM cards as well as 3G
Can use high capacity (2Gb tested) SD cards
3G link supports simultaneous voice / data connections
Very loud sound system through stereo speakers
Con's
Poor quality slip case that does not echo the quality of the machine
Part II - Application
We will continue to investigate the wonder machine from O2, the O2 Xda Exec, by next looking at the included application set.
In part most of the applications are those that are available as standard under Windows Mobile 5.0, but O2 have added their own specialist applications.
Does this combination serve to create the next generation Xda machine?
Boot Mode
Before we look at the applications and the machine in detail it is worth bringing into focus at this point one unique feature which O2 have had designed into the machine. Unlike other 'HTC Universal' machines the gives you the option of three install types, these are:
Basic - The is set up with basic features only the O2 today screen and O2 connection settings. This is the preferred option if you do not want to use O2 Active and want to be up and running on the 'net' as painlessly as possible
Corporate - The Corporate option remains as in prior Xda builds - you get the standard HTC Universal applications and nothing else, no preconfigured 'net' settings, nothing. The code needed to allow Corporate mode is still 0506
Personal - This offers the richest application set and comprises the O2 Active System, O2 applications and settings as well as the O2 network configuration settings
This install type screen will appear as part of the boot process after a hard reset as been carried out, but it can also be accessed from the Programs Screen, which gives you the ability to switch modes 'on the fly' which is very useful indeed!
These changes may involve a restart of the machine but no hard reset is required.
The Applications
Usually when we look at the applications on a new device we take pains to ensure that any screen shots taken include only the native applications. However for this review all the installed applications have been left visible (but faded out) so that folks can see which applications I have used that are WM 5.0 complaint.
The standard application set (WM 5.0 and O2 apps) includes:
Games - Bubble Breaker & Solitaire
O2 Active - allows you to manually activate the O2 Active system if you have disabled it auto-starting (O2 specific)
ActiveSync - The WM client component of ActiveSync 4.xx
Calculator - WM 5.0 Calculator
Camera - HTC Camera control application
Clear Storage - This removes the need to hard reset - it wipes the protected part of memory that allows the persistent store system to work, in effect hard resetting. A very effective and easier way of performing a hard reset than juggling buttons and stylus presses!
Download Agent - Allows you to obtain updates for your 'over the air'. MS have not yet turned this system on
Email Setup - Custom O2 wizard which allows you to easily configure email (O2 specific)
Enroller - For managing digital certificates. Not in any real use at the moment, but this type of application will become more important in the future
Excel Mobile - WM 5.0 Pocket Excel
File Explorer - WM 5.0 File Manager
Hotspots Directory - Custom O2 application which allows you to search for WiFi Hotspots on the O2 UK network (O2 specific)
Install Type - here you can load the Install mode selector and switch operating install types (O2 specific)
MIDLet Manager - allows you to use mini Java applets on the Exec
Notes - WM 5.0 - Notes application
O2 - SIM Toolkit - used to access operator features on prepay SIM cards (O2 specific)
Pictures & Videos - WM 5.0 Video / Picture viewing application
PowerPoint Mobile - WM 5.0 PowerPoint Application
Search - WM 5.0 system search applet
SIM Manager - WM 5.0 client for managing SIM contacts
Task Manager - Allows you to control running apps, or in advanced mode see running processes (O2 Europe specific)
Tasks - WM 5.0 To-Do list application
Terminal Services - WM 5.0 Terminal Services application for accessing servers remotely
Voice Speed Dial - Voice activated speed dialling / application launching (HTC application)
Wireless Manager - HTC client application for managing the phone / Bluetooth and WiFi (HTC application)
Wireless Modem - allows you to use your as a 3G modem (HTC application)
Word Mobile 5.0 - WM 5.0 Pocket Word Application
Zip - HTC ZIP client for managing Zipped file archives
This is a goodly set of applications comprising the full WM 5.0 suite, some good applications from HTC and the icing on the cake is the O2 additions. In addition to the above applications which are part of ROM install O2 supply the Spb GPRS Monitor and the ClearVue PDF viewer on the companion CD.
We'll now look at some of these applications in detail.
Hotspots Directory
This is one incredibly useful application, you can use it to search for WiFi Hotspots using any of the pop-ups shown on screen. Using it I've already located two hotspots near home that I was completely unaware of. Hotspots are available for either the UK or Ireland - depending on which region was selected on the set up screen.
Pocket MSN
This is your portal into the MSN Communications system, from here you can access:
MSN Messenger
MSN Hotmail
Compose Hotmail
MSN Mobile web site
As the system supports the downloading of new Hotmail messages if any arrive while you are signed into MSN Messenger you are always kept up to date if any new important emails arrive.
Task Manager
The new Task Manager written by HTC for use on the 'Universal' allows you to view all tasks running, whether they are programs or processes. Very useful in tracking down what exactly is running and identifying problem areas. The only thing missing here is a CPU usage indicator! The task manager is available on O2 Europe machines only - it's not part of the standard Universal build.
Voice Speed Dial
Voice Speed Dial is one of the jewels in the crown on the Exec. You can set voice tags against any contacts phone numbers (home, work, mobile, etc), internally or on the SIM, as well as any application on the machine. This works flawlessly and makes it really easy to call any contact or launch any program on the Exec. It works as standard with the voice dial button on the outside of the or by running the application itself.
The other bonus is that (if you have a compatible Bluetooth headset) you can voice dial over Bluetooth! This is one feature that users have been requesting for a long time and with the that request is met!
The Voice Speed Dial application is produced for HTC by the Cyberon Corporation in Taiwan.
Wireless Manager
The Wireless Manager acts as your portal to the Exec's world of communication. It allows you to toggle on and off the phone, Bluetooth and WiFi systems as well as managing the settings and configuration of each component.
New within the WM 5.0 system is the ability to define incoming ports for devices like GPS navigation systems.
Wireless Modem
The Wireless Modem applet built into the is a rather useful tool as it allows the laptop (or PC user) to access the O2 communications network from a machine other than the Exec.
The / Modem can link to the PC via USB, Bluetooth or IrDA and serves to offer a 254Kbs connection if linked by USB and a 3G connection is available. The only problem at the time of writing the review is that lack of 3G connectivity at home. The application includes basic status indicators so you can see if the connection is live and whether data is flowing. The system will operate using standard GPRS connection speeds as well so you should be able to get online in most places!
Zip
Yet another useful addition to the feature-set of the Exec. HTC have clearly realised that power and corporate users have a requirement to handle Zip files in the mobile environment.
The application is fully functional allowing you to create new archives, send the files via email or infrared (no mention of Bluetooth). Configuration options allows you to set the columns visible as well as setting start up modes, compression settings, etc.
Camera
The Camera application familiar to prior Xda owners has always been relatively powerful but have now been enhanced beyond belief. Modes of operation have now been expanded do:
Photo - Captures standard still images.
Video - Captures video clips, with or without accompanying
MMS Video - Captures video clips suitable for sending via MMS.
Contacts Picture - Captures a still image and gives you the option immediately assign it to a Photo ID for a contact.
Picture Theme - Captures still images and places them within frames.
Panorama - Captures a sequence of still images continuously in one direction, and allows stitching of all images to create a collage.
Sport - Captures a sequence of still images (5 ~ 30) automatically for a short duration at a defined frequency.
Burst - Captures a sequence of still images (maximum 30) long as the CAMERA button or the ENTER button on the NAVIGATION control is kept pressed.
Of these the later three are absolutely amazing in operation, and do have to be seen to be believed.
As you can see there are plenty of options available to adjust both in modes of capture and capture seizes. You can even use the application to switch between the two different cameras. The software will interpolate pictures up to 2 mega pixels but this does require a goodly amount of light). The boasts a 2.0x digital zoom facility as well as a Self-Timer - again new features to any PDA camera so far!
In the final part of the review we will investigate the quality of media produced by the camera and detail examples of most modes.
Power Profiles
Power Profiles are accessed via the O2 Active system and allow you to use various profiles on the which will globally vary according to what has been set within each profile. Profiles include as standard:
High Power
Long Life
Normal
Custom
Scheduled
Basic scheduling is included which allows you to switch profiles at various times.
Phone Pad
The Phone Pad SIP (Soft Input Panel) provides a simple and useful alternate method for entering information. Using Phone Pad, you can switch between three input modes:
T9
Multi-Tap
Numeric
Very useful for those users who are used to using mobile phone style data entry!
Applications Pro's & Con's
Pro's
O2 Active system
Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system offers greatly enhanced / improved Office suite
Greatly enhanced camera application with varied capture modes
Easy UK ISP set up application
UK HotSpots Directory
Various 'Install' modes
Pocket MSN System included on ROM
Advanced O2 Task Manager
Voice Speed Dial
Wireless Manager
Wireless Modem
Zip
Phone Pad |
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