Cellphone

[robmoors]

I am looking for a new cellphone though I have no idea which one to get a BB or a cellphone an Iphone I just don't know and I was hoping you guys could help me out here. I got a list of things I want it to be able to do but its negotiable: (yes I know the demands are steep here )

Cell phone:

• Touch screen accessible with and without pen
• On Screen Keyboard
• Mp3 Player (good sound quality; mp3, mp4, wma compatible)
• Video Player (avi, mp4, divx compatible)
• Fast Unlimited (without extra charge) Internet (Gmail, 9292OV, etc)
• SMS MMS and Messenger compatible (msn, gtalk)
• Organizer (year-month-week-day-hour), Calculator, Unit Converter
• Full Call and Text Message Details
• Full screen, as few buttons as possible
• Computer interaction through Windows Explorer with USB 2.0
• Camera and Video
• +/- 2 Gigabyte of storage (SD memory Card)
• Decent Battery (10 hours full use and about 5 days normal use)
• Fully skin able and customizable UI
• Cell phone Plan: 2 year plan 30-40 Euro’s a month
• 2 year guarantee (all repairs)
• Hands free: Earplugs or Bluetooth Headset
• Quad Band - Cheap Rates Abroad
• No Connection Problems

[Ivica Valjak]

Wel maybe if you know David Coperfield,he could help you with your wishes

[solo]

Hmmm...quite a list, what about a "beam me up" button?

I am sure you have looked at the Iphone, now that the ATT-Apple connection has been hacked this could now finally be a serious option.

[robmoors]

Yeah but I hear so many negative reviews on that, things liket he touchscreen giving out after 3 months and such :S I dont want that. And a beam me up button would be nice yes

[Daniel Bouchard]

Rob,

Which are your second and third wishes

[boofredlay]

I want a watch. One that tells time and controls it.

[robmoors]

So do we have any serious suggestions here , not that I don't like the sarcasm here

[Paul Russam]

What you want is an HTC Hermes its carried by many providers who brand it as their own:

HTC Hermes / HTC TyTN / O2 XDA trion / T-Mobile MDA Vario II / Vodafone 1605 VPA Compact III / Orange SPV M3100 / Dopod CHT 9000 / Dopod 838 Pro / DoCoMo hTc Z / Qtek 9600 / iMate JasJam / Cingular 8525 / AT&T 8525 / Swisscom XPA v1605 / SoftBank X01HT / Vodafone PDA 1605 / Vodafone PDA 9600

As for your list:
YES - Touch screen accessible with and without pen
YES + REAL KB - On Screen Keyboard
YES TO SOME - Mp3 Player (good sound quality; mp3, mp4, wma compatible)
YES TO SOME- Video Player (avi, mp4, divx compatible)
G3 - Fast Unlimited (without extra charge) Internet (Gmail, 9292OV, etc)
YES - SMS MMS and Messenger compatible (msn, gtalk)
YES - Organizer (year-month-week-day-hour), Calculator, Unit Converter
YES - Full Call and Text Message Details
YES - Full screen, as few buttons as possible
YES - Computer interaction through Windows Explorer with USB 2.0
YES + 2 CAMS - Camera and Video
MICRO SD UPTO 4GB - +/- 2 Gigabyte of storage (SD memory Card)
SORT OF- Decent Battery (10 hours full use and about 5 days normal use)
YES - Fully skin able and customizable UI
DEPENDS ON CARRIER - Cell phone Plan: 2 year plan 30-40 Euro’s a month
DEPENDS ON CARRIER - 2 year guarantee (all repairs)
YES - Hands free: Earplugs or Bluetooth Headset
DEPENDS ON CARRIER - Quad Band - Cheap Rates Abroad
DEPENDS ON CARRIER - No Connection Problems

Here are some links:
General Info:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Hermes
Examples of Wisbar Advance Skins:
http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=66fbc0c945645d9e07ea90e479f36436&f=41
A good PocketPC site:
http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/

HTC make nearly all the Pocket PC's out there, here's their site, on which I note they've just launched the TyTn II:
http://www.htc.com/

[dylan]

Did you come to a decision Rob?

Im looking at a smartphone myself, possibly the HTC Touch.

[robmoors]

Have not yet had the time to go over the full list provided by Paul (thanks btw!) But I will let you know!

[robmoors]

Ive found it the E-Ten glofiish X800:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/e-tens-glofiish-x800-everything-but-the-qwerty/

It does not get any better than this at the moment. Though I couldnt find if it was released already in the Netherlands. Or in any other country for that matter.

But I want it no matter what, it's better than an Iphone and it has GPS how insane is that . This thing has my name written all over it

[monsterzero]

I have owned the HTC 8125 and liked it.

I now own an iPhone and LOVE it. I use it for my personal use, and for my work.

Your list:

• Touch screen accessible with and without pen
  Yes, of course, and I love it.
• On Screen Keyboard
  Yes, and some don't like it as much, 90% get used to it. I type long emails, pages of notes and ideas with it.
• Mp3 Player (good sound quality; mp3, mp4, wma compatible)
  It's great as an Mp3 player, I use it on trips, and now I don't travel with my iPod.
• Video Player (avi, mp4, divx compatible)
  Yes, but only in the mp4 format I believe. But here's the kicker. The screen on the iPhone is 10 times better than the HTC's (you should check for yourself), so the videos I've converted have all been worth it (converting is pretty easy). I don't use it for that as much. I do have my cinematographers reel on it and it blows away my HTC.
• Fast Unlimited (without extra charge) Internet (Gmail, 9292OV, etc)
  All the AT&T plans are unlimited data in the states. Not sure what it's going to be like in your country.
• SMS MMS and Messenger compatible (msn, gtalk)
  SMS yes, but no MMS (yet - no guarantees). There are web based Messengers that I use and like (http://www.beejive.com or meebo.com) and allow you to log onto all the major IM's. I am hoping for an app in the future, and I use trillian on my desktop.
• Organizer (year-month-week-day-hour), Calculator, Unit Converter
  Organizer, yes. Calc, yes. Unit Converter - I use a web app. No todo list (yet). And if you use outlook like I do, you'll have no problem integrating.
• Full Call and Text Message Details
  Yes. In fact I think the iPhone is the easiest to use in that regard.
• Full screen, as few buttons as possible
  Not sure what you mean, but it's a pretty full screen.
• Computer interaction through Windows Explorer with USB 2.0
  Nope (yet)(but you can hack that). For now I use itunes the handle all that (Ringtones, Music, Photos, Podcasts, Video). If you use itunes, it'll be seamless.
• Camera and Video
  Pretty good camera, but I only use to document, not for quality photos. Video nope. I don't like to take video on subpar cameras anyway.
• +/- 2 Gigabyte of storage (SD memory Card)
  No SD card. I don't miss it though. I got the 8 gigabite version and it holds 800 of my favorite songs (all sorted automatically by itunes from my 35 gig library). My current mem map is Audio (3.24gb), Video (1.43gb), Photos (57.9mb), Other (50mb), and 2.47 of free space.
• Decent Battery (10 hours full use and about 5 days normal use)
  I didn't get that from my HTC and I don't get that from my iPhone. I normally charge every night, but I use it a lot.
• Fully skin able and customizable UI
  NOPE. But frankly I do that in EVERYTHING (my desktop, my old phone, trillian, winamp, camera gear, sketchbooks, backpacks, bikes, etc) I love to customize. The iPhone is the first device I didn't feel the need to change. I did custom stuff on my HTC, but I hated HATED HATED Windows Mobile to DEATH.
• Cell phone Plan: 2 year plan 30-40 Euro’s a month
  Not sure what the plan will be for the iPhone over there.
• 2 year guarantee (all repairs)
  It's unlikely you'll get that on any phone, I didn't get it with the HTC, or the iPhone.
• Hands free: Earplugs or Bluetooth Headset
  My bluetooth works great with the phone. And frankly the calling system is soooo much better than WinMobile. Quick access to the keyboard, speaker phone, conference calling AND all the features on my phone. I can talk to someone and look at google maps to give them directions, as well as someones number from my contacts. That wasn't so easy in WM05+HTC.
• Quad Band - Cheap Rates Abroad
  No info on that yet.
• No Connection Problems
  Good luck with any carrier.

I suggest giving the iPhone a try when it comes to your area. Everyone I've showed it to has fallen in love with it. I certainly have. You have some steep requirements and I hope I've answered them. The iPhone isn't perfect, but it's been very perfect for me.

[Mike Lucey]

Rob, that E-Ten glofiish X800 looks cool. As the add say 'everything but the qwerty' As far as I'm concerned the qwerty on these phones is a total waste of space. I've had a couple of XDAs in the past and am now using the XDA Exec. Its like a bloody brick strapped onto my waist. I dont use the flip over keypad as I find the on-screen touch keypad easier and far more convenient.

I think its worth waiting for the iPhone if its not in your area yet, I am, but again I'm a 'switcher' and want a phone that is perfectly compatible with the Mac.
I also read that we should be seeing quite a few treats, program wise, that will be available on the iPhone. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/breaking/fir ... 285830.php

Oh! and they look just great

Mike

[robmoors]

I am currently still leaning towards the glofiish x800. Main reason is that I have heard SEVERAl occasions that the Iphone's touch screen just said no after three months or became insensitive on certain spots, which called for repairs. Above that I HATE Itunes, I just want to click and drag my mp3's from my hard drive without going through I tunes or not even beeing able to drag them because they are not "autohorised or whatever" That and following the Hype with the Iphone is just a little too much for me, beeing unique is something I prefer. Though the Iphone has a wicked design (apple of course) I very much like the design of the Glofiish. Also very clean. So Anyone that can convince me otherwise?

Specs on the Glofiish X800:

Shape:
Monoblock
Network:
Quadband
Screen:
Colour, TFT 16 bit, Touchscreen, Resolution: 480x460, Landscape Mode
External Design:
5 points controlkey
Camera, Digital zoom 2MP, Video Feature
Internal Design:
Dynamic Fontsize
Fully Adaptable UI
Memory:
Memorycard:
Slot for MircoSD
TransFlash
Internal Memory:
RAM 64 MB
ROM 256 MB
Audio:
FM Stereo Radio, RDS
Handsfree
Customizable Calltunes (mp3)
Voice Command
Voice Dialing
Voice Memo
Messaging:
Chat function
Email: (POP3, SMTP, IMAP4, PocketMSN)
Instant Messaging: MSN Messenger
MMS
T9/Ezi/i Tap
SMS
Video MMS
Connectivity:
3G: HSDPA, Twin Camera, Video Call, Video on Demand
Bluetooth
Edge
GPRS
GPS Reciever: SiRF Star III Chip
Internet browser: Internet Explorer
Mini USB
ActiveSync
SyncML
PC-Modem Connection
Sync via USB on PC
Sync via RS232 on PC
Sync via Bluetooth
Sync via WLAN/wifi
WAP 2.0
WAP browser
WLAN/Wifi: 802.11 b/g
Applications
Schedule
Alarm
Auto Keylock
Calculator
Contacts
Pictures
Handwriting Recognision
Memory's
Image Editor
Games
Java Support
MP3 Player (Windows Media Player)
To do List
Phonebook with groups
Clock
Video Player (Windows Media Player)
Other Applications:
Excel
Powerpoint
Word
Pdf
Operating System:
Windows Mobile 6.0
Others:
Flight Mode
Stylus Pen
Core:
Samsung S3C2440, 400MHz Processor

So for my list:

Yes - Touch screen accessible with and without pen
Yes - On Screen Keyboard
Yes - Mp3 Player (good sound quality; mp3, mp4, wma compatible)
Yes - Video Player (avi, mp4, divx compatible)
Yes - Fast Unlimited (without extra charge) Internet (Gmail, 9292OV, etc)
Yes - SMS MMS and Messenger compatible (msn, gtalk)
Yes - Organizer (year-month-week-day-hour), Calculator, Unit Converter
Yes - Full Call and Text Message Details
Yes - Full screen, as few buttons as possible
Yes - Computer interaction through Windows Explorer with USB 2.0
Yes - Camera and Video
Yes - +/- 2 Gigabyte of storage (SD memory Card)
Unknown - Decent Battery (10 hours full use and about 5 days normal use)
Yes - Fully skin able and customizable UI
Yes - Cell phone Plan: 2 year plan 30-40 Euro’s a month
No one year - 2 year guarantee (all repairs)
Yes - Hands free: Earplugs or Bluetooth Headset
Yes - Quad Band - Cheap Rates Abroad
Yes (T-Mobile) - No Connection Problems

And it even has frikking support of office and pdf, and GPS
So I don't think the Iphone can top that.

[monsterzero]

@unknownuser said:

or not even beeing able to drag them because they are not "autohorised or whatever"

Well, that's not the case. I've never had that problem, and I've only bought 1 song off of iTunes. Authorization as I think you mean it isn't an issue with itunes or the iphone. I have my own ripped movies and ripped tv shows on the iphone.

But if you hate itunes already that would be a deal killer for you regardless.

[robmoors]

Hmm it would seem that that would be a deal killer however an Ipod is accesible through other means than I tunes so perhaps the same could be true for the Iphone?

But you got to admit the X800 is a very good match for the Iphone if not more than a match.

[monsterzero]

@unknownuser said:

But you got to admit the X800 is a very good match for the Iphone if not more than a match.

Very good match yes, probably not a match I personally care about given I hate windows mobile, and enjoy the iPhone os/itunes combination.

I often don't compare items on a feature to feature level, but make sure that I can live with those features that I need. You have way more requirements than I have, and that makes the x800 better for you.

Since I've had the experience of both types of phones (windows mobile and iphone) and have made those comparisons. There are new versions of wm that are better, so my information might be outdated. That's why you should try before you buy, I mean really try. I all of the features on iphone way more than I ever did on my HTC.

My own experience:

• I write more on my iphone than I did on my HTC. Never really used the word doc in WM because it was so crippled, that I just used notes instead. I tried to use the excel app, but syncing was wonky, so keeping the doc I wanted synced was a pain - plus the excel app was crippled and I couldn't use the same features from PC to phone.
• Looking and photos and videos is better on the iphone. The screen was not as "amazing" on the HTC. (not sure about the x800)
• I never web browsed on the HTC unless I really needed to, because the default browser sucked really bad. You can download an opera browser for WM though, and that is much more like the "real internet".
• Setting up wifi at different locations is a lot easier and smooth as silk than wm.
• The iphone OS is way more usable than WM (imo). The phone functions work well, easy to access. The user shortcuts to account handling is much better.
• Just making a call on the iphone is easier. Making a call with wm wasn't intuitive. My GF would hate using my old phone, she loves using the iphone.
• Accessing general iphone features during a call is really easy to do. It was bad in WM.
• The system management is way better on the iphone, i.e., I used to have to purge the wm memory because it would get slow and not work every so often. I don't have to do that with the iphone, or at least I don't notice. I rarely reboot with it. I had to that with my HTC every day, plus flush the memory. I mean when you have to have a system tool that allowed you to manage ram usage, and force the user to use it, that's a bit hokey, don't you think.
• WM required a sync app on my home machine and a mail push app at work. My current iPhone setup doesn't require those things (given the fact that I already use itunes extensively before getting the phone).
• Photo system was poor. The iphone is just beautiful.
• The iphone feels 10x sturdier than the HTC and is easier to carry/find cases for.
• Hated the start menu concept in wm as a navigation tool.

Things I wish I had for the iPhone:

• landscape typing on all apps.
• better, more consistent UI to organize each widget list (like moving items up and down a list) across all of the list base widgets.
• integration of tasks and notes with outlook.
• a non-IT related solution to MS Exchange (ATT has one with their other smart phones - so I imagine that will come shortly).
• Perhaps a separation of my personal calendar and my work calendar.
• My Goggle maps integration - I want to be able to use my saved maps in the Map Widget.
• I would love the ability to modify the home screen (when new widgets come) to add my daily calendar schedule - I loved that on my old phone. No need to press any buttons to see what meetings I have.
• custom ring tones, I gotta have them (now you have to buy them in itunes).
• instant messaging widget.

Conclusion - As you can see, I have a bad taste in my mouth with regards to Windows Mobile 5. I have drunk the iphone coolaid.

Not sure why I wrote all this.

[Mike Lucey]

TeckNet a-706

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TeckNet-Bluetooth-Screen-Mobile-MCamera/dp/B000R5NJCE/ref=cm_cd_t_pb_i/026-8481302-3276439

Okay its no way near as good but the price is right

Mike

[robmoors]

Okay I have decided to buy the E-Ten Glofiish, however it runs windows mobile, can you run .exe files on that? cause I would love to be able to install winamp and VLC and such on it.

[Masta Squidge]

@robmoors said:

Yeah but I hear so many negative reviews on that, things like he touchscreen giving out after 3 months and such :S I dont want that. And a beam me up button would be nice yes

There is even more than that. I hope you dont live in another country, or ever plan to travel with your phone. AT&T charged one guy fore sure (and its rumored that hey did this to others) over $300 for typing and sending a single sentence to a stateside forum he was a member of while on vacation in another country using the edge network. And im assuming you would like to be able to do that sort of thing (maybe not in another country, but use the edge network or wifi), but you may be better off with one of those "slider" type phones with the built in qwerty keyboard.

Not to mention the fact that they tend to overcharge compared to other providers. My friends tell me horrible stories of AT&T.