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  Jun/Jul 2007

New Windows Mobile 6 Devices

New devices give users faster data, easier text entry, and more wireless capabilities.

 

Microsoft recently announced the latest update to its mobile OS and application suite-Windows Mobile 6 (WM6). Manufacturers now have this version of the software, and we should start seeing mobile devices based on it soon. A number of new WM6 devices have been announced or were displayed at the 3GSM wireless show earlier this year. Some of these are for European or Asian distribution only. As we completed this review in late March, none had made it to the retail channel. The new naming conventions for Windows Mobile devices are as follows:

  • Windows Mobile 6 Standard: Phone-enabled device without a touchscreen (formerly Smartphone).
  • Windows Mobile 6 Professional: Phone-enabled device with a touchscreen (formerly Phone Edition).
  • Windows Mobile 6 Classic: Windows Mobile device without a phone (formerly Pocket PC). None of the devices mentioned in this article are Classics.

Note on experts comments:

We asked the members of our Board of Experts which of new Windows Mobile 6 devices they would want. We've included their comments in the following descriptions of new Windows Mobile 6 devices.

ASUS P526

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://asus.com

The P526 incorporates quad-band, EDGE capable GSM/GPRS phone technology, as well as Bluetooth wireless. It does not have integrated Wi-Fi. This device has a number pad below the display, but not a QWERTY keypad. It is powered by a 200 MHz TI processor and includes a 2.6 320x240 pixel color touchscreen. It also has a 2 megapixel camera and a microSD expansion slot.

ASUS Aries

Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://asus.com

The Aries is a tri-band, 3G (UTMS) capable GSM/GPRS phone powered by a 520 MHz Intel processor and has 64 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash ROM. It has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built in, as well as a 2 megapixel camera and a microSD expansion slot. It has a 320x240 pixel color display.

HP iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger

Windows Mobile 6 Standard:http://hp.com

The Voice Messenger is the first standard device that HP has marketed. Its a quad-band, EGDE capable GSM phone that also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built in. Its a small, candy bar-style phone with a number pad, not a QWERTY keypad. However, it does have VoIP support and Voice Commander built in.

Experts comments: Its good to see HP coming out with a new WM6 Smartphone with VoIP support. The inclusion of Voice Commander is interesting, as is its ability to send voice replies to e-mails. (Steve Sande)

HTC S710 Vox

Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://htc.com

The S710 is one of the first smartphones to include a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and numeric keypad. Its a quad-band, EDGE capable GSM/GPRS phone with Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi.

Experts comments: I really love the idea that I can use the S710 as a standard phone with the numeric pad on the front and then slide out a QWERTY keyboard for text-entry tasks. Since this is a smartphone, I expect the 200 MHz processor is sufficient. (David Conger)

HTC P5500

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://htc.com

The P5500 will incorporate quad-band GSM/GPRS phone technology with EDGE, UMTS, and HSDPA data capability. Its powered by a 400 MHz Samsung processor and comes with 64 MB RAM, 128 MB flash ROM, Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, and an integrated GPS receiver. It also includes an FM tuner, a 3 megapixel camera, and a microSD expansion slot.

HTC X7500

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://htc.com

The X7500 was introduced recently as a Windows Mobile 5 Phone Edition device, but we expect it to be upgraded to WM6 Professional. Its a unique and full-featured Windows Mobile device that includes a powerful 624 MHz Intel processor, a large 5 color touchscreen, a detachable QWERTY keyboard, and an 8 GB internal hard drive.

Experts comments: I love the design of the X7500, especially the built-in hard drive and the internal GPS receiver-an ideal combination of features if you want to use the device as a GPS navigation system. The 3G capabilities and the fast processor make this device an optimal alternative for a laptop. (Alex Januschewsky) The X7500 sports a 3 megapixel camera for photos, a second VGA camera on the front of the unit for video conferencing, and much more. Ill be standing in line when this beauty hits the streets. (Mike Riley)

HTC S650

Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://htc.com

The S650 is another device that was introduced with Windows Mobile 5, but that we expect to be available soon with WM6 Standard. Its a quad-band, HMTS/HSDPA capable GSM/GPRS phone with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Its powered by a 400 MHz Samsung processor, which is potent for a Smartphone.

Experts comments: The inclusion of Word and Excel Mobile with WM6 Standard allows me to carry a single, compact, phone-enabled device with me instead of a phone and another device, which is very important to a business person. Not having to use a stylus is also an advantage. (Tomer Eisner)

Intermec CN3

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://intermec.com

Intermec is the first rugged device manufacturer to announce a WM6 device, but Symbol and others are sure to follow. The CN3 was introduced as a Windows Mobile 5 Phone Edition device but will be available with WM6 Professional. It is designed for industrial use and includes quad-band GSM/GPRS phone technology with EDGE or CDMA/1xRTT/EV-DO dual-band data capability. It has a powerful 520 MHz Intel processor, 128 MB each of RAM and flash ROM, a 320x240 pixel color touchscreen display, a miniSD card expansion slot, Bluetooth 2.0, and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has an onboard GPS receiver and an option for a magnetic strip reader.

Motorola Q (GSM)

Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://motorola.com

This version of the Q is a quad-band GSM/EDGE-capable device without a touchscreen. It includes Bluetooth, but not Wi-Fi. The latter can be added via a miniSD card accessory. Like the original version, it is a candy bar-style device with a QWERTY keypad below the 320x240 pixel horizontal display for text entry. The device has a built-in 1.3 megapixel digital camera. Outwardly, it is nearly identical to the original CDMA version of the Q except that it has dark colored case and a blue tint to the keys on the keypad.

Motorola Q (q9)

Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://motorola.com

This is another quad-band GSM/EDGE-capable Smartphone that includes Bluetooth capability, but not Wi-Fi. The specs are nearly identical to the Q (GSM) model, except that this version is a tad smaller and lighter. The other major difference is the QWERTY keypad, which is larger and the keys are not angled.

Motorola Q2

Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://motorola.com, http://verizonwireless.com

The Q2 is similar in size to earlier versions of the device. It has a slightly faster processor and more internal RAM and flash ROM for data storage. The Q2s QWERTY keypad has larger keys than earlier versions of the device and has a 2 megapixel camera. This is another quad-band GSM/EDGE-capable Smartphone that includes Bluetooth capability, but not Wi-Fi. A CDMA version of the Q2 is also expected.

Experts comments: The Q2 is thin, feature packed, and comes with a QWERTY keyboard that seems especially usable when compared with the original Q and even the BlackJack. I like the keys that launch the built-in apps, located on the bottom row. (Hal Goldstein) The important thing to me is that a CDMA version will be available that will work on the Verizon network. Verizon's national coverage is just better then anyone else. (Don McDougall)

Palm Treo 750v

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://palm.com

This device will be virtually identical to the previously released Treo 750, except that it will incorporate WM6. Its a quad-band GSM phone with EDGE and UMTS data capability. It also has Bluetooth, but not Wi-Fi. A full review of the earlier Treo 750 was published in the last issue (http://pocketpcmag.com/_arch...).

Experts comments: The Treo form factor is perfect, fitting securely in your hand. The call quality is outstanding. The battery life on the earlier 700w was wonderful, although I understand the 750 has a smaller battery. It has great one-handed operation with WM5, and I expect even better with WM6. (Bruce Keener)

Samsung i760

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://samsung.com

Samsungs new device has both a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for messaging and text entry and a number pad on the face of the device for phone calls. Its a CDMA phone, which limits its range to U.S. carriers that support that technology. It has 3G, 1xEV-DO data capability as well as Bluetooth and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity. The i760 is powered by a 400 MHz Samsung processor, sports a 320x240 pixel color touchscreen that changes orientation automatically when you slide the keyboard in and out, and it accepts microSD expansion cards.

Experts comments: The Samsung i760 will be my next Pocket PC Phone. Not only will it run WM6, it has a dial pad on the front and a slide-out keypad. The phone technology is CDMA and will support Verizon's fast EVDO data network. Add in the nice form factor, and this phone is going to be a winner. (Jack Gilbraith)

T-Mobile Dash

Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://t-mobile.com

The Dash was originally released as a Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone, but will be updated to WM6 Standard. Its a quad-band, EDGE capable GSM/GPRS phone powered by a 200 MHz TI processor. It comes with 64 MB RAM, 128 MB flash ROM, a 320x240 pixel color display, Bluetooth 2.0, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It has a microSD expansion slot and a QWERTY keypad below the display.

Experts comments: The original T-Mobile Dash was already a great next-generation smartphone, but I was thrilled when T-Mobile released the news that the Dash would be upgradeable to WM6. I look forward to the seamless integration with Exchange 2007, as well as finally having Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Mobile on my smartphone. T-Mobile also has good customer service. (Amy Zunk)

Toshiba G900

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://toshiba.com

Toshiba chose to re-enter the Windows Mobile market with a powerful new phone-enabled device that includes a high-resolution (800x480 pixel) color touchscreen, dual digital camera, a biometric security scanner, and a variety of wireless technologies (quad-band GSM with HSDPA, 3G, GPRS and EDGE data capability, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi).

Experts comments: This machine has some awesome specs, including an 800x480 resolution display. This is great for when I need to work remotely-a lot better than the 240x240 display on the device I'm using now. Also, it supports HSDPA, which means fast connections on the go through my mobile provider; I won't need to find a hotspot to work. It also supports Bluetooth, 802.11 b/g, and miniSD expansion (which will accept my 4 GB card and provide plenty of storage space for music, maps, and the like. The slide-out QWERTY keyboard will help with text entry, too. (Remzi Turer) Kudos to Toshiba for re-entering the field with a killer-looking device! (Matt Coddington)

Other Windows Mobile 6 devices

The previously listed devices were the ones that caught our attention or are of the most interest to U.S. readers. Note that some of those listed will be released in Europe or Asia first and may not make it to the U.S. officially. However, if they don't, its possible that third-party vendors like http://MobilePlanet.com will offer them. Additional devices have been mentioned on various Web sites and in other news sources:

  • BenQ E72 (Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://benq.com): The E72 is a tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE capable phone with a 320x240 color display, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
  • Gigabyte GSmart t600 (Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://gigabytecm.com): The GSmart t600 incorporates tri-band, EDGE capable GSM/GPRS phone technology, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It has a 320x240 pixel color display. Online sources are somewhat contradictory in terms of processor speed and the amount of internal memory. However, the device does support DVB-H or DVB-T TV as well as T-DMBand DAB radio. This one is slated for Asian and European release.
  • Inventec K870 (Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://inventec.com): The K870 is another device with tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE phone capability. It has a relatively powerful 416 MHz Intel processor, an ample 128 MB RAM and 256 MB flash ROM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a 3 megapixel camera. It sports a 320x240 pixel color display and a microSD expansion slot.
  • Lenovo Vinci (Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://lenovo.com): The Vinci is a tri-band, EDGE capable GSM/GPRS device powered by a 200 MHz TI processor and has 128 MB each of RAM and flash ROM. It has a 320x240 pixel color display, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a 2 megapixel camera.
  • Lenovo Tetris (Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://lenovo.com): The Tetris specs are almost identical to the Vinci, except that it is smaller, has a non-touchscreen display, and lacks Wi-Fi.
  • Orange S710 (Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://orange.com): The S710 is Oranges version of the HTC S710 Vox (see above).
  • Paragon HiPi-2300 (Windows Mobile 6 Standard: http://parawireless.com): The HiPi-2300 is a quad-band, 3G capable GSM/GPRS phone with integrated Wi-Fi and VCC-based GSM/VoIP handover (it can switch between GSM and VoIP phone technology automatically).

In addition, Dopod International has announced that its future devices will incorporate Windows Mobile 6, and that they plan to introduce their first WM6 device in April of this year. We expect Acer to follow suite, and have read that LG and Sharp are developing WM6 devices.

We are going to have our hands full in the coming months, reviewing some of these Windows Mobile devices and discovering the additional ones that are sure to be announced. Windows Mobile 6 is ushering in an exciting time for us and a promising future for mobile phone users.

New i-mate Ultimate line

Windows Mobile 6 Professional devices: http://clubimate.com/ultimat...

I-mate announced their new Ultimate line of Windows Mobile 6 devices at the 3GSM wireless show last February. All of these devices are WM6 Professional devices with touchscreens. In addition to WM6, the Ultimate devices will have the following common features:

  • 520 MHz Intel processor
  • 128 MB RAM; 256 MB flash ROM
  • Quad-band EDGE-capable GSM phone with tri-band UMTS/HSDPA data capability
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/e/i)
  • Bluetooth 2.0
  • VGA, 262 K color touchscreen
  • 2 megapixel camera
  • FM stereo radio
  • Direct Video Out (XGA) port

The only major difference between devices in the Ultimate line is their form factor. The following devices have been announced:

i-mate Ultimate 9150

The Ultimate 9150 comes with a 2.6 diagonal color touchscreen. Its unusual for a WM6 Professional (Phone Edition) device in that it has a flip-phone design and comes with number pad, not a QWERTY keyboard.

Experts comments: A flip phone is my favorite form factor, and prior to the 9150, no Phone Edition flip phones have been available. The VGA screen and worldwide 3G data capability only make it more appealing. I-mate has been doing some amazing things with add-on software, and they're sure to continue this on their entire line of Ultimate devices. (Alan Zaks)

i-mate Ultimate 8150

The Ultimate 8150 is similar to the 9150 except that it is a candy bar-style device with the number pad on the face of the device below the display.

i-mate Ultimate 7150

The Ultimate 7150 is a relatively large, full-featured device with a 3.8 diagonal main display and a 2.2 OLED secondary display. Its a clamshell device with a reasonably large QWERTY thumb keyboard (entire device measures 4.33 long). It looks something like a mini-laptop and will probably appeal to power users and those who have a lot of text entry to do.

Experts comments: The 7150 has an impressive list of features-this is one incredible device. (Tari Akpodiete)

i-mate Ultimate 6150

The Ultimate 6150 has a 2.8 diagonal color touchscreen and the standard features found on other Ultimate devices. It does not have an embedded number pad or QWERTY keyboard. You must use the built-in Phone Dialer application to place phone calls.

i-mate Ultimate 5150

The Ultimate 5150 is nearly identical to the 6150 except that it has a slide-down number pad for dialing.

In addition to its Ultimate line, i-mate will be offering the JAQ4 and PDAL.

i-mate JAQ4

Windows Mobile 6 Professional : http://imate.com

In addition to its Ultimate line, i-mate will be offering the JAQ4. I-mate has been a little JAQ-happy the last six months. No sooner was the original JAQ introduced when we started hearing about the JAQ3. The JAQ4 and previous versions of the device are what used to be called Phone Edition Pocket PCs. They have touchscreens and can run most of the software designed for the Pocket PC. The JAQ4 has a quad-band GSM/GPRS phone that is EDGE (but not 3G) capable. The embedded QWERTY keyboard is relatively large and easy to use for text entry. The device also has a miniSD expansion slot, a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

i-mate PDAL

Windows Mobile 6 Professional: http://imate.com

Originally introduced as a Windows Mobile 5 Phone Edition device, a number of industry sources have reported that i-mate will introduce a WM6 Professional version with a quad-band, EDGE-enabled GSM/GPRS phone. The device includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a microSD expansion slot, an integrated digital camera, and a 2.4 diagonal, 240x320 pixel color touchscreen.

Rich Hall has written about Handheld and Pocket computers for the last 13 years. He is the Editor of Pocket PC magazine and former editor of The HP Palmtop Paper, the NEC Ultralite Connection and the HP Portable Paper. He began his career as a high school Math and English teacher. Rich lives in Fairfield, Iowa, with his wife, Lucinda, and their children, Robert and Ella. You can contact him at Rich@PocketPCMag.com.

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