Below are some of the screen shots of the HTC Touch2 (T3333).
Some of the new features found on the HTC Touch2
Available Date: 21st August 2009
Launch Price: RM2,399 (8GB)
Fresh Gear rating: 9/10
Note: This is a follow up review of the previous post.
I must admit I am very amazed by Samsung effort in improving the Samsung Omnia II! The new UI is just awesome and very pleasant to use which I will come to later in the “Using the Samsung Omnia II” section.
Samsung Omnia II - Box
Samsung Omnia II - Content
Samsung Omnia II comes with the following accessories in the box.
Would be nice if it comes with Screen Protector too!
The device looks big but the weight is surprisingly light.
Samsung Omnia II - Top
The most amazing part is when you turn the device on. The very bright, good contrast AMOLED screen spring into life, arguably as nice or even better than the iPhone.
Samsung Omnia II - i8000
The front is pretty straight forward with a call, hangup and “CUBE” button. However, I was hoping the “CUBE” button doubles as a directional pad too.
Samsung Omnia II - Cube Button
Located on the right is the LOCK button, and the UP DOWN button on the left.
Like I have mentioned before, this Omnia II has gone through lots of changes and updates. This is basically a Windows Mobile device but when you start using it, you don’t really get to see and feel any “Windows mobile” icon. Like the HTC with their HTC Touch Flo 3D, Samsung have their very own Touch Wiz which overlap the boring Windows Mobile interface.
I will attempt to only go through those features which are not found on standard Windows Mobile devices.
1. Widgets
Widgets can be added, removed or relocate at all 3 different “virtual” desktop. You can also customize each “virtual” desktop with their own widget and wallpaper. More widgets can also be downloaded from Samsung website.
2. Programs
Samsung replaced the standard “Start–>Program” screen with their own “Productivity”, “Multimedia”, “Internet” and “Office”.
3. Call Filter
You can now create a call list which you want to pick up or ignore easily right from the Omnia II.
4. Smart Converter
Instead of installing additional software for unit converter, Omnia II has built-in Smart converter.
5. Audio Note
Previously hidden in “Notes”, Omnia 2 now comes with it’s very own Recording software.
6. Smart Memo
I had lots of fun with this app. Simply put, it is a “Paint” software in Omnia. It allows you to change background, insert image and voice note too!
7. Touch Player
This built-in player plays most of the video file format (It supports MPEG4, WMV, DivX, XviD, H.263 and H.264). I do not need to install coreplayer or TCPMP.
8. Midomi
Ever wondered what is the name of the song currently playing in the radio? Guess no more, this neat little app basically records a 10 second music and search through a database for the closes match. I tried 3 times and it was accurate on all 3 attempt.
9. Digital Frame
Not really a “must have” but since it is built-in, I will show you some screen shots of it. Basically, you can set this up to display your photos with time/date. Do not really see how is this useful without a proper docking station.
10. Video Editor
A very powerful application which allow you to import a video file, add text, add sound, cut and duplicate video files.
Perhaps this is the answer to iPhone 3Gs video editor 
11. Dice
A simple party game of dice.
12. RSS reader
This RSS reader is an improved version on the standard RSS reader found in most Windows Mobile devices.
13. Podcast
14. Task Switcher
Because Windows mobile is a multi-tasking OS, you can un-unexpectedly open too many application. Hit the “CUBE” button and click on “Task Switcher” and it will bring you to the screen below.
It also comes with a “snapshot” of the task so you can easily recognize it.
15. CUBE
A multi dimentional CUBE where you can access all your most frequently used program. Just use your finger to flick and flip it around.
Personally, I find it quite hard to use. Pressing the quick access button at the bottom is perhaps much faster.
16. Communities
This application allows you to upload or share pictures/video onto 6 different social networking site like Facebook, Flickr, Friendster, MySpace, Photobucket and Picasa.
Omnia II vs Touch HD vs Touch Diamond 2
Omnia II vs Touch HD vs Touch Diamond 2
Omnia II vs Touch HD vs Touch Diamond 2
Omnia vs Credit Card
Omnia vs iPhone
Want to try out the Omnia II before your purchase? you can do it right here!
Pro:
Cons:
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Available Date: Early March 2009
Launch Price: RM2,299
Fresh Gear rating: 7/10
The Asus P835 comes with the following accessories.
Screen Protector is missing from the package.
Asus P835 - Content
The Asus P835 looks very professional with its brush aluminum back cover and leather like front cover. The track ball also gives it a “BlackBerry” feel. Excellent job on the outlook department. Someone actually mistaken it as an Omnia which I first took it out to review. However, I must say it looks far BETTER than OMNIA!
Asus P835 - Box
On the left side sits the Volume UP DOWN button and also the hold key. This is a very welcomed button which is usually found in Palm devices.
Asus P835 - Left Side
On the right side sits the MicroSD slot as well as the dedicated Camera button.
Asus P835 - Right Side
At the bottom are collection of buttons, “virtual” buttons and a trackball. The Mini USB connector and RESET button is located at the bottom.
Asus P835 - Buttons
The top of the PDA sits the 3G camera, Light sensor and the obvious speaker.
Asus P835 - 3G Camera
Behind the PDA is the 5.0MP autofocus camera and speaker. The battery cover is made from aluminum and it feels very solid! (But makes it heavy)
Asus P835 - Rear Camera
Asus P835 - Battery Cover
Using the Asus P835
I must say the screen on the Asus P835 is just stunning as well as sensitive! The 3.5″ WVGA Hi-res screen makes web surfing a breeze and coupled with Opera Mobile, it just makes things perfect.
Like most serious WM manufacturer, Asus replaces the boring, standard Windows Mobile with a what they called; Asus Glide.
Asus P835 main screen
Asus P835 - MultiHome
You can change to any one of the 3 themes; Business, Life, and Original. I don’t really like the ASUS Glide because it find it slow and un-responsive at times. The scrolling effect sometimes confuses me.
There are 4 quick access “Virtual” button located just below the screen. Quick Access, Start, OK and Internet Button. Pressing on the “Quick Access” button gets you the below nice little interface.
Asus P835 - Quick Access
There are
Some of the extra features not usually found in other PDA phones.
WiFi Access Point
It basically creates an Access Point whereby the PDA itself becomes a “Wireless Router” to enable up to 10 other devices to connect to it (Using WiFi) to go on Internet. It is high recommended to connect to A/C power when using this feature as it will drain your battery pretty quick according to Asus.
Call Filter
Asus comes with the built-in software which filters calls. Handy tool if you are avoiding a certain number (Spam, marketing…).
Asus P835 - Call Filter
Backup
Asus very thoughtfully included a Backup software which enable the users to Backup and Restore their PDA.
YouTube and Flickr
You can upload video and pictures directly to YouTube and Flickr (you need to sign up first).
Asus P835 - YouTube and Flickr
Asus P835 - Sample Pix of Camera (Click on Enlarge)
Pro:
Cons:
Available at Fresh Gear Online Store. All major credit cards and Paypal accepted.
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Available Date: Early May 2009
Launch Price: RM1,799
Fresh Gear rating: 6/10
Acer X960 Box
Acer Tempo X960 - Content
Inside the box comes with the following accessories.
What’s missing from the content is a pouch/case.
Acer X960 3G Camera
The Acer X960 scores high on the specification department and the build is pretty solid. For RM1,799 this is basically the most value buy PDA currently in the market. The size is ideal and feels pretty comfortable in a normal slack pocket.
Acer Tempo X960 - D Pad
There is quite a lot of button on this PDA. Besides the usual Call, Hang-up, Power and Volume button, there are also a “Satellite”, “Home”, “Camera” and a “Voice Recording” button.
Acer Tempo X960 - Top side
Is it necessary to have such huge “GPS” word on the top of the PDA?
Acer Tempo X960 - Left side
Left side you will find a lanyard slot, “+” and “-” Volume button, Reset hole and a “Voice Recording” button.
Acer Tempo X960 - Right Side
Right side you will find the “Power”, hot-swappable MicroSD memory slot and “Camera” button.
Acer Tempo X960 - Camera Button
The camera button on the PDA sits slightly bulged. I can only assume it makes it easier to press on the camera button while taking pictures. But personally, I find it pretty irritating because I keep accidentally pressing it while holding the PDA.
Acer Tempo X960 - Back
The back cover of the X960 is made/covered with a kind of rubbery material. This makes it not a finger print magnet, which is good!
Acer Tempo X960 - Rear Camera
Behind the PDA is a 3.2MP Auto-focus camera with flash, self-portrait reflector and two speakers.
Acer Tempo X960 - Battery & Stylus
Acer Tempo X960 - Memory Slot
On the outside, the Acer Tempo X960 looks like any regular PDA but once you turn that thing on, there is where the “regular” ends. Acer comes installed with their very own User Interface much like how HTC’s Touch Flor 3D. Acer calls it the “Acer Shell“.
Each of the “Item” on the virtual desktop represent a function and it can be re-arranged. For a while, it kept me busy “poking” around the virtual desktop trying to find if there are any “hidden” function. There aren’t any anyway..
At the Virtual Desktop, flick up and you will get a list of programs/quick access like the one below.
Tapping on the “Window” on the Virtual Desktop gets you this.
Tapping on the CD cover/player gets you this gorgeous looking media interface.
Another new feature I found on the Acer is the “BLOG” function on the Picture & Videos Program.
Not too sure if it is by Acer or there is a new version of Windows Mobile. Anyone knows, perhaps you could share. To use the blog function, you need to have either a Google Account or WordPress Account.
Other than the obvious difference above, the interface looks and feel just like any regular Windows Mobile devices. You can view more screen shot of Acer X960 below.
Pro:
Cons:
Available at Fresh Gear Online Store. All major credit cards and Paypal accepted.
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Windows Mobile Expert did a pretty good review of the TV out cable for certain range of HTC model.
———-
I have the Sprint Touch Pro, and one of the unique features that I have been dying to play with since I got it was the TV cable feature. With such a small screen on my phone being shown on a big screen like a TV, I wasn’t expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised to be surprised by what I found once I got my hands on the HTC TV Out ACT100 Cable.
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Available Date: Early June 2009
Launch Price: RM3,199
Fresh Gear rating: 9/10
HTC Touch Pro 2 - Box
HTC Touch Pro 2 - Contents
Inside the box comes with the following accessories.
HTC Touch Pro 2
This unit is NOT small. Dimension wise, it is longer, thicker and heavier than a HTC Touch HD.
Touch HD Dimension: 115 mm x 62.8 mm x 12 mm (147g)
Touch Pro 2 Dimension: 116 mm X 59.2 mm X 16.65 mm (178.5g)
The front of the unit is a marriage between HTC Touch HD and HTC Touch Diamond 2. It has inherited the large screen, thin-bezel-with-screen-almost-to-the-side from the Touch HD and the “Zoom Bar” from the Touch Diamond 2. Both are stunning features I hope to continue seeing in the future of HTC devices.
You need to have big hands!
HTC Touch Pro 2 - Buttons
There are only 4 buttons on the front of HTC Touch Pro 2. Call, Programs, Back and Hang-up/Home. What is missing is a navigational pad/D-Pad. Not a very big loss considering the HTC Touch Flo is so easy to use and also touch screen is just a finger away. Only group of customers neglected are gamers. Then again, I don’t think HTC is targeting this group anyway with this device.
HTC Touch Pro 2 - Camera & Mute Button
HTC Touch Pro 2 is positioned as a business phone. Hence, there are features built-in to this PDA which will only appeal to the like minded ones. Its called the “Straight Talk” technology. When you are in a call, just flip the phone over and place it on a desk. It will automatically switch to “Speaker phone” mode and allows everyone in the room to participate in the discussion. There is also a “Mute” button just below the 3.2MP Auto-focus camera lens. It uses 2 built-in microphone for better sound quality and voice capturing.
HTC Touch Pro Keypad
One of the key improvement of HTC Touch Pro 2 (Over the previous model; HTC Touch Pro) is the keyboard. It is made out of “rubbery” texture and therefore have excellent grip when you type with your fingers and for people with long finger nails. The keys are larger so lesser chance of typing on the wrong key.
HTC Touch Pro 2 - Slideout Keyboard
HTC Touch Pro 2 with Screen Tilted
Another feature of the HTC Touch Pro 2 is the angled/tilt screen. Once tilted, you can placed it on the table and watch movies, do video conferencing, or just plain picture slideshow! Some say the tilting allows them to better view and type and do really find it correctly angled for comfortable typing.
HTC Touch Pro 2 Side view
This is not something new as tilting screen was also introduced by HTC (first in the world) few years back with its HTC Tytn II.
HTC Touch Pro 2 - Back
Some mechanical parts exposed with its screen tilted.
HTC Touch Pro 2 - Back Cover Off
Taking the back cover apart will reveal the slot for the huge 1,500 mAh battery and SIM Card Slot.
The stylus too is no longer magnetic.
Starting with HTC Touch Diamond 2, HTC has totally re-vamped their HTC TouchFlo 3D. So much improvement have been put into this new User Interface (UI) that it now takes significant effort to just get into the “Programs” section of the “old” Windows Mobile. HTC had replaced the “Start” button with their very own Program Short-Cuts!
Which one do you like better? The HTC Program short-cut can be easily customized with Programs you frequently use and hide those un-wanted ones. Scrolling on the HTC program short cut is also very easy and responsive as compared to the standard “Program” screen by Windows.
Another significant improvement on the new HTC Touch FLO 3D is the ability to use Touch FLO in Landscape mode. This is previously not capable on the HTC Touch Pro.
HTC Touch Pro 2 Home Screen Portrait
HTC Touch Pro 2 Home Screen Landscape
Besides the obvious landscape Touch FLO 3D, there isn’t much visible difference in other departments. There is a TV Out option on the Touch Pro 2, so now you can do that presentation on TV. Can you hook it up a projector? Yes and No. The output cable is a RGB cable so if your projector ONLY supports VGA output, the answer is you cannot.
HTC Touch Pro 2 - TV Out
So how does it fare up against the previous model; HTC Touch Pro?
Comparison between TP2 and TP
HTC Touch Pro is small compared to the new HTC Touch Pro 2.
HTC Touch Pro is thicker than Touch Pro 2
Both PDA side by side
But the HTC Touch Pro is thicker!
Both PDA with Keyboard wide open
Keyboard are much larger and distance between the keys are wider spaced compared to HTC Touch Pro.
More size comparison!
HTC Touch Pro 2 standing taller than HTC Touch HD and Touch Diamond 2!
| HTC Touch Pro 2 | HTC Touch Pro | |
| 1 | 3.6” WVGA Screen | 2.8” VGA Screen |
| 2 | Tilt Screen | No Tilt Screen |
| 3 | Program short-cut keys built into the keyboard | Minimum Program short-cut keys |
| 4 | No Directional Pad | Directional Pad (D-Pad) |
| 5 | Non Magnetic Stylus | Magnetic Stylus |
| 6 | 3.2MP Camera without Flash | 3.2MP Camera WITH flash |
| 7 | 1,500mAh Battery | 1,340mAh Battery |
| 8 | Noise-cancelling dual microphones and speakers | Without, but still have speakerphone |
| 9 | 116mm X 59.2mm X 16.65 mm | 102 mm X 51 mm X 18.05 mm |
| 10 | 178.5g | 165g |
| 11 | Touch FLO 3D with Landscape Support | Touch FLO 3D without Landscape Support |
Pro:
Con:
Interactive Demo on the HTC Touch Pro 2
Available at Fresh Gear Online Store. All major credit cards and Paypal accepted.
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–Added on 10th July 2009–
I found a YouTube which shows a very very happy user of HTC Touch Pro and I thought I must share with you guys
Video of the Proximity Sensor on the HTC Touch Pro 2
Available Date: End April 2009
Launch Price: RM1,899
Fresh Gear rating: 8/10
Acer Tempo DX900 - Box
Un-boxing the Acer DX900
Acer Tempo DX900 - Content
The Acer Tempo DX900 comes with the following items bundled.
Acer Tempo DX900 size is just nice for a decent looking PDA but it is a bit thick on the side. It is not going to win on the aesthetic department because I think Acer rather go for functionality. The front panel is a minimalist but once you turn over the side, there are host of other buttons to be found.
Acer Tempo DX900 - 5 Way navigation pad with Call + Hangup Button
Acer Tempo DX900 comes with a front Camera for 3G Video Conferencing.
Acer Tempo DX900 - Left
On the left side sits the Volume button, Voice Recording Button and also the jack for handsfree.
Acer Tempo DX900 - Right Side
Unlike most PDA today, the MicroSD slot is located on the side, together with the Camera button, Power Button and also the Reset Button.
Acer Tempo DX900 - Top
Nothing on the top, just an embossed word “GPS”.
Acer Tempo DX900 - Bottom
Only the Mini USB charger slot and mic is located at the bottom.
Acer Tempo DX900 - Back
Behind the PDA is the 3.0MP Auto Focus Camera with Flash! Just next to it is the speakers.
Acer Tempo DX900 - Camera
A close-up shot of the 3.0MP camera.
Acer Tempo DX900 - Dual SIM Slot
This is what makes the Acer Tempo DX900 stands out from the pack. It supports 2 Active sim cards simultaneously. Meaning, both SIM cards can be turned on at the same time! Recent years has seen the number of people with 2 phones increasing and I think Acer wanted to catch the trend with the FIRST dual SIM PDA phone.
I think the major drawback of using a Dual SIM phone is the battery. You are effectively receiving/making more calls with just one device and this my drain the battery. Hopefully the huge 1530mAh battery is good enough for most people, else a car charger, extra battery is definitely needed.
There is another limitation too. I noticed most, if not ALL of the Dual SIM 3G phones comes with one slot supports 3G and another slot supports 2G only. Why? Why can’t both SIM card slot supports 3G? It happened on the U Mobile Sou Dual SIM 3G phone too. Some other Dual SIM phone brands in the market do not even support 3G.
Is it an architecture limitation? Please share with me if you know why.
The Acer Tempo DX900 too has this limitation. A 3G sim card will still work on a 2G slot, just that you will not be able to enjoy 3G network coverage/video calls with Slot 2. So, you should be inserting a 3G SIM card with unlimited data plan into slot 1, whereas slot 2 is reserved primarily for calls and SMS. Unless you plan to make Video calls on BOTH SIM cards, this phone will work wonders.
From the main screen, you can see the status of the 2 SIM cards. You must however remember which is line 1 or 2 because the system will indicate each call/sms with the “1″ and “2″ prefix.
(Click to enlarge)
When you send SMS, you can choose which SIM card you want to send from. And when you view your SMS, you can see which SIM card did you receive the SMS from.
When you are making calls, you can also choose to call using “Talk 1″ or “Talk 2″.
The call history will also clearly indicate which SIM card is it coming from/going to.
At any point if you want to turn off one of the SIM card, just click on the “Communication Manager” tab.
Most of the application you see below are done by Acer themselves. Including the Dual-SIM call functions.
(click on image to enlarge)
| Memory |
ROM: 256MB RAM:128MB |
ROM: 512 MB RAM: 256MB |
ROM: 256MB RAM: 192MB |
| Processor |
533MHz Samsung S3C 6400 |
Qualcomm® MSM7225TM, 528 MHz |
Qualcomm® MSM7225TM, 528 MHz |
| Screen |
2.8” 640X480 VGA Screen |
2.8” 320X240 QVGA screen |
2.8” 320X240 QVGA screen |
| Battery |
Battery Capacity: 1530mAh |
Battery Capacity: 1100 mAh |
Battery Capacity: 1100 mAh |
| Size & Weight |
106mm X 60.5mm X 17mm (147g with battery) |
102 mm X 53.6 mm X 14.5 mm (96g with battery) |
102mm X 53.5mm X 14.5 mm (103g with battery) |
| Camera |
3.0 (Auto Focus with Flash) |
3.2 MP (Fix Focus) |
3.2 MP (Fix Focus) |
| Dual SIM Slot |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Additional Accessories |
Screen Protector |
Car Charger + Car Holder + additional stylus + 1GB memory card |
- nil - |
| Additional Software |
SPB Mobile Shell 2.0 |
Papago X3 and Footprint |
- nil - |
| Connectivity |
Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS |
Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS |
Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS |
| Price |
RM1,899 |
RM2,199 |
RM1,899 |
No doubt HTC Touch Cruise is lighter and HTC Touch 3G is sleeker device compared to Acer Tempo DX900. But Acer Tempo DX900 comes with Dual SIM, VGA screen, 3.0MP Auto-focus camera with flash and a super large capacity battery.
Which will you choose?
Over the years, I have fallen in love with Hi-Res screen (VGA) and Auto Focus camera. You can give me 5MP camera but if it cannot focus, it is not good enough. If I have taken a 5MP camera with auto-focus and viewing it on a QVGA screen, it is also not good enough. This combination is just right!
Pro:
Con:
Available at Fresh Gear Online Store. All major credit cards and Paypal accepted.
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Price: RM2,399
Available Date: May 2008
Fresh Gear Rating: 7/10
Specification:
BlackBerry Bold - Content
Comes with the following accessories.
The unit comes with an un-interesting packaging. A black box with a BlackBerry Logo on top and the device name located at the side with font size 8 or something! All 3 BlackBerry Storm, Bold and Curve comes with the same box, same size and font. So, it can be quite confusing and mistakenly taken the wrong box.
BlackBerry Bold Headset
The bundled headset/handsfree is actually very nice! The BlackBerry logo is clearly seen and the quality is pretty good too.
BlackBerry - Pouch
The provided leather pouch holds the device firmly but exposing the top indicator light so that users can easily take a look at the notification light. The pouch is so tight that when you are trying to remove the phone from it, it will turn on the Bold “automatically”.
One of the few distinct feature of Blackberrys are their keypad and trackball; and I totally agree! The QWERTY/QWERTZ keyboard is fantastic to type on and the trackball is super easy to navigate around!
Getting the BlackBerry up and running with all my contacts was SIMPLE! Since I am using Google account, a simple Google Sync setup synchronized all my contacts and appointment over to the new device; effortless!
BlackBerry Bold - Main Screen
When there is an incoming new Email, a red flashing indicator light will appear near the top right side of the phone. The main screen of the BlackBerry is very plain and simple with only 6 icons appearing.
Each Email account which you associate with your BlackBerry Server appears as an individual icon. Therefore you can easily identify which Email of yours has a new mail. All these located at the front screen shows how much emphasis BlackBerry put on (push) Email.
BlackBerry Bold - Email
On top of the screen shows how many new Emails are received. Attachment are clearly indicated and Bold is able to easily open most of the popular attachment like Excel, Word, Powerpoint, pictures…
BlackBerry Bold - Email Options
Some of the options you get with Email screen.
BlackBerry Bold - Contacts
BlackBerry Bold - Add New Contact
BlackBerry Bold - Calendar
Appointments are indicated with a small tiny dot. Longer appointments are indicated with a line instead.
BlackBerry Bold - Menu
Click on the “BlackBerry” logo and you will be greeted with host of other functions. Below are some self-explanitary screen shots.
BlackBerry Bold - Application Screen
BlackBerry Bold - Wireless
You can manage all your wireless connection settings from this menu.
BlackBerry Bold - Weather Forecast
BlackBerry Bold - SMS
Threaded SMS on the BlackBerry Bold.
BlackBerry Bold - Setup
BlackBerry Bold - Profile Selction
BlackBerry Bold - Options
The BlackBerry button acts like a “right click” where you can access more options when in a particular menu.
BlackBerry Bold - Media
The movie player in the Blackberry Bold is surprising powerful. Right out of the box, I was able to play most of the file format including DivX and MPEG!
BlackBerry Bold - Map
I don’t like the built-in BlackBerry Maps and I have not figured if it is possible to install other third party maps onto BlackBerry like Mapking, Garmin or Papago maps? Anyone want to share your experience on the mapping software on Blackberry?
BlackBerry Bold - Games
Some of the popular pre-installed games. Better than Windows Mobile pre-installed games!
BlackBerry Bold - Facebook App
A pretty nice built-in Facebook app which allow you to view, upload and update status on Facebook!
BlackBerry Bold - Download
This is the screen where you can manage all the application you have installed.
BlackBerry Bold - Browser
The browser on the BlackBerry Bold is quite slow if compared to other browser on other platform like Safari (iPhone) or Opera (Windows Mobile). Nothing to shout about in this department.
BlackBerry Bold - Auto Lock
Pros:
Cons:
Available at Fresh Gear Online Store. All major credit cards and Paypal accepted.
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Price: RM2,199
Available Date: 5th March 2009
Fresh Gear Rating: 7/10
Specification:
HTC Touch Cruise - Box
Un-boxing the HTC Touch 3G
HTC Touch Cruise - Content
Like HTC P3300, HTC Touch Cruise comes with load of accessories like below!
The HTC Touch Cruise looks quite small nimble compared to the previous HTC Touch Cruise. It did inherit the scroll wheel found the previous model, but that’s it.
HTC Touch Cruise - Front
HTC Touch Cruise - Back
Following the design of Touch 3G, the volume/up down button is just a long sleek line.
HTC Touch Cruise - Side Profile
A 3.2MP camera sits behind and the back cover is made from a very rubbery type material with gold dust like effect, unlike HTC Diamond.
HTC Touch Cruise - 3.2 MP Camera
Top of the PDA is the ON/OFF button
HTC Touch Cruise - Top
Touch Cruise Home Screen
Touch Cruise Weather Tab
Touch Cruise Setting Tab
HTC Touch Cruise isn’t running on Windows Mobile 6.5. So, there isn’t any much difference compared to say HTC Touch 3G in terms of OS. The Settings Tab however now include an additional “Location”. So what is so special about HTC Touch Cruise?
Foot Print Tab
Footprint by HTC
What is “Footprint”? Simply put, Foot Print is a software develop by HTC whereby additional info can be stored on every photo taken using the HTC Touch Cruise. Information like telephone, audio clip, address, notes, coordinates and categories can be store in each of the picture so you know exactly when and where and why you took those pictures.
Step 1 - Take a picture
Step 2 - Set a Category
Step 3 - Add a Coordinate/Location
Step 4 - Enter additional info
Done! Picture appears in Footprint
The next time you open up your footprint, you can just click on the image and navigate to the place on the image. Easy and straight forward.
Map search function is also new in HTC Touch Cruise. It is actually powered by Google Maps where you can search for nearby restaurant, petrol station and others. It is as accurate as what all other users in the world contributes.
Searching for Japanese Food
Found "Momo Japanese Restaurant"
Momo Japanese Restaurant on Map
Papago! X3
HTC Touch Cruise comes pre-loaded with Papago GPS software. It also comes bundled with Maps of Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Maps of different countries
Very similar to my previous review on the Papago Z-820 GPS Navigation System, this map also comes with 3D building and landmarks.
Simulation Screen
More screen shots of the Papago X3 below. Click to enlarge.
Another feature found specifically on Touch Cruise is the Car Kit Mode. Basically when you fix this PDA to the supplied Car Holder kit, it will automatically changes into Navigational Model catering for GPS.
So, the closest PDA (in terms of specification) would be HTC Touch 3G. They both about the same size, weight about the same and have almost the same functionality.
Lets compare!
| HTC Touch Cruise (T4242) | HTC Touch 3G (T3232) | |
| Memory | ROM: 512 MB RAM: 256MB | ROM: 256MB RAM: 192MB |
| Processor | Qualcomm® MSM7225TM, 528 MHz | Qualcomm® MSM7225TM, 528 MHz |
| Battery | Battery Capacity: 1100 mAh | Battery Capacity: 1100 mAh |
| Size & Weight | 102 mm X 53.6 mm X 14.5 mm (96g with battery) | 102mm X 53.5mm X 14.5 mm (103g with battery) |
| Camera | 3.2 MP (Fix Focus) | 3.2 MP (Fix Focus) |
| Additional Accessories | Car Charger + Car Holder + additional stylus + 1GB memory card |
- nil - |
| Additional Software | Papago X3 and Footprint |
- nil - |
Besides the obvious memory storage and button layout difference, everything between the HTC Touch 3G and HTC Touch Cruise is the same. Both have GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi and both don’t come with 3G camera. With HTC Touch 3G now selling at RM1,899, will the difference in RM300 worth all the additional accessories and software?
Pros:
Cons:
Available at Fresh Gear Online Store. All major credit cards and Paypal accepted.
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Garmin is a very popular brand among the GPS user community. The “W” version of the Nuvi 205 stands for “Widescreen”. This is very useful when it comes to navigation as the screen is larger and glancing it would be easier on the eye as well.
There are already lots of review available on the internet like here, here and here. What I have done is a video review whereby I did a routing simulation somewhere near Jalan Conlay to KLCC.
This unit is available at our online store at RM999
If you have more enquiries, please contact anyone of us.
Plaza Low Yat (Grd Floor, UG Floor and 2nd Floor)
Digital Mall, Section 14 PJ (Grd Floor)
IOI Mall, Puchong (2nd Floor)
Digital Mall, USJ 19 Subang Jaya (Grd Floor and 1st Floor)
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