Xda IIi - XDA IIs or MDA? Please help - MDA II, XDA II, 2060 General

Hi there,
I need some urgent advise:
I have an XDA II from O2 and I now can get a new device from O2 as contract upgrade.
The options are XDAIIs or XDAIIi, alternatively I can dump O2 and make a contract with Tmobile for the MDA(compact), this last option is a bit of a pain though, because most people I call have O2 and also my international calls are cheaper with O2.
I don't use XDA very much as you do and hardly mess up with sw or upgrades. I mainly use it to call, take pictures/videos, watch movies, internet and for remembering appointments...
If it is fast enough I'd like to use it (via wi-fi) to surf the net with my laptop(as I don't have a landline), but I don't know if this is possible...
Now, question is: which one do you suggest me to get? I have to get it by the 30th of july...
Thanks guys!
Gio

Well the MDA compact doesn't have wifi so that might help your descision...

and also would depend on if you would use the keyboard on s
personaly i think that GPRS is way too slow for my temperament
if i wanted to surf from a laptop i would get a 3g phone like the htc universal of cause that will not be out by 30th

thanks.
I don't think I'd use the keyboard as it's probably easier to use the on screen one, also the keyboard feels like it's a bit loose and I'm afraid it might open on its own.
Only good thing I see on the IIs is the quadband that the other doesn't have...

Related

Pay As You Go XDA 2 ?

i am recently deciding whether to part with my cash and buy a xda 2. First of all are they worth it? Also would i be able to use a pay as you go sim card from a samsung v200? which does have gprs as it has o2 active i was just wondering as i do not really want to go to a pay monthly plan
thnaks in advance
How much you paying for it? It will work with the sim you have as long as its an O2 phone, if not you can unlock it for free.
it will probably be £270 unlocked and yes i have a o2 sim card
You won't be able to take advantage of the full internet GPRS, I had no end of trouble trying to connect to MSN and websites outside of 02 active, even after numerous phone calls to 02, they never got this sorted out.
As far as I know, on a pay as you go simcard, you cannot benefit from full internet access with o2.
ye but is'nt there a way of changing the setting or something i heard you can do that to make it go on the internet
well can you plzz tell me so i can decide whether to get one
I have a PAYG vodafone in my xda2. Ive only just got the phone and still havent worked out how to get internet access on it. I downloaded vodafone's 'connect me' software and that buggered my actviesync connection so i had to uninstall it....
I would like to say that yes this is very possible.
I had my old XDA I and XDA II on pay and go with O2 I had full internet and full GPRS though it took alot of time to get the settings but I managed it. the only annoying this is when you send a text it tells you your credit about 5 times. I have now got the XDA IIi and the sim also works with this.
conclusion is that yes it can be done and its not hard either. just change the ISP and work connection
cheers can to share the setting for the xda 2 if you know them as if i get one i might need them trying to get my parents to pay half for my birthday present lol
I paid USD $600 for O2 XDA II 2 months ago.
But it's worth.
I'm using it in programming Pocketpc application, capture Discovery from my PC then copy it to my SD 512 MB and view in PocketPC when go to sleep, listen MP3s, use softwares...
It's a nice XDA man ! :wink:
ReaperX said:
ye but is'nt there a way of changing the setting or something i heard you can do that to make it go on the internet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There used to be a way, by changing the Proxy settings, but this does not work for newer SIM's.
O2 PAYG SIM's less than 18 months old (I think) can only access WAP via GPRS.
Cost: Expect to pay £200-£250 for a good condition XDA II on Ebay (just got £235 for mine, but some have gone for as little as £180)
well my sim card is from a samsung v200 which was brought new about november 2003 which has gprs on it, but now am not sure although i suppose if it does not work i should be able to pick on up easily from a store somewhere
Anyone have the Voda settings for GPRS/MMS? I'm on O2 and the reception around here is hit and miss, but Voda is always spot-on. I've a PAYG card that's data-enabled, I just need the settings for the XDAII.

JASJAR or XDA EXEC?

hey guys which should i get cant decide, i dont like the name jasjar but i like the colour.
also is there a way of swapping between 3G and GPRS if i want to reguardless of whether your in a 3G area or not because i get very cheep gprs and might wanna use it even if im in a 3G area. thanks
Neckarb
I had the same dilema and went with the jas jar for several reasons.
1) no o2 commitment (they are, in my personal experince, rubbish in so many ways)
2) cool grey case.
3) imate release rom updates on a regular basis, o2 release one every four thousand years, if your lucky.
4) the jas jar was available sooner
I think you'll find that youll pay the same rate per mb regardless of whether you are using the umts (3g) or edge(2.5g/gprs) networks. you're just liable to use it up faster on umts becaue of the higher data rate! you can force it not to use umts if you want tho'.
Maybe neckarb is on one of the old BT Cellent Genie tariffs where GPRS may cost almost nothing?
Maybe neckarb is on one of the old BT Cellent Genie tariffs where GPRS may cost almost nothing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that i be. and so am interested on o2 for that sole reason, the other problem im having is i wanna pay abouy £400-£500 (either sim free) or preferable including a 12month contract but cannot find the jasjar for that price even though i found the exec for it so again aaah!
neckarb said:
hey guys which should i get cant decide, i dont like the name jasjar but i like the colour.
also is there a way of swapping between 3G and GPRS if i want to reguardless of whether your in a 3G area or not because i get very cheep gprs and might wanna use it even if im in a 3G area. thanks
Neckarb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can force the Universal into GSM mode under settings/phone/Band...There you select GSM instead of 'Auto' under 'Select your network'. Apparently it saves you loads of battery power too as UMTS is power hungry.
Regards
cheers for that mate, can the xda exec be reflashed with an imate rom as im a member of club imate and would love to get the rom updates.
asking for problems
From what i have read from other o2 devices with Imate roms, its is problematic.
get an universal rom first, that way if the imate rom gives your grief, the change back is less trouble.
Please post your findings, it would be interesting.
Can anyone else clarify this? I was intending to get the O2 XDA Exec, but with such a new device and new OS, it's bound to need a ROM upgrade or two. I was looking on the O2 site for ROM upgrades to any of their other XDA devices but couldn't find any which is not a good sign.
My understanding is that i-mate ROM updates will not work on the O2 XDA Exec, in which case I reckon the money saved on an Exec against a Jasjar will not be worth it.
They should be the same hardware, so you could get the slick looking XDA Exec and put the imate ROM on.
it would be great if i could, becuase i found the xda exec £150 cheeper than the jasjar but i love my imate rom updates, has anyone sucsessfully flashed the xda exec or mda pro with the imate jasjar roms?

Whould you buy it again?

Hi m8es,
just thinking about buying a new MDA, wondering if MDA Pro would be the right device for
- A few short phone calls a day
- UMTS (www and EMail)
- mobile Office
and so on...
What do you think about your universal?
i don't have it, but i'd buy it because of the UMTS, which i cannot use on my Hima... (
buzz
Yes, I'd buy it again. I'm convinced that most of the issues it has are due to WM5.0. If I hadn't bought this I would have upgraded my Dell Axim X50v to WM5.0 and run into the same issues anyway. (As it stands I'm keeping that one as a back up still on WM2003se.)
The bottom line is that the Universal does everything I want it to do and it's all in one. The size/weight has not been an issue to me at all.
A happy Jasjar owner.
Jasjar / Univesal
Perhaps not:
My bigger disappointment is the Internet Explores, cannot make bank transactions. :twisted:
Re: Jasjar / Univesal
josedias said:
My bigger disappointment is the Internet Explores, cannot make bank transactions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But really that's a Windows Mobile and Internet Explorer issue, isn't it? I think for any WM5.0 device we'll have to wait for a better browser to be developed...Minimo or a WM5.0 compatible NetFront.
The weird thing is, with my old PDA I couldn't get to my bank account with IE, but with the Jasjar (and IE) I can. I have no clue why.
May be if the Price is bit resonable... Still its saling in here about 1200$ which is too much for universal.

I’ve done it, I’ve just ordered a T-Mobile MDA Vario!

I’ve done it, I’ve just ordered a T-Mobile MDA Vario, it should be here tomorrow, I cant wait!!!
I’m new to this forum and new to the world of Windows Mobile Devices, however I am far from a novice with SmartPhones.
I have been a big fan of SonyEricsson for many years and am currently looking for a new phone, but lately have lost my feel for SE and have discovered then marvel that is the Wizard!!! Wow, I’m so much going to have one of them!!!
I’ve been reading through this forum and well what can I say, what a fantastic resource, well done!
But what I really want to know is: software? I know the MDA Vario is T-Mobile branded, but what restrictions do they impose on you?
I’m a great believer that hardware developers know what they are doing and Phone Network Operators should leave the software well alone. I have read about unlocking the phone and moving Cab files etc, but what I would really want is to flash it with its “pure” software, is this possible and easy to do and how do I then set up my MMS and GPRS setting?
And am I correct in understanding what I’ve read, that, an out the box MDA Vario wont run ActiveSync?
Thanks in advance
Nick
Nick, an excellent choice of name, and an excellent choice of device
The units ROMs all seem to be largely the same, it's the extended ROM which is different.
T-Mobile's extended ROM installs a load of customisations such as wallpapers, GPRS settings, etc... Nothing seems to hinder you particularly badly , however if you don't want it, hard reset then do a soft reset before it installs the customisations. You then have a virgin machine
The only lock is a simlock, which means that you have to use a T-Mobile SIM with the device. Lokiwiz, a free unlocker, gets around this nicely with thanks to Machinagod, and all those whose work he improved
Oh, and activesync works fine with it, providing you haven't got any weird firewalls running
Welcome to the world of windows mobile
I have had my Vario for about a week and a half now.
If you used the P910 like I did, you will miss the jog wheel utility desperately. A brilliant device that was only let down by the lack of symbian (UIQ) development (it's harder to program.
I used to have a compaq 2210 and ran Pocketinformant. I've just reloaded it on my unit. It's brilliant, you give up a lot for the jog wheel but you welcome back the world of 'drag and drop' and 'double tap'.
If you use a PIM then Pocketinformant cannot be beaten.
Incidently make sure you load activesync 4.1 on your pc, providing you set your catergories in your outlook master list to the same as your device, syncing is superb.
good luck :lol:
I've just switched to Vodafone with an expansys contrct deal after four years with T-Mobile. They (T-Mobile) told me six weeks ago, they'd no idea what a Vario was, and had no information that they were going to get them even though Germany had announced them to the press. Expansys had the 9100 on Voda so off I went. The Vodafone "data" bundle which is SMS or MMS or GPRS out of the same pot is better for me than T-Mobile who would only offer web'n'walk *and* a separate SMS/MMS bundle :-(
Vodafone have been fine, but the SMS voicemail alerts that don't activate the little "tape" message waiting icon really annoys me... ;-)
Dox..
I have also gone from a P900 to XDA mini. Its a bit of a transition and can agree - the wheel on the P900 was a luxury I do miss but there are alot moe benefits
Now - just need to try and work out if I can change the whole ROM from the O2 one
Scott
Thanks for all the info fellas, cant wait for it to be delivered…
Excuse my ignorance, but, the ROM, is that the basic OS and the extender ROM is just the individual network customizations?
I will almost certainly, as a matter of principle, do the SIM unlock, but what is the purpose of the CID unlock?
And, if I do the Hard reset Soft reset trick how will I set up my GPRS and MMS?
Sorry about all the questions, but I’m very inquisitive.
Hopefully this will also be helping fellow novices.
Thanks again everyone.
You can enter the settings manually, which if you have them in front of you is fairly simple. If you need to know what they are (I've entered Vodafone's so often for people at work I can do them in my sleep, but don't know the T-Mobile ones), google is your friend. To simplify the whole thing, Raphael over at BeyondTheTech has the cab file with the settings in here for you to download and install as normal.
If you're not going to let the rest of the extended ROM install, put this on a memory card in case you want to run it again after a hard reset..
Dox.
I too like to have a fiddle (I had an original O2 XDA and this site was fantastic for upgrading to later version OS) but so far I can't see any compelling reason not to use the T-Mobile UK custo ROM as shipped.
The only addition I've made is MS Voice with the associated Reg change to allow use with BT headset.
Obviously if there is a superior ROM out there please let us know what is recommended?
Thanks
Nick, check out the wiki which has loads of info about roms, extended roms, radio roms and all that good stuff. Not a huge amount is specific to the Wizard yet, but the information applies all the same.
Has it arrived yet, or are you sitting by the front door like an eager puppy waiting for the postman or newspaper boy (or girl, thank you Stan)
Unfortunately I’m at work today and they would only deliver to my home address
AND they need a signature, so first thing tomorrow morning I’ll be stud outside my local Postal Depot waiting for it to open…..
Oh I hate waiting!!!
Welcome to Vario-ness !
Not coming from a previous PPC platform, you won't suffer the same way i did, by installing all the apps i used on my MDA Compadt some of which may not have been compatable with WM5. That ended up with me having a poor view on the Vario.
Fear not though, i've since seen the error of my ways, thanks to the fine folks on this forum...
I have an XDA II, and would like to update if there is a significant improvement.
I have read from the t-mobile site that the Vario does not have vibrate or voice dialling. Is this true, can Fonix be installed?
The most vital things I use are the outlook contacts, calender, isilo reader and avant go. I guess all standard apps that work on windows mobile 2003 work on 5 right?
How big is the screen?
Thanks for any help.
Well, that just goes to show that T-Mobile don't have a clue, really, doesn't it? I thought you must be mistaken, but sure enough it says that it doesn't support voice dial, and doesn't vibrate either.
It does. On both counts. The vibrate is a lot better than the xda2s in that it almost dislocates a hip when it goes off, and voice dialing works very well. With a quick registry hack, voice dialing works with bluetooth headsets too
Some have found the vario sluggish in comparison to the xda 2; i find it to be comparable to the blue angel (2s) that I had running wm2005 - bear in mind you're reading/writing all files from flash rather than RAM, and that explains the performance.
The screen is 2.8 inches diagonal.
Have any of you got vibrate working on M3000 (Orange)?
I have an M3000 from Orange Switzerland, and cannot get my vibrate to work at all.
Not to get 'off topic' but T-Mobile Czech republic were about to sell me a MDA Vario and at the last moment I noticed a sticker on the box saying it doesn't support character recognizer or transcriber .. anyone know if this FOR ME huge negative can be reversed so I can handwrite sms as MDA II let me .. (perfect solution for me)
kgary said:
Not to get 'off topic' but T-Mobile Czech republic were about to sell me a MDA Vario and at the last moment I noticed a sticker on the box saying it doesn't support character recognizer or transcriber .. anyone know if this FOR ME huge negative can be reversed so I can handwrite sms as MDA II let me .. (perfect solution for me)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both work fine for me on a UK MDA Vario, I don't know why the czech would be different. I must say however that I rarely use them because the slide out keyboard is SO sweet.
On a side note, my brother just picked up the same phone on O2 and personally I like the O2 customisations a lot better than the T-mobile ones. Especially the multiple today screen functionality.
Is it possible to install O2 extended rom and keep t-mobile comms settings? I've only just started to look into this so does anyone with any experience with this have any tips?
Thanks

HELP! Dash or MDA? Pocket Office on Dash? (for editing capabilities) Hack or Downloa

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HELP! Dash or MDA? Pocket Office on Dash? (for editing capabilities) Hack or Download (or Doea the Hermes also work with T-Mobile???)
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I've talked to everyone when considering choosing between the MDA and the newer Dash?
Is it possible to get a free version of Pocket Office to put on the Dash so I can have the editing option for Microsoft Documents?
MDA or Dash? Which is more versitile, faster, and good for work & networking on the fly?
Does the MDA have WiFi like the Dash? for free wifi connections.
After too many T-Mobile reps, HTC reps, and other users...I'm exhausted with beating around the bush form the simple, and exact answers I'm looking for. You advice and expertise would truly be appreciated. Help! Thanks.
Ryan
Tough call, Ryan... both are great devices in their own rights. However, Dash is Smartphone platform and MDA is Pocket PC platform. Pocket PC is going to give you more functionality and customization. Smartphone is going to give you more convenience and smoother performance (assuming the ROM is stable and current).
Both MDA and Dash have Wi-Fi.
Based on your other questions and desires, I think Pocket PC platform is probably more what you're looking for.
Thank you.
Thank you for the feedback.
I have been leaning towards the MDA, but didn't want to take a step back in technology advantage, given that I'll have this phone for a while and I'll want to get the most from the device. OR Should I go with DASH in hope of getting an app to edit documents? Is there anytihng coming out soon, or where should i go to find out where to get it? Can I use either device with google's new word and excel editting, without being connected to a free wifi?
Are both devices able to use Skype?
The MDA glitches and complaints do worry me about dependability. Do you believe the MDA is stable, and is the HTC Hermes able to be used with T-Mobile?
The phone I have (Nokia 3660) just died (only shows Nokia when booting up, in a continuous loop). Therefore i have just lost 600 numbers which weren't sync to the new laptop i had ot buy because my old one was stolen 2 months ago. If you have any advice on retreaving these numbers let me know.
Also, do you recommend getting the MDA from T-Mobile for $250 or from eBay? or other cell phone sites you recommend for purchases?
Ryan
I am unsure of the Dash's abilities to edit documents. I believe that there are apps out there for the Smartphone platform that allow you to do it.
As far as Skype goes... minimum requirements to run Skype on a mobile device are 400mhz or higher processor and Wifi or 3G network. That pretty much leaves you with Hermes if you are wanting to go the route of the MDA line of devices. Yes the HTC Hermes can be used on T-Mobile.
The only advice I could offer for extracting your contacts from your old phone is to get it to an authorized Nokia repairman and have them get it out. If your phone can go into bootloader mode, you should be able to rescue the data.
I can't recommend one way or the other on where to buy your phone from other than saying that if you don't buy it from T-Mobile, check around on Ebay.
Savior Pete
Thanks again.
I'm glad your active on here today.
So are you saying the Dash is the only T-mobile provided phone that will work with Skype? I don't believe you can buy the Hermes from T-mobile (just the wizard) Unless you know otherwise.
I don't see a tremendous savings on eBay (maybe $50) which leads me to buy from T-mobile simply for the support and warrantees.
I will be checking back frequently. [email protected] if you like Thanks again.
No the Dash will NOT work with Skype, and neither will the MDA II aka Wizard. Sorry, I was thinking before that maybe you were in the UK where the MDA Vario II is available on T-Mobile... that is the Hermes. I think your only choice if you are definitely wanting to run Skype is to get a Hermes, probably off of E-bay. Just make sure you get it unlocked... most of them will be. Do searches for Tytn and Jasjam. The Jasjam will on average run you $100-200 more than the Tytn.

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