Using multiple Universals as desktop replacements - JASJAR, XDA Exec, MDA Pro General

This may may be a little premature as the Universal has only been available for such a short while, however I would really appreciate the input of the expert knowledge that makes this one of the greatest forums in the world.
I am starting a small business within the next few months and will initially have a workforce of around 6 people. The majority of the work will involve taking calls, using word+excel+powerpoint, viewing and reviewing small online videos and data input to an online database. The staff will also be dispatched to the field and will need to work remotely.
So my theoretical question is whether the universal could be used as a desktop replacement for use within the office where a central server/computer provides wifi connection and as a remote terminal whilst in the field.
The questions I have therefore are:
Do you think I will be able to bring the VGA out onto a 15” monitor? either natively via USB or via an adapter such as the ‘IGO pitch duo’ or ‘Margi’ etc. My knowledge here is limited, but if activesync can show this on the desktop. Could the internal display on the universal be routed to an external monitor instead of the main screen, I believe Nydot has some software to help achieve this. Will this be an appropriate UI, I can not expect staff to use a 3.6" screen all day long.
Will I encounter problems with multiple devices in one room? I.E. Sharing a wifi connection, multiple Bluetooth headsets and keyboards used in a confined space.
Will I be able to use VOIP on each of the six phones running with different numbers at the same time through one broadband connected computer?
Also if anyone can foresee other problems that may arise from the use of pocketpcs instead of desktops/laptops please let me know. Does anyone know of any other small companies that already have tried or succeeded at this before now?
Thanks in advance, your views on this will help greatly, as I would hate to buy six universals and then have to buy six laptop/desktops as well.
Jamie Honey

From experience
Hi and good luck with your startup,
I used to run a business in the UK on behalf of a friend from UAE, back in 1992. I got a Psion organiser and a printer, but boy, it is painful to work on a small device all day long. We already have problems with well designed macro systems with eye strain and rsi.
So i will recommend you get a few PCS and a couple laptops for field work and a couple pda's and people can share and swap, it will also create variety which is good for business morale, and since you will be using the windows platform, no problem with syncing and sharing...
Just an advice...
Regards
Nabil H

Hi Jayman,
As far as I'm aware, the JasJar doesn't have an external VGA output that would allow you to view internal screen contents on an external monitor.
The only way this could be achieved would be by using some type of SDIO card that facilitated a VGA output function.
The HTC Himalaya Device (XDA2 and XDA2i) have an interface underneath the battery that supports a little backpack that has a VGA output and a CF card slot. However the Himalaya doesn't have all the features of the JasJar.
As long as you configure your Wifi devices correctly (DHCP/Static IP - no duplicates, you will have no problems. The same goes for your bluetooth connections. For bluetooth you will need to implement a strict naming scheme for the devices in order to avoid confusion.
I'm not too sure about the VOIP query - i'll research that and get back to you later as i'm curious about that as well.
Pocket PCs are not ergonimcally condusive with an intense longterm working environment. As Nabil2000 stated, your employess will eventually feel the ill health effects associated with working in a "cramped" position on such a small device.
Hope this helps
Good luck with you business idea
Qaz

So Jayman, what did you do in the end?
xerxes

Related

Any questions for microsoft

Any questions for microsoft
Hi all,
On Monday week - ie 11th July I will be meeting with microsoft and hopefully looking at the HTC Universal in detail. I will take my camcorder along so hopefully they will let me take some footage.
Does anyone have any questions they want asked?
Also I will try to take a "origami size pattern" of the universal as many prople are worried about the size. ie you can print, fold and glue to get an accurate feel of its volume.
Any other suggestions on information that can be gained from this meeting?
Jayman
Edit: I will also try to get a couple of sample photos/video from the cameras
Ask about WM5 for other HTC devices. That would be cool to know what MS says about it.
Do you mean upgrades for existing HTC models (this is a carrier decision not m$) or do you mean new models yet to be announced such as the galaxy/wizard?
Jayman said:
or do you mean new models yet to be announced such as the galaxy/wizard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... which is also a question to ask manufacturers and not Microsoft.
Stateside
I wouldn't expect them to have any information on this either, but it's worth a shot. Ask if they have any information when we might be able to see this device in the US. Even ballpark figures will do. I need something to keep me away from the Samsung i730.
Also, if it is a working device, I'd be interested to know how it performs as a phone (without headset/speakerphone) in both the open and closed screen position. (i.e. are the speaker and microphone positioned to work well in both configurations?). Check out the memory configuration as well, see how much ROM is left for storage.
One more thing...WM5 seems to lend itself to easier one handed usage. I'm not sure it will be possible with the Universal, but I'd be interested in your interpretation.
It sounds like a great opportunity, have fun!
Shawn
1)
Will there be a HotFix system for the WM2005, or is there any plans for it.
2)
Will M$ Relase Rom, Radio etc. upgrades/Fixes directly in the future for WM 2005.
3)
What is M$ doing about the fact that installed programs can make the device general unstable. Are you looking into this problem and plan to solve this issue.
I'm no programmer and don't know why this happends, but i guess it the same story as Windows for desktops in earlier years?
Good luck fella.
Ask them when they are finally going to solve the microphone support issues with the phone application, why the same mic works perfectly well with speakerphone, voice recorder ect but is far too low on phone.
Maybe they could add a volume slider for the Mic in the phone app (and here's another tip, if they do, they current level should be the bottom setting!!)
Take the invisible Rom-Grabber with you and ask for a Blue Angel with WM 5.0...
USB Host
Can you find out if they have any plans to include USB host drivers so that we can use our windows mobile devices with portable hard drives. The form factor of the Universal can only be justified (by me) if I can get rid of my pc on many trips. To do that, I need access to files on my portable hard drive. Would be nice if they supported this functionality.
Ray
USB Host
Can you find out if they have any plans to include USB host drivers so that we can use our windows mobile devices with portable hard drives. The form factor of the Universal can only be justified (by me) if I can get rid of my pc on many trips. To do that, I need access to files on my portable hard drive. Would be nice if they supported this functionality.
Ray
did the meeting happen?
hi friends,
did someone actually meet ms people!
:twisted: :shock: :idea:
it's not software which limit devices from being masters and using external harddisks or the like
It's all gone very quiet, surely the rumours about the Redmond mafia's business dealings can't be true ...... can they?
Maybe we should have just suggested questions like "Is it true Bill Gates gives lots of money to charity?", or maybe "Tell me more about Microsoft's work in the third world". Poor old Jayman!
Rudegar said:
it's not software which limit devices from being masters and using external harddisks or the like
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, yes it is software: they're called 'drivers', because the programs 'steer' the data to the correct controlling program.
The Universal has a USB port, so it should have a driver on it somewhere. The question would be, is the divice loaded with a driver to allow it to 'master' other devices, or is it just the syncing point?
Maybe he meant it's more likely to be HTC that can answer that question?
Of far more importance to me is does the device have a suitable method of connecting to an LCD projector? IMHO, this is the absolute killer app for a "laptop replacement" & it's pretty much the only thing I miss from the Xda II.
its more likely that ms and htc is the same, if you know what i mean. and its very likely that there is no company called htc in reallity. maybe a post box hanging in taiwan is called htc and a website hosted (???) in taiwan. but noone is working for a company called htc. i can assure you in that point. and even if there is a hand full of people claiming them selfe working for a company called htc - they are not located in taiwan. need more info about that? go to china and find out yourself, best to start your research is at a company called dopod!
cheers, lutz
lutzh said:
its more likely that ms and htc is the same, if you know what i mean. and its very likely that there is no company called htc in reallity. maybe a post box hanging in taiwan is called htc and a website hosted (???) in taiwan. but noone is working for a company called htc. i can assure you in that point. and even if there is a hand full of people claiming them selfe working for a company called htc - they are not located in taiwan. need more info about that? go to china and find out yourself, best to start your research is at a company called dopod!
cheers, lutz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please tell me more about this, lutz. I don't have the means to go to China and research it, but I always like to hear a good conspiracy theory.
Oh, yes it is software: they're called 'drivers', because the programs 'steer' the data to the correct controlling program.
The Universal has a USB port, so it should have a driver on it somewhere. The question would be, is the divice loaded with a driver to allow it to 'master' other devices, or is it just the syncing point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you found a way to make a usb peripheral a master using software
then contact www.usb.org i'm sure they will be impressed
the universal if it have usb support contain a usb chip which can act as master
much like my gf's old acer pda which also have such a chip
htc would have gotten a better usb interface had they used the usb interface from the ati chip insted of the nativ xcale usb interface
Please tell them
F*******************KING SOLVE BLUETOOTH PROBLEMS, AT LEAST MAKE IT WORKING PROPERLY...........
regards
Gugi
-- sorry for swearing but ......
@gugi_sat: The meeting is over!
It happened on the 11th..

TV / Radio on HTC Uni's

Does anyone know anything about the release date, or whether the devices have been released.... for the Pocket PC that allows you to watch live TV feed via the SDIO Port?
I know there was a company that said March 06, but they've sorta gone quiet... there's radio devices out there, and devices for the PALM or CF Card... But anyone know anything about one that will be compatible with the MDA Pro???
:-/
Tv and Radio only via WIFI or 3G connections via subscriptions or internet based feeds only.
dont know any that will allow this via an SDIO slot, but would be interested if found, suspect if used it will be a massive battery drain.
There was something meant to have been released in March:
http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4782.html
But can't find anything else about it... :-(
You might consider this
If you want access to TV/Sat/Cable or your DVD player you might want to try this.
http://www.slingmedia.com/
It has a mobile player.
Re: You might consider this
Celestial said:
If you want access to TV/Sat/Cable or your DVD player you might want to try this.
http://www.slingmedia.com/
It has a mobile player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anything cheaper than $249 :-/ ??
here is the site:
http://www.eopstech.com/eops/index.html
doesn't open on my side (looks like it's hosted on a dialup connection :lol: )
ady said:
doesn't open on my side (looks like it's hosted on a dialup connection :lol: )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't open on my side either :-( Is this somewhere that sells them? Makes them??..
Hi to everyone on the forum. This is my first post. I'm recently the owner of a new HTC Universal (T-mob MDA Pro).
Just thought I'd let you kno - I'm a PhD student working on mobile digital TV. I'm working in 2 European projects aimed at delivering mobile digital tv based at Brunel University. I currently have one of the digital TV SDIO receivers mentioned here. It's a prototype from a company called DibCom. It's a DVB-H receiver. DVB-H sends boradcast data in bursts so a receiver only has to be powered in bursts thus saving battery life. DVB-H braodcasts were tested in Oxford not so long ago. DVB-H broadcasts are not gonna be around until a few years yet so to test the chip I have to set up my own digital DVB-H channel and broadcast to myself! I'm working on user interface terminal applications, middleware and protocols. My job is to create the interactive side of the broadcasts - basically creating the interactive services like you see with regular DVB-T freeview only for mobile devices (and hopefully much better!). So interactive sports, shopping, gaming etc can all be done on your mobile device. That's the plan anyway! I'll try to attach a pic of the prototype chip here (taken with my MDA PRo!)
All the best guys!
LLOYDY
cool sounding job man.
what do you believe the DVB-H reception will be like, I find freeview starts to go all blocky when its windy so I have no idea what DVB-H will be like if i was on the move (maybe on the bus or something).
Well this is why also the reason we needed a new technology to deliver to mobile devices. DVB-H doesn't need line-of-sight to the transmitter like DVB-T does. It will use "transmitter" and "receiver diversity" so that one strong signal can be singled out from lots of signal echoes and bounces. It is designed specifically for mobile use. One of the projects I'm working in is called PLUTO (Physical Layer DVB (that's the U!) Transmission Optimisation) where we're working on this exact issue. See http://www.ist-pluto.org for more info on this. The second project deals with broadcasting applications and user interfaces voe rthe new network etc and is called INSTINCT World (due to commence in September). INSTINCT World is a world-wide project with China being the newest member so far.
But... we'll soon see! All the best,
LLOYDY
So if this isn't coming out for ages.... why was msnmobiles saying the device for Pocket PC will be out March 06?
And there's already one out for the PALM devices using the CF card...
:-/
If you have windows xp media center you can use www.orb.com for live tv and whatever media files you have on your pc. I use it all the time to watch sports while my wife is shopping at the mall. EDGE speeds are adequate to watch but it is a little hard to read the scores on my wizard. If you can get onto a wifi connection the picture comes in perfect. The program tests your internet speed connections so gives you the best picture for your internet speeds. Best of all it is free and works really well.
Sorry for being misleading: I wasn't saying the devices won't be out until next year (I've had mine for well over a year now), I was referring to the broadcasts - broadcasting in the UK (and most of Western Europe I believe) won't start until next year sometime (I'm unsure about the USA). DVB-H still hasn't got a designated broadcast radio band yet. This is all still up in the air. I'm sure there are many companies about to release or have already released the receiver chips. Nokia have released their DVB-H capable phones already and I have been working with a few of them. Only thing is they use their own proprietary software and drivers which cost $$$. I'm working to develop an open standard across the board and eagerly awaiting the JSR272 (a proposed API from Java ready for mobile television and multimedia). As you can see the Digital TV Group is a member of the projects I'm working in and these are the people who set the digial TV standards.
@Jeeb75:
The media streaming your referring to though is Internet streaming. This is completely different and is an inefficient use of internet traffic/bandwidth (until internet router broadcasting protocols are properly used at least). With DVB-H you will get clear, crisp Digital TV and services over-the-air just like you can pick up a standard TV channel a home. Thanks for the info tho - I enjoy getting TV streams on my Universal.
Again, I apologise for the misunderstanding. Hope this helps!
LLOYDY
Just in case anyone's interested in this, just found out from the manufacturer, that the items are available now, and work on analogue signals, so will work now too.
USD$150 is the price at the mo, which isn't toooo bad when you think of how much a portable TV would cost...
I'm gonna order one, and if anyone want's to know about it, will update this in due course
Dave.
jmdrizen said:
Just in case anyone's interested in this, just found out from the manufacturer, that the items are available now, and work on analogue signals, so will work now too.
USD$150 is the price at the mo, which isn't toooo bad when you think of how much a portable TV would cost...
I'm gonna order one, and if anyone want's to know about it, will update this in due course
Dave.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More info/details please
I checked out dibcoms website, from what I can tell, they are only making the internal chipset for the all in one analogue and DVB h tuner, not any ready to sell devices
I'm currently reviewing the SDIO analogue TV tuner from Eopstech. Both its power and sound is off-board due to the bandwidth limitations of SDIO.
Also, due to the bandwidth limitations, the bigger the screen size, the lower the frame rate. On my Magician in portrait mode, its very good. It slows down a bit in landscape. On the Universal in landscape it can be quite gittery but still watchable. The most annoying thing about it is the external battery pack which is quite bulky and only lasts 2.5hrs. However, you can plug headphones, power and an external aerial into it.
lloydcody: can you upload the pictures you posted to the forum itself or resize them pls.
lloydcody, couldn't you lose your job by disclosing those pics on here? I would take tehm down if I was you..... (although I wouldn't know if you have signed a NDA)
I haven't got a job - I'm a student! Just thought I'd let you guys know that mobile TV is soon on its way. There's nothing wrong with the pics. This is not a hush-hush project - far from it. I'm part of an open standards project not some secret corporate prototyping.
You can buy one of these chips yourself if you're interested - though they're not cheap!
@nedge2k
What do you want me to do with pics?
LLOYDY
LOL. Sorry, and thanks for clearing that one up. How much are the chips?

What is by far the coolest thing you can do with your Hermes

I am currently getting bored with my Hermes, I have flashed about 10 Roms in the past few months and I have followed the herd on almost every customized look we can come up with (Black, Custel, iphone lookalike, kaiser lookalike) you name it.
SO I thought I would reach out and see what other people are using their Hermes for. First and foremost I use mine as a phone. Anyone else? I also use Tomtom for Nav and orb for music and videos. Once and a while I stream XM too because I have an account. But thts about it.
I would love to hear about what else I can do and what other people think the best thing they have found on the Hermes is. I'm curious to see how crazy it can get.
Links to the coolest things folks here have done:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1010449&postcount=5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=672628&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1011991&postcount=10
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1012249&postcount=5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1209297&postcount=40
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1218608&postcount=17
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1238684&postcount=7
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1213780&postcount=4
Mike
when I'm bored I use it to mess around with other people's phones and pc's,
funny how so many people leave their bluetooth on nowadays on both phones and laptops
I also use it to surf the net in classes (no laptop policy)
anyone else \()/?
afguard17 said:
I am currently getting bored with my Hermes, I have flashed about 10 Roms in the past few months and I have followed the herd on almost every customized look we can come up with (Black, Custel, iphone lookalike, kaiser lookalike) you name it.
SO I thought I would reach out and see what other people are using their Hermes for. First and foremost I use mine as a phone. Anyone else? I also use Tomtom for Nav and orb for music and videos. Once and a while I stream XM too because I have an account. But thts about it.
I would love to hear about what else I can do and what other people think the best thing they have found on the Hermes is. I'm curious to see how crazy it can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Orb is awesome (I was watching Anchorman on my commute home this evening), also I use my Hermes mostly for work, so tons of email (100 a day or so), attachment viewing\editing). TomTom is a life saver, as is GoogleMaps (saves me lots of 411 charges). Besides that day to day stuff, playing with ROMs and using it to wow friends and co-workers ("I forgot my ethernet cable! how am I supposed to get online now?!"..."Oh, please... allow me" along with a million other examples), wardriving, camera, mp3 player etc.
When I am bored I use the cameras three shot panorama mode to do funny things like getting a friend to do different poses in each of the three shots when the photo is finished its pretty cool. Seeing the same person three times in the same shot doing different things can pretty funny and if you have an imagination you can do some wicked stuff, ill have to look around for some of my shots and post them.
Psiodon
haha Mike Channon you smart ass.. lol.
I use my Hermes as a webcam.. .. The guy mentioned above likes to see me naked for some reason..
I know it is stupid, but I find it cool to run old games using ScummVM. Friends are amazed when they see (and hear) Monkey Island or DOTT on this device. (for the same reason, I have DOOM on my Nokia phone )
The Pebbles application (bluetooth remote control) is fun to play around with, as it offers a great deal of controllers (touchpad, scrollwheel, ...). But I haven't got round to making a proper interface for the softwares I use (at the moment, I prefer to use Puppetmaster on my Nokia to control my laptop, is this also displays data from the application on the mobile screen).
From a technological point of view, the internet sharing via bluetooth is IMO one of the coolest features of the device.
Of course, being able to view movies or get some work done on a plane is great too. And then there is PocketFMS: connect the TyTN to a bt gps, and you get a moving map flight management system (yep, for general aviation!); which can be combined with weather data!
It is a cool device... but could be more stable at times.
Jörg
I have a bluetooth to serial device, which means I can run terminal connections over bluetooth.. so I can use it to configure routers etc.. just plug the dongle into a serial port.. connect via the phone and there's no need to carry round a laptop for that anymore.
I also use it as a phone and pda of course for those things.. For a normal day it can practically replace my laptop for dealing with both windows and *nix machines.. Pretty good if you ask me.
If you really are that bored of it send me it I can put it to good use
(oh yeah and I play scummVM on it too )
sambartle said:
I have a bluetooth to serial device, which means I can run terminal connections over bluetooth..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My I ask what kind of bt-serial device? Does it have its own battery, or does it draw power from the serial port?
I have no experience with such devices, but the reason I'm asking is that I wonder if it is possible to connect a bluetooth GPS to a Nikon D200 (this has a serial port for a GPS, to allow for coordinates to be embedded in the exif header). Of course, a setup like this is not supported (I mailed Nikon with this question), but they didn't say it wouldn't work (they hadn't thought of this).
Thanks!
Jörg
sambartle said:
I have a bluetooth to serial device, which means I can run terminal connections over bluetooth.. so I can use it to configure routers etc.. just plug the dongle into a serial port.. connect via the phone and there's no need to carry round a laptop for that anymore.
I also use it as a phone and pda of course for those things.. For a normal day it can practically replace my laptop for dealing with both windows and *nix machines.. Pretty good if you ask me.
If you really are that bored of it send me it I can put it to good use
(oh yeah and I play scummVM on it too )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what can you do on a windows box via serial? on a unix/linux box: that must be pretty hard given its lack of VT100 support i.e. 80x24, and no wrap around lines.
having a satnav system...
me walking like a walking encyclopedia ..
wealth of info related to work.. (medically.. )
oh forgot to mention is i dont have to worry about mespilling something.
Orb is the best
The Slingbox player is always nice to have when there is time to kill.
The "coolest" (geekyest) thing I've done is use it to control my irrigation system. I have several Insteon home automation devices installed and when I needed to check all the different irrigation zone sprinklers, I just used the phone to remote in to the host PC and turn on/off each area while I walked around the yard and made adjustments. I could also use the same process to control all the lighting in the house as well.
+1000 for Orb.
V J said:
My I ask what kind of bt-serial device? Does it have its own battery, or does it draw power from the serial port?
I have no experience with such devices, but the reason I'm asking is that I wonder if it is possible to connect a bluetooth GPS to a Nikon D200 (this has a serial port for a GPS, to allow for coordinates to be embedded in the exif header). Of course, a setup like this is not supported (I mailed Nikon with this question), but they didn't say it wouldn't work (they hadn't thought of this).
Thanks!
Jörg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its one of these (I actually got it cheaper than this - from the manufacturer who also sells them on ebay himself but has none on there at the minute), expansys also do them
It's powered via a USB cable.. But i have a solar charging unit that outputs via USB and works fine with it.. so i dont need usb to use it.. does the nikon proivde 5v on any ports as that would probably work.. (maybe even the usb port if it has one and supports weird configs (not just to connect it to a pc as that wont suply voltage))
I have no idea if it will connect a bluetooth gps to a camera.. the closest i can try is linking it to my bluetooth gps and seeing if nmea flows to the serial port.. ill give it as go for you this week.
frustin said:
what can you do on a windows box via serial? on a unix/linux box: that must be pretty hard given its lack of VT100 support i.e. 80x24, and no wrap around lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
depends whats connected to the windows box .. or what software its running.. or what its purpose is.. (i work in telecommunications)
On a desktop theres probably not much point, but theres switches, analysers, ATM's all sorts of industrial windows installations that all have serial diiagnostics and terminals..
on a *nix box its pretty much the same deal.. if its running a serial terminal i can connect to it with mToken or Mobile Putty.. theres hundreds of different bits of serial kit you can connect too.. serial is serial doesnt matter that its sent via bluetooth to the PPC.
Works on routers and all kinds of switching gear.. it's absolutly invaluable to me!!
Cool things with the TYTN
I assigned VJCandela to one of the side buttons, this help locating the key hole to my door (home, not car, I am a responsible person!) when it's pitch dark and I polished a few with the boys!
This phone belongs in a James Bond movie, period.
possibilities are endless!
Orb is great!
The Slingbox pro is awesome!!!
Im was thinking the same think as far as what else is possible via these phones... the quest for home automation is what brought me here (via search)
I think the links in the 2nd post should keep me busy for a bit...
Thanks!
Xtra
frustin said:
what can you do on a windows box via serial? on a unix/linux box: that must be pretty hard given its lack of VT100 support i.e. 80x24, and no wrp around lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wuh?
Methinks you didn't read his reply all that thoroughly.
Routers, at least enterprise class routers have serial managmenet ports - hence him specifically mentioning serial in the same sentence as routers and nothing else.
I'm not even sure I know what you're trying to say regarding VT100 support - which is just one of many types of terminal emulation (based on the old DEC VT100 video terminal). Windows itself doesn't provide out-of-band management compatible with textual terminals, but many servers *do* have serial out-of-band facilities which can in turn talk to Windows running on said server...think lights out managmement. Most Sun servers have serial access to both the PROM and running OS, and you can redirect a serial port to a console in Linux.
I'm betting that when the OP mentioned managing Winders boxen with his Hermes he was thinking RDP.
But you knew all that I'm sure. =)
I'm a musician - I use it as a guitar tuner (PhoneTuner), I have a spectrum analyzer (HASA) for finding feedback frequencies when doing sound checks, I use it to record songs I'm working on with an MP3 recorder(AudioNotes), to record lyrics (Word, Notes, or even putting lyrics into a Task item so it will sync over the air with Outlook). I use ORB for streaming media from my server while on the road. I use the LED light as a flashlight mapped to the push and hold button with VJCandela. I use it as a timer for Texas Hold 'em poker to decide when to double the blind (SPB Time). I have an english dictionary, and a spanish-english dictionary on it. I use it to read ebooks (HaaliReader). I use it as an RPN calculator (CalcNOW). I use INAV for GPS guidance with a bluetooth GPS receiver when on tour.

Seeking advice of whether or not to buy a Shift

I am interested in a new latop and have been doing quite a lot of research on the Shift. Voice call functionality is probably the only thing holding me back from making a definite decision right now. I have been purusing about and have come across a few questions as post dates seem intermintent on whether or not a few of the things I am looking for will come true. So if members could give me a point of view on to wait or not, or even to look at another device.
1.) I see that voice call functionality is not there, and am wondering if this is a "yet" or "a maybe" or a "don't get your hopes up".
2.) I have been a frequent user of cooked roms from HTC and was wondering if there is going to be anywhere near the support for the Shift as there is for other devices such as the Tytn II since I am all about making a great device even better.
3.) Is there any reasons why any of you can personally think of why I should seek another UMPC device or small laptop when compared to the Shift. I am going to be using it mostly for travel, media functions (mp3/movies), and of course web browsing/downloading. Things I am worried about... battery life, and never being able to make phone calls, and not having a touch screen. Owning a Tilt I am spoiled to that aspect
4.) Is the range of the bluetooth going to be greater than 33'? I know some types of bluetooth headsets can go much further distances, but am unsure if that is for media only or if that will be an option for voice call for the Shift as well.
5.) I currently have a Tilt running many programs such a mobile shell, poket weather, AT&T Navigator, and things along those lines. What is the likely-hood that I will be able to use such programs on the unlocked side of WM for the Shift. Or is that really going to depend a lot on the software programs themselves?
I have more questions, but have yet to search for the answers before posting, so I will be back soon.
Thank you for all your help and input in advance!
SKy
skyfox99 said:
I am interested in a new latop and have been doing quite a lot of research on the Shift. Voice call functionality is probably the only thing holding me back from making a definite decision right now. I have been purusing about and have come across a few questions as post dates seem intermintent on whether or not a few of the things I am looking for will come true. So if members could give me a point of view on to wait or not, or even to look at another device.
1.) I see that voice call functionality is not there, and am wondering if this is a "yet" or "a maybe" or a "don't get your hopes up".
2.) I have been a frequent user of cooked roms from HTC and was wondering if there is going to be anywhere near the support for the Shift as there is for other devices such as the Tytn II since I am all about making a great device even better.
3.) Is there any reasons why any of you can personally think of why I should seek another UMPC device or small laptop when compared to the Shift. I am going to be using it mostly for travel, media functions (mp3/movies), and of course web browsing/downloading. Things I am worried about... battery life, and never being able to make phone calls, and not having a touch screen. Owning a Tilt I am spoiled to that aspect
4.) Is the range of the bluetooth going to be greater than 33'? I know some types of bluetooth headsets can go much further distances, but am unsure if that is for media only or if that will be an option for voice call for the Shift as well.
5.) I currently have a Tilt running many programs such a mobile shell, poket weather, AT&T Navigator, and things along those lines. What is the likely-hood that I will be able to use such programs on the unlocked side of WM for the Shift. Or is that really going to depend a lot on the software programs themselves?
I have more questions, but have yet to search for the answers before posting, so I will be back soon.
Thank you for all your help and input in advance!
SKy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Dont get you hopes up, in fact i dont think we ever get all these functions that some say they are working on. why bother? what do you relly want that big acphone fore?
2. see 1.
3. it is a machine with limited power great for surfing bad for alot else
4. have only used a bluetooth mouse works great, havnt used it far from away lol
5. the stoage is wery limired on the shift, no room for alot of apps
skyfox99 said:
1.) I see that voice call functionality is not there, and am wondering if this is a "yet" or "a maybe" or a "don't get your hopes up".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is between "maybe" and "don't get your hopes up": requires security unlocking the device and changing some NV items in radio, but I'm not sure if the microphone is connected on the SnapVUE side. Bluetooth is definitely not connected, so it won't be possible to call through a headset.
skyfox99 said:
2.) I have been a frequent user of cooked roms from HTC and was wondering if there is going to be anywhere near the support for the Shift as there is for other devices such as the Tytn II since I am all about making a great device even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM cooking is imminent, some of us are already using cooked ROMs.
I use mine for surfing (3G is great), documents, email and the odd movie. It won't cope with much else, which is fine because that's all I want it for. And why would you want voice calling on this thing? Bizarre, but each to their own.
The big thing is it is tiny...and well connected...a bit like Kate Moss
I appreciate the feedback. I was hoping for voice call via 1.2 i suppose for 300' range so i could just walk around with a headset on with the Shift at my desk at work. I am guessing i was expecting a little too much. I really am just looking for a touchscreen laptop that isn't too big and isn't too expensive. Any ideas for a computer along those lines?
If you at work, then you should have internet connection. Some telecom operators offer IP telephony. I am using this on Shift with even better functionality than mobile phone and with BT headset. It is possible to use also Skype for example. You can use the functionality even in move in wifi networks or mobile networks with flat rate package. Of course, 3G networks preferred.
shift
personally id buy which is what im going to do, but since it has windows mobile and a sd slot, it wouldnt be hard for some one copy software from another phone and since it has nothing to do with screen capabilities of processor speed im sure it woul be compatibal from almost any device because it is just a drive for hardware, bluetooth is not so much a hardware issue more sofware which once sd slot made usable might be ale to achive easyer when size is no matter, to addd extra options to handler or driver for blue tooth whichever.. besides if u like videos im sure the screen is somewhat high def being that its 16 million colors (not sure dont have it yet) and most computer screens are like 232k colors it might be like 720p or something not sure i dont know how many colors they can display and whatever but it'll make videos amazing compared to 64k colors of other phones, and some people have developed full xp drivers for it so might get lucky and be abl to get the ultamit device for embedded programing being you coul have embedded on a device which you could make program then test with or without touch screen very fastly and id only take a minute to switch back to fix errors...
Here in the states VOIP on a mobile phone really isn't there just yet, our networks are too slow on 3g I think. Although I don't really know much about it. Is skype VOIP to VOIP only, or can you call any phone number? I don't really want too much of a hassle having to hack this thing to get it to do what I want. I am actually getting tired of doing all that for now after flashing rom after rom to my tilt to get it to work the way I want. As is now I am unable to connect to my exchange server at work and am unsure as to what the problem is and really just want something to work ideally out of the box, but I know that won't happen.
dinscurge said:
personally id buy which is what im going to do, but since it has windows mobile and a sd slot, it wouldnt be hard for some one copy software from another phone and since it has nothing to do with screen capabilities of processor speed im sure it woul be compatibal from almost any device because it is just a drive for hardware, bluetooth is not so much a hardware issue more sofware which once sd slot made usable might be ale to achive easyer when size is no matter, to addd extra options to handler or driver for blue tooth whichever.. besides if u like videos im sure the screen is somewhat high def being that its 16 million colors (not sure dont have it yet) and most computer screens are like 232k colors it might be like 720p or something not sure i dont know how many colors they can display and whatever but it'll make videos amazing compared to 64k colors of other phones, and some people have developed full xp drivers for it so might get lucky and be abl to get the ultamit device for embedded programing being you coul have embedded on a device which you could make program then test with or without touch screen very fastly and id only take a minute to switch back to fix errors...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's amazing - one sentence....
Personally I would strongly advise you against buying this device. FOr the price you could get a small convertible tablet PC that would do far, far, far more than the Shift ever will. I bought a Fujitsu t2010 for $1100 US. I then spent $200 at NewEgg buying stuff to upgrade and i now have, for the same price as a shift ($1300):
12.1" active digitizer, no comparison to a passive digitizer (touchscreen) for taking notes, drawing, or anything else. active is 100x better
4GB RAm
250gb SATA HDD
1.2ghz ULV Dual Core cpu
WiFi/BT
5 HOUR BATTERY LIFE RUNNING VISTA WITH STANDARD BATTERY
TOTAL WEIGHT 3lbs
3g pc card modem- lets me use 3G data AND make phone calls AND send sms, slips into PC card slot and has retractable antenna
BT headset
Nice screen protector
nice webcam
Soooo, for what I spent on my Fuji I could have a little shift that has a crappier screen, shorter battery life, crippled hardware, etc. Why would anyone do that? Don't like a 12.1"? No problem, get a Fujitsu U810 (5" screen, $800), or a Fujitsu p1620 ($9", about $100 more thanthe shift). Don't like the Fuji's? OK, google convertible tablet and you'll get a ton of various little machines that can outperform the shift with a similar form-factor.
I know that there are some people who love thier Shift, and i am not trying to bash them. I just think that the Shift is an INCREDIBLY niche product and that most users would be much happier with a convertible tablet that is the same price, better battery ,processor,screen,etc. Some of the sacrifices we make in mobile devices is for the phone functionality, and if shift can't (and most likely won't ever) do that, why make those sacrifices? Especially when adding a cheap peice of hardware to a much more powerful platform (tablet pc) gives you everything you need?
am sorry but i have to said
no i have many proplem then i sale it
and buy sony ux37gn its more powerfull than the shift
and with no proplem " made in japan "
the only proplem is the price
Buy one. They are fantastic!
scopy60 said:
buy sony ux37gn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have much smaller display, are bulky and have no Windows Mobile (ARM) subsystem.
devictoria said:
They have much smaller display, are bulky and have no Windows Mobile (ARM) subsystem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think they even have built in 3G do they?
I Like Shift!
FWIW, I really like my Shift....
Didn't buy it to be a computing powerhouse, but a take with me everywhere device.
I like the flexibility to use it as a slate (tablet), a laptop, or a slider.
Overall, works great...
mlalahoi said:
Personally I would strongly advise you against buying this device.
Soooo, for what I spent on my Fuji I could have a little shift that has a crappier screen, shorter battery life, crippled hardware, etc. Why would anyone do that? Don't like a 12.1"? No problem, get a Fujitsu U810 (5" screen, $800), or a Fujitsu p1620 ($9", about $100 more thanthe shift). Don't like the Fuji's? OK, google convertible tablet and you'll get a ton of various little machines that can outperform the shift with a similar form-factor.
I you need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but cannot buy Fujitsu P1620 in Holland for some reason. Not happy with my Shift at all!
Huib
ArchiMark said:
FWIW, I really like my Shift....
Didn't buy it to be a computing powerhouse, but a take with me everywhere device.
I like the flexibility to use it as a slate (tablet), a laptop, or a slider.
Overall, works great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too - it seems those that aren't happy really should have asked what they really wanted first up. I don't find performance an issue - battery life is OK for surfing etc - it's not an 8 hour music/video player though, and not meant to be. That's what iPod's etc are for. In my case, what my HX4700 is for. To me the WM6 with keyboard and 3G is extremely valuable - I am involved in music when not working and I can keep an eye on those related emails during the day (cannot log into mail from work), respond where necessary etc. No boot ups. If something needs more, or a big file attached, then I can boot to Vista.
Office 2003 is the way to go tho. 2007 is like Vista - bulky and slow.
I suspect the sales pitch of the Shift may have led people to believe it was going to be something other than what it is. I did the homework first, so knew what I was getting, especially around performance. Anyways, not sure whether HTC are actually going to sell many of these given the late arrival, seemingly little support (drivers, XP etc) and some polarised view points on it.
HTC SHIFT Rocks ....
for those un-happy with shift i would say u guys never really understood the essence of this device ... according to me this device is closest to the ideal device for a mobile person that HTC could make keeping in view today's technology and price limitations ...
I travel a lot very frequently and often all of a sudden need to spend nights over at a new place etc... but with shift along i am relieved of the hastles i used to face earlier ... its size is just ideal for it to be carried around everywhere and its functunality is well thought off ... and all the more important is that after liberation it gives u the power of two devices in one! A quick use WM side and a full fleged windows vista to substitute ur laptop for "work related" needs.
I normally use the WM interface when i am really mobile or dont need to access too much stuff.. or just need to use skype to chat with a supplier, etc ... but when i am either back in my car or in the hotel room or when i have some spare time or when i need to access bank website (our bank websites dont open in WM due to security concerns) ... I use the VISTA side ...
There are some annoyances off and on like - i cant multitask as well i can on my PC etc .. but those were known to me before i shelled out cash for this device.. the keyboard is smalll but what better u think HTC could have stuffed in such a device ...??? It's usable and its pretty neat too .. i have used it for typing long letters and reports with absolutely no problem ... no doubt u have type with a finger but its comfy once u get the hang of it! Also i can tell u with my practical experience that someone who's gonna shift after using a very powerful computer will feel it to be a bit slow but we have to understand these limitations to bring the best out of this device! So buy a HTC Shift , but plz be a bit just a bit patient while using it and it will be ur friend in need.
Keeping my kind of a multitasked life style in view (a medical doctor, a business man, a GPS System's Consultant, etc) - i would suggest u all to buy a Case Logic HDC-2 case ... it fits the shift well in it's original cover, fits in its charger, usb hub, a portable laser mouse, my stationary kit, my digital camera, a portable DVD writer, my mobile travel charger, candys to give me instant energy if reqd. and small nit bits like my 3 types of visiting cards, etc.). I normally carry the bag around with me in my car or on travel. Let the bag primarity lie in the car/hotel room as the case maybe and take only the shift in its leather case along while going for a meeting or to meet a client etc. and use the other bag contents as per need. But let me tell u that carrying this small kit has helped me out in so many conditions that i just cant thank HTC for making such a good device and to Case Logic for unkowingly creating such a good case to carry my stuff. (Case Logic HDC-2 is actually a HDD carrying case... but it fits the shift and it's accessories just right!) (see the pics)
For me carrying the shift in a harddisk carrying case gives me all the more comfort because i feel if a case is designed to protect a HDD, it can protect my Shift well!
And another thing: this bag fits perfectly and tightly in the space between any car's front seats ... so it stays there intact inspite of any bumps or pits on Indian Roads during the rainy season! ;-)
skyfox - did you have a bsquare powerhandheld once?
I am also planning to buy this machine. I need this device for simple, not so powerful development machine, where I can open up a text pad and run mysql on it. Can you run mysql on this machine and how responsive is running small dev mysql server there?

Buying new phone thinking about the shift

i was wondering this phone takes tmobile sim cards can this be used as a phone or just a computer and what is the difference in this and the htc advantage how much bigger is this then the advantage and which do you guys think is better phone thanks
Don't buy a Shift if you are looking for a phone!. Whilst it is eminently possible (nay probable!) that voice telephony will be made possible in the future, it will be via a cooked rom and not an HTC "supported" option.
There's a lot of talk on the forum about getting this functionality working, and it looks like it is almost there, but my advice would be don't buy a Shift if you want to use it as a regular phone - it's a large device and at present you'd have to use a wired headset to use it properly because bluetooth is not available on the WM side of the device, and probably never will be.
The Shift is way bigger than the Advantage - it's a small laptop rather than a large phone. The Advantage is always going to be a better "phone", because it was designed with voice telephony in mind, whereas the Shift was only really designed with data telephony in mind.
I'm not trying to put you off buying a Shift - it does what it designed to do very well IMHO. However, there are plenty of people claiming the device is "crippled" when what they really mean is that it is currently not possible to access features that it was never actually advertised as having!
I love my Shift, and if I could change just two things about it, it would be:
1. More memory - Vista doesn't run too well in 1gb of memory
2. Double the battery life - from my perspective the battery life is just too short.
I know that others would want voice telephony and access to BT/Wifi/SD card from the SnapVue side, amongst other things, and if these things came along I'd be happy to see them, but they weren't really requirements for me when I bought my Shift. I'm firmly of the opinion though that BT/Wifi/SD access will never be natively accessible from SnapVue.
Regards,
Dave
Just to elabrate on the size...if you turn the advantage so you're looking at it from a portrait perspective, with the keyboard folded in and the case on, its almost exactly twice the width across, and depth and thickness are about the same
Only when/if bluetooth is available from SnapVue side with voice calling enabled will I consider selling my Advantage and Diamond and using it as my only device for everything, and even then I have some reservations that it is just too big be used as a phone. Still got some thinking to do on this.
At the moment though, for me it's predominantly a UMPC, connected to my Diamond via bluetooth with Network Sharing on for access to 3G/HSDPA via the Sim Card in the Diamond. Works for me! (For the time being)

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