Gigabyte is a brand name famed for its motherboards and graphics cards. Less well-known is the fact that it manufactures a wide range of handheld devices for other brands as well as for its own GSmart line of PDA-phones. One of its upcoming handhelds is the q60, a Windows Mobile 6 device with a QWERTY keyboard.

Upside:
The q60 has a form factor similar to most BlackBerry devices--a landscape-oriented display with a QWERTY keyboard below that. With dimensions of 111 x 64 x 14mm, the q60 would naturally be compared with similar-sized smart phones like the Samsung i600 and Dopod C720W.

Front and back views of the q60.
What sets this Gigabyte handheld apart from those two Windows Mobile phones is its touch-sensitive display, which makes it more similar to the Palm Treo 750v and BenQ-Siemens P51 devices, both of which are considerably larger with 22mm and 20mm thicknesses, respectively. So what we have here is a handheld that will run Windows Mobile 6 Professional and yet has a slim side profile typical of QWERTY smart phones without touchscreens.

Many cellular wireless connectivity options are available on the q60. These include HSDPA, 3G and Wi-Fi. Aside from its 2.1-megapixel main camera, this handheld also features a front-facing VGA camera for making video calls. (source Cnet)

Labels: Gigabyte, GPS, Pocket PC

The good: Slide-out QWERTY keyboard; solid feel; wide range of connectivity options including A2DP; faster Intel processor compared with the 838 Pro.
The bad: Soft keys hinder typing; 2.5mm audio jack; no HSDPA; average battery life.
The bottom line: With a faster processor, the Xda Zinc has a slight performance edge over the Dopod 838 Pro but falls short by a slight margin in terms of aesthetics. Unless you're looking for a QWERTY handheld, there're more options out there.

Labels: 3G, O2, Pocket PC

The good: First BlackBerry to offer a 1.3-megapixel camera, music and video playback; expandable memory, mapping application; superior push e-mail capabilities, EDGE support; Bluetooth.
The bad: micro SD slot inconveniently located; call quality was subpar; phone's camera doesn't record video, no external controls for music player; no integrated Wi-Fi.
The bottom line: Though nothing revolutionary, the addition of multimedia features and the already solid e-mail capabilities make the RIM BlackBerry Pearl an attractive device for business users and consumers alike.

Labels: Blackberry, Pocket PC

Operating system :Pocket PC
Main processor type : Samsung SC3 2442 processor
Main processor speed : 400 MHz
RAM : 64 MB, ROM :128 MB
Expansion option(s):TransFlash/microSD
PC connectivity Windows
Battery type:Rechargeable, removable 1,530mAh Lithium-polymer battery
Removable battery? : Yes
Rated battery life : 7 hours
Installed applications: Windows Mobile 5.0; gloofiish M700 exclusive applications

Labels: Eten, Pocket PC

Outlook:
The Atom Life is without a doubt one of O2's most promising devices in its 2007 product lineup. In a nutshell, O2 is back with a vengeance, and it'll be interesting to see just how the market, and especially close rival Dopod, will react to the competition when the Atom Life launches in the next couple of months.

Labels: 3G, O2, Pocket PC, smartphone

Source : Cnet.com
Remember a day when the most techie communication device a child could have was a walkie-talkie, or am I dating myself here? From preteens to college students, the younger generation is a growing and important segment for the consumer electronics market, as evidenced by the launch of many youth-oriented devices and services. Well, Sony wants a piece of that pie and today announced a new personal communication gadget aimed solely at 18- to 22-year-olds, called the Sony mylo.

mylo, which stands for "my life online," is for those who love to stay in touch with friends via instant messaging and also want to have some fun on the side. It sits somewhere between a souped-up AT&T Ogo and a scaled-down T-Mobile Sidekick 3, but one thing we want to make clear from the get-go is that it's not a cell phone. Instead, it's equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and comes with preinstalled popular instant-messaging clients, VoIP capabilities, a Web browser, and multimedia features. We had the opportunity to check out some working preproduction units, so read on for our impressions.

Labels: Game Consol, Pocket PC, Sony Mylo

Asus is clearly going back to basics with its upcoming PDA-phone, the P535. Instead of implementing a number pad interface as seen on the earlier P525, the new triband handheld will feature the standard slate-type form factor found on most PDAs. Additionally, the Taiwanese handheld maker has made several enhancements on the P535, including a tinier footprint and speedier XScale chip. Frequent travelers will be pleased to know that the Asus PDA-phone also comes with integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) for easy navigation.

Labels: Asus, Pocket PC

The good: 3G-enabled; sleek; gorgeous screen; full QWERTY keyboard; Bluetooth 2.0; Push email capabilities; good call quality; integrated Wi-Fi.
The bad: Navigation controls are cramped; certain applications take some time to load.
The bottom line: Some design and performance issues aside, the Samsung SGH-i600 is a sexy-looking smart phone that will appeal to mobile users who plan to take advantage of the faster HSDPA speeds.

Labels: 3G, Pocket PC, Samsung, smartphone

Form factor Pad
Connectivity options 3G, HSDPA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPRS/GSM, USB, EDGE
Operating system Pocket PC
RAM 64 MB
Rated battery life 5 hours

Labels: Dopod, Pocket PC

Main processor type :Samsung SC3 2442 400 MHz
RAM : 64 MB
ROM : 128 MB
Expansion option(s): TransFlash/microSD
PC connectivity Windows
Battery type : Removable, rechargeable 1,530mAh Lithium-polymer battery
Rated battery life :7 hours
Installed applications: Windows Mobile 5.0; Outlook Mobile (Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and Inbox); Picture; Notes; Word Mobile; Excel Mobile; Internet Explorer Mobile; ActiveSync; Calculator; Game (Solitaire, Bubble Breaker); Voice Recorder; PowerPoint Mobile; MSN Messenger; Microsoft Transcriber; Windows Media Player 10; Direct Push Technology; Microsoft Reader (subject to change by region); glofiish X500 exclusive applications; multimedia tools; utilities; GPS tools.

Labels: Eten, Pocket PC

Additional functions
SureType keyboard technology;
attachment viewer;
supports up to 10 emails;
embedded RIM wireless modem

Labels: Blackberry, Pocket PC

The good: Lightweight and slim design; onboard Wi-Fi; removable battery; SD/MMC expansion slot.
The bad: QVGA display; no Bluetooth, limited on-board memory.
The bottom line: The sub-US$250 rx1950 caters to people who prefer their mobile devices to be separate from their phones and cameras, and are willing to make do with reduced specifications.

Labels: HP, Pocket PC

Not review yet !!

Labels: Dopod, Pocket PC

One of the key improvements made on the Atom Exec is the upgraded 520MHz Intel processor and 192MB of ROM. Hopefully, the faster speed and larger ROM address some of the complaints about sluggish operating speeds experienced by some users of the current Atom. The original Atom PDA-phone came with a 416MHz Intel processor and 128MB of ROM.

The Atom Exec is expected to sport similar dimensions (102 x 58 x 18.5mm; 140g) as the Atom, which should be a handy size for most mobile users. However, in place of the glossy casing will be a matte exterior--a move likely to go down well with many users since matte surfaces are usually more smudge-resistant than glossy finishes.

Other features expected on the Atom Exec include a 2-megapixel camera (with flash), FM radio, wireless LAN and Bluetooth connectivity.

Labels: O2, Pocket PC

The good: Range of connectivity options including 3G and HSDPA; slide-out QWERTY keypad; scroll wheel; support for Bluetooth stereo (A2DP).
The bad: Chunky size; heavy; microSD expansion slot.
The bottom line: An extremely well-equipped Pocket PC PDA-phone, Dopod has made sure that the 3G-enabled 838 Pro balances features with power so it doesn't leave you hanging when you need to access applications like Skype. Due to its size and weight, however, you'll need a bag if you're going to carry it around.

Labels: Dopod, Pocket PC

It's not the first PDA-phone with a number keypad, but the design of the O2 Xda Stealth (particularly the slide-out numeric buttons) does share an uncanny resemblance to Samsung's earlier slider handsets. Feature-wise, the Stealth, however, takes after its predecessor, the Atom. There's a QVGA (320 x 240-pixel) display, Intel Xscale 416MHz processor, 2-megapixel camera and triband GSM support.

Upside:
The Stealth is possibly O2's first PDA-phone with a number keypad. Like the Asus P525, the decision to include a number keypad, instead of a QWERTY keypad, seems to be catching on among handheld makers. While it may add a slight bulk to the overall size of the device, the inclusion of a number keypad simply beats having to dial or SMS on the touchscreen display.

O2's new slider
In the case of the Stealth, it is 8mm longer, 5mm narrower and 4mm thicker than the original Atom. Compared with the Dopod 838 Pro with QWERTY keypad, the Stealth has a smaller footprint and weighs just 140g. That's the same weight as the Atom and almost 36g less than the 838 Pro.

We like how O2 has designed the Stealth to look like a slider-phone, which may just be enough to convince those still procrastinating over the traditional PDA form factor to finally switch over to a PDA-phone.

O2 has made several improvements to the hardware on the Stealth. While the display, processor and camera have remained pretty much the same as the Atom, the new handheld now comes with a larger (192MB) ROM memory and wireless 802.11b/g Wi-Fi support. Other noteworthy features include a stereo speaker, speakerphone function, Bluetooth v1.2 with A2DP profile and miniSD card slot.

As with most of the recently introduced handhelds, the O2 will also be bundled with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, which adds functions such as push email on the device.

Downside:
With the addition of a keypad, but only a marginal increase in size, something has to give. The most prominent tradeoff is the smaller 65K-color 2.4-inch touch screen. In comparison, the Atom sports a 2.7-inch display with 262K-color support. The Stealth also comes with a smaller capacity Lithium-ion battery (1,300mAh versus the Atom's 1,530mAh.)

We were slightly disappointed to find a USB 1.1 port which doubles as a charging port. According to the specs sheet given, the Stealth will also not be equipped with onboard FM radio.

Labels: O2, Pocket PC

Part of the company's "Designed in Asia for Asia" (DIAFA) initiative, HP describes the rw6800 handheld as a "designer" device that's been built from the ground up to "reflect the young Asian consumer's chic, minimalist style today". While we're not sure of the exact criteria that HP uses to distinguish Asian consumers--and by Asia they're referring to the entire Asia Pacific region--from the rest of the world, we can confirm that the rw6800 is indeed an attractive handheld. It comes in both white and metallic silver colour schemes, and features a changeable screen protector.

The iPaq rw6800 comes in two flavors: The rw6818 in white and the Wi-Fi-enabled rw6828 in grey.


Upside:
The unit's design is minimalist--there's no keyboard and few function buttons to clutter the face. The lack of a keyboard means the rw6800 isn't ideal for heavy data-entry, but on the positive side it's allowed HP to integrate a large 240x320, 18-bit screen. The above average screen size is great for watching video content or GPS maps, albeit you'll need to fork out extra for a GPS receiver as one isn't included.

As an aside, those that require a keyboard and an integrated GPS receiver, but aren't phased too much by multimedia features, may want to take a look at the iPAQ hw6900.

Audio playback is catered for by an integrated FM radio, dual stereo speakers and PocketMusic MP3 playback software. You'll want to buy an expansion card to stick into the mini-SD slot, however, as the device only comes with 128MB of flash ROM. These audio features are certainly attractive, but make no mistake, it won't replace the intuitive interface and long battery life of your current MP3 player. But that's OK, since HP reps said it themselves at the launch event in Hong Kong--"we're not targeting iPod," they proclaimed.

Rounding out the device's excellent multimedia feature-set is an integrated HP 2.0 mega-pixel camera, whose shots trump most smart phones. All of the major connectivity options are present, including Tri-band (900/1800/1900MHz) GSM, GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 1.2, Infrared and 802.11b WiFi. Push-email is also available, putting it in direct competition with the BlackBerry.

Downside:
As mentioned, the rw6800 doesn't offer an integrated keyboard, which makes rapid data entry problematic.
Also, such a converged device--the rw6800 can be used as a phone, portable audio/video player, camera, organiser, navigator and note-taking device, among others--is bound to suffer from battery life woes. HP promises 5.5 hours of continuous talk time, but we won't jump to conclusions until we're able to test this for ourselves.

Labels: HP, Pocket PC

The good: Sleek design; vibrant color screen Wi-Fi; strong push e-mail capabilities; good call quality; extralong talk time battery life.
The bad: Volume touch strip isn't always responsive; camera interface is also confusing; subpar picture quality.
The bottom line: With a sleek design, good performance, and a robust set of productivity and wireless options, the C720W is an all-in-one hit and earns its reputation as a Motorola Q killer.
For more details specs

Labels: Dopod, Pocket PC

A wise man once said that there were two types of people in this world: Windows Mobile fanatics, and Palm lovers. Over the past five years, while the former have enjoyed a plethora of new-age models to choose from, including the likes of O2, HP and Dopod, the latter have constantly clung onto their one true shining glory, the Palm Treo 650. Two years ago, to everyone's collective surprise, rumors were rife about a Palm-Windows collaboration, for the flagship series no less. A year later, Asia watched as the US received the Windows-driven Palm Treo 700w, a marriage between two handheld powerhouses that was received with mixed reviews. Now the new Treo 750v has finally arrived on our sunny shores, and easily bears our strong recommendation as one of the best PDA-phones money can currently buy.

The good: Executive design; good build quality; intuitive controls and interface; excellent phone functionality; speedy operation; 3G.
The bad: No Wi-Fi; weak multimedia feature set; 2.5mm audio jack; no front camera for video calls.
The bottom line: If you are willing to overlook the absence of Wi-Fi and weak multimedia functions, the Palm Treo 750v ironically provides the most enjoyable Windows Mobile experience to date.

Labels: Palm, Pocket PC