It seems like a simple idea, but the PDA/mobile phone combo has been the goal of mobile computing for what seems like years.
Nokia came the closest with its Communicator, and fair play to Trium for giving it a go. But O2 seems to be the first to get things right with the launch of its PocketPC-based XDA.
The stylish unit is just bigger than a Palm V, while smaller and less bulky than other PocketPC devices. It runs PocketPC 2002, which although not everyone's favourite, does the job well.
The version installed with the XDA is the phone edition and almost all the software on the device is integrated with the phone. You can dial a number directly from the Outlook contacts database, as well as send an SMS or email.
Internet surfing is also good. Download speeds over GPRS are impressive, and most web sites are rendered well within the restraints of the two by three-inch reflective TFT screen. However, we had to use a dial-up connection to retrieve email an annoying number of times.
The installation CD comes with a version of Outlook 2002, as well as all the required drivers and Active Sync software. Installation went well, but it is worth noting it uses USB so you will need a USB to serial converter to install on a Windows NT machine.
The impressive hardware comes with an Intel Strongarm 206MHz processor, and 32MB of Rom. There is also onboard Ram of 32MB but on our review unit this was coupled with a 32MB SD card - handy if you want to make use of the MP3 player or voice recorder.
Switching off the PDA conserves the battery and the unit can still receive phone calls and SMS, although it reverts to GSM only mode so emails can't be received.
O2 quotes 3.5 hours of talk time, 15 hours of PDA usage and up to 150 hours of standby time. Should you wish there is an optional additional battery which clips onto the back of the unit.
Used as a phone the XDA offers excellent voice quality, simple navigation and it even comes with a speaker phone capability.
The £500 price tag means it could be difficult to persuade your FD to kit out the entire workforce with an XDA. However, mobile workers will struggle to find a better product.
Product Details
Pros All-in-one mobile device; Excellent screen; integrated software works well
Cons GPRS connection dropped; price may be too much for some
Price £500
Contact O2 - 0870 850 0202
Web www.o2.co.uk
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