pda | ipod | mobile phone | GPS Info

Smartphones working on Windows Mobile 5 operating
system now belong to the past, as the sixth version of the software has been used on most of the newly launched devices. Handsets capable of high performances, but working on outdated software now have a second chance, with the possibility of upgrading to higher versions.

HTC has already started to replace Windows Mobile 5 on some of their devices, looking to continue with all the remaining ones. HTC S620 Excalibur is the next in line, although the exact date when this will happen has not been revealed yet.

The Excalibur has a 200 MHz OMAP 850 processor that could very well support the latest Windows Mobile version. This device’s most important capability is that of HTML email support, which generally works great with QWERTY keypads. The software upgrade will make the best of this performance and will also bring improved versions of Office applications.
(more…)

Mio A501, the GPS with function PDA and Phone too comes with Windows Mobile 5 installed, which could use some upgrading, as most evolved smartphones nowadays manage to pack the latest version of the software. Putting windows Mobile 6 on this device will probably improve only slightly its performances, as it has several other features which could use some upgrading.

The A501 comes packed with the SiRFstar III GPS receiver and boasts an intuitive interface for route planning. The 2.7 inch display touchscreen is just what this device needs for providing the best view for the user on the route he should follow. The 320 x 240 pixel resolution is also one of the highest for handsets nowadays and proves to be excellent for the kind of images that this device has to provide for its user.
(more…)

BlackBerry 8310, significant upgrade to the original Curve launched earlier this year. The new version of the phone adds a live GPS receiver absent in the normal 8300 edition and lets users plot driving routes by downloading map data from a central server, RIM says. Mapping also integrates with a user’s contact list and provides an easy shortcut to finding coworkers and friends.
(more…)

HTC’s Cavalier smartphone is already available in the US ahead of any debut with a carrier, according to a listing by retailer Phone Source USA. The successor to the Dash includes all of the features promised in the earlier leak including the addition of US-native 3G wireless through HSDPA, a jump from 1.3 to 2 megapixels for the camera sensor, and a much faster 400MHz processor to help its responsiveness.

Specifications of the HTC Cavalier include Windows Mobile 6 Standard, 400 MHz Samsung processor, 128 MB ROM, 64MB RAM, quad-band GSM and UMTS 850/1900/2100 with HSDPA, 2.4 inch QVGA non-touchscreen display, integrated 802.11 b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, microSD expansion slot, 1.9 megapixel camera, HTC JOGGR volume/misc. control and integrated QWERTY keyboard. It is slightly heavier than the Dash.
(more…)

Bell Canada has begun carrying the HTC 6800, its custom variant on the original PPC6800 also used as the backbone for the Sprint Mogul. Bell’s edition features a radically different front layout with larger front buttons and an easier to hit square directional pad; the carrier’s characteristic blue also outlines the phone. Technical features are unchanged but make it one of the most advanced smartphones in Canada, Bell says. The horizontal slider is the first to come equipped with Windows Mobile 6 Professional in the country and preloads Office Mobile and support for the latest features on its 2.8-inch touchscreen.

Its 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0, and Wi-Fi support also help its position in the market, although Bell declines to mention whether the 6800’s EVDO support will include the Revision A speeds found on Sprint.
(more…)

RIM’s new BlackBerry 8820 may arrive sooner than the end of summer timeframe the company announced, say insiders within AT&T. It has been told to us that there is a high possibility of the BlackBerry 8820 launching on AT&T in the next week or so. Apparently AT&T has told sales persons to not bring up WiFi unless specifically asked about it. Other rumors have pointed to an August release which might make more sense, but “next week” is floating around inner AT&T corporate offices. For all you negative ones out there, a completely different tipster has told us that he “saw an internal AT&T training document yesterday that showed the BlackBerry 8820 as exclusive to AT&T and available in “August”.

The claimed sources also indicate that the 8820 would be an AT&T exclusive, shutting out T-Mobile from US sales. Prices would nevertheless match those for the 8800 despite the addition of Wi-Fi and would start at $300 with a two-year contract, climbing to $500 for some existing customers or those who want to remain on a month-to-month agreement. [via]