Travellers will be glad to know the Xda IIs has been given a quad-band antenna (GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz) making it a 'world phone'. For connectivity, built-in wireless LAN of the 802.11b flavour is included, as is infrared and Bluetooth. Microsoft's ActiveSync is used to synchronise files, e-mail and Outlook items with the device.
The Xda IIs runs Microsoft's updated second edition of Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PCs, which allows the device to swap between portrait and landscape orientations on-the-fly through Settings. The update also gives the Start menu the ability to display frequently used programs -- similar to Windows XP -- and comes pre-loaded with office applications Pocket Word and Pocket Excel. Pocket Internet Explorer is included for Web browsing and instant messaging is available through MSN Messenger. ClearVue software is also installed to view PDF and PowerPoint files.
Aesthetically, the Xda IIs comes in a striking all-black case that features a 39-key, sliding out keyboard on the lower half of the device. From early 2005, O2 says the device will feature the BlackBerry Connect client.
Battery life is also said to be improved by 25 per cent -- we struggled to get two days usage out of the previous model -- although we suspect that the addition of Wi-Fi will be a draining factor.
Downside
The screen on the Xda IIs is identical to the Xda II; a 3.5-inch, 65K-colour touch screen TFT LCD (240 x 320 pixels). While it is still a crisp and colourful screen, at this size the Xda IIs is unable to make use of VGA screen support (480 x 640 pixels) that the updated operating system permits -- although the device might become a little too big if it did. For processing power, O2 has kept with the same chip found in the Xda II -- Intel's PXA 263 400MHz processor.
Measuring 71.6 x 125 x 18.7mm and weighing in at 210g, the device is slightly heftier than its predecessor. While many mobile phone manufacturers are adding one megapixel digital camera to devices, O2 has kept a VGA resolution camera on the Xda IIs.
Outlook
We gave O2's Xda II an Editors' Choice Award when it was released around this time last year. It will be interesting to see if the additions to the latest incarnation of the AU$1,599 device will grant it another award when we review it in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
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o2 xda ii
17/06/2008, 03:49 PM
rating
8/10
Great cell phone introduced by O2. This is executive type cell phone. Best for businessmen. Its battery timing is good. Very stylish and compact designed mobile.
Pros: Gorgeous color.
Intuitive menu design.
Compact design.
Very light.
Cons: Slightly bulky build.
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RPersky
14/01/2008, 04:35 PM
rating
9/10
I have a O2 XDAII (previous version). These types of phones are excelent and unique, they are by far the best smartphone in the business.
Pros: Keyboard
Windows OS
Does not turn off (a feature)
100% customisable
Cons: Unable to upgrade OS since it is on ROM
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linkinpark
12/04/2007, 12:02 AM
rating
10/10
excellent pda
Pros: fast processor with plenty of ram
Cons: poor camera, lacks built in mic quality
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arvin
10/04/2007, 06:22 AM
rating
10/10
im getting one from ebay is there anyone who can give me advise about this PDA??? pls....
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halwt001
17/01/2007, 10:32 AM
rating
10/10
Better than i expected. Did sort of break it while updating the ROM where it got stuck in bootloader mode which is fixed by running the ROM upgrade again once windows xp or whatever is restarted.
The other problem was that it kept freezing. This is sorted by doing a hard reset and using the corperate version (i think its corperate and not personal) but one of them doesnt install the Active O2 program, which causes it to freeze.
Pros: Sliding Keyboard.
Rotational Screen Options (Doesnt rotate handset, only screen).
Cons: Continously freezes (unless you remove the O2 Active software).
Slightly bulky when you sometimes dont want it to be.
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Dale
07/03/2006, 01:40 PM
Very good combination phone and PDA
I’ve had this phone for 12 months and have not been disappointed, performs well
Under all conditions. Easy to read screen, do not need key pad, quicker with screen
using spell prompt.
Did not have a problem battery life, had charger in car when needed. Connection to net was fast and reliable.
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X
09/02/2006, 12:19 PM
Superior than my old Treo 600
Great screen size, heavy duty and friendly interface.
My only negative is "Where the heck I can buy XDA IIs styluses?"
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09/01/2006, 01:50 PM
OK
The phone is excellent, for keeping a diary of all events, phone numbers, contacts etc. I found recently that the phone does not fully support BMW bluetooth. It does connect and allow you to receive calls, but it will not allow you to use the onboard computer, to access and download the address book.
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19/12/2005, 06:54 PM
expensive and complicated
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The Unknown
12/12/2005, 02:52 PM
the best.
I havent got one yet but i bet it will be @#$%&*! cool!
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