Im still interested in this device. One thing I am still confused about is the wireless sync. I can currently (using my Dell X50v) go into a TMobile Hotspot area, turn on my wireless and after logging in sync my device (stuff like calendar) with my Exchange server. Can I do that with an MDA? Thanks.

Yes, anything you could do with your Dell, you can do with the MDA.

I just got back from two weeks in Brazil and (after getting T-Mobile to FINALLY enable international roaming), it worked like a champ! I had no problems syncing with my exchange server in California, nor getting my personal email.

The only downsides I have found to this so far are:

1. Booting takes FOREVER. If you expect to check your email when taxing in after landing, forget it.
2. Sometimes it gets slow. Not sure why, but it has happened to me. I only have a couple of additional apps loaded, so i'm not sure what's going on.
3. Keyboard SUCKS. After coming from several years of Blackberry usage, it's really hard to get used to this.
4. Can't use it with one hand (could do this with my Blackberry)
5. No "lock now" key. On my Blackberry, there was an icon to lock right away, none exists on this.
6. No direct-to-device email address. The Blackberry has this, however this device does not. By direct-to-device, I mean that the Blackberry (at least T-mobiles incarnation) has an email address that is only for the device. This device does not have that.

Bottom line: i'm still carrying both my Blackberry and the MDA. I really like the MDA, but i'm still addicted to the Crackberry...

Most of those things can be resolved.

1) Go online and find "smartskey", that helps a LOT in making it one-handed friendly

2) Consider installing the "hacked" AKU2 rom update, I now have directpush email on my device through 4smartphone.net and get my email fatser than I even do on my Blackberry

3) Devicelock app: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=45953

4) Install SPB PocketPlus and keep making sure you close large apps, also install MemMaid and see what may be taking up memory, cause memory loss/leaks make this thing slow

Can't help with the Keyboard, it really just isn't very good.

But with AKU2, the 802.11g hack, and a bunch of apps I have to say I am finally very happy with the MDA.

After 2 weeks with the MDA and DirectPush an interesting thing has happened...

I am dropping my Blackberry in favor of my MDA.

You are a better person than I am. I still have not convinced myself to give up my Blackberry....

Ditto on the Smartkey app. This really ups the useability factor of the MDA. You may also want to get the Registry Hack Tool from XDA Developers Forum which offers several tweaks in a single, simple interface.

I can't use 4smartphone.net becuse I already sync to my corporate outlook server

now I just have to figure out how to delete email accounts off this thing!! I can add them with no problem but no where can I find how to delete them!

In messaging:

Menu > Tools > Options

Then in the account settings screen hold down the stylus on the account you want to delete.

As for 4smartphone; are you syncing to corporate using Activesync? If not, then it should be possible to add a second mail account to the device.

I am thinking of getting one, too. I have the SKII and have used it overseas many times. The only hiccup was I had made a change to my voiceplan and even though I was still ear-marked for international roaming on the accounting side, it actually had fallen off of my plan (on the server side, I think the rep said?). I had to call Tmobile in the US (which was free) and spoke to their International Roaming Desk, which re-activated it instantly.

Apart from the obvious difference in phone functions, how does the MDA compare to the Dell X51v or the comparable HP device?

Slower, much worse Bluetooth implementation (Microsofts own instead of Widcomm), non VGA display and lower on memory.

Sorry ScottC, which one is slower, worse BT, etc?

How is that interesting? It had a Windows logo on it... you were bound to praise it at some point.

Timothy

The MDA.

Actually, no.

I have always been a critic of WindowsMobile, for example; their smartphone OS still SUCKS. Any email client that STILL doesn't have "mark all as read" or "delete all" simply doesn't seem finished.

The trick I have learned with WM is to keep it simple. Install only a few apps, maybe the 4 or 5 you REALLY need, and you COULD become the owner of a handheld that doesn't hang every 12 hours.