T-Mobile MDA
 

Being the gadget freak that I am, one week ago I picked up a T-Mobile MDA. So far, I more-than-like it, not-quite love it. Here is my experience so far:

-was able to set up and sync (wirelessly) to all of my email accounts including my corporate email (outlook).
-seems to work just fine on the T-mobile wireless network, t-mobile hotspot, home wifi.
-slide out keyboard is fine, but I am still getting use to the difference in the keyboard layout between this device and my blackberry
-Got the data only plan from T-mobile, so I have not, nor will I probably ever, use the phone part of the device

Last week I took this device as well as my laptop on a cruise and was able to connect with no problem to the cruise line's wifi network and send a receive mail (even in the middle of the ocean). It worked so well that I never even had to use my laptop for email.

Bottom line (for me):
1. I may actually give up my blackberry and use this as a replacement
2. I may actually be able to leave my laptop home and just rely on this device for email (NOT for real work such as documents, spreadsheets, etc).

Only a about 1.5 weeks into the test so far, but this may just turn out to be a winner!

It would need not to have a camera for me. Not my rules.

May I ask which data plan and the cost?

Thanks

The cons IMHO:

Slow. REALLY slow. Once you have some applications installed simple things like screen rotation take 3-4 seconds. Some applications like Skype simply can't work on it (unless you find the special imate version that claims to reduce CPU load).

WindowsMobile5 is a real problem. Microsoft messed this up bigtime, and many old(er) applications simply don't work on the device. Some (like Resco Keyboard) on the MDA even render it useless requiring a full reset.

The pros:

Excellent form factor, 802.11g wifi

Resco keyboard was a bomb in any release. :td: I had it on my O2 XDAII and it stunk.

It was indeed pretty flakey, but it was the best of the worst. The standard keyboard in PocketPC is absolutely terrible.

ok, now I'm torqued. I'm in Brazil with my new toy and it DOESN'T WORK! T-mobile ASSURED me that I had international roaming enabled on this machine and it can't find a network! My T-mobile blackberry finds and registers on TIM and my T-Mobile RAZR does as well, but this thing just keeps saying "looking for network" ! :(

Call T-mobile. It's possible they didn't enable roaming on that SIM. Have you tried putting the Blackberry SIM in the MDA to see if that works? You also may need to switch bands from 850/1900 to 900/1800. I've not seen the MDA so I'm not sure exactly where to do this, or if it automatically switches bands. The fastest way to see is to put a working SIM in the phone.

You are not alone. A lot of people are having this problem with the MDA and its network selection, even on its home network people are having issues.

Sometimes asking T-Mobile to reset the account (that's what they call it) can restore access, provided that international roaming is set up properly.

Calling T-Mobile customer support (+1 505 998 3793) is free when roaming, according to T-Mobile. I haven't been charged calling that number from my BlackBerry.

Thanks!! I'll try that!!! :)

Please keep us updated. I've been thinking about getting the MDA for almost the same reasons. I recently got a Cingular 2125 (similar to the Tmobile SDA, but w/o WiFi), and I mostly like it as a phone - only a couple of problems -- WM5 seems to lock up more often than I would expect...

However, its a real pain to be able to type with. I tried the MDA for a little while as a phone, but couldn't get over the form factor (just too big to cary around as a phone :() - I was still thinking of getting one as a mostly data-only device for when I'm traveling - easier than pulling out the laptop when I need to use it for email and stuff like that.

Any updates from those using the device?

I'm thinking of upgrading to the T-Mobile MDA but am not quite convinced yet.

Something to think about when getting one (and we have several versions of the HTC's in our office as testbeds), would be to consider getting an unlocked Qtek 9100 (which is the 'uncarrier' version of the phone and virtually identical). Then you can put in local sims as well.

My impression of all this class of device is that they are okay, but that the keyboard is actually somewhat oddly sized for use with two hands, and terrible with one hand.

I remain a Treo person :)

Steve

I installed the "hacked" version of an imate rom on my t-mobile. No whave full access to Microsoft DirectPush. The device is much more stable though I'm still having some problems with it locking onto a signal... But still a massive improvement over the original ROM.

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.

:eek:

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.

Interesting. Ive always been pretty pleased with the WM family, going even back to the first generation. I have always just used a few apps. In addition to the Mobile Office stuff that comes on it; couple calendar programs, Microsoft reader and an outliner maybe. I even took stuff off my HP38xx that came on it to make it run smoother. That could be why I have a more positive view of it in general than a lot of people I suspect.

Thanks, that worked!

Yes, I ma syncing to my corporate email using ActiveSync, so I cannot add another server. :(

I should have been more clear. I dislike WM5; WM2003 was pretty decent.

They changed far too many things in WM5 and didn't make it clear to developers that these changes would be happening, because a lot of applications simply do not work in WM5, just last week I downloaded the 27kb file "visicalc.com" onto my XP desktop, and it worked perfectly. If they can do it with the desktop, why not with the handheld. I am also annoyed that they removed WiFi local syncing; I understand that they thought it was a security risk, but at least make it optional...

The OS itself has evolved very little since the first version of the PPC, you still have to add far too many little apps and tweaks to make it fully functional and on the phone editions there are so many missing features that it makes the phone look like a 1996 Nokia. On my MDA I can't even select profiles, the caller picture is 30*20 pixels, I can't setup filtering on calls without a third party app, MMS is very poorly implemented and the Microsoft Bluetooth stack doesn't work well with many brands of Bluetooth carkits. In WM5 Microsoft doesn't even provide a backup application. They claim they don't have to becuase WM5 provides persistent storage, but seem to have overlooked the fact that there are still some applications out there that will render your device unusable requiring a total wipe (like SOTI pocket controller).

It can be made to function decently, but as I said, you need to install and purchase several third party applications, make some registry edits and spend a few hours messing with it.

Coming up on a month with my MDA, and still loving it.

Found a couple of quirky applications that made the device crash and refuse to boot, requiring a full reset and restore (arghhhhh!!). Other than that, awesome.

I'm running the following apps on it:

Newsbreak (RSS reader)
Weatherbug (yes, the smartphone version works just fine on the MDA!!!)
SPB Weather
SPB PocketPlus
Kevtris (very good FREE Tetris clone)
MemMaid (for cleaning things up)
SPB Backup
Resco Radio
Resco Explorer
Resco Keyboard
Opera Browser
Handmark Pocket Express
TCMCP media player
Smartskey
Total Commander
ViewCommander (for connecting to my Web enabled PTZ cameras)

ScottC, thanks for the app list.

I sprang for an i-mate K-JAM and have been using it for about 5 days.

As an Internet device, it kicks butt. Wifi internet on Internet Explorer when available, and EDGE when I'm not near a network. I may give Opera a try, since I've read that it's better than the WM version of IE. By the way, I'm posting with it right now.

As a phone, I've been less than impressed. I got over the lack of a real button dial pad, and I can overcome the uncomfortable shape with a bluetooth headset. But the audio quality leaves something to be desired, and the signal reception SUCKS. To top it off, when the phone loses its signal in fringe areas (or, for example, on the subway), it takes a loooooong time to reacquire the signal. Combined with the fact that when it has no signal and can't send a message, it moves the SMS into Drafts instead of Outbox (though there's probably a registry fix for that) and you have an often frustrating situation. So now I must decide if I want to carry a separate phone or not.

Right now the most frustrating thing has been the phone freezing up 6 times daily. it started happening after I installed Spb Diary and Spb Weather. Since I see Spb Weather in ScottC's list, I suspect it may be due to the Diary app, which is too bad, since I really like it.

Anyone else had any similar problems?

The losing signal issue is a real problem, I agree. I'm on the newest firmware and it still can take up to 5 minutes to aquire a tower when it lost signal.

I've ran into quite a few apps that made the device lock up, and it is entirely possible that it was SPB diary...

Well I completely removed Diary and it was still doing it.

Then I removed Skype, and so far, I've been without problems. <Knock on wood>

This was the version of Skype that came with the latest i-mate ROM, and I'd heard there were problems with it. Hopefully I can find a version that'll work. Or, I may look at overclocking the thing and then reinstalling Skype. The potential for wifi calling when I'm overseas is one of the things that made me get this little sucker. :cool:

An MDA Pro was dropped on my desk today (from T-Mobile DE) and I have to say, while I'm still a Treo person at heart, this 640x480 screen is really impressive. Just playing around with Documents and such is a lot nicer...It's not a compact phone by any means, but then again, neither are the Wizard-based phones. Somehow it seems thinner (just by a fraction) but I also think the larger size helps "smooth out" the "bar of soap" feel the Wizards have.

Steve

As much as I loved the Universal, I really couldn't deal with the bulk. Personally I find the Wizard to be just the right size, it can at least be used with one hand. Once the first UMPC hits the shelves I think the combination of that and a Wizard will be great.

Maybe some here can provide some guidance. After going through a lot of testing of a Palm, talking for 90 minutes with the lead Exchange person in our IT department, and doing a lot of thinking Ive really settled on a WM5 device. So Im trying to decide which one. The options appear to be the MDA, Treo 700w and Dell X51v. Are there any Im missing? Any thoughts on the relative merits of those three? Im aware of the network differences as well as the fact that I will need an external modem on the Dell (I have a Nokia 6310i with and EDGE account). Thanks.