XDA Orbit

Akula

I see o2 have a new phone out.. the XDA Orbit?

I have the Blackberry 8700g and had been considering upgrading to the 8800.

Just have a few questions people may be able to answer.

1. Anybody have any experience with GPS on these units? I hear the orbit is shipping with all the maps on a memory card.
2. Anybody ever try to get voip working over the wifi? It only has a 200mhz processor which I've heard may be insufficient?
3. It comes with Windows Mobile 5. I know there are roms out there that will allow you to upgrade to WM6 which is apparantly a lot better. Any problems with using these on an Irish network?
4. Whats the story with getting email going on windows mobile 5+ I'm using the blackberry service at the moment, so whats the best way to get it going on this? Get a copy of bbconnect software? or is there an easy way to connect to a pop3/imap mail service on the phone. It would have to be push/as good as push though.

Random

UK & IE maps on a memory card with the device. Don't think EU/US come with it - not sure how you'd get them - assume you can buy online.

I reckon it should work with VOIP, but don't expect it working great except over wifi.

It's been suggested to me to use WM6 on my Exec, so I assume people have used it - not tried it myself - I reckon you'll proberly have the initial issues with coverage and crashes on a new OS.

There's no Blackberry Connect for the XDA Orbit on launch.

Shredneck

ciaranfo wrote:

UK & IE maps on a memory card with the device.

GPS is not included in the price of the handheld.
Expect to Pay €150 approx for the software/memory card.

Random

Indeed shredneck. 179 euro actually. I got my original info from the O2 website originally which has since changed!

drdre

here you go, you can buy the maps online

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CoPilot-Co-Pilot-Live-6-GPS-Nav-for-O2-Xda-Orbit-New_W0QQitemZ110116599682QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3312QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CoPilot-Co-Pilot-LIVE-6-GPS-Satnav-for-O2-Orbit-New_W0QQitemZ130105513682QQihZ003QQcategoryZ139837QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

this is an amazing price if its the same one you want.its 25 pound
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CoPilot-6-GPS-Navigation-256-Micro-SD-For-XDA-Orbit_W0QQitemZ190107468471QQihZ009QQcategoryZ139824QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Only 50 pound, brand new
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO-PILOT-COPILOT-LIVE-6-GPS-NAV-02-XDA-ORBIT-NEW_W0QQitemZ110119684889QQihZ001QQcategoryZ1498QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

drdre

Where's the cheapest place to get the xda orbit phone.

Flying

Yeah I'm comtemplating sourcing one,although worried about Battery as WM5 Phones generally dont have great standby time

drdre

Flying wrote:

Yeah I'm comtemplating sourcing one,although worried about Battery as WM5 Phones generally dont have great standby time

Have you looked at prices.where's te cheapest at the moment

drdre

Does anyone know how much the xda orbit is on o2 billpay upgrade.
Thanks in advance

Flying

Most likely not at all, it can be got on O2 UK, but have read recently that the current ROM's have SD Card Corruption issues. And the GPS is having severe Fix issues.

Might be better to hold off and see if a WM6 ROM can sort the current issues.

emul

I have been told it will be about €279 as on upgrade on O2. I am awaiting it to be available online to order.

It appears that a fix has been found for the SD corruption issue and is posted on XDA-Dev, XDA-Orbit.com and HTC see here for details

http://www.europe.htc.com/support/faq.html?id=545&device=htcp3600

drdre

emul wrote:

I have been told it will be about €279 as on upgrade on O2. I am awaiting it to be available online to order.

It appears that a fix has been found for the SD corruption issue and is posted on XDA-Dev, XDA-Orbit.com and HTC see here for details

http://www.europe.htc.com/support/faq.html?id=545&device=htcp3600

I am also waiting for it to be online so i can order it, Does anyone know when it will be avialable through o2.ie

Random

Price range is 330 - 429 Euro. Hope that helps!

drdre

ciaranfo wrote:

Price range is 330 - 429 Euro. Hope that helps!

if its that price then im just going to leave it as i have as n95 and im happy with it.i just liked the look of the orbit

Flying

http://www.o2online.ie/wps/wcm/connect/O2/About+O2/Press/2007/April/O2+Ireland+launches+new+PDA+device+with+GPS+and+satellite+navigation


FYI

drdre

ah i thought it was 270 inc vat but its actually excluding.i might just leave it for the moment

Flying

Just asked for one as an upgrade for my current work phone, so fingers crossed hmmmmmmmm;)

drdre

Flying wrote:

Just asked for one as an upgrade for my current work phone, so fingers crossed hmmmmmmmm;)

Good luck

parsi

I got an Orbit last week and have had no problems with the GPS. I use Smart2Go which has its own routing issues but the position on the map is accurate and ttff is quite quick even when sitting in my office.

No card corruption issues either though on one occasion file explorer seemed to be displaying hieroglyphics...

It's a nice unit, comfortable feel and uses mini-usb for charging which is dead handy. I wouldn't accuse it of being blisteringly fast though...

drdre

parsi wrote:

I got an Orbit last week and have had no problems with the GPS. I use Smart2Go which has its own routing issues but the position on the map is accurate and ttff is quite quick even when sitting in my office.

No card corruption issues either though on one occasion file explorer seemed to be displaying hieroglyphics...

It's a nice unit, comfortable feel and uses mini-usb for charging which is dead handy. I wouldn't accuse it of being blisteringly fast though...

Where did you get your phone from and how much did you pay?

parsi

O2 and it was 249+vat.

Flying

Yep Parsi ordered one through work for the same Price

drdre

parsi wrote:

O2 and it was 249+vat.

Thanks, what upgrade did you have?

parsi

I think it was Gold - however it was being added on to a business account

drdre

parsi wrote:

I think it was Gold - however it was being added on to a business account

Thanks, I will check it out

conor-mr2

so the current one is a rebranded htc p3300 then yea?
Also they didnt disable wifi at all did they?
I have a HTC p4350 here Im playing around with. Just threw my o2 sim card into it to see whats the crack. ITs a neat little beast. Able to put skype on it and all. Im wondering if you guys have been able to install skype on the xda?

conor-mr2

Ah answered my own question through the use of my eyes and finding an XDA orbit topic! Bless my eyes!

diarmy

I just got my Orbit today. Jesus lads, it's a feckin disaster!

First off, there's no case in the box for it so it's completely exposed to the elements. After visiting 4 O2 stores, no case is currently available for the Orbit.

Secondly, there is only 1 screen protector in the box (O2 stores dont have these either) so if you get one tiny bit of dirt on the sticky side like I did, you're screwed.

Thirdly, there's NO GPS SOFTWARE WITH THIS WHATSOEVER! This is an absolute disgrace for O2 Ireland considering the UK Orbits come with the CoPilot software and mounting cradle. Nothing exists in Ireland at present in the O2 stores.

Fourthly, THERE'S NO BLOODY MINI-SD CARD!!! What's the point?! No mini-SD card means you can take about 10 photos with the camera and then you're full.

Beyond that, the phone itself is frighteningly slow. I had an old Dell Axim X5 years ago, which was based on a 400MHz Intel XScale processor - now that was blistering compared to this - it's shockingly bad at closing programs, switching between windows and functions.

And in terms of usability, it's not great. The WiFi option is good but VERY slow (because the processor is basically a hamster's brain). The little rollerball is pretty annoying after a while too. The worst thing is the on-screen keyboard though. Nothing comes close to how bad this is. In portrait mode, this thing is impossible to use without the stylus - try texting in public and you'll soon wonder how long more you'll have your Orbit before it's robbed.

Physically it's very pretty and well put together - but for the first time I've experienced, O2 have let the whole show down. No case, no screen protectors available, no GPS software, no mini-SD card.

And as for the Quad-Band technology under the hood????? Better save up some more cash to buy some global adapters. Blackberrys come with USA/UK/EU plugs - this comes with an un-changeable UK plugtop - so dont bother buying this for abroad!!!

Absolute disaster. I'm returning it first thing on Tuesday. Guess I'll have to suffer on at O2's leisure while they take forever to release the Blackberry Curve here - it's out with over a month in the UK!

--- Forgot to mention, there's NO Blackberry Connect option with this thing either - an all round disaster. The GPS thing is just funny though - "here, have GPS hardware and go get the software yourself and then get a memory card to fit the software onto." GRRRRRR!

parsi

Just a few points :

- how many screen protectors do you want (serious question - I rarely use them),

- it is bad about the case though most devices look so much worse with one (my BB Pearl has a nice skin though) ,

- the lack of a microSD card is bad. The Nokia E50 ships without one as well. I took the card out of a decommissioned pearl.

- plugs plugs plugs. Your blackberry charger will charge the Orbit no probs. It seems that RIM are the only ones providing vartieties of plugs on chargers - Nokia don't do it,

- no BB Connect - only yourself to blame. It isn't out for Windows Mobile yet and RIM seem to be coy on when it will be released though they are touting the availability (soon) of a virtual BB for your WM device,

- CoPilot - comes free in the Uk on the over £35 per month tariff. Chargeable otherwise. You could try Smart2Go - it has good maps but dodgy routing algorithms,

- Haven't used the phone but like the WiFi - browsing with Opera is faster than with IE and Mundu works fine with it.

- Slow programs- some seem much slower than others. WiFiFoFum takes a while to launch but runs perfectly afterwards, Deivcescape launches quickly, iSilo is a brute...

diarmy

well on the screen protectors, considering they're just pieces of sticky plastic, i'd expect a couple to be included.

the micro-SD absence is unforgivable.

The lack of GPS software on a phone that I paid 269euro on a Platinum Upgrade on after 7 years of O2 custom is an absolute joke.

Not having Blackberry connect is a step far considering all the hype made about it coming to the XDA II and IIs years ago. Then they substitute it with the rubbish that is 'Direct-Push Technology' - sure that's useless for any company that's got any IT investment put into proper systems. I just with M$ would focus on what it does best and not compete for the sake of competeing.

i shouldn't have to ressurect my BB charger for the Orbit in fairness - this is a phone aimed at business professionals and it is hugely lacking in accessories (without having to pay for them - i.e. O2's cunning plan)

i'm not talking about a case that fits over the phone with a gammy plastic film on it, i'm talking about something similar to the horizontal cases you get with some phones and all blackberries (the proper big ones at least)

being the eternal cynic that i am, i blame the leaking of the essence of 'eau de microsoft' from the HTC convert for the feck ups along the line - but i guess that's my M$ bitterness... bloody iPhone where are you!?!?!!

parsi

As far as MS are concerned Direct_push is the bees knees for connecting to exchange servers. The latest version does things like :

- ability to use hyperlinks in emails,
- reconcile read/unread/deletions,
- integrate address books OTA

These are all handled happily by the Blackberry Enterprise Server and have been for a year or two..

However I don't agree with teh comments about the charger. The 7100v came with a charger with changeable plugs and a usb port (subsequent versions have an integral charge cable) which makes it a very useful charger to have - with the right cable you can charge your gameboy, your DS, your PSP, your satnav, your bluetooth gps, your bluetooth headset etc etc and it should never need to be "resurrected" but should be an integral part of your charging gear..a true case of one device to charge them all !

sk8board

we changed business a/c about 7 months ago, from Vodafone 7100v to the O2 XDA.

Have to say i was surprised with the XDA (mini S). The email/sync'ing features are better than the BBerry exchange server we had

for example, when I deleted a mail on the BBerry, it wouldn't delete it off the server, so when I got back to the office, sometimes after 10 days, my mail box was full of 'old' mails. VERY annoying!

I was also surprised that i got great use out of the full qwerty Keyboard on the XDA. I get the train to work, so its handy for sending mail in-transit, without taking all day about it.

all that said, we have been having some serious issues on the OS side, our good friends at Microsoft. the main problem is that closing the programs on Windows OS doesn't remove them from memory, but rather justs leaves them open, and removes them from the screen, causing the phone to slow down if you don't restart it regularily, or go into the memory settings and 'close all' programs.

The BIGGEST issue with the XDA is the phone interface (dialling contacts, receiving calls etc etc), which is, without a doubt, the worst I have ever ever ever seen (and I work in the mobile telecoms industry!).
It seems to be a windows program, rather than being on the chipset, so it is just WOEFULLY slow, and freezes a lot.
The voice quality is also terrible (people have trouble hearing you), which may be linked to the phone Network reception, which is terrible. I have another O2 phone that I can use in the offfice and at home without issue, perfectly clear. The XDA reception is terrible, and drops off the network, dropping the calls.

I hear we're trialling the Orbit at the minute, mainly because O2 guarantee that the Phone interface issues have been resolved; but I wish the Orbit had a qwerty keyboard (I surprise myself), as I don't think I could use the PDA stick to tap each keystroke. (solving one issue, and creating another?)
Its not like the Mini S or the Orbit are a 'one-hand' phone; you have to stop walking/working to do anything on them anyway, so why not leave the qwerty.

parsi

Strange - the Blackberry Enterprise Server has been able to handle remote deletions for a couple of years (IIRC it took a while longer to come to Domino).

GUIGuy

Can anyone expalin to me why on earth you'd want to use blackberry (which is essentially a front end for exchange) rather than exchange server itself. AFAIK Exchange does everything that blackberry does and more... without the need for an expensive inbetween. Why use it? Fair enough if you don't like Windows Mobile (understandable). But Nokia series 60 can connect to exchange natively without the need for for blackberry so you get best of all worlds.

rrolfe

sk8board wrote:

we changed business a/c about 7 months ago, from Vodafone 7100v to the O2 XDA.

Have to say i was surprised with the XDA (mini S). The email/sync'ing features are better than the BBerry exchange server we had

for example, when I deleted a mail on the BBerry, it wouldn't delete it off the server, so when I got back to the office, sometimes after 10 days, my mail box was full of 'old' mails. VERY annoying!

I was also surprised that i got great use out of the full qwerty Keyboard on the XDA. I get the train to work, so its handy for sending mail in-transit, without taking all day about it.

all that said, we have been having some serious issues on the OS side, our good friends at Microsoft. the main problem is that closing the programs on Windows OS doesn't remove them from memory, but rather justs leaves them open, and removes them from the screen, causing the phone to slow down if you don't restart it regularily, or go into the memory settings and 'close all' programs.

The BIGGEST issue with the XDA is the phone interface (dialling contacts, receiving calls etc etc), which is, without a doubt, the worst I have ever ever ever seen (and I work in the mobile telecoms industry!).
It seems to be a windows program, rather than being on the chipset, so it is just WOEFULLY slow, and freezes a lot.
The voice quality is also terrible (people have trouble hearing you), which may be linked to the phone Network reception, which is terrible. I have another O2 phone that I can use in the offfice and at home without issue, perfectly clear. The XDA reception is terrible, and drops off the network, dropping the calls.

I hear we're trialling the Orbit at the minute, mainly because O2 guarantee that the Phone interface issues have been resolved; but I wish the Orbit had a qwerty keyboard (I surprise myself), as I don't think I could use the PDA stick to tap each keystroke. (solving one issue, and creating another?)
Its not like the Mini S or the Orbit are a 'one-hand' phone; you have to stop walking/working to do anything on them anyway, so why not leave the qwerty.

i have had an XDA orbit for a while now. the issue with not being able to close apps has been solved if you click on the o2 icon in the bottom right. this allows you to switch apps or close. a major pain if you cant do it as app dont close. the UI is seriously lacking a close button for apps which is weird.

also the lack of gps software is lousy ( business accounts now get it) i got destinator working just fine. that being said if you want gps get an sd card. in fact put everything you can on the sd card as orbits start to crawl with 10% or less free memory. you can move mail attachments and any my docs you have. it does respond faster if you do. The OS is also kind of buggy i get screen white outs the odd time, but i push this device to the limit.

the battery time is not bad on them it depends what your doing. also your first couple of charges will go really quickly. gps is suprisily easy on it, but wifi eats the power.

i don't really care about the lack of extra screen guard / case. i think the extra stylus is vital as its the first thing you might lose.

I have never used a blackberry but the email functions are fine to sync with outlook or go get your email directly via pop. might be an idea to do this with wifi if you can as grps is pricey.

as for direct push i have not tried it, i hear there is a free yahoo mail one on the way.

overall despite its pitfalls i really like it. i now have a sat nav, pda, mobile, camera, voice recorder, skype phone all in one case.

Flying

rrolfe wrote:

i have had an XDA orbit for a while now. the issue with not being able to close apps has been solved if you click on the o2 icon in the bottom right. this allows you to switch apps or close. a major pain if you cant do it as app dont close. the UI is seriously lacking a close button for apps which is weird.

also the lack of gps software is lousy ( business accounts now get it) i got destinator working just fine. that being said if you want gps get an sd card. in fact put everything you can on the sd card as orbits start to crawl with 10% or less free memory. you can move mail attachments and any my docs you have. it does respond faster if you do. The OS is also kind of buggy i get screen white outs the odd time, but i push this device to the limit.

the battery time is not bad on them it depends what your doing. also your first couple of charges will go really quickly. gps is suprisily easy on it, but wifi eats the power.

i don't really care about the lack of extra screen guard / case. i think the extra stylus is vital as its the first thing you might lose.

I have never used a blackberry but the email functions are fine to sync with outlook or go get your email directly via pop. might be an idea to do this with wifi if you can as grps is pricey.

as for direct push i have not tried it, i hear there is a free yahoo mail one on the way.

overall despite its pitfalls i really like it. i now have a sat nav, pda, mobile, camera, voice recorder, skype phone all in one case.

I have removed the O2 Rom from all our orbits and used WM6 Cooked ROM's due to the O2 Rom being to buggy.

Goto Xdadevelopers to find out more it is the (Atremis), Beaware your phone has to be CID Unlocked before changing Rom's. It would be best to read the sticky's and the Wiki before you attempt any upgrade.

I find the Wm6 rom better more versatile and not as buggy as the current O2 Offering.

Wm6 will be officially released at some stage with the next few months, since the late June/July date has being pushed foward by HTC due to further stress testing required to have a completely stable WM6 OEM ROM to be released.