The O2 XDA is a hybrid – a mobile phone and a handheld computer in one slimline package. This all-silver affair uses Pocket PC as its operating system, and has some of the applications Windows users will know and love – Word, Excel and Internet Explorer being just a few. A full colour, touch sensitive screen makes this combo device a pleasure to use.
The XDA is powered by a 206Mhz ARM SA1110 processor and has 32Mbyte of RAM. Users can also extend the memory of the device by using a Secure Digital or MMC card in the slot provided at the base of the device.
Using the device is like taking the office on the move with you: You can synchronise your data using ActiveSync, or transfer files between the XDA and other devices using infrared connections.
Music fans will also be pleased to know that you can also listen to music on the device – the Pocket PC operating system includes Windows Media Player, so you can even watch video clips if you have a few spare minutes at the bus stop.
As a phone, the XDA won’t be top of the list for those who want an impossibly tiny handset they would gladly flaunt to their friends. With that design in mind, it would be almost useless as a handheld. However, you can use a handsfree kit with the device, so you can leave it in your pocket and talk, or use the loudspeaker to conduct a conversation. As with many other devices, the speakerphone on the XDA can vary in quality, although I found it perfectly adequate for conducting conversations while on the move.
All the functions of a mobile phone are intact on the XDA, including SMS messaging. The only difference is that users have the option of sending messages to an e-mail address or mobile phone using the same program – just change the message type from a drop-down menu.
The device can also be used to access the Internet through GPRS (General Packet Radio Services). The colour screen on the XDA makes it perfect for surfing Pocket PC-optimised sites. You can use it to look at most Websites, but trying to fit a large Web page on a small screen means you will be doing a lot of scrolling to read the content. As GPRS is charged by what you download, you can cut your costs by choosing not to download any images. This appears as a small icon on the bottom of Internet Explorer. One click and the images will be banished from your Web page until you see fit to change your mind. It can make navigating some Websites a bit of a mystery, but an option to download individual images helps. Users can also use the device to access WAP pages – but after using GPRS, why go back?
In fact, that sums up everything about the XDA – after accessing mobile Internet on a large screen in full colour, how will I ever go back to my standard GPRS mobile phone?
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