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We got hold of the o2 XDA Orbit in December 2006, just after its UK release. First impressions have been very positive. This device is another in the popular XDA range from o2, which offer high-specification and high functionality to those looking to get more features on their mobile. The XDA Orbit combines a high-end mobile phone with the power of the latest version of Windows Pocket PC operating system. It's manufactured by HTC, and is an update on their Prophet (Qtek S200) device. The phone is also available from T-Mobile, branded as the MDA Compact III.

As a PDA, the Orbit offers all of the features you'd expect from a Windows Mobile device, such as email, Internet, Contacts, Calendar, Word and full sync to Windows and Microsoft Outlook. It also has an onboard GPS receiver, for use with satellite navigation software, such as Copilot or TomTom Navigator. The xda Orbit has wireless connectivity with wi-fi and Bluetooth, plus support for USB, and it's also a quad-band data enabled mobile phone with a 2 megapixel camera.

Size-wise, this is a great fit for the hand, and is one of the most comfy Windows Mobile devices we've held.Navigation using the Orbit is impressive. Obviously, for most of the interaction, there's the touch screen, but the manufacturers have done away with the traditional 5-way joystick, in favour of two navigation methods - First, there's a silver scroll wheel, which works well for up/down navigation (think iPod), and secondly, there's a small trackball. Being familiar with the more traditional joystick, we felt some initial culture-shock, but after a while, we came to the conclusion that for web browsing, and more importantly, map navigation, the trackball idea is pretty neat... so now we're sold.

Labels: O2

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