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COMING SOON ?!?! (htc startrek / imate smartflip / qtek 8500)

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Posted by: hylton

Don't know if anyone else saw this today on Engadget Mobile, but a high-up at HTC has indicated that the startrek/smartflip/8500 will be coming to the US (maybe Cingular) this summer.

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/...plans-revealed/

This would be sweet...but I may still opt the unbranded imate/qtek version.

Can't wait to get my grubby little hands on one.

Chris


Posted by: SHoTTa35

Well hopefully that's the case as i would love it. I can't wait too get it. Normally i change phones every 4-8 months (usually 6) and it's been like 16 months now that i've had my MPx220 with nothing that looks good enough for me to upgrade.


Posted by: SHoTTa35

well here's more:

http://msmobiles.com/news.php/5105.html

not like a real review but some nice pics for sure. I love the lil flashing lights as it'll gimmie status alerts as well as network and bluetooth without looking at the phone! OMG YES!


Posted by: Daemos

The question is how do you plug NORMAL headphones into that thing...


Posted by: hylton

Shotta, yea, the external LED was one thing I really missed between my SMT5600 and my MPx220...it'll be nice to have that back again.

Did you guys see the video, nothing earth shattering, but nice to see it being rolled around and open and closed.....

On the normal headphones, answer is, you don't...unless you want to invent your own proprietary-HTC-USB to 3.5mm adapter...it would be easy enough to figure out which of the 4 usb pins are used to get the signal to a standard set of stereo headphones...

The better answer there is that I guess they expect everyone to jump on the bluetooth bandwagon and get bluetooth headphones since this is coming w/ A2DP out of the box.

I just can't wait...I hope these show up soon along w/ the Sandisk 2gb MicroSD that is suppose to be out this year...although, 1gb would do me if I could just get my hands on the phone.

Given the naming conventions and branding logos I've seen so far, I think I'm gonna end up going w/ the QTEK version, less obtrusive logo, no stupid name tagged on it like 'smartflip'. Unless of course, Cingular offers it and it stays pretty simple looking. But if Cingular releases it w/ a HUMP (haha, 2125), that'll be out too and definitely will be going w/ the QTEK.

Chris


Posted by: Daemos

A2DP would just kill it as a music device though =/ that would drain the battery so fast.


Posted by: SHoTTa35

i was wondering about the bluetooth stuff...

http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?...=reviews&id=799

That looks good but i really wonder about the battery power as you say also.... it's only a 750mAH battery. Oh well.. guess we'll have to see


Posted by: SHoTTa35

well i'm compiling all the links to this thing..

http://mobilitytoday.com/articles/h...mpressions.html

There's more pics :-D


Posted by: hylton

2 comments no the battery and A2DP.

1. yea, bluetooth audio will definitely drain the battery fast...probably alot faster than just having an MP3 player available. but, if you plug it in and then use BT A2DP, no battery drain issue there.

2. there were some comments in a pre-review of this phone that indicated it may (stress the may part) come w/ a higher capacity battery than the 750mah it keeps being previewed with. That would be really nice across the board, not just for bluetooth, but GPRS/EDGE too. With EDGE, I'd definitely be using this more for data than I do w/ my MPx220. But, if this thing gets worse battery life than my MPx220, not sure I want one...

Still, bring it, I can't wait to get one of these. If the battery life stinks and I can't live w/ it, I'll just ebay it. I'm guessin' it'd sell fast

Chris


Posted by: ChrisFB

I used my wife's new RAZR the other day. Bottom line, I'm never going back to some BS proprietary OS non-PDA/Smartphone. I want my outlook stuff with me and just basic applications and Start Menu that I can organize and customize.

That said, it would be nice to see more options. I love my MPx220 but come on, this is the only clamshell made. I'd like to see a number of phones to choose from. I mean, my phone is 1.5 years old and right now only the SDA with the wifi option seems even remotely interesting. That's not necessarily sad but in an environment where new phones are consumed by the public like 'crack' and every businessman is carrying around a Blackberry or some push email capable device/combo, I find the lack of selection a bit odd and uninspiring.


Posted by: lutzh

hi guys

i can only tell you that i have used the 8500 in one charging circle yet - fully loaded disconnected from power on friday morning, self-switch-off because of empty battery sunday night at 8. featueres used: ALL. bt was enabled the whole time, calls, mails came in by push frequently, signal on vibration, the review i've made there, testing a2dp and on and on and on. given the fact that the battery comes to full power mode after three or more of those charge/empty circles i think there's hope, that it can go even longer. so no need to be afraid of that.

regards, lutz


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by lutzh
hi guys

i can only tell you that i have used the 8500 in one charging circle yet - fully loaded disconnected from power on friday morning, self-switch-off because of empty battery sunday night at 8. featueres used: ALL. bt was enabled the whole time, calls, mails came in by push frequently, signal on vibration, the review i've made there, testing a2dp and on and on and on. given the fact that the battery comes to full power mode after three or more of those charge/empty circles i think there's hope, that it can go even longer. so no need to be afraid of that.

regards, lutz


wow, that is super info there, thanks luntz 1

Must be quite a bit of an improvement in either WM5 or what HTC did w/ this phone internally...to get nearly 3 full days w/ that heavy use of data and the BT radio, pretty impressive...just letting my MPx220 sit and not do much other than the occasional 5-10 minute phone call, I'm doing good to squeeze 4-4.5 days out of it...under heavy use, I charge it every 3 days. I pretty much never use BT currently, but it'll be used more w/ my next phone I expect, especially w/ A2DP.

Chris


Posted by: lutzh

i leave bt on since i use my mobiles with the parrot ck3100 in my car. i am too lazy to switch bt on/off manually....

yes, it's true, htc is making good progress with their products - no matter if it is smartphone or pocket pc. as you can see in my pictures i own a nice variety of devices from them, every one of it has it's pro's and con's, but i remember very good how and when all that startet with my first htc windows mobile smartphone, the spv classic in 2002 wich was nearly un-usable in out-of-the-box conditions. only patching and manipulating made it a phone with some extra's. today you can easily sell a smartphone or a ppc phone edition to anyone interested in a phone +... compare the htc products to those from motorola - do you see any progress? where are the follow ups for mpx200 and 220? vapoware. i had the mpx300 for a while and this is very sure the latest windows mobile device from motorola that i've spent money for. let's wait and see if the Q will ever hit the market or if this sad experience goes on like this.

cheers, lutz


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by lutzh
i leave bt on since i use my mobiles with the parrot ck3100 in my car. i am too lazy to switch bt on/off manually....

yes, it's true, htc is making good progress with their products - no matter if it is smartphone or pocket pc. as you can see in my pictures i own a nice variety of devices from them, every one of it has it's pro's and con's, but i remember very good how and when all that startet with my first htc windows mobile smartphone, the spv classic in 2002 wich was nearly un-usable in out-of-the-box conditions. only patching and manipulating made it a phone with some extra's. today you can easily sell a smartphone or a ppc phone edition to anyone interested in a phone +... compare the htc products to those from motorola - do you see any progress? where are the follow ups for mpx200 and 220? vapoware. i had the mpx300 for a while and this is very sure the latest windows mobile device from motorola that i've spent money for. let's wait and see if the Q will ever hit the market or if this sad experience goes on like this.

cheers, lutz


Yea, I agree... I skipped the early windows smartphone entries b/c the few I looked at were just too big and from the reviews, too lacking in the arena of stability and speed...I ended up sticking w/ basic nokia phones until the smt5600 came out here in the states...even then I was a bit late to the game b/c i was holding out for the cingular/attwireless/suncom merger/aquisition here in Virginia...

Anyway...I agree, Moto seems to be taking an even worse position than nokia on smartphone development...while Nokia is at least putting out new Symbian devices, Motorola seems to be struggling to follow up marginally good devices like the MPx220 w/ anything at all...VERY STRANGE...

I think they are still riding the razr wave, even though it's not much of a phone IMO, it seems to be popular for some strange reason.

Maybe the Moto Q will generate some interest...while it's gonna end up being not much better (functionally) than any other smartphone, and it lacks some key features I'd want from a QWERTY device, it does look like a razr, so maybe the same people will buy it that buy the razrs...haha...

Chris


Posted by: hylton

By the way...thanks for taking the time to post all those great images and the video over at msmobiles...

My only question would be...how bad are you ! ! !
i.e., how much of a bribe would you accept to ship that QTEK phone to me ! ! !

Chris


Posted by: machiavell1

Hi Lutz,

Liked the review over at msmobiles.

Do you have any idea when it will be formally released on the market in Europe?

...and I would be very happy to take the proto off your hands for a good price!


Posted by: lutzh

thank you for the flowers :-)

as much as i know htc will start shipping to carriers (!) end of april. because of the fact that they add their branding stuff then and do their own "bug testing" i expect it in stores from mid may on. question is: wich carrier got it exclusive first and when are qtek and i-mate allowed to sell it beside the carriers. you know that system - at least i know it from the past - that carriers like orange or t-mobile get the stuff first, some weeks exclusive and later on all others. may be that changed in the younger past (e.g. with the htc wizard, that was available as i-mate k-jam first), but who knows...

regarding the moto Q i have a simple word: i believe that it will be on sale at the day that it is on sale. remember the hype with the mpx300, or the mpx100 - it never made it (seriously) to the market, even if it was announced and postponed 5 times.

another thing will make me no costumer of this device: the square screen. i've tested the hp ipaq 6515 when it hits the market and all i can say that it sux big time when you can't use the bigger part of the available software just because the screen format is far away from the (historical) standard. it's an issue for me. this plattform lives very much from third party applications - multimedia players (e.g. for divx), navigation software, games, ... , - if they aren't specifically (re-)designed for those 240x240 screens you will always get an unsatisfying result. now imagine, every tool/game/application needs to be reprogrammed - even if it is only onme line of code, then brought back to the shops, extra placement like "ready for device XXX" or "runs on 240x240 without loosing half the information". you think you can expect that? loud & clear: NO!

i have no idea, why it was needed to cut the screen to 240x240, htc shows so well that it is possible to have 240x320 in a small, but feature rich device. also, the screen is one selling point in my little word: it offers video capability, makes it possible to do texting for business (word, notes, mails, ppt), playing nice games and so on! cutting that is like cutting off a leg for the next marathon: yes, you don't have to carry that much weight anymore then - but you'll have to start at the paralympics. i am sorry to sound a little harsh here, but it looks like moto is on it's way to this event!*

best regards, lutz

*this is my personal opinion as a bad guy who likes windows mobile and only want to see improvements for this plattform, don't take it personell, it's also not ment to discriminate any human or other person, especially not handicapt people! i hope you understand that this is only a methapher!


Posted by: CeluGeek

I saw the pictures of the QTek 8500 and they took out that awful Nokia 3595-like keypad. Now it is an option I can consider, even though the proprietary connector is still a downgrade.


Posted by: SHoTTa35

Quote:
Originally Posted by cinguliano
I saw the pictures of the QTek 8500 and they took out that awful Nokia 3595-like keypad. Now it is an option I can consider, even though the proprietary connector is still a downgrade.


if you read more you would have seen that the keypad you see looking like the old nokia is a prototype...



there ya go.... i love it!


Posted by: hylton

i think that's what cinguliano meant, that now that they've put a normal looking keypad on it, its an option to buy it...

i agree though, glad the circles are gone from the earlier proto picts...i would have bought it anyway, but it does look 100% better w/o them.

chris


Posted by: lutzh

hi there

regarding the speed of file transfer to the device via active sync/mediaplayer/file explorer/sd card reader adapter i'll do a test end of week when i've got my microSD. watch this space.

cheers, lutz


Posted by: SHoTTa35

hey, more pics and reviews... :-D

http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2...60410035742.htm

Can't wait!!

And sorry Cinguliano.. read your post incorrectly. Thank you for correcting me hylton.


Posted by: hylton

Yea, the picts and info are coming faster and faster, hopefully this means a release date very soon...if HTC is sending them out to people, gotta be soon...they are generating alot of interest/hype.

Ugh...the wait is killing me...

Luntz, forgot to ask before...any word about the rumor of a 128k rom version later in the year...I thought I read that somewhere...initially 64k, 128k devices later toward the end of the year ?

Chris


Posted by: CeluGeek

Quote:
Originally Posted by SHoTTa35
hey, more pics and reviews... :-D

http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2...60410035742.htm

Can't wait!!

And sorry Cinguliano.. read your post incorrectly. Thank you for correcting me hylton.

No problem. I can't wait either. I wonder what the pricing will be.


Posted by: MethodMan

Several drawbacks to this phone:

1. Uses MicroSD memory cards. Sorry but MiniSD is much more mature and has the format to carry more than 2GB. Plus HTC is screwing over the many users that are migrating from the MPx220.

2. The memory slot is underneath the damn battery! The morons at MS wants to encourage users to not use the memory card as much (thereby users will rely on purchasing DRM content online.

3. Lower capacity battery (750mA) compared to the MPx220 (1000mA).

4. Likely to cost over twice the price of what currently charged for the 2125/SDA. Probably three times the cost of the MPx220.

Overall these drawbacks really make the phone less desirable than the current Smartphone flip the MPx220. Maybe it's time HTC should go back to the drawing board?


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by MethodMan
Several drawbacks to this phone:

1. Uses MicroSD memory cards. Sorry but MiniSD is much more mature and has the format to carry more than 2GB. Plus HTC is screwing over the many users that are migrating from the MPx220.

2. The memory slot is underneath the damn battery! The morons at MS wants to encourage users to not use the memory card as much (thereby users will rely on purchasing DRM content online.

3. Lower capacity battery (750mA) compared to the MPx220 (1000mA).

4. Likely to cost over twice the price of what currently charged for the 2125/SDA. Probably three times the cost of the MPx220.

Overall these drawbacks really make the phone less desirable than the current Smartphone flip the MPx220. Maybe it's time HTC should go back to the drawing board?


1. if you consider that a drawback, i guess, but if you don't need more than 2gb for the basics...then not really a plus or a minus...plus, 4gb minisd doesn't exist yet, and probably won't for awhile, microsd will hit 2gb in the next few months...so both formats are on the same playing field at this point. Most people looking at the 8500 will upgrade yet again by the time a 4gb card is both available and affordable.

2. agreed...regardless of the reason, needs to be accessible while the phone is running. but again, if you have a 1 or 2gb card and you don't need more in the way of a second card, then you aren't hot swapping anyway...

3. luntz indicated even w/ the 750mah battery, it was getting the same time as the MPx220, running for 3-4 days under normal to heavy use. It's pre-production too, so possible it'll come w/ something w/ more capacity. jury is still out, battery capacity isn't the only part of the equation, WM5 + hardware power management plays a HUGE factor here.

4. everything new and thin is expensive, again, not necessarily a drawback...and considering this will be the only WM5 flip available, and it brings EDGE to the table for flip people, may be worth it for some of us. I'd personally be willing to go $500-ish for this phone (unlocked), but that's in the range of the SP5/SP5m when it came out...if this phone comes in significantly higher than that I'd be suprised, but given it's size and everything, it's entirely possible I guess...

Other things that beat the MPx220...I love my MPx220 by the way !

- a2dp out of the box (so they say)
- push email out of the box (so they say)
- edge
- construction (at least from what has been written about it)
- bigger screen and QVGA
- external music keys
- bigger, more functional (music) external display
- size and weight will make it easier on the pants pocket
- so far, camera results are better than what i've seen w/ the moto

Most likely, HTC will get the ROM correct out of the box, so we won't have to go thru a bazillion rom releases and upgrades like the MPx220 required to get it to a usable level.


Chris


Posted by: elfguy

Qtek 8500 is coming in May in Europe.

http://www.qtek.se/europe/news.aspx


Posted by: sheltem

I think it's impossible for a camera to be worse than the mpx220 :P My friend's V600 was noticably better than my supposed "1.3 MP camera" on my mpx220.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by sheltem
I think it's impossible for a camera to be worse than the mpx220 :P My friend's V600 was noticably better than my supposed "1.3 MP camera" on my mpx220.


Yea, no argument there, it's pretty sorry...my outside pics aren't that bad, but boy inside, forget about it...dunno why they even bothered w/ that flash, it has a range of about 0 feet...

I always come back to the whole, use a digital camera argument though...and personally, I'd rather they simply REMOVE the camera from smartphones...for me, it's a useless feature and in some cases, prevents me from being able to carry my phone into a building...I have to switch to the nokia.

Chris


Posted by: lokkje

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
Yea, no argument there, it's pretty sorry...my outside pics aren't that bad, but boy inside, forget about it...dunno why they even bothered w/ that flash, it has a range of about 0 feet...

I always come back to the whole, use a digital camera argument though...and personally, I'd rather they simply REMOVE the camera from smartphones...for me, it's a useless feature and in some cases, prevents me from being able to carry my phone into a building...I have to switch to the nokia.

Chris



I'll agree to that. The ONLY thing I have used my camera for on my MPx220 is for on-the-spot photo contacts. Other than that, its useless.


Posted by: hylton

Here it comes, well, in Taiwan anyway...comes to around $425US dollars...wonder if they'd ship to me ?

http://msmobiles.com/news.php/5123.html

Chris


Posted by: nskgti23

I'll be in Thailand next week... I'm wondering if they will be available in the mega-malls of Bangkok at that point. I will absolutely pick one up then.


Posted by: hylton

MadMonkeyBoy / dweiniger ! ! !

Are you out there ?

What about this device, any news or any word on whether you are going to try to get them in stock here in the states ?

Chris


Posted by: SHoTTa35

Man, getting hyped. It's almost here and i can feel it already! Damn, i want it real bad right about now.

I'm starting to save cuz it will definitely cost a good amount for sure.


Posted by: hylton

Yea, I figure $500ish here in the states, but that's just a huge guess on my part. I'm thinking about 'pre-ordering' on Expansys, but they are usually pretty high. I'm hoping MMB will carry at least the QTEK...I don't really want 'smartflip' stamped across it on the IMATE version.

Chris


Posted by: machiavell1

Question is, when will we be able to get it over in the US and Europe? Doesn't look like it is on sale yet - looks like that is 26 April in Taiwan.

Wonder where it will be imported from first? eBay sellers?


Posted by: sheltem

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
Yea, I figure $500ish here in the states, but that's just a huge guess on my part. I'm thinking about 'pre-ordering' on Expansys, but they are usually pretty high. I'm hoping MMB will carry at least the QTEK...I don't really want 'smartflip' stamped across it on the IMATE version.

Chris


Yea smartflip sounds so cheesy


Posted by: SHoTTa35

yeah, i think i'm liking the QTEK version more for some odd reason. Just think it sounds better. LOL..


Posted by: ajpprc

Wirelessly posted (HTC-8100/1.2 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; PPC; 240x320))

lutzh,
can you tell us if the exterior media buttons work with tcpmp?


Posted by: SEAL6

The unit doesn't come with WIFI unlike the other WM5 phones....is this a concern for anyone?


Posted by: CeluGeek

Quote:
Originally Posted by SEAL6
The unit doesn't come with WIFI unlike the other WM5 phones....is this a concern for anyone?

No. The 2125 doesn't come with WiFi either. Not everybody has to have WiFi, especially on a phone.


Posted by: SHoTTa35

yeah, if you spending that much time on a phone where you need wifi cuz EDGE isn't fast enough or costs too much then seriously... put the phone down, walk away and talk to people in person for an hr or so.

Surely it would be niffty to have as you can download and browse while laying in bed and all that but who's really out there surfing on a phone? I hate 1024 x 768 on a laptop so using 240 x 320 definitely gotta be a pain! 1400 x 1050 sometimes still isn't big enough!! a 30" virtual laptop screen (thinking Minority Report here) at 1900 x 1200 would be great!

So i for one is definitely not missing wifi. i think it's a silly idea but that's just me.


Posted by: hylton

I agree on the wifi, I pretty much carry my laptop with me everywhere...nature of my job and career, and the fact that I'm a total dope w/ regard to technology and gadgets...but that's another issue !

Anyway, just haven't seen a need to have wifi...for me, the phone is all about being small, GPRS is actually even fine for 90% of what I do on my phone and EDGE will cover me for years to come I expect. I really just want EDGE to give me enough speed to make the simple things pop up quicker...but I could even continue to live w/ GPRS if I had to.

I more want this phone b/c it's WM5, somewhat smaller and likely better constructed tham my MPx220, and it comes w/ A2DP. I also expect that since this is the 4th generation flip device from HTC (mentioned in a recent article) but they didn't release gen 1-3 b/c of performance and quality, that this will be a well tested and solid device and platform.

The fact that there is no wifi and i'll be giving up hot swappable minisd is of no concern to me personally, i wouldn't use either of those features if i had them. bluetooth, edge, and usb cover anything and everything i need to do.

Chris


Posted by: captainmicahp

is the main screen the same size as the screen on the sp5? I cant tell from the pictures, but it kind of looks like it may be a little bit smaller.


Posted by: SHoTTa35

all WM Smartphones should have just about the same screensize (except the 220 for some odd reason) The reason it looks smaller is because there is alot of real estate around the screen... black at that. So with the bright screen in the middle it makes it looks small with all that space to the sides of the screen. The screen tho is QVGA so you'll have the same exact info as you do as any other smartphone (that is QVGA resolution)


Posted by: hylton

yep, It's a 2.2" screen, which is the same as all the other smartphones out there accept the MPx220 which is only 2"...and maybe some of the other not-so-popular early smartphones like the Samsung and Vox models...not sure what they had...but I think everything out there currently is 2.2" including this new flip.

Chris


Posted by: captainmicahp

I kind of thought that the screen was the same size, but there is definitly an optical illusion going on there.


Posted by: hylton

Yea, I agree...the screen doesn't look as big as on the Cingular 2125, funny how that is...but I think it's definitely the extra real-estate around the border that makes it look that way.

This phone is a bit wider than the 2125, so it gives it that appearance.

Chris


Posted by: machiavell1

Still haven't actually found any sign of the phone out there, despite the news of sales in Taiwan.

It hasn't yet appeared on eBay or on any of the usual import sites. I wonder if it has actually started selling yet or the PCHome site is actually just taking pre-orders.


Posted by: lablab

Keeping an eye out for this as well. Mad Monkey boy may be the first with any Info.


Posted by: machiavell1

Quote:
Originally Posted by lablab
Keeping an eye out for this as well. Mad Monkey boy may be the first with any Info.


How come? (Scuse my ignorance)


Posted by: nskgti23

The reason you haven't seen it on Ebay is because PCHome is the only site that has them available until the 26th...



Quote:
Originally Posted by machiavell1
Still haven't actually found any sign of the phone out there, despite the news of sales in Taiwan.

It hasn't yet appeared on eBay or on any of the usual import sites. I wonder if it has actually started selling yet or the PCHome site is actually just taking pre-orders.



Posted by: machiavell1

Thanks (I couldn't figure out what the date was for...)

However, usually with stuff like this, people buy and then sell on eBay to those who can't wait (like me), for an easy profit.

Doesn't look like that has started happening yet.

So very keen to get this one......

My previous WM smartphones have been excellent (and increasingly so - SPV C600 was superb) but let down by their blocky or oversized form. Also the screen would occasionally get scratched.

Now a decent sized great looking clamshell packing all that has appeared, and I can't wait to get my hands on one! Hope they make it to Europe/US soon!


Posted by: thefourthdoctor

I can't wait until I can get this phone here, as I just returned the 9300 b/c it was too slow and my mpx has gotten finicky with respect to how I plug the charger into the phone.


Posted by: hylton

Sounds like Cingular...

http://www.smartphonetoday.com/arti...m-StarTrek.html

Does anybody recall anything in January about Cingular offering this phone...I don't, but the Business Week article referenced in the link above does say Cingular will offer it, way down near the bottom in the Census section.

Strange.

Chris


Posted by: Mr Pink57

As for needing wifi or not, I thought the same thing until I started using it on my device. What I mainly use if for is while at home, I put the cell and wifi on at the same time, this puts all my data on my wifi connection leaving my EVDO connection open for calls. And if I know 100% that I am in a hotspot I will swap over or if I cant get cell service I switch it for Skype or to check my email.

pink


Posted by: spacehog

smartflips will only start shipping end of May (not to say other iterations of the phone won't ship earlier) you heard it here first..


Posted by: sbeindba

Expanyz UK has this listed with no price and no delivery date.


Posted by: joeblowstein

Just saw this on some of the blogs. Can someone translate? Google translate doesn't like the site because of some weird redirecting.

http://shopping.pchome.com.tw/dopod...hp?pid=AZV00138

Will they ship to the US? Anyone interested in trying to put together a group purchase? Perhaps someone who can read Chinese can help facilitate.


Posted by: machiavell1

Re Expansys: That's usually because they are fishing for pre-orders and for listing on google.

They are not actually all that good at getting handsets first.

I find other importers and local eBay sellers to be quicker off the mark.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by joeblowstein
Just saw this on some of the blogs. Can someone translate? Google translate doesn't like the site because of some weird redirecting.

http://shopping.pchome.com.tw/dopod...hp?pid=AZV00138

Will they ship to the US? Anyone interested in trying to put together a group purchase? Perhaps someone who can read Chinese can help facilitate.


I ran this thru babelfish the other day, wasn't a great translation and many of the buttons are graphic images, so they don't translate. I tried clicking a few places to see if I could get a shopping cart going, but was never successful.

I might be interested if this phone came w/ an English ROM, but I suspect it's default is Chinese...while yes, that could be changed...my goal w/ this next purchase will be to get away from the MPx220 nightmares of having to re-do everything after a hard reset.

I'm probably gonna wait for a US version, but again, i'm itchin' for one of these so I might jump in on a group buy if someone figures that site out.

Personally, I'm hoping MMB will notice this thread and let us know what he's planning in regard to this phone.

I'm also gonna be eligible for a Cingular upgrade mid-to-late summer, so if this thing gets delayed as all smarthphones seem to be these days, I may end up getting one thru Cingular...but probably not, I expect it'll be available from importers sooner than Cingular will offer it, but you never know.

Chris


Posted by: machiavell1

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
I ran this thru babelfish the other day, wasn't a great translation and many of the buttons are graphic images, so they don't translate. I tried clicking a few places to see if I could get a shopping cart going, but was never successful.

I might be interested if this phone came w/ an English ROM, but I suspect it's default is Chinese...while yes, that could be changed...my goal w/ this next purchase will be to get away from the MPx220 nightmares of having to re-do everything after a hard reset.

I'm probably gonna wait for a US version, but again, i'm itchin' for one of these so I might jump in on a group buy if someone figures that site out.

Chris


I'd be surprised if the Chinese version didn't have easily accessible English language also. It just won't have the other European languages (which could no doubt be added by ROM update or suitable registry eds). I have had Chinese phones before, and they have pinyin support side by side with English and English dictionaries so I think you'd be safe with one.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by machiavell1
I'd be surprised if the Chinese version didn't have easily accessible English language also. It just won't have the other European languages (which could no doubt be added by ROM update or suitable registry eds). I have had Chinese phones before, and they have pinyin support side by side with English and English dictionaries so I think you'd be safe with one.


Yea, I'm sure it'll be easily switchable over to English, especially coming out of Dopod in Taiwan (vs. actually in China)...but, my issue isn't really w/ switching between Chinese and English, it's having to do that, coupled w/ all the other registry tweaks like on the MPx220...I'd like to simplify that if at all possible. But, it the Dopod doesn't have any carrier branding on it, which it doesn't look like it does...hard-reset reconfig does become easier, just flip the language and the locale and you're done.

Chris


Posted by: machiavell1

I just want it....


now....

please....


Posted by: sheltem

Quote:
Originally Posted by machiavell1
I just want it....


now....

please....


What he said

I have a Tmobile SDA to tide me over though.


Posted by: lokkje

Quote:
Originally Posted by sheltem
What he said

I have a Tmobile SDA to tide me over though.

...and I'll third that. Although the Mpx220 has been serving me well (despite the numerous ROM changes), I am ready for a new phone.

My two wishes...no branding and hopefully they'll not use the keypad with the silly circles on it...




Posted by: ajpprc

Has anyone who has actually used this thing tried out the exterior media buttons with TCPMP? Please let us know.

Thanks!


Posted by: SHoTTa35

Quote:
Originally Posted by lokkje
...and I'll third that. Although the Mpx220 has been serving me well (despite the numerous ROM changes), I am ready for a new phone.

My two wishes...no branding and hopefully they'll not use the keypad with the silly circles on it...


Well i guess i'll say amen to that.

The circles as you might have read earlier was a prototype. The real keypad for all of them is the one you and i both want. So no worries in getting one that has the circles, if you got that you got a prototype. Unless you specifically bought that then send it back!


Posted by: machiavell1

I can't even find a proto for sale...

If only!


Posted by: hylton

Expansys UK has a price and date now...

Our Price: £359.95 (306.34 exc.)
Availability: Due Wednesday 10th May

Expansys US has it also, but 'ordered on request'...

Our Price: $569.95
Availability: Ordered on request

Either way, that's gonna be a bit much for me at that price point...can't justify it for more than $500, may have to wait for the branded devices or another importer like MMB...it'll be way cheaper than that even w/o a renewed contract thru Cingular.

Chris


Posted by: CeluGeek

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
Either way, that's gonna be a bit much for me at that price point...can't justify it for more than $500, may have to wait for the branded devices or another importer like MMB...it'll be way cheaper than that even w/o a renewed contract thru Cingular.

Or wait two or three months. After all the early adopters had paid an arm and a leg then the price will probably drop something.


Posted by: hylton

So is anybody here jumping on the $569 (or the UK price) today ?

I want to be an 'early adopter', just not sure if I can stomach that price knowing it's gonna be under $500 in a few months...like you said...but, maybe it IS WORTH the extra $100 or so just to get it early.

Anybody know how to get in touch w/ MMB, I emailed his website address numerous times a couple weeks back (about this phone), no response...haven't tried to PM him here yet ?

Chris


Posted by: madgalaxy

MMB has the Qtek 8500 for pre-order on his site for $559. He says he will have stock on 5/15/06.


Posted by: machiavell1

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
Expansys UK has a price and date now...

Our Price: £359.95 (306.34 exc.)
Availability: Due Wednesday 10th May

Chris



I would take the UK Expansys date with a pinch of salt. I have dealt with them before and, although a good company when they actually have something, they are terrible at trying to get pre-orders in. The date is simply a broad estimate - likelihood is that they will have it long after that, and probably after some reputable eBay sellers have it (and probably for less than Expansys).


Posted by: hylton

Funny, I had PM'ed MMB right before lunch today, while I was out it showed up on his site, he just PM'ed me back that it was on the site and would be available May 15th.

So...who would like to purchase my MPx220 for $569 ?

I'll even throw in lifetime support for reconfiguring the MPx220 to whatever ROM you want...free shipping back and forth...hehehe...

ugh, decisions decisions...

Chris


Posted by: Redhed97

Cool, did you notice MMB's version has WiFi? I'm sure it's just a typo (cut and paste from another page probably)! Don't get all excited! Still, for that $, I'll have to pass for now.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redhed97
Cool, did you notice MMB's version has WiFi? I'm sure it's just a typo (cut and paste from another page probably)! Don't get all excited! Still, for that $, I'll have to pass for now.


Yes, I think he has a number of typos there, the dimensions, camera specs, memory card, and weight are not correct for this device either...I'm guessing cut-n-pasted from another device accidently, probably from the SP5/SP5m or it's variants.

Chris


Posted by: lokkje

Quote:
Originally Posted by SHoTTa35
Well i guess i'll say amen to that.

The circles as you might have read earlier was a prototype. The real keypad for all of them is the one you and i both want. So no worries in getting one that has the circles, if you got that you got a prototype. Unless you specifically bought that then send it back!

Yeah, I wasnt too sure which one was the proto. The keypad shown in msmobiles review didnt have them, but because it was an early review, I thought that one might have been the proto.




Posted by: Perceptions

Quote:
Originally Posted by madgalaxy
MMB has the Qtek 8500 for pre-order on his site for $559. He says he will have stock on 5/15/06.

Way too expensive (not MMB's fault) for this phone. For an extra $30 you can get a Qtek 9100 so I will wait and hope that Cingular launches this device.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Perceptions
Way too expensive (not MMB's fault) for this phone. For an extra $30 you can get a Qtek 9100 so I will wait and hope that Cingular launches this device.


It's not really that expensive, just par for the course...if you recall, a QTEK 9100 was not $599 when it came out, MMB or otherwise, it was more like $800 or more pre-order, if memory serves me, I believe MMB had them for just under $800.

It's just the price you pay to have a bleeding edge windows phone device the week it comes out...nature of the pre-release pricing beast.

Spec wise, this phone isn't much to write home about, but the reviews indicate it is faster than any WM smartphone to date, even though it's still the same old processor and stuff...but it's also the only WM5 flip available...and the price reflects that too.

I personally can't decide what to do, gonna have to mull it over...

Chris


Posted by: Perceptions

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
It's not really that expensive, just par for the course...if you recall, a QTEK 9100 was not $599 when it came out, MMB or otherwise, it was more like $800 or more pre-order, if memory serves me, I believe MMB had them for just under $800.

It's just the price you pay to have a bleeding edge windows phone device the week it comes out...nature of the pre-release pricing beast.

Spec wise, this phone isn't much to write home about, but the reviews indicate it is faster than any WM smartphone to date, even though it's still the same old processor and stuff...but it's also the only WM5 flip available...and the price reflects that too.

I personally can't decide what to do, gonna have to mull it over...

Chris

You are correct about initial launches, good old Principles of Marketing teaches us that initial and early adopters bit the bullet on prices as I bought my 9100 when they were at $719 from MMB. However my point is that if you are buying a Qtek 8500 today vs. buying a Qtek 9100 today then the $30-40 difference must be taken into account. Like you said the Star Trek is not offering anything new (except for form factor and microsd) that other WM5 phones already have on the market. The Star Trek actually lacks in features for this price point. At last the form factor and lack of competition of WM5 clamshell smartphone is really the main determinite in price such as the RAZR two years ago.


Posted by: hylton

Yea, I'm not disagreeing that you can get a 9100 for $50 more, but I don't want a 9100 (at least not as my only device, yea i'd like to have one to play with)...but as i said, the 8500 is a flip, and it's a smartphone, not a PPC...I could not live w/ the touch-screen along and a pull out keyboard...gotta have my keypad and have it immediatly accessible in addition to the screen...this is first and formost a phone for me, the PPC devices are not a good option for someone who wants a phone first, PPC/PIM second.

Two different animals, you can really not make a comparison, price or otherwise, w/ a 9100 vs a smartphone.

Chris


Posted by: Redhed97

It's funny, I bought my SMT5600 to replace a big ole Pocket PC and a T616, and at the time thought of it as a stop gap until I could more easily afford a Jam or some similar Pocket PC phone device. After using the SMT5600 for a while I've got to agree with Hylton - there is a lot to be said for a device that is a phone first. Most of the "PPC stuff" I want to do is pretty non-essential.

To give you an insight into how indecisive I can be, I vacillate between sticking with the SMT5600 for a while longer, wanting one of these super slim Smartphones, picking up an old Jam (getting pretty inexpensive) or a new Jammin/S200 device, or maybe even an 8125 (although it looks too "brick thick" - I guess I'd know if any of the dang Cingular stores near me stocked them)...

Sorry if I derailed the thread too much with my musings. $400 seems like the sweet spot for the Smartflip, and $300 would make it an absolute killer. Hey, and with any of these phones, if you don't like the price, just wait six months.


Posted by: hylton

Yea, I agree on the looks of the 8125, not nearly as nice and streamlined looking at the 9100 and KJAM...I'd definitely go w/ the 9100 if I were looking for a PPC device right now. Plus, the problems posted that seem to plague the 8125 w/ the Cingular ROM would keep me from going w/ that device too, even for 1/2 the price, I don't need a semi-functioning device, just too many complaints about it that were never voiced when the 9100 and KJAM were reviewed and hit the market.

I'll definitely be going w/ the Qtek 8500, it's just a matter of time and money for me...weighing whether or not I want to have it day one or wait for the price to come down. I think it'll settle at the same price point as the other WM5 smartphone have, $450 give or take.

Hmmm...so in the end, we are only talking about $100...hmmmmmmm...hehehe...

Chris


Posted by: DanITman

Exspansys has it for pre order:

http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=131162


Posted by: machiavell1

Thanks but that's already been posted above in the thread.

It is also on eBay with a German seller but, when asked whether he has it in stock on or on pre-order, he responds that he has it for delivery in 3 weeks....


Posted by: machiavell1

hmmm....

True to form, Expansys have now started edging the date for delivery back...

It now says 11th May, whereas it was 10th May on Friday. Wouldn't be surprised if they keep pushing it back incrementally to keep it at 2-3 weeks.... It's their tried and tested method of staying high up in search engine listings and getting pre-orders.


Posted by: toomer

Top story on my HTC Phones news aggregator right now is

"Qtek 8500: in vendità dall'11 Maggio" from PocketPCItalia....

Now, my Italian isn't very good - but sounds like 11 Maggio is May 11th. Anyone here that can read the rest of the article and translate?

HTC Phone headlines: http://www.htcphones.info
...or...
Direct link: http://www.pocketpcitalia.com/News/...vendit--dall-11


Posted by: machiavell1

Yes, but that is through Expansys Italy, so I assume same issues arise - either it will be with Expansys generally or not with Italy either. I think a more reliable guideline will be when it becomes available through eBay and/or far East importers, as I am guessing that it will go on sale in Asia first (once it has ceased to be Taiwan only).


Posted by: hylton

although i have never purchased from him, mmb generally/historically according to posts here has been able to deliver on the dates he gets from his sources...he's indicating the 15th at this point (May). hopefully that's the case, gonna be nice to see some reviews popping up on it soon, real reviews from people w/ real carriers, battery life, signal strength, general functionality and stability, etc.

Chris


Posted by: SonyStyle

wow, when price drops i want this!


Posted by: machiavell1

...And once again the Expansys date drops a day...

Now at Friday 12th May and will no doubt move a few more days every couple of days to keep the delivery at about 19-20 Days. They should admit they have no idea when it will arrive and are hoping it will arrive in May! Those damn pre-order tactics...


Posted by: toomer

Amusing to see Expansys up to their old tricks. They can be so frustrating to deal with.

Personally, I wouldn't trust anyone other than MadMonkeyBoy with my hard-earned dollars anyway ....


Posted by: machiavell1

I have sent him an email also to ask about the handset. You see, I don't mind advanced dates (or even uncertain dates) as these are manufacturer led and not retailer caused. What bugs me is the attempt to claw on to the market by misleading the consumer....

aw, nuts....


Posted by: machiavell1

...and again, Expansys have moved a further day to Saturday 13th May....


Posted by: machiavell1

...and now Expansys has removed the 8500 from their listings altogether...

This gets better and better....


Posted by: hylton

But you can still pre-order the headset, adapater, sync cable and battery...should you need those up front.

The US site (MobilePlanet) still has the 8500 listed w/ a May 14th date. But I agree w/ you, best to avoid those guys, I've heard too many stories of pre-orders turning into a 6 month wait for a device.

Chris


Posted by: machiavell1

I like Expansys and have used them in the past. When they actually have the item physically in stock they are good - they deliver promptly, they take returned items no fuss etc.

However, every time I have wanted a new or coming soon product (which in this community is pretty often....) they have been appalling - they advertise dates that are totally meaningless to get pre-orders and listings on the internet, and are usually one of the last to get it!

I have found that eBay, some mobile forums and some small importers are the most reliable way of getting a new item before the general market or at the beginning of the gold rush.


Posted by: SonyStyle

hmm i really want this phone, I think? its so tempting with the new Nokia N73 coming out though..


Posted by: lokkje

13 days and counting...

I have a local high-end equipment dealer that is expecting this phone to come in on the 15th. We'll see what they go for locally.


Posted by: machiavell1

How reliable do you reckon your source's date is (based on past experience)?

and which country are you/they based in so I can guess how long before it reaches me in the UK!!!

Online retailers in the UK are guessing 15th-16th at the moment also, but with the UK retailers, it's very much a guess as opposed to reliable.

Thanks


Posted by: captainmicahp

The dopod version has allegedly been available for a couple of weeks in asia. I havent really heard anything more about it since then. and i haven't seen any reviews (I dont know chinese, so there may be some asian sites that mentioned it) has anyone heard anything about these in the real world over there?


Posted by: machiavell1

I have tried to source one from Asia, but no-one seems to be selling them (either first or second hand).

Strange.


Posted by: Swivel

It doesn't have Wi-Fi, so why would I want one? Way to take a step backwards, HTC!


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Swivel
It doesn't have Wi-Fi, so why would I want one? Way to take a step backwards, HTC!


Cuz if you don't need Wi-Fi, it's way cooler and way smaller than any other smartphone out there...and it's the only WM5 flip...

Did I say it's cool ?

Chris


Posted by: Swivel

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
Cuz if you don't need Wi-Fi, it's way cooler and way smaller than any other smartphone out there...and it's the only WM5 flip...

Did I say it's cool ?

Chris


Well WIFI is a must for me. Not to mention this thing only accepts microSD so you'll only get 1 gig of storage right now. Lame.


Posted by: Redhed97

I hear you, Swivel. What are you planning to get instead?


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Swivel
Well WIFI is a must for me. Not to mention this thing only accepts microSD so you'll only get 1 gig of storage right now. Lame.


On the MicroSD issue, I think the 2gb will be out pretty soon, but no word from Sandisk lately on their 2005 announcement of the 1gb and 2gb chips...I've sent them some emails, but no response yet.

What exactly do you use wifi for on your phone, I know alot of people talk about the necessity of wifi on their phone, but quite frankly, I can't see the benefit w/ such a small screen...the few sites I hit regulary perform pretty well over GPRS and will be really nice over EDGE. But wifi on a phone, can't understand that...on a PPC phone, yea, but not on a 2"-2.2" display.

But, if you really need it, I guess it's not an option...my device is a phone first, pda/web tool second...but I like the WM platform, so this is really the best device to date for my needs. I have my laptop always handy for any wifi need that I have...and when I don't, I can tether if need be for an emergency.

Hopefully, a new flip w/ wifi will be forthcoming from some OEM for you folks that really seem to need/want it...

Chris


Posted by: captainmicahp

I have an sp5 with wifi, and when i first got it I used wifi all the time, but it really was just kind of the novelty of using it. Edge is not that much slower, because the kind of websites that are useful on a device like this are smalll and dont take a long time to load anyway. Plus wifi is a major killer of battery life. It was cool that my phone h as wifi, but I have learned that it is really not that important, when you probably already have an unlimited data plan anyway (if you are in the USA)


Posted by: hylton

MMB's date has moved out to the 19th now, but at least the price is staying the same. The Expansys site (USA, MobilePlanet) has move the date out to the 27th and raised the price to $595.

Chris


Posted by: lokkje

Mine has moved there's out too (I'm in America). They're not sure when, but they are hoping by the end of the month. They won't know the price until they get it. I'm guessing that they are dealing with the same people we are looking to (overseas suppliers, etc).


Posted by: Swivel

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redhed97
I hear you, Swivel. What are you planning to get instead?

Sticking with my SDA/SP5m


Posted by: Swivel

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
What exactly do you use wifi for on your phone, I know alot of people talk about the necessity of wifi on their phone, but quite frankly, I can't see the benefit w/ such a small screen...the few sites I hit regulary perform pretty well over GPRS and will be really nice over EDGE. But wifi on a phone, can't understand that...on a PPC phone, yea, but not on a 2"-2.2" display.


If wifi is available, I'll always use it over EDGE. I use it for everything you'd use EDGE for, and then some, it seems. As far as using wifi on a Smartphone vs. PPC, I don't see any difference. Screen size means virtually nothing to me. My eyes are doing just fine, and pIE does a pretty damn good job of rendering sites for display on my SP5m's screen.

I use my phone to browse to basically every web site I view on my home PC. I also use it for email, instant messaging, web radio, streaming music and movies from my home PC, controlling my home PC and file-transfering over GPRS Control. I may even begin to use it with Skype.

The point is, wifi connections are many times faster than EDGE, so why not use wifi where available?


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Swivel
The point is, wifi connections are many times faster than EDGE, so why not use wifi where available?


Yea, I agree, but I guess that's the difference...if wifi is available, i'm on my laptop, not my cell...so I just don't have/see a need for it based on how I used my device...I was just curious what all those folks that have wifi on the phone really do w/ it...that's all...I can definitely see where it benefits you based on what all you are doing.

Chris


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by lokkje
Mine has moved there's out too (I'm in America). They're not sure when, but they are hoping by the end of the month. They won't know the price until they get it. I'm guessing that they are dealing with the same people we are looking to (overseas suppliers, etc).


So, you've ordered one ?

I still haven't yet, trying to justify the $ in my head...

BTW...gbtmobile.com also has it listed, shipping week of the 15th, and for $499...but, it does look like they've scaled back the price based on a 1yr vs 2yr warranty. Plus, haven't seen much about them here or anywhere else. MMB offered to match them awhile back pending some determination of their reliability, but nothing ever came of it...so I think I'd still stick w/ him over the other options.

I wish someone would get this overseas and put up a review of it soon...it'd be nice to have at least 1 or 2 test folks before the rest of us decide...haha...

Chris


Posted by: Swivel

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
Yea, I agree, but I guess that's the difference...if wifi is available, i'm on my laptop, not my cell...so I just don't have/see a need for it based on how I used my device...I was just curious what all those folks that have wifi on the phone really do w/ it...that's all...I can definitely see where it benefits you based on what all you are doing.

Chris


Well if my laptop or my desktop are readily available then, absolutely, I'll use one of them over my phone. But that isn't the case when I'm in meetings at the office, laying in bed with my wife before going to sleep, at the bar or grabbing lunch, or anywhere else where carrying a laptop around with me is just a pain in my ***.

My needs and my use of my phone are certainly not common, but they will be soon enough, I'm sure. I certainly got along just fine without wifi before I had it. Hell, I was even fine before I had GPRS. But I sure as hell couldn't go back now.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Swivel
I certainly got along just fine without wifi before I had it. Hell, I was even fine before I had GPRS. But I sure as hell couldn't go back now.


LMAO, well, you sold me on NOT GETTING a phone w/ wifi for that reason alone...hehehe...I keep saying that with every piece of technology or gadget that I become reliant on, so maybe I'll stay away from wifi on my phone. I don't need another technology addiction. I seem to feel required to carry $13/month for Sirius in my car, $19.99 for unlimited data, thinking of $9.99 add-a-line to carry two devices (work and personal), yadda yadda yadda.

Sometimes it HURTS to use the GPRS on my phone to get information, which I really don't need, but somehow feel obligated or required to access, but if I made it easier to get to, maybe I would end up needing wifi on my phone

I'm almost afraid to move up to EDGE now that I've talked to you

But now I'm off topic, so back to the smartflip, who's ordering one ?


Posted by: lokkje

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
So, you've ordered one ?

I still haven't yet, trying to justify the $ in my head...

BTW...gbtmobile.com also has it listed, shipping week of the 15th, and for $499...but, it does look like they've scaled back the price based on a 1yr vs 2yr warranty. Plus, haven't seen much about them here or anywhere else. MMB offered to match them awhile back pending some determination of their reliability, but nothing ever came of it...so I think I'd still stick w/ him over the other options.

I wish someone would get this overseas and put up a review of it soon...it'd be nice to have at least 1 or 2 test folks before the rest of us decide...haha...

Chris


No, haven't ordered one yet. Just inquired about it. That store has been waiting for them to come in as much as we have. Don't get me wrong, I love my Mpx220, but I'm starting to get that itch to buy a new phone...

The SDA looks good, but I'm more of a flip-phone person myself..


Posted by: hylton

Kinda off topic, but it came up above...but I heard back from Sandisk. The 2gb MicroSD is in testing currently, no firm date but expected in the next 2 months they said.

That will bring it on par w/ MiniSD, which I guess could go to 4gb, but I haven't even maxed out my 1gb on my MPx220. I'd like to have 2gb for more movies, but the MPx220 seems to have issues w/ it...works w/ some, others not.

Either way, I could live w/ 1gb or 2gb on the 8500.

Chris


Posted by: Swivel

Welll, yeah. miniSD should be at 4 gigs within 2 months as well.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Swivel
Welll, yeah. miniSD should be at 4 gigs within 2 months as well.


OK, but you can't fit that into a Qtek 8500...

...and i wouldn't count on 2 months either, nobody has even announced (to my knowledge) a 4gb MiniSD...and when they do, if history repeats itself, it'll take 6-12 months for it to show up in retail channels...the 2gb MiniSD, 1gb MicroSD, and 2gb MicroSD have all taken that long (from announcement to market) to become available. So my guess, you are looking at late-2006 to early-2007 (at the very soonest) before it would be available.

Chris


Posted by: Swivel

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
OK, but you can't fit that into a Qtek 8500...


Just another reason why the "StarTrek" is unimpressive.

Ugh. And the name! StarTrek!?? Oh lord.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Swivel
Just another reason why the "StarTrek" is unimpressive.

Ugh. And the name! StarTrek!?? Oh lord.


You sure are negative...but if you don't like the phone, OK, enough already...you aren't buying one...you don't like it...we get the picture ! ! !

Not sure how you figure that a different memory format is 'unimpressive', MiniSD is a larger and older format, MicroSD is where the OEMs seem to be going to get size down, it's just a matter of time before capacities go up on these cards...

MicroSD will never maintain as devices continue to shrink and house more features (like WIFI ! ! ! ! !).

Last, I wish everybody would get over the startrek name, it was just it's HTC internal code-name, it's not displayed/stamped/flashed on the device anywhere...no version...

I guess you are also glad you didn't get your SDA stamped across the front w/ Tornado !

Chris


Posted by: jomo25

cool - swivel doesn't like it. the more people that don't like it, the less demand. the less demand, the lower the price. I say let him keep ranting. some of us will just ignore him...

c'mon swivel - keep scaring people away! Price might drop some!


Posted by: Rexahn

I just jumped into this thread and read the posts from page 5 on...

GBTMobile is announcing a May 29 ship-date, now.

Anyone know if the keypad is going to be the updated one or the one pictured on the site? I read somewhere recently (I think engadget or something) that the keypad won't have those ugly circles.

In any case, the phone looks great and will be a perfect replacement for my 5600. I've been looking for a cool flip compatible with Windows Mobile for a while.

Anyone know if this is phone going to be difficult to switch to Rogers in Canada?

A user-review of the phone would be greatly appreciated, too.


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rexahn
I just jumped into this thread and read the posts from page 5 on...

GBTMobile is announcing a May 29 ship-date, now.

Anyone know if the keypad is going to be the updated one or the one pictured on the site? I read somewhere recently (I think engadget or something) that the keypad won't have those ugly circles.

In any case, the phone looks great and will be a perfect replacement for my 5600. I've been looking for a cool flip compatible with Windows Mobile for a while.

Anyone know if this is phone going to be difficult to switch to Rogers in Canada?

A user-review of the phone would be greatly appreciated, too.


Yes, keypad will be normal, check out the Dopod S300 in the more recent reviews/announcements of this phone, it will look like that phone...not the pre-production units that have been reviewed by various sites. All 3 (or more) variants will look the same...imate smartflip, qtek 8500, dopod s300.

It will come unlocked from the 3 non-carrier vendors above, but Cingular is suppose to pick it up, that one will probably be locked, but it'll be easily unlocked...so you should not have a problem w/ Rogers.

Last, yep, a user review would be nice, but nobody that frequents these sites has one yet...and to my knowledge it hasn't been spotted in the wild yet, only possible place yet would be Asia if Dopod is actually delivering them there yet...

Chris


Posted by: machiavell1

Try Lutz's user review at www.msmobiles.com

It's the most comprehensive one in the wild.


Posted by: hylton

Yea, that's by far been the best review of it to date, particularly the video (nice touch)...I was really meaning that a 'production/retail' unit hadn't been spotted, but the one that luntz had did have the newer keypad...so agreed, that's pretty much a production unit I guess...

Chris


Posted by: Rexahn

Wow. Thanks for (re)posting the review on the s300, machiavell1. And thanks for the answers to my questions, hylton.

This is definitely the next phone I'm going to buy. I really can't live without my Outlook sync anymore, so having such a beautifully designed phone with Windows Mobile is great.

I'm curious as to the phone-performance of the unit. The functionality of Windows Mobile seems to be the same, but, as someone had stated earlier, I regard these peripherals as a phone first and organizer second.

Anyways, thanks for the info!


Posted by: captainmicahp

I have an sp5, I love it. It is hands down the most useful cellphone I have ever owned (once i got my psh email working). It has all the features I need, and I get to feel superior to everyone who has the phones cingular sells. Bottom line I love the phone and have no reason why i should wnat to get rid of it, But I want a StarTrek. Even though it has some major drawbacks (No usb 2 and a nonstandard connector are my big beefs with it), and fewer features (no wifi) I am going to get one, because it is the sexiest phone around. I have a problem, and that problem is early adopteritis, and the only cure is to get someting new (only a temporary fix). I cant wait anylonger. These last couple of weeks before It gets released are the worst. I am just blowing off some impatient steam, Sorry.


Posted by: Swivel

Get a life.


Posted by: Redhed97

Quote:
Originally Posted by Swivel
Get a life.


Buzz Kill.


Posted by: sheltem

Quote:
Originally Posted by machiavell1
Try Lutz's user review at www.msmobiles.com

It's the most comprehensive one in the wild.


Thanks for the link! I somehow missed that one. The phone looks great, but I'm pretty happen with my Tmobile SDA for now. I can wait for the Star Trek to drop in price.


Posted by: rperalta

Anybody put their pre-order yet?


Posted by: ajpprc

Quote:
Originally Posted by rperalta
Anybody put their pre-order yet?


I have mine in with MMB, his shipment has been delayed until the 19th and who knows how many additional delays we're gonna get, but as soon as I have it in hand I'll post a review.


Posted by: hberbout123

STAR 100 FINAL PRODUCTION UNIT..
ENJOY


Posted by: Swivel

MMB's prices are RIDICULOUS! F him!


Posted by: machiavell1

I emailed MMB some time ago to ask what the score was with the Qtek 8500, and he completely ignored my email, so not wasting my time there.

I am a little surprised that there are still no commercial handsets available, given that this product is no longer exclusive to Taiwan. oh well....


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by machiavell1
I emailed MMB some time ago to ask what the score was with the Qtek 8500, and he completely ignored my email, so not wasting my time there.

I am a little surprised that there are still no commercial handsets available, given that this product is no longer exclusive to Taiwan. oh well....


production pushed again unkown reason i will know on tuesday will keep you updated guys full review comming , SMG first to have them instock in USA thats for sure .


Posted by: rperalta

Quote:
Originally Posted by hberbout123
production pushed again unkown reason i will know on tuesday will keep you updated guys full review comming , SMG first to have them instock in USA thats for sure .


Hi hberbout123,

What is SMG?


Posted by: rperalta

I'm interested to buy the Qtek 8500.

www.qtekphonestore.com (Qtek official store in USA) has it for $599 with 2-year warranty.

www.gbtmobile.com sells it for $499 with 1-year warranty. Additional $99 for a 2-year warranty.

Other online retailers has it for around $599.

Do you have any opinion or recommendation where to buy this from? The www.gbtmobile.com saves me about $100 but I'm not sure if someone have experience buying form them.


Thanks,
Robert


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by rperalta
Hi hberbout123,

What is SMG?


sorry WWW.SMART-MOBILE-GADGETS.COM


Posted by: rperalta

Quote:
Originally Posted by hberbout123


I saw that but I don't like the Mars Pink. I want the Black one.

Where did you put your order in? Have you heard about gbtmobile.com?


Posted by: hbelton

Since no one else wanted to be first I stepped up. www.qtekphonestore.com ends up cheaper with the 2 year warranty and next day shipping.


Posted by: rperalta

Quote:
Originally Posted by hbelton
Since no one else wanted to be first I stepped up. www.qtekphonestore.com ends up cheaper with the 2 year warranty and next day shipping.


Did you get a confirmation email when they will ship it?


Posted by: hbelton

Below is an excert from the product page:

"Secure your right to this device. If you place a preorder for this product now, we will not ship the product or charge your credit card without confirming you still wish to proceed when stock arrives. There are no cancellation charges."

Can't imagine someone else having before the qtek site, but if by some twist of fate, someone has it shipping before them, I still don't loose.


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by hbelton
Below is an excert from the product page:

"Secure your right to this device. If you place a preorder for this product now, we will not ship the product or charge your credit card without confirming you still wish to proceed when stock arrives. There are no cancellation charges."

Can't imagine someone else having before the qtek site, but if by some twist of fate, someone has it shipping before them, I still don't loose.


all qtek products has 2 years warranty ( NO USA SERVICE CENTER ONLY GERMANY).. im selling the black for 529.99 how is the 599 cheaper?

If the qtek store or any one get them before me u will have the option to cancel any time at no charge.


Posted by: cjasus730

Hey Hber...I do mobiel consulting, and as several of my clients may want these, do you think you can give a bulk discount?


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by cjasus730
Hey Hber...I do mobiel consulting, and as several of my clients may want these, do you think you can give a bulk discount?


no problem email me admin@smart-mobile-gadgets.com


Posted by: hylton

Glad to see some folks are beating me to the punch in pre-orders...I'm definitely getting one, but I'm gonna wait and see when it actually arrives and maybe even wait for a battery life review of the production unit. Hopefully the guy over at unwired will post his Part II review before the device actually arrives and will answer the outstanding question of run-time with a 750mah hour battery...Luntz indicated he thought it was acceptable, at least similar to a MPx220 or SMT5600 in it's ability to run 2-3 days on a charge...but I want to see a couple of reviews over multiple days of use.

I'm probably being a bit picky, but for $500-$600 of my hard-earned money...

Chris


Posted by: hbelton

Just got off the phone with the Qtek folks. They are expecting to have the 8500 for shippment this week.


Posted by: machiavell1

This week? Everyone else is saying 20th+...

And is that just the US?


Posted by: hbelton

Yes, in the US


Posted by: machiavell1

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh. I wish they could sort it out.

Some say it will be available this week, or next week or in the next few weeks. Now there are reports that it may be available in Europe some time in May but in UK in June, and even some reports saying it will be June at the earliest and the May reports false.

All the above linked to from www.htcphones.info

Very frustrating. Expansys are still swearing blind to me that delivery is due 19 May, notwithstanding the fact that their own website says 22 May at the moment, and keeps changing every day.

I just want a reliable date so I can decide whether to wait or to get another handset I have my eye on.


Posted by: hylton

hehe...ain't this just like a new HTC (or any smartphone) release, everybody wants one yesterday...it's like watching grass grow...

anyway...noticed that mobileplanets date has slipped to June 1 for shipping, and MMB has slipped his date out to the end of the month as well.

i had sent an email to gbtmobile about their pricing and confirmed that the $499 does in fact include the qtek 2 year warranty...the 2 year warranty add-on is their extended warranty against damage and stuff...they indicated in the email to me that the site was incorrect about that.

so...at $499 us, and i checked shipping w/ them, it was under $20 if memory serves...they are by far the cheapest at this point...so it'll just depend on when they get it vs everybody else.

chris


Posted by: SHoTTa35

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3043 REVIEW!!!

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3045 Comparison SHOTS!!!


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by SHoTTa35


full detailed review pink and black comming soon


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
Glad to see some folks are beating me to the punch in pre-orders...I'm definitely getting one, but I'm gonna wait and see when it actually arrives and maybe even wait for a battery life review of the production unit. Hopefully the guy over at unwired will post his Part II review before the device actually arrives and will answer the outstanding question of run-time with a 750mah hour battery...Luntz indicated he thought it was acceptable, at least similar to a MPx220 or SMT5600 in it's ability to run 2-3 days on a charge...but I want to see a couple of reviews over multiple days of use.

I'm probably being a bit picky, but for $500-$600 of my hard-earned money...

Chris


chris
price will be less than that.. and for the battery life , full review comming soon

the black i have the battery life is good better than my 8300 , remember no wifi on the 8500.


Posted by: hylton

Price will be less than what ? less than 499 ?

Thanks for the other links, I'll check them out later today, my client site is blocking those for some reason...pretty much any email, blog, etc is blocked here...

Chris


Posted by: rperalta

I'm interested in purchasing a Qtek 8500 and I've been watching who got the best price, reputation, customer service, and how fast you get your phone back in the event of an emergency. I looked at 3 online retail stores that have the best price.

For Smart-Mobile-Gadget.com, this is the company that supplied Qtek 8500 to Howard Forum's Bengalboy for his review on his website (Click Here ).

hberbout,
The link for the Warranty doesn't contain any infomation.
Can you fill in the rest of the info below?
Would you please tell us about the latest update on shipping date?
Why should people order from Smart-Mobile-Gadgets.com instead of GTMobile.com for the same price of $499?

Thanks,
Robert

www.qtekphonestore.com
Price: $599
Availability: No date from website
Qtek Warranty: 2 years
Satisfaction Returns: 5 days + 20% restocking fee
Defective Returns: 3 days exchange

www.gbtmobile.com
Price: $499
GBTMobile Warranty (optional): $99
* Any kind of accidental damage, GBTMobile will repair/replace it.
$75 deductible for any warranty claim
Availability: Will ship the week of May 29
Qtek Warranty: 2 years
Satisfaction Returns: 15 days + 20% restocking fee
Defective Returns: 15 days

www.smart-mobile-gadgets.com
Price: $499
Availability: In stock May 20
Qtek Warranty: 2 years
Satisfaction Returns:
Defective Returns:


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by rperalta
I'm interested in purchasing a Qtek 8500 and I've been watching who got the best price, reputation, customer service, and how fast you get your phone back in the event of an emergency. I looked at 3 online retail stores that have the best price.

For Smart-Mobile-Gadget.com, this is the company that supplied Qtek 8500 to Howard Forum's Bengalboy for his review on his website (Click Here ).

hberbout,
The link for the Warranty doesn't contain any infomation.
Can you fill in the rest of the info below?
Would you please tell us about the latest update on shipping date?
Why should people order from Smart-Mobile-Gadgets.com instead of GTMobile.com for the same price of $499?

Thanks,
Robert

www.qtekphonestore.com
Price: $599
Availability: No date from website
Qtek Warranty: 2 years
Satisfaction Returns: 5 days + 20% restocking fee
Defective Returns: 3 days exchange

www.gbtmobile.com
Price: $499
GBTMobile Warranty (optional): $99
* Any kind of accidental damage, GBTMobile will repair/replace it.
$75 deductible for any warranty claim
Availability: Will ship the week of May 29
Qtek Warranty: 2 years
Satisfaction Returns: 15 days + 20% restocking fee
Defective Returns: 15 days

www.smart-mobile-gadgets.com
Price: $499
Availability: In stock May 20
Qtek Warranty: 2 years
Satisfaction Returns:
Defective Returns:


@robert

very good question

1- release date:
just got that today:
8500 shipping gelayed from the 20th to NO DATE now.. there is minor production delay.( any release date on the web not valid) i will keep u updated.

im dealing directly with them main company my shipping DATE WILL BE USA shipping date WESTCOAST PST, all what u see on the web is europe release date plus 5-8 days in USA , since im dealing with main company supplier the will be shipped directly TO me.


warranty

2 years warranty if u need one you contact me i will get u an address to ship to in germany ( buyer pay shipping ) they promissed me there there will be less than 30 days turn arround time.

im working with them to get 1800 number and repair center in USA , for now only for my units they offer local number (3 month) for support but its long distance in europe for any one who need it.


the Reddish wine color 8500 discontinued, the new design( with no 3 circles like the one i have see it in www.bengalboy.com )


YOU DONT NEED 3RD PARTY WARRANTY YOU HAVE 2 YEARS AND VISA OR MASTER CARD THEY WIL DOUBLE IT FOR YOU


Posted by: hylton

hberbout123

are you getting black, silver, pink...just curious...or do you even know at this point ?

i kinda like the two-tone silver...

chris


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by hylton
hberbout123

are you getting black, silver, pink...just curious...or do you even know at this point ?

i kinda like the two-tone silver...

chris

im getting black and pink.

Silver and reddish wine was with the old design ( 3 circles one) the reddish wine discontinued ( im still waiting a word on the silver).

but my sales rep she has (silver) she told me the black is much nicer than the silver.


Posted by: hberbout123

@ ROBERT
I forget to mention that my price incluide shipping


Posted by: sb0611

hberbout123,
Thanks for the info!
How do you provide technical (not repair) support for the 8500? I am specifically interested in ROM support! The support for the 8310 has been horrible in the US unless Brightpoint is the main Qtek distributor of the device. All (Qtek) Dangaard customers had to wait much longer and could not register their phones at any Qtek sites unlike Brightpoint (myqtek) and i-mate (clubimate)!
So, are you getting your devices via Brightpoint or Dangaard?
Which web site will be used to register the 8500's for ROM and other support?
I noticed www.smart-mobile-gadgets.com does not have a support section!
Thank you,
Stefan


Posted by: hberbout123

Quote:
Originally Posted by sb0611
hberbout123,
Thanks for the info!
How do you provide technical (not repair) support for the 8500? I am specifically interested in ROM support! The support for the 8310 has been horrible in the US unless Brightpoint is the main Qtek distributor of the device. All (Qtek) Dangaard customers had to wait much longer and could not register their phones at any Qtek sites unlike Brightpoint (myqtek) and i-mate (clubimate)!
So, are you getting your devices via Brightpoint or Dangaard?
Which web site will be used to register the 8500's for ROM and other support?
I noticed www.smart-mobile-gadgets.com does not have a support section!
Thank you,
Stefan


my website its new need lot of work

i will have full access to roms cab fies etc..( i have the 8500 english ROM already so i can tell they know what they are doing) im not sure where we will upload them on their or my server?
warranty service in germany local number in europe support (3 month ) but im focusing on the ROM updates now since this forum very good help for the minor issues.

i will update u guys when new i have mew info


Posted by: hberbout123

GUYS
ALL THE UPDATEs on INFO prices new roms etc.. FROM NOW ON WILL BE ON WWW.BENGALBOY.COM

I just realized i cant post here , not fair for the other sellers who payed hofos for there banners.

my appologies for the moderetors



Posted by: cjasus730

Hber, check your email regarding bulk discounts...


Posted by: rperalta

Is there any case available? I checked on the Internet but could not find one. It just makes sense to protect it.


Posted by: rperalta

Quote:
Originally Posted by hberbout123
@robert

very good question

1- release date:
just got that today:
8500 shipping gelayed from the 20th to NO DATE now.. there is minor production delay.( any release date on the web not valid) i will keep u updated.

im dealing directly with them main company my shipping DATE WILL BE USA shipping date WESTCOAST PST, all what u see on the web is europe release date plus 5-8 days in USA , since im dealing with main company supplier the will be shipped directly TO me.


warranty

2 years warranty if u need one you contact me i will get u an address to ship to in germany ( buyer pay shipping ) they promissed me there there will be less than 30 days turn arround time.

im working with them to get 1800 number and repair center in USA , for now only for my units they offer local number (3 month) for support but its long distance in europe for any one who need it.


the Reddish wine color 8500 discontinued, the new design( with no 3 circles like the one i have see it in www.bengalboy.com )


YOU DONT NEED 3RD PARTY WARRANTY YOU HAVE 2 YEARS AND VISA OR MASTER CARD THEY WIL DOUBLE IT FOR YOU


Thanks so much for the info hberbout123!


Posted by: rperalta

Quote:
Originally Posted by hberbout123
@ ROBERT
I forget to mention that my price incluide shipping


Very nice!


Posted by: sb0611

Quote:
Originally Posted by hberbout123
my website its new need lot of work

i will have full access to roms cab fies etc..( i have the 8500 english ROM already so i can tell they know what they are doing) im not sure where we will upload them on their or my server?
warranty service in germany local number in europe support (3 month ) but im focusing on the ROM updates now since this forum very good help for the minor issues.

i will update u guys when new i have mew info

So, is Brightpoint or Dangaard your originating distributor?


Posted by: hylton

Quote:
Originally Posted by rperalta
Is there any case available? I checked on the Internet but could not find one. It just makes sense to protect it.


I've been looking too, but nothing found yet, but the dimensions would probably allow it to fit into a RAZR-ish case, not a flip-case that conforms to the phone, but one of the side mount wallet style cases would probably work fine w/ it.

Someone like Krussel will come out w/ something I expect, but may be awhile...

Chris


Posted by: lokkje

Quote:
Originally Posted by hberbout123
all qtek products has 2 years warranty ( NO USA SERVICE CENTER ONLY GERMANY).. im selling the black for 529.99 how is the 599 cheaper?

If the qtek store or any one get them before me u will have the option to cancel any time at no charge.


I've seen in one of the reviews (msmobiles, I believe) a maroon case (not the Mars Pink), which I think looks stylish. Have they told you what colors they will be released in?

(edit) or was that just a color distortion on the review and I actually saw the pink one?

(edit AGAIN) Guess I should finish reading ALL the posts before asking questions that have already been answered. Guess I will see you all in BengalBoy)

::cheers::


Posted by: hbelton

Quote:
Originally Posted by lokkje
I've seen in one of the reviews (msmobiles, I believe) a maroon case (not the Mars Pink), which I think looks stylish.
::cheers::


Might you have the url for the one you did see. Don't think I'll be comfortable with something that size and expensiv