O2 XDA II vs. Sony Ericsson P900

Hello Everyone,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds everyone in good spirits.
I just purchased and have been using the XDA II by O2 for the past
week and must say I was very impressed. Before purchasing, I was
considering the SE P900 but decided against it as I felt the O2 looked
more stylish.

Yesterday however I had dinner with my cousin who had the SE P900.
The waiter seemed to notice the phone and inquired as to what phone it
was, the feature set, etc., however didn't give my new phone a second
look, probably because it resembles an ordinary PDA and not a phone.

Can anyone who has used both models or is familiar with both, compare
and contrast the two units? I used his SE P900 very briefly but not
long enough to decide whether I should sell my unit and pick up the
P900 instead.

Based on my initial observations:
O2 XDA II - PROs:
- Although wider, the XDA II looks more stylish and aesthetically
pleasing.
- Windows Mobile 2003 OS allows the use of Microsoft applications
including Pocket Outlook, Word, Excel, Windows Media Player, as well
as MSN Messenger.

O2 XDA II - CONs:
- Doesn't attract much attention as resembles an ordinary PDA.
- Very difficult to hold with one hand.
- Difficult to send an SMS without using the stylus. Not sure if it
is easier for those with small fingers to use the on-screen keyboard,
but in any event both scenarios require you to use both hands.
- Poor battery life. My voice standby is nowhere near the stated 150
hours.
- Poor picture quality when compared to the quality of pictures taken
using the SE P900.
- SMS Messages in Inbox and Outbox are displayed by number even
though those numbers are added in my phone book. Every other phone
I've used in the past has shown the name - as it should.
- Can't use MP3s as ringtones.


SE P900 - PROs:
- Picture quality is much better than the SE P900 in initial tests.
- Can use MP3s as ringtones.


Questions:
- Having purchased most of my phones (including the XDA II) direct
from suppliers in Europe and Asia, for those who are currently using
the SE P900 or O2 XDA II, I'm curious in knowing what you paid for
your unit. It seems like the SE P900 is at least $70-$100 less than
the O2 XDA II.

- The cost price of the P900 now $100 more than when my cousin
purchased it. The price has appreciated after his purchase. This is
unlike every other phone I have used in the past as I have watched
phone prices fluctuate and depreciate rather quickly.

- Between the SE P900 and the O2 XDA II - which do you think would
hold on to its value longer? Other models seem to depreciate faster
than others while others seem to hold their value and even appreciate
in some cases.

- I like the O2 XDA II as it comes with MSN Messenger. Would I be
able to install MSN Messenger on the SE P900 as well, even though it
uses the Symbian operating system? It seems like I have an advantage
having the O2 as I can use Windows and more mainstream applications
than if I had the SE P900.

- I haven't compared the feature set between both phones in detail
however a quick glance at the specifications makes both phones seem
identical with minor exceptions. Is there anything I should know
about the SE P900 or O2 XDA II before making my decision?

- For those who have the O2 XDA II and are using T-Mobile (USA) as
their network operator: Are you able to successfully connect to MSN
Messenger? The error message I receive is: << Logon to MSN Messenger
Service failed because the service is not responding. Please try
again later. >> Is there a workaround or is MSN Messenger not
supported by T-Mobile yet?


Kind Regards,
O2 XDA II User
[email protected]

---

› See More: O2 XDA II vs. Sony Ericsson P900

Check this link out a side by side comparison.

http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...hreadid=267437




"O2 XDA II User" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello Everyone,
>
> Happy New Year! I hope this message finds everyone in good spirits.
> I just purchased and have been using the XDA II by O2 for the past
> week and must say I was very impressed. Before purchasing, I was
> considering the SE P900 but decided against it as I felt the O2 looked
> more stylish.
>
> Yesterday however I had dinner with my cousin who had the SE P900.
> The waiter seemed to notice the phone and inquired as to what phone it
> was, the feature set, etc., however didn't give my new phone a second
> look, probably because it resembles an ordinary PDA and not a phone.
>
> Can anyone who has used both models or is familiar with both, compare
> and contrast the two units? I used his SE P900 very briefly but not
> long enough to decide whether I should sell my unit and pick up the
> P900 instead.
>
> Based on my initial observations:
> O2 XDA II - PROs:
> - Although wider, the XDA II looks more stylish and aesthetically
> pleasing.
> - Windows Mobile 2003 OS allows the use of Microsoft applications
> including Pocket Outlook, Word, Excel, Windows Media Player, as well
> as MSN Messenger.
>
> O2 XDA II - CONs:
> - Doesn't attract much attention as resembles an ordinary PDA.
> - Very difficult to hold with one hand.
> - Difficult to send an SMS without using the stylus. Not sure if it
> is easier for those with small fingers to use the on-screen keyboard,
> but in any event both scenarios require you to use both hands.
> - Poor battery life. My voice standby is nowhere near the stated 150
> hours.
> - Poor picture quality when compared to the quality of pictures taken
> using the SE P900.
> - SMS Messages in Inbox and Outbox are displayed by number even
> though those numbers are added in my phone book. Every other phone
> I've used in the past has shown the name - as it should.
> - Can't use MP3s as ringtones.
>
>
> SE P900 - PROs:
> - Picture quality is much better than the SE P900 in initial tests.
> - Can use MP3s as ringtones.
>
>
> Questions:
> - Having purchased most of my phones (including the XDA II) direct
> from suppliers in Europe and Asia, for those who are currently using
> the SE P900 or O2 XDA II, I'm curious in knowing what you paid for
> your unit. It seems like the SE P900 is at least $70-$100 less than
> the O2 XDA II.
>
> - The cost price of the P900 now $100 more than when my cousin
> purchased it. The price has appreciated after his purchase. This is
> unlike every other phone I have used in the past as I have watched
> phone prices fluctuate and depreciate rather quickly.
>
> - Between the SE P900 and the O2 XDA II - which do you think would
> hold on to its value longer? Other models seem to depreciate faster
> than others while others seem to hold their value and even appreciate
> in some cases.
>
> - I like the O2 XDA II as it comes with MSN Messenger. Would I be
> able to install MSN Messenger on the SE P900 as well, even though it
> uses the Symbian operating system? It seems like I have an advantage
> having the O2 as I can use Windows and more mainstream applications
> than if I had the SE P900.
>
> - I haven't compared the feature set between both phones in detail
> however a quick glance at the specifications makes both phones seem
> identical with minor exceptions. Is there anything I should know
> about the SE P900 or O2 XDA II before making my decision?
>
> - For those who have the O2 XDA II and are using T-Mobile (USA) as
> their network operator: Are you able to successfully connect to MSN
> Messenger? The error message I receive is: << Logon to MSN Messenger
> Service failed because the service is not responding. Please try
> again later. >> Is there a workaround or is MSN Messenger not
> supported by T-Mobile yet?
>
>
> Kind Regards,
> O2 XDA II User
> [email protected]

On 12 Jan 2004 15:24:41 -0800, O2 XDA II User wrote:

> Happy New Year! I hope this message finds everyone in good spirits.
> I just purchased and have been using the XDA II by O2 for the past
> week and must say I was very impressed. Before purchasing, I was
> considering the SE P900 but decided against it as I felt the O2 looked
> more stylish.

The P900 has just been reviewed on Tekguru, with the Xda II already been
reviewed in great detail:

http://www.tekguru.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1011
--
Tekguru (Daron Brewood)
MS-MVP/Mobile Devices

Webmaster: UKs largest Pocket PC Site
http://www.tekguru.co.uk

O2 XDA II User wrote:
> The waiter seemed to notice the phone and inquired as to what phone
it
> was, the feature set, etc., however didn't give my new phone a
second
> look, probably because it resembles an ordinary PDA and not a phone.

So, you're spending a few hundred bucks with the intention to impress
waiters?

René wrote:
>> O2 XDA II User wrote:
>>> The waiter seemed to notice the phone and inquired as to what phone
>>> it was, the feature set, etc., however didn't give my new phone a
>>> second look, probably because it resembles an ordinary PDA and not
>>> a phone.
>>
>> So, you're spending a few hundred bucks with the intention to impress
>> waiters?

wonders never cease, always amaze.

O2 XDA II has a very short battery life. Not good for heavy users. I think
P900 has a better battery life.

I have sold my o2 XDA II for a P900.

"Andy M --Tampa Bay--" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]...
> René wrote:
> >> O2 XDA II User wrote:
> >>> The waiter seemed to notice the phone and inquired as to what phone
> >>> it was, the feature set, etc., however didn't give my new phone a
> >>> second look, probably because it resembles an ordinary PDA and not
> >>> a phone.
> >>
> >> So, you're spending a few hundred bucks with the intention to impress
> >> waiters?
>
> wonders never cease, always amaze.
>
>

O2 XDA II User wrote:
> Can anyone who has used both models or is familiar with both, compare
> and contrast the two units? I used his SE P900 very briefly but not
> long enough to decide whether I should sell my unit and pick up the
> P900 instead.

As many have already wrote, PPCPE and UIQ (SE P800/P900 etc.) devices have a
very different philosophy and user interface logic. Below are pros and cons
that I've experienced after using the both for several months:

SE P800/P900:

+ 60% phone, 40% PDA, enables one-hand operation somewhat decently. Basic
phne and messaging functions can be used without the stylus pen and touch
screen (that is, with one hand).
+ Smaller physical size, fits most pockets easily.
+ Significantly better standby and talk times.
+ more reliable and stable, not any problems with memory losses when battery
runs out or anything like that.

- Still very limited business applications (VPN clients, eCRM clients etc.)
offering.
- Quite small screen size for many web based user interfaces and business
tools, e.g. for corporate secured webmails).

PPC PE 2003:

+ 90% PDA, 10% phone. Hard to hold with one hand and you need the stylus
almost all the time.
+ Phone functions with loud speaker or earphones are a bit difficult.
+ Large enough screen size and resolution for many web based services.

- Usually very modest battery time.
- Pocket PC can get very slow occasionally.
- Large physical size to fit anywhere nicely.

I'd go for the P800/P900 if you wanrt mainly a phone with most important PDA
functions such and emails, calendar and address book synchronization and web
browsing, or for the PPC PE if you want a PDA with data connections
(GSM/GPRS) and modest phone functions. PPC PE devices are quite heavy and
large to carry with you all the time, so you might want a small phone just
for phone calls anyway.

--
Tero Lehto
http://lehto.net/tero/

A bit late to this discussion, but I have a XDAII, and happy with it. The
battery life on the first one I had was poor, and I was advised to go to an
O2 shop to have it replaced. They did this with no problem, but did let me
know that the battery should NOT be left on charge beyond full charge and
NEVER longer than 3 hours. Thus I fried the battery, as I left it longer
than that all the time. It was a bit irritating at first to "babysit" it,
but I have it sorted by never plugging the power supply into the cradle (it
charges from the PC via USB I suppose), and this charges it more slowly
which suits when I am at my desk. If I need a top up, I use the cable
direct, or plug into car cigarette socket for shorter time. It's fine now.

Michele

"Tero Lehto" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> O2 XDA II User wrote:
> > Can anyone who has used both models or is familiar with both, compare
> > and contrast the two units? I used his SE P900 very briefly but not
> > long enough to decide whether I should sell my unit and pick up the
> > P900 instead.
>
> As many have already wrote, PPCPE and UIQ (SE P800/P900 etc.) devices have
a
> very different philosophy and user interface logic. Below are pros and
cons
> that I've experienced after using the both for several months:
>
> SE P800/P900:
>
> + 60% phone, 40% PDA, enables one-hand operation somewhat decently. Basic
> phne and messaging functions can be used without the stylus pen and touch
> screen (that is, with one hand).
> + Smaller physical size, fits most pockets easily.
> + Significantly better standby and talk times.
> + more reliable and stable, not any problems with memory losses when
battery
> runs out or anything like that.
>
> - Still very limited business applications (VPN clients, eCRM clients
etc.)
> offering.
> - Quite small screen size for many web based user interfaces and business
> tools, e.g. for corporate secured webmails).
>
> PPC PE 2003:
>
> + 90% PDA, 10% phone. Hard to hold with one hand and you need the stylus
> almost all the time.
> + Phone functions with loud speaker or earphones are a bit difficult.
> + Large enough screen size and resolution for many web based services.
>
> - Usually very modest battery time.
> - Pocket PC can get very slow occasionally.
> - Large physical size to fit anywhere nicely.
>
> I'd go for the P800/P900 if you wanrt mainly a phone with most important
PDA
> functions such and emails, calendar and address book synchronization and
web
> browsing, or for the PPC PE if you want a PDA with data connections
> (GSM/GPRS) and modest phone functions. PPC PE devices are quite heavy and
> large to carry with you all the time, so you might want a small phone just
> for phone calls anyway.
>
> --
> Tero Lehto
> http://lehto.net/tero/
>
>

"Michele Rigby" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> A bit late to this discussion, but I have a XDAII, and happy with it. The
> battery life on the first one I had was poor, and I was advised to go to
an
> O2 shop to have it replaced. They did this with no problem, but did let me
> know that the battery should NOT be left on charge beyond full charge and
> NEVER longer than 3 hours. Thus I fried the battery...

They're blaming the customer here, and it's not your fault!

The usage instructions don't say any such thing, and such babysitting is
unacceptable for most people. I normally carry my xda around all day and
charge it overnight, and I'm certainly not going to set an alarm to go off
after 3 hours! If there's a requirement to cut off after a certain time, the
charger should implement it.

--
Phil McKerracher
www.mckerracher.org

Michele Rigby wrote:
> A bit late to this discussion, but I have a XDAII, and happy with it.
> The battery life on the first one I had was poor, and I was advised
> to go to an O2 shop to have it replaced.

I have tried several PPC PE devices, such as Qtek 1010 (WM 2002) and 2020
(WM 2003), and the very early Siemens SX45. In whole my experiences have
been that Symbian based smartphones offer better standby and talk times.

I'm not saying PPC PE devices are bad, I just see them more as a PDA and not
mainly a phone.

--
Tero Lehto
http://lehto.net/tero/