Mobile Me

HTC’s TyTn: Is it truly what’s on the inside that counts?

The TyTn is a Windows Mobile device.  It runs Microsoft’s Pocket PC version 5 software (known as WM 5), and is pretty standard to other devices.  Here are some of the specs:

400 MHz processor
64MB of RAM
128MB of Flash ROM
Bluetooth (supports all the profiles, including stereo Bluetooth (also known as A2DP or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile))
Micro-SD memory card slot
IrDA (infrared- which, by the way, HTC is going to get rid of to make room for more “guts” in future devices.  I mean, really- how many times have you “beamed” something since the advent of Bluetooth?)

First, let’s tackle the processor speed.  I’ve used the Dell Axim X50v (the one with the 624 MHz processor), and that thing is fast.  But the Dell needs a fast processor, what with the VGA screen and all.  The Dell Axim wasn’t meant to be in constant use like the TyTn; after all, the TyTn is a phone- the Dell Axim is a PDA.  For the most part, the processor on the TyTn is speedy enough.  Any faster and the battery would drain way too fast (it almost feels like it does that already).  Would I like a faster processor?  You bet.  What I really want is a better battery.

Battery life- it stinks. Next topic.

Bluetooth.  Ahhh Bluetooth.  You have changed the way we share information.  I love you, but I hate you.  I was SO EXCITED about the prospect of having a stereo Bluetooth device.  Imagine- Stereo music without the stupid wires (note: I travel on a very crowded bus on my way to work, and wires often get tangled in peoples’ hair, clothing, etc- not to mention the daily fight to untangle the mess of cords before I can even use my headphones).  So, what’s the problem with the stereo Bluetooth?  Well, on many online forums, people have complained about the quality of the audio.  Look, I’m not looking for sound quality that rivals the Met.  I just want the #@%& thing to work.  The sound has hiccups that happen randomly- quick dropouts.  It’s really annoying.  But, on a crowded bus, being able to listen to music streaming from a device that is safely tucked away in my backpack or pocket without the need for wires- well, I can put up with a few dropouts.  But…

Sometimes you need to interface with the TyTn to maybe change a track, or pick a different album.  On 90% of these occasions, the screen of the TyTn becomes unresponsive.  It’s like a computer that’s crashed but, while it still functions, you can’t get it to do anything other than what it is currently engaged in.  And, like a computer in this situation, the only recourse is to reboot.  No, no, no- I’m not happy with this.  This is unacceptable.  So, unfortunately, because of the proprietary audio connector on the TyTn, I’m stuck with the standard-issue headphones.  What’s my solution?  I use my Palm Treo as my audio player.  (yes, I know: Palm, too, uses a proprietary connector for headsets, but there are plenty of adapters and choices of headsets out there)

I’m currently suffering another problem- while my Resco File Explorer software (a MUST for any windows mobile user) can see the memory card, the Windows Media Player software on the TyTn doesn’t see the memory card- meaning to play a song, I actually have to use a file explorer software to browse thru system files to find the music.  I’m sure this is a Windows Mobile problem, and not a TyTn problem- but it’s where I am now. 

Let’s talk stylus for a moment.  With a mobile device that encompasses a hidden keyboard, you should (in theory) not need to use your stylus too often.  But there are those times that it becomes necessary.  The TyTn contains a stubby “telescoping” stylus- my least favorite type.  But, I guess it helps them save space when designing the unit, so I can live with it.

The Camera(s):
The TyTn has a 2-megapixel camera on the back, and a VGA camera on the front.  Windows Mobile devices never have good cameras- I don’t understand it.  I was pleasantly surprised with the pictures taken with the low lighting here in my office- definitely a step up from other devices.  I’ve taken a couple shots with both cameras- to give you an idea of the quality.  (remember, all the other pics on this blog were taken with the Nokia N93 phone, so there’s your comparison). 

One thing I was excited to try was the “push” email function.  I’ve owned Windows Mobile devices before, but never one where the emails were “pushed” to me as they came in- I always relied on the unit either checking at predisposed times, or having an SMS trigger message sent to the unit telling it to wake up and go get my email.  The push thing works well- I’ve encountered no problems. 

One quick note on signal strength.  I’ve never had such good reception before- I don’t know who is the hero here (Cingular or HTC), but I have no complaints about the cellular connections- WiFi works just as well- I can pickup any signal that’s nearby, just as well as my laptop can.

2 Pictures taken with TyTn camera:

 

TyTn Hardware- not the "same old thing"

The TyTn is small.  It fits quite comfortably in the hand- the addition of a scroll wheel on the side makes it a nice contender for a one-handed device.  (in my opinion, the Palm Treo is still the device to beat when it comes to one-handed use)  Next to the scroll wheel is an “ok” button- this, too is a nice addition to the hardware.  One of my big complaints is that it was often hard or near impossible to close windows and programs without the use of a stylus.  This button makes it easy to do so. 

The build quality is nice and sturdy.  The sliding keyboard clicks nicely into place.  The screen orientation changes rather quickly when opening and closing the keyboard.  HTC has done a great job of adding more hardware buttons.  On top of the screen, there are 2 buttons  one for opening email, the other for launching internet explorer.  These are, of course, able to be programmed to launch any program or setting you prefer.  Below the screen are the usual phone keys (answer and hang up), as well as 2 “soft keys” that correspond to information on the screen.  There is a key for launching the windows drop-down list, an “ok” button for closing menus, a 4-way navigation pad with a center “select” button, and a button for 3G video calling.  Phew!

The right-hand side of the unit contains the power button, a button that is programmed to launch the wireless manager (more on that in the software section), and a camera button.
The left-hand side contains the scroll wheel, the “ok” button, and a button that is programmed to launch the voice-memo record function.  This button can be programmed for 2 separate tasks: one can be launched if the button is held down, the other if the button is just tapped.  On the lower left side is the slot for the micro-SD card.  I have a 2GB card installed in mine.

The back of the device houses the battery door (opened by flipping a switch found on the bottom of the unit), a 2-megapixel camera (complete with switch for macro mode), a self-portrait mirror, the speaker, and the knob for connecting an external antenna.

The bottom contains the infrared port, the before mentioned switch for releasing the battery door, the soft-reset hole, the microphone, and a mini-usb port.  The mini-usb port can be used for data transfer, and charging- but is also used for headsets.  This is a bad move on the part of HTC.  Why oh why must we be confronted with another proprietary headset jack?!  Until someone makes an adapter, you’re stuck with the provided headset (unless you want to use the Stereo Bluetooth function- more on that later).

The keys on the keyboard are laid out nicely- but, they are not that easy to type with.  Some keys require a harder push than others, and this often results in missing letters in words.  (I have a Toshiba laptop that suffers from the same problem). 

Overall, the build is nice, and the addition of all the hardware buttons makes this unit a winner.  Also, I’ve attached a lanyard to the unit- something I strongly suggest you do.  You don’t want this baby to slip out of your hands.  Interestingly, this is something that is left out of a lot of devices- it really should be a requirement.

 

HTC TyTn: Global Mobile

Introduction:

I’m not new to Windows Mobile devices, nor to “3G” cellular speeds.  Having used PDA’s on both Verizon and Sprint, I’m familiar with the limitations and with the met expectations.  The TyTn is, however, by first experience with Cingular’s new HSPDA network.

Let’s get one thing clear at the start.  Today’s 3G speeds are not a replacement for DSL or Cable internet.  Not only does the speed fluctuate, but the devices available don’t seem to be able to take full advantage of the speeds; too little memory, slow processors, etc.  It’s like having a bicycle that’s designed to be able to carry a motor from a racecar, but when you get out on the streets, the bicycle can only go so fast before the wheels will fall off or before you crash.  It’s the same with built-in WiFi: sure 10Mb a second is possible, but the devices can’t handle or take advantage of it.

There’s one more quick comment I would like to make concerning 3G- the TyTn is not officially sanctioned by Cingular, so when Cingular releases it’s own branded version, I expect that it will be tweaked to take advantage of Cingular-specific settings, etc. 

The big advantage with the TyTn is that it is truly global: it has Quad band GSM, Tri band UMTS and HSPDA.  You can literally go to almost any country in the world and you will not have a problem using this device. 

So.  The TyTn.  Let’s discuss build (hardware and software) and capabilities.