Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

Saturday, June 2, 2007

The Dopod C730 (Cavalier) Unboxing and Pics

Posted by Pete Paxton in "THOUGHT" @ 10:00 AM

http://www.onthegosolutions.com/product.asp?itemMDL=DOPOD_C730#review

"The Bottom Line: Because the Dopod C730 has so many high-speed connectivity options coupled with a blazing fast processor, this new release really scores well. If you are looking for a thin, elegant Windows Mobile Smartphone that really has it all -- this is the device for you."



So here I go again, my mind bouncing around between the Asus M530w and the Dopod C730 (Cavalier). I like them both. After watching this unboxing video at On The Go Solutions, it would appear that I have a much better shot at the C730 since it actually supports quad band. Check out these great specs: Windows Mobile 6.0 for smartphone, a 400MHz Processor, HTC JOGGR Control, 2.0 MP Camera, 128MB ROM / 64MB SD RAM, Quad-Band, 3G/GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wifi b,g, Micro SD Card Slot. I sure hope we see it here in the US soon. As of right now, (IMHO) this is the best smartphone there is. Agree or disagree?

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Friday, May 11, 2007

HTC to Acquire Dopod Assets

Posted by Jerry Raia in "NEWS" @ 11:00 AM

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Monday, May 7, 2007

Dopod Announces Launch of the Dopod C500 Windows Mobile Smartphone

Posted by Pete Paxton in "NEWS" @ 11:00 AM

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3818

"Also today, Dopod announces the launch of the C500 Windows Mobile 6 Standard smartphone, also known as HTC Vox and already on sale in Europe as Orange SPV E650. The Smartphone's breathtaking design includes its 12-numeric keypad and a semi-auto sliding QWERTY keyboard, which not only allows you to key in messages with minimal effort but also fits your style and preferences. In addition, the C500 features quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE as well as WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0. Also featured is a 2 megapixel camera for photos and videos; UMTS or even HSDPA is left."



I wish this Windows Mobile 6 device would launch here in the US. Dopod is launching the C500 also known as the HTC Vox. I think this device is going to sell like hotcakes. From what I've seen the screen looks gorgeous. I am perfectly happy with my Dash and the C500 (Vox) doesn't add enough new features to make me want to switch but I do like the style of this phone. So where do you fit in? Are you going to buy one? Are you content with what you already have? Or, are you waiting for something else down the road? Let us know!

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Dopod Announces Launch of the HTC Cavalier as the Dopod C730

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 04:20 AM

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3817

"As expected, today Dopod has announced it's C730 Windows Mobile 6 Standard smartphone - also known as longtime delayed HTC Cavalier. This sleek Smartphone is built to empower users who crave power and connectivity. Operated by a powerful 400 MHz processor, the C730 keeps you connected easily with Microsoft Direct Push Technology and 3.5G HSDPA. Measuring only 13.5 mm, this slim device has a built-in high speed 802.11 b/g WiFi connection, while supporting quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE and WCDMA UMTS/HSDPA. The C730 is also equipped with a 5-way navigational button, 3-way smart jog bar and full QWERTY keypad, guaranteeing you seamless navigation, convenient scrolling and easy input for messaging, sending and receiving E-Mails as well as chatting on MSN/Live Messenger. ... Available from early June, the C730 will retail in Singapore at a suggested price of S$ 898/US$ 590/435 Euro. Further APAC availability wasn't announced so far."



Dopod has officially announced the much awaited update to the HTC Excalibur. The HTC Cavalier features 3.5G HSDPA which is the biggest shortcoming of the Excalibur, marketed as the T-Mobile Dash and HTC S620. Dopod seems to the first and the only vendor to have announced the availability of the Cavalier. No carrier has announced its plans to pick up this Windows Mobile Standard edition device. Folks who will buy this device will also receive the BlackBerry Connect software. I believe this is the first HTC device to carry this software. So are you waiting for this smartphone to become available in the stores online?

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Monday, April 16, 2007

Dopod to release the HTC Cavalier as Dopod C730 in May

Posted by Pete Paxton in "NEWS" @ 07:00 PM

http://tinyurl.com/2xw2og

"The Dopod C720W was one handheld with a sleek design, good performance and a robust set of features. Its successor, the C730, brings to the plate more goodies. One of the first Dopod handhelds to run on the Windows Mobile 6 Standard edition, the C730 is powered by a 400MHz processor with 64MB RAM and 128MB ROM. The quadband (850/900/1,800/1,900MHz) phone comes with 3G, HSDPA, a 2-megapixel CMOS camera and an external memory card slot that supports microSD media up to 2GB. Unlike the C720W with a two-toned silver and black design, the new C730 in one single shade of classic gray. There's also a strip of touch-sensitive controls for the volume, return and email functions on the side of the unit. The Dopod C730 is expected to be available in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and The Philippines from May."



Interestingly, the Cnet article has the HTC Excalibur pictured but is referring to the Dopod C730 (HTC Cavalier). Some reports have the Cavalier as being delayed indefinitely but according to this article, it will be released as the Dopod C730 in selected countries in May. I sure hope that's true. I would love to see the Cavalier come to North America soon. How about you? If released in the US, could the Cavalier be your next smartphone?

UPDATE: Cnet has now updated their site with the picture of the Cavalier.

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Thursday, December 7, 2006

Dopod International Introduces BlackBerry Connect in Asia

Posted by Jerry Raia in "NEWS" @ 08:00 AM

http://www.dopodasia.com/Dopod/Singapore/En/News/HotNews/Dopod+International+Introduces+BlackBerry+Connect+in+Asia.htm

"Dopod International Corporation (hereinafter �Dopod International�) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the availability of BlackBerry� Connect� software on the 838Pro and the C720W devices for customers in Asia. Through the existing licensing relationship between High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) and RIM, Dopod International will offer BlackBerry Connect to enable customers of the Windows Mobile-based 838Pro Pocket PC and the C720W smartphone to access popular BlackBerry services with support for both BlackBerry� Enterprise Server and BlackBerry� Internet Service"



This is probably the best thing that could happen to BlackBerry users. While just in Asia right now, they will soon be able to access Blackberry services on Windows Mobile devices. I may not like the BlackBerry but I have to acknowledge they are very popular. I'm certain this will spread to the western hemisphere as well. BlackBerry users out there, what do you think of this?

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Thursday, November 23, 2006

Metallic Marvel: The Dopod 595 Reviewed

Posted by Darius Wey in "HARDWARE" @ 12:45 PM

Product Category: Tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE + single-band UMTS Smartphone
Manufacturer: Dopod
Where to Buy: 3 (Australia) or other authorized Dopod sellers
Price: $603 USD (or $785 AUD) from 3 (Australia); varies from store to store
System Requirements: Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows Vista; USB port
Specifications: Windows Mobile 5.0 (Smartphone), Samsung S3C2442A 300MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE + single-band UMTS (and undocumented support for HSDPA), 2.2" QVGA (65K-colour) TFT-LCD, 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera (primary), 0.1-megapixel CMOS camera (secondary), Bluetooth 2.0 (with A2DP & AVRCP), IrDA, microSD, USB 1.1, 112.4mm x 49.0mm x 14.8mm, 120g (with battery)

Pros:
[*]Supports UMTS + HSDPA;[*]Slim form factor;[*]Fast performance;[*]Bright, high-resolution display.
Cons:
[*]Tri-band GSM;[*]Poor battery life;[*]All-in-one Mini-USB port limits the use of third-party accessories;[*]Backlight lacks uniformity.
Summary:
The Dopod 595 (HTC Breeze) is proof that there's still a place in the market for non-QWERTY candy bar Smartphones. It's slim, looks professional, and is a solid performer, but unfortunately, it's not all rosy. Curious? Read on to find out! Read more...

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Thursday, November 2, 2006

Dopod Launches the C720W (Excalibur-Based) Smartphone

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 01:30 PM

http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/mobilephones/0,39051200,39272180p,00.htm

"It was bound to happen. With all the buzz and hype surrounding the Motorola Q as well as the recently launched Samsung SGH-i320N, it was only a matter of time before a competitor would come and knock it off its pedestal--and that time is now. Taiwanese handheld maker Dopod, along with smart phone manufacturer HTC and Microsoft's Windows Mobile division, finally introduced the C720W (a.k.a. HTC Excalibur), and after putting it through its paces, we find that it deserves its title as a Moto Q killer for a number of reasons."



CNet Asia has a write up on the newly announced Dopod C720w Smartphone - also known as the HTC S620/Excalibur. The review was written using a T-Mobile Dash, so I wouldn't count on it be 100% accurate once the Dopod's hit the streets, but it will be pretty close.

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• Source: Pocket PC Thoughts

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Dopod Launches the HTC Breeze as the Dopod 595 in Taiwan

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 05:15 AM

http://www.dopodasia.com/Dopod/Taiwan/Products/SmartPhone/595/

HTC's first 3G Smartphone, the HTC Breeze, has been launched by Dopod in Taiwan and is being called the Dopod 595. The retail price is supposed to be NT$16,900, approximately US $515. The press release can be viewed over here. Unfortunately all the information on the Dopod Web site about this Smartphone is in Chinese, but I am sure some of us have the specifications memorized. ;-) Cingular recently launched its first 3G phone; wonder how long we will have to wait to see the HTC 3G phones added to the list?

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Saturday, July 8, 2006

Dopod S300 aka HTC STRTrk First Impression

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 08:30 AM

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=74200#74200

One of our readers, Kirkaiya, who is based in Bangkok recently purchased the Dopod S300 [also called the HTC STRTrk/Qtek 8500/i-mate SmartFlip] and has written an excellent first impression post about the device.

Kirkaiya said: "Taken feature-by-feature, it would seem like it should be a mediocre phone. But it's not. Once you are holding it and using it.... the form-factor seduces you, the screen is beautiful, and for what it's meant to be - a SmartPhone - it seems to excel, in my opinion."

Check out the review and discuss it in the original discussion thread over here.

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Friday, June 2, 2006

HTC to Acquire Dopod

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 02:00 PM

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• Source: Pocket PC Thoughts

Friday, May 5, 2006

Dopod Officially Launches the HTC StarTrek

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 11:30 AM

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• Source: Mobile Gadget News

Saturday, April 15, 2006

HTC Star Trek Now on Sale in Taiwan as Dopod S300

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 05:30 AM

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

Folks, looks like the wait for the HTC Star Trek is going to end soon. Dopod has started selling the Star Trek as the Dopod S300 in Taiwan. The price tag in Taiwan dollars is $13,900, which is approximately $427 USD.



In case you want to learn more about this stylish flip phone, then check out these two links:
HTC Star-Trek Photo Shoots on the Web
More on the HTC Star Trek - Review From Geek.com

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• Source: msmobiles.com

Thursday, November 3, 2005

Dopod Launches the 577W Smartphone

Posted by Mike Temporale in "HARDWARE" @ 07:30 AM

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20051102A8039.html

Dopod has officially launched the 577W - also known as the Qtek 8310, i-mate SP5, O2 Orion, or the HTC Tornado Noble Smartphone. What I found really interesting in this article, is that Dopod accounts for 10% of China's Smartphone market. Further more, Dopod expects their Smartphone shipments to reach 2 million handsets by 2007. 8O Go Dopod, Go! :D

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Sunday, March 6, 2005

Dopod 585 Music Phone Launched in Asia

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 12:00 PM

http://www.phonemag.com/index.php/weblog/read_more/03052005_dopod_585_music_phone_launched_in_asia_pr0n_gallery/

The Dopod 585 Music phone, better known as the SDA Music, has launched in Asia. This Smartphone is based off the HTC Amadeus design which adds music control buttons to the front of the device. Currently there is no information about when we can expect this phone to make it's way to North America. :( In case you're interested, PhoneMag has a nice collection of Dopod pictures. Check them out here.

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Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Dopod 565 Launched In Taiwan Market

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 10:30 AM

http://www.phonemag.com/index.php/weblog/read_more/dopod_565_launched_in_taiwan_market_08182004/

"Taiwanese Dopod has launched its first mobile phone in Taiwan yesterday in hopes of quickly gobbling up shares of the nation�s market. The Dopod 565 is embedded with a Microsoft operating system supplied by High Tech, a handset arm of France Telecom SA. Dopod is hoping to sell 150,000 handsets by the end of this year."



First the Orange, and now Dopod. Are we also going to see an announcement from Qtek and iMate today??

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• Source: Janak Parekh

Friday, August 13, 2004

Orange C500, Qtek 8010, And Now iMate 3, Dopod 565

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 10:15 AM

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Wednesday, August 6, 2003

Dopod Announces Smartphone 2003 Device

Posted by Jason Dunn in "NEWS" @ 07:32 AM

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