Conclusion
Overall I liked the X7500 a lot. Many people complain that it is too big for a phone and I agree. If you’re carrying around a phone, mp3 player, laptop and have GPS for the car then this is not as bad as lugging around everything else. I also tell many people that I do not consider the X7500 as a phone but more of a PDA/Laptop. Many people by this phone strictly for the internet/PDA capabilities and still carry a phone.
The Advantage is far too big to hold up to your ear and that is why there is only the option for speaker phone, wired headphones or Bluetooth. If you put the volume really low on speakerphone you can hold the device to your ear and talk but other close by may still hear. Bluetooth is ideal because there is no wires and most importantly you don’t need to pull out the phone every time you get a call.
The X7500 does not have a vibrate function. I think maybe because it would interfere with the built in microdrive. I did not know this when I first got the phone and you don’t really realize how much vibrate matters until you don’t have it.
A major issue with the X7500 is the fact that it easily scratches. The metal prongs on the keyboard which is used to connect to the unit often scratch people’s phone. This is caused when you use the keyboard as a cover and accidentally slide the keyboard.
Currently there are only 3 versions of the HTC Athena; HTC Advantage X7500, Dopod U1000 and T-Mobile Ameo. In my opinion the HTC branded looks the best because of the black color but at the same time if scratched it is a lot more noticeable.
Overall the HTC X7500 is one of a kind device. There are no other Pocket Pc’s in its class and no other device even comes close to having the same specs. The X7500 currently comes with Windows Mobile 5 but the newer North American version (HTC X7501) is will be released with Windows Mobile 6. The specifications will be the exact same for both devices and customers will still be able to upgrade their X7500 to Windows Mobile 6 when the update becomes available.
The X7500 comes with the following:
- Box and manuals
- Charger
- USB cable
- ActiveSync software
- TOMTOM Navigation Software
- Stereo headphones
- Battery
- Carrying case
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4.5
