Xda exec review

So after numerous delays my new toy, the O2 XDA exec has finally arrived. Having been an advocate of the mighty Nokia for so many years this was a big step for me and I was finally swayed by the consistently fine reviews of the Windows Operating (Pocket PC 5.0) system..

O2 XDA EXEC
I wasn’t keen on the idea of learning how to navigate a whole new list of system options but for anyone who has ever used Windows (that’s means you unless you live under an Apple Mac shaped rock) this shouldn’t present a problem.

CONTENTS
So straight out of the box, which I might add took a little while to figure out, you get the Unit itself, a very slim battery, one spare stylus, Hands-free headphone kit, wall charger, sync cable and two discs of software.
The instruction book looked a little thick for me and I prefer to just get stuck in and reference read only which thanks to the incredibly simple OS was not a problem.

THE LOOK
It’s hard to grasp the size and weight of the Exec without actually holding one. But I will add that at 285grams it airs on the heavier side of Phones but the Lighter side of PDA’s. The actual size of the unit almost put me off altogether. However considering all the features they’ve rammed in there I’m surprised it’s not a lot bigger.
Holding the Exec for phone calls feels a little strange at first and may get you a few funny looks but you soon get used to it and Bluetooth headsets are a good alternative.
It might be worth mentioning that Orange do the same device but Called the SPV M5000.Its the same basic thing but in a stylish silver finish.

THE SPEC
For all you techno heads out there this is a list of the Exec’s key features.

TFT Touchscreen-65k Colours
SD/MMC Card Slot
64MB RAM/128MB ROM
520 MHz Processor
Class 10 GPRS
1.3MP Camera/1280×960pixels/Video
Bluetooth/Infrared/WI-FI 802.11b
USB
Hands-free (Dual Stereo Speakers) 3.5mm Headphone Socket
Touch-screen & Qwerty Keyboard
Stand By up to 250 hours
Talk time up to 8 hours
127×81x25mm
285grams

GETTING STARTED
Now I’ve done my homework prior to receiving the Exec and decided to set-up the device to corporate mode. You can setup with all the o2 Active options but this slows the Device significantly so I did a quick hard reset and configured to corporate mode to remove the o2 “bloat wear”. Many of the installed programs are simply scaled down versions of their desktop brothers and by utilising the Qwerty Keyboard and Stylus together give very satisfying results. The phone features are intuitive and include all the usual necessities.
Having received my 3G sim card I was disappointed to discover that my area has zero 3G signal and it’s not planned for some time so I would recommend enquiring about this if 3G is important to you.

IN PRACTICE
To be honest the full spectrum of features on this device has left me a little overwhelmed. I am reluctant to test out to much software as I have yet to receive my SD card. I have learnt it is best to install the bulk of you software on memory card and go no smaller than 1GB. I have configured my outlook service to automatically retrieve my mail at specified intervals. This is of great benefit if, like me, you are an eBay fan or contribute to forums etc. Internet Explorer runs smoothly on GPRS and I am keen to WI-FI enable my house so as to benefit fully. So between 3G, GPRS, and WI-FI you’re sure to be able to access the Web wherever you are.
The voice activated system is one of the best I’ve used and has first class recognition.
No more saying “Matthew” and your phone ringing “Chinese Takeaway”

CONCLUSION
I think it worth mentioning I am a recreational user only and will probably never use the Exec to its full potential. I can fully appreciate how this PDA will be a god send for business users everywhere. That said anyone with a passion for technology, gadgets or the internet will have a wild time customising, utilising and showing off their Exec.

For contract deals see O2 online.

Expect to pay £free-£349 depending on Tariff

eBay has sim free devices selling at £400 plus

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