Hands-on with the HTC Hermes / T-Mobile MDA Vario II

Last time we saw the HTC Hermes was at the 3GSM show. It's since made its way North, now sitting squarly in the halls of CeBIT. But you'd never know it -- no name on the shell, no display card detailing what the device is -- nothing. Just sitting there hoping for someone like us to come along and give it some love. Destined to appear with T-Mobile Germany this May as the MDA Vario II, this UMTS / HSDPA flauntin' Pocket PC still sports the specs we heard before: 300MHz Samsung processor, 128MB flash and 64MB memory, 2.8-inch display, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, MicroSD, 2.1 megapixel camera, and a secondary videoconferencing camera. The MDA Vario II wasn't on the HSDPA network while we were giving it a walk-through, but then again it's always good to leave wanting just a bit more. Way too many snaps after the break.

[Alex R @ Mar 9th 2006 12:54PM]

I'd have one for sure.

[TZK @ Mar 9th 2006 12:57PM]

If they dont fix that dedicated number issue, this is no improvement. And while the CPU seems to be upgraded, that remains to be seen if there is more pep in this one than the previous version. I can see they have made a point to emphasize the numbers to the right of the KB, but, entering them with minimal effort, as it should be is another story. Though, the keys do seem nicer on this version - like the Sprint version of the MDA. Bigger'er and squari'er.

[SLiKone @ Mar 9th 2006 12:58PM]

I almost posted just to see if I could win ine of these, then I remembered I'm not looking at Engadget Mobile.

j/k

Too bad Cingular's HSDPA is on a different frequency than the European carriers, import numbers would explode!

[temp @ Mar 9th 2006 1:00PM]

WHY DO YOU KEEP PUTTING MICROSD IN! I refuse to buy one until they figure out enough space to put in a SD card.

[ginnal @ Mar 9th 2006 1:03PM]

I just ordered an 8125.
I may have to kill you.

[Ramces O @ Mar 9th 2006 1:04PM]

Yeah... I've just bought an MDA Vario last week, and here I am now LUSTING again ;-) Just when I thought you can't improve something which is already perfect...

[Jesse @ Mar 9th 2006 1:10PM]

#4 I second that I JUST ordered my 8125 last night and don't need to be hearing about a sexy model 50% faster!

Ignorance is bliss!

[Big Al @ Mar 9th 2006 1:11PM]

Basically the same configuration as my Sprint PPC-6700, which sucks. Any device with a hidden keyboard is too difficult to use with one hand. Plus I didn't like the feel of the keys. At least this one has a 5-way nav button instead of the lame joystick from the PPC.

I'll pass on this one.

[SLiKone @ Mar 9th 2006 1:17PM]

#6 Is the Samsung 2442 a dual core processor like the TI OMAP? I would hope so, seeing as how the single core PDA's are peaking at almost 700 mHz.

Can anyone confirm this?

[KeyboardJockey @ Mar 9th 2006 1:22PM]

What is the darker, shaded area of the keyboard for?

[SLiKone @ Mar 9th 2006 1:26PM]

#8 THat would be the keypad, probably accessed by a function or numlock type button

[SLiKone @ Mar 9th 2006 1:30PM]

Hmmm, just noticed something, why isn't the screen in landscape mode in pic 3?

Maybe the keyboard isn't pulled all the way out? Or is there a way to keep the display in portrait with the kayboard out (although I honestly cant think of a reason for that)?

[austinguy23 @ Mar 9th 2006 1:34PM]

When will this device make its way to Cingular in the U.S. (if at all)???

I like the 8125 but it doesn't support HSDPA.

[Duh @ Mar 9th 2006 1:36PM]

#9... Its for the dial pad... and the little green button is for answering calls, and the red one is for ending them... mkay

[Rich @ Mar 9th 2006 1:37PM]

300MHz? Isn't that just too slow, or is it enough (without overclocking) to run Skype? Has anyone used this with GPS via bluetooth?

Heck, I think I'm sticking to my eariler post for the UMPC; put wireless service card in those baby and I'll buy one even if it's $2k USD!!!

[Greg @ Mar 9th 2006 1:40PM]

I'm getting really fed up with companies changing the memory card formats on their devices.

I can cope with dropping down to mini-SD but there's no way I'll take a micro-SD device. Looks like I'll be going back to Nokia.

The E70 looks like a nice piece of kit.

[BK @ Mar 9th 2006 1:45PM]

I kind of like the "joystick" button on the current HTC 6700. I see they did way with it on the Hermes. I wonder why.

[Zac @ Mar 9th 2006 1:58PM]

Anyone know about the compatability of european HSDPA with American (Cingular) ? Will it be possible to simply import this phone, unlock it and use it on cingulars network?

[Ed @ Mar 9th 2006 2:29PM]

There is a lengthy discussion on how this compares to the Sidekick II over at : http://www.hiptop3.com/archives/t-mobile-mda-available/

[Larman @ Mar 9th 2006 2:46PM]

I'd still go for that S.M.A.R.T. phone we saw yesterday.

[Marc @ Mar 9th 2006 3:40PM]

The SKII and the MDA are made for two totally different purposes. The MDA is not a replacement for the SKII and those that bought it for that reason didn't do enough research.

[RickP in AZ @ Mar 9th 2006 3:56PM]

Hey, that's pretty... unfortunately it is also pretty thick (unfair to place it next to a RAZR) and assuredly pretty expensive.

$10 says it'll never make it officially to the USA.

[tino @ Mar 9th 2006 4:50PM]

MicroSD's max capacity (512mb) isn't even big enough to hold half of the U.S. GPS roadmap info.

Have them thought this through?

[boe @ Mar 9th 2006 6:35PM]

2 Three things that make this no better than what is already out there.

Processor too slow

QVGA - come on - time for VGA

Still too thick.

[generide @ Mar 9th 2006 11:47PM]

hey that demo in the photos has the security dongle on it so it looks 2x thicker than the Razr but really isn't

[U. Betchya @ Mar 10th 2006 12:03AM]

Yeah... now all we need is the NETWORK. Check back in late 2007. Maybe.

[bhaalspawn @ Mar 10th 2006 9:43AM]

Got an MDA Vario for free a few days ago in the UK. Surely you Americans will be able to get this for free with a contract as well, if not you're getting screwed compared to Europeans.

[Astrantorastor @ Mar 10th 2006 10:34AM]

#28 BhaalSpawn... You should know that I am regarding you with a steely gaze of envy and bad thoughts!!
Yes, that burning sensation you feel is real... it is coming from across the pond!

Seriously though, this device would never be free for us Stateside... in fact it will probably be ridiculously expensive even after the rebates etc.
So yeah, we will be getting screwed.

[aws910 @ Mar 10th 2006 2:52PM]

I just gotta say it's all about the HTC Universal. It has 640x480 screen, wifi, 520MHz, 128MB RAM, Windows mobile 5.0, and a full SD Slot.

This mda thing has been out in other markets for ages-that's why they give them away over there. Anyway, shortcomings of the mda:
*screen is only 320x240. try viewing a webpage on that... or maybe wap is your thing?
*MicroSD. Need I say more about this?
*300MHZ Processor will always lag.
*Look at the size of the keyboard in relation to that guy's thumb. Not everybody has elven hands.
*If you think this device is bulky, consider this: the screen is exposed to the outside. So, if you're smart you'll get a case, which makes it that much bigger. My universal clamshells into itself, tablet-pc-style, so I don't need a case.

[derelikt @ Apr 25th 2006 1:38AM]

I think some of you are over-reacting to the microSD memory issue. I have an MDA, with a 1 gb MicroSD mem card. I found a 2 gig card at www.pricewatch.com but didn't need it. Plenty big enough to hold a resized dvd movie with room to spare. Very pleased with this phone even if the newer model keyboard seems a little friendlier on the fingers. Incidentally, I don't have problems with my keyboard, but have smaller fingers. The MicroSD mem card that I bought came with a very handy MiniSD adapter, so it easily and quickly fits into my laptop or desktop port. Because the adapter came with a keychain case, and I always have my phone with me, now I always have with me a spare memory card for my camera (runs on MiniSD) if I run out of room. I don't know what all the fuss is about memory, if you buy the right products you can get much more out of it than the older versions of memory you have probably have laying around the house. Some of you are complaining about or completely refusing frequently changing technology, but to what end? You ask any tekkies in their right mind and they'll tell you that they WANT stuff to keep getting smaller.

[ady @ Apr 27th 2006 7:56AM]

how is the bluetooth 2.0 speed? is it comparable to USB in any regards?

[ady @ Apr 27th 2006 8:06AM]

Also how is the jogdial compared to P910? is it four way or two way?

[ee4832 @ May 2nd 2006 9:57PM]

Cingular HSDPA coverage will not be contiguous before 2 years from now. However HSUPA ( 2MB uplink )and HSDPA v2 (14 MB Downlink) will be introduced in 6 months. OPTION and Sierra wireles have working prototypes using Qualcomm 8280 chip

[D.A. @ May 3rd 2006 10:11PM]

Well I just got the O2 XDA Mini S and until there is going to be some real drastic change, e.g a processor that can handle 1 Ghz I am not going to get worried. ;-)

[Mark B @ May 4th 2006 12:47PM]

I was eyeing up the MDA Vario I, then this cat came out the bag.

So can anyone say for certain if/when the Vario II (Hermes) is coming to the UK?

Is it worth playing the waiting game? Or just going ahead with Vario I for the time being?

[James H @ Jun 11th 2006 6:47PM]

Looks nice but nothing that fantastic over the XDA Mini (Wizard)

And for those saying max size for MiniSD is 512Mb, I would have to disagree considering Im running a 2Gb miniSD in my XDA Mini S right now, and it was £32 off ebay, cheaper than most other cards of that size.

If you know what you are doing with the XDA Mini/Wizard then its not that slow, I get full screen video running perfectly on it, just use pocketdivxencoder and TCPMP to reencode your media to fit. Ive got a whole season of 24 sat on my phone now, was very useful for flights etc.

[mo @ Jun 14th 2006 3:50AM]

i'm new to these pocket pc phones. This new MDA vario ii has wi-fi. i dont understand exactly how it works. would you have to include this in your monthly plan in order to access it? i'd appreciate some helpful info. thank you

[Kay @ Jul 21st 2006 4:31AM]

Can I check myspace.com on this phone?... Does it have real web browsing like the t-mobile sidekick?

[Holly Wild @ Jul 28th 2006 1:19PM]

Im interested in the monthly plan and the cost of the phone as well.

[chris @ Oct 20th 2006 9:50PM]

Is this going to be released in America? IF so, when?

[HN @ Oct 30th 2006 5:59PM]

I am interested in getting the T-Mobile MDA II: Do you know when it will be available through T-Mobile? Thanks a lot...

[jay @ Apr 27th 2007 11:46AM]

any ideas, anyone, where to get a software to get this unit unlocked?

[Caros @ May 17th 2007 11:39AM]

The biggest issue for me is reception. The overall phone now (MDA)is good for me, but coming out of a tunnel or building it sucks because it takes a while to get reception. The Edge is fast too. Does anyone know how good the reception is?

[Marc @ Jul 24th 2007 2:14PM]

Questions about Network access on MDA Vario II

I got a WiFi-connection set up successfully, but I dunno how to access the LAN with the MDA:

1. How can I access the open drives on the LAN-computers ? Do I have to set up any more rights on the drives ?
2. Where do I see what the Username my Vario has ?
3. If I try to access open drives in LAN with the File-Explorer (by using directpath-function \\Computer\OpenDrive) it asks for a Username and Password. What do I have to type in there ?
4. How is it possible to browse the Network-Neighborhood like in a normal Windows ? To click to the desired drive on the LAN ? Without directpath-function...