MDA Vario III

[Allen]

Got mine yesterday, absolutely awesome phone! Already put Dutty's DualTouch v4 on it, works a dream. Some nice apps on there too (although Word fails to open).

Just need to get some more apps on there now, and maybe some games. I know it's been asked many times, but what apps can you not go without? Something to monitor my bandwidth usage would be good (even though am on web 'n' walk plus, I don't wanna spend more ). Also, where's a good place to get some decent games? That bubble game with Dutty's is fun, but rather repetitive.

[Funkstar]

Google Maps
PocketCM Contacts & Keyboard
[NEW] PIM Backup v2.8 [NEW] - xda-developers (which i keep on my memory card)

I also have a BlueTooth scanner and a Wireless scanner too. Helps to diagnose connection problems.

Not looked at games yet though.

[Allen]

Just installed Google Maps..... how cool is that? Picked up pretty much exactly where I am instantly, without using GPS! Scary stuff...

PIM Backup? That saves messages and stuff from your phone and SIM, right?

[Funkstar]

Google maps is awsome. there is an app that uses the Google maps and Google Earth data for turn by turn navigation (amongst other things). It currently doesn't work with the Kaiser becasue of the lack of graphics hardware support, but the guy is working on a version for the current HTC devices. I've just emailed him asking for an update.

the PIM Backup is great if you want to save your TXTs and MMSs between flashing of custom ROMs. I've used it a couple of times when updrading to the Dutty ROMs

Oh, and Dutty should have a v5 beta out at the end of the week. I'd expect the final release the weekafter. This will include WinMob6.1. Some of the HTC apps have been updated too.

[Flibb]

I use
pocketmusic for audio
NETFRONT Beta for the internet
Address book 2 for contacts, dialing
Phonealarm to manage the way alarms work
Total Commander as a file browser
TCPMP for the odd video

Also run tomtom, memorymap navigator, for navigation.

ROM wise have sort of settled on Sleuths latest rom with WM6.1, have then added tweaks, etc from existing cabs.

[Dreaming]

I've had it since november without dutty's rom and it was a nightmare. Only found it yesterday and I'm chuffed.

As for games... ? I honestly don't know.

[Allen]

Now I'm REALLY impressed by this phone. Got home tonight to find that my ISP (Bull****, err, dog) had disconnected me without warning, again, so I connected my Kaiser, selected Internet Sharing, clicked connect and hey presto, back up and running again! Although there'll be no gaming, at least I can use the internet if I need to now. Not getting bad speeds either:

Speed Down 255.45 Kbps ( 0.2 Mbps )
Speed Up 263.68 Kbps ( 0.3 Mbps )

Also, dunno if this should be discussed or not, but does anyone know how to reload the original T-Mobile ROM if need be? Just wondering as I can't seem to find it anywhere.

[Funkstar]

I'd be surprised if you couldn't find it on xda-developers - Xda-developers

I've not looked for it though

[Andehh]

Im looking at getting this phone in a few days time and im pleased to see more good reviews of it.


Whats the camera like? iv heard its a bit shabby.
How easy is it to browse the internert?
Is it fully touchscreen?


Iv heard conflicting things on the internet about the above 3, so any more details would be welcomed.

Also, i know it has a pda version of word, excel etc. Does this mean i can open up word documents from my PC on my phone? Just want confirmation.

cheers guys

[Funkstar]

Camera:
Yeah, it's not great. there is lag when you move the phone and the picture streaks when you move it fast.

Internet:
It's a tiny 320x240 screen, internet is never going to be brilliant on it, especially with Pockt IE (which is complete pants). The new Opera 9.5 looks amazing, but that isn't out yet and will cost you when it is released.

Touchscreen:
What do you mean by "fully touchscreen"? There are hard buttons you can use for many things, but others you will need to use the screen (kind of like how a lot of things can be done from the keyboard on a normal PC, but some things need the mouse)

Have a look here for more details about Windows Mobile Office:
Microsoft Office Mobile: Word, Excel and PowerPoint - Windows Mobile

[Flibb]

Camera
Pretty bad lag, but turning half press off and the shutter sound helps. Quality wise, its ok for a phone camera, comparable to a my W810i and D900i

Internet.
I use my one all the time for the internry, opera mini is pretty good, but netfront is better. Both allow zooming, scrolling, tabbed browsing, etc. Have tried the Beta for Opera mobile and prefer netfront at the moment.
YouTube - NetFront Browser v3.5 for Windows Mobile Concept Version

Touschreen.
Yes its a full touchscreen.

Windows mobile.
Yes you can edit excel and word documents.

Dont buy a Kaiser for playing video or playing games, the rumoured graphics driver should sort this. As a business tool its excellent. Bwaware theres new models towards the end of the year, with better screens, etc. Sony Erricson are doing one that looks ace, its also made by HTC (I think)

[Andehh]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I heard details of being able to scroll using the screen, just wanted to make sure this wasnt the only thing you could do with the touchscreen.

Im guessing the Kaiser is its proper name? I know it under t-mobile as the MDA vario 3 & the o2 XDA stella.

The new model sounds tempting, but id bet it would be out of my budget, even on contract. Is there anywhere i can read up on them though?

[Flibb]

Try not to dribble
Sony Ericsson - XPERIA™ X1

xda dev is a good place to look for new phone info

[Funkstar]

Originally Posted by Andehh

Im guessing the Kaiser is its proper name? I know it under t-mobile as the MDA vario 3 & the o2 XDA stella.

Kaiser was the development code name.

The official HTC name (for the unbranded phone) is the TyTN II. Operators will call it different things depending on thier own branding.

[j.o.s.h.1408]

Hi im looking to get this phone but want to ask a few questions. is th tmobile version of this phone unbranded?

Is the o2 version unbranded and unlocked? im currently with tmobile and my contract runs out next month. what will be the best deal for me? stay with tmobile or go with o2?

also whats the benefits of debranding it if it has its own firmware etc?

[Funkstar]

The T-Mobile verion is branded, but not heavily. Unlocking isn't a major issue, all the tools needed are available on the XDA Developers forum.

Advantages of de-branding (or put another way, flashing it with a custom ROM) can be huge. You get more custom apps, better performance through newer builds of software, less bugs because of the newer software and patches included.

I have no idea abput the O2 vesion of this phone, but if you want unlimited 3.5G data for a reasonable amount of money, there isn't much point looking at O2.