Comments on: HTC TyTN Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:27:19 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: krishnesh http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23270 krishnesh Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:35:20 +0000 #comment-23270 <p>Hi, The phone is great and all, but it shuts down quite frequently. My TyTn is just about 3 months old, has a lot of amazing features but it just goes dead for some time and comes back to life when it feels like. I have tried to hold down the keys on the face of the phone and also the power button, but that's of no use. Could someone tell me what the problem could be? And how I could sort it out?</p> Hi, The phone is great and all, but it shuts down quite frequently. My TyTn is just about 3 months old, has a lot of amazing features but it just goes dead for some time and comes back to life when it feels like. I have tried to hold down the keys on the face of the phone and also the power button, but that’s of no use. Could someone tell me what the problem could be? And how I could sort it out?

]]> By: joeru http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23299 joeru Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:01:08 +0000 #comment-23299 Thanks. I returned my 680 and am now trying the 8525. I found that Agenda One from <a href="http://www.developerone.com/">http://www.developerone.com/</a> allows me to perform many tasks one-handed on the 8525. In particular, I can dial appointments directly from a calendar entry or reminder without having to use the keyboard or press the screen. I found that very helpful for conference calls where the phone number is entered in the location field of the calendar entry. They have a free demo you can try. There is also a free program to switch the phone to and from vibrate mode I found at: <a href="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=277811&highlight=8525+vibrate">http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=277811&highlight=8525+vibrate</a> I assigned it to the push-to-talk button and it operates similar to the Treo switch. I might try a 750 when Cingular offers it. By then, I should know what I think of the 8525. - Joe Thanks. I returned my 680 and am now trying the 8525.

I found that Agenda One from http://www.developerone.com/ allows me to perform many tasks one-handed on the 8525. In particular, I can dial appointments directly from a calendar entry or reminder without having to use the keyboard or press the screen. I found that very helpful for conference calls where the phone number is entered in the location field of the calendar entry. They have a free demo you can try.

There is also a free program to switch the phone to and from vibrate mode I found at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=277811&highlight=8525+vibrate
I assigned it to the push-to-talk button and it operates similar to the Treo switch.

I might try a 750 when Cingular offers it. By then, I should know what I think of the 8525.

- Joe

]]> By: ExtremeSIMS http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23298 ExtremeSIMS Mon, 18 Dec 2006 07:45:01 +0000 #comment-23298 <blockquote><cite>joeru wrote: </cite><br />ExtremeSIMS - Did you get your replacement? If so, how is it working for you?</blockquote> I did, and it's working rather well. 1) Using the 8525 as a phone is definitely not as easy as the Treo. The biggest thing is the lack of a front-mounted keyboard. 2) I am learning to use the Phone version of the OS. In reference to point #1, I found that typing on the the on-screen phone numeric keypad will bring up names that match. 3) The keyboard is superb when it comes to actually typing out an email. I am pretty fast on the Treo's keyboard, but nothing compared to the speed I can attain using the 8525 keyboard. 4) I have not used the WiFi feature at all. At home and at work, I often have my laptop near. Out and about, I just ride UMTS/HSDPA. If I could get a free Cisco 3000 VPN client, that might change my usage. 5) I have a learned method of using the Treo 600/650 one-handed, and getting around that can be trying at times. The functionality that Palm built into getting around with solely the 5-way D-Pad is missed. Again, though, I am learning to work with the system, but I am unsure if I will ever get to the same level of functionality. 6) The jog-wheel is awesome. If they could put that Logitech Revolution wheel in it, it would be portable paradise..... In any case, I like jog wheels, and this is the way to go. Much improved over the methods available on the Treo. 7) Touchscreen is great. This model just reinforces my dependency on having a touchscreen. I am unsure how quickly I would adapt to a non-touchscreen model at this point. Every time I use a Q or the Blackjack, I end up poking the screen to no avail. I'm happy to answer any more questions. The Treo 750 demo units have shipped to Cingular stores. Several friends have bet I will move back to a Treo. My wife thinks I should just get the 750 to complement this 8525. :cool: I'll have to see how that "feels" in-store once I can get my hands on one.

joeru wrote:

ExtremeSIMS – Did you get your replacement? If so, how is it working for you?

I did, and it’s working rather well.

1) Using the 8525 as a phone is definitely not as easy as the Treo. The biggest thing is the lack of a front-mounted keyboard.
2) I am learning to use the Phone version of the OS. In reference to point #1, I found that typing on the the on-screen phone numeric keypad will bring up names that match.
3) The keyboard is superb when it comes to actually typing out an email. I am pretty fast on the Treo’s keyboard, but nothing compared to the speed I can attain using the 8525 keyboard.
4) I have not used the WiFi feature at all. At home and at work, I often have my laptop near. Out and about, I just ride UMTS/HSDPA. If I could get a free Cisco 3000 VPN client, that might change my usage.
5) I have a learned method of using the Treo 600/650 one-handed, and getting around that can be trying at times. The functionality that Palm built into getting around with solely the 5-way D-Pad is missed. Again, though, I am learning to work with the system, but I am unsure if I will ever get to the same level of functionality.
6) The jog-wheel is awesome. If they could put that Logitech Revolution wheel in it, it would be portable paradise….. In any case, I like jog wheels, and this is the way to go. Much improved over the methods available on the Treo.
7) Touchscreen is great. This model just reinforces my dependency on having a touchscreen. I am unsure how quickly I would adapt to a non-touchscreen model at this point. Every time I use a Q or the Blackjack, I end up poking the screen to no avail.

I’m happy to answer any more questions.

The Treo 750 demo units have shipped to Cingular stores. Several friends have bet I will move back to a Treo. My wife thinks I should just get the 750 to complement this 8525. :cool: I’ll have to see how that “feels” in-store once I can get my hands on one.

]]> By: joeru http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23297 joeru Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:38:42 +0000 #comment-23297 ExtremeSIMS - Did you get your replacement? If so, how is it working for you? ExtremeSIMS – Did you get your replacement? If so, how is it working for you?

]]> By: n9mtb http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23296 n9mtb Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:59:31 +0000 #comment-23296 <blockquote><cite>QuachMD wrote: </cite><br />Could someone tell me how to alter the registry so that the audio comes through bluetooth headphones? I have a headset that I'm just dying to get to work. My email is <a href="mailto:quachmd@yahoo.com">quachmd@yahoo.com</a>. Thanks in advance!</blockquote> Well, I haven't actually tried it myself, but check <a href="" />this wiki page</a> for some Bluetooth audio related tweaks. Note that it appears that stereo headsets are supported natively, but that it needs tweaking for acceptable quality. (Apparently, the problem is that the Microsoft Bluetooth stack has sucky stereo audio support, and the TyTn ROM hasn't been updated to the version of WM5 in which this was fixed.) If you're trying to do this with a mono headset, try <a href="" />this forum thread</a>. Good luck :) --Rob

QuachMD wrote:

Could someone tell me how to alter the registry so that the audio comes through bluetooth headphones? I have a headset that I’m just dying to get to work.

My email is quachmd@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance!

Well, I haven’t actually tried it myself, but check this wiki page for some Bluetooth audio related tweaks. Note that it appears that stereo headsets are supported natively, but that it needs tweaking for acceptable quality. (Apparently, the problem is that the Microsoft Bluetooth stack has sucky stereo audio support, and the TyTn ROM hasn’t been updated to the version of WM5 in which this was fixed.)

If you’re trying to do this with a mono headset, try this forum thread.

Good luck :)
–Rob

]]> By: QuachMD http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23295 QuachMD Tue, 12 Dec 2006 05:55:32 +0000 #comment-23295 Could someone tell me how to alter the registry so that the audio comes through bluetooth headphones? I have a headset that I'm just dying to get to work. My email is <a href="mailto:quachmd@yahoo.com">quachmd@yahoo.com</a>. Thanks in advance! Could someone tell me how to alter the registry so that the audio comes through bluetooth headphones? I have a headset that I’m just dying to get to work.

My email is quachmd@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance!

]]> By: joeru http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23294 joeru Mon, 11 Dec 2006 18:59:38 +0000 #comment-23294 I don't have an 8525 or TyTN to test with, but understand it comes with a USB cable that has one end for syncing and an additional MiniUSB for the headphone. I have seen car DC adapters that USB cables plug into. Might you use that for power, the included dual-cable and the 3.5 adapter for your headphones/earbuds? I don’t have an 8525 or TyTN to test with, but understand it comes with a USB cable that has one end for syncing and an additional MiniUSB for the headphone. I have seen car DC adapters that USB cables plug into. Might you use that for power, the included dual-cable and the 3.5 adapter for your headphones/earbuds?

]]> By: hodgesmt http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23293 hodgesmt Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:32:03 +0000 #comment-23293 OK, well I did find an adapter for the audio, <a href="" />http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/12034.htm</a> BUT, well there is always a but isn't there? On long car trips I like to have my phone plugged in and charging while listining to audiobooks/music. So now I could plug the TYtN into my car stereo, BUT can not charge at the same time. BAH. Why is it that companies have to have non standard jacks. It frustrates me to no end. OK, well I did find an adapter for the audio,
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/12034.htm

BUT, well there is always a but isn’t there?
On long car trips I like to have my phone plugged in and charging while listining to audiobooks/music. So now I could plug the TYtN into my car stereo, BUT can not charge at the same time. BAH.

Why is it that companies have to have non standard jacks. It frustrates me to no end.

]]> By: hodgesmt http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23292 hodgesmt Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:05:36 +0000 #comment-23292 I was very excited about the Tytn, untill this review. My xv6700 is my baby, and by not having a standard headphone jack on the tytn makes it a no go. Wireless G is a big thing, but b works fine for me. One of the main things I do with my phone is stream media and movies. I have hacked my 6700 to use my bluetooth headset, but I mostly like to plug it into the speakers in my car. Propriatary headphone connectors really make me unhappy. Oh well some day someone will build the perfect phone for me, but untill then I will skip along happily with my 6700 I was very excited about the Tytn, untill this review. My xv6700 is my baby, and by not having a standard headphone jack on the tytn makes it a no go.

Wireless G is a big thing, but b works fine for me.

One of the main things I do with my phone is stream media and movies. I have hacked my 6700 to use my bluetooth headset, but I mostly like to plug it into the speakers in my car. Propriatary headphone connectors really make me unhappy.

Oh well some day someone will build the perfect phone for me, but untill then I will skip along happily with my 6700

]]> By: ExtremeSIMS http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23291 ExtremeSIMS Thu, 07 Dec 2006 21:34:10 +0000 #comment-23291 First off, let me remind people that Cingular has come in dead last with regard to customer service in about every satisfaction poll. I took the phone back to the corporate store from which it was purchased. They did not have any others in stock, and the sales guy did not want me to return the phone - he'd lose commission on the 2 year re-up I had signed. Now, normally I would insist, but I have dealt with this guy before, and he's always been pretty good. I wasn't too happy when he gave me a list of stores in the area and told me to call them on my own. On the other hand, I wanted to be sure I got another phone, so again, I was willing to work with him. The Reston Town Center Store first asked if I was willing to re-up my contract, then told me they had the phone in stock. I drive down, no phone. I decided to return the phone at that point. They refused to remove the 2 year contract, and told me if I did not like it, to call corporate.... After the first customer service rep (who was quite rude), I got a hold of another rep. At last, someone helpful, friendly, and professional. To bring this long story to short close - I got the phone for $150 cheaper and it's being FedEx'd to me. First off, let me remind people that Cingular has come in dead last with regard to customer service in about every satisfaction poll.

I took the phone back to the corporate store from which it was purchased. They did not have any others in stock, and the sales guy did not want me to return the phone – he’d lose commission on the 2 year re-up I had signed. Now, normally I would insist, but I have dealt with this guy before, and he’s always been pretty good. I wasn’t too happy when he gave me a list of stores in the area and told me to call them on my own. On the other hand, I wanted to be sure I got another phone, so again, I was willing to work with him.

The Reston Town Center Store first asked if I was willing to re-up my contract, then told me they had the phone in stock. I drive down, no phone. I decided to return the phone at that point. They refused to remove the 2 year contract, and told me if I did not like it, to call corporate….

After the first customer service rep (who was quite rude), I got a hold of another rep. At last, someone helpful, friendly, and professional. To bring this long story to short close – I got the phone for $150 cheaper and it’s being FedEx’d to me.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23290 Julie Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:50:37 +0000 #comment-23290 We'll keep our fingers (and toes) crossed for you!!! Let us know what happens :) We’ll keep our fingers (and toes) crossed for you!!! Let us know what happens :)

]]> By: ExtremeSIMS http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23289 ExtremeSIMS Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:30:21 +0000 #comment-23289 I know exactly what is wrong with the display - the ribbon cable to the LCD is not secured properly. I have seen this with laptops before (damnable Dells), and it's an easy fix. However, I am not about to open up a brand new phone. :) I am going to take it back - I just bet they won't have another. I know exactly what is wrong with the display – the ribbon cable to the LCD is not secured properly. I have seen this with laptops before (damnable Dells), and it’s an easy fix. However, I am not about to open up a brand new phone. :)

I am going to take it back – I just bet they won’t have another.

]]> By: Cel http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23288 Cel Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:07:25 +0000 #comment-23288 I had 3 TyTN before I asked for a refund. All 3 had major problems: screen alignment problem, unresponsive keys, very bad WiFi reception (appr. 25 feet max. in all powersave settings), bad GSM reception, lockups with incoming calls, phone switching to voicemail the minute a call came in.....and sometimes not...without changing any setting. BT not connecting to BT car kit....and sometimes it worked....and so on. In my case is was a horrible experience. I was glad I could ask for a refund. I had 3 TyTN before I asked for a refund. All 3 had major problems: screen alignment problem, unresponsive keys, very bad WiFi reception (appr. 25 feet max. in all powersave settings), bad GSM reception, lockups with incoming calls, phone switching to voicemail the minute a call came in…..and sometimes not…without changing any setting. BT not connecting to BT car kit….and sometimes it worked….and so on.

In my case is was a horrible experience. I was glad I could ask for a refund.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23287 Julie Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:56:00 +0000 #comment-23287 Did you try doing a hard reset? If that doesn't help, then I agree with Mitchell; go get another. :) Did you try doing a hard reset? If that doesn’t help, then I agree with Mitchell; go get another. :)

]]> By: MitchellO http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23286 MitchellO Thu, 07 Dec 2006 08:35:05 +0000 #comment-23286 I'd say you got a bad unit. It happens. Take it back to the shop you bought it from and ask them to exchange it. I’d say you got a bad unit. It happens. Take it back to the shop you bought it from and ask them to exchange it.

]]> By: ExtremeSIMS http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23285 ExtremeSIMS Thu, 07 Dec 2006 07:20:24 +0000 #comment-23285 Bought my 8525 last night, and despite my initial enthusiasm, it's already screwed up. Take a look at the screenshots of the LCD (warning, large images): <a href="http://www.mindflayer.net/gallery/albums/techie/gadgets/IMG_0678.JPG">Pocket IE showing bad LCD</a> <a href="http://www.mindflayer.net/gallery/albums/techie/gadgets/IMG_0676.JPG">Today screen, not as evident</a> <a href="http://www.mindflayer.net/gallery/albums/techie/gadgets/IMG_0677.JPG">Today screen, a little better photo</a> Sigh - I had been waiting on the phone, and now this. I am bummed! Bought my 8525 last night, and despite my initial enthusiasm, it’s already screwed up.

Take a look at the screenshots of the LCD (warning, large images):

Pocket IE showing bad LCD

Today screen, not as evident

Today screen, a little better photo

Sigh – I had been waiting on the phone, and now this. I am bummed!

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23284 Julie Wed, 06 Dec 2006 22:06:58 +0000 #comment-23284 ExtremeSIMS: Yeah, I love the TyTN's display! joeru: Since we haven't had any sun here for awhile, I can't remember ;) ExtremeSIMS:

Yeah, I love the TyTN’s display!

joeru:

Since we haven’t had any sun here for awhile, I can’t remember ;)

]]> By: joeru http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23283 joeru Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:42:26 +0000 #comment-23283 The 680 screen is quite visible in bright sunlight. I wonder how the 750's screen compares in that area. Syncing with an Exchange Server was easy to setup on an MS smartphone. Receiving works fine on the 680, but I still have to work out sending mail to my Exchange server. The 680 screen is quite visible in bright sunlight. I wonder how the 750’s screen compares in that area.

Syncing with an Exchange Server was easy to setup on an MS smartphone. Receiving works fine on the 680, but I still have to work out sending mail to my Exchange server.

]]> By: ExtremeSIMS http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23282 ExtremeSIMS Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:12:40 +0000 #comment-23282 After one day of use at work, I can confirm that the ability to quickly type on the Treo is missed. On the other hand, the full screen and multi-tasking ability of the TyTN is light years better. After one day of use at work, I can confirm that the ability to quickly type on the Treo is missed. On the other hand, the full screen and multi-tasking ability of the TyTN is light years better.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23281 Julie Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:01:26 +0000 #comment-23281 joeru: Yes, I would pick the 750v over the TyTN just because I prefer the Treo form factor. 680 review coming soon :) joeru:

Yes, I would pick the 750v over the TyTN just because I prefer the Treo form factor. 680 review coming soon :)

]]> By: joeru http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23280 joeru Wed, 06 Dec 2006 17:52:17 +0000 #comment-23280 So at this point, if you personally had to choose between the TyTN and the 750v would you choose the 750? It will be interesting to see what you think of the 680 compared to the 750. So at this point, if you personally had to choose between the TyTN and the 750v would you choose the 750? It will be interesting to see what you think of the 680 compared to the 750.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23279 Julie Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:40:15 +0000 #comment-23279 joeru: Great info! Thanks! :D joeru:

Great info! Thanks! :D

]]> By: joeru http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23278 joeru Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:14:57 +0000 #comment-23278 Julie - "You are supposed to be able to use the TyTN as a modem for a PC or Notebook via USB, IR or Bluetooth. I tried this with my Powerbook and although I was able to pair the two devices, the Powerbook kept asking me for a user name, password and phone number. I'm not sure what settings are required to use the existing data plan on the phone though..." With Cingular, I have used the following when connecting to a PC or Powerbook to use the mobile device as a modem: Dial *99# Login: <a href="mailto:WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM">WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</a> (all caps) Password: CINGULAR1 (all caps) That should work on the TyTN as well as your Treo 750 - Joe Julie – “You are supposed to be able to use the TyTN as a modem for a PC or Notebook via USB, IR or Bluetooth. I tried this with my Powerbook and although I was able to pair the two devices, the Powerbook kept asking me for a user name, password and phone number. I’m not sure what settings are required to use the existing data plan on the phone though…”

With Cingular, I have used the following when connecting to a PC or Powerbook to use the mobile device as a modem:

Dial *99#
Login: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM (all caps)
Password: CINGULAR1 (all caps)

That should work on the TyTN as well as your Treo 750

- Joe

]]> By: MitchellO http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23277 MitchellO Wed, 06 Dec 2006 11:09:17 +0000 #comment-23277 Excellent review!! Proved to me that I made the right choice with the Treo 750v :D Excellent review!! Proved to me that I made the right choice with the Treo 750v :D

]]> By: ExtremeSIMS http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/12/04/htc_tytn_windows_mobile/comment-page-1/#comment-23276 ExtremeSIMS Wed, 06 Dec 2006 08:23:11 +0000 #comment-23276 Julie - Funny, as I come back to read comments, I can hear my Palm Treo 650 suddenly reboot. There's no 3rd-party software on it, and no SIM. ::sigh:: That does lead to explaining why my phone has no SIM - I managed to find a Cingular 8525 tonight, right after losing out on a HTC TyTN on eBay. This actually works out better, as I will have 30 days to see if I can live with the form factor. So far, so good. Of course, it's a new, shiny toy, so I will need a few more days to see what begins to irritate me about the device. It's nice to be back to a mobile OS that allows multi-tasking. Now, if Access gets ALX/Palm right, then I might go back, but right now, Windows Mobile is my mobile OS again. (Unless that fabled iPhone comes out. :) ) Julie –

Funny, as I come back to read comments, I can hear my Palm Treo 650 suddenly reboot. There’s no 3rd-party software on it, and no SIM. ::sigh::

That does lead to explaining why my phone has no SIM – I managed to find a Cingular 8525 tonight, right after losing out on a HTC TyTN on eBay. This actually works out better, as I will have 30 days to see if I can live with the form factor. So far, so good. Of course, it’s a new, shiny toy, so I will need a few more days to see what begins to irritate me about the device. It’s nice to be back to a mobile OS that allows multi-tasking. Now, if Access gets ALX/Palm right, then I might go back, but right now, Windows Mobile is my mobile OS again.

(Unless that fabled iPhone comes out. :) )

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