HTC Universal Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC Phone

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

March 10, 2006

Early last year, when the first rumors began to swirl that HTC would be introducing a Pocket PC Phone Edition made with the mini-laptop form factor of the CLIÉ UX50 and Zaurus SL-C3100, my interest was immediately piqued. After all, I had long been bemoaning the fact that as of yet there were no similarly styled Pocket PCs. As more details began to surface, there was no question that the upcoming device would have impressive specifications and be capable of much more than the average PDA, but there was some concern that it might not be readily available in the United States, or that even if it was its various features wouldn't perform properly.

According to an early Engadget report, the Universal would sport Windows Mobile 5.0, built-in QWERTY keyboard, UMTS/WCDMA, a large, rotating VGA touch screen, 1.3 megapixel digital camera, 96MB of ROM, 128MB of RAM, 520MHz Intel XScale processor, SD memory card slot, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Knowing that this PDA would be in the "thousand dollar and up" range, I could feel the urge to splurge coming on. But I was worried that I either wouldn't be able to get one, or if I could get one, it would not operate properly where I live. That fear would serve to be my undoing...

I should digress for just a moment and point out for those who weren't aware, that HTC is a hardware manufacturer based in Taiwan. They are the world's largest producer of Pocket PC OS-based PDAs, and they design many of the Pocket PCs and mobile phones that are on the market today, but they never brand them with their name. Instead, the designs are outsourced to other companies like Hewlett Packard, i-mate, Audiovox, and others. The Universal, as the new device was named, was quickly picked up by i-mate and dubbed the JASJAR; various other names soon followed including the MDA Pro and the Qtek 9000.

The HTC Universal was designed to best operate on European and Asian GSM/GPRS/UMTS networks. In the United States its use is a bit limited as it is only compatible with the 1900MHz GSM/GPRS-networks of T-Mobile and Cingular. That means if someone lives in a part of the country where Cingular uses the 850MHz bandwidth, like Julie in her part of Indiana, they are out of luck. For UMTS, the Universal requires the European or Asian 2100MHz bandwidth, rather than the bandwidth Cingular uses for its United States 3G UMTS networks. The Universal is not EDGE capable, and it will not operate at all on the Sprint and Verizon's CDMA networks.

With such a list of qualifiers, those living in the US might decide that it would be easier to forget about the Universal and instead pick up an HTC Apache or HTC Wizard depending upon their preferred mobile network. In fact, that is what I wound up doing. I bought the PPC-6700 because it seemed more practical since I already had a Sprint account, and I put the Universal out of my mind until I saw it at the Microsoft Mobius event last December.

Even with the raggedy protective plastic across its top and the ugly paper on its backside, there is no denying this interesting hybrid's appeal. Smaller than a laptop, larger than the typical PDA and definitely larger than even the most generously sized smart phone, the Universal is a breed unto itself. Within a few moments of handling one I could immediately see that there would be those who would dislike its larger than usual form factor, but because I have never shied away from larger PDAs it should come as no surprise to our readers that I was having a hard time keeping the drool wiped from my chin...

John Starkweather, our host at Mobius, saw my undisguised gadget lust and kindly offered to loan me one of Microsoft's demo units; so of course I jumped at the chance. In February he made good on his offer, and I was sent a review unit with the understanding that I could use it for a month then take a week to write about my experience. Well, my time is up.

In that month, the Universal has been my daily driver in every way except one - it was never really my main phone. Because I am currently a Sprint CDMA customer, under contract until November, I couldn't just pop my existing SIM card with my current mobile phone number into the device and go. I still had to carry my existing mobile phone, which happens to be the PPC-6700. I just made sure that I never used my PDA phone for anything other than voice calls. Text messages, email, surfing, reading eBooks, working on databases and spreadsheets while on the go, all of that would have to be done on the Universal. Because I wanted the full experience, I went ahead signed up for an unlimited T-Mobile data account at $29.99 a month with voice calls costing an additional 20¢ a minute. Let me tell you, surfing and reading eBooks on the PPC-6700 will never be the same after once again getting used to a large glorious VGA screen...but I am getting ahead of myself.

Being a demo unit, the Universal which I was sent came with no frills whatsoever. The plain brown cardboard box literally included the device, a wired headset, a miniUSB to USB cable and an AC power cord. Those that buy their Universal from i-mate, T-Mobile Germany, or wherever else will be in for a slightly different first impression.

Specifications:
Battery Type: User removable / rechargeable 1620mAh Li-Ion
Battery life: Up to 5 hours talk time, up to 200 hours standby
Measurements: (with a micrometer) 5.2" x 3.1" x 0.93"
Weight: 10.2 ounces
Processor: Intel 520 MHz
Wireless: Dual-Mode UMTS/GSM, GSM/GPRS (900/1800/1900) + WCDMA (UMTS) (2100 MHz), Bluetooth (v1.2) and WiFi, IrDA FIR
Platform: Windows Mobile 5.0
Expansion Card: MMC/SDIO
Memory: Flash ROM - 128MB / RAM 64MB SDRAM
Screen: 3.73" 640 x 480 Transflective TFT-LCD with back-light LEDs, 65K Color touch screen
Audio: Dual Receivers/Speakers, Hands-Free supported, microphone
Camera: 1.3 mega pixels CMOS, with video light

The Universal measures 5.2" long x 3.1" wide x 0.93" thick, and it weighs 10.2 ounces. Some of this device's weight may be attributed to its deep gray metal casing, which gives the device a solid, substantial and what is in my opinion a desirable feel. The overall impression I get when holding the Universal is that it is very solidly built. The case will flex a bit when squeezed on either end due to the design of the hinged swivel screen, however I would be hard pressed to find one flaw with the device's clamshell design in regard to how it feels when I have it in my hand.

Yes, the Universal is larger than average, but it is actually smaller than my iPAQ 4700 with its extended battery installed...

...the Universal seems even more reasonably sized when compared to the 4700 in its usual metal Innopocket case.

Considering that the Universal's metallic body and clamshell design negates the absolute need for a screen-protecting case, this is as large as the Universal might ever need be. However, it is not exactly fair to compare the Universal to a non-PPC Phone Edition, so here are a couple of pictures of it next to my PPC 6700. Yes, it makes the 6700 look absolutely petite, but the trade off is that the Universal's screen and keyboard are substantially larger. For those that need or want a larger screen area, the trade will be well worth considering.

So let's take a look at the Universal's hardware...

The front is a wide expanse of smooth gray metal, broken up by an inlay of lighter gray brushed metal. The graduated slashes are the grill for the external speaker. Why does there need to be an external speaker? So that calls may be answered when the PDA is closed like this...! Hey, at least it keeps the user from getting face-goo on the screen. The downside is that there is no way to see who is calling; in order to do that the device must be opened.

Although voice calls are definitely possible when used in this manner, I didn't think that the experience was that great. The person I was speaking to said I sounded staticky, and I could barely hear them.

Secretly we all want to be the guy in that Trigger Happy TV skit

I seriously think that using a Bluetooth headset is the way to go if one is using the Universal as their primary phone. When a headset is used, the sound is as clear as we have grown used to expecting from our mobile phones.

When the lid is swiveled around and laid flat in tablet mode, the 3.7" VGA screen is revealed, along with another speaker, the interior video camera and the four way touchpad with center button.

The back is mainly composed of a smooth gray metal frame surrounding the textured black plastic battery cover. Located at the upper end is the 1.3 megapixel digital camera lens and the white LED video light.

The left side of the Universal has the stylus silo, two ports for external GSM and 3G antennas, the phone on and phone off buttons, the miniUSB port, the reset button and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Yes, you can use your favorite set of earphones with this phone because there is no need for an adapter dongle.

A close-up of the phone buttons shows how they illuminate when the main screen is on. I expected them to also light up while in clamshell mode as calls came in, but they don't.

Here is another shot of the stylus silo and the external antenna ports.

The right side has small grilled stereo speakers on each end, sandwiching buttons for the camera and voice recorder, the infrared port, a brightness button (which I could not get to control anything) and a sliding volume bar. These speakers are used when Media player is running, or when the Universal is in laptop mode with the speaker-phone on.

The top edge of the device has nothing but the corner of the stylus silo. The bottom edge has the power button, SD slot, and circled in red is the microphone.

The Universal's hinge is very similar to that of the Sony CLIÉ's in that it allows the screen to be opened like a laptop, then rotated at a 180º angle so that it can lay flat in tablet mode as I have already shown. Here are some shots of the screen in action...

The 62 button keyboard is considerably larger than that of the PPC-6700. Because of the way it opens and because of its larger size, there are more keys and thus less doubling up of the keys' functions. The square shaped buttons are slightly raised in their centers, giving each an individual feel that goes along nicely with their tactile feedback when pressed. My favorite thing about this keyboard is that there are dedicated numbers, with their QWERTY keyboard correlating alter-egos exposed with the press of the Function key. It all just feels more intuitive and less crowded than the more compact PPC-6700's keyboard.

I was worried that the larger keyboard would be harder to thumb type on, but after a couple hours of use I was completely in the swing. The beveled edges of the lower keyboard fit comfortably in my palms, and the Universal is cradled against my curled fingers while my thumbs can type merrily away.

For comparison, a shot of the Universal's keyboard exposed next to the PPC-6700's...

When the keyboard is in use, everything is backlit by red LEDs, including the special function characters. The red backlight is very easy on the eyes, and equally visible in little to no light.

If one were to think of the Universal as a book, then in the portion which makes up the spine I would like to point out the two multicolored LED indicator lights.

When the phone is charging the topmost LED will glow solid orange, changing to a solid green once a full charge has been achieved.

These LEDs also indicate various stages of wireless use, such as a green blinking light when the GSM signal is being received, and an alternate side blinking green to indicate that WiFi is turned on.

A blue LED will glow when Bluetooth is working.

The Universal's stylus is a 3.75" metal-bodied instrument with a black plastic topper.

This slightly wider than average stylus is much more comfortable to use than the toothpick that the 6700 sports. However for long periods of writing an aftermarket pen-style stylus would be most comfortable.

The battery compartment door is released by sliding the black plastic tab on the bottom of the back side. Once exposed, a red plastic lock must be disengaged so that the battery may be removed.

Underneath the 1620mAh Li-Ion battery is the SIM compartment. I confess to being more than a little bit paranoid that I will forget to remove my card before I ship the Universal back to Microsoft!

Other than the lack of branding on this device and the large white sticker on its back, the true indicator that I was sent a demo unit is here, in the start up screen seen after a soft reset.

As the Universal also operates as a phone, here are a couple of screen shots showing what can be expected in portrait mode...

...and in landscape.

The Windows Mobile 5 Contacts screen beautifully integrates pictures of the contact and makes for an easy experience when making a call or sending email and text messages.

Past incoming and outgoing calls are tabulated for easy retrieval.

Volume level choices are accessed either by tapping the volume icon (shown in vibrate mode here) or by adjusting the slider on the front edge of the device when it is in laptop mode.

Tapping the signal strength bar allows the option of turning off the phone radio for in-flight use.

The HTC Universal has two integrated digital cameras. The main camera, which is also the better one, is located on the back side of the device. It supports 1280x1024 pixels (1.3 megapixels) as well as the lower resolutions of 640x480, 320x240 and 160x120.

Here are two 480 x 640 pictures taken indoors with morning light...

...and here are two more, also 480 x 620, that were taken outdoors in morning light.

In other words, the camera is not the best, but it is certainly more than adequate.

One of the more interesting 3G features of the Universal is it's ability to make and receive videophone calls. Unfortunately, this feature is not supported in the US, so I was not able to test it.

The Wireless Manager screen is a central location which allows the user to decide which if any wireless options to run.

I covered Windows Mobile 5 software previously in the PPC-6700 review, so I'll just repeat some of the highlights.

Instead of the adjustable slider most Pocket PC Users have grown used to, memory is now managed on a non-user adjustable screen. The total main memory is no longer displayed; instead, the user is told how many MBs are available for storage, and how many are left for running programs.

WM5 now stores all installed programs in Flash ROM, so if the PDAs battery dies, none of the stored info or programs will be lost.

The Today Screen features a set of icons on the upper menu bar showing on screen tappable buttons which access further features and information. From left to right, are the Start Menu which opens a list of pinned programs as well as recently opened applications, the call status/connectivity information icon which displays what mobile network is available or if the PPC is tethered to a computer via ActiveSync, as is the case in this photo. The next icon shows the phone's signal strength in "bars", and when tapped will display network status and related options. There is an option to turn off the phone, also knows as "turning on" Flight Mode. Pressing Settings will take the user to a screen which allows the customization of various phone settings. The speaker status icon is directly controlled by the volume up and down slider on the front edge (or right side) of the phone, and it is also accessible by tapping the screen icon. There are two sets of volume controlled by this icon, the phones and the PDA's. Each may be set to "On" and then different independent volumes may be set, or they may be set to Vibrate or Off. The same slider button will also control the volume of a call in progress if accessed during the call. The last icon is Time and Next Appointment, which when tapped displays the date, time, remaining battery life and next appointment.

The Universal comes with a built-in Voice Speed Dial, which is quite easy to set up. A contact is selected...

The number that will receive a "Voice Tag" is chosen...

...and after a tag has been made, this screen will appear. Tags may even be set up for the applications on the Universal, which I find incredibly convenient. There is nothing like saying the word "eReader" and having my latest eBook opened. Hey, I know it is a gimmick, but I like it! :0)

In order to use the tagged contacts or applications, a button will need to be assigned to the Voice Speed Dial Application. From then on, when that button is pressed, the code words assigned to each contact or application may be spoken which will then either call the contact or open the application. After saying the code words, a confirmation in the user's own voice will play, repeating the programmed words and indicating which contact or application is about to be accessed.

This is truly one of the first voice recognition programs I have ever enjoyed using, because it always seems to work!

Just like the PPC-6700, the Universal has a lot of cool phone features, but in my opinion it is first and foremost a PDA. One of the main reasons why I will be so sorry to send the Universal back to Microsoft is that I will miss its laptop form factor and the large VGA screen. Using the Universal to work on spread sheets and databases has been a joy...

What's amazing is that even without a case, I felt comfortable using the Universal just about everywhere - even when at the ranch. Being able to fold the screen so that it was protected inside the clam shell allowed a freedom that I had forgotten since my CLIÉ days. Now that I have been reminded, I can definitely say that of them all, this is my favorite PDA form factor.

I have heard complaints from Universal owners about slow startup times, but since I had already learned with my PPC-6700 to keep my Today Screen plug-ins to a minimum that has not been a problem. Overall performance has seemed similar to my iPAQ 4700, never particularly sluggish - but then, it's not like I am ever running the PDA equivalent to Photoshop on my handheld.

But above all, whether it be via WiFi or GSM, the Universal rocks as an internet surfing device. In the last month I have made good use of the unlimited data plan I purchased. Here are some examples of how the browser looks on a site that has been optimized for mobile browsing. In this picture, the text is the largest size and the full screen option is on.

Once again, text is the largest size, but this time the full screen option is off.

Here are a couple of shots of the text on the smallest setting, shown here with the full screen option on...

...and with the full screen option off.

Even non-optimized pages look decent. Here is Yahoo, a "busy" site with lots of pictures and sections. Shown here is the largest text size with the full screen option off.

Here's where it gets really good though - this is Yahoo with the smallest size print and the full screen option off...

...and best yet, smallest text with the full screen option on. This feels pretty close to surfing with a laptop, and while the GSM speed clocks in at an average of only 31.4Kbps according to this speed test, It seems sufficiently fast for visiting optimized sites..

Can you tell that the Universal is the PDA that I wish I had purchased in the beginning? Since I am locked into my Sprint contract at this time and would not be able to transfer my number even if I weren't, and since my current mobile number is the one everyone knows to use for reaching me, it makes sense for me to continue carrying a Sprint phone as my primary mobile phone. However, I would have no problem going back to two devices if one of them was the HTC Universal with the T-Mobile data plan.

In the meantime I will continue to use my PPC-6700, which somehow seems to have lost some of its luster... <sniff!>:0(