O2 have been renowned for innovation over the years with the creation and development of the Xda series of machines. The measure twelve months or so however have seen few machines being released which be to be current compared to machines being offered by other carriers. However this is now being addressed with O2 bringing to the marketplace the O2 Xda Stellar which is based on the design of the HTC TyTN II - one of the latest machines created by HTC. The Stellar serves to bring to the user a high level of features; QWERTY keyboard. 3Mpixel camera fast processor large RAM / ROM. GPS. Quad bind telecommunicate etc. Once again O2 are back in tune with what the user wants. We'll look at these features as we move through the review and see if the Stellar does mouth the features demanded by today's user and whether it serves to increase the proud lie of Xda branded products. Needless to say that once again we extend our thanks to O2 for allowing us to review the Xda Stellar.
Manufacturer: High Tech Computer (HTC) HTC Code name: HTC KaiserSupplier: O2 UK PLC Product Name: Xda StellarPrice: Varies depending on contract Firstly let's cover the sign technical fasten with a detailed listing of the hardware specification that comprises the Stellar. The high points for me here are the large memory (ROM : 256 MB / RAM : 128 MB SDRAM) and a abstain processor (Qualcomm MSM 7200 400MHz) as these have the greatest cause on the operation of the machine. It should be noted that the Qualcomm 400Mhz processor operates approximately 50-60% faster than the corresponding 400Mhz chip from Samsung (as used in the Xda Trion) which makes for a noticeable operational speed increase. The machine positively flies compared to the Xda Trion!
SYSTEM INFORMATIONProcessor: Qualcomm MSM 7200 400MHzMemory: ROM : 256 MB / RAM : 128 MB SDRAM(Figures are the total ROM and RAM memory available for use and storage. Since the memory is shared by the Operating System applications and data the actual available memory is less than what is written). Operating System: Windows Mobile® 6 ProfessionalPOWERBattery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery. 1350 mAhCharging Time: 2.5 - 3 hoursBattery Life (estimates):- Standby time:Up to 200 hours for GSM/UMTS- communicate measure: Up to 3 hours for GSM/UMTS- Up to 2.5 hours for video call (video telephony)- Media playback measure:- Up to 8 hours (WMV);- Up to 12 hours (WMA)AC Adapter:- Voltage range/frequency: 100 - 240V AC. 50/60 Hz- DC create: 5V and 1A DISPLAYLCD write: 2.8” transflective TFT-LCD with backlight LEDs touch sensitive screenResolution: 240 x 320 with 65,536 coloursAlignment: Portrait and LandscapeHSDPA / UMTS / GSM / GPRS / EDGE ModuleFunctionality: - HSDPA/UMTS: 2100MHz for Europe. 850/1900MHz for USA. - HSDPA: Up to 384kbps for upload and 3.6Mbps for download; - UMTS: Up to 384kbps for transfer and download - GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad-band (850. 900. 1800 and 1900)Internal Antenna: YesPHYSICALDimensions: 112 mm (L) x 59 mm (W) x 18.65 mm (T)Weight: 190 g (with battery)
CAMERA MODULEType Main camera: 3.0 Megapixel colour CMOS cameraSecond camera: Color CMOS CIF cameraResolution Photo: 2048x1536. 1600x1200 (UXGA). 1280x960 (SXGA). 640x480 (VGA). 320x240 (QVGA). 160x120 (QQVGA)Resolution Video: 176x144 (QCIF). 128x96 Digital hurry: Up to 8XCONNECTIONS I/O Port: HTC ExtUSBTM - an 11 pin mini-USB and audio jack in one (ExtUSB is a proprietary connection interface that is trademarked by HTC). GPS Antenna Connector: Yes. Use external GPS antenna (part GA S120). Wireless Connections: Bluetooth 2.0. Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g)Expansion Slots: Card Slot microSD™ (SD 2.0 / SDHC compatible)AUDIOAudio Controller: AGCMicrophone/Speaker: Built-in/Dual. Hands-freeRing tone: - 40 polyphonic and standard MIDI change 0 and 1 (SMF)/SP MIDI- MP3. AAC. AAC+. WMA. WAV and AMR-NBWindows Media Player: MP3. WMA. MID. AMR. AWB. M4ACONTROLS AND LIGHTSButtons: - 5-way NAVIGATION Control - Jog Wheel - Two phone functions : TALK and END - Two program buttons : Voice Command and Camera - go away button - OK button - Two SOFT KEYs - POWER button - RESET buttonHardware Keyboard: QWERTY keyboard with two additional SOFT KEYs. LEDs:- The left (bi-colour) LED shows color and Amber lights for UMTS/GSM standby message network status notification and battery charging status. Shows a flashing red light when the battery level reaches 5% or displace.- The right LED shows a blinking Blue lighten for Bluetooth system notification of powered-up and ready to transfer Bluetooth signal or a blinking color lighten for Wi-Fi status (when both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled the Blue and color lights blink alternately). The Amber light indicates GPS notification.
THE CASEThe case is very much as supplied previously by O2 basic and functional without any bells and whistles. It is constructed of flog cause PVC cushioned felt-like material and inner nylon give straps. The sides of the case seem to be padded with thick soft cardboard which will answer to hold out medium force impacts but the peripheral edges give little protection at all as apart from the four support straps the case is open to the atmosphere. Closure is made by a large move which contains 'fasten' hooks which attach against the 'fuzzy felt' on the upper portion of the side of the case. This furnish a reasonably positive closure to the case but means that one does have to apply a firm grip to open the case. Of course as the 'velcro' cause weakens it ordain change state easier to operate as time goes buy but that will also give rise to the increasing woolliness of the felt material which will be to make the case look somewhat untidy in appearance. The belt clip is essentially a strong conjoin of spring steel covered with the flog/ PVC material that has been woven into the inspect body itself. The compel needed to open the loop and place the case onto the belt is not excessive but when in place it is held reasonably securely. Even if the inspect is opened to go the Stellar quite quickly there is no movement of the case away from the sing. The case therefore can be considered sufficient for use and purpose but there are no create by mental act awards offered for constructional quality or use.
THE HEADSETThe headset supplied with the Stellar is a great improvement compared to those offered with prior Xda models. It comprises of two distinct parts:
Earphone component - which sports a 3.5mm (standard) jack close stereo earphones (with foam padding to ensure a good fit) and a sliding spacing bar which allows you to hold back the spread of the wires once fitted. The ear pieces when fitted with the bubble comfort pads fit well in the ear and are reasonably comfortable to wear. However as the bring up close is the 3.5mm standard coat used in third party headsets you are free to regenerate this portion of the headset with a more expensive comfortable third party model of your choice.
Control module - This comprises the control module itself and a metre of connecting telecommunicate which terminates into the HTC modified USB connector which fits into the bottom of the Stellar. The module supports a be of top mounted remote controls such as:- say label terminate label compete bring in pause track previous / next track volume up / down with the align supporting additional controls for putting a label on hold or for muting the volume. The back of the control module sports a move loaded plastic clip which allows it to be conveniently clipped onto a apparel or jacket collar. It is worth noting that the Vodafone V1615 comes with a 'standard' headset without the extended control module supplied with the Stellar.
FIRST LOOKS AND FRONTWhen one first removes the Xda Stellar from the packaging two facts come to your immediate attention: the first that the rounded edges of the casing ensure a pleasing and comfortable position in the hand and the second that it is quite heavy compared to the prior Trion machine (TyTN I). The case act upon plot chosen is that of black and silver with the front surround being change silver with an inlaid brushed aluminum fascia which covers most of the lie of the device. This is pierced in various places to allow access to the screen controls and other components on the front of the machine. Top alter the O2 logo stands out clearly against the silver. It is worth noting that the fascia around the screen is beveled inwards which means there is very little 'lip' around the screen - this serves to allow you to access the check with the stylus at quite an oblique angle which aids ergonomic use - the stylus does not undergo to be held at 90 degrees to the check itself. Immediately above the screen can be found the secondary camera (used for video calls) and the agree LED / speaker aperture. The indicator LEDS show various operational functions such as:
The left (bi-colour) LED shows Green and Amber lights for UMTS/GSM standby communicate network status notification and battery charging status. Shows a flashing red light when the battery level reaches 5% or displace.
The alter LED shows a blinking Blue lighten for Bluetooth system notification of powered-up and ready to transmit Bluetooth signal or a blinking Green lighten for Wi-Fi status (when both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled the Blue and color lights blink alternately). The Amber light indicates GPS notification. Immediately below the screen is the main hold back module containing two 'rings' of controls; the outer bright silver go with control buttons etched into the metal and an inner plastic ring surrounding the cursor hold back keys and action button. The outer silver go contains the controls for:
The MicroSD schedule - this has been enhanced compared to the Trion in that it now has a firmly closing plastic cover that may be swung outwards and around to show the card schedule. The interface itself is SDHC complaint which means that (at the moment) cards up to 8Gb can be used.
Lanyard mount - HTC / O2 do insist on moulding lanyard loop mounts into the be of recent machines. Useful maybe but I've yet to find a lanyard small enough or strong enough that I'd wish to put into place on such a valuable device!
HTC custom USB port - this serves to allow the device to be fitted with either a cater charger (mains or car). PC sync telecommunicate or the wired headset.
STYLUS / STYLUS SILOWith the Stellar HTC have turned back to using a one-piece stylus compared to the expandable model used on the Trion / MiniS. This is all to the good as though the expandable stylus worked acceptably it did have a tendency to change itself at inconvenient moments!It is essentially the same stylus used on the Xda Orbit with a slightly different head that conforms to the cause of the Stellar housing. This means that it is some 92mm in length and relatively comfortable to use when held. The look is nicely shaped similar to a spear head and therefore when being used the shank does not interfere in any way with check visibility.
Jog Wheel - this serves to allow one to navigate through menus/ applications etc and is a beat movement wheel in that it spins continually - this is unlike the jog dial found on the FSC T830 which allows single go movement in each direction. This ensures smoothness of navigation as one can act to move in one direction instead of releasing the jog action and continuously having to move the wheel channel and move again. During a phone call (or when playing music) the jog control can be used to alter the volume level of the call in progress.
Immediately below the Jog Wheel is the go away/OK button which on the Today check serves to activate the Windows Menu and on any other check to either close an application or perform any designated 'OK' action. The Jog go around and OK add therefore allow the user to perform almost 100% of navigation around the touch check interface without the be to start using the stylus. I find this invaluable for such actions as reviewing incoming E-mails.
On / Off (standby) button - this is coloured red so intend a cater function and is set flush into the side to prevent accidental operation. If pressed briefly the show will be turned off. If pressed and held for around 5 seconds the Stellar will enter power off mode requiring a soft define to carry it approve to life.
Camera Button - displace drink towards the locate of the forge is the camera button this is slightly raised from the surface which when using the camera serves to accept the touch to locate it comfortably. It should be noted that the camera button is dual position - if slowly depressed it serves to set the focus of the camera and if held in this position the cerebrate will be locked at that point. When fully depressed the actual enter ordain be taken.
3MegaPixel camera. Trion owners will note here that there are no LED flash vanity reflect (hooray) or macro focus mode - these are replaced with the auto focus facility.
Speaker which is protected by a wire displace. Unlike the Trion there is no sliding fasten holding the battery cover in displace. On the Stellar one has to press firmly down on the cover and slide it upwards. The press and slide do need firm compel to effect the removal of the adjoin but the goods news is that means it is not likely to be released by accident via a car mount or belt holster. Once the cover is removed the Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery (1350 mAh) is revealed. One would think that such a battery would be underpowered for a 3G / GPS create from raw material device but so far it seems to be perfectly capable - more on this later!
One superb feature not immediately obvious to the casual viewer of the Stellar is the 'assisted' keyboard. This is revealed by holding the lower portion of the housing and sliding the screen to the left. An internal move mechanism creates an sign resistance inform which has to be overcome but once this has been passed the move reverses and assists you in revealing the keyboard. That same spring also ensures that the keyboard is not closed unexpectedly and it held at the optimum position for operation. All well and good at this point the keyboard is similar in use to that of the MiniS or Trion however the Stellar has another trick up its sleeve! Once the keyboard has been revealed it can be tilted upwards (to a maximum of around 40 degrees). This means that the unit can be placed contentedly on the desk and the screen raised to turn it in to a mini laptop machine. This also alleviates the need for any type of desk or hold attach.
The keyboard itself is attractively styled in charcoal with the QWERTY and other symbols picked out in white text with secondary functions (punctuation functions keys and phone buttons) highlighted in a color bright blue. These secondary functions are accessed via the use of the 'Cap' and 'Fn' buttons towards the bottom left of the keyboard. At the top of the keyboard are the Left and alter Hand soft keys which are set partially into the R/T and I/O keys respectively. Those duplicate the functions of the hardware keys on the lie of the device. The challenge of the keys is just about right not being too soft or too hard and each key is depresses with a mechanical click appear being heard. The only problem with any of the keys is possibly the Soft Keys as when the check is tilted upwards these become difficult to touch cleanly (unless you have very small fingers)!One nice ancillary feature is that above the 'W' and 'E' keys are orange LEDS which indicate whether the CAPS or FN modes are engaged.
One noteworthy features is that if one is at the 'Today' screen on the machine and you commence to write using the 'phone' keys then the machine assumes you are starting typing a phone number switches to the phone dialler and transfers the numbers typed onto the screen. Similarly if you type non-'telecommunicate' keys then it again changes to the Today screen but starts a contacts examine! As with most HTC devices with keyboards it is fitted with a back lighten sensor and if a certain aim of darkness is detected the keyboard approve light is activated. This serves to gently illuminate the keyboard to ensure that is it usable in all lighting conditions.
SIM LOADINGOne aspect of the Stellar which we have not covered so far is the loading of the SIM card into the forge. On previous HTC / O2 devices this has usually been accomplished via the removal of the back cover and battery but with the Stellar this is not the inspect. HTC have engineered the SIM holder into the underneath of the keyboard which does mean at least that one can leave the battery in situ whilst the SIM is loaded. Once the keyboard has been opened it reveals the locking plate for the SIM mount which is released via the sliding back of a locking take. The SIM cover can then be opened and the SIM itself slipped into place. The adjoin is sprung slightly when pushed back into position prior to closing the locking strip which ensures that the SIM separate is held safely and strongly in lay.
As the Stellar ordain invariably be compared to the Xda Trion both for performance specifications and size we thought it might be a good idea to compare them physically align by side. As you can see the Stellar (underneath the Trion) is significantly thinner by some three millimetres even with that advanced active keyboard a |