CNET editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 08/14/2007
- Updated on: 10/03/2007
- Released on: 08/07/2007
The HTC Advantage X7501 is a tricky gadget to categorize. It doesn't neatly fit into the mold of a smart phone nor does it exactly work like an ultramobile PC (UMPC). Instead, HTC calls this mobile computer the "perfect device for three days on the road" when you really don't feel like lugging around your laptop. It certainly provides you with the tools for doing so: an 8GB hard drive, a large display, a full QWERTY keyboard, Windows Mobile 6 Professional Edition, and all the wireless options one could want, including 3G and GPS. And it delivers with good performance. However, it has its share of problems too. The keyboard design is poor, and given its bulk, we can't even imagine using it as a phone. As such, we think most people will still stick with an ultraportable laptop and cell or smart phone, while the HTC Advantage will probably only appeal to a small segment of early adopters and gadget hounds (think Nokia N800 Internet Tablet). Neither T-Mobile nor AT&T have picked up the HTC Advantage X7501, but you can now buy an unlocked version of the device for $899 at retailers such as Amazon.com and CompUSA .
Design
Depending on how you look at it, the HTC Advantage X7501 is a really big smart phone or a really small laptop. And even though the Advantage is sort of in a category of its own, you could liken its design to a UMPC like the Oqo Model O2 and Sony VAIO UX390. It measures 5.2 inches long by 3.8 inches wide by 0.6 inch tall and weighs 12.6 ounces, so while the device will fit into a bag or purse, it's certainly going to add some heft to your travels.
To the left of the display, there's a multidirectional joystick that you can also press in to select items, an OK key, and a Start button. On the right, you will find an Internet Explorer launch key, and there are three LED indicators above the screen for the network, wireless options, and alerts. The left spine has a volume rocker, a VGA-out port, a mini-USB/power connector, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and on the right side, you have the stylus holder, a camera-activation key, Communication manager shortcut, and power button. The bottom of the unit holds the battery, miniSD expansion slot, and the SIM card holder. Finally, the reset hole and 3-megapixel camera lens and flash are located on the back of the device.
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