Gizmodo
Like we said in the announcement, the Sprint Mogul by HTC is more than a worthy successor to the Sprint PPC-6700, an aging device that's ready to be let out to stud little smartphones. But how good is it really? Pretty darn good, in the grand scheme of Windows Mobile handsets.
The Mogul, or Titan, is the next generation of slide-out QWERTY phones from HTC. It follows up the HTC TyTN/Hermes (confusing naming, we know) by making the keyboard slide to the right and adding the caps lock/function key indicator lights to the top. It's quite similar to the T-Mobile Wing in the way it slides out, but it's definitely closer to the Cingular 8525 than anything else we've seen.
With Windows Mobile 6 and the 400MHz Intel/Qualcomm CPU, this phone is probably one of the snappiest WM phones we've used yet. But like being the tallest dwarf, it's not really an achievement you should be bragging about.
The keyboard is more rubbery than we saw on the 8525, but definitely still ranks among the best QWERTY keyboards for text input on the phone. It's spring loaded, like the T-Mobile Wing, but unlike the T-Mobile Wing, the function menu keys (top left and top right when open) are actually in the right place—on the top edges of the keyboard instead of in the top middle. And they're big too, which is fantastic.
Call quality is HTC's usual goodness, which means it's clear even when driving and has excellent speakerphone capabilities. There is one quirk that I'll note later, though.
Sprint's special features like EV-DO Rev. 0 (Rev. A to come with a software upgrade) are fast, but loading Web pages really depends more on the processing power platform than the connection on these types of phones, we think. There's Sprint's Software Store, where you have to pay for add-ons, and Sprint's Music Store, where you can pony up some cash for mobile tunes. AudibleAir and AudiblePlayer are also in there, for Harry Potter on the go. And as customary with WM6 phones, Windows Live is also included.
One thing we really like is the inclusion of the "Internet Sharing" app, which lets you use your phone as a USB or Bluetooth modem to your laptop. We're not sure whether this is Mac compatible, but we'll check that out and report back. Update: Yep, it's Windows only.
Sprint has the default theme set up to their atrocious yellow scheme by default. Luckily we weren't blinded enough to not be able to switch it to the Windows Mobile 6's sea green motif we're used to.
Another odd thing I noticed that never existed on other HTC phones was a weird echo of my own voice if I placed the phone up to my head and angled the speaker right into my ear canal. Move it a centimeter away in any direction—still touching my ear—and no echo. I tried calling a bunch of other phones to make sure it wasn't the other party, and it was the same thing. Definitely strange.
But quirks aside, if you're on the aging PPC-6700 and want to stick with Sprint and Windows Mobile, the Mogul is definitely a good upgrade. If you're thinking of switching to Sprint and you're wondering if there's a good WM6 phone for you? This is it.
Product Page [Sprint]
Comments
At last! It's out!
I'm running the starcom vx6700 from verizon and it still does everything I need it to.
Aside from some WM5 issues, it's a great device.
I'm not upgrading from the 6700 until the custom ROMs are in full swing for the Mogul. I can't stand Sprint's bloatware.
About time!
I suppose I could wait till Q4 for what might be a revolutionary new Palm Treo8XXp.....
But seeing the debacle that is the Foleo, maybe it's about time to switch camps.
Get one of these babies, use it as a wireless modem, and get StyleTap so I can run all my old Palm apps natively.
On top of that, disconnect my cable internet and save another $60.....
That makes sense right?
**EDIT** "Pretty darn good, in the grand scheme of Windows Mobile handsets. I.E. it blows goats."
@impliedsurprise:
IMHO EVDO isn't a broadband replacement for many applications. Latency still sucks when compared to hardwired internet, and the upload speed is pretty crappy too (although this will improve somewhat with Rev A). If you are doing primarily e-mail, though, it would probably be ok.
I've used my 6700 tethered in Vista in class before and it worked just fine. Upload kinda sucks, but it's definitely capable of surfing Gizmodo and the likes.
You've always been able to tether to a laptop for mobile internet, you just had to pay more. Does this mean it included in their plan now, or just easier to do?
I want it!
I'm assuming all WM6 devices are the same, but my 8525 with WM6 works just fine with my Macbook for Internet Sharing (Bluetooth PAN, haven't tried USB).
LOL
As a satisfied PPC-6700 owner, I have to ask Sprint, "ARE YOU NUTS??? $399???"
It's only $100 more for an iPhone.
Yeah I know the 6800 has EV-DO. Yeah yeah tons of Windows Mobile apps.
On the other hand, the iPhone is not a FREAKING UGLY BRICK FESTOONED WITH 800 TINY BUTTONS. (As if I need more accidental button & screen presses.)
You're soooooo pushing me to jump ship, Sprint.
I am fed up with my Treo 700p and have been for a while. No 755p for me. So this looks pretty nice. I have a few questions:
1.) How is GPS implemented in the phone?
2.) Have you loaded Opera mobile on it? (the beta version is supposed to have Adobe Flash Lite 2.1x I think. If you have, how's it work compared to the Mogul's native IE Mobile?
3.) Are there any other fees required for use of the EDVO Rev A speeds? (that you know of, when it's activated)
4.) Does video play in portrait, landscape, or both orientations?
5.) Anyone wanna buy a 700p?
I'm using mogul since end of June. This is really a good one.
Installed Google maps and Opera browser (provides tabs..). Mobile real player is not available..
2MP camera qlty is good.
* Twice my phone was freezed during the call. restarted. (during One month..)
* Thrice End button was not responded to end the call. restarted.(during One month..)
* We have to try multiple times to establish a data connection.
Once the connection is established the data transfer is really faster. I was able to scroll maps and refreshes in seconds..
if the above 3 problems were addressed then this is really the best one.
I recently found that iPhone battery needs to be replaced after 350 - 400 cycles of recharge. iphone needs to be sent to the factory for replacing the battery as it solders in the device.
I'm glad that i didn't select iPhone..I'm not against iPhone.It still looks great, but lacks several essential features.. Apple cut their iPhone production to 50% recently.
I really have to disagree with the entire review of this device. Anyone who actually uses this phone long term will notice the default yellow theme = LEMON. Our group at work was all issued these phones.
Out of the box - battery life is terrible. With little data usage, I have to recharge once a day.
Within one week- All of our phones began to lock up at least weekly
Within one month - buttons on phones become unresponsive. Even after reboots, most of us are unable to use the hard keys for sending and ending calls.
The processor is completely underwhelming. The phone constantly slows down . After the first month, I can try opening my browser and sliding out the keyboard. The screen freezes up. I usually time out when surfing the web - even on wifi.
Overall - a solid idea with horrid execution and followthrough!
Gizmodo should fire someone for such a un thorough review!
Jason Chen - WHO PAID YOU OFF?
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