O2 XDA Orbit review
If you’ve read our review of T-Mobile’s MDA Compact III you may get a sense of déjà vu with O2’s XDA Orbit, as the devices look similar and share many features. But the Orbit is the first XDA model to come with built-in GPS and bundled navigation software, so T-Mobile needs to start watching its back and keeping a close eye on what O2 is up to.
The downside is that there isn’t room for a proper pad for number dialling. Like many Pocket PCs, you need to tap the green Call key under the screen, then tap at the screen itself to dial numbers or access speed dials.
Other front-facing buttons include a shortcut to Internet Explorer and one that starts the built-in GPS antenna running as well as a pair of softmenu buttons.
The built-in GPS antenna is not good for much without navigation software, so you’ll be pleased to learn that O2 gives you the software as part of the deal. It’s the excellent CoPilot software from ALK.
We had no trouble making calls with the XDA Orbit and call quality was fine. Web browsing is a more positive experience than on many phones, thanks to the larger-format screen.
The battery life was very impressive. O2 quotes 190 hours standby and up to five hours talk. On a continuous music playback test, we got just a shade under 10 hours of music, which is very good going for a Pocket PC. In general use, we certainly didn’t feel the need to keep charging the battery every day.
General
Type of device Windows Mobile
Built-in devices 2-megapixel camera, FM radio
Dimensions (W x H x D) 58×108x17 mm
Weight 129 g
Colour Black and silver
Battery type Li-ion
Removable battery Yes
Included cables USB to mini USB
Included accessories Stereo headset, spare stylus