Windows Phone Thoughts: O2 XDA Atom Reviewed

Performance
The Atom performs well as a Pocket PC, given the trusty Intel XScale processor at 416MHz that the HTC Magician used. Games and video files played just as well as previous devices such as the i-mate JAM and E-TEN M500, so I felt right at home. However, it is your usual XScale processor, so the typical drain of the battery life was expected. However, it has about 200 mAh more than the Magician, so with heavy usage of the radio and surfing/email via EDGE, I could wind down the battery in 10 to 12 hours.


Figure 26: Every Windows Mobile 5 device seems to have a different build number.

The usual 128MB Flash ROM and 64MB RAM provides ample space until you decide to pop in a mini-SD card for additional programs and data.

Some third-party programs I've tested include Softick Card Export II PPC and ImmierSoft XCPUScalar. Card Export II worked well, though I wished more manufacturers would use USB 2.0 for faster throughput, instead of 1.1. XCPUScalar allowed me to overclock to 624MHz with ease, and drop down to 104MHz to save a little more battery power - though it strangely made the screen look more washed out when it was active.


Figure 27: This is the only place you'll be able to find your firmware and radio stack version numbers.

Some other quirks I found during my experience with the Atom included the fact that there was no true "button lock" feature in the Settings panel. So, if you tap on any of the hardware buttons, the device turns itself on, and that could end up with inadvertent program launches and initiated calls. Also, it sometimes takes two presses of the Power button in order to actually put the device in standby. Both of these issues are inconsistent, and with all that I've reported to O2 about these quirks, I'm hoping for the best when the next firmware update comes out.

Conclusions
Given these few minor issues, the Atom still is a decent device. Add the fact that firmware updates are relatively quick and frequent, and that their support center actually acknowledges or addresses the issues thrown at them, you'll see why it can definitely be a keeper. Leaked images and information regarding the upcoming HP rw6828 reveal it to be a similar device to the Atom (with the addition of two soft buttons), and may be the "North American" answer to a device that many have paid over $800 to get now.

Raphael Salgado is a full-time Regulatory Affairs Associate for a pharmaceutical company with an extensive background in technical support services. When everything is quietly charging with their AC adapters, Raphael spends quality time with his wife Lila and their two children, Samantha and Tiffany. His hobbies include karate, karaoke, and bicycling.