(MAGICIAN) the New Generation

If you read my page about the original HTC Magician  you can note that the creation of the page has  
not inspired to the device's success obtained under any brand used only.
One of the reason was also that the Magician has been the first device commercialized showing the
characteristics and dimensions ( 2.8' screen, dimensions like an usual cellular phone) that  you can later
find in many others products and models.
Owing the above i will include into the New Generation not only the HTC models that can represent the
direct evolution of the Magician model (Wizard,Apache and, why no, Galaxy also) but also models of
others producers but in anyway inspired to the above mentioned dimension and style.

I assume that this page will become also a monitor to verify the convergence of two different types of
units (Smartphone of mobile phone origin / Smartphone of pda origin) for which the Magician has been
the starting key to meet together this different units.
About the models shown,  HTC or others producers items, you will find here various informations.For the
models that will become more important you will find increased the relating news and the informations. 

THE TRUE HEIR of the Magician

HTC Wizard - O2 Xda mini pro - I.mate K-Jam - Qtek 9100 - Dopoq 838 - Orange SPV M600 - T.Mobile MDA IV 
                   and also Vodafone Germany HTC Wizard as VPA compact II


We can say that this has been immediately the unit developed to substitute the Magician.
First of all because, with the same form factor, this device adds some of the features that user likes, as the
full sliding qwerty keyboard and the required WiFi connection.
But do not forget the WM 5.0 O.S as the 128Mb of  not volatile memory.
           OPPURE           

 You can see a more detailed real photo review of the two versions HERE

The original Magician was presented in two version with light difference of the main command's  
buttons. As HTC products are usually distributed by many different Brands. In this case also, we
can see more versions of the Wizard that can extend the offer of this unit to differentiate the Client's
offer. You can see here some of the Wizard version
As said above, the innovation with the highest impact is without any doubt
the side sliding qwerty keyboard.      

(a true qwerty keyboard even if within its dimension) even if i think we have to wait some time to
verify if this mobile part will be really useful without problem.
HTC has not been the first to apply this solution on a pda. If i remember well the first side keyboard 
was applied to a Bsquare' pda and is now also used by some smartphone (LG) as you can see below

                          

As said the Wizard (identifies also as HTC Prodigy) will be the substitute of the  Magician as
HTC has been able to add many news without modify the main characteristics, dimensions
and weight of the original device.
We can only say that the line appears less... linear than the previous one unit.
To know better this item  we can quickly see some details of both the phone pdas.

                                                  Wizard                                          Magician
Operating System   Windows Mobile 5.0       Windows Mobile 2003 SE
Wireless LAN            802.11b                      No
EDGE                      Yes                        No
GSM/GPRS         850/900/1800/1900 MHz       850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Bluetooth                 Yes                        Yes
Camera                    Yes                        Yes
Memory            128MB ROM, 64MB RAM         64MB ROM, 64MB RAM *
Memory external      Mini SD slot                  SD slot
Lenght                  108.0 mm                   108.2 mm
With                     58.0 mm                    58.0 mm 
Hight                    23.5 mm                    18.2 mm                                  
Weight                   150 g                      150 g
Battery                1200 mAh                   1200 mAh

*(there are for Qtek (S110) and also for I-Mate versions of the Magician available with 128Mb of RAM)

What you are seeing above does not need any comment. But there is a thing that quite differs from
the original device if you see the  HTC Wizard (whatever brand is used). The Cpu of this unit.
While the Magician used an Intel PXA272 at 416Mhz (that surely represented much appeal for the
user than the Cpu at 195Mhz used with the HP h6340) the Wizard uses a new TI Omap 850  that,
as said about the HP device, will arise many doubts in any potential buyer that search Hi Performance.
It is true, the Cpu has a low speed but this hardware (dual core, i.e. a double processor dedicated to
connections/phone and to the other functions respectively) could surprise the user, and do not forget
that unit uses the new O.S. Windows Mobile 5.0.
All thing to verify in the field, obviously :) anyway the result of Mobile Review comparison show that:

For the moment you can see here the device running in VIDEO or if you wish more you can see many
others Wizard pictures (and details also) HERE (preview by PocketpcItalia) or a more complete photo
album HERE  where you can also find a first list of technical features HERE .
Well, if you are in hurry (or in love), as this device has been already approved by the FCC , you can 
find it at Expansys that has now available within few days the version K-Jam of I.mate .
In my honest opinion it is better, for the moment wait that this model is in stock and to read in the 
meantime more information about this new Wizard (i.mate)

HERE you can find a good Wizard review that is also a comparison between K-Jam and Qtek 9100
and you can also find a full review of the Qtek 9100  HERE with some goods pictures

Compare WIZARD to........
HTC Wizard  VS  HTC Apache 

The current pre-commercialized version appears to show the following characteristics
I-mate K-Jam -- Storage:36.62MB Program: 33.36MB

Rom version: 1.1.9.3
Rom date: 9/16/05
Radio version: 01.01.10
Protocol version: 4.0.13.16
ExtROM version: 1.1.9.104

Last italian version Aku2
Rom version: 2.18.7.3 ITA
Radio version : 02.07.10
Protocol version: 4.13.1.03
ExtROM version: 2.18.7.103

Remember that to connect WM 5.0 to the PC you need the last version of Active Sync
you can dowload HERE the version 4.1

It is always possible to add something. 
Well, when a model is new there are always user/developers that try to discover if it is possible add
new features or add usefull programs. For example on the Wizard:
How to install and to use Microsoft Voice Command 1.50.4333.21 
How to use Microsoft Voice Command 1.50 via Bluetooth headset
Discovered that K-Jam  Extended Rom IS NOT LOCKED….just hidden 
Some other news to create your customized autorun on K-Jam
(Attn.you must know what you are doing before use the istructions and remember that
          the same applies to K-Jam and may not work properly on different branded units)
Use Voice Command Through BT Headset, Avoid Registry Hacking  
How to activate Fast Wi-Fi (802.11g) in all HTC Wizard Pocket PC phone

Some free Software for Wizard and WM 5.0
SmsDiary - this program automatically copies incoming SMS messages into the calendar of
                   a Pocket PC Phone Edition running Windows Mobile 5. It requires the .NET Compact
                   Framework 2.0 (beta) as it uses the new SMS and Pocket Outlook interfaces.  
GB-SOFT Tweak this program appears to offer a better GPRS control under WM 5.0
SMS Notifier - This program allow to handle the incoming calls that are missed (i.e. not answered).
Omap850_Overclock - Cautela questo file è stato postato e sembra incrementare la velocità della Cpu
                                   per ottenere migliori risultati usando skjpe sul Wizard. Molti riportano buoni 
                                   risultati ma non dimenticate che è qualcosa da usare a vostro completo  rischio 
                                   (e non solo per assenza di risultati). Leggete qualsiasi informazione  prima di tutto.
UnRar          - An extractor program for Rar files ad for Zip files also.
Call 2 Contact P.E. - Using this little program (yes it is littke but require Framework:) you will be able 
                                to easily store new contact with phone number at the end of an unknown incoming call 

Some accessories for your Wizard
Screen Protector - http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouch/cleartouch-screen-protector-i-mate-k-jam_734.htm 
Leather case        - http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/8087.htm 
                             - http://www.onppc.com/forum/article_read.asp?id=12   
Cradle                   - http://www.boxwave.com/products/desktopcradle/i-mate-k-jam-desktop-cradle_734.htm

Here you can find a little trick that can help you to handle your PIE cache. 
(Applied to K-Jam also as they said) source PPCThoughts
Here is instead a Trick to improve performance for your WM 5.0 K-Jam 
(It applies to JAMin also)  Source PPCDubai- be carefull
Here instead you can find the way to use the Qtek 9100 as simple Modem to connect a 
notebook to internet source PdaGold 
To tweak the registry of your HTC Wizard and optimize the same you find HERE a long
detailed guide. ATTENTION any change you will apply, following these instructions, is fully
at your Risk. 

THE Magician UPDATED

HTC Prophet as presented in exclusive by msmobiles

         

HTC requested msmobiles to remove all the materia posted about their future models
May be that the above link is broken or empty. Sorry
Anyway you can find HERE some real pictures of the mentioned pda.

The HTC Prophet Windows Mobile 5 PPC Phone Ed. appears to be really, for its dimensions and
form factor the future of the original model Magician. You can see HERE the confirmation of what 
i am saying.   

HERE you can find a quick but complete review of the HTC Prophet commercialized by
QTek as  S200 model.
We have to say that this model appears to be a real update of the original Magician only
as we may note the adding of the WiFi, the version 2.0 of the BT  but others modificaion
also that do not make it srely better of the original model.(Omap cpu at 200 Mhz, same
memory dimension, lowest battery capacity even if WM 5.0 may help.  

If you are unable to wait the Prophet (under the Dopod 818 China brand) is available at Expansys site
but now  you can also find the I-Mate version of the Prophet. Read its review under the name JAMin
of which you can see a further full review HERE
This reviews is in french language but you will find many pictures really more useful than many words

Here is instead a Trick to improve performance for your WM 5.0 JAMin 
(It applies to K-JAM also)  Source PPCDubai- be carefull

THE TRUE ALTERNATIVE of the HTC models

Eten M500 - Torq P100 - Everex E900 and to follow Eten M600 - Laser

As already said, even if the HTC Magician started a sort of fashion (i think) of mini palm/Phone
it is not correct, notwithstanding the HTC model opened the trip, to consider the HTC only.
Eten, that it is not new as producer of palm/Phone devices has been able to create a device 
'Magician Type' that may be easily considered a valid alternative.
As i wrote previously or you like the Magician line or you will never love it. Well, even if it is only 
a marginal thing, also the form of the Eten may be considered a true esthetic alternative.
                               

The device has its own personality, you can still prefer the HTC model, but this phone Edition is a good
item even if is it is slightly bigger. We may check a double list as already done with the previous model
and so you can verify the analogies with the HTC device.

                                           ETEN M500                              Magician                            ETEN M600
Operating System     Windows Mobile 2003 SE         Windows Mobile 2003 SE         Windows Mobile 5.0
Wireless LAN                           No                                         No                                       Yes
EDGE                                        No                                         No                                        No
GSM/GPRS                850/900/1800/1900 MHz           850/900/1800/1900 MHz       850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Bluetooth                               Yes                                        Yes                                       Yes
Camera                                   Yes                                        Yes                                       Yes
Memory                     128MB ROM, 64MB RAM           64MB ROM, 64MB RAM         128MB ROM, 64MB RAM
Memory external                  SD slot                                    SD slot                               SD slot
Lenght                                111.7 mm                                 108.2 mm                         111.7 mm
Width                                   60.7 mm                                   58.0 mm                          60.7 mm 
Hight                                    22.0 mm                                  18.2 mm                           22.0 mm
Weight                                   170 g                                       150 g                               165 g
Battery                               1440 mAh                                1200 mAh                          1440 mAh

Anyway we are speaking of analogies not of a clone model. The demostration is to find, for example
a 128Mb Rom by default a sligtly bigger battery. Even if the Cpu Samsung runs at 400Mhz and  the 
is bigger the authonomy of both device is about the same. (may be for a less optimized system) but
surely the Rom at 128Mb is a good ace for this model. I refer to the upgrade of the devica to the new 
Microsoft WM 5.0 O.S. that can hel you to mantain the unit value without the need for you to buy the
future M600 that will offer WM 5.0 natively.
Well, the Eten is anyway a good alternative if we add also to the offer its cradle and a good quantity
of software at a competitive price.

ACCESSORIES:
Various accessories are available HERE
If you need some screen's protector for M500 as well for the coming M600 see HERE

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Eten M600 - Laser   

If you are awaiting for the Eten M600 instead you can fimd here the FIRST REVIEW  

But please note that the model is already available  so i think we will see several others review
quickly.


SORRY FOR THE DELAY of the Asus


The Asus unit was presented before the first news about the HTC Magician, if i remenber well.
Unfortunately, owing to the long time elapsed before to make this model available, caused the presentation
of an obsolete p505 model in a market where much more modern units were already available
We can only wait the new p515 running WM 5.0 and UMTS (as rumors say). You can read more HERE
Stay tuned.

THE SMARTPHONES Plus inspired by HTC Magician model

Quanta ( O2 XDA Atom )

Even if the producer is not  HTC but QUANTA, the model, that is still not available in the market, represents
a further step to go nearest to the smartphone offering some additional functions, already used in cellular 
phone but not present in handhelds 'Magician style' 
       
This model has a reduced dimension if you compare it with the original Magician. Measures are only
102 x 58 x 18.5 mm  and the display is only 2.7' but a 320x240 and showing  262000 colors.
Notwithstanding the smaller dimentions the unit offers a 2.1 Mpixel photocamera, GSM/GPRS/EDGE 
and also Wifi and BT. Totally new for a pda phone is the radio FM and the double speaker in the front
that are characteristics that you can find easiest in smartphone.
In this case you do not find the keyboard usually more requested by the handhelds users while we 
have to remember, that using WM 5.0, it is possible to use this small device using a single hand.  
For the momentt this model appears to be available only thru O2 in Asia named XDA Atom and priced
from USD.800 to 1400 still to define within the end of the year.
you can read HERE a preview from which i got these notes but you can also see HERE the first pictures.
Well, it is an opinion of mine , but the device appears really valid so i will not be surprised to see it sold
worlwide also even if during the next year. 
In the meantime you can find HERE a lot of pictures of this unit  and the last rumors about its producers. 
In the meantime the XDA Atom has been officially presented at See2.com

Here you can find a first review of thi good unit that it is unknown if it will be distributed in Europe (it
is already available in Asia). The linked review is Thai but there are a lot of pictures. 
And now a good review is also available HERE 
A Look into the Atom. No it is not an universitary lesson:-)

A GUY WHO KNOW HIS STREET

Mitac Mio A701 


The Mio a701 is an outsider in this roundup about the heirs of the original Magician.
To say the truth this model i the only other unit that can be compared with a standard mobile phone
in addition of some of the HTC model. 
This is due to the screen reduced to 2.7' (like the model HTC Athena) that with the use of the virtual 
tough number pad made of this device a pretty candy bar phone. What you can see in the left corner
reveals the GPS system included and with other service BT,GSM,GPRS could be a good unit. 

This item now is available as Pre-Order. But i think that it may be better to wait to know more about
this unit. 
HERE you can find some real pictures of the unit  as presented at  3GSM

(page in construction)