electronics O2 XDA Exec – ideal for business on the move opinions and reviews

O2 XDA Exec – ideal for business on the move

Like most O2 models, the Xda Exec also triggers an acquisitive impulse because of its looks that promise superior performance and admiring glances.

This handheld is more of a palmtop from which you can make calls. It scores high in each department - design, function and ease of operation.

Great come-hither looks: black-clamshell structure with a swiveling screen and a QWERTY keyboard. And even better stuff inside: the Windows Mobile 5 operating system with a suite of software that includes Office applications such as Word Mobile, Excel Mobile (a.k.a. Pocket Word and Pocket Excel in other O2 models) and PowerPoint - a recent feature in the O2 line.

The packet includes a pocket version of the browser, synchronization software as well as a contacts and diary software

The Intel processor with 520MHz processing speed justifies the large and complex bundle of applications. Plus, it also supports 3G – a recent feature in O2s. You need this kind of speed for making video calls, high-speed downloading. We know what you’re thinking: that’s the kind of speed required even for making VoIP calls using Skype service. You can’t do that on this phone, of course, because no mobile operator would want you making free calls.

For making video calls you have a camera right next to the screen. The back of the handset has another camera for videos and stills of up to 1,280 x 960 pixels. You would miss a self-portrait mirror.

For wireless connectivity, you have class 10 GPRS, Bluetooth and WiFi.

The wireless headset would be more comfortable, compared to the handset itself, while making voice calls.

The 3.6 diag. inch, 640 x 480 pixel screen rotates to allow maximum comfort while operating it. The visual/text contents on it also change accordingly, alternating between portrait and landscape formats.

The screen is touch-sensitive and has two soft menu buttons which are context-sensitive. And as it can be swiveled completely outwards, the phone can be used as a tablet PC.

The storage capacity is another sign to suggest the product dev. chaps have really thought it through: 128MB of flash memory and 64MB of RAM. If that isn’t enough an SD card slot allows you to expand storage capacity.

When you have a product so sophisticated, there just have to be some flaws. Because experience tells us that nothing in life is perfect. The poor sound quality in the Exec is a major downside. The stereo speakers on the sides of the keyboard simply have no business being here in an otherwise impressive product. Lastly, its weight of 25g may really be a bit heavy for your pocket.