HTC Advantage 7501 (Unlocked)

by HTC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.8 x 0.6 inches ; 12.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000OQGG6M
• Item model number: Advantage 7501
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,619 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The most powerful mobile office to date, the HTC Advantage 7501 is lighter, more compact, and more portable that even the smallest PC notebook. Offering online connectivity anytime, anywhere, it's the ideal companion for the business traveller who needs instant access to email and the capability to view and edit on-network Microsoft Office documents, including Excel, Word, or PowerPoint files. It includes a thin, magnetically connected QWERTY keyboard and a brightly colorful 5-inch LCD screen. And with its 3G cellular (HSDPA-ready), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities, you stay connected to the world.

With the Windows Mobile 6 operating system, you can view and edit Word and Excel documents as well as keep in contact with associates using the Windows Live Messenger IM application. (See more details about Windows Mobile 6 below.) The included Outlook Mobile software offers up-to-date e-mail, calendar and contact information. If you use the Advantage 7501 in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange Server, you can get instant e-mail from your work account as well as enhanced security features that let you clear data from a device if it is stolen or require high-security passwords to access information.

The full QWERTY keyboard attaches to the touchscreen magnetically for easy laptop-style input.

For storage, it provides an on-board 8 GB flash memory and can be expanded using miniSD memory cards. Use the TV Out feature to output contents on the screen onto an external display such as a Projector or TV when doing presentations or sharing photos. It also features a 3-megapixel camera with autofocus and a built-in flash.

Its 5-inch VGA color touchscreen and innovative, magnetic QWERTY keyboard are ideal not just for editing Microsoft Office documents, but also for enjoying leisure time. You can watch videos, browse the web, use instant Outlook push e-mail, synchronize your contacts, tasks, and calendar.

Running the Windows Mobile 6, the HTC Advantage 7501 provides familiar Microsoft tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Power of a PC
The HTC Advantage 7501 has a huge 8 GB hard drive, 256 MB of ROM and 128 MB of RAM combined with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0, so you can run your most demanding business applications and store all the documents and files you need. It runs on the 624 MHz Intel XScale PXA270 CPU with with an ATi W2284 graphic chip.

Global connectivity
With its always-on, high-speed global connectivity, the Advantage 7501 keeps you in contact and contactable worldwide. As well as your email being "pushed" to you instantly, you can wirelessly synchronise files when away from the office so you're always up to speed with what's going on in your world.

Communication choices
The Advantage 7501's on-board Wi-Fi and stereo Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities open up a world of communication options. It also supports the GPRS data protocol, as well as the high-speed EDGE wireless data service and UMTS 3G wireless broadband. (Note that 2100 Mhz UMTS service is not offered by any U.S. carrier.)

Performance
The Advantage has been optimized for outstanding performance, whether it is to deliver the best possible web browsing experience or to give you up to 8 hours of battery life and 5.5 hours of talk time.

Easy to use
The Advantage 7501 has a large 5-inch touch screen, ensuring you can easily view and work on your documents, while the detachable QWERTY keyboard makes it simple for you to work with everyday office applications. The color, transreflective LCD screen has a 640 x 480-pixel

Take photos
The integrated 3-megapixel autofocus camera takes high-quality images (, 2048 x 1536 pixels), so you need never miss a moment. You can then safely store your pictures on the Advantage's hard drive, or onto an optional MiniSD memory card. You can also shoot videos (352 x 288 pixels at 15 frames per second) in 3GPP and MPEG4 formats.

Multimedia entertainment
The 8 GB hard drive can store up to 5 hours of video, 2000 songs or 25,000 photos taken on the built-in, auto focus camera. You can also enjoy high-quality video and music streamed to the Advantage over EDGE and HSDPA networks. Use the TV Out feature to output contents on the screen onto an external display such as a projector or TV when doing presentations or sharing photos.

Vital Statistics
The Advantage 7501 weighs 12.7 ounces and measures 3.85 x 5.25 x 0.62 inches. Its 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.5 hours of talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Powered by Windows Mobile 6

Windows Mobile 6 adds power to your mobile office with up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars.

Edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets on your phone, just as you would on your desktop/laptop PC.

Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6 updates the Windows Mobile 5 platform with a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.

With Windows Mobile 6, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.

• Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
• With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
• PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
• After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.

Product Description

Developed from the ground up to be extremely portable, the HTC Advantage liberates the traveling executive from their bulky notebook PC. The HTC Advantage packs powerful productivity features into a unique and innovative design that is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or purse. Based on the new Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Professional software platform, the HTC Advantage includes Outlook Mobile for quick access to email, calendar and contacts and Office Mobile enabling the creation and editing of Microsoft Office documents. The HTC Advantage includes a thin, magnetically connected QWERTY keyboard and advanced connectivity with Tri-Band UMTS/HSDPA, Quad-Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi. In addition, the HTC Advantage enables powerful navigation capabilities with built-in GPS navigation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

144 of 146 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HTC Advantage after 3 weeks, August 4, 2007

By 

Q Tran (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HTC Advantage 7501 (Unlocked) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

I got mine about 3 weeks ago and have been running it through its paces ever since. Before getting an X7501, you have to realize that this thing is really a mini-laptop/mega-smartphone. It was made for a person who prefers a single device with convergent technologies, the more the better. Besides making calls, I use it to navigate with its built in GPS, surf the web with Opera and/or Explorer via HSDPA/WiFi and run all kinds of windows mobile apps (from a TI-89 emulator to XCOM: UFO Defense). I have plenty of space for several GB worth of music/movies and the 3 megapixel camera is nice (especially the panoramic feature). Oh, and I can cut and paste text too, unlike a certain other iDevice I know... hihi.

Pros:

-The SIM chip from my old AT&T 8125 worked fine with no issues. I was immediately able to access the 3G/HSDPA network (I had been stuck with just EDGE before on the 8125). I have used the X7501 between Princeton NJ and Washington DC with no issues to 3G availability. Subjectively, transfer rates seem to be noticeably quicker than EDGE (several times faster). I had issues with slow Google Maps loading on EDGE, but HSDPA makes the application functional and practical to use while driving.

-WiFi connected just fine. WEP encryption was straightforward and easy to configure.

-Bluetooth headset works fine, but sound quality varies depending on the headset. I use a plantronics voyager 510 for calls (good sound) and Southwing 505 for music (some noise). You can also answer calls using the speaker phone or an included wired microphone. The microphone jack is 1/16" so you can use regular headphones with it to listen to music, but you will have to get an adapter for regular wired microphones or just go with bluetooth.

-I can't tell you how nice it is to have a 5" diagonal screen to surf the web and watch video with. The screen is even big enough to edit Excel and Word documents without going blind.

-There was a nice attachment cable included that allows you to output to a Monitor or TV if it has the connector.

-8GB microdrive AND miniSDHC slot. The 2GB card I have worked fine. I'll have to get a 4GB card to test the high capacity. 8GB+miniSDHC means I have effectively unlimited storage and can transfer files easily.

-WM6 has a feature which now allows applications to truly close when you press X button. No more of that annoying need to go into settings/memory/close all hassle.

-So far, most applications I loaded onto the X7501 work fine:
TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) works. I was able to load and watch an .avi movie. I'll have to watch a long movie all the way through during my next flight out of town to test for stuttering midway through.
Skype installed and worked just fine. No complaints.
OctroTalk (for free GoogleTalk) works fine. No complaints.
VTI Pocket Emulator (free TI-89 scientific calculator emulator) works well. Slightly laggy, but usable. I was able to take derivatives and integrate functions just like on a normal TI-89. Not sure about loading programs to do Laplace transforms etc, but that's hardly a concern for 99.99% people.
GSPlayer was able to play Shoutcast music streams without a problem. HSDPA allows for higher bitrates than I was normally able to listen to using EDGE.
XCOM: UFO Defense (free old PC turn based game ported to WM) worked, although I had to switch to vertical mode.

-Comes with both Windows Explorer and Opera installed. I prefer Opera's tabular browsing and have been using it almost exclusively.

-Battery is removable, so having a spare battery is possible and even recommended. Battery life seems "okay", but I have not done a real runtime test yet. For the most part, I have had it plugged in a lot (either my car adapter for GPS or my laptop at work to stream music). WiFi and bluetooth do seem to run the battery down quickly. I wouldn't count on more than 3 hours of continuous browsing and streaming media.

-Using a universal USB charging port allows for a lot of recharging options and is compatible with my other portable electronics so I carry fewer plugs/cables. Works with my emergency usb charger.

-Nice complimentary leather wallet, screen protector and extra pen included. Small stuff counts!

Cons:

-Out of the box the intro screen says, "Test Only - Not for Sale". A little disconcerting but the unit works fine, so I plan on keeping it. I ordered my X7501 through Amazon a month before release. Hopefully later units don't have this.

-No stand alone GPS software like TomTom or iNavigator. It has Google Maps (which uses the GPS to track and show your location but this requires a data link (HSDPA or WiFi) to download maps, plot routes and get traffic info. It also has TeleNav Navigator (which is a subscription based payware GPS nav system)

-iNavigator 2.1.2 GPS software wouldn't recognize the 8GB microdrive. This was disappointing, but I am thinking of getting OCN6 to run on it since their website claims WM6/X7500 compatibility.

-FreeOTFE(Free On The Fly Encryption) wouldn't install correctly. I couldn't create an encrypted volume. I'll have to do more research to see what the problem is or if it's a PEBKAC error.

-There's no way to get around it. The X7501 is bulky. It fits fine in a pair of cargo pants, but is uncomfortable in a pair of khakis or jeans. It just barely fits. Get a bluetooth headset. You look like an idiot holding this to your ear.

-No vibrate mode to receive calls.

-The VueFlow operation seems kind of gimmicky to me. Basically, the screen will pan up/down/left/right by varying degrees depending on how much you tilt the screen. There's potential here, but it often moves when I don't want it to, so I've disabled it.

Parting Thoughts:

The HTC Advantage X7501 does everything it is advertised to do and is a significant upgrade from a 8125 or even 8525. I chose this over the iPhone because I prefer more functionality when I travel and work. Thats exactly what I got, but at the cost of size and weight. I'll definitely be keeping my other older (and smaller) cell phone around to carry if I want to travel light. On the road however, this is the king of PDAs. I haven't seen anything out there that has the same set of features in one package.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect portable computer., August 29, 2007

By 

Robert Thornburgh - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HTC Advantage 7501 (Unlocked) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

Got mine two weeks ago and I love it! It does everything I need it to do very well. I was looking for something to take with me on short business trips (I am in aviation) so I wouldn't have to lug my laptop with me and the 7501 fits the bill perfectly.

The screen is large enough so that i don't have to squint to see what's on it (the biggest problem I have with PDA phones like my 8125), yet small enough that I'm not broadcasting everything I am doing half way across an airport terminal. The way the keyboard attatches to the PDA is the best I have seen yet. It is held by a magnet which is strong enough to hold the screen even if you turn the whole package upside down. This setup also removes breakable cables from the picture. You can not position the screen to any other viewing level this way, but the tilt angle you're stuck with is very good when placed on a table or desk.

I had no problems whatsoever with installing the ATT SIM card from my 8125 and making phone calls. I had some concern because I have read reviews elsewhere that mentioned once the 7501 goes to sleep you can not use your bluetooth headset to wake it up and place calls using your voice tags. I am happy to report that this is not the case. The 7501 is rather bulky to be taking it out of your pocket to turn on just to make a phone call, and this would have been a deal-breaker for me.

This brings us to the size of the unit. It is LARGE, and even if it came with a carrying case that included a belt clip (it does not) you probably wouldn't feel comfortable with it hanging off your belt. If you don't wear the type of pants that have that large extra pocket below the regular pocket you will either have to update your wardrobe or get used to carrying this thing around. I don't consider this to be a drawback because I was looking for a larger screen, but it is something you will need to consider before you buy a 7501.

I have not seen a device anywhere that compares to this for size and features and I am very happy with my purchase, but there are a few reasons why it only gets four stars out of five. One is that the keyboard is not lighted. The screen does not light up the keyboard enough in a dark room to see what you are doing and this can be a real problem but, hey, I have the same issue with my laptop keyboard.

Another issue is the memory card slot. You have to remove the battery to change it. I don't expect to have to do this a lot because of the onboard 8 GB hard drive, but if I want to transfer a file quickly to another computer it would be easier to simply pop the memory card out like I can with my 8125 and just about any other PDA out there.

Which brings us to MS ActiveSync. Every time Microsoft releases a version of this the features are fewer and the program takes longer and more frustration to get it to work. To be fair this is not a problem with the unit but is still something you need to be aware of. Windows Mobile 6.0, on the other hand, is the best mobile version Microsoft has come out with yet and is a pleasure to use.

All in all I am happy with it and I would recommend it to anyone.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Super PDA., September 9, 2007

By 

Warone (Clarksville, TN) - See all my reviews

Pros:
Fantastic Screen, Bright, Very Well Designed. This is a large screen oversized PDA. It works well for what it was designed for. Video, Phone, GPS, WIFI, Connectivity. Comes with Word, Excel, and PPT Viewer etc. Works with PocketPc software. Google it. PPC software is everywere.

Cons:
Bigger than most PDAs. Fits in my pocket barely. Expensive.

Full user opinion
Yes it's expensive but this gadget does it all. This PDA rocks. The GPS is super fast starting and works very well with IGO/MyWay software. I think it's better than my wife's NUVI GPS. Reading E-books and reviewing my vacation pictures is a joy now. No eye strain. The Wifi and Phone features are another gain. Hands free is easy with a Bluetooth earpiece (Not included). If you can afford it, buy this super PDA. There are many other features. It comes with a keyboard that is usable but I use FITALY or the QWERTY on screen keyboard anyway. I can easily type faster on this than the tiny weenie phone keyboard like the TREO and others like it. Received mine from Tiger Direct in less than a week with normal mailing. I've had mine for 2 weeks now and I just love it. I think you will too!