The Fall of the TyTN II (3/3)
i-mate Ultimate 9502 with Windows Mobile 6 Professional
BENCHMARKS
Spb Benchmark hasn't been updated in ages, but we still use it because it gives us some insight into how one device performs in comparison with others.
Here, the TyTN II does better in the file system index.
Though in the CPU index, the Ultimate ranks higher.
BATTERY
So how'd we do on battery life given all the power-hungry features of the 9502? Well, you'll be surprised. For three days, I succumbed the 9502 to 75% screen brightness, moderate internet browsing over UMTS and HSDPA, several sessions of GPS usage, and a dozen calls (with speakerphone usage). At the end of each day, which concluded a 14-hour period of time, I had 10-15% of my battery remaining. As long as it gets me through the day during periods of heavy usage, and the 9502 passes this test (barely, mind you), I'm happy.
HELP SUPPORT
The 9502 comes with a very comprehensive manual, should you need to turn to it, that explains the functionality of Windows Mobile in great detail, plus the unique features of the 9502.
BUGS AND WISHES
I'm sure you've guessed by now that the 9502 isn't cheap. Well, you're right. Prices are around $830 USD for this unit, which, although is as much as a solid laptop, is also about the same price of the HTC TyTN II when it first became available.
The phone is huge and it's no looker, either. It's not built to be pretty, it's built to be a powerhouse, and at that it succeeds quite well. Bringing this out on a Saturday night may have some of your friends question if you've brought a brick with you in your pocket, but you'll be sure to impress them with its fancy screen and snappy performance. =D
Ah, the keyboard. Surely i-mate could have made the keyboard closer in size to that of the TyTN II. Though as with any new keyboard, becoming used to it is just a matter of time, I fear that for some with oversized hands, the keyboard on the 9502 could be out of the realm of comfort.
And here's a weird one - in order to use the GPS on the 9502, you must first enable it from the Wireless Manager. Is this an issue of battery life? Why can't the program using the GPS determine when to turn on the GPS?
PURCHASING
I should recap that because this is a Quadband unlocked phone, you can use it on the T-Mobile and AT&T network in the US. If you do a Froogle search, you'll find the Ultimate 9502 selling for about $830 USD. If you want to save a few dollars, email our friends at Negri Electronics via info@negrielectronics.com. They can take a few dollars off of the price you see floating out there.
PROS
- Excellent performance
VGA screen
Sidekick-like form factor
GPS/WiFi/HSDPA
TV-out
Solid build quality
- Outstanding speakerphone
- Scroll wheel
- Decent battery life
Above-average photo quality with mechanical autofocus
CONS
Expensive
Big, bulky, and heavy
- Small keyboard
- GPS initiation requires extra step
| Value |  |
| Ease of Use |  |
| Features |  |
Overall |
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OVERALL IMPRESSION
I think that Adam Lein said it best in his review of the TyTN II: The TyTN II truly is the ultimate mobile companion... at least for now
. That was written in September of 2007, and no longer is the TyTN II the best. The 9502 is faster, (a bit) thinner, and more enjoyable
to use than the TyTN II. The 9502 is the no compromise, "ultimate" mobile companion that money can buy as of the date of this review. It's expensive, and it's going to leave a bulk in your pocket, but if you want the most capable Windows Mobile device yet, this is it.
