Shown for the first time at CeBIT in a switched on state, Jørgen Sundgot takes measure of T-Mobile's new MDA IV communicator.
To be quite honest with you, these early product launches are starting to get on my nerves. These days, it seems a number of manufacturers and mobile network operators have decided that the earlier they can create buzz about a new and upcoming device, the better, and to hell with actually having something tangible beyond a plastic dummy and hurting sales of currently available devices.
When T-Mobile's MDA IV was unveiled not long ago, this was yet one of those cases where the above mentioned prove true - but fortunately, the operator had the wits about it to show the MDA IV in a switched on state here at CeBIT 2005, albeit tucked away out of reach behind a glass cover.
 | | T-Mobile MDA IV |
To be powered by a 520 MHz processor and the next generation of Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform, the MDA IV is highly anticipated due to it being the very first Windows Mobile based device with support for UMTS-based 3G. Interestingly, information presented along with the device here at CeBIT lists its GSM support as being quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz as opposed to the previously claimed tri-band support; all for the better.
In addition, the MDA IV also offers conventional GPRS, as well as 128 MB of RAM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11b, and will also be the very first Windows Mobile based communicator to boast a VGA display.
Speaking of the display, this is of the swivel variety, allowing use of the MDA IV in either tablet style or palmtop style configurations. The latter provides access to the QWERTY thumbboard of the device, which appears to be quite usable by the looks of it; yet perhaps with a finish a tad on the glossy side.
 | | T-Mobile MDA IV |
Running a demonstration loop of among other things Windows Media Player 10, the MDA IV - as expected - did not appear to have any issues with performance even when running high-resolution video in full screen mode. With a bit of luck, this will also apply to video calls as the MDA IV boasts dual cameras - one 1.3 Megapixel and one 0.3 Megapixel - to allow for such a scenario.
All of these features come at a cost, however, since the MDA IV is likely one of the largest Windows Mobile based communicators to be released. Stretching into the domain of palmtops, which are an entirely different breed, I have a sneaky feeling it might just end up falling between two chairs. It remains the first - and only, for now - alternative with 3G, however, and for this reason I'm sure everyone else will be as interested as I am in the MDA IV.
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