T-Mobile SDA Discussion

imported_hyedipin · 04-18-06, 05:32 PM

Since we did not have (yet) specific category for mobile phones, I thought I would start up a topic about a handset, and begin with T-Mobile SDA (A.K.A. HTC Tornado, SP5m).

I would like to hear what owners of SDA like and dislike most about this unit, and also those who bought it with expectation of getting one thing but got something else, could be for positive or negative. For example expecting it to be buggy and slow but it is actually smooth running and speedy at times. Or a lot of background noise being picked up from the mic but actually it does not pick up that much, although it is a candybar type handset.

I am considering getting an SDA, and eventually reviewing it for Mobilitysite, however, since it won't be a trial unit, and will be my primary unit, I don't want to have to return it. If we have anyone in the crowd who can provide some prilimanary feedback, I would appreciate it. For example, does it run J2ME ? Have you had any problems installing what should be a compatible piece of software. Another point is how is the e-mail options, can we set it up to get headers only via wi-fi?

Some Features and Specs:

Size: 4.53 x 1.82 x 0.69
Weight: 3.74 ounches
Processor Speed: 200 MHz*
Processor Type TI OMAP 730
Processor Type TI OMAP 730
Included battery: Li-Ion
Talk time: Up to 4.5 hours
Standby time: Up to 8 days
Band (frequency): 850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz
Instant messaging: Yahoo!®, MSN®, and AOL®*
Bluetooth® wireless technology
Speakerphone
E-Mail integration options
1.3 Megapixel camera
Video camera
Windows Media Player
Expandable mini SD memory slot
T-Mobile Internet ready (GPRS & EDGE)
Wi-Fi (802.11b) ready*

For full feature list, please click here:

Image Source: Club iMate

imported_hyedipin · 04-22-06, 01:12 PM

hello everyone
i am posting this from my t-mobile sda
t9 works wonders
review coming up

mingkee · 05-03-06, 04:35 PM

I am interested in this phone too
but I am also interested in Qtek 8310 (same Tornado)
the only thing I concern is: reception (esp 1900)
by hofo, SDA is slow searching signal...
I also would like to use A2DP (bt stereo) too

imported_hyedipin · 05-03-06, 09:02 PM

I can't say much about reception, it hasn't failed me once yet. Time to time it needs a reboot, and reboot takes approx. 1 minute. The connectivity (or disconnectivity) is mainly microsoft issue.
Also another thing that bothers me is the ear/speaker volume, which is impossible to lower to very low levels, so if the other side is shouting, watch out, no way to lower it down to almost non.

mingkee · 05-27-06, 03:00 PM

I have SDA now
it's a great machine
but, I want to find out how can I force install pocket pc apps (through cab file modification, registry hack)

imported_hyedipin · 05-27-06, 10:35 PM

I wouldn't suggest forcing to install pocket PC apps, you would also need to emulate the stylus as well.

harleyxlc · 05-27-06, 10:48 PM

I haven't seen anything about forcing PPC apps. Really, any of my "must have" apps in my K-JAM are available for my SDA. Either the exact software (like Code Wallet) or something similar (like Papyrus). Even a Slingbox beta is out :)

imported_hyedipin · 05-28-06, 10:46 AM

I have done a few homescreens, using all of the available plugins, both oem and third party dll's.. But what I saw on the Moto Q is interesting. Since Q is nothing but a thinner SDA with awkward resolution, i believe we should be able to get our hands on those News and other plugins that are on the verizon home screen. If anyone has a Q, could you please zip your /application data/home folder (home) and share with us? I would like to examine the home.xml's and see how they are using those plugins.

Thank You

mingkee · 05-29-06, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by Huseyin Yedipinar

I wouldn't suggest forcing to install pocket PC apps, you would also need to emulate the stylus as well.

I have an application MUST be forced to install
Monster Chinese
I use it to add Chinese support on my SDA, and it must be done
too bad there's no smartphone ver, only pocket pc ver

imported_dgreening · 06-22-06, 09:22 AM

To stay on the subject of the SDA. Does anyone know how to use a MP3 song for a ringtone? Is there a folder that I need to add the songs too?

imported_hyedipin · 06-22-06, 09:38 AM

Drop them into my documents/my sounds or anywhere in your Storage Card (MiniSD). When you go to settings, sounds, they will appear under ringtone selection.

mingkee · 06-25-06, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by dgreening

To stay on the subject of the SDA. Does anyone know how to use a MP3 song for a ringtone? Is there a folder that I need to add the songs too?

simply put the audio file into SD root directory
SDA supports mid, wav, mp3, wma, asf audio

Cellulartraders · 04-17-07, 11:57 AM

I have seen it in the CTIA show 2007. I is ok