106 replies to this topic

[sporkguy]

RE: topic title.. its the 'HTC Star100' not 'HTC 100'

[gerryr]

sporkguy, on May 30 2006, 20:41, said:

RE: topic title.. its the 'HTC Star100' not 'HTC 100'

I know, the pic I saw had the prophet, the tornado and the startrek (qtek 8500) side by side and at least in the width dept. it wasn't alot narrower than the prophet and was wider that the tornado.

gR

[machiavell1]

gerryr, on May 30 2006, 20:30, said:

Couple of questions if you dont mind? (the bain of being one of the 1st to get the handset    )

Is it big?  I know its seriously slim when open but when closed does it feel big in the hand?  Saw pic of it beside a prophet and it didn't exactly look tiny beside it.

How easy is the keypad to use?  Do you find you press but it doesn't register the press?

and last but not least, does it look like the screen comes into contact with the keypad at all when closed?  They both look like they could from the pics, have seen this happen on laptops before and it lead to markings on the screen.

Thanks and I hope your enjoying the phone you lucky ..........

atb
gR

Happy to answer -

1. It's about as big as a Motorola Razr. Narrower but also a bit longer when opened. Doesn't feel big at all although initially feels a bit long. You get used to it very quickly (I did with Razr also). Certainly does not feel  or look big in the hand.

2. Keypad is easy. Again, a bit like a Razr's to use. Took a little time to get used to it as the keys aren't as separated as the Razr's (feels more like 1 sheet if you like) but again got used to it very quickly. Fine to type with and always registers the press without fail.

3. Screen has 2 little plugs which raise it slightly although I think there will be small marks on the screen if your keys aren't clean. Haven't had or noticed marks yet but I used to have them with my Razr and fully expect them in due course on this one.

Been all in all lovely to use except for the blasted MMS I can't get working.

[shadieb]

machiavell1,

If you don't mind me askiing, where did you actually get one from so soon?
I would love to get hold of one of these and the dates at Expansys keeps changing. not giving me any confidence to put a pre-order in. I phone Direct Mobile Accessories place who said it wasn't in stock and no idea when it will be

Any suggestions on where to source one now?

Many thanks for the help.

[gerryr]

cheers mate, just ordered one from Expansys, now to wait  

g

[fluffcat1]

sporkguy, on May 30 2006, 20:41, said:

RE: topic title.. its the 'HTC Star100' not 'HTC 100'

Actually, according to HTC's own website, it's now the HTC STRTrk, although when I started the topic it was known as the HTC 100 and HTC Startrek, but I have already corrected myself as below...

fluffcat1, on May 18 2006, 20:27, said:

For what I assume to be copyright / trademark resons it's the HTC STRTrk now although the official pictures are still labelled 'startrek'.

"08 May 2006, London: HTC, the global leader in Microsoft® Windows Mobile® based devices, today launched its greatly anticipated STRTrk handset. Available in black, silver or pink; it is the first music-focused clamshell Smartphone to pack great entertainment features into an ultra slim, design-led shell as well as offering the option of syncing into the office to update emails and documents. "

"Availability:
The HTC STRTrk (Qtek 8500) is available from week three June, 2006 from key distribution partner, 20:20 Logistics, Europe's largest independent Sim-Free handset distributor. RRP is £á499 (inc. VAT) "


Richard

Richard

[Untouchab1e]

Well, I am so anxious to give this phone a spin. Therefore, if you dont mind, i have some questions about the device as well

1: First, and most important. How is the battery life? Its got a Litium-Ion 750 mAH, while the Qtek 8310 (or SP5m) got a a Litium-Ion 1050 mAH, and still doesnt last more then 1-3 days during normal use. Does the Qtek 8500 appear to be significantly poorer?

2: How is the camera compared to SP5m (Qtek 8310)? I know Qtek 8500 is fitted with improved camera electronics, just curious as to how much better it actually is.

3: How is the build quality? Are there any hints of "bad-sounds" when using the device?

4: How responsive is the phone? Any noticable lag in the menues etc? (The phone is fitted with the same CPU as the Qtek 8310, so shouldnt be a problem though )

5: On a scale from 1-6, how would you rate the phone? and why?

EDIT: Oh and i almost forgot the nearly most important question! What color is the keypad-backlight?

Thanks so much!

Edited by Untouchab1e, 31 May 2006 - 07:40 PM.

[machiavell1]

shadieb, on May 30 2006, 20:58, said:

machiavell1,

If you don't mind me askiing, where did you actually get one from so soon?
I would love to get hold of one of these and the dates at Expansys keeps changing. not giving me any confidence to put a pre-order in. I phone Direct Mobile Accessories place who said it wasn't in stock and no idea when it will be

Any suggestions on where to source one now?

Many thanks for the help.

Mine is a pre-release but final version. Release should be within the month in Europe as I understand it.

[machiavell1]

Untouchab1e, on May 31 2006, 20:20, said:

Well, I am so anxious to give this phone a spin. Therefore, if you dont mind, i have some questions about the device as well

1: First, and most important. How is the battery life? Its got a Litium-Ion 750 mAH, while the Qtek 8310 (or SP5m) got a a Litium-Ion 1050 mAH, and still doesnt last more then 1-3 days during normal use. Does the Qtek 8500 appear to be significantly poorer?

2: How is the camera compared to SP5m (Qtek 8310)? I know Qtek 8500 is fitted with improved camera electronics, just curious as to how much better it actually is.

3: How is the build quality? Are there any hints of "bad-sounds" when using the device?

4: How responsive is the phone? Any noticable lag in the menues etc? (The phone is fitted with the same CPU as the Qtek 8310, so shouldnt be a problem though )

5: On a scale from 1-6, how would you rate the phone? and why?

EDIT: Oh and i almost forgot the nearly most important question! What color is the keypad-backlight?

Thanks so much!

No probs although phone is not with me right now so can't tell you what the back light is without checking (don't notice these things...).

1. Battery life has been good but not amazing - about the same as my old Razr or C600 (never had a sp5 which has wifi which will affect things). I am getting about 2 days with a few calls and lots of playing around with it, bit of bluetooth and push email enabled etc.

2. Camera is again ok for MMS and small snapshots - 1.3m, so was as my Razr. Can't remember compared to my C600. Nowhere near as good as my w810i which took decent photos (but that's not surprising!)

3. Build quality is very good. no creaks or loose parts and well put together. Sound quality good and reception seems pretty good. Keypad not as good as Razrs but seems pretty solid and responsive.

4. Good response. I have loaded it with software and plug ins, and it hasn't crashed once or lagged excessively. Bit of timer when you first load something but not for long and once programs are loaded they come up pretty quickly thereafter so once you have checked inbox or calendar, it flashes up quickly. Pure phone (as opposed to program) functions are sharp and lag free.

5. Why 1-6? I would rate it 5. It would get a 6 if the MMS wasn't such a PITA! I seem now to be able to send MMS, but the phone still tells me the MMS was unsuccessful, and also I can't seem to receive. Otherwise it has been great. Push email has been flawless. Really good. Tried mail2web and now 4smartphone using my gmail. I am also syncing my gmail calendar with Outlook using the connector I found on msmobiles so I have my GCal on there also! Excellent.

[Untouchab1e]

machiavell1, on Jun 1 2006, 00:54, said:

No probs although phone is not with me right now so can't tell you what the back light is without checking (don't notice these things...).

1. Battery life has been good but not amazing - about the same as my old Razr or C600 (never had a sp5 which has wifi which will affect things). I am getting about 2 days with a few calls and lots of playing around with it, bit of bluetooth and push email enabled etc.

2. Camera is again ok for MMS and small snapshots - 1.3m, so was as my Razr. Can't remember compared to my C600. Nowhere near as good as my w810i which took decent photos (but that's not surprising!)

3. Build quality is very good. no creaks or loose parts and well put together. Sound quality good and reception seems pretty good. Keypad not as good as Razrs but seems pretty solid and responsive.

4. Good response. I have loaded it with software and plug ins, and it hasn't crashed once or lagged excessively. Bit of timer when you first load something but not for long and once programs are loaded they come up pretty quickly thereafter so once you have checked inbox or calendar, it flashes up quickly. Pure phone (as opposed to program) functions are sharp and lag free.

5. Why 1-6? I would rate it 5. It would get a 6 if the MMS wasn't such a PITA! I seem now to be able to send MMS, but the phone still tells me the MMS was unsuccessful, and also I can't seem to receive. Otherwise it has been great. Push email has been flawless. Really good. Tried mail2web and now 4smartphone using my gmail. I am also syncing my gmail calendar with Outlook using the connector I found on msmobiles so I have my GCal on there also! Excellent.

Thanks loads for the info! Btw, which version of the phone do you have? the one with three circles on the keypad (the old prototype version), or the new, and final one with one circle on top? Cheers! (dont forget to check the keypad light Very curious as i love blue, and white is booring )

[machiavell1]

Untouchab1e, on Jun 1 2006, 10:15, said:

Thanks loads for the info! Btw, which version of the phone do you have? the one with three circles on the keypad (the old prototype version), or the new, and final one with one circle on top? Cheers! (dont forget to check the keypad light Very curious as i love blue, and white is booring )

It's the new and final one. Keypad light is white with a slight tinge of pale blue caused by the surrounding keys.

[Untouchab1e]

machiavell1, on Jun 1 2006, 11:17, said:

It's the new and final one. Keypad light is white with a slight tinge of pale blue caused by the surrounding keys.

Kewl... would you be able to take and post some pictures of it?

[shadieb]

Untouchab1e, on Jun 1 2006, 10:21, said:

Kewl... would you be able to take and post some pictures of it?

Machiavell Thanks for the reply

Cheers.

[fluffcat1]

Well, in light of my other topic being locked: http://www.modaco.co...ic=241133&st=20

does anyone have any real-life pictures of the pink version? Seeing as the poll has been forcibly closed (!)early I think I'll go for the pink despite public opinion for the black version being stronger.

If anybody wants the black version why not check out this ebay seller's link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...item=9143183419

Seller is nothing to do with me, has 98% positive feedback and has only  recently been selling s300 smartphones.

He's selling the dopod s300 varient. They have english language menus etc. The seller has emailed me extra info and real pics of the phones but as with any internet purchase use your own good judgement when buying  

As I've now supplied 'extra information' hopefully this link won't get modded or this topic closed but if it does feel free to pm me and I'll send you the ebay link. To quote peekie:

"If you had supplied the extra information then the link would not have been removed . all that was removed was the link if you check the post bellow it you will see that only the link was removed nothing else.
Topic closed"

Extra info duly quoted. I couldn't have quoted it in the original topic as, er, I didn't have it at the time....always nice when someone makes a comment and stops you replying eh?

Richard

[gerryr]

fluffcat1, on Jun 2 2006, 11:31, said:

Well, in light of my other topic being locked: http://www.modaco.co...ic=241133&st=20

does anyone have any real-life pictures of the pink version? Seeing as the poll has been forcibly closed (!)early I think I'll go for the pink despite public opinion for the black version being stronger.

If anybody wants the black version why not check out this ebay seller's link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...item=9143183419

Seller is nothing to do with me, has 98% positive feedback and has only  recently been selling s300 smartphones.

He's selling the dopod s300 varient. They have english language menus etc. The seller has emailed me extra info and real pics of the phones but as with any internet purchase use your own good judgement when buying  

As I've now supplied 'extra information' hopefully this link won't get modded or this topic closed but if it does feel free to pm me and I'll send you the ebay link. To quote peekie:

"If you had supplied the extra information then the link would not have been removed . all that was removed was the link if you check the post bellow it you will see that only the link was removed nothing else.
Topic closed"

Extra info duly quoted. I couldn't have quoted it in the original topic as, er, I didn't have it at the time....always nice when someone makes a comment and stops you replying eh?

Richard

    

[Thumper Net]

    

[fluffcat1]

gerryr, on Jun 2 2006, 11:49, said:

    

I hope you're not laughing at my pink phone....

Seriously, maybe machiavell1 can confirm what I highlighted int he quote from the review linked in the other thread - is it 'metal construction'? The imate one  that I had a play with a few months back definatley was plastic.

Richard

[shadieb]

machiavell1,

I just noticed you have one listed on Ebay for £750 buy it now which seems a bit steep mate, another seller has 20 of them buy it now for £299.

Expansys told me on the phone they would definitely have them middle of June.
I have a pre order with Expansys but can't make my mind up wether to get one off Ebay now or wait for Expansys? The guy on the phone from Expansys seemed certain they would have them for circa 14/15th of June but they have changed the date that many times I don't know wether to believe them or not?

Decisions, decisions    

Edited by shadieb, 04 June 2006 - 02:32 PM.

[machiavell1]

shadieb, on Jun 4 2006, 15:30, said:

machiavell1,

I just noticed you have one listed on Ebay for £750 buy it now which seems a bit steep mate, another seller has 20 of them buy it now for £299.

Expansys told me on the phone they would definitely have them middle of June.
I have a pre order with Expansys but can't make my mind up wether to get one off Ebay now or wait for Expansys? The guy on the phone from Expansys seemed certain they would have them for circa 14/15th of June but they have changed the date that many times I don't know wether to believe them or not?

Decisions, decisions    

yep - although it's £650 not £750, and there are no import taxes or mailing issues. Not trying to justify the figure - only trying to cover my outlay on it originally! Certainly not turning a profit on it. Lovely phone but I am infuriated I haven't figured out how to get incoming MMS working on O2 as well as outgoing. I know it can, but I can't figure it out, despite scouring the web. Push email is fantastic, but I have a blackberry from work all paid for, so it is of limited utility to me, whereas MMS is vital.

I wouldn't trust Expansys' dates frankly. They will get it eventually, but their date has shifted continuously. They  "guaranteed" me that 20 May was to be the shipping date. Clearly not. However, they are reliable vendors once they get it.

The eBay seller might not be a bad bet for a quick purchase, although I am fairly sure it will be the chinese Dopod variant with English Language. If you can be bothered to wait, i would just get the Expansys one when it arrives, as it would be an English vendor, with no taxes or returns issues, but be prepared for it to take some considerable time - 15th June isn't that far away, is it, so why not wait? I have found Expansys' customer services and returns policy etc to be very good once they have stock, but I have found their stock to be extremely hit and miss and their time estimates to be very unreliable.

[machiavell1]

fluffcat1, on Jun 2 2006, 11:56, said:

I hope you're not laughing at my pink phone....

Seriously, maybe machiavell1 can confirm what I highlighted int he quote from the review linked in the other thread - is it 'metal construction'? The imate one  that I had a play with a few months back definatley was plastic.

Richard

Definitely NOT metal construction. Well built plastic with metal keypad area.