I finally got one (and more)

June 30th, 2008

Well… I finally purchased a TYTN II from eBay.  I was looking into doing the group buy thing (and still might due to the large number of interested users), but eBay turned out to be a quick solution, and I got a deal too ($470 w/shipping)!  So yeah, I got myself a genuine HTC TYTN II with a wall charger and a car charger.  I have since added a new leather case (ROOTS), an aircraft aluminum case (belt clip broke already), a 2GB micro sd card and a car/windshield mount.

After a bit of work, I managed to get Street Atlas 2009 working with the TYTN II (com 4, 9600 baud), but lost all of my hard work and my ActiveSync connection after upgrading to the HTC-supplied version of Windows Mobile 6.1 pro.  I’m totally peeved about this, as I wouldn’t have upgraded if I had known this would happen before hand…  Apparently, WM 6.1 will only sync with Vista’s Mobile Device Center (I have XP Pro), which I’m not interested in at this time.

On the bright side, the 6.1 upgrade added Rogers Canada to the list of Internet service providers (3G, EDGE) and I discovered that the free mobile version of Google Maps works perfectly with the TYTN II GPS (install and run the app, go to Menu >> Options >> GPS Settings >> Set Manually >> COM4, 9600).  Just make sure that you have a hefty data plan (300MB of monthly bandwidth is currently $30 through Rogers Canada).  Of course Google Mobile Maps probably works just fine with WM 6.0 too…

Overall, I’m quite pleased with my TYTN II.  This is my first smartphone, and it is already proving to be quite useful.  I just wish I could syncronize my calendar and my contacts!  Part of me is willing to risk the Vista upgrade to accomplish this (cringe), but part of me is quite resistant to yet another *forced* upgrade from the Microsoft Corporation.

N

HTC TyTN II Group Buy?

December 22nd, 2007

Hi Everybody,

As you probably know, an unlocked HTC TyTN II will cost you as much as $800 USD from online retailers. I have also seen them listed for as little as $650 (plus shipping) on eBay, but bidding is usually quite fierce!

Anyhow, I’m trying to organized an HTC TyTN II group purchase with a much lower target price… Please use the following form to express your interest, and we’ll send you more details if we get enough “buyers” to proceed.

Subscribe Here!

Happy Holidays!

N

 

HTC TyTN II Review

September 24th, 2007

John Westfall has posted a great review of the HTC TyTN II over here.

“HTC code-named their latest device the Kaiser, a name meaning Emperor in German. But can it command the empire all from a nice little holster on your belt? Its stats say it can - let’s dive in and find out!”

Photo of the HTC TyTN II (aka Kaiser)

September 5th, 2007

I finally managed to get my hands on a decent photo of the HTC TyTN II Kaiser!  Check it out:

HTC TyTN II

One word… SWEET!

HTC TyTN II Released!

August 29th, 2007

Well, it is now official… A late night visit to the HTC site revealed that they have now released the HTC TyTN II…  And let me tell you… It looks fantastic!

Here is some text from their site:

More powerful than any mobile communications device you’ve seen before, the HTC TyTN II takes global connectivity to the next level.Staying connected means staying ahead. The TyTN II supports the full spectrum of network standards, guaranteeing that you will stay in touch ANYWHERE in the world. With an internet connection via 3.5G HSDPA that is nine times faster than 3G, using the TyTN II to download files and surf the Web is a breeze.
Communicating on the go is easier than ever with an innovative, ergonomic LCD design that positions the touch screen perfectly for reading and creating e-mails, using applications, or even just playing games.Important information is just a glance away with HTC Home™, which displays a big clock and provides live weather updates, access to a quick application launcher and one touch ring settings, easy photo dialing, and more.With a complete suite of Microsoft® Office Mobile applications, including Outlook® Mobile, Word Mobile, Excel® Mobile, and PowerPoint® Mobile, being out of the office doesn’t have to mean you’re out of the loop. Always ready for business - and pleasure - the HTC TyTN II makes sure you are too.

I cannot wait to get my hands on one of these babies!

HTC launches the HTC TyTN II in Europe

August 28th, 2007

“The ultimate mobile companion”

LONDON — August 28, 2007 — HTC Corp. (TAIEX: 2498; “HTC”), the world’s leading provider of Microsoft® Windows Mobile®-based smart devices, today unveiled the HTC TyTN II. HTC TyTN II will be launched in partnership with leading operator partners across Europe, as well as direct under the HTC brand, and builds on the success of the award-winning first HTC TyTN (June 2006). Featuring global high speed HSDPA connectivity, in-built GPS for personal navigation and an innovative adjustable screen angle, this device is the ultimate mobile companion.

The HTC TyTN II packs all the power of Windows Mobile® 6 into a unique new form factor, continuing HTC’s 10-year heritage of innovation in device design. The 2.8-inch colour screen slides back to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, then tilts up to position the screen perfectly for reading and creating emails, using applications, or even just playing videos and games.

The HTC TyTN II allows users to get connected in any country with tri-band UMTS and quad-band EDGE. It boasts unrivalled worldwide 3.5G high speed internet – HSDPA, at speeds 9 times faster than 3G – and WiFi 802.11b/g to ensure users can enjoy high-speed surfing, uploading and downloading while roaming anywhere in the world.

HTC Home, HTC’s new homescreen, offers easy access to photo dialing, text messages, calendar entries, emails and contacts, as well as one touch access to live weather conditions plus four-day forecasts.

Leveraging the functionality of Windows Mobile® 6, the HTC TyTN II provides a complete suite of business applications including Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, contacts, calendar, push e-mail, notes, tasks, PDF viewer and more. In addition, HTC has included further applications such as a business card scanner and TomTom Navigator 6 (Taster edition) to complement the in-built GPS.

HTC also today announced the launch of HTCmail, a fully hosted, secure, and managed email service based on Microsoft Hosted Exchange. HTCmail will bring the benefits of always-connected business to mobile professionals. The HTC offering provides seamless and real-time access to up to five different email accounts, either personal or work mailboxes, aggregated and instantly delivered to a mobile device through Outlook 2007. Features include email, contacts and calendar, enabling users to easily access information and communications while on the go. HTCmail is compatible with all HTC devices, and will be rolling out across selected European markets* from September 2007.

“Today’s launches – both HTC TyTN II and HTCmail – are all about fast, easy access on the move to the kind of features and connectivity previously reserved for the PC world,”said Florian Seiche, Vice President of HTC Europe. “This proposition is a perfect match for both mobile professionals and advanced mobile consumers on the go who can now benefit from the powerful feature set that the HTC TyTN II offers and the true high-speed mobile access that many of our leading operator partners are offering.”

“Combining a broad range of Windows Mobile-powered devices from HTC with a rich messaging experience delivered through Microsoft Hosted Exchange is ideal for mobile professionals who demand enterprise-class communication services with cutting-edge design,” said Michael O’Hara, general manager, Communications Sector at Microsoft. “With HTCmail, small to medium enterprises can benefit from anywhere access to information without the expense or ongoing commitment of on-premise software and IT skills.”

Availability

The HTC TyTN II has been designed and developed to enable business users to take full advantage of the latest high speed data and multimedia content and applications, and incorporating feedback from HTC’s operator customers. It will be launched in partnership with leading operators across Europe from September, including Orange, T-Mobile, Telefonica Group and Vodafone, as well as direct, under the HTC brand.

T-Mobile International, with more than 111 million mobile customers, is one of the world’s leading companies in mobile communications. It is continuing its very successful MDA Vario product line based on the HTC TyTN II at the beginning of October.

“We are happy to have this new handset in our portfolio. It meets all of our requirements as a mobile workforce device, and we are particularly pleased with the new tilting keyboard form factor,” says Michael Hagspihl, Executive Vice President Terminal Management at T-Mobile International. “The T-Mobile MDA Vario III with its own exclusive characteristic T-Mobile design is a powerhouse with the extra speed to take advantage of the state-of-the-art T-Mobile Network and customer focussed propositions like web’n'walk, and is testimony to the good relationship we enjoy with HTC. T-Mobile’s MDA Vario III provides the perfect combination of an innovative design, dynamic wireless connectivity and additionally GPS to enrich Web, e-mail and messaging as well as navigation experiences.

“The predecessor MDA Vario II became the de-facto standard for mobile workforces, but with the MDA Vario III T-Mobile is pushing the edges of mobility even further and keeping the promise to our customers with innovative differentiated devices.”

Orange is launching the HTC TyTN II across its European footprint in a phased roll-out from the end of September. The HTC TyTN II is the latest addition to Orange’s unique range of Signature devices and offers a choice of email solutions, including Microsoft DirectPush on Windows Mobile 6. Combined with fast connectivity through Orange’s WiFi, 3G+ (HSDPA), 3G and EDGE networks, the powerful HTC TyTN II provides a laptop-like experience on a mobile device for users who want access to work information from any location in the world.

Philippe Bernard, Executive VP, Business Solutions, Orange, agrees that the HTC TyTN II is ideal for people who need constant and reliable access to Internet and business applications. Bernard says, “Many of our business customers demand a ‘virtual office’ experience that includes the ability to access everyday business applications, as well as email. The email-friendly form factor and ability to connect to our mobile broadband networks makes the HTC TyTN II the must-have device for our business users.”

Orange’s version of the device will feature the unique Signature Series homescreen, which provides personalised, one-click access to business applications. Orange will first launch the device in the UK, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands, followed by Spain, Poland, Romania and Slovakia in early October.

“This is a solid addition to Vodafone’s portfolio of business devices. HTC has continued to innovate and produced a product that effectively meets the needs of our business customers.” said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director of Terminals, Vodafone Group.

“The handset, combined with Vodafone’s world-beating HSDPA networks and the addition of GPS functionality makes this a compelling consideration for customers.”