T-Mobile MDA and SDA WIndows Mobile Devices - First Look

Michael Gartenberg | February 02, 2006, 12:05 PM

Lots of new stuff showing up here lately. Last week, FedEx delivered two new Windows Mobile devices, the new MDA and SDA from T-Mobile. The SDA is similar to the iMate SP5m that was one of my picks for phone of the year in 2005, the MDA is a GSM version of the 6700 I've been using. Both phones are great. The SDA is the best Windows Smartphone I've used to date. While it's similar to the iMAte unit, the iMate isn't a mainstream product in the US. It's also similar to the Cingular 2125, but I'd take the SDA over it in heartbeat. Unlike the Cingular offering, the SDA is WiFi enabled and has dedicated media keys on the front. The MDA is similar to the 6700 in form factor but doesn't have the protruding antenna. With a slightly more rounded appearance, it's easier to hold. What it also lacks is performance. Using an TI process it runs at only 206mhz, slower than the 6700 so apps don't snap open as fast. Also, T-Mobile supports EDGE connections on the device, which is nowhere near as fast EVDO. T-Mobile does add a lot of value with the addition of an IM client (AIM/YAHOO/MSN/ICQ), a hotspot connection utility and integrated push email. I tested a few apps out on it, including the Sling Mobile client and had no problems with performance. Viewing remote TV over Edge was more than acceptable. If you're a GSM user who likes the flexibility the technology offers and you need a smartphone, these devices are worth the look. The SDA is more phone centric and the MDA more PDA/data centric. Kudos for T-Mobile for offering both devices and letting users decide what meets their needs best.