Pocket PC Dubai - O2 XDA Atom Exec Review: Part 1

XDA Atom Exec is the latest release from O2 with improvements over the previous Atom and Atom Pure. The device is manufactured by a company called Quanta Computer Inc. a popular Taiwanese ODM/OEM notebook vendor. The Atom is aimed to capture a market which is dominated by HTC, the manufacturer of most Pocket PCs (including i-Mates). Since the Atom was released it made an immediate impact and gained good support from O2. They released patches and firmware updates without delays. O2 recently visited the Middle East and held a conference in Dubai to create an awareness and talk about the roadmap of Atom line. There weren't many secrets revealed but we got an impression that they really mean business and they have something stored for us.

As the name indicates that this device is aimed at business users (Executives), but being a user of i-mate Jasjar I treat Atom Exec as a multimedia and business device which makes it fit for business Executives who would like to enjoy their day out, this is a place that Jasjar couldn’t fill even though being an all rounder business device. On this review I will focus on daily usage of Atom Exec compared to Jasjar in application not in direct technical features because the Atom Exec is not an upgrade neither an alternative to Jasjar. I want to know which one is the best companion, even with some compromise in certain areas, the best companion could be less powerful until the next big thing arrives, I just want this to be clear from the beginning.

This is our first review of the Atom series devices and I'm looking forward for a great experience and excitement yet to come while composing this article. This review will be divided into parts which I will publish separately as and when each part is completed, this way I can post my findings faster instead of waiting for the full review to finish and you will be always updated during my new endeavor with Atom Exec. You are always welcomed to share your opinions openly on the discussion thread.

The key features integrated in this device which were not available in the previous Atom models includes a faster 520MHz Inter Xscale processor, increased memory ROM to 192MB, improved camera and device casing. In addition, it is bundles with some nice free software and also an Infrared keyboard which I will talk about later in further details.

The previous Atom devices and the new Atom Exec share the following key features: Built-in FM radio, 2 MP camera with flash, 2.7” QVGA (320x240) 262K TFT screen, small form factor, light weight, stereo speakers and 1,530mAh Lithium-polymer battery. They all share the same shape and dimensions.

There are two boxes, one contains the device and another which includes a complementary kit. Lets open the boxes:

I started with the main box and it seems to be well organized with the bundled accessories and documentations neatly placed in separate boxes within the main box.

The bundled leather case is not fancy but it is free and it can be consider essential to carry both the keyboard and the devise as well. You can see from the following image the added space made for the keyboard:

The extra space is enough to fit the keyboard and it gets attached to the case using magnet:

All 3rd party accessories designed for previous Atom models will also work on the new Atom Exec. The advantage is that there are lots of already established varieties in the market such as different types of silicon cases with different colors and with screen covers as well, screen protectors, sync/charge cables, car mounts, cradles, music cradles, leather cases, crystal cases, aluminum cases, and many more. I am planning to collect as many 3rd party accessories and have an overview of each in a separate part on this review.

I am very excited with this form factor. The device fits nicely in my hands and it is light. It is very comfortable to operate and reach buttons and other features with one handed operation . There is no creaking or cracking when you squeeze the sides or anywhere. Shaking it doesn’t yield any rattling either. These images were taken while I am holding the device in different orientations:

Although, it wasn't really fun using the devise with the bundled case which can be only useful with the added keyboard, checkout the following images. The first images shows how the keyboard adds bulk to the device, and on the second image (if you place the keyboard on the opposite side) it comes in-line of sight with the device and connects to the infrared port where it can be used while attached to the leather case. This is another point you must consider when you want to purchase a device without a built-in keyboard, but imagine having a slide out keyboard in such a small device?! keyboard buttons will be tiny and crammed, I don't think it would be comfortable, perhaps a keypad would be a welcomed addition instead of a keyboard!? Let us share your thoughts and your views on the discussion thread. later I will discuss my preference to Atom Exec over the i-Mate Jasjam (HTC TyTN) and other devices. If you don't want to carry around this keyboard then you must consider a sleek slim case to fit your slim device, there are plenty in the market for Atom Exec and they really look good!

The new device comes with a major improvement on the form factor specifically on the external casing. The pervious Atom device used to come with a glossy black case which resulted in fingerprints and oily smudges. Problem solved with the new Atom Exec! it comes with a dark grey matt case which looks more professional and clean. The remaining design factors such as placements of buttons and dimensions are still the same with Atom Exec. The device looks well designed and fun to carry around in this small form factor.


Navigation LEDs Touch screen Navigation pad End key Message key Stereo speakers Windows start menu Talk/Send key	Camera lens Self-portrait mirror Flash light Battery cover

Volume keys Infrared port Record key Camera and video key Stylus and stylus holder Power key	miniSD card slot Strap hole Soft reset Mini-USB connector Earphone plug

I consider these two devices different in application. This comparison is not aimed to select which device is better. They clearly fit in separate categories. I mainly need to see the Atom Exec as a worthy secondary device which can be carried on holidays, vacations, picnics and trips. Jasjar is too big and too heavy! I expect many Jasjar owners to be in the same situation. To have a secondary device, a WM Smartphone would make more sense, but I'm not willing to compromise to that extent, so Atom Exec fits in my requirements. How far the Atom Exec will be close to become my primary device? Would I need two devices to carry around in separate occasions? Jasjar has a wonderful VGA screen, excellent keyboard, 3G and a form factor that lives up to the standard of a portable office, however it is lacking in some other areas where Atom Exec can cover such as entertainment on the move. More on these points will be discussed later, I will also discuss if you are an existing owner of Atom or Atom Pure and may consider to upgrade to Atom Exec, we will also analyze if it is a worthy upgrade. For now let us see how it compares to Jasjar in terms of size.

The above images speak for them selves, it is very clear which one I would consider taking with me on different activities, in this case the small screen is not a compromise since this contributes to many factors such as screen resolution, battery life and overall size. The Atom has a basic PDA design without moving or sliding parts making it perfect for customization, although the missing keyboard is something that requires getting used to especially after the Jasjar addiction. At the time when the Jajsar was released there were no other contenders, Jasjar was the undisputed winner in almost every aspect which qualified it to become the ultimate device of 2005, but things has changed and getting used to the size of Jasjar is also another story. Nowadays new devices are equal and sometime even surpass the Jasjar. It is time to balance fun and work even if it takes having two devices, a Smartphone and Pocket PC, or a mini Pocket PC and a large business Pocket PC. Since I don't want 3G (blame Etisalat) There are other devices such as i-Mate K-Jam and Jamin but unfortunately they had problems of their own since they came with slow processor and sluggish performance. i-teq Bond didn’t do well either. ETEN M600 or M600+ isn’t small enough and G500 lacks WiFi. i-Mate Jasjam, Asus P525, Atom, Atom pure all had nothing more to offer than the standard ROM capacity and processor speed, finally came Atom Exec with significant improvements and a great value which made me select it as my first choice even over the i-Mate Jasjam.

More close and personal with Atom Exec! Benchmark testing to see how dose it compare to direct rivals in the market in term of numbers, then I will talk about the performance from my personal experience. Go to Part2

O2 XDA Atom Exec Review: Part 1 – Initial Impressions