X

Image Gallery: Everything you need to know about the HTC Advantage X7501

The HTC Advantage X7501 Windows Mobile Professional device has been poked and prodded for the last 2 weeks and this image gallery contains photos of the hardware, photos from the device's camera, and screenshots of the software. Check out all the thoughts of the device in my full review.
By Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
161224.jpg
1 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The HTC Advantage X7501 Windows Mobile Professional device has been poked and prodded for the last 2 weeks and this image gallery contains photos of the hardware, photos from the device's camera, and screenshots of the software. Check out all the thoughts of the device in my full review.

161225.jpg
2 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The included case lets you use the Advantage while secured in the case in laptop mode.

161226.jpg
3 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

There are openings for the stylus and camera, as well as holes in the plastic brackets for the stereo speakers.

161227.jpg
4 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The leather is supple enough to flex and let you use the device in the case and attach the device to the magenetic keyboard.

161228.jpg
5 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The closed case is held in place by the magnetic keyboard attaching to the front of the Advantage.

161229.jpg
6 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The Advantage's 5 inch VGA display is its most striking feature and in laptop mode it is a very capable mobile computer.

161230.jpg
7 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The navigation joystick has a nice rubber top so you can get a grip on it as you use it to navigate on the device. Indicator lights glow orange or green around the joystick as you charge the device.

161231.jpg
8 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

These buttons are helpful for quick and easy operation.

161232.jpg
9 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The mic picks up sound quite well when on a call in speakerphone mode. It also works with the included voice recorder and Voice Speed Dial applications.

161233.jpg
10 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

HTC brands the Advantage itself, while most of its other products are branded by carriers or Palm.

161234.jpg
11 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The indicator lights are small and not annoying like many other indicators on mobile devices. There are indicators for GSM and BT/WiFi connectivity and for alerts.

161235.jpg
12 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The default for the Internet Explorer button is Opera 8.5. Pressing and holding this button toggles the VueFLO accelerometer functionality.

161236.jpg
13 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The cover can be a bit difficult to slide up and open, which may be a good thing since you want the contents secured. It is located on the bottom of the device.

161237.jpg
14 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The battery has a latch that slides down to secure it. To get to the SIM card you need to remove the battery and open the SIM card retainer clasp. The miniSD card secures and releases with the spring loaded slot seen on most devices today.

161238.jpg
15 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The copper connectors along the bottom right lay on top of the keyboard connectors so the keyboard becomes functional.

161239.jpg
16 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The cheap plastic stylus is very securely held in the silo along the top of the device.

161240.jpg
17 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The stylus silo is directly above the camera button, which is also above the right stereo speaker.

161241.jpg
18 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The Communications Manager button also activates the voice recorder with a press and hold. Below that you will find the recessed power button.

161242.jpg
19 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The volume slider is placed above the left stereo speaker and controls device and phone volumes.

161243.jpg
20 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The HTC proprietary port for VGA/TV out and USB 1.1 host, the miniUSB port, and the 3.5 mm headset jack are found on the lower half of the left side.

161244.jpg
21 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The back has a glossy black finish and the camera opening is covered and protected by clear plastic.

161245.jpg
22 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The flash light provides a steady light that bursts when you take a photo.

161246.jpg
23 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The number of options and settings around the camera display can seem very daunting at first. There are several options for taking decent photos.

161247.jpg
24 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

This is one view of a settings page where you can select your photo settings.

161248.jpg
25 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Take some time to go through the settings to try to optimize your photo quality.

161249.jpg
26 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

As you can see the utility I tried to use for switching to a true VGA quality screen has a Windows Mobile 5 splash screen. As you can see in the other photos there are still issues with these utilities and Windows Mobile 6.

161250.jpg
27 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

For comparison to the last photo with WM 5, here is what the WM 6 splash screen looks like on the HTC Advantage.

161251.jpg
28 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

As you can see in a real VGA mode, the Today screen is now in very high resolution mode and icons are much smaller.

161252.jpg
29 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

As you can see all the programs on the device are easily viewed on a single page, where in standard mode you have to scroll through a couple of pages.

161253.jpg
30 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Again, the icons in Settings are much smaller with this true VGA utility.

161254.jpg
31 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

This is a shot that shows some of the issues I am seeing trying to run the VGA utility.

161255.jpg
32 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Here is another problem with the current VGA utility, the phone dialer is all messed up.

161256.jpg
33 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Opera 8.5 is set as the default web browser on the HTC Advantage and I find I can access almost every site I want and need with it. Also, notice the VueFLO round icon in the top bar.

161257.jpg
34 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You can choose to use the VueFLO accelerometer with Internet Explorer or Opera. You can also set the sensitivity to your needs.

161258.jpg
35 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The keyboard lies flat and attaches with a very strong magnet.

161259.jpg
36 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

A glance at the left side of the QWERTY keyboard.

161260.jpg
37 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

A closer look at the right side of the keyboard.

161261.jpg
38 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

As you can see the keys are flat on the keyboard. They are well spaced though and well organized.

161262.jpg
39 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

This copper connection matches up with the Advantage top and activates the keyboard.

161263.jpg
40 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The Subdisplay is similar to Windows Sideshow on a device. It shows you connection status, time, carrier and other information. It can also show more information when WorldMate is loaded on the device.

161264.jpg
41 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You can change what is shown on the Subdisplay by pressing the volume up and down button.

161265.jpg
42 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The first comparison shot, taken with the HTC Advantage.

161266.jpg
43 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

This is a comparison shot taken with the N95 set to 3 megapixel resolution.

161267.jpg
44 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Another shot for comparing image quality.

161268.jpg
45 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Again, the N95 was set to 3 megapixel resolution and a photo taken to compare with the Advantage.

161269.jpg
46 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

3rd comparison shot, taken with the Advantage.

161270.jpg
47 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The N95 was set to 3 megapixel.

161271.jpg
48 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Here is an indoor well lit shot of my daughter taken with the Advantage.

161272.jpg
49 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The N95 captured this shot of my daughter.

161273.jpg
50 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

I was a bit surprised to see that the Advantage took a better indoor flash shot than the N95.

161274.jpg
51 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The N95 flash has a shorter range and didn't do that great indoors.

161275.jpg
52 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The HTC Advantage doesn't have a macro mode, but actually took a fairly decent photo of this magazine.

161276.jpg
53 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

This is the main (home) screen of the TeleNav software on the HTC Advantage.

161277.jpg
54 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Where do you want to drive to using the TeleNav software? You can choose from your favorites, recent places, business, address, intersection, and airport.

161278.jpg
55 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You can type in your desired destination or select Speak It and call an 800 number to set up your destination.

161279.jpg
56 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

If you don't want to navigate to a destination, you can just plot places on the map or view traffic status for your current location.

161280.jpg
57 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

While you are navigating you can change your navigation options for your maps, turn icons, and more.

161281.jpg
58 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

There are plenty of ways to search for points of interest, gas stations, parking places, and more.

161282.jpg
59 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Tools & Extras is the 4th major component found on the "home" screen. Here you can view a compass, set your preferences, provide feedback, and call customer support.

161283.jpg
60 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Locations you visit often can be saved for regular usage.

161284.jpg
61 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The Compass shows you some basic data, but can only be accessed after you have mapped your location and have the GPS receiver engaged.

161285.jpg
62 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You can customize a few aspects of your TeleNav experience by setting your preferences for metric/English, 2D or 3D maps, backlight functionality, and more.

161286.jpg
63 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

How do you want to get to your destination? These options help you travel how you desire.

161287.jpg
64 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Do you like 2D or 3D moving maps when traveling? I personally liked using the 3D mapping view.

161288.jpg
65 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Here is a screenshot of an actual recent trip I took in WA State.

161289.jpg
66 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The map summary shows you your entire route in a zoomed out view with the start and destination spots clearly identified. This is helpful in giving you a global view of what to expect on your route.

161290.jpg
67 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

A text version of your route summary can be provided.

161291.jpg
68 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

There are a few options when you find a place you searched for, including mapping or even calling the destination.

161292.jpg
69 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

This utility is included on the HTC Advantage that is designed to speed up the time to obtain your initial GPS position using satellite data via an internet connection.

161293.jpg
70 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You can buy this adapter cable from 3rd party vendors.

161294.jpg
71 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

These two ports are present on one side of the HTC 4-in-1 adapter.

161295.jpg
72 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The USB port can be used to connect external storage devices, including flash drives and ard drives.

161296.jpg
73 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

This is the same VGA connection found on the included HTC cable.

161297.jpg
74 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

I was able to watch movies flawlessly with the USB flash drive connected to the 4-in-1 cable.

161298.jpg
75 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The memory manager shows the external storage attached to the HTC Advantage.

161299.jpg
76 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

I connected my 80GB hard drive enclosure, but it was a bit slow and unusable.

161211.jpg
77 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Multiple tabs work well on the Advantage and Opera really extends the functionality and is so much better than Internet Explorer Mobile.

161212.jpg
78 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The full Office Mobile suite can be found on the HTC Advantage. You can edit, view, and create documents.

161213.jpg
79 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Editing a document in Word Mobile on the HTC Advantage.

161214.jpg
80 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Excel Mobile is good for most functions and should be fine for the mobile user.

161215.jpg
81 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You can setup voice tags for people, applications, and functions with Voice Speed Dial. You can also activate dialing with your Bluetooth headset.

161216.jpg
82 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The file explorer is pretty basic, but does allow you to perform some basic functions.

161217.jpg
83 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

TextMaker from SoftMaker gives you a desktop equivalent application on your Advantage. There are very little limitations in TextMaker and power users will want to take a serious look at this application.

161218.jpg
84 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

While power users aren't always pleased with Excel Mobile, PlanMaker from SoftMaker gives you a desktop-equivalent software application.

161219.jpg
85 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You can view multiple Bibles with Laridian's PocketBible application. The VGA display is great for text viewing.

161220.jpg
86 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Integrated PIM applications like Pocket Informant and Agenda Fusion rock on the 5 inch VGA display of the Advantage.

161221.jpg
87 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The Advantage is a perfect device for ebook reading and books can be viewed in portrait or landscape mode.

161222.jpg
88 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You have to turn down the volume on the external mic, but a Bluetooth mic works much better. The 624 MHz processor seems to easily handle Skype.

161223.jpg
89 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The Windows Mobile 6 version of SlingPlayer Mobile works well on the Advantage. I was even able to watch TV using the 3G and HSDPA networks.

161571.jpg
90 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Image gallery photo 1

161572.jpg
91 of 91 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Image gallery image 2

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes
Holiday lights in Central Park background

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes

21 Photos
Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting
Wooden lodge in pine forest with heavy snow reflection on Lake O'hara at Yoho national park

Related Galleries

Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting

21 Photos
Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes
3D Rendering Christmas interior

Related Galleries

Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes

21 Photos
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza
img-8825

Related Galleries

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza

26 Photos
A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex
img-9792-2

Related Galleries

A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex

22 Photos
Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup
shutterstock-1024665187.jpg

Related Galleries

Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

8 Photos
Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'
Full of promises!

Related Galleries

Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'

8 Photos