O2 XDAMINI Review

Overall Rating

Does everything
Reliable (once you get used to it)
Crystal clear screen
Upgrade-ability
Handwriting recognition

Huge
Screen is enormous and attracts dust like nobodies business
Still some small issues to be addressed in future software upgrades
Battery life is a con - 7 days (hmmmmm) spread over 2 batteries

My O2 XDA II S is the exact same mobile phone badged as an Orange SPV M2000. The initial teething problems were covered in a software upgrade, and the only issue I ever have now is no sound on phone calls, but this seems to only occur about once a week. Treat the phone very much like a Windows PC (which in essence is what it is) and it is reliable i.e don't try and make it do too much in one go.

Screen: Fantastic clarity and resolution, although it is big and attracts all kinds of dust and rubbish!
Battery: In no way does it last 7 days. Firstly they don't tell you that it is between two batteries; and secondly, each one lasts me about 2 days.

Features: This is where it excels and leaves every other phone on the market in its dust. I can log on to my corporate network, check my emails, chat on MSN messenger, and once I'm done with work, I can switch on the (bought for extra) Tom Tom Navigator and let it tell me the way home. There is very little it can't do, either as standard or after buying extra software is added.

Reception: No different to my old Nokia 7610, although it does seem clearer when the signal is weak.

Style: It's not the most svelte thing in the world, but I will defend it and say it most certainly gets attention. Every time I get the mobile phone out in a crowded place, someone asks about it.

Value for money: I got it on a free upgrade, so it represents infinite value for money. The RRP of a non-network model is £540?, at that price you'd do better to get a dedicated PDA and a phone separately.

Overall, I would give it 90%, as there could be some improvements, but I will give it the full 100%, because I have to remind myself it competes very well in the mobile phone market, and it is streets ahead of what we usually call a mobile phone. Only for people who can handle technology, otherwise highly recommended!