O2 XDA Exec: A brief review

Well I’ve been using my new XDA Exec for a few days now, and apart from the eternal argument about size & weight (although it escapes me how it could get any smaller and still be as functional) I can honestly say that at moment (nice get out there for later posts) that I have only two complaints (apart from the also eternal requests for more speed/memory/storage/kitchen-sink-integration).

What’s wrong with it then?

The most obvious defect is that when the device is closed, you have no way of knowing who is calling. You either have to answer on faith, or open it up. This is an oversight on HTC’s (the manufacturer of the Universal, which is branded the Exec by O2) part, and something I hope will be addressed in future designs of this type.

My only other complaint is a software one: Skype doesn’t support Bluetooth headsets. You can of course use the wired headset, but it’s still a valid annoyance (although of course this has nothing to do with the device itself which is what I’m reviewing here).

Is it really that perfect?

For me? Yes. For you? Well, that depends now doesn’t it.

I’ve always been a PDA “power user”, and the Exec is definitely designed for people like me. If you primarily use your phone for talking or your PDA as a diary, then this isn’t the device for you. If however – like me – you want a device that keeps you connected pretty much all the time, then you really want to consider it.

Although I use my phone for voice calls a fair bit, I’ve always preferred asynchronous methods of communication: email, text messages and IM (not asynchronous, but a least you can generally tell if the other party is open to contact). The Exec allows me to easily do all these, plus voice calls and web browsing from a single device. In addition it allows me to use Skype for (much) cheaper calls anywhere I can get WiFi (and presumably 3G) coverage. Then throw in the fact that it uses a single contact list (something that’s always annoyed me about using separate devices), has all the usual PDA trappings (calendar, tasks etc.), and is extensible (either by off-the-shelf or homebrew software) and – for me – you have an extremely compelling device.

So, how are you using it?

In a number of ways:

I can’t really think of anything else positive to say about it, so I’ll just reiterate how pleased I am with it. I’ll also point out that this post was composed offline in Word Mobile and posted via Pocket IE.

¹ A film that I find the concept behind genuinely terrifying, because something like that could happen and we could do nothing (or at least very little) about it.

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