Thinking of getting O2 xda iq

[petest]

I've currently got both an xda2 and an xda2i. I'm thinking of changing to the iq when its available ( I believe it a re-labelled tornado).

Has anyone else done this - changed from touch screen pda phone to a similar phone to the tornado and if so what do you think, pros and cons of each type.

Also which software works as add ons ( currently use tomtom5, sprite backup, pocketmax phonealarm to name a few).

Thanks in advance.

[levenum]

Hi petest!

I didn't switch to a tornado, but I got to play with one for a couple of days, and after being used to Pocket PC interface, and touch screen, the limited Smartphone platform seemed really annoying and frustrating.

Here are my impressions:
- Getting around start and options menus is a pain, since you can't scroll directly through the whole menu, but have to press 'more' to see the options that don't feet on screen.

- The file browser is also problematic, as you have to change views to see the files and you cant type a file name to get to it quickly.

- Typing is a problem since you only have the numeric key pad, even with T9 function. It makes the PPC on-screen keyboard look great.

- Finally, shutting down a program, to free up memory is a pain as well, if it doesn't have an exit option.

On the positive side:
- It is closer in size to a regular cellphone then most PDAs.
- The screen is protected, and not as vornable to scratches and various damage as a touch screen.
- The numeric keypad makes one hand usage easy.

Well that's my opinion, but as you might have noticed, the touch screen and the comfort it brings is a big issue for me, so I might be bias against Smartphones in general...

[petest]

Thanks for the reply levenum.

Like yourself I find the touch screen good on the pdas and they're all I've used for the last 4 or 5 years so I'm used to the features of them.

It would be useful if I could borrow one (xda iq / imate sp5) for a couple of days to play with and see how i get on - I might just get one on a new contract and if i don't get on with it trade it in.

Thanks again.