The Chinese manufacturer call their huge iPhone rip-off with Android OS 'Model 7006'. The device looks interesting at first sight with it's 7 inch display (800x480 px resolution), only small frame around the display and well-shaped white plastic on the back.
I/O ports:
- Mini-USB
- Headphones (jack)
- Memory card slot
- Plug for power supply
- built-in camera (0.3 megapixels)
- built-in microphone
In it's minimum configuration, the tablet comes with WiFi (802.11 b/g), but the manufacturer will install GPS, Bluetooth and 3G (UMTS or EVDO) at extra charge. If you think that this device is still a bargain for less than $ 250 (equipped with GPS and 3G) you should continue reading...
Because this Surfpad also has its disadvantages:
- the display is covered by a reflecting foil, which makes it difficult to read in bright environments
- with WLAN or 3G enabled, the battery will fail after less than 3 hours you cannot expect miracles from the tech specs (only 128 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM and 624 MHz CPU)
- on the device was Android OS 1.5 installed, nobody at G-Link was able to confirm a planned software update
- many of the installed applications (such as Android Market) crashed regularly during my test
- resistive, not capacitive touchscreen (that means: no multitouch, optimized for pen operation)
Technical details:
- Dimensions: 113 x 55 x 13.65 mm
- Weight 118.5 g
- 3.2 inch multi touch screen, resolution: 480 x 320 pixels
- 3.2 megapixel camera (with autofocus)
- GPS, compass, motion sensors
- Mobile Communications: GSM, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA
The package contains:
- HTC Magic (white or black)
- 8 GB MicroSD card
- USB cable (USB to MiniUSB)
- Stereo Headset
- Protective Cover
- Cleaning Cloth
- Charger
The default OS is Android 1.5. This can be upgraded to 1.6 using the OTA update.
Unfortunately multitouch is not officially supported yet. But in the ROM section of an-droid you will find a ROM, which supports the multi-touch capabilities of the device partially.
The battery life is between 1 and 2 days depending on the usage. But you can also suck the device dry within hours if you'd like to.
Conclusion:
HTC has learned from his mistakes and has given the Magic both, a stronger battery and also the design is greatly enhanced.
I am very happy with my magic though I lack a very important thing. Unfortunately a 3.5 jack connector is not built into the device. Too bad.
The HTC Dream was released in fall 2008 under different names. Due to it's exclusive T-Mobile partnership in the U.S., Germany and Austria, you most likely find it labeled 'T-Mobile G1', the development version is also called 'Google G1'.
Technical details:
- Dimensions: 117.7 × 55.7 × 17.1 mm
- Weight: 158 grams
- Extendable Keyboard
- 3.2 inch multi-touch display, resolution: 480 x 320 pixels
- 3 megapixel camera (with autofocus)
- GPS, compass, motion sensors
- Mobile Communications: GSM, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA
The packge contents:
- Mobile phone
- USB cable (standard USB to mini-USB)
- Power supply (Charger)
- Protective Case
- Cleaning Cloth
- Stereo headset (mini-USB connector)
I must confess to have used an iPhone continuously for the last two years. But several acquaintances praised the Android benefits (multi-tasking, open system architecture, good conditions for development, real keyboard, etc) and convinced me to give it a try. So I bought a G1 on eBay for little money.
My conclusion: The G1 got too big and the battery is clearly undersized - on average it lasts for only 10 hours(!). However, if you spend the extra money for a car charger and a spare battery, you will receive a mobile companion with good keyboard and a great operating system.











