T-Mobile Launches GSM/802.11 Phone In Germany

prostoalex writes "German subscibers of T-Mobile can now get a hybrid PDA phone that supports both GSM and WiFi wireless networks. The new Mobile Digital Assistant (pretty pictures) will connect to cellular and wireless hotspots built by T-Mobile as well as any 802.11a/g Wireless LANs."

Comments

From the article:

[Senator Bozo]

The MDA III supports GSM and Wi-Fi, and includes a retractable QWERTY keyboard that slips within the device when not in use

Seeing how this thing will be sold in Germany, shouldn't it be a QWERTZ keyboard, or are they trying to irritate their customers? If it is a QWERTY, does it have Umlauts?

Re:Lan capability?

[Zone-MR]

Depends what you mean "access your phone". You can connect to it, copy files, synchronise contacts/emails/etc.

Another potential use would be streaming MP3's from your home computer so you can walk around the house listening to them on your XDA.

Basically anything you write software. I've written a util for my XDAII which connects to my home server over GPRS, and links in with my home automation. So regardless of where I am, I am instantly alerted when someone approaches the house, presses the doorbell, etc. One click and I can stream the video from a small driveway camera, and another click and I can open the door/turn lights on/whatever.

Will they allow VOIP?

[pubjames]

I wonder if they will allow you to make VOIP calls over the WiFi link using this handset. That would be really neat, but unfortunately VOIP is a threat the the profits of companies like T-mobile. So they will probably do something to prevent this. Unless of course they charge for the WiFi connection by usage, which of course removes the principal benefit of VOIP for the user.

Re:Some More Information

[AGMW]

A friend has one of the HP ones with finger print checker, bluetooth, wireless, etc all build in. He walked into my house and connected to my wireless network. Out and about, it uses bluetooth to communicate with his cell phone in his rucksack and connects that way. He has a small bluetooth GPS that it will connect to, and it will track his movement and overlay it on the maps (full Landranger set of maps for England and Wales for 150 pounds or so), including the admiralty maps offshore so he can see where he is sailing. It's amazing!

It seems to me that having the various components seperate is better than lumping them all together though. This allows parts to be upgraded or new parts added, and allowing him to choose best of breed, cheapest, etc for each component as he requires.

I suppose the downside might be that you are carrying multiple sets of batteries etc, but then you only have the bits you actually need with you, and multiple batteries perhaps equates to longer up time?