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T-Mobile is promising something special with its new MDA Vario II – broadband speeds over a mobile connection.
This is all possible thanks to HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) – a quicker method of feeding information to and from a mobile phone. This works with 3G networks to offer much faster download speeds for mobile phones and handheld computers.
HSDPA cards for notebooks have been available for some time, but T-Mobile is claiming the Vario II is the first UK handset to support the service.
In theory, the MDA Vario II should be capable of a 1.8Mbps/sec (megabits per second) connection, although using an online speed test at Bandwidth Place showed the speed to be 1.1Mbps, which is still a speedy connection and faster than some home broadband services.
Streaming a full-screen trailer for Casino Royal was actually very impressive, with few dropped frames and decent quality.
The MDA Vario II is very similar to the original Vario – with a large 2.9in screen dominating the front of the unit. An arrangement of buttons at the bottom provides quick access to commonly used functions like making calls and menu navigation.
The most distinctive aspect of the design is the full Qwerty keyboard, hidden underneath the display – accessible by sliding the screen across. When open, the screen automatically switches from portrait to landscape mode. The keyboard, although small, is actually very usable – definitely quicker than tapping out words using predictive text.
It runs Microsoft's Windows Mobile version 5, so if you've used a Pocket PC device before, then you should have no trouble getting used to it.
In addition to the pre-installed applications, such as pocket versions of Word, Excel and Outlook, addition software can also be downloaded. We tried out the Pocket PC version of internet voice application Skype on it and it worked very well, making it possible to make clear voice calls over the high-speed internet connection.
The only slight annoyance was it didn't seem possible to make Skype use the internal earpiece rather than the built-in speaker – effectively putting everyone on speaker phone.
Depending on the amount of data downloads included in your monthly contract, costs could be significantly reduced by calling people through Skype.
As well as supporting fast mobile data, the Vario II can also use standard Wifi – providing a cheaper internet connection if you're near a public hotspot.
Battery is claimed at eight days standby and four-and-a-half hours talktime – although it only lasted a couple of days with intensive use.
In addition to high speed data, the Vario II includes all the standard features you'd expect from a high-end mobile phone cum handheld computer. The rear-mounted camera can take 2-megapixel snaps, although it was slightly slow to respond, making impromptu pics difficult.
If you're fed up of waiting for downloads on the move, then T-Mobile may be just the device. The Vario II is a feature-packed mobile phone with support for near broadband speeds while you're out and about.
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