The Orbit 2 is O2’s version of the HTC
Touch Cruise handset, with a slightly different case and with a number
of features to distinguish it from its predecessor the XDA Orbit. Most
important for many will be the addition of 3G and HSDPA data (up to 3.6
Mbps), bringing higher data speeds to the device.
One of the best new features is TouchFLO, which has been inspired in no small
way by the iPhone. This system allows the handset to tell whether you are
using a stylus or your finger on the touchscreen and causes the response to
change accordingly, meaning you can scroll through lists and documents using
a sweep of the finger.
The Orbit 2 now comes with Windows Mobile 6 as an operating system, an upgrade
from 5 in its predecessor. This means it comes with Office Mobile installed,
letting you easily handle attachments in Microsoft Word, Excel and
PowerPoint, unless you want to do powe-ruser type changes to the documents
on the device. Windows Live is also pre-installed, giving you access to
things like Hotmail, Messenger and SkyDrive online storage.
As with the Orbit, this offers full push email capabilities, letting you
synchronise everything with Microsoft Exchange servers. I have kept
everything tied together on my desktop, laptop and Orbit 2 with no problems
at all.
A GPS antenna is built in as standard and most business users will choose the
version which comes with CoPilot Live sat-nav software stored on a microSD
card, which slides into a discreet slot on the side of the handset.
Design-wise the Orbit 2 is steets ahead of the earlier version, with a mirror
fascia and a black rubber-effect surround which is useful for absorbing the
knocks of life on the road.
The phone function has also been improved with a better virtual keypad but I
still find myself having to re-key phone numbers regularly. Similarly text
messages often end up misspelled because of its slow response time. Luckily
the predictive text function is vastly improved and now offers a wide range
of options from the dictionary, enabling you to add words to a message
quickly.
The spec
Dimensions: 110 x 58 x 15.5mm, weight: 130g inc battery, 3MP camera, battery:
400-450 hours standby, 240-420 minutes talktime, 128MB RAM, Windows Mobile
6, 2.8 inch touchscreen, quadband and HSDPA, wi-fi
The hype
They say: “Keep one step ahead of the competition with this ultimate business
partner.”
The reality
We say: “If it weren’t for the patchy phone function, this really would be the
ultimate business device.”
The bottom line
From free with an 18-month £37.50 contract or £42.45 with a 12-month £28
contract (excluding VAT) from O2
The verdict
This is the phone I have chosen for myself (and it wasn’t given to me by O2
before you ask). I had V1.0 of the Orbit but this is considerably better,
thanks to the addition of 3G, a much slicker design and the ability to
scroll documents with your finger. The phone function has been improved
since the earlier version but is still a pain to use.
The roadwarrior rating
8.5 out of 10
