T-Mobile Vario II Review

[newsbot]

The T-Mobile MDA Vario II is the successor to
the original T-Mobile
Vario we reviewed earlier. This puppy comes with a faster 400Mhz CPU, 2
megapixel camera and macro lens plus WiFi and a 240x320 touch screen. There's
also 3G connectivity which brings video calling courtesy of the face-pointing
camera and quicker data connections whilst on the move. There's also push email,
a microSD slot, Bluetooth and that very useful slide-out keyboard.

The Vario II is all set for HSPDA - the "3G on steroids" protocol that's coming soon to T-Mobile and other networks. There is, of course regular

3G capability, then EDGE if you need it and even GPRS too. Even if that's not enough for you then you can always use
the WiFi (802.11b/g) for hooking up to a local

hotspot or browsing the internet at home for nothing. Quad-band capability also means that the
Vario II can not only keep you entertained on flights abroad but also keep you in touch

when you land. The usual IR port is also present, as is the mini USB plug for hooking into your PC. Bluetooth 2.0 also comes as part of the deal and will

allow your funky bluetooth headsets and car-kits to function as they did with your previous device.




In the box is your stylus, power adaptor, mini USB "sync" cable (for connection to your PC), carry case, lithium ion polymer battery (1300mAh), manuals, CD's

(containing ActiveSync software etc) and a stereo wired headset with microphone.

This headphone has caused a few raised eyebrows. Gone is the standard 3.5mm

or the fairly familiar 2.5mm separate audio port and instead you've got a mini USB plug on the end. Want to listen to your tunes while charging ? Ermm. No,

you can't. Want to sync your Vario II while listening to Madonna ? Errm.. No, you can't. The theory is that most people will use stereo bluetooth headphones,

but at present the reality is that most people want a 3.5mm standard plug for their headphones. However it does operate well and works as a hands free kit

too.
Read more...

[Confused Stu]

Cheers Gears - nice review.

I'm a little surprised you haven't mentioned that T-Mobile decided to INCLUDE MSN Messenger where Orange (and others) have removed it. Also, although the device supports HSDPA you need T-Mobile to switch it on, which was a case of one call for me but others have reported issues with getting the Customer Service person to do it.

Overall though, I love this phone and I made the right choice going for T-Mobile over Orange (in my opinion!).

[tristankoffee]

Hi,

Great review! Just a quick question. In your
Orange SPV M3100 review, you mentioned that it actually has a GPS receiver built-in, but that it isn't mentioned anywhere.

Does the Vario II have a built-in GPS receiver too!?

Many thanks!

Tristan

[leesmart]

Tristan,

I wonder if you are mixing up the reviews of a number of handsets as I am unable to find reference to GPS in Gears' SPV M3100 review.

I can confirm though that the Vario II and M3100 are missing inbuilt GPS receivers and require bluetooth units if you want to use them for sat-nav.

I'm sure it won't be long before the ideal compact handset with GPS/keyboard/3G is released to us gadget freaks...!!!

[tristankoffee]

D'oh! I got a bit confused - I thought this was the t-mobile version of the Orange...SPV M700.

Ah well - never mind...sorry for the confusion..and thank you for not flaming me as you so easily could have

It's friendly 'round here

[bestsoft666]

I love this phone and I made the right choice going for T-Mobile over blue .