Since getting my XDA II, I don't really make use of my old XDA I anymore. Nonetheless, this page may serve as a useful reference, but is unlikely to be updated anymore given that support for the device - especially in the Asia region - is more or less non-existent. Some providers have released "official" Windows Mobile 2003 updates, which means that the Recommended Firmware in this page is out of date - but it may still prove useful.

If you are considering purchase of the original O2 XDA or one of its many incarnations - in my opinion, forget it. Look at an XDA II or i-mate Pocket PC Phone. They are the new versions of this device, and while more expensive, are significantly more functional and usable.

 (Click to enlarge)

For the specs, look at http://www.myxda.com.

You can see the MTekk IT Services review here.

Known Problems

• SMS does not resolve to contact names (see http://www.penreader.com/PocketPC/SMS_Name.html for a workaround)
• Radio stack stops finding a signal after encountering low or no signal for an extended period - which means, effectively, that the phone component stops working without a soft reset
• Radio stack can become corrupted if the Radio Stack firmware is mismatched with the version of the Radio Unit firmware (the Windows CE component), requiring a hard reset
• O2 Asia refuses to consider releasing Windows Mobile 2003 update
• Speaker phone component returns excessive feedback to the caller at the other end (they hear their own voice echoed quite loudly)
• Poor (virtually non-existent) technical support
• Infrequent firmware updates which fix too few problems
• Up until recently, poor parts availability - and even now, nowhere near as good as overseas

Recommended Firmware

Radio Unit

NB. The original link for Windows Mobile 2003 (WM2003) ROMs has ceased to function. I have therefore corrected this to a working URL (yorch.net) which nonetheless has disadvantages in that it does not provide the v4.00.11 ROM, which I have found very stable within Australia.

• v3.17.03 (Official European) - About as good as it gets for Pocket PC 2002, especially without being locked from "downgrading".
• v3.20.06 (Official Asian) - not tested. I just don't feel Pocket PC 2002 is for me given all the bugs. It's known to be locked against "downgrading" the firmware, too.
• v4.00.05 (Windows Mobile 2003) - Seemed okay but I feel v4.00.11 is more stable.
• v4.00.10 (Windows Mobile 2003) - Not for the faint hearted. It's really built for the US market (1900mhz network) and I wouldn't advise it for Australia.
• v4.00.11 (Windows Mobile 2003) - Seems pretty good for Australia, but radio stack corruption still occurs. Good GPRS speed, overall quite fast. No download available.
• v4.00.16 (Windows Mobile 2003) - Probably not a good idea. Again, built for the US market and probably not good for Australia.

Radio Stack

v4.21 (European) - Had a radio stack corruption with this version and Windows Mobile 2003 v4.00.05, but seemed otherwise okay
v4.21 (Asian) - Appears okay, but does not rectify any serious problems (eg. radio stack corruption).

NB. For QTek 1010, updated Radio Unit and Radio Stack is available from here .

Recommended Websites

These guys - XDA Developers - are a wonderful reference for XDA - especially hacks!

http://www.xda-developers.com

Recommended Parts

If you are looking for a case, forget about going to the shop to get one. I suggest you go to the two following sites:

http://www.vajacases.com - Really nice cases. Shame they're not more flexible in such things as accomodating the extended battery.
http:/www.ebcases.com - These guys have a case which will accomodate the extended battery. I'm using this case now. Quite nice, but not as good as a Vaja :-(

For the parts which are available within Australia, I suggest the following website.

Harris Technologies - Online ordering and check of stock availability always has me sold.

I can't possibly go past recommending the following (mostly available from Harris Technologies website, except the WriteSHIELD).

XDA Stylus 3 Pack - I chew my stylii. Roughly one every six months .. :-S
Belkin USB Sync Charger for O2 XDA - Car charger and USB sync in one? Sold!
XDA Extended Battery Pack - for the longest possible use without charging. Mine goes for days and days of heavy use without a hiccup.
WriteSHIELD - I went 1 week with my XDA before getting a scratch on the screen. After that, I got the best screen protector available.