Windows Phone Thoughts: Advantage Resurrection: The O2 Flint

"The Xda Flint is mobile technology at its best with a 5" VGA angled touch screen incorporating finger-friendly recognition and a detachable keyboard for intensive text-input. As the Xda Flint is Microsoft Windows compatible and includes Internet Explorer®, learners will be able to create documents and complete assignments while on the move, be that on the bus, out on a field trip, in the classroom, or at home, subject to coverage."

The HTC Advantage (nee Athena) has been in the market for quite a while, and if you've looked at the leaked 2009 HTC roadmap you'll know there's already a successor on the drawing board. Yet O2 has only just come on board with their own variant called the Flint, which looks suspiciously like a standard 7510 to me. All the listed specs are the same, and O2 in their wisdom are marketing this to the education market as "perfect for students and teachers who need to stay in the loop while on the move or away from their learning environment and proves that Learning on the Go is truly possible." I know prices of the Advantage have fallen faster than that of other premium smartphones, but not so much that it makes sense for students to get one. That is of course unless there's a whole load of subsidy money backing this. Read on for the full press release.14 January 2009 10:0O2 launches Xda Flint for the classroom on the move

BETT 2009, London Olympia: O2 today unveils the O2 Xda Flint, an innovative handheld device specifically targeted at the education sector.

The scope of handheld learning with the Xda Flint is unbounded. Students can load eBooks onto the device to make electronic notes, read or review documents provided by their peers. They can also log onto or download digital learning applications, content and courses from the school/college or local authorities' virtual learning environments and widen their knowledge.

Another stylish addition to the expanding range of O2 branded devices, the Xda Flint is perfect for teachers and students alike, enabling access to curriculum information wherever and whenever required, subject to coverage. The Xda Flint has multiple functions and, with its pocket-size form-factor and massive 16GB of internal flash memory, can be used just like a laptop.

The Xda Flint is mobile technology at its best with a 5" VGA angled touch screen incorporating finger-friendly recognition and a detachable keyboard for intensive text-input. As the Xda Flint is Microsoft Windows compatible and includes Internet Explorer®, learners will be able to create documents and complete assignments while on the move, be that on the bus, out on a field trip, in the classroom, or at home, subject to coverage.

The Xda Flint has a host of applications and advanced specifications, including Bluetooth V2.0, Internet Explorer®, Opera 9 browser and Quad-band network access via WiFi and HSDPA. It includes a 3.0 megapixel colour camera with autofocus and flash light, MP3 and video playback. There are two camera points, on the front and reverse of the device that enables greater flexibility such as video calling or full functionality as a digital camera for photographs or video. Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional comes complete with an advanced calendar that can help students manage their time by setting reminders or tasks, and synchronising to other ICT so they remember to complete homework on time. Students can also manage subject timetables with a tool which can be downloaded onto the device.

Ben Dowd, O2 Business Sales Director, commented: "This device is perfect for students and teachers who need to stay in the loop while on the move or away from their learning environment and proves that Learning on the Go is truly possible. Our customers have shown that students benefit from handheld learning, and by synchronising and embedding the Xda Flint into the current ICT infrastructure we are able to help teachers deliver, manage and monitor personalised learning for each and every student."Notes to Editors:

DEVICE SPECIFICATION

• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional• Modern, stylish design• Detachable keyboard• Angled 5" screen touch screen• 3.0 megapixel color camera with autofocus and flash light• In-Built GPS• MP3 and Video playback• Wireless LAN 802.11b & g• HSDPA• Bluetooth ® V2.0• GSM/GPRS/EDGE Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900)• Supports Microsoft Direct Push Email solution• Internet Explorer® and newly-included Opera 9 browser - optimized for touch-screen use• 16GB of internal flash memory to hold more files than before