Dopod U1000 : Ultra PocketPC & possibly my next upgrade

After purchasing the iMate JasJam last year, I thought that I had reached the pinnacle in converged mobile phone / pocketPC technology...until a couple of weeks ago when I spotted the new Dopod U1000 (aka HTC Athena & HTC Advantage).

Boy is it a beauty!

The most obviously feature is the 5" VGA screen. More and more I'm surfing the web and blogging on the run and this screen is perfect for that. Sure it compromises portability with the extra size, but being able to view more of my browser is well worth it.

Not too sure about the built-in-slide-out-QWERTY-keyboard though. I still envisage myself using my ThinkOutside Bluetooth Stowaway Keyboard for the close-to-full-size keys. I'll have to play with a real life model to provide a more accurate assessment, but nonetheless it looks decent enough for sustained data entry.

I love the fact that it has a phone built in and what's more will be Telstra NextG 3G Network capable, unlike Samsung's Q1 UMPC.

Specifications and Features of the Dopod U1000:
- 3 MegaPixel digital camera
- Quad Band GSM (GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900)
- Connectivity Options: 3G, HSDPA, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPRS/GSM, USB, EDGE
- Messaging Features: SMS, MMS, Predictive text input, Email
- Dimensions: 133.1 x 98 x 16 mm
- Weight: 375G
- Display: 640 x 480 pixels
- Screen size: 5 inches
- CPU: Intel PXA 270 processor 624MHz
- Video Card: ATi Graphics Chip W2284
- RAM: 8320MB
- ROM: 256MB

I know of some people who already have these in Australia imported from the U.S. and other places. The reports from these select have so far been glowing. Dopod as far as I know have not released any official dates for our shores, but I'll keep you posted.

Here are a couple of links to whet your appetite:
- CNet Review on the Dopod U1000
- Mtekk Forum Dopod U1000 - mostly contains members drooling, be aware.