Apache reviewed
Telecom’s Apache is an example of a new breed of PDA which succeeds in putting a lot of power and connectivity into a very small space. In the Apache’s case this is thanks largely to a clever sliding keyboard which slips out from behind the screen. While this solution is arguably not as stylish as a clamshell designs such as iMate’s Jasjar, it is very practical.

While the full retail price of an HTC Apache is $1,199, if you choose a mobile broadband plan from Telecom (which you’ll need anyway to make full use of this device) the price of this powerful smartphone/pocket PC can drop as low as $392.

The Apache weighs in at just 186 grams and it measures 108mm x 59mm x 23.7mm which means it’s noticeably slimmer than an HP iPAQ. When it’s in the closed configuration the Apache’s 2.8” diagonal, 240 X 320 pixel touch-sensitive screen displays in a portrait format. Slide the keyboard out, and the display automatically rotates 90 degrees to give you a landscape view.

You can operate the touchscreen by tapping on it with your fingers, but we found it was easier to use the slimline stylus which is tucked away inside the antenna. The keys on the keyboard are just about large enough to operate comfortably but there are no dedicated numeric keys, you have to press a function key to type a number). However several applications such as Word flash up a ‘virtual’ keyboard on the screen, and using the stylus to tap out characters on this is usually the quickest and most convenient method of entering data.

The Apache provides an impressive range of options for communicating with the outside world. The main communications platform, CDMA 2000, gives you access to Telecom’s voice and mobile broadband networks in New Zealand and overseas services such as Sprint in the US, but the Apache also provides wireless networking, so you can connect to the net using a wireless hotspot for example.

For short-range communication Bluetooth and an infrared port is provided, and a miniSD card slot is available for extra storage. The Apache’s miniUSB slot is used for both recharging the batteries as well as linking up to your PC. The Apache also provides a 1.3 megapixel camera, which can take images up to 1280 X 1024 pixels in size.

Overall the Apache’s 416 MHz processor was powerful enough to run most of the provided applications. However some operations such as switching to camera mode take a couple of seconds and when you slide the keyboard out, the transition from portrait to landscape mode is not always instantaneous.

The Apache will appeal to people who want to be connected while on the move. If you’re a sales rep for example you’ll appreciate being able to send and receive emails and open some of the commonly found attachments, such as Word files, Excel spreadsheets, or even PowerPoint presentations.

One of the benefits of the Apache’s Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system is that you can easily synchronise your Outlook contacts and messages that are stored on a PC, and you can also download software to a PC and then transfer it to the Apache via the USB port.

Skype test drive
We took advantage of the latter facility to install a Pocket PC version of Skype on the Apache. Skype is an internet telephony service that allows you make international computer-to-computer phone calls over the internet at no extra charge.

Internet telephony is nothing new of course but Skype is one program that has recently taken off around the world. Launched in 2003, the service now boasts over 75 million users and new users are signing up in their hundreds of thousands every day.

While the program can be downloaded free of charge at www.skype.com and computer to computer calls are free, Skype earns revenue from optional ‘premium’ services such as call answering and message recording services, and charged calls to ordinary landlines or mobile phones. While it’s possible to download Skype directly to an Apache using mobile broadband, most people will find it more convenient to download the package to a PC and then transfer it to the Apache using Microsoft’s ActiveSync, a package which is included on the CD-ROM that comes with the device.

We tested Skype with a series of local and international calls using a PC and also made local voice and messaging connections on the Apache using a Telecom wireless ‘hotspot’.

For voice communications, Skype proved to be extremely reliable and it never failed to make a connection. On a PC, Skype’s sound quality is also better than anything you’ll get on a mobile or landline. In calls to the UK, the sound quality as relayed through stereo PC speakers made it sound as if the person you were talking to was in the same room, and there was no discernible delay.

According to Skype, the quality is better because its frequency range is much closer to the full audible spectrum than the 300 Hz to 3 kHz which is all ordinary phones can manage.

To test Skype on the Apache, we visited a local Starbucks café which provided a wireless hotspot. To use the hotspot service you either need to set up an account with Telecom or else you can buy a $10 prepay voucher, which are available from Starbucks. Unfortunately, logging on with the prepay cards involves keying in a long access code to achieve internet access before you can log in to Skype.

Although the process is straightforward the prepay hotspot logon particularly is time consuming and it takes a couple of minutes before you are ready to use Skype. On the Apache Skype’s voice quality was comparable to an ordinary mobile phone, but it is improved if you use the headphones which are supplied as standard.

The latest version of Skype, version 2.0, also supports videoconferencing although the reliability of this service when tested on a basic DSL broadband service left a lot to be desired. On an international videoconference call to the UK the image often displayed as a series of still pictures rather than smooth video and the connection dropped out entirely every couple of minutes or so.

Nevertheless, Skype overall manages to provide a versatile and much richer communications environment than ordinary phones. Skype’s instant messaging for example allows you to type out a long phone number or address instead of dictating it.

Now, it’s worth pointing out that all of the above functions are also available on the latest version of Microsoft’s Instant Messenger which is also available on the Apache, but Skype has a so far unique ability to make calls to any landline or mobile at very low rates. For example, Skype’s global rate to call landlines in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and even China is just 3.2 cents a minute. This means Skype is even cheaper than the low cost phone cards available at dairies and unlike these phone cards there are no lengthy codes to key in first, you simply dial the number or click on a contact.

Skype is shaping up to be a ‘killer’ application for broadband internet services but it is also threatening telcos’ traditional toll-based revenue. At least one 3G mobile phone operator in Europe has decided to offer free Skype calls on its network, and the head of Vodafone recently stated that internet telephony would force all telcos to offer ‘all you can eat’ pricing within two or three years.

For more information
Apache PDA
www.telecom.co.nz

Skype
www.skype.com

July 2006