Qool Labs QDA Icon
CNET Editors' Rating
Just as some people have started writing Qool Labs off for the lack of handset presence in the market, the Singapore-based company recently unveiled a surprise at the CommunicAsia tradeshow. Its latest Windows Mobile 5.0-based PDA-phone, the QDA Icon, comes with a 4-megapixel camera. That's almost two times the resolution of the current 2-megapixel cameras found on the O2 XDA Atom or Dopod 818Pro, and the highest we've seen so far on a handheld. But that's not all. The Icon is also one of the first PDA-phones to employ a CCD sensor which promises better image quality than the standard CMOS offerings.
| Editors' note:
Qool Labs has confirmed that there was an error in its CommunicAsia2006 brochure for the QDA Icon. It does not come with wireless LAN connectivity. We have since removed it from the story and specification listings.
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Viewed through the window showcase, the Icon looked rather sleek with its slim and uncluttered design. Its phone function buttons, located below the 2.4-inch QVGA display, which resemble the laser-etched keypad on Motorola's Razr phones, add to the whole stylish appearance. Five touchscreen shortcut buttons line the bottom of the display for easy access to some of the common handheld functions.
Music lovers will be pleased to know that the Icon will feature A2DP support in its Bluetooth profile. This means the handheld can be paired with a pair of Bluetooth stereo headsets for audio playback.
According to the brochure, the Icon will also come with onboard video player as well as camera flash light. It will be available in two colors: Black and silver-black. Other detailed specifications remain sketchy at this point in time, though Qool Labs has stated the Icon to be released later this year.
About the author
A Back to the Future fan, Reuben Lee secretly hopes the flux capacitor works so he can go back in time to tell the younger him to invest in Google shares. This former engineering graduate stumbled from varsity straight into games and tech writing just for the fun at CNET Asia. He found it so much fun, he stayed on for the next 11 years. You can also catch this Senior Editor for chats on all things Japan, the manga One Piece, Star Wars, Liverpool and football, and racing games.
Latest comments
Pros: 4 Megapixel camera and windows 5.0
Cons: curious about the battery
Summary: Looks cool indeed
This PDA is look good and also cool. And above else it has a 4MP camera. which sensor is CCD not CMOS anymore. And it already out! But i curious about the battery-life time. Because it is said to be just 1200m-Ah
Pros: 21
Cons: i'am
Summary: 1
Qool QDA Icon is a good quality,because Qool Qda Icon is a first pda phone with 4 megapixels is amazing
Pros: Looks pretty small. Cool Camera
Cons: Bigger than the Atom
Summary: Service
If this phone does indeed come out, I hope Qool Labs realizes that service is just as important as the product. I was going to buy the Gigabyte gsmart-i in June but they didn't have the English OS. I emailed Synergy (HK distributor) and received no response. I followed up in July. No response. I sent an email to Gigabyte's head office in Taiwan to complain about Synergy's lack of response. Nothing. Nada. I can't buy a phone without service because we all know that pda phones do funky things. If this Icon phone doesn't come out, then I'm going to buy the Atom Exec. At least 02 has a service center in Mong Kok.
Pros: 4 Mega Pixel
Cons: Looks a bit flimsy
Summary: HOW MUCH MEMORY?
The gripe of all PDA users is the same MEMORY, MEMORY, MEMORY, More RAM, SD, Mini-SD, Hard drive if possible. Also, not to forget Rocket Speed Processor, LARGE Screen, slim design and light weight. At the same time throw in drop protection and water resistance for good measure. If possible include dual sim card support. I have been using HP for such a long time and thinking of changing, but recently the problems with 6828 has got me thinking about changing brands. I seriously think the people building PDAs do not own a PDA, if they do why are they building so unstable and problematic PDAs. I hope that Qool Labs is listening to the users and will try to fix the problems we are facing with the HP and O2.
Pros: 4 MEGA PIXEL!!!!
Cons: Onboard connectivity options remains to be seen
Summary: Shakes up the PDA phone market
Finally, someone is trying to push the envelope on PDA phone functionability. XDA Atom Exec , Dopod & HP RW6828 ; all seem to be peas in a pod. The market seem to be lacking the same verve as when XDA II burst on to the scene and when O2 mini became a blockbuster. we need innovation and a 4 mega pixel on board camera may just be what we need to jump start a relook into pda phone capabilities. Qool. way to go. throw out more curve balls and keep the big boys on their toes.
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