You may think you’ve seen nothing like the Xda Flint before. But in fact the eagle-eyed among you may recognise the HTC Advantage, a Windows Mobile device which went through a couple of iterations before disappearing from HTC’s catalogue.

Specs & info
Price: contract
Operating system: Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
Processor: Marvell PXA270 624Mhz, ATi Graphics Chip W2284
Memory: 256MB ROM, 128MB RAM, 16GB flash storage
Dimensions: 133.5mm x 98mm x 16mm
Weight: 375g
Display size: 5 diagonal inches
Display resolution: 640 x 480
Expansion slot: 1 x miniSD

O2 has decided to take it on, and suggests it is an ideal device for students and teachers. We can see where they are coming from, but think that teachers and students might prefer notebooks, or netbooks with their proper keyboards, desktop operating systems and wider software compatibility.

But we’re not prepared to dismiss the Xda Flint out of hand just because of that.

This is an intriguing device and quite a compelling one too. It comes in two pieces, with the screen section housing most of the computing power and a separate keyboard which you can carry or not as you see fit. The two sections connect via a clever magnet system which leaves the screen tilted at an angle so you can see it, laptop style, while typing.

The system is too unwieldy to hold in a hand but it works well on the desk. The keyboard is flat with keys separated by raised frames and it is bigger than usual so that tapping with two fingers is perfectly possible.

The Xda Flint is big. It weighs all of 375g and measures 98 x 133.5 x 16mm. You get a sizeable carry case to tote it in. The upside of its size is a luscious 5-inch 640 x 480 pixel screen which does a wonderful job of displaying information. You really could produce proper documents on this device, and Web browsing is a dream thanks not only to the screen but to the excellent Opera browser that is preinstalled too. You can finger-pan around Web pages, and it is even possible to tap away at the Windows Mobile on-screen keyboard with fingertips and be accurate about it. Opera renders pages almost as well as on a desktop, and although not all web technologies are supported it does turn the Flint into an extremely effective web device.

There is a generous 16GB of internal storage, and you can add more by using miniSD card. That format is old fashioned, but you can still get cards so it’s no real worry. There is GPS built in and this makes it possible to add some satnav software and use the Xda Flint as a navigation device.

Wi-Fi is here too which means you don’t always need to use the 3G support for data communications. When you do opt for 3G, though, you can take advantage of two-way video calling, and this is another thing that benefits from the big screen. It is wonderful to see the face of the person you are calling rendered large. Since the Flint is less ‘mobile’ than your typical smartphone we suspect that if you are going to use video calling on any device it will be this one.

There is a 3 megapixel camera on the back of the screen section, with its own LED flash so you can take snaps.

Making voice calls is a bit of a pain, though. You have to either listen through the loudspeaker or use the provided headphones. There’s no option to make a private call by holding the Xda Flint to your ear. At least the headphones socket is a 3.5mm one.

Battery life is average rather than exceptional, and we reckon any student (or anyone else) keen on using this device throughout the day ought to plan for a daily battery charge.

Overall, we like the Xda Flint but don’t really see how it can grab huge market. Anyone wanting a capable cheap computer these days can opt for a netbook and that could be the Xda Flint’s downfall.

Essential Verdict
Performance: 8/10
Nothing wrong with raw speed or capabilities, and that keyboard is easy to use at a fair old speed

Design: 8/10
A very clever design, though you can’t really type holding it in the hand

Features: 8/10
Plentiful features including a whopping 16GB of storage

Value for Money: 7/10
You may need both a phone and a computer as well as the Xda Flint

Overall score: 7/10
Specs-wise impressive, but we aren’t sure you won’t need a phone as well

Review originally appeared in Smartphone & PDA Essentials magazine. Words by Sandra Vogel.

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