Similar to the File benchmark, is the Storage Card test. Figure J shows how fast the Advantage wrote to the hard drive as compared to how fast other devices wrote to a memory card.

FIGURE J


The Storage Card benchmark notes how fast the device writes to a card (or hard drive). Roll over picture for a larger image.

Figure K displays the High-use battery benchmark, done with the display at maximum brightness and playing continuous video.

FIGURE K


The High-use Battery benchmark. Roll over picture for a larger image.

You'll note a bit shorter run time in the Normal-use battery test. What the benchmark does not tell you is that I ran the Normal-use test with the Bluetooth radio turned on. I did this to simulate average use when coupled with a Bluetooth headset. Because the Advantage can only be used with a headset or as a speakerphone, I felt it would most likely be paired with a wireless headset. Therefore, I tested it appropriately. The results are in Figure L.

FIGURE L


Normal-use Battery benchmark with BT turned on. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Conclusion
Although the Advantage is not a device for the mainstream public, it does address the needs of its niche market quite well. For the person that is required to have a laptop and cell phone, but only makes use of Outlook and Office, the Advantage is the perfect converged device and laptop replacement. And don't forget us techno-geeks either. We really like it.

I really only have a couple of problems with the device. At $900.00 it's a bit expensive for what it is. And you MUST use a headset for phone calls. I give HTC's Advantage mobile computer 3 out of 5.

OUR RATING: 3 of 5

Mike Serbinis is CTO of Critical Path. Critical Path developed Memova Mobile, a solution for the mass market that pushes messages from the users' existing email accounts, such as Gmail or ISP email accounts, to their cell phones. Memova Mobile works on any MMS handset and allows users to select the email addresses they want to hear from.