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). Click 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. Click 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. Click 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

James Booth is Editor-at-Large at ZATZ Publishing. In addition to writing for Computing Unplugged and Connected Photographer, he's the author of Do-It-Yourself Wedding Photography. A self-taught photographer, James also dabbles in digital graphics and has learned to be a PC and handheld specialist through personal trial and error. James can be reached at jbooth@zatz.com.