O2 bolsters its XDA range

IN AN ATTEMPT to boost its Windows based XDA line-up of wireless PDAs, O2 has finally released its IIi model. This features a faster processor, a higher resolution camera and more available memory.

. The XDA IIi is actually using an Intel PXA272 520MHz processor and running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition as its OS. The XDA is made for O2 by HTC so expect similar models from the likes of T-Mobile in Germany.

Unlike the IIs model, the IIi doesn't feature a pull out keyboard - only pen input. But like the IIs, it does offer support for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The IIs also had a slower, 400MHz PXA2623 processor. The XDA II range are Tri-band GSM phones so they will work in North America.

The good news is that both the screen and the camera supplied in the IIi support 1.3 Megapixels whereas the IIs' camera was a mere 0.3 Megapixels. There's been a slight improvement in available memory - 59 MB as opposed to the IIs's 44 MB.

While the XDA IIs might sound like a 'me-too' product, the great advantage is that it can be obtained relatively cheaply by singing up with the O2 network. Indeed prices start at £180.

It's products like this which are gradually lifting The Beast of Redmond's profile in the cellular market and stealing market share from Symbian. It'll be interesting to see exactly what spec the 3G version of the XDA, the X4, eventually offers.

For the full specs see here. µ