Scribblings

I bought the X1 after extensively using the iPhone (I still have), G1 and the touch pro (both returned)

First to clarify, yes this phone would not have 3G data on T-mobile. You can still make calls and use EDGE but that defies the purpose and the price. For that matter G1 would not work with ATT 3G, this is true for most phones. And if you need to blame someone, its T-moble. They have weird freq for their 3G which nobody else use.

Next, the Xi (the one sold here) has only 1900 freq but ATT uses both 850 and 1900 for voice so you should be good and most places have both the freq (I have never been to a place where my iPhone has better signal) but theoretically 850 is better.

This was one point I was worried, but believe me I don't see a difference. I lived in Atlanta (where 3G is great) and in Denver (where 3G is sketchy at best) and I don't see a difference. In general I drop more calls with my iPhone and I get better signal in places where my wife's phone(which has both 1900/850) doesn't have any.

So the choice is simple, if you live in US and don't mind the silver shell (I hate it) then go for X1a. If you even like the black a little better, get the x1i.

Now comparing to other phone and OS. I'll get this out of the way. right now, the x1 is the best windows mobile out there. Only the Blackstone (HTC touch HD) is comparable but that has no 3G in US (ATT and T-Mobile). So that leaves the Touch pro and Diamond. Touch pro looks great but the body feels cheap and i felt the phone will be in two pieces by the end of the week. Diamond is good but no GSM carrier. And at full price (to use it with ATT) its not all that cheaper to X1.

So I see the iPhone and G1 as its close competitors, G1 is great but the looks will def put people off and the OS feels like its still in beta. the iPhone is amazing (I use it in the weekends because I would want to find restaurants and movie theaters on the go and its so easy to use while driving) but you def don't get the unique feel, as 8 out of 10 people have it. So I take it that unique is what you are looking for if you are even considering buying this for double the price of a iPhone.

Ok here are the plus and minus of this phone
Great:-
1. Crystal clear display (480 by 800). The best so far
2. The finish (though some have complained about cracked body) is great in mine, I actually returned the first X1 (though it was the fault/inadequacy of the ATT support staff) but both x1 were great.
3. Def has a 'exclusive' feel
4. Great hardware, has everything in the market. Speed test shows the x1 for most part is faster than the Omnia (o, i hate that phone)

Good:-
1. I like the keyboard, though not as great as touch pro
2. Loads of physical button, though some may find it cramped.
3. Amazing forum, you can do virtually anything in the software side. They have already ported TF3D and other goodies from touch HD. But HTC (made and sold) devices like touch pro and HD have a bigger following.
4. This is more like 3a. You will def have 6.5 and even 7 ported to this phone (Not officially though)
5. Even though the OS is not touch optimized, it still feels like you can do anything with it. I love it (this is my 6th WinMo device)

Bad:-
1. No Captive touch screen, meaning you still need a stylus most of the time. But the TF3D and Panels make life a little better.
2. OS is like a siss army knife, Most would be overwhelmed if this is their 1st smart phone
3. Doesn't have accelerometer (the one which turns you screen landscape when you turn your mobile)
4. Comparing it with touch pro, touch pro has impressive list of sensors. For example it know when the stylus is in or out. Big deal? yes. For example you can auto launch notepad when in call and you pull the stylus out. You can do million things with these sensors. I had the pro pick my call automatically as i pick the phone from my desk. The x1 has none of these sensors.

Bottom line is if you are a vivid WinMo user and like spending hours setting up your phone and then flash it again and start all over. This one is for you.

Others try the G1 or the iPhone or wait for WinMo 7

PS:- If you do get this phone, the first thing you need to do is flash it with a custom ROM. Just google it