Orange SPV runs Win Mobile 5.0

Orange has introduced the SPV M5000, a wireless handheld with 3G and GPRS connectivity plus a high-resolution screen and keyboard that makes messaging easier for mobile staff. The device also has 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless support, and runs the latest version of Microsoft's Windows Mobile software.

The SPV M5000, available from October, is the first 3G handheld with the full suite of wireless connectivity options, Orange said. It is the operator's own-brand version of the HTC Universal handset, so is very similar to O2's recently announced XDA Exec. However, Orange said the M5000 has its own customisations for business users.

"What's key for us is to demonstrate that we're not just taking the product off the shelf," said the company's head of business device marketing Francois Mayhew. The M5000 features a reworked user interface with a new home screen that is completely configurable, for example.

For enterprise buyers, Orange has also removed consumer-oriented features such as large selections of ringtones. "It's about giving people the confidence that this is a business tool," Mayhew said.

As one of the first Windows Mobile 5.0 handsets, the M5000 has a number of improvements, such as file and formatting compatibility with Office documents.

"The way Pocket Word and Excel displayed a document was different from device to device with previous versions of Windows Mobile," said Mayhew. "This is also a stable and well-featured OS."

The device lets users type on its mini keyboard, or fold the screen back so that it can be used as a touchscreen PDA. It can also be closed up to protect the screen.

Mayhew said that Orange now has its own car kit installation service for its business customers, and that it is working to future-proof kits for all its SPV models.

"The only thing they need to upgrade from an older SPV is to change the actual cradle, not the mounting or the electronics," said Mayhew. The M5000 has the same connector as the M2000 he added, and a forthcoming replacement for the C500 will use the same design.

Pricing will depend upon the data tariff, but the device costs £400 without subsidy.

See also:

EU gears up for 3G expansion battle

Fight looming over future spectrum allocation  10 Aug 2005

Email on the move from Orange

Orange claims 91% of its customers have handsets capable of sending and receiving email, but only 10% actually use the feature....  27 May 2005

Orange improves service for worldwide travellers

More transparent pricing for travellers  05 May 2005

UK 3G users prove rich pickings

Brits among mobile operator 3's most profitable customers  31 Mar 2005

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