Conclusions

My final thoughts on the Qtek 8500 are purely based on the experience of owning such a device since they first hit the market, as well as extensive research on the device itself since its release.  While the Qtek 8500 is what I consider the most aesthetically pleasing Smartphone on the market, I just couldn't grasp on the fact that such a serious flaw in performance was simply over-looked.  You would think a $500-600 device would perform its two primary functions...make and receive calls.  However, that is not the case with Qtek 8500 and the incoming call issue is one that is not only alarming, but has let many fans down.  During testing and many attempts to find a solution, the peace of mind of owning a reliable device was simply gone.  Considering this phone will primarily target business users that rely on communication, the issue is that much more serious than it seems.  Prior to acquiring the Qtek 8500 for review, I did manage to get a hold of the Japan version of the phone, the Dopod S300.  I quickly returned this phone because I encountered many other issues not found on the Qtek version.  For one, the speaker on the Dopod was not loud enough and I just found it difficult to hear in noisy environments, even with the volume at its highest.  Perhaps all three variants do have there fair share of issues.  I can't speak for the I-mate model, since it is the last one to be released.  I do, however, find it quite remarkable that many loyal owners simply refuse to let this phone go, despite all the hard earned money they have spent on it.  It goes to show just what an impression its design has made.

Update 08/27/06:  I CAN speak for the I-mate now after loading this excellent ROM on the 8500.  It does make a difference and a major improvement overall.  Simply put, the I-mate version of the HTC Star Trek is the way to go.  If you cannot afford the much higher cost of the I-mate model, you can now purchase the Qtek model for much less since its release and load the I-mate ROM, thanks to the folks at MIGsofT, LTD.   It will not only completely solve the missed call issue, but also enhance its overall performance and practically let you experience this phone for what it really is.  However, this all doesn't mean there is still an issue with the phone.  Apparently, some of our readers have reported that loading both the I-Mate and Dopod ROM's have not solved the missed call issue.  This brings many questions into play and I'm currently trying to pinpoint the cause of the problem and working with them to try and figure out exactly what the issue is.  However, after owning three of these phones, I can say that it is a ROM issue and not related to the hardware.  Now, for those eagerly waiting for the release of the Cingular version of the phone, the Cingular 3125, there are some things you should take note of.  For one, I have followed this quite closely and have come across many rumors, some of which are credible based on some sources.  Apparently, Cingular is having their share of issues with the phone and the release of the phone has been delayed.  What most should note is that if Cingular does release the phone with their ROM, there may be other issues that may play a role in its performance.  I say this only after having the opportunity to test all three versions an finding flaws in each.   In summary, if you crave a flip phone with the Windows OS, the I-mate or the the Qtek 8500 loaded with the ROM is the way to go.  Cingular currently plans of offering the phone for $199 with a two year contract.  However, paying full price for the phone will actually be higher then what you can currently get the Qtek model for. 

What many potential buyers should also note is that this device does not really bring any next gen features to the market.  In short, the Qtek 8500 is simply a breakthrough in design rather than technology.  You still have the TI OMAP 200MHz processor that many older Smartphones feature and have very limited internal memory.  In fact, if you purchase this device, it is practically a necessity to purchase additional storage to get the phone to perform many other functions as well as install all your favorite third-party applications for use.

Yes, its design is undoubtedly impressive.  However, that does not mean that some sacrifices had to made in order to offer a form factor that many have been craving for years now.  HTC opted for its own proprietary connector rather than a standard Mini USB connector.  What does this mean?  Well, for one, you will practically have to resort to purchasing additional accessories such as a car charger or extra sync cable that are compatible with the device.  Also, you're practically forced to use the included earbuds rather than any other quality earbuds you may want to use with the phone.  Also note that while the phone does support A2DP, allowing you to play your music using a compatible bluetooth headset, many have reported that they only get mono sound from them.  This is something that can be corrected in firmware though.

Despite the missed call issue, this phone does have many impressive features that make it a very capable phone for many users once this issue is indeed resolved.  For one, reception and call quality is truly remarkable and the best I've seen on a Windows powered Smartphone.  I was truly impressed and did not expect this level of quality based on its design.  Also, voice recordings are excellent and much better than most other Smartphones on the market.  Keep in mind that although it is a Smartphone, it is also considered a music phone.  You have dedicated control keys on the front of the phone, eliminating the need to open the phone to play your music files.  The external display will show track info and does work very well.  This is actually one thing I will miss!  The device also ships with a ClearVue Suite that will allow you to view and do minor edits to Office files.  This is a major plus considering the Smartphone OS does not feature the pocket versions of MS Office.

Simply put, the Qtek 8500 is a phone I wanted to love but couldn't due to issues that I honestly think should have been acknowledged prior to release.  Considering I'm a fan of Clam Shell designs, this was seriously disappointing!  I'm left with few options, all of which are candy bar style phones.  Don't get me wrong, I've been a fan of HTC for years now and what many do not know is that they are indeed the company behind all those great Smartphones you can purchase from your service provider.  If it wasn't for them, we simply wouldn't have most of the excellent and highly functional devices we have today.  That's a fact, and given their reputation and recent changes to improve the level of customer service, I have complete confidence in them that they will indeed find a solution to the issue this phone does have.  With that said, if you do decide to purchase this phone, I highly recommend you acquire one from Smart Mobile Gadgets.  They are now an official HTC reseller and not only do they usually get their products first, but purchasing an HTC product from them means peace of mind.  Should an update be available, you will be the first to know and they will provide it.

More information on the new Qtek 8500 can be found on HTC's Europe Portal Site.

For those who are not yet aware, HTC has made some significant changes, primarily to improve the level of customer service.  HTC will no longer use third-party companies to brand their phones and all future products will sport their own logo.   Yes, that means there will be no confusion as to what product to purchase nor will you have to rely on a specific company to release updates.  Along with this change is the introduction of two new devices, the TyTN and the MTeoR, both of which will truly offer a higher level of performance.  The TyTN has already made its way to US soil and SMG does currently have it in stock.  Stay tuned for a review of their latest Smartphone, the MTeoR. 

Questions?  Comments?  Discuss them here!

I would like to hear from anyone who has either successfully found a solution to the incoming call problem or have been able to take better pictures using the camera.  Please discuss in the review thread and feel free to post pictures taken with your Qtek 8500 if you feel you were able to take better night shots.