Have you got your £10 eXpansys voucher yet? See this post for all the details!
HTC Touch Diamond

Orange SPV E650 and HTC S710 Unboxed & Compared

30/04/07 10:24:38 am by Matt - 316 words
Categories: News, Mobile/Computing, Reviews, Podcast/Video

The Orange SPV E650 was finally released last week and since then it has proven to be very popular and is the device that we are emailed about most. In fact you probably wont find it at your local Orange retail outlet as, in most locations, it's out of stock.

Both SPV E650 and the HTC S710 are based on the HTC Vox and are essentially the same device. However, I managed to get my hands on both so thought that I'd do a double unboxing video to see if there are any differences between the two.

A few things I would point out to anyone looking to buy an Orange SPV E650.

  • The neither device has built in GPS. We had several emails this week from people having just purchased an E650 and being disapointed to learn that the GPS isn't there.
  • Orange have removed Windows Live Messenger from the E650. This is because they are planning to launch their own IM service later this year. The HTC S710 has Messenger left intact.
  • You can download the full length video, in higher res, from HERE or if you prefer to use YouTube you can see the video, on two parts, HERE (Pt1) and HERE (Pt2).

    The HTC S710 is now available to buy from Clove Technology. Thanks once again to Clove for supplying the S710 for review, and to Russell for letting me borrow his brand new E650 as Orange have yet to find us one!

    Orange SPV E650/HTC S710 Specification:

  • Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone
  • TI OMAP 850 CPU @ 200Mhz
  • Quad Band EDGE/GSM (No 3G!)
  • 2.4" QVGA 240 x 320 screen
  • 96Mb RAM, 128Mb ROM
  • Bluetooth 2
  • Dimensions: 100 x 50 x 18mm
  • USB and WiFi (802.11b/g)
  • 'Spring Loaded' Qwerty keyboard
  • 2MP Camera
  • 5 way jog bar
  • MicroSD card slot
  • Posted By:Matt

    [Technorati tag(s): , , , , , , ]

    Clove Software

    58 comments

    Comment from: Gary Di Girolamo [Visitor]
    Good little intro. thanks
    30/04/07 @ 14:31
    Comment from: Tommy [Visitor]
    I have a dutch Orange branded SPV E650, and it has windows live messenger! The rest of the software looks the same as the uk one you have..strange
    30/04/07 @ 16:49
    Comment from: Henri-Pierre [Visitor]
    I too have a Dutch SPV E650, and can also say that i have windows live messenger installed on it.
    Very strange indeed.
    But I would like to link to remove the orange icon's and put back the default ones.

    btw great comparison! thx
    01/05/07 @ 11:32
    Comment from: Tommy [Visitor]
    Yes, where is the link?
    01/05/07 @ 18:54
    Apologies - try this link http://www.modaco.com/Removing-Orange-Bloatware-t254279.html

    However, should have a better solution for you in a few days which will be in the form of a .cab that you can run to do the whole lot!

    Matt
    01/05/07 @ 21:14
    Comment from: AnotherMatt [Visitor]
    Great to see the vid. This has had a major upgrade since i last looked in. Considering upgrading myself to m700 or E650.

    Would like to see your E650 review before I make the choice. Do you know when you will post it?

    Tempted by the GPS on the M700 so I can run my existing tomtom software but no keyboard... will the E650 run my tomtom software under winmob 6?
    02/05/07 @ 16:05
    Thanks for your feedback, glad you like the videos, we'll have some more online soon.

    I wont have our E650 review online for a little while as I do not have an E650 of my own, I had to borrow one from a friend for the video. Hope to be able to get our hands on another E650 for review purposes shortly!

    Matt
    02/05/07 @ 20:54
    Comment from: Camperman [Visitor]
    I have the UK SPV E650 and am very pleased with it. I have changed to it from the XDA Exec. A massive improvement in speed and size. It is dissapointing that Orange have removed MSN. I am also annoyed that Microsoft have started charging for mobile msn. Does anybody know a good third party software thats free?
    05/05/07 @ 10:33
    I don't know of anything that's free but Agile Messenger (http://www.agilemobile.com/wm.html) is pretty good and inexpensive.

    Matt
    05/05/07 @ 17:30
    Comment from: Bobbi [Visitor]
    I've just ordered an E650 from France Orange and am really glad I found this website so I can get a head start on how to set mine up.

    Do any of you know if there will be an English section in the Users Manual??? I don't read French all that well.

    Thanks
    Bobbi
    10/05/07 @ 18:26
    Comment from: Ali [Visitor]
    does any of these devices support arabic? thank you
    12/05/07 @ 23:40
    Comment from: Lewis [Visitor]
    Has anyone tested GPS software on the HTC S710, what is compatible?
    Thanks,
    Lewis
    14/05/07 @ 22:00
    Comment from: J.L. Bloem [Visitor]

    Hey there,

    Just got the dutch version of the E650 myself.

    Any news on the .cab file that'll remove the ugly icons from Orange?

    Not really looking forward to flashing the rom with an original HTC s710 OS :)
    15/05/07 @ 12:33
    Comment from: Bobbi [Visitor]
    Hi,

    I've had my Orange E650 for a few days now and no, it didn't come with an English manual but I've been fighting my way through the French version. Most things are going quite well. I do have a question though about backward compatibility. This phone has Mobile 6.0 and I find a lot of applications for 5.0. I tried one, Map24, and it doesn't seem to work very well. Any ideas about the advisability of loading 5.0 apps? Also I wonder about apps that are for Pocket phones vs. smartphones. So far I've stayed away from that category.
    Thanks again for all your help,
    Bobbi
    18/05/07 @ 13:58
    Comment from: DEE [Visitor]
    what is better e650 or m700? which should i buy, need phone with good access to outlook and office?
    02/06/07 @ 23:47
    Comment from: Rob [Visitor]
    The orange UK web site has a support section with the English manual for the e650. You can download it as a .pdf rather than having to struggle on with the French version.
    13/06/07 @ 15:41
    Comment from: John [Visitor]
    Hi, excellent video, I expected the phone to be a lot bigger than it looks (unless Matt has big hands). I work for Orange and I think they have definitely rushed the launch of this phone. There is no training material on our e-learning system so this would explain why staff are getting confused. I really want this phone but I hope the rushed launch doesn’t cause any problems. It seems they would have liked to change all the icons to Orange as they do with all new SE and Samsung phones but got bored half way through.

    I want to know what you can do with the WIFI on the device. Can you connect to a network simply to browse the net or can you log onto a domain and transfer files etc?
    29/06/07 @ 10:24
    hey there i watched you vid kinda kool i have the HTC/SPC what ever you want to call it no matter that you call it, it is a HTC orange have omited to me this is the case and SPV was fristed known via them selfs.
    Now vodefone have SPC's but the thing is if you have a problem with Oranges OS when try and get your hands on the HTC OS as this will still be compatable with the SPV's hardware as there the same. and HTC als so do the black keys as well as the silver.

    I like my phone very much as i don't way for the net anymore as i use my wifi and have had orange delete all WAP aka 2G Modem settinged deleted form my contract.

    No this Phone does not have GPS but it dose work the the Blue ture GPS system and i think it will work with the XDA usb GPS systems as this is also a HTC with every simler hardware.

    The SPC/HTC is a great little smart phone trying 2 head to be a PDA i think was a OS upload i think it could be a good phone all around.

    And when are you doing the .cab file for the icons? i would like to see this also can you take off the msn for the HTC and move it to the SPV and just add the Reg Key manul? i don't see why you couldn't
    02/07/07 @ 02:51
    Comment from: russ [Visitor]
    I have delayed the purchase of the E650 because on launch handset wasn't compatible with Vista, is this still the case and if so is there a link i can follow to sync with my laptop?

    03/07/07 @ 13:17
    Comment from: Fraser [Visitor]
    I like the look of the SPV E650 on orange but have been told that live messenger has been removed. My question is will push mail on a hotmail account work and if not what do I have to do to be able to receive it?
    05/07/07 @ 11:58
    Comment from: AMJAD [Visitor]
    Beautiful nice little pocket gadget....but loads of problems to instll old applications which use to run nicely on my old SPV600 ( Windows Mobile 5 ).
    Most of the applications seem to be INCOMPATIBLE with WINDOWS mobile 6.
    I will advise NOT TO BUY yet....
    or otherwise keep wasting time on trying to find all compatible programmes.
    I installed TOMTOM 6 as my old TOMTOM 5 was not working on this one and WOOPS like other programmes...it did not work on this .. Very diappointed.
    Otherwise Nice , smart machine....but its a shame.... JUST BEAUTY & IS USELESS...as its TOOOO NEW for all applications ...I,ll PUT IT IN MY DISPLAY CABINET....for a year or so....till i have all compatible programmes... X

    09/07/07 @ 19:12
    Comment from: Simon [Visitor]
    I have just received my new E650 from the company guru who sets it up to sync with my work email etc, but he has omitted to send me the CD Rom, where can I get hold of a copy?
    17/07/07 @ 13:34
    Comment from: Howard [Visitor]
    If i connect my SPV E 650 to my PC and i open the active sync manager on the PC and then open the TOOLS menu, one of the options is to add or remove programmes. One of the programmes listed is called CUSTOMIZATION ORANGEUK.....any idea's as to what happens if i was to go ahead and remove this programme?
    20/07/07 @ 21:35
    Comment from: Kevin [Visitor]
    I have just received a E650 and have a problem with
    Activesync not working, I have version 4.5 phone connects
    and says that it has synced but actaully has not copied
    any of my contacts or calanders. Have Outlook 2002
    Any ideas?
    27/07/07 @ 14:09
    Comment from: rexzooly [Visitor] · http://www.webgroupsonline.co.uk
    hey again well i still have my e650 and guess want works fine ya if i over load it, it can come slow and crash but end of the day its only a 200 simple cpu.
    this cpu would not even support 95 as its so simple.

    just remeber to use your task manager thats what its there for and end all un needed programs.

    its a shame about no live messenger and i can't get it cos to get pocket msn you have to pay wats kinda meh but you know .
    29/07/07 @ 10:59
    Comment from: Mick Winning [Visitor]
    Hi, I've just set-up my new SPV E650, email send & receive + active sync all working. Here's the problem: I've connected to 2 separate WIFI internet access points and apparently have a good signal. Unfortunately, I can't get WM IE to serve any pages. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
    07/08/07 @ 11:46
    Comment from: Mick Winning [Visitor]
    "I have just received a E650 and have a problem with
    Activesync not working, I have version 4.5 phone connects
    and says that it has synced but actaully has not copied
    any of my contacts or calanders. Have Outlook 2002
    Any ideas?"

    This worked for me: Start/Settings/Connections/more...>USB to PC/Uncheck: 'Enable advanced network functionality' That should do it. Run active sync, it should pause over contacts etc. If you have any problems, check active sync setting on the PC & Phone - make sure all required check boxes are highlighted. Good luck!
    07/08/07 @ 12:15
    Comment from: Ed [Visitor]
    Hi, great videos btw. I'm thinking of upgradeing my ageing SPV c500 to the E650. However, I am extremaly dissapointed that Orange removed WLM from the device. Isn't there any hack around to install WLM on the E650?
    15/08/07 @ 13:21
    Comment from: floydeth [Visitor]
    i received my spv3e650 today and i have never been so confused??? is there a website that can help me set it up? also i read in this forum that it has true blue gps does this mean i wont need to buy a gps receiver to use sat nav?? thanks for your help..........
    11/09/07 @ 20:24
    Hi, let us know what you are trying to do with your E650 and what you are trying to set up
    and we shall try to help out.

    The E650 does NOT have built in GPS so for sat nav you'll need a Bluetooth GPS unit.

    Matt
    11/09/07 @ 21:29
    Comment from: Helen [Visitor]
    Hi there,
    I got an SPV650 a couple of weeks ago and I have had nothing but problems with it freezing when I try and go to certain functions from the home page, such as contacts and the calendar. I have asked Orange if I can return it but they say I have to go to the retailer I bought it from (which was an Orange shop) but as I don't live near where I bought it I am very frustrated. Do you think it is a software problem?
    12/09/07 @ 15:00
    Comment from: Timothy Ngwena [Visitor] · http://www.magik3.com
    Hey i had the wifi issues and i have connected to the sky router. Basically theres a presious post about active sync not working and you have to change the settings. I have quoted it below

    this worked for me: Start/Settings/Connections/more...>USB to PC/Uncheck: 'Enable advanced network functionality' That should do it. Run active sync, it should pause over contacts etc. If you have any problems, check active sync setting on the PC & Phone - make sure all required check boxes are highlighted. Good luck!

    Once youve done that delete the setiing for the sky router, and reconnect to it and put the settings in again. and it connects like beofre, but it should now go to the net .

    Let us know if it works
    15/09/07 @ 10:41
    Comment from: Stevie G [Visitor]
    E650/WiFi/WMIE wont serve pages...Sky Netgear Router

    After reading the above I tried it, but it still wont work.
    Anyone else having problems or know how to fix this?

    I connect to the router, good signal, keep getting the
    message 'cant find page, check address etc

    Can anyone help?
    19/09/07 @ 12:42
    Comment from: Stevie G [Visitor]
    Figured this out now... Make sure you have the setting "best performance" in the WiFi power mode screen. WiFi will fly!
    19/09/07 @ 21:38
    Comment from: Paul H [Visitor]
    Good Stuff.
    Only had the phone (E650) a couple of days, but it performs great!!
    Thanks for the video review.
    20/09/07 @ 17:39
    Comment from: Spanner [Visitor] · http://www.bikersyard.net
    Hi

    Just taken delivery on phone and seems ok but was wondering if any could tell me how to keep a copy of my POP3 messages on the server? I was able to do this with the M3100 but there does not seem to be the facility on the 650 and I need to access my masil from many machines thus not remove the copy when I download them on my 650?
    26/09/07 @ 09:53
    Comment from: Paul [Visitor]
    Hi,
    I just got a e650 and synced up to outlook all was good but i store my numbers in outlook with seperate area code and no which auto puts on the +44....I was relieved that the phone dials these nos fine but however it does not seem to like to text with them like this they just sit in the outbox.... anyone got a way around or do i have to go removing hundereds of 0s from my contacts?

    Paul
    06/10/07 @ 13:13
    Comment from: Arnaud [Visitor]
    Hi, I just bought the SPV 650 and do not get access to the synchronisation PC. It says that I don't have a good adobe flash. I do actually!
    Any idea?

    Many thanks,

    Arnaud
    16/10/07 @ 12:44
    Comment from: jim [Visitor]
    Does anyone know if the quote weights of the spv e650 and htc s710 are really different(spv being 120g and htc being 140g)?

    This would make a big difference for me and I am not sure if the manufacturers are just calculating it differently or they really have different weights...

    If anyone could answer this it would be great...

    Thanks,
    Jim
    20/10/07 @ 19:47
    Both are the same weight. I'm assuming that one is quoted with and one without the battery.

    Matt
    20/10/07 @ 20:50
    Comment from: jim [Visitor]
    Well the orange website quotes the weight as "120g (with standard battery)"...

    So does this mean the orange version is lighter than the htc or vodafone versions of the phone?

    thanks

    jim
    21/10/07 @ 10:07
    Comment from: jim [Visitor]
    Does anyone know the answer to the above question about unit weight?

    thanks
    jim
    23/10/07 @ 09:33
    Comment from: Dave G [Visitor]
    I suspect I have missed something, but does Wifi on an E650 do anything? I've looked at all the ads - outlook on an E650 through Wifi - no way! Review interet pages through wifi - only if your on Orange GPRS UK version. BLuetooth (which the ads say is not on the phone) is on the phone and wifi is on the phone seems merely capable of being pinged and no more. Has anyone got it to work as advertised? I mean on a ferry miles from BA using wifi to recieve your emails. No?
    28/10/07 @ 13:47
    Comment from: Kev Snell [Visitor] · http://kevin@snellk.freserve.co.uk
    Will the phone support Tom Tom Navigator 6, when I signed up with orange I was assured it would, but after 5 weeks of frustration I am no closer than when i started I hav purchased a bluetooth sirf star 3 which connct o the phone no problem, so dont really know what to do, apart from that phone i really quality to use
    06/11/07 @ 19:06
    Comment from: Andy Butterworth [Visitor]
    I have a E650 and am happy with it, however i would like to know how to download the pics etc i am sent through via MMS.
    I have synched and can find all the other msg's photos from cam etc, but the MMS are hiding from me.
    Any help would be great.
    04/12/07 @ 15:57
    Comment from: David Blake [Visitor]
    Like Kev Snell above, I now have Vodafone v1415 aka HTC S710. I have TomTom6 and a Bluetooth GPS and would like to load TomTom onto S710 but it does not work. Does anyone have the necessary plug-in ar patch for this, please?
    27/12/07 @ 11:25
    Comment from: David Blake [Visitor] · http://david.blake@vodafone.net
    sorry - should have read plug-in or patch!
    27/12/07 @ 11:27
    Comment from: BigDave [Visitor]
    Had a E650 for a few days now, looks great! good features too. the problem is it locks up far too often, 5 times in 2 days! i wouldnt mind but all i have done is editing the contact list. great idea and features but the processor is way too small. cant wait to return it to orange.
    05/01/08 @ 22:42
    Comment from: Bob [Visitor]
    I purchased a E650 from Orange UK last August. Initally I was very pleased with it but! I have had to Hard Reset 4 times which means I lost all my stored info. Couldn't sync, can't change profiles, can't change time etc etc, can't download my updated spreadsheets. Orange have been less than helpful (they have my money so they are ok).
    Can anyone advise me please before I throw the thing in the bin.
    20/02/08 @ 15:52
    Comment from: Teodoru Catalin [Visitor]
    Has anyone tested GPS software on the HTC S710/SPV E650, what is compatible?
    Thanks,
    23/02/08 @ 20:09
    Comment from: ence [Visitor]
    [quote]Mick Winning. Start/Settings/Connections/more...>USB to PC/Uncheck [/quote] Many thanks for posting, wasted so much time.
    11/03/08 @ 20:34
    Comment from: Johno [Visitor]
    Hi does anyone know how i can replace the housing on a spv E650 i have know idea how to take it apart or does anyone know a trustworthey repaier in the kent area.
    16/03/08 @ 11:43
    Comment from: Andrew Williams [Visitor]
    I have orange spv e650 bought used with a 12 month warranty.
    Seems quite a good pda phone / smartphone so far.
    I have used wifi for connection to my home wifi setup no problem.
    I have not tried it out an about but i doubt very much it can connect miles away from a wifi connection.
    I believe that is supposed to happen with wimax.
    I want windows live messenger for my E650 if anyone has a link for it and if not im gonna be forced to debrand to htc original but only
    if i can get a none dodgy version as i dont want to brick my phone.
    All help gratefully received.

    Andrew
    25/04/08 @ 15:54
    Comment from: T [Visitor]
    Has anyone flashed to e650 with toe original HTC S710 software
    26/05/08 @ 03:08
    Comment from: dw1 [Visitor]
    >> Has anyone flashed to e650 with toe original HTC S710 software
    Yes, and is working like S710
    30/05/08 @ 12:05
    Comment from: T [Visitor]
    where did you get the files from.... i have a link with instructions..http://www.portability.nl/windows-mobile-family/guides/how-to-flash-orange-spv-e650-with-ruu_vox_htc_wwe_1.34.405.1_4.1.13.54_03.10.90_ship.exe-htc-s710.html

    was it wha u used.. does it affect the imei number on the phone...
    04/06/08 @ 06:55
    Comment from: Visitor [Visitor]
    Case:
    Recently replaced case including screen and key pad. Difficulty comes in separating the sliding pieces of the phone and ribbon connector - which need re soldering in place and cost approximately £40 to replace if broken - case and key pad from e bay £20-30 pounds - phone shop £ 20-30 to fit.

    HTC will do a limited refurb for £40 in uk replacing key pad and case but phone will be away for two weeks. HTC and Orange will not sell parts.

    Crashing:
    Common problem - send the unit back and get a new one this shouldn't happen.

    Wifi:
    Works a treat and reasonable quick - range limited by wifi transmitter - just find a local network and connect.
    GPRS - no 3G - when out of wifi range - is a little slow for pictures but fine for text mail - beware roaming changes in Europe ££££.

    Internet - this phone can be used as a slow usb modem - plenty of threads on the internet - just look under shared internet connection in accessories.

    Head phones:
    I ve just bought a mini usb to stnd jack converter off e -bay works a treat and has microphone...allowing me to run hands free through car stereo (connecting via the ipod / mp3 connector (or £10 connection lead to CD autochanger slot on stereos with DMS) and play music via media player.

    Next tasks are to get Tom Tom / GPS to pair and work, find good conversion software to rip a few movies, try and find a patch so I can make Excell files and not just edit them and find away to download pdf's from e -mails........any tips on these greatly appreciated..
    a new version of this with a faster processor GPS and Pre loaded navigator/tom tom would be excellent
    03/07/08 @ 00:36
    Comment from: buggs [Visitor]
    *****
    hey i want some new themes or startup screens for my spv e650 does anyone have any for me ??????
    27/08/08 @ 22:09

    Leave a comment


    Your email address will not be revealed on this site.

    Your URL will be displayed.
    PoorExcellent
    (Line breaks become <br />)
    (Name, email & website)
    (Allow users to contact you through a message form (your email will not be revealed.)