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The O2 Atom is about to be released in Asia-Pacific countries. I’m eagerly awaiting it’s arrival and am seriously considering forking out for this toy. RRP in Australia is $1,229, but it can be had for just over $1,000 online.

Compared to the O2 XDA II mini, the Atom has:

• Windows Mobile 5
• Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b)
• Double the memory: 128 Mb versus 64 Mb
• ROM accessible for regular storage, therefore non-volatile. ie. you don’t lose everything if the battery runs out.
• 2 mpx camera vs 1.3 - the mini camera might as well not be there. Let’s hope the atom’s is decent. Camera also has flash, a HUGE advantage as anyone that’s used a flash-less camera will atest.
• FM radio. Not a very significant addition, but it’s nice to have. One more thing to make the atom feel like a real phone.
• Slightly smaller, although slightly thicker too. Also the screen is 0.1 inches smaller, so this may actually be a minus.
• or the vain: The Atom’s black casing looks SEXY!

Aside from the obvious financial disincentive, the main thing cooling my excitement for the Atom is its size. My current Nokia 6100 serves me very well, and is still one of the smallest and best-looking phones around (personal bias). The Atom is both too big (for a phone), and too small (for a PDA). The only way to resolve this is to play with one for a while and see how it fairs.

Update: I spoke to a chap at Harvey Norman today, who said that the Atom has been released, and the supplier is shipping them by the crate-load. At this stage it’s hard to tell when HN will have one, but he expects the week between Christmas and New Year.

Update: Because of the many problems encountered by users with stability and speed, I’ve decided the Atom isn’t for me. The small screen was also an issue and I have since purchased the Palm TX instead.  That said, I am keeping a close eye on the i-mate JAMin, which is proving serious competition to the Atom.