Samsung i700 Pocket PC Review

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This Windows Mobile PDA complete with camera is the latest Samsung CDMA-based Pocket PC platform, the Samsung i700. The phone includes pocket versions of all the Windows software you need to keep working on the go-- Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Outlook, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and Microsoft Reader.

Released this time last year, the Samsung i700 follows the standard form factor of the latest Pocket PC devices. 240 x 320 pixelss full color touchscreen display dominates the face of the unit. Just below the display is a five-way selection button that allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface. Alternatively, the device can be directly controlled with an included stylus that slides out of the i700's case. The Windows Mobile for Smartphones 2002 operating system is completely touchscreen-enabled and features advanced handwriting recognition that is compatible with all of the device's applications. The VGA (640 x 480) camera unit on top of the device features a unique rotating head-- great for getting self portraits. Adjacent to the camera are the external antenna and the infrared data port. A slot for MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Secure Digital (SD) cards is placed on the left side of the unit. The i700 ships with 64 MB of internal memory, which is expandable via the memory card slot. The device features a 300MHz Intel StrongArm processor. The Samsung i700 weighs 6.9 ounces and measures 5.2 x 2.8 x .8 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 250 minutes of digital talk time, and up to 240 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Other features include built-in speakerphone with support for 3-way conference calling makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Nine ringtones are available, as is a vibrating alert. The i700 also features speaker-independent voice recognition, which allows any user to dial a number by speaking the name of a contact from a phone book, or by speaking the digits of a phone number. Caller ID lets you see who's calling and GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911. The included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The i700 is designed as a complete solution for people who want to bring their office with them. The unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook and Internet Explorer. In addition to keeping track of contacts, Pocket Outlook features integrated calendar and email functions. Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via USB or IR connection). The phone supports Verizon's "wireless sync" technology, which enables i700 users to sync data (calendars, contacts and email) with their Internet-connected desktop PC while they're on the road.

You can use the i700's built-in Internet Explorer browser for Verizon Mobile Web downloads and browsing. You can check your e-mail, trade stocks online, compare prices while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings and find directions to the theater. Traditional text messaging is also supported by the phone. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

The i700 can view and send images and graphics in JPEG, GIF, BMP and PNG formats. The included camera features resolution and quality settings, white balance, exposure settings, a timer, thumbnail and slide show views, and a picture zoom. The inclusion of Windows Media on the i700 means that you can use the handset as an MP3 player. The amount of music you can store is only limited by the unit's memory, and the included stereo headset is designed for music enjoyment. Personalize your i700 with customizable wallpapers and home screens. If you're into mobile gaming, the i700 supports Pocket PC-compatible games.

Pros: Synchronizing is not a problem and works well according to most. Email/internet works well and effective. Good clarity with calling, using headphones that is. Good PDA, if you do the PDA thing, if it's more phone stuff you want then maybe something else.....

Cons: Fragile screen. Some complain about speaker quitting, and some other voice calling features like mic. Perhaps a shotty calling and voice options design? All in all a solid PDA