Samsung i700 PDA Review

[jax]

The latest Samsung's CDMA-based Pocket PC, the i700, has arrived. 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. It's a total mobile office solution with advanced calling features and powerful PDA functionality.

The i700 follows the standard form factor of the latest Pocket PC devices. A large, 240 x 320, 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. The rear of the i700 houses the speakerphone unit, just above the battery door. There's a standard 2.5mm headset jack, while USB data and charging is handled by the i700's docking ports on the bottom of the device. 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.

Calling Features
The i700's 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.

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 also 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. Verizon's optional Mobile Web package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. 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 includes pocket versions of Microsoft Word and Excel. A number of additional handy software tools are bundled with the i700 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a to-do list, and an alarm clock. Microsoft's Reader application, which allows you to read eBooks on your i700, is also included.

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.

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.

Pros: Solid phone, software/hardware/and build wise. Wireless funtions work great.

Cons: Active Sync problems? Patched yet? Fragile screen... then again u sholdn't drop the thing.....


We are going to feature this phone as a product of DiscussWireless. We are currently looking for the lowest price for our consumers..... (Seem to be Amazon at the moment)