Good First Shot at Converged Device
Written: Jan 26 '03
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Pros: Cool factor, versatile, only one device to carry
Cons: Expensive, buggy, no SDIO slot
The Bottom Line: If you're willing to pay for the latest technology and put up with a few bugs, go for it!
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| louisd's Full Review: T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition |
I have been looking for a good converged device that would work on a GSM network. I travel internationally and wanted a phone that would work when I went overseas. After researching the various GSM options available in the US (the new AT&T GSM network, T-Mobile & Cingular) I decided that T-Mobile was the network I wanted to be on. Lucky for me at right about that time the new T-Mobile Pocket PC device came out. I was able to find it at a T-Mobile store and talked the manager in to giving it to me for $400 before the $50 rebate. Now, on to some information about the phone/PDA:
Physical Specs:
--5.1 x 2.8 x 0.7 size
--6.8 ounces
Features (on T-Mobile network):
--Caller ID
--Conference call capabilities (3-way)
--Built-in speakerphone
--Call waiting and call hold
--Voice mail
--Call forwarding
Included accessories:
--Charger and battery
--Sync software (for MS Outlook only)
--Hands free headset
Options:
--Data connection (extra data plan required in addition to voice plan)
Positives:
1. I almost always carried my iPaq PocketPC plus my cell phone. Now, I only carry one.
2. SIM based GSM technology. The device is a little bulky to carry around on the weekends, but here's the great thing. I got the T-Mobile folks to throw in a small Nokia handset. On the weekends I just pull the SIM out of my PocketPC and put it in my Nokia and carry only that.
3. Coolness -- OK, so I have to say I dig the cool factor. I get questions about the device all the time and am only too happy to spend time telling folks about it.
4. Easy to transfer information in. No typing in all my phone numbers. I just transferred it from Lotus Notes (using Cadenza) and then copied the numbers to my SIM using the functionality built in to the phone.
5. PocketPC based -- The fact that this system runs on PocketPC means you get things like Pocket versions of Excel, Word, Pocket IE & Outlook. You also get media player so you can use the device to view movies or listen to MP3s.
6. Wireless Internet -- I regularly use Pocket IE to browse sites and get information when I'm on the road. I also use mail2pda.com to check my e-mail accounts easily.
Negative:
1. This device is still quite buggy. I'm on my third from T-Mobile. The first was replaced because of flaking paint. The second was replaced because it wouldn't turn on if the power dropped below 50%. Now my third is developing the same problem as the second. Also, I have had to reset this device more times in the three months than I reset my old PocketPC in the previous two years. The software still needs some work.
2. Despite the latest ROM update from T-Mobile the device still freezes on a regular basis making it difficult to use the device like a regular PocketPC. I'm constantly worried about it locking up while I'm using the device.
3. The price is an interesting one. While the unit is expensive it compares favorably to the price of other PocketPC devices on the market.
4. Size -- This is difficult to use as your only cell phone. While it works great for me during the work week I would not want to carry it on the weekends. As I mentioned above the perfect solution to this is to get another T-Mobile handset and swap the SIM on weekends. You can often get a store to throw in the less expensive handset as part of the deal.
5. No SDIO slot -- This is a major downfall. The unit has a SD slot, but the slot does not support SDIO. Why does this matter? One of the features that would truly make this a killer device is the addition of 802.11b capabilities. The easiest ways to add this would be to add an SD based card. Unfortunately, the device needs to support SDIO to make this work. No SDIO means no 802.11b and no Bluetooth. The SD slot basically becomes a memory only slot.
BOTTOM LINE:
I'm torn on this. If you're in to technology and are willing to pay to get it, this device may be for you. Remember that it is certain, that like any of the technology, a smaller and better unit will become available at a lower price in the near future. If you're willing to see that happen and put up with a few bugs, go for it. It will save you having to carry an extra device!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400
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Epinions.com ID:
louisd
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Member: Louis
Location: Ashburn, VA, USA
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 5 members
About Me:
Gadget freak, travel buff and father to be!
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