1) Runs on J2ME (Java2 Microedition).
The phone can run Java code written in accordance with the Java2 microedition specifications. J2ME is an optimized Java runtime environment especially suitable for small devices like cellphones. In simple terms, you can write Java programs, put them on a web-site, download and run them on the phone. If this is not geek's dream I don't know what is. The phone has about 640K of addressable memory. The phone can connect to the internet (a temporary IP number is assigned to it when you go online). Thin client / server Java applications can be written and the the only limit is the amount of memory on the phone.


Additionally, many developers have written various useful open source programs that can be downloaded onto the phone for free.

2) 3g Internet.
Signing up with the Sprint Vision plan (extra $10/month) will give you internet access. I got unlimited internet for that price because I was a former SprintPCS customer. There is a built-in browser, which I am not too impressed with but then again, you can write your own browser and that is what is important. The built-in browser allows access to most web content as-is by transforming HTML into I believe XHTML and then rendering it on the screen. Certain web-pages that use scripts/ASP/security/etc will not come up but the majority of the sites will. Also, sites like wap.yahoo.com are tailored for wireless devices and load very quickly. Overall the 3g network is fairly robust especially when it comes to downloading files. On that note, it is possible to connect the A500 to a laptop and use it on the road by purchasing an aircard.

3) Polyphonic ringers.
The hardware on the phone allows for the playback of beautiful and rich melodies. With minimal hacking, it is possible to play fragments of actual songs by converting MP3s into a format the phone uses. more details at http://xingtone.com on how to do that (registration required)

4) LCD screen.
The screen on the A500 is both large and bright. Images can either be downloaded from your web-site or from various free web sites on the internet. The same goes for screensavers. SprintPCS actually has a service where you can download content for a fee but I think it is a rip-off. Just do it yourself.

5) Voice recognition.
Dial phone numbers with your voice. Nothing new but doesn't hurt.

6) T9-algorithm.
With T9, each key on the phone (0-9) only needs to be pressed once to type words. The built-in logic checks your input against a dictionary and guesses the word ahead of time saving on typing time. I found this useful for sending email or for entering in keywords into google. Only standard English words are supported.

The only drawbacks that I have with the A500 is the short battery lifespan. Samsung shipped me a free extended battery which adds to the bulkiness of the phone somewhat but extends talk time to approx 3.5 hours. The standard battery only lasts for about 1.5 hours.

Overall, the A500 was a worthwhile purchase. I bought the phone from amazon.com for $300 with a $100 mail-in rebate and a separate $50 rebate from Sprint as well as a free extended life battery worth $60. A good deal for a sexy cellphone with a decent microcomputer inside.

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 200