Can a phone make you smarter?
Written: Apr 05 '01
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Pros: Everything you need rolled up into one device
Cons: A little big and heavy...
The Bottom Line: It is worth a look, though. The tremendous functionality might be right for you, and a great first stab by Kyocera.
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| jpmcgurk's Full Review: Kyocera QCP-6035 Smartphone |
I recently purchased a Kyocera Smartphone, the first day available actually, because I've been waiting for someone to finally combine the two devices that seemingly everyone has and uses together- a mobile phone and a PDA. I was impressed by the e-mail capabilities, and the fact that it incorporated the use of the Palm OS, which I have grown to rely on.
The Specs
The Kyocera Smartphone QCP 6035 is a little bit thicker than a Palm handheld, a little heavier, a little narrower, and a little longer. Confused? So am I- put it this way: it's too big to fit in your pocket comfortably, but you can fit it in your jacket. The "flip" has the keypad on the outside, and you need not open the flip to use the phone feature. The flip opens up the your Palm OS main menu, and functions exactly like a Palm thereafter. Overall, It's not too bad a size, considering that it is now the only device that you need.
The Phone Feature
The phone is a trimode digital CDMA handset. The "features" include a speakerphone, which I think is great: make a call, set on the table, and it's as clear as a regular cell phone (huh?). OK, it's not landline quality, but it's pretty good. There is also a voice-dial feature that you can program to call a number by voice command- pretty cool.
The Palm Feature
The Palm functions just like a regular Palm, complete with stylus and graffiti. The organizer has 8mb of memory, which is more than enough for your entire calendar, addresses, and to add extra software that you can now use for the wireless web.
Phone, Meet Palm
The added functionality of having the phone and the PDA together in one is great. How many times have you been walking down the street trying to look up a number in your palm and coordinate your phone in your other hand at the same time? Never? Ok, this might not be for you then. But if this sounds familiar, you'll really appreciate the convergence of the two devices. Simply look up an address that you want to call, tap the number, and it dials it automatically for you. Your call log is displayed by the number and the time of the call (handy if you need to do an expense report), and the Caller ID displays the name of the caller, not just the number.
The Wireless Web
Unfamiliar with the wireless web? This device allows you to send and receive e-mails and can interface with Microsoft Outlook, so you do not need a separate e-mail address. You can also browse your favorite web addresses, and although a little hard to read, can be helpful on the go with applications like MapQuest, or flight information sites. All wireless data functionality is provided through Eudora, but you have to buy a license to interface with Outlook ($30 for a lifetime license).
The Hotsync
Keep a lot of contact information in your phone? With the Kyocera, you can Hotsync all of your data and contacts so they are automatically kept up to date, just like with your Palm.
Things to Know
Setup was a bit of a pain. I had to license the Eudora software and get it working with my Outlook, which was no easy task. Then, I had to coordinate my incoming server with my office e-mail provider, and then my outgoing server with my wireless provider, and I had to figure this out on my own. Also, your time on the web and sending e-mail counts against your wireless minutes, and they get eaten up in a hurry, so be sure that you coordinate your wireless minutes plan accordingly. Checking e-mail is not an "always on" feature either, so you must manually go into your e-mail and select "Send and Receive" to send an e-mail and check the server for new ones. Also, data calls are not ended simply by closing the flip, you must be sure to press the End button, or else the call goes on, and you continue to be charged.
Other Drawbacks
Because the Palm screen also functions as the Phone screen, when you hold the Phone up to your ear, the oils from your skin will dirty the screen, which is unpleasant. The only way around this is to use the speakerphone or use an earpiece. Other than what I've mentioned, and the size and weight of the device, it's a pretty good new technology.
So do I recommend it? Check it out and see if it is right for you. I gave mine to a co-worker, choosing instead the RIM Blackberry. They both have their pros and cons, but I chose the RIM because it is smaller and lighter, is "always on" and you can send and receive unlimited e-mails. I also like a smaller phone to fit in my pocket, because I don't always work.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 550
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Epinions.com ID:
jpmcgurk
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Location: Sandy, UT
Reviews written: 63
Trusted by: 25 members
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