This Windows Mobile 6 Standard smartphone works equally well as a regular candy-bar phone and a messaging device. Window Mobile lets you sync music, videos, contacts, and calendars easily with your PC. The S710 is also global-ready, as it’s a quad-band phone that’s sold unlocked so you can use any GSM SIM card in it. It lacks 3G high-speed networking but has Wi-Fi. Phone reception is rock solid, though sound in the earpiece tended to become harsh at higher volume.

Unfortunately, the S710 uses the same sluggish, 200-MHz TI OMAP 850 processor placed in other Windows Mobile phones, and the result is seriously poky performance. Even rotating the display into landscape mode takes several seconds. If you're accustomed to the performance of devices such as the T-Mobile Wing and MDA, which also run on 200 MHz processor, you’ll have learned patience by now. But if you’re coming from a livelier, more responsive handheld such as the Palm Treo or a BlackBerry model, you might want to wait for something faster.

Price range
HTC S710: $450

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Moto Q9h: Prosumer New Smartphone

Dopod D818c: CDMA PDA PHONE

HTC TYTN II: New Slide out Design

Prosumer is a consumer circle which has been expert in using a mobile peripheral. Usually, people which have entered this category always connected to virtual life everywhere and anywhere, including in home. It’s so different with ordinary consumer which using a cellphone as of phone and sms only.

With presence of this product, Motorola tries to attract computer user which online active in home to go mobile applies this smartphone. The reason, all feature presented in Moto Q9h is claimed able to bring virtual life in its user pocket.

With Windows Mobile 6

Differs from its previous product, this product have been equiped with Windows Mobile 6 platform. With this peripheral, user can do push e-mail, browsing, download, streaming video.

To downloading a song, claimed only requires time six seconds without using computer at all (10 kb song I thing )

This Smartphone has 125 grams weight, 67 x 118 x 11, 8 mm dimension and equipped with 2 Megapixel camera. Motorola said Moto Q9h price is in the range of $400 - $ 450

Price range
Moto Q9h: $400 - $ 450

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LG KS20: New Prada

HTC TYTN II: New Slide out Design

Dopod D818c: CDMA PDA PHONE

Using Dopod D818Pro frame, it is not strange if the appearance of Dopod D818c same as the brother which based on GSM network. The only way to differentiate it is when you tum on the. If D818Pro casing is available in 5 color choice, Dopod D818c only have one color. Dark color of course impressing elegant, but in parallel with dearly shows your finger spot which as described on the gleam surface.

This PDA phone has dual band technology, can be attached with RUIM card from all CDMA operators. Not found the setting for injection number. When tum on, PDA phone direct recognizes the applied operator network, and set its configuration. We can easily changes operator and Network Wizard setting.

2 Megapixel CMOS camera applicable to take a picture and also records a video. Unhappily flash light is not available. Camera setting still same as the GSM version, 2,8 inch screen with QVGA resolution its enough to enjoy photo display and also video. With addition memory slot, capacities can be added when the intemal memory is full.

Dopod figures Intemet Sharing for intemet connectivity. Even not supported EVDO technology, video streaming in this PDA phone can be said not bad. But unfortunately, we can't find video call facility.

Bluetooth 2.0 support with A2DP and AVRCP enables us to exploit Bluetooth accessory, the example, headset or speaker, to listen music. Plus the Audio Manager to arrange outputs sound. But, sad to say, the sound produce by speaker is still standard. Better if you applies headset. For microphone is provided AGC Microphone setting.

In software equipment, JBLEND is available to organize Java application installation in the device. Dopod also adds Adobe Reader LE to read PDF file, Voice Speed Dial which uses voice to command the application, and Zip for file compression.

Price range
Dopod D818c: $500

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HTC TYTN II: New Slide out Design

LG KS20: New Prada

Sony Ericsson P1: P Series Revolution

The HTH TyTN II body is similar to the HTC TyTN first series (HTC "Caesar"), it’s big and wide. The unique, TyTN II slides out construction its more ergonomics than its "old brother". When shifted, the screen display looks like the notebook or laptop designs. It’s the great position to read/ write email and to accessing various businesses need. The key pad also support QWERTY.

For the operation system, HTH TyTN II relies on Windows Mobile 6 Professional. One step forward compared to its older version, which still using Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. As performance guarantee, this PDA phone entrusts to Qualcomm MSM 7200, 400 MHZ processor.

Similar HTC Touch, the TyTN II also provides the newest touch screen technology (Touchscreen): TouchFLO. The 65.000 color sharpness touch screen can shows three dimensions (3D) display in 2, 8 inch screen. The result, access to message, internet, and multimedia feature can be done faster and steady. Its also available "HTC HOME SCREEN" technology to display email, calendar, SMS, missed call and live weather update in its QVGA resolution wide screen.

To support its performance, this PDA phone also armed with various great features. There is 3,2 megapixel camera + VGA (video call), Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g technology, and EDGE 10 class, Microsoft Office (outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) feature, Windows Media Player 10.


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LG KS20: New Prada

Sony Ericsson P1: P Series Revolution

Eten Glofiish X500+: Very Nice VGA Resolution

Similar with LG KE850 and iPhone, the use of standard key pad also lessened in KS20. 262 thousand colors matrix active touch screen, with QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) resolution thus the most important element for the user interface. So, lot of information can be accessed via the finger touch and also the stylus.

Do not like the Prada and its senior: KS10, this smart phone relies on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Professional operation system. 2 Megapixel camera video plus call camera added in this Phone. Besides GSM triband network, KS20 also can execute the HSUPA (High-Speed Uplink Packet Access) technology to process file upload. The data transfer rate is equal with the HSPDA line which also supported.

Other feature which also added in LG KS20 its: Wi-Fi 802.11b, Bluetooth v2.0, TV out, and Microsoft Office. While for the entertainment relies on Media Microsoft Windows Player 10. MP3, AAC, AAC+, WAV, MWA, 3GP, MPEG4 file format can be played nicely. FM radio it’s also available for your second alternative.

The rumor said that this 1, 29 cm thickness smartphone have 90 MB internal memory storage, with microSD card slot addition as the alternative. LG plan to launch the KS20 in this end of the year but only in European market.

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Sony Ericsson P1: P Series Revolution

Eten Glofiish X500+: Very Nice VGA Resolution

BlackBerry Curve 8310: An 8300 with GPS

Now P1 series has come. Some people say it as a fusion between P990 with M600. The reason, P1 series designs no longer look big and fat like previously P series family, but it’s also not even thin like M600. The result, a smartphone dimension which more tolerant, so closing with Sony Ericsson W950.

In fact the P1 is made with minimalist concept. It’s no longer with demountable QWERTY keyboard addition and bothering dimension. P1 definitely looks more like a cellphone.

The simplicity is expressed through widely candy bar shapes which almost without extreme or unnecessary stand out. You can say good bye to bended able QWERTY keyboard and please welcome to M600 keyboard.

In one sides, the keyboard changes its enough to help the user. But on the other side, you also must deal with odd QWERTY button which requiring more time to be accustomed. As like M600, one keyboard buttons represents two and 3 different character. It’s absolutely unique, but much better compared to previously P series keyboard.

Symbian OS V9.1 UIQ 3.0 made as basis operation of this cellphone system. As you knows, this OS type also applied by W950 and M600. Symbian OS V9.1 UIQ 3.0 is the newest OS from Symbian UIQ and also gives enough space to third party software’s, including application and game.

If compared to newest Symbian S60 cellphone from Nokia, P1 of course are inferior form the hardware side. Processor applied is Nexperia NX4008 which based on ARM9 with 208 MHZ clock speed. Compare it with Nokia N95 which using OMAP2420 and based on ARM11 with 330 MHZ clock speed.

But it doesn't mean that P1 loose. P1 RAM still twofold better than N95, which is 128 MB. Others, between the features which available with the hardware which use seem balance in P1. There is no problem.

Compared to the older series product, the 3,2 megapixel digital camera feature absolutely more superior. With fine auto focus feature plus faster photo acceleration, we can equal the P1 with other great ordinary digital camera.

The arrangement of photograph can be say the same like the CyberShot camera. Complete and easy enough to be accessed with jog dial. Unhappily, the video records feature not as good as the digital camera special ability. It related with the limited picture resolution (320 x 480 pixel, QVGA) and low frame rate.

The P1 digital music player looks interesting. Like the other digital music player, this player can do file sorting based on certain categories, including make different playlist feature.

The Player supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, E-AAC+, WAV and M4A file format. To give better tone at output sound, you can use equalizer feature which also figures the Big Bass like the W series cellphone.

For connectivity and Internet, P1 almost has all data channel types. There is USB data cable, A2DP Bluetooth, infrared, WIFI and of course 3G (WCDMA). But compared with the price, all features seem not comparable. Compared to Nokia N95, it’s already accommodated HSDPA (3,5G) feature to get better internet speed.

Others, WIFI technology applied only added at 802.11b. Usually, the cellphones which equipped with WLAN ability (including PDA) has accommodated 802.11 b and g type. This thing will limit the P1 to available WIFI network type. If you apply P1 as a modem, Sony Ericsson has provided special application which easy to be applied. The application included in PC Suite package and called as Mobile Networking Wizard. P1 applies the Opera browser complete with ready to use RSS reader.

The energy support released by Lithium Polymer BST-40 battery with 1120 mAh capacities will assist P1 to keep life during 3 day in once time charging. But with extreme usage, you only use the gadget during 1 until 1,5 days only.


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Eten Glofiish X500+: Very Nice VGA Resolution

BlackBerry Curve 8310: An 8300 with GPS

Nokia N76: Flashy Smartphone Disappoints

Windows Mobile 6 Professional used as the operation system. For processor, Eten Glofish X500+ uses Samsung SC3 2442 400 MHZ. The ability is more superior compared to the “brother”, Glofiish X500 which in formerly introduced to the market.

Armed with recently operating system, Eten Glofiish X500+ claimed can accommodate all business work. Starts from messaging, need of office file (Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, Word Mobile).

“Name card Manager” feature with the OCR technology facilitating updating contact process, plus the ability to detect all data in name card (name card recognition).

Not like the Glofiish X800, this PDA Phone only works in quadband GSM line. So don't expect to enjoy the third generation service (3G) for example video call.

Another great feature in Glofiish X500+ is 2 megapixel cameras with Auto-Macro CMOS sensor, WI-FI 80211b/g and media player. Last but not least, SiRF Star III chipset is also planted. This technology enables Eten Glofiish X500+ functioned as GPS receiver.

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BlackBerry Curve 8310: An 8300 with GPS

Nokia N76: Flashy Smartphone Disappoints

Nokia E61i: Unlocked and Loaded

The Smartphone is the second series from the BlackBerry Curve 8300 that colaborated with T-Mobile operator. Now, Curve 8310 is integrated with GPS module, plus the navigation system software produce by Vodafone. Off-board system works by downloading the information directly from central server, the result can apply as information guidance of journey route.

The other feature for example; Support from QWERTY keyboard with trackball navigation, 2 megapixel cameras plus lamp flash, the 65 thousand screen color still adopting Curve 8300 series.

There is also 'push-base email' feature which able to directly presents incoming email message, including 'inbox' message remote function. For connection feature, BlackBerry Curve 8310 uses Bluetooth v2.0 which already supported A2DP technology. As an alternative, also available miniUSB data cable slot.

The smartphone memory having 64 MB capacities is including microSD slot choice. The Rumor said, this BlackBerry Cure 8310 is the only one RIM smartphone would be launched this year-end.

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Hacker Free the iPhone

Nokia N76: Flashy Smartphone Disappoints

Sprint Mogul by HTC (PPC-6800): A Smartphone Upgrade

Hotz succeed unlock the most popular touchsreen phone, iPhone. He actually make the iPhone can working with another phone operator besides the AT & T, the official operator of the Apple Inc high-tech phone product.

" Some of my friend tell me that I’m too much waste my time this summer, but I feel that all paid,” said Hotz to The Record of of Bergen Country. Hotz confesses that to unlock the iPhone is not easy an easy job. Hotz said that he did all process with solder and software help. Wrong step in the process can make the iPhone not work at all.

But the hard work from Hotz is worth it. The 4GB smartphone can run with any GSM operator in any country. In eBay, till Friday (24/8), the iPhone offered at US$12.600. The new iPhone are sold at US$499 price in all market in United States.

Sure, the external music buttons and a huge external screen promise a great multimedia experience. And the speedy 367MHz processor should be terrific for handling audio and video. Unfortunately, music playback is marred by a hissing noise. You can't flip the phone open with the headphones plugged in, and you can’t use wireless headphones, either.

The phone uses Symbian OS, a good choice because so much software is available for it-even peer-to-peer downloads! But there's no Wi-fi support, and EDGE makes Web pages load very slowly compared with EV-DO or FISDPA network speeds.

Neither of the phone's two cameras takes particularly good shots, and after some use, the N76’s big screens and shiny finish take on an ugly sheen of face and finger grease. The final nail in the coffin is battery life: The phone's 8 hours of music playback time is half what I'd expect from a device of this class.

In the end, the N76 simply doesn't have a lot going for it. I’d turn to Nokia’s own N73 or the Apple iPhone instead for a better all-around experience.

Nokia N76: $499.99

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Pharos GPS Phone 600

Nokia E61i: Unlocked and Loaded

Sprint Mogul by HTC (PPC-6800): A Smartphone Upgrade

The Mogul may have arrived quietly, but it makes a lot of noise in terms of features. With its 400-MHz processor, EV-DO (Rev 0, not the faster RevA), and Wi-Fi networking, plus the pepply new Windows Mobile 6, it’s the fastest all-around handheld running on the Sprint network. That said, Windows Mobile is a heavy 0S, and I saw some delays in screen redrawing. A crazy array of hard buttons (including a full, if mushy, slide-out QWERTY keyboard) gives you one-touch access to many functions.

Battery life was very good and phone reception adequate, but phone sound quality was middling: The earpiece is clear, but I was disappointed by the microphone. The 2-megapixel camera has plenty of scene modes, but serious blur problems appear in low light. It also often blew out bright areas,

Since all of Sprint's other handhelds are beginning to look outdated. 1 recommend the Mogul for anyone seeking tight connections to Exchange servers or Windows Media Player. It could definitely feel faster and sleeker, but it's the best the carrier has at the moment.

Sprint Mogul by HTC (PPC-6800): $549.99; $399.99

The E61i impressed me with its sleek, thin, aluminum and black-plastic enclosure. Its sharp 2.8-inch screen is a looker as well, and its keyboard is the best one I've tested, with dedicated symbol keys and good resistance. Calls sounded good, with clear reception, and the phone paired easily with Bluetooth headsets.

Oddly, although the E61i works over 3G data networks overseas, it won’t work over them in the U.S. It supports only UMTS, not HSDPA, and only on the overseas 2,100-MHz band. That means the otherwise high-flying E61i still kicks down to EDGE speeds when used stateside. Web surfing, however, was speedy even in EDGE mode, with an average download rate of 177 Kbps.

Multimedia options are spare, and the phone doesn’t support stereo Bluetooth. The 2MP camera takes mediocre pictures.

Nonetheless, the Nokia E61i's sleek design, nimble operating system, built-in Wi-Fi, and nice keyboard put it a step ahead of other business-focused handsets.

Nokia E61i: $484.95

Make no mistake-using your fingers to zoom, skip, crop, and edit is Sheer joy. Pinching and Sliding through the menus is just as cool as the commercials make it seem. The real pleasure of the iPhone, however, is in how seamlessly everything works together. For example, one function, the YouTube browser, always seems to mesh with other important features such as e-mail and text messaging.

The iPhone is available in two models, 4GB ($499) and 8GB ($599), and its multimedia capabilities are astounding. The scroll wheel of previous iPods is replaced by the multi touch screen, and the payoff is huge. We can't emphasize enough just how much the iPhones interface, which allows you to sift through your tunes using the beautiful Cover Flow view or a standard test list, is a huge leap forward for browsing music. The hardware is less impressive. The built-in speaker (mainly for phone use) can be used for music and movies, but sounds lousy. Volume controls sit conveniently on the left-hand side, but the headphone jack is recessed, which makes it all but impossible to use a standard stereo, headset without an adapter.

Audio and Video

The iPhone syncs easily with Macs and PCs using iTunes 7.3. For music, we successfully loaded and played AAC (128, 256, and 320 Kbps), AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3 VBR, MP3 (192,256, and 320 Kbps), MP364, Audible, and WAV files. We had no luck loading a MIDI ringtone or OGG files, and-surprise! There’s no WMA support, either. The iPhones audio quality is fantastic, provided you upgrade the cheap earphones that come with it. As for battery life, our audio tests yielded 22 hours 15 minutes (with Wi-Fi off)- 1 hour 45 minutes shy off its rated life.

When you're watching videos, the resolution is impressive-just fine enough for YouTube to not appear too bad and for iTunes movie downloads such as High Fidelity to look amazing. In fact, the iPhone made a 3OGB iPod playing video seem puny and less sharp-no small feat. We’re happy to report that syncing with iTunes is accomplished quickly and easily. For photos, the iPhone can open and view just about any type of image you can throw at it- JPG, PNG, TIFF, no problem.

The iPhone as a Phone

The iPhone is in essence a super-advanced iPod, and sadly, despite its name, it is not a very good phone. To dial a number, you have to click at least four times, but usually six: power button, unlock swipe, phone icon, and then, if you're lucky, both on you’re “favorites" screen and the name of one of your favorites. Otherwise, you have to tap "keypad" and start dialing. Fortunately, the virtual keypad's buttons are huge, so it's easy to type on.

Call quality was the worst we’ve heard on a high end device in years. Earpiece volume is a bit understated, and the speakerphone is downright quiet. Voices through the earpiece are a bit muffled, but comprehensible. Transmission, on the other hand, is vile. We got static in our in-ear feedback, and calls made with the iPhone sounded hideously compressed on the other end. We had two dropped calls and significant audio wobble. Inexplicably, at one point we got the distinctive dit-dit-dit of GSM RFI interference over our own call.

We're not going to put these audio issues on AT&T, either, since our BlackBerry Curve made much clearer calIs at the same time, in the same place. Reception also leaves something to be desired. Basically, as a handset, the iPhone is complicated to dial,difficult to send text messages with, and missing all sorts of features that are usually taken for granted in high-end multimedia phones nowadays, including picture messaging, IM, and voice dialing.

Internet in Your Pocket

The iPhone Internet experience is loads of fun. The screen displays HTML pages gorgeously (even over EDGE!). The trouble is that the Internet is now loaded up with Flash, streaming media, and other plug-ins. The iPhone can't hit many of these rich experiences, so while the browser is the best a phone ever had, it’s not desktop-quality and some sites are off-limits. One bonus: You can witch a selection of YouTube videos through a special built -in browser, and they look great over both Wi-Fi and EDGE.

E-mail looks fine, for what it does-basic POP/ IMAP e-mail, including multiple accounts, embedded images and links, and very limited DOC.XLS, and graphic attachment support. You can check accounts manually or poll them up to every 15 minutes. We tried the iPhone with Yahoo!, Gmail, Mac, and generic IMAP accounts, successfully enough. When it comes to corporate e-mail, though, you're still better off with a BlackBerry.

The iPhone comes loaded with mini applications-so-called “widgets”- that show weather, stock info and Goole Maps. There is also a Notes widget that lets you type notes that you can then e-mail, but you can't sync them to anything. The widgets are all beautiful and easy to use, but alas, they’re all you get-unlike every other phone on Earth, the iPhonecomes with no games and no way to buy them. Furthermore, third- party developers have been forbidden to write programs for it. That’s why we don’t consider it a true smartphone.

When you boil it all down, the Apple iPhone is an iPod with Internet, YouTube, beauty ful graphics, a camera, and a huge screen-and oh yeah, it can also make calls and check e-mail. When Apple eventually releases an iPod with all these features except the phone, it will blow away the competition. As it stands right now, the iPhone is a truly amazing (and expensive) toy.

Apple iPhone: 4 GB ($499), 8 GB ($599)

Thin and good looking

While no iPhone, the 600 certainly has a sleek look and pulls off a "retro meets 2050" design quite well. As of early May, it was one of the thinnest Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC units available--with or without GPS. It has a minimal number of buttons on the face of the device: Phone activation and Home (Today screen) buttons above the display, and the call, end call, and left and right soft key buttons below it, flanking the central navigation pad. In addition, immediately below the two top buttons are a Bluetooth/GPS LED indicator and a green phone active/status LED indicator. The latter launches the OSTIA navigation software; multiple pushes will cycle through various GPS utilities. I had two minor issues with this button arrangement. The first was the noticeable lack of the Start menu and OK keys, which have become standard on almost all Pocket PCs. The lack of these two keys makes one-handed use more difficult. The second was the directional pad, which I found to be occasionally unresponsive.

The power on/off button is found on the upper right edge. Below it is the soft reset hole, and the camera button is located on the bottom right edge. The stylus silo is located on the bottom, along with the MiniUSB port and the opening for the microSD card slot. A 2.5 mm stereo headphone jack, a record button, and two volume buttons. On the back of the unit, you'll find the lens aperture of the 2 megapixel camera, an accompanying (weak) flash, and a small self-portrait mirror. Alongside these is a decent speaker. The back is overlaid with a soft rubber paint cent, similar to what's found on the Palm Treo 750 and Motorola RIZR. It makes for a comfortable grip, as well as a good preemptive measure against accidental drops.

The 600 comes with a 1530 mAh removable/rechargeable lithiumion battery. Pharos rates it as having 5 hours of talk time and 160 hours of standby. This is a fairly accurate estimate, but does not take into account GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth usage. If you are using the GPS in a vehicle, you should connect it to a power source using the power adapter that comes with the device.

A Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and EDGE-capable GSM phone

The 600 boasts an unlocked quad-band, EDGE-capable GSM/GPRS phone, winch should work anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, the device does not have 3G data capability. If you want to run data-intensive application like Slingbox or ORB, you'll want to use the built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b or g) to connect to a hotspot. There is also integrated Bluetooth 2.0 that will connect to most Bluetooth headsets on the market. It supports A2DP as well as FTP-good enough so that you don't experience any music interruption (as long as you aren't running too way applications in the background). The call quality running on the Cingular network was similar to other Windows Mobile Phone Edition devices-fair, but not as good as a high-end Nokia phone.

Full accessory package includes a car cradle

The 600 comes with just about every accessory you'll need, including a fitted leather belt case, a car charger, and a 2GB microSD card for map storage. What really blew me away, however, was the car cradle--not one of those cheap universal dashboard mounts, but a windshield cradle customized for the 600. Once attached to your windshield, you can easily slip the device into the cradle and adjust it for optimal viewing. Better yet, it includes a cigarette lighter power adapter to charge the device whenever it's in the cradle.

Also included is a stereo headset, microSD to SD adapter, home charger, and USB sync cable, quick guide to the OSTIA navigation software, an OSTIA quick reference card, a quick start guide for the 600, and a CD with free version of Spb Time and trial versions of 11 other Spb programs (which can be purchased with a 10% discount). You also get a full copy of MS Streets and Trips 2005, a CD with various manuals, and the standard Companion CD with ActiveSync and a PC version of Outlook.

Easy to use; plenty of perks

I truly enjoyed testing the Pharos GPS Phone 600. It was easy to use and came with plenty of perks--I came away feeling good about the fringe benefits. As I mentioned, however, learning to use the OSTIA Navigation software required an investment of time. (Hopefully, Pharos will simplify the UI in future editions.) Since the device is targeted squarely at the GPS and navigation market. OSTIA's usability problems impact its overall score - I'd have to give it a 6.5 out of 10. The other issues I mentioned were mostly minor. One last important note about Pharos, they have unsurpassed customer service! Should you have an issue with the device or software, they have a wonderful support team that really listens.

The Pharos GPS Phone 600 is priced at $699 and is available directly from Pharos(pharosgps.com).You can also find it at Circuit City, CompUSA, on Dell's Web site, and from other retailers. As we went to print, Pharos informed us that they had just inked a deal with T-Mobile (t-mobile.com), which will allow you to save money on the device when you purchase it through T-Mobile with a service contract.

While the market for this device may not be readily apparent at first glance, potential users occupy the previously neglected space between blue-collar workers needing extremely rugged hardware, and white-collar workers who are often content using the mobile devices they acquired personally for business use. For instance, many supervisors who oversee workers using ruggedized mobile applications need to lug a heavy unit around with them all day, because they may need to occasionally perform a specific task. With the MC35, though the manager could use the device as their primary wireless phone for voice and e-mail as well as be able to run applications used by their workers that may have beat initially deployed on an industrial-strength device like the Symbol MC9000.

To help accelerate the rapid adoption of this device, Symbol worked with software partners like Corrigo and Dexterra to ensure that their software was fully tested and validated with the new device before its launch. With over a dozen certified line-of-business applications including transportation, logistics, deliver, and field sales or service, Symbol can offer customers one-stop shopping to rapidly deploy robust enterprise application functionality to their mobile workforce. While not necessarily appropriate for all customers, there is certainly a class of businesses that could see dramatic benefit from deploying these readily-availabe solutions.

Digital camera reads barcodes

The MC35 runs the Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition software with Direct Push technology and is loaded with goodies. With a built-in phone that supports push-to-talk and the high-speed Cingular EDGE GPRS/GSM wireless data network, this device was designed with communications and connectivity in mind. It also has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional GPS that can be used with location-based services or applications. The device is powered by a 416 MHz XScale processor from Intel with 64 MB of RAM and 129 MB of ROM.

One of the most innovative features is a 2.0 megapixel camera that reads barcodes. The device includes built-in software that recognizes the barcodes from the image taken by the camera. When I first got the device, I had trouble getting it to successfully scan any barcodes. After a little trial-and-error, I quickly learned that turning on the built-in flashlight, holding the device still, and making sure the barcode is centered improves accuracy quite a bit. While certainly not the most efficient way to scan barcodes, this approach is fine for occasional use. It might be a good strategic move to make this software available to other devices as high-resolution cameras are becoming more common in Windows Mobile devices.

In the real world

Several years ago when I first saw the MC35's processor, the MC50, I was somewhat skeptical about its usability as a day-to-day device. I carried it around for about a week when it first came out, and while it was a great device, it's also a bit of a brick- suitable only for those who truly need a device with rugged durability. Even though the initial target for the MC50 was this same white-collar and gray-collar user, its ultimate adoption was largely driven by blue-collar deployments that just didn't need the extreme rugged capabilities.

The MC35, though, is a much sleeker device with a lot more mainstream appeal. While I can't imagine anyone calling the unit "sexy," it's not "geeky" either. In fact, the device has an early similar appearance to certain BlackBerry models. About 15 percent larger than the Palm Treo 700w, but weighing only 1/10 of an ounce more, the unit is physically comparable to widely adopted mainstream devices. Although it may be slightly pushing it for some users, the MC35 can be comfortably carried in a pants or jacket pocket, which may actually be a first for a Symbol device. Motorola's influence on Symbol's product development is very apparent.

As I have been carrying the MC35 as my primary device, I have found it to be completely acceptable for standard tasks like voice and e-mail. The standard battery easily lasts through an extensive day of regular use, and I found the keyboard to be quite comfortable to use (much easier than the keyboard on the MC50). The moderately ruggedized plastic casing feels very sturdy and is designed to sustain fifty drops from three feet onto tile.

Having extensively used the unit in my day to-day tasks, I found myself coming to the realization that this device could truly bridge the gap between blue and white-collar mobility. As many organizations are reluctant to roll out enterprise apps beyond e-mail on consumer oriented devices brought into the companies by the users themselves, this device can create an opportunity for enterprises to strategically provide mobile automation to information workers who have never before recognized the need or potential for this type of solution.

Although the phone supports Cingular's GSM/GPRS network, it is sold through Symbol's distributor network. This should help with enterprise sales, since many IT shops planning centrally-deployed solutions are gun shy about working with carriers who stand in the middle and control everything. They prefer enterprise-oriented companies like Symbol.

The verdict

The jury is still out on whether the market will emerge to embrace Motorola's new "Enterprise Digital Assistant" category. But if it happens, I believe that the MC35 is a solid contender. I've got to commend Motorola for stretching the boundaries of Symbol's innovation. The MC35 is an excellent device that is perfectly suited for a significant number of enterprises mobile applications-many of which have yet to be discovered.

The Motorola/Symbol MC35 is available directly from Motorola (symbol.com/mc35). The price of the device varies with the size of the deployment. Individual units are available in the $700-$800 price range from numerous online vendors.

As you can see from the photos, the JAQ4 is slightly larger and more rectangular than the JAQ3. It also has a different QWERTY keyboard design: the JAQ4's 36 keys are slightly larger and more rectangular than the JAQ3's 39 keys. Both come with integrated Wi-Fi, which should please the critics of the original JAQ. In addition, the JAQ4 has integrated GPS capability a 2,8" display (same as the original JAQ, but larger Lhan the JAQ3), and a 1660 mAh baterry. With both also having a 2.0 megapixel 4X digital zoom camera and stereo Bluetooth, the JAQ3 & 4 are a real pair of winners

The JAQ3 and 4 are pretty similar under the hood. Both are: powered by a ho-hum 200 MHz processor. It's sufficient for most functions, but its relative lack of power can be apparent with processors-intensive applications. Both devices have 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash ROM. This is a pretty standard configuration nowadays, but one could wish for more. I am grateful for the inclusion of 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, which accomodates the faster connection speeds supported by some hospots. Both have Bluetooth 1.2 (not 2.0), but it is stereo capable,Allowing you to use wireless stereo headsets to listen to your music.

Both incorporate quad-band GSM phones with GPRS and EDGE data capability. Faster data capability would be nice, but as is, they are usable almost anywhere in the world. Incidentally, you can use the JAQ4 for longer periods of time, thanks to its 1660 mAh battery, which provides 5 hours of talk time and 200 hours standby (mfg. est). The JAQ3 has a 1250 mAh battery, which provides 4 hours talk time and 150 hours standby. These are unlocked phones, with means you can use them on GSM/GPRS networks world wide. The SIM card slot is underneath the removable battery.

In spite of continued improvements to the Windows Mobile OS, it occasionally becomes necessary to perform a soft reset on both devices to clear the memory-the equivalent of switching the device completely off and then on again. The soft reset button on the JAQ3 is placed-rather inconveniently-in the battery compartment. The reset button on the JAQ4 is more readily available on the outside bottom edge.

Both have QVGA (320x240 pixel), 65 K color transflective displays. The JAQ4's 2.8" diagonal screen is larger and easier on the eyes than the JAQ3's 2.4" screen. But both are sharp and clear- better than the screen on the Samsung BlackJack or Palm Treo 750.

AThe T-Mobile Wing is a slim, royal blue device with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard similar to but larger than the one found on the HTC S710, Tipping the scale at around 6 ounces, it's about average for what we used to call a "Pocket PC Phone Edition" device, but a little heavier than a Smartphone. You won't want to use it for extended conversations without a Bluetooth headset, but its fine for quick calls.

The Wing incorporates an EDGE-capable quad-band GSM/GPRS phone, as well as Wi-Fi (802.11 b and g) and Bluetooth 2.0. (T-Mobile has a series of Wi-Fi hotspots located across the country in places like Starbucks, FedEx/ Kinkos, and at a number of major airports. T-Mobile also offers monthly data plans that include access to this service.)

The face of the Wing is fairly uncluttered. Centered below the display is the D-pad flanked by the Call and End Call buttons, the two soft key buttons, and the Start menu and OK buttons. The Messaging button is located next to the Voice Command button on the right edge.

The mini-USB port located on the bottom edge is covered by a rubber protector that must be removed every time you plug in the sync cable. (If this wasn't a review unit, I'd probably remove it permanently.) The micro SD card slot and soft reset hole are located on the left edge, along with the volume up/down slider and the camera activation button. The power on/off button is on the top.

The Wing was designed and manufactured by HTC. Missing from it and some other recent HTC devices is a scroll wheel. This is unfortunate because it makes one-handed use of the device more difficult.

It was also disappointed that HTC chose to use a 200 MHz OMAP processor on the Wing. When you nudge the keyboard slightly, it pops out with an impressive snapping action, and the screen display will rotate to a landscape viewing mode. However, due to the slow processor or other factors, this can take several (1-3) seconds, which is undesirable on a WM 6 professional phone. Carriers should insist on 400 MHz processors for the device they sell.

The QWERTY keyboard is remarkably comfortable to use; its keys are spacious and well arranged, and the tactile feedback is just right. There are also two mini LEDs just above the keyboard to indicate if the CAPS/Function mode is active, which is more useful than you may think- my old problem of occasionally forgetting what mode I'm in is no more.

Finally, the Wing is poweredd by a 1,130 mAh replaceable, rechargeable battery rated by the Manufacturer as giving you 3.5-5 hours of talk time and 150-200 hours of standby. The battery is located underneath a removable cover on the back. The SIM card slot is located underneath the battery.

The Palm OS is still tremendously easy to use, and Palm's HotSync system still reliably syncs with Microsoft Outlook and the free Palm Desktop application on both PCs and Macs. The Blazer Web Browser and the VersaMail e-mail program are starting to look a little old, though, and the built-in camera produces dim, unsaturated shots. The 755p will attract folks looking to use Palm's thousands of niche freeware applications- or just to have a flexible and easy-to-use smartphone.

Even so, a new crop of smartphones, including the BlackBerry Curve for Cingular, equal the Treo on ease of use and outmatch it on some aspects of media savvy. Also, Windows Mobile handhelds outclass the Treo in terms of sheer power.
Palm Treo 755P: $429.99

The phone works in more than 100 countries (including all of Europe) by combining CDMA and GSM calling capabilities. You can use it as a PC modem as well. In the U.S., that means speeds of about 600 Kbps on Verizon's network. You get to keep your phone number, and you can continue to get your e-mail if you subscribe to Verizon's new international BlackBerry data plan. Of course, you'll pay high roaming rates outside the U.S., but Verizon softens the blow by providing 24-hour, global tech support.

Like all BlackBerry handhelds, the 8830's greatest strengths are stability and ease of use. The platform could use a wider software selection, though- especially the affordable Microsoft Office document editors. Still, the 8830 is the easiest, smoothest way to get your work done with Verizon Wireless.
Blackberry 8830: $199.99

This splashy device uses Sprint's physical EV-DO network. Reception is decent and audio deep and clear, though the speakerphone may be too quiet for some. Along with the useful dual-slider design that hides both the keyboard and the numeric keypad, the most powerful feature here is the integrated messaging client. On one screen, you can access text messaging and an e-mail services from AOL, Gmail, Windows Live, and Yahoo! (in addition to the free 100MB account you get with a Helio subscription), and IM Service from AIM, Yahoo!, and MSN. IM presence information also appears in your cantact book. You can log onto all three IM services at once and also receive "push" e-mail from AOL, Yahoo!, and Windows Live. For the rest of the service, you have to download e-mail by hand, since there isn't even a scheduled polling option.

The Ocean supports Helio's integrated MySpace client and has the ability to upload photos taken with its 2-megapixel camera to MySpace. Other social-networking services will follow, promises Helio.

The Phone's full Web browser is powerful but quirky. It initially shows you sites processed through the Google Mobilizer, which boils everything down to a one-column view. You have to click a link to get to the full HTML. The Ocean's music player works well, though syncing with Windows Media Player was unreliable. I found that dragging and dropping music in Mass Storage mode was a better option.

Helio still has many features on its "to do" list. There's no local PC PIM syncing, for instance, nor can you easily sync video files with a PC. Exchange ActiveSync for mail, more push mail options, and Microsoft Office document support are also "coming soon". BlackBerry handhelds and others smartphones offer an even wider range of e-mail options, though without the MySpace connection. Still, the Ocean already outstrips other messaging-centric devices such as the LG enV and the T-Mobile Sidekick. In this hyper-social crowd, it's the queen bee.
Pantech PN-810: $295