News, Review, and Pictures of the Samsung i730 and Verizon XV6600 cellular phone
The Samsung i730 (available from Verizon) is a nifty contraption, combining PocketPC, email, internet, and cell phone functions in one little sliding bundle - although "little" might not be the exact word: admittedly, this unit is larger than the average tiny cellphone, closer to PDA size, weighs a little more but has a nice feel in the hand. From the outside, it looks like a Palm Pilot. But a hidden full QWERTY keyboard (ala RIM Blackberry) slips down from behind when you are ready to tackle email (support for IMAP and POP3). (some larger pictures below).
Of course with email, you need to be able to handle MS Office attachments, and the i730 handles them all - Pocket Word, Excel, Powerpoint. EVDO connectivity means you access data from the internet (email, web) when roaming the cellular network at up to 10X normal dial-up speeds. And built-in WIFI lets you use the i730 to access the internet from any "hot spot". NOTE: You cannot use WIFI and talk on the phone at the same time. Verizon offers a $45/month plan for unlimited data transfer - if you plan on using the internet a lot, you will want to get this. The QWERTY keyboard is of course small, but manageable for thumb typing. People with larger fingers may have trouble. The display screen is large (2.8"), crisp and easy to read, even in daylight. One complaint - that big shiny screen will get smeared everytime you hold it up to your ear! The Verizon XV6600 is a rebranded version of the Audiovox PPC-6601 - similiar in functionality to the i730, but no built-in WIFI.
Samsung i730 Specifications:
Network: CDMA (800/1,900MHz), EV-DO (10 times faster than dial-up)
Dimensions: 2.8" x 5.2" x .8", 6.9oz
Display: 2.8" TFT, 65K colors; Size: 240 x 320 pixels
Memory/Storage: 64MB RAM, SD expansion slot
OS: Windows Mobile S/W
Camera: 1.3MP
Other Specs:
Bluetooth
Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi)
Full QWERTY keyboard (thumb-board)
Speakerphone
Stereo Speakers, Windows Media Player for MP3
Battery life is usually a killer on these models that use WIFI for internet access, and the Samsung is no different here. The USB cradle keep the extra battery charged, and you will need it. The links on this page contain additional resources and information.
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