Martin Fortus asked:


Close but not Quite Perfection

With mobile phones looking to narrow the gap all the time between themselves and the dedicated PDA handsets on the market – the Apple iPhone springs to mind – manufacturers like Research In Motion (RIM) are having to try even harder to make their products stand out. Enter the new Blackberry 8300 Curve, with a host of new features yet, surprisingly, some glaring ones too.

The fact this new Blackberry has come out so soon after the 8800 model says everything there is to know about just how good mobile phones are at the moment – RIM is obviously worried about the diminishing market. However, PDA’s like the Blackberry 8300 Curve can still offer some features mobile phones can’t, and it’s these features that make this such an exciting product.

The main difference between this model and the recently released 8800 is that the Curve is a lot slimmer. In fact, with the change in size that RIM has given the Blackberry 8300, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re holding a normal mobile phone in your hand. The only thing that gives it away is the standard QWERTY keyboard just below the large display screen.

Design-wise, the 8300 Curve benefits from a black and silver colour scheme, which offers it just the right amount of futuristic styling that PDA users seem to love. It’s extremely lightweight as well, at least for a PDA, and is full 1.5 ounces lighter than the Treo. It feels good to hold as well, thanks to the small addition of rubber grips on the side, making it feel more secure and less prone to slipping from your grip.

A neat little trick is that the 2.5-inch screen has sensors that detect what the lighting conditions are like. Too dark or too bright, and the Blackberry 8300 will automatically adjust the brightness and contrast. This makes it a lot easier to navigate your icon-driven menus, and is a definite step in the right direction, not just for Blackberry but PDA’s and mobile phones in general.

Unlike some similar models, the screen isn’t touch-sensitive; however, there is a little trackball nub that you use to move around the screen. Using the keyboard is a lot easier on this model as well, with RIM reverting back to the larger spaces between each of the QWERTY keyboard elements. The smart screen allows pictures taken on the 2.0meag-pixel camera to look just that little bit sharper, especially if you compare pictures from an equivalent specced mobile phone camera. However, there’s still no video playback option.

If there is one thing that stops the Blackberry 8300 Curve from being almost perfect, it’s that it’s not a 3G unit. This seems almost criminal when you look at the features it does come with, yet for some reasons, RIM haven’t seen fit to supply the 8300 with 3G features. There’s no Wi-Fi support either, and again it seems like a missed opportunity. It does make up for this a little by being quad-band, but Wi-Fi would have been nicer.

Yet the Blackberry has always been about its office suite and more professional approach than a mere mobile phone can offer. In that respect, it doesn’t disappoint at all.

Dave Text asked:


Smart phones are mobile phones with computer-like features making them versatile to substitute a plethora of devices. For manufacturers they are about design and software, for users they are about functionality.

Smart phones are mobile phones with advanced features, generally combining standard communications capabilities with rich data applications and enhanced connectivity. As such, smart phones have as much in common with computers as they do with mobile phones. Smart phones often have fully enhanced applications that allow them to perform tasks that are above and beyond the functions of a regular mobile phone that us supplemented only by sandboxed applications. For the manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericcson, Blackberry, Motorola, BenQ, LG and Apple, they are a question of design and software.

The IBM Simon was the first smart phone made commercially available in 1993. It was designed by IBM in collaboration with Bellsouth, introducing it first as a concept product in a computer trade show held in Las Vegas, Nevada, circa 1992. Simon combined the features of a mobile phone, a pager, a PDA and a fax machine, with the following specific applications: calendar, address book, world clock, calculator, notepad, e-mail, a sending and receiving fax, and games. Users could navigate through these applications by an on-screen “predictive” QWERTY keyboard.

By today’s technological advance of smart phones, the Simon would be fairly along the lower end of the spectrum. Smart phones presently have a general versatility to substitute a plethora of devices, handheld or otherwise. Any present-day smart phone may be a datebook or planner, a Web browser, an MP3 player, a video and/or still camera, an FM radio tuner, an audio recorder, or a GPS navigator, among others. Additionally, modern smart phones have enhanced connectivity with the use of Bluetooth and Infrared technology, and even wireless Internet capability for high-end models. These technologies help smart phones connect to other devices such as other phones or computers.

For the end-users, smart phones are all about functionality. The looks of the phone help as recent models are sleeker and more appealing to the eye, however for smart phone connoisseurs, the main selling point is still the number of things it can do.

Smart phones have become a necessity for a great many individuals, particularly those who spend a great deal of time away from their homes and/or offices. The main target market for smart phones are professionals who need constant and regular access to e-mails, pertinent files as well appointment books and contact details. Executives are often inseparable from their smart phones as it contains a great deal of their work life. With recent developments in onboard multimedia features, smart phones have also become media players for those constantly on the road as well as tools for people in the creative field who need regular access to media playing and media capturing devices.

Prospective buyers should consider that purchasing a smart phone is not just about the latest model, the sleekest look or the price of the model. The smart phone should fit the demands of that buyers’ life, enabling them to maximize the use of the phone and complementing their everyday demands.

Certain smart phone models may not have all the latest applications or the most modern operating system, but its capabilities may fit the needs and requirements of a professional photographer or a yuppy. A certain model may not have sufficient memory to hold a large number of documents but its versatility and speed in performing other tasks may make it a necessary tool in someone’s life.

Whatever the case may be, smart phones are only as good as their owners. Once a user decides to pick up one type of smart phone and that smart phone fits the user’s needs perfectly then that makes it a very useful phone.

Christophe Catesson asked:


Company Overview

Verizon Wireless prides itself in being the most profitable mobile carrier in the US. Based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, it has a strong population of about 70 million customers. Its customer loyalty and low churn are notable as it continues to expand its network coverage across the country.

Prepaid Plans

Verizon Wireless has three INpulse plans that cater to your prepaid needs. The Core plan costs 10 cents per minute and the daily access charge is only 99 cents. You only pay this access charge on the days you use the service and IN calling, calling between Verizon phones, is unlimited. The INpulse Plus has a daily access charge of $1.99 on the days you use the phone. It includes unlimited IN calling and night minutes from 9:01 pm to 5:59 am. All other calls have a rate of 5 cents per minute. The Power plan is for $2.99 and it offers unlimited calls anytime of the day.

Pros and Cons

The INpulse plan gives a lot of savings especially if you choose the Power plan which allows unlimited calling for only $2.99 per day of use. But while many other providers do not charge an activation fee, activating a Verizon Wireless phone costs $25.

Features

Minutes

The rate per minute depends on the Inpulse plan that you subscribe to. The standard charge is 10 cents and it is available with the Core plan. But if you choose the highest plan which is the Inpulse Power, you get to have unlimited calling anytime at no additional charge.

Data

Mobile web access rate is 99 cents on the days you use this service.

Text and picture

The Core plan charges 10 cents per message sent and received. The Plus plan rates at 5 cents and the Power plan charges only 2 cents. The same charges apply when receiving international text messages but sending costs 25 cents. There are two options for unlimited messaging: $20 per month which includes unlimited messaging to any network in the US and $10 per month for unlimited messaging to any Verizon Wireless phones plus 250 text messages to any network. Sending pictures and videos has a rate of 25 cents per message.

International

Verizon Wireless covers international calling. This charges an additional rate on top of the per minute rate of your INpulse plan. You may call customer service to check the international calling rates to specific countries. Calling Puerto Rico has no additional charge.

Calling Features

The Verizon Wireless INpulse plans include standard calling features: call waiting, three-way calling, call forwarding and caller ID.

Long distance

Verizon has a nationwide coverage that allows calling to anywhere in the US and even Puerto Rico at no additional charge.

911

Yes.

Payment Options

You can purchase refill cards online using your credit/debit card or check. Cash payment is an additional option when purchasing at Verizon retailers.

Roaming charge

In areas where there is no Verizon signal, you can roam at a rate of 20 cents per minute on top of the casual airtime charges.

Activation fee

Activating the Pay As You Go service may require a $25 activation fee.

Minute expiration rules

The service period vary depending on the denomination of the refill card you purchase: $15-$29.99 expires in 30 days, $30-$74.99 expires in 60 days, $75-$99.99 expires in 90 days and $100 or more lasts for up to one year.

Customer Service

You may reach the Verizon Wireless customer service through email, toll-free number or speed dial from your handset.

Phones

Verizon Wireless offers a wide range of phone selections from regular flip phones to touch screen phones to PDAs and Blackberry devices. Some models include the Blackberry Pearl 8130, Blackberry 8830 World Edition, Motorola Q, Palm Centro and the LG Voyager.

Jason Parker asked:


Before release, everyone anticipated the iPhone with restlessness, and then with great reviews under its belt, the gadget became the center of attention in today’s high-tech universe. What’s funny to me is that everyone’s pointing out only the upsides of the iPhone (probably because they want to sell it to you). I believe the iPhone is very neat, but is it worth the money or a rip-off? That’s what I’m here to tell you.

One major downside and complaint of the Apple iPhone is its battery’s life. Because of the high-tech features such as multi-touch technology, revolutionary sensors, and nearly the same operating system as in the Mac, the battery is drained easily. Truth is Apple released the iPhone before creating a top-tier battery.

iPhone exclusively using AT&T’s Edge is yet another major complaint. The data network is sluggish compared to other more developed networks today. Apple has claimed this feature isn’t a major drawback, well, because the gadget had been designed to be notorious about receiving broadband connection via Wi-Fi Hotspots. Simply, the network is slower than what you’re used to with your computer.

The iPhone doesn’t support the sophisticated 3G technology for no particular reason. It’s a mystery. MMS functions aren’t even provided in the iPhone. Nor are voice dialing or recording. This means that it’s only a dual-band mobile phone.

Tackling messaging, there is no instant messaging. Therefore, you’ll have to stick to plain and simple e-mails. This can be a drag in the business setting. And what makes matters worse, you can’t copy and paste important data.

The iPhone doesn’t have a memory slot at all. Apple claims there is sufficient built in memory, yet consumers today expect to have the feature of external memory. Therefore, Bluetooth capabilities are weak an do not support file transfers or A2DP. Again I ask, what use does the iPhone have for businesspeople?

Okay. I’m being a little harsh. The Apple iPhone is still the best handheld phone on the market, but that doesn’t mean there’s not room for improvement. It’s possible Apple is saving the upgrades for the next addition of the iPhone.

The iPhone has revolutionary features as said previously. We’ve never seen anything like it, but is it in comparison worth the money? If you need the best there is then possibly. It’s a nice toy but may not be as valuable as priced.

The gadget’s value also depends on what you’ll be using it for. If you’re a businessman, you might want to stick to your current PDA until the Apple iPhone is upgraded. If you’re looking for the most high-tech, hottest toy on the market that you can use to surf the internet anywhere (for entertainment purposes) it may be worth the investment for you.

Apple did quite well with the iPhone. Note that this article is only about the downsides. Of course, there are many perks you should know before deciding whether to get the iPhone.

Wait! Did I mention you’re stuck with a two-year contract if you buy the iPhone?

Bruce Orr asked:


This may be the year when the convergence of hardware, software and consumer behaviour makes a business’ ability to be found through local search an online marketing necessity. The importance of having a business web page that ranks for local search terms on Google, Yahoo!, MSN and the plethora of other search engines that drive Internet commerce is particularly pronounced for small, local businesses that compete for the foot traffic that pass their storefronts in competitive marketplaces.

The hardware that is driving this convergence and fuelling the emergence of local search as a business-critical issue for small business is the new-generation of handheld mobile phones and PDAs – particularly Apple’s iPhone, the next-and-latest version of which is being rolled out in 22 countries July 11th. The software is search engine giant, Google’s Google Maps and the similar mapping applications on the other search engines.

More and more consumers, particularly in the youngest and most coveted marketing demographics, are using smart phone technology as a preferred method for searching the Internet. Typically, the products and services these young and mobile consumers are searching for online are local products and services – be it a coffee shop, a live entertainment venue, a clothing shop or any of the other myriad goods and services that are advertised both online and off.

Google is set as the default web browser on Apple’s iPhone, and the iPhone is the leader in smart phones – a position that is only likely to be enhanced when the next generation of iPhone comes onto the market in July. Google has long been the hands-down leader in Internet search. The synergy of having the world’s leading search engine as the default setting on the world’s most popular smart phone gives a huge impetus to the emergence of mobile search as the rising tide in small business marketing. Already, Google – thanks to its collaboration with Apple – is riding the rising tide of mobile search. In the first quarter of 2008, Google captured 61% of the mobile search market, while Yahoo! raked in an 18% share and third-place MSN accounted for only 5% of mobile searches, according to survey numbers from Nielsen Mobile. This, of course, leaves a paltry 16% market share for all other search engines combined.

As more and more smart phones come to market with advanced Internet search capabilities and GPS functions hoping to cash in on the market already dominated by the iPhone (and RIM’s BlackBerry line for business-types), Google’s dominance of local search and mobile search is likely to be cast in stone. Accordingly, for small businesses who wish to turn web traffic that is already searching for products and services online into foot traffic that will drive customers to and into their storefronts, having an online presence that will rank on Google becomes ever more important.

Survey results from Nielson/NetSurvey, in conjunction with marketing firm WebVisible, indicate that 86% of all Internet users in 2008 search for local products and services online. This number is up from the 70% of Internet users who were conducting online local searches in 2007. Significantly for small, local businesses whose focus is their company’s storefront, rather than an online business, the Nielson results show that 90% of the transactions that are initiated through online local searches are completed offline.

Thus, the importance of local search, mobile search and an effective online business profile for small businesses that are seeking to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded and digital marketplace. And, hence, the importance of Google Maps, perhaps the chief software application that is refining and defining the race for local business web pages that rank well in search engine – read Google – results. Google Maps gives the potential customer who is searching for a local product or service on the fly from his or her mobile handset the maps and directions that specify where the products and services can be purchased in the geographic locale where the customer is.

There are a multitude of 200+ factors that are constantly being tweaked by Google to determine a specific page’s ranking, and over 45 factors that are used to determine a site’s specific local ranking. Optimizing the on-site and off-site factors that determine a web page’s ranking and local search ranking is no easy feat. Yet, at a minimum, small businesses will want to have a web page that sets out there products and services, and to register that site with Google’s local business listings so that they can tap into the web traffic that is increasingly turning into foot traffic thanks to the emergence of mobile search and its convergence with smart phone technology.

andy tao asked:


If you have decided that you want a PDA (personal digital assistant) then there are many characteristics that can influence that decision. You have to do your research in order to get the best deal based on your requirements and budget. If you shop around and get advice from the professionals you will be sure to get a good deal!

First you should identify what you need from your PDA, if you want a basic one to write word documents then you don’t need to splash out on a top of the range device costing you a small fortune. Make sure that the PDA you are buying can cater for all your needs, ask to have a test run of it to make sure you can operate is easily enough and that it has all of the necessary features you require.

It would be ideal if you can set a budget prior to buying as the price can range drastically depending on the level and sophistication of the technology used. You can buy many additional pieces of software to boost the performance of your PDA, you can also get applications which will enable you to use your PDA as a satellite navigation, TV, radio and many more useful devices.

If you are having trouble in finding the perfect device you can always seek advice from professionals who will be able to guide you in the right direction. Always ask your friends and family who have their own personal digital assistants to see how they found them as there is no better information than people who have used them in the past.

Once you have found the specific model you want you then have the choice of where to get it from, when considering this you have to put the price into the equation and the customer service. Most people will put the price first and buy it from the cheapest place available, this is good but in the unfortunate event of a failure you would wish you went for a more reputable company if you receive bad customer service. This is why many people often pick static shops over internet stores as they can take it back into the shop easier.

Chris Love asked:


The TyTN II (P4550/Kaiser) is single handedly raising the bar for PDA’s and Smartphones. Having received glowing reviews from customers and critics alike, including a 9/10 rating from PDA Essentials and the editor branding it “a stunning handheld”.

Stunning it is. Manufactured by one of the leading smart phone manufacturers, HTC, the TyTN II boasts a comprehensive number of applications that offer a complete solution to mobile communication. The inclusion of GPS, GPRS, 3G UTMS, HSDPA and Windows Mobile 6 Professional, coupled with a powerful Qualcomm MSM7200 400MHz chipset make the applications quick and efficient for use on the move.

In-built WiFi and Bluetooth offer alternative connectivity options, keeping you connected in a variety of hot spots. The addition of 3G and a 3 mega pixel camera enables you to connect to other devices for video calls, too.

It also has a spring loaded QWERTY keyboard and 2.6” display are stylishly incorporated into the design, complete with a handy click and scroll wheel feature. Its practical size, a svelte 112 x 59 x 19mm and 160g weight, make switching between handheld computing and phone calls simple.

A number of TyTN II accessories are available for this device, designed to accompany the TyTN II and enable you to maximise the potential of this complete communication device.

Having tried a number of TyTN II accessories with the TyTN II we can whole heartedly recommend the following:

Brodit Active PDA Holder: This vehicle TyTN II accessory is a must-have for the TyTN II. With the ProClip mount and active holder, designed to match the exact specifications of your vehicle and TyTN II respectively, you can safely and securely attach the device to your cars vent and operate it in either the open or closed position. A built in charger ensures you are always full charged for your next destination. Operating at 12 or 24 volts, the active holder is ideal in a range of cars. And its tilt swivel feature allows you to adjust the TyTN II’s position accordingly, so it’s comfortable to use and easy to avoid glare from the reflective screen.

Cradle and AC Adaptor: It’s not just on the move that your TyTN II is most useful – you can keep it close at hand in the office or on the desk at home too. With this useful cradle, you can keep your HTC TyTN II in an upright, closed position close by. A single AC adaptor connects the cradle to a USB port, synchronising it with your laptop or PC. It also charges the battery, making it ready to go when you are, while taking up very little space on the desk with only one wire.

Alu-leather book case: This leather bound case matches the dimensions of your TyTN II exactly. Featuring a secure attachment to hold it in place, either open or closed, you can operate your TyTN II and all ports fully when in the case. While the leather appearance is smart, the case is also practical for storing business, credit or memory cards. A tough, hidden aluminium Screen Saver construction protects the devices screen from damage and a magnetic clasp keeps it closed.

With the addition of these must have TyTN II accessories the TyTN II becomes even more useful.

David H. Urmann asked:


Smart phones are specially developed for corporate users. These are data centric and have large screens. They function as mobile phones as well as PDAs and allow you to email, access data, and browse the Web. The major types of smart phones operating systems include Blackberry, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and iPhone among others.

Smart phones are developed overtly for executives and corporate users. These clever devices can perform as diligent as executives do. Smart phones perform prompt execution of corporate data access, Internet browsing, and e-mail. The IT group defined smart phone as a gadget that IT techies program and set up as requested by their senior managers and techies are concerned that the handset together with the essential information it contains may vanish in the cab.

Smart phones are data-focused convenient gadgets having large monitors. They’re built to provide comprehensive mobile phone functions and work as a PDA or personal digital assistant all at the same time. Intense data applications also make these gadgets a stand out. Feature phones may offer you access to the Web but smart phones can go well with your computer. Furthermore, these devices are programmable, have open operating systems, and are capable of adding and deleting applications.

Below are the major kinds of smart phones operating systems:

BlackBerry

It is a leading wireless gadget solution. This technology can certainly merge into any size of industry networks. Blackberry mobile phones feature secure and intelligent software in addition to spontaneous keypads. A number of RIM Blackberry selections are presented by the world’s major mobile suppliers. Software selections are fitted with data services and e-mail to enable effortless sync of the mobile phone with computers as well as corporate servers. Models of Blackberry Pearl adopt SureType systems that facilitate fast typing with numerous letters designated to every key. On the other hand, BlackBerrys 8700 models offer large QWERTY keyboards to make possible speedy thumb keying.

iPhone

This is an innovatory platform designed by Apple, Inc. It offers GPS mapping and high speed wireless technology. This phone combines iPod, Internet browser, and e-mail into one gadget. iPhone also backs venture features such as App Store and Microsoft Exchange.

Linux

Originally invented by Linus Torvalds, a student from Finland, hundreds of people and corporations today have circulated their own OS adaptations rooted on Linux. Even if Linux has not completely forayed into the corporate smart phones, this platform is enjoying market dominance in Japan and China under DoCoMo and Motorola respectively. Several ingenuities are in process in order to produce Linux phones as multitalented and pungent as the BlackBerry.

Palm

Palm Treo is a simple yet completely equipped smart phone that integrates Internet access, email, organizer, and messaging. This operating system also presents Bluetooth technology to effectively facilitate wireless connection to many other Bluetooth-powered gadgets including digital cams, MP3 players, automobile kits, and headsets. With all these, Palm Treo remains to be one of the popular choices for business mobile phones.

Symbian

This technology is the top open operating system used for sophisticated data centric smart phones. Crafted for the explicit needs of cutting edge 3G phones, Symbian is also the main platform adopted on Nokia manufactured phones. Symbian series holds together the strength of a merged applications setting with mobile technology, thus delivering superior data benefits to the users. This OS enjoys the biggest part of the cake in the majority of international market. However, the influential North American clients favor the adoption of Windows Mobile or Blackberry over Symbian.

Windows Mobile

Windows Mobile is establishing its repute among corporate clients at a significantly fast pace. Windows Mobile phones like the Motorola Q are specifically developed to provide a Windows based manifestation for corporate users. It also bears straightforward data syncing by means of Microsoft Outlook. Comparable with BlackBerry, this software presents diverse network link preferences that let a small organization holding several mobile phones to expand into a large corporation having hundreds of units without needing to dispose all the phones eventually.

Steve Bralovich asked:


PDAs are not yet hand-held PCs, but have been used by many people over the years. PDAs are better-known as pocket pc’s or palmtop organizers. PDAs have many uses including: mathematics, use as a timekeeper with calendar subroutines, browsing cyberspace, sending and receiving e-mail, video, typewriting and word processing, name and address book functions, making and compiling spreadsheets, reading bar codes, receiving radio broadcasts or stereo listening, playing computer games, entering poll results, and GPS. More modern PDAs also have color screens, MP3 music and telephony capabilities, allowing them to be employed as cellphones (smartphones), web browsers, and portable media players. Several now also include cameras that can photograph scenes which can then be uploaded to Flickr and mySpace accounts. Virtually all newer PDAs can surf the Net, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks just about all PDA’s utilize touch screen displays leaving out Smartphones which depend upon menu systems attributable to their tinier display screens.

PDA’s Past

The term “personal data assistant” was first used on Jan 7th, 1992 by then Apple Computer Chief Executive Officer John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, concerning the Apple Newton.

PDAs are occasionally denoted as “Palms”, “Palm Pilots” or “Palm Tops” so-named after an early personal digital assistant produced by USR and Palm Inc called the “Palm Pilot”. Today however, the term is much more encompassing and includes a very diverse range of products developed by a host of many manufacturers including HP, Dell, Blackberry and Sharp to name a few.

.Characteristic capabilities

Presently, a regular PDA has a touch screen for data entry, a memory card slot for data storage and at the least one of the following for device-todevice communication: IrDA, Bluetooth and/or WiFi. All the same, many PDAs (normally those used primarily as cellular phones) may not have a touch screen, alternatively using softkeys, a directional pad and either the numerical computer keyboard or a thumb keyboard for idata nput.

In order to meet the PDA definition, standard software should include an appointment calendar, a task list, an address book for business and personal contacts and some kind of notes program. Internet connected PDAs also usually include E-mail and Web support.Most units also include memo recording software for audio notes. Very handy for remembering important details.

Not Quite A Laptop Replacement…Yet

Possibly, to a higher degree than any other computer device, the personal digital assistant lacks the raw computing horsepower and Wireless Broadband capabilities of a desktop or notebook computer. Presently, costs of laptop computers are coming down. Although a good deal bigger in size, laptop computers have more full-size screens and keyboards and are have greater computing power.

However, the OQO Model 2 has been brought out in recent times as a fully desktop PC compatible PDA with a USB port so that people can use their normal work and business software or play computer games compatible with ubiquitous operating systems such as Windows XP. It can also connect to regular PC peripherals. Costs still have a way to fall prior to mass adoption takes place in the market but OQO is no longer the exclusive manufacturer of these types of units, so costs should fall possibly within the next few years.

Conclusion

The PDAs strength is that it is easy to transport and less bulky than full-sized computers.It slides easily into a dress shirt or trousers pocket. The additional features like cameras, Global Positioning System, telephony and MP3 player make it flexible unlike any other type of computers in the market.

Many people do not require full desktop capabilities while on the go. As long as they can access their information and sync their data to a full-sized computer when they arrive at their homes and offices, that’s really all they need and want to do. So at least in the short run, the PDA will most likely remain as a portable helper for millions of users for years to come.

Lijo George asked:


work and huddled around to watch excitedly as the wrapping was torn off and we opened the box to review it!The Atom Life enters the Indian market as part of 02’s new strategy to divide its five main product segments: performance, lifestyle, messaging, hybrids, and smartphones. The products in each segment have feature sets appropriate for their target market. This device fits into the lifestyle category with its good looks and multimedia capabilities. Speaking at its launch in Mumbai recently, 02 Asia Pacific and the Middle East CEO, Mark Billington, stated that the Atom Life is a PDA that will power the user both at work and play. We decided to put this claim to test.

Packed with Features

The 02 XDA Atom Life is a tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 phone with GPRS and EDGE capabilities. The built-in Wi-Fi functionality makes it an excellent device to check e-mail on the go. GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation is not built in, but it’s possible to add an external receiver. The Atom Life is 3G capable-the front-mounted VGA camera makes video calling simplistic In-call voice reception is nice and dean.

The Atom Life runs on Windows Mobile 5, so mobile versions of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel are included. These applications ens that your work won’t suffer no matter where you are. Other preinstalled applications include 02 AutoConfig, 02 Autolnstall, 02 Connect, 02 MediaPlus. 02 SMSPIus, and 02 PhonePlus, which make the phone economically strong. 02 Connect offers access to software updates via a GPRS connection, while 02 MediaPlus allows you to access all your stored music, videos, and photos from a single interface. You can use PocketMSN to access your Hotmail account and chat with your contacts through MSN Messenger. The Internet Explorer makes browsing the web a breeze. There’s also a mobile version of Windows Media Player 10. And to round off the package, there is Microsoft ActiveSync to connect the Atom Life to your PC.The Atom Life is powered by an Irte XScale PXA 270 processor running at a mind-blowing 624 MHz. We were impressed by the capabilities of this processor, which was able to multitask and run heavy applications without am hiccups. It features 64 MB RAM and 1GB of internal flash memory. A MiniSD card slot for expanding the memory is located on the top of the phone.

Camera

The 2 megapixel camera takes decent pictures with resolutions ranging from 80×60 to 1600×1200. An LED strobe flash and a self-portrait mirror are also built in.

Shaping the Masterpiece

At first glance, the Atom Life looks like any other 02 model, but look closely and you’ll see a few subtle differences. The device’s glossy black plastic screen is the in-call speaker grille, which also houses status lights-green for standby, red for charging, and blue to show that Bluetooth is switched on. Volume controls are on the left, and the camera and record buttons are on the right. Keys on the front panel include call accept and reject controls, two soft and media player shortcut keys.

The Atom Life weighs 145 grams which is quite light for a PDA. Its slick form makes it a true style statement.

Chinks in the Shining Armour

02 markets the Atom Life as a PDA that doubles up as a multimedia device. Even though it has SRS-WOW surround speakers, the volume levels could have been higher. The glossy black plastic finish is prone to fingerprints and smudges, and the chrome plating- especially around the stylus holder slot-wears out easily with heavy use. The 2.7-inch LCD screen might look good at first, but it isn’t the clearest we have seen. Team this up with terrible viewing angles and you have real disappointment on your hands. The quality of still and video photography is also below average.

Verdict

The 02 Xda Atom Life is a brilliant device, and a great solution for all your business and multimedia needs. There’s a chance that you might find it a little confusing to handle initially but once you get the hang of it, organizing your daily schedules and carrying out vital daily tasks will become very convenient. Also, the enhanced multimedia functions make the Atom Life a pleasure to work with. The elegant shape ensures that you are carrying a guaranteed style statement in your pocket. As the maufacturers said-the Xda Atom Life surely does power you at work and play!