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The Phonewiz tells you what's smart about the Smartphone!
Pros
This phone is Palm equipped, web browser, CDMA!
Cons
web browser
Recommended it?
Yes
It's happening! Massive consolidation in the wireless communications industry. One of my favorite things to do when I'm not forced to study is to "tinker" around with the latest technology in mobile phones. I test products, talk to sales reps, and sometimes even contact industry representatives (the privileges of being a good consultant). So when I came across one of the latest crazes in wireless technology, the Qualcomm PDQ Smartphone (Smartphone), I couldn't resist the opportunity to scrutinize it and put it to the test.
About the Smartphone
What is the Smartphone? Well for starters it's a wonderful idea from the makers of Qualcomm. The Smartphone combines the technology of Palm, a Web browser, and digital dual-band phone into one product. Ahh, the beauty of consolidation! Owners of the Smartphone can link it with a desktop machine or operate it on the go. They have the capability to operate any professional series Palm III software on the telephone. This combined with the fact that you are purchasing a digital dual-band PCS wireless phone makes this an intriguing product. Let's break it down!
Phone Specifications
A good starting point is to examine the phone. This is a flip phone produced by Qualcomm. It operates on three distinctive frequencies 25mhz, 800mhz, and 1900mhz. There appears to be some confusion (largely due to advertising by the manufacturer) on what this means. Let me point out that all phones are either a) analog or b) digital. Many phones have the capability to operate using both types of transmissions. This is commonly referred to as being a dual-band phone. Thus, when a dual-band goes out of tower range it "switches" to analog signal. This is what we call roaming. Those nasty little charges that appear on so many cell-phone bills. In this particular phone it also operates on a higher digital frequency called PCS. This is a 1900 mhz. frequency, but it is still a digital transmission.
This phone also sports the C.D.M.A. (Code Division Multiple Access) control chip. Already, we are seeing the benefits of designing your phone with this chip. The C.D.M.A. technology is the reason why data is processed and compatible with the PALM III programs. Also, the phone has 150 minutes of talk time and 50 hours of standby time. Talk time is time actually spent speaking with a human being and standby time is time spent away from the carriage without losing power. The phone is powered by a lithium ion battery and comes with a hands-free headset (a plus).
I love the address book on this phone. It's capable of storing thousands of numbers and many can be programmed to dial with the point and click interface. There is a 99 member speed dial and information can be automatically transferred to other PALM machines or phones using the palm inferred features. All of the numbers stored on this phone are encrypted and can be locked out by the user.
The phone is also capable of operating as a pager. It has voice mail, Call I.D., Call Waiting, and remote access. There is no vibrating feature available with this phone, but you can set it to ring silently. No need to carry various communication devices because this is the "be all do all" phone.
Palm Specifications
Basically, you could figure in the cost of a Palm III into the total cost of this phone. Any program in the Palm III professional series is also compatible with this telephone. The phone comes equipped with a stylus package and a tutorial CD to get you working through the interfaces immediately. Another bonus is that the phone comes with cradle recharger that links directly into a desktop PC. While charging, your phone can actually operate as an external modem. All information can be transferred from your Smartphone to your computer. I'm not a Palm fanatic, but I found these features easy to use and operate. The buttons are large and the interface is easy. It's a wonderful tool.
The web browser
I love the idea that Qualcomm incorporated a web browser on this telephone. I just don't like this particular web browser. Let met tell you why. First it runs as a 14.4 modem. It can only read text html and has 2mb of memory. Translation, it's wonderful to check your e-mail, but not so great to browse the world wide web. Also, it should be noted that not all e-mail accounts match up with this phone. The proper thing to do would be to contact your ISP provider and make sure your account can be checked from this phone. I imagine that web browser are an item that will dramatically improve with time. Already, I'm reading stories of portable computers worn on the person. It's just a matter of time until they produce a web-browser that truly makes web integration an affordable choice.
Final Considerations
This is an expensive phone ($800), but I do see some value in many of the features. Overall I would recommend this phone, but I don't think I would run out immediately and buy it. I'm crazy about the Palm III applications, but less excited about the browser. I believe that in a year production costs will drop while the browser will improve. Once that happens, I think I would definitely purchase this phone.
About the Smartphone
What is the Smartphone? Well for starters it's a wonderful idea from the makers of Qualcomm. The Smartphone combines the technology of Palm, a Web browser, and digital dual-band phone into one product. Ahh, the beauty of consolidation! Owners of the Smartphone can link it with a desktop machine or operate it on the go. They have the capability to operate any professional series Palm III software on the telephone. This combined with the fact that you are purchasing a digital dual-band PCS wireless phone makes this an intriguing product. Let's break it down!
Phone Specifications
A good starting point is to examine the phone. This is a flip phone produced by Qualcomm. It operates on three distinctive frequencies 25mhz, 800mhz, and 1900mhz. There appears to be some confusion (largely due to advertising by the manufacturer) on what this means. Let me point out that all phones are either a) analog or b) digital. Many phones have the capability to operate using both types of transmissions. This is commonly referred to as being a dual-band phone. Thus, when a dual-band goes out of tower range it "switches" to analog signal. This is what we call roaming. Those nasty little charges that appear on so many cell-phone bills. In this particular phone it also operates on a higher digital frequency called PCS. This is a 1900 mhz. frequency, but it is still a digital transmission.
This phone also sports the C.D.M.A. (Code Division Multiple Access) control chip. Already, we are seeing the benefits of designing your phone with this chip. The C.D.M.A. technology is the reason why data is processed and compatible with the PALM III programs. Also, the phone has 150 minutes of talk time and 50 hours of standby time. Talk time is time actually spent speaking with a human being and standby time is time spent away from the carriage without losing power. The phone is powered by a lithium ion battery and comes with a hands-free headset (a plus).
I love the address book on this phone. It's capable of storing thousands of numbers and many can be programmed to dial with the point and click interface. There is a 99 member speed dial and information can be automatically transferred to other PALM machines or phones using the palm inferred features. All of the numbers stored on this phone are encrypted and can be locked out by the user.
The phone is also capable of operating as a pager. It has voice mail, Call I.D., Call Waiting, and remote access. There is no vibrating feature available with this phone, but you can set it to ring silently. No need to carry various communication devices because this is the "be all do all" phone.
Palm Specifications
Basically, you could figure in the cost of a Palm III into the total cost of this phone. Any program in the Palm III professional series is also compatible with this telephone. The phone comes equipped with a stylus package and a tutorial CD to get you working through the interfaces immediately. Another bonus is that the phone comes with cradle recharger that links directly into a desktop PC. While charging, your phone can actually operate as an external modem. All information can be transferred from your Smartphone to your computer. I'm not a Palm fanatic, but I found these features easy to use and operate. The buttons are large and the interface is easy. It's a wonderful tool.
The web browser
I love the idea that Qualcomm incorporated a web browser on this telephone. I just don't like this particular web browser. Let met tell you why. First it runs as a 14.4 modem. It can only read text html and has 2mb of memory. Translation, it's wonderful to check your e-mail, but not so great to browse the world wide web. Also, it should be noted that not all e-mail accounts match up with this phone. The proper thing to do would be to contact your ISP provider and make sure your account can be checked from this phone. I imagine that web browser are an item that will dramatically improve with time. Already, I'm reading stories of portable computers worn on the person. It's just a matter of time until they produce a web-browser that truly makes web integration an affordable choice.
Final Considerations
This is an expensive phone ($800), but I do see some value in many of the features. Overall I would recommend this phone, but I don't think I would run out immediately and buy it. I'm crazy about the Palm III applications, but less excited about the browser. I believe that in a year production costs will drop while the browser will improve. Once that happens, I think I would definitely purchase this phone.
