Pocket PC 2003 Phone Edition (T-Mobile)

Rating:
Summary: I've had this PDA Phone for over a year...
Review: ..and I'm hooked. First of all, you should realize that if you're going to own a phone like this, you get a PDA which also doubles as a phone. It's first and foremost a PDA. So, if you just have to have the tiniest device possible, don't want to spend hardly any money on the device, and don't want to spend any time learning how to use it, then this phone is NOT for you.

But, if you're like me, this PDA phone (XDA) is perfect! Besides serving as a phone, I also use this device extensively to read offline web pages (using AvantGo - free), to read ebooks (using the free µBook from www.gowerpoint.com and Microsoft Reader), play games (free and otherwise), and I even use a portable Targus Universal Wireless keyboard (Model # PA870U) to type up notes & journal entries using Microsoft Word which then synchronizes back to my computer. You will probably also like WisBar Advance from www.lakeridgesoftware.com which does a number of other useful things for you (like program control, skins, etc.)

Besides the portable keyboard, I also recommend that owners of this phone immediately obtain a hard case like the OX-0313 at www.styluscentral.com. My phone has survived a few drops, but it has some small dents from dropping it before I had the case. Since I got the case, it has sustained no more damage, despite a few more drops. A friend of mine used to carry his phone (same model) without any case and it met its end after only one drop on concrete.

One last thing you'll want to buy with this phone is an extra SD memory card. That actually is essential, as the internal memory of the PDA itself will fill up quite quickly once you start loading µBook, games, ebooks, etc. I use a 64 MB card and have mostly filled that up. I would recommend starting with a 128 MB card. That may seem too big at first, but you'll quickly use up the space.

You should know that I have NOT used the phone with the T-Mobile internet service so I can't vouch for the quality of that service. As far as standard phone functions go, the phone has done OK. Like many phones, you won't be able to use it in buildings and some locations, depending on antenna, etc. but it has been decent where I live (Minneapolis, MN area).

In short, this has been a great phone for me. I have almost completely stopped lugging around a laptop since I got this phone as it does everything for me that I used the laptop for. Obviously, this won't do everything a regular computer does, but it does everything I need, and more. If you already use a computer daily and would like to carry some of that functionality around with you without lugging around a laptop, this phone is probably ideal for you.

Anyone with questions or comments can email me at VincePlatt AT yahoo.com.
-Vince


Rating:
Summary: Really Good Phone for professionals
Review: First of all, I agree with the other reviewers, which aided my decision to buy this phone.If you're a person that does a lot of business and makes 20+ calls a day, then you should look at Nextel or something else. This phone is for someone that needs an organizer and tool, with occasional phone usage.

There are a lot of phones coming out that can be used as a toy- Well this is a toy that can be used as a phone- and I LOVE IT! I bought a palm pilot first, but always left it at home. I had enought to carry my phone and wallet, I had no place for the palm pilot. Now I always have my info with me- my address book, phone book, and contact list are 1 list now! And even that is sync-ed up with my PC at home.

The only downsides are the need for $20 internet service (instead I just use a private ISP through the cell phone line if I need to use the net- it just uses my minutes), and the bulk of the phone, but it came with a belt clip + holster that allows you to wear it on your belt (not very sexy).

But like I said, if you're the type that uses the phone for work on locations outside of buildings, get a Nextel for the ease of use and durability. But if you work in a building and want an all in one solution, this is a neat little gadget and a cool phone.

Rating:
Summary: Great phone
Review: It works like an angel for me. Great reception and great usefulness. I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a new PDA phone. I had a palmone before and this is 100 times better than. Also quite rugged too. I dropped 2 times and still works like a new. The screan and reception is mind blowing.

Rating:
Summary: It sucks!
Review: The reception is horrible. The internet is so slow. It sucks. T-Mobile shouldnt even have it on the market. Dont buy it or you will be sorry. The reception is so bad, you cant even use under normal circumstances. I really love the idea of having all this information at your fingertips and only having one phone, but it just doesnt work. Sorry, learn from me. Dont buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: POCKET PC PHONE SUCKS
Review: This unit is a total waste of time. Do not throw away your money - get a Treo 600 instead. Here are the issues I have with this device.

Syncing - You receive MS ActiveSync with this unit - but it really dosen't sync worth a crap. It created duplicates of everything (appointments, contacts,etc.)not to mention you have to do a soft reset when syncing between two different computers (I had to find that on a users group). I had to get Intellisync just to get it to barely function the way I needed it to.

Memory - They state it comes with 32 MB which is good until you realize that the OS takes a huge chunk of that and all the apps for the unit are also memory hogs.

Size - This unit is huge by todays standards. When wearing it on my belt from the included case, it feels like it is going to pull my pants down.

Headset - The only available headset is the one that comes with it. It has two earbuds (for the media player) with a mic. When using it as a headset for phone calls you have to either put both earbuds in or leave one dangling down the front of your shirt or wrapped around your neck. Hey I am a computer geek, just don't want it advertised.

The only "good" points are the MMC/SD card slot and the Media Player. Other than that the unit is worthless.

I travel for a living and started with a Visor Prism with the Phone Module, next was a Treo 270, then was basically "forced" to use this unit.

I have an order in for the TREO 600. Several of my friends and coworkers have them and they are awesome!