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Sony Ericsson W760a Phone Red ATandT

June 26th, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Sony Ericsson W760a Phone Red ATandT




Packed with entertainment features and great innovations to take music and gaming interaction to the next level, the Sony Ericsson w760a for AT&T can quickly download video, music and more over AT&T’s lightning quick HSPDA 3G network. Additionally, this GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share serve, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.

This Walkman phone includes the innovative “shake to shuffle” feature, which randomly chooses another song stored on your phone with just a flick of the wrist. This phone is also great for gaming, thanks to that built-in motion sensor that enables you to tilt the phone to control gameplay. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth 2.0 for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, Memory Stick Micro (M2) expansion, access to personal email and instant messaging services, and up to 3.5 hours of talk time.

Take advantage of AT&T services including Mobile Music, Video Share, and AT&T Navigator turn-by-turn directions.

AT&T Service Options
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band UMTS 850/1900 MHz network, and this phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks (found in international territories). The AT&T 3G network provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. (For use outside the United States, an AT&T international data plan is recommended.)

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it’s fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You’ll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company’s 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) A majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day’s work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.

You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what’s playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what’s hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T’s Internet, video, and music services.)

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.

The integrated accelerometer lets you shuffle music by shaking and play games by tilting the phone.

Phone Features
The slider-style w760a features a top face with a 2.2-inch, 262K-color LCD screen (240 x 320-pixel resolution), five-way navigator (with music play/pause button in the center) and standard send/end and soft navigation keys. The phone slides smoothly up to reveal the alpha-numeric keypad. The phone has a 32 MB internal memory, which can be expanded via optional Memory Stick Micro (M2) media (up to 4 GB in size). The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 contact entries with space for up to 7 numbers per entry and support for picture and ringer ID.

This Walkman phone offers a full-function digital audio player that’s compatible with MP3 and AAC files, and it includes Sony Ericsson’s innovative “shake to shuffle” feature. With Shake Control activated, just flick your wrist and a vibration lets you know that the track has been changed–a new song from your current playlist is randomly selected and automatically played. Playback settings also include an equalizer, playlists, stereo widening, and shuffle and loop modes. This Walkman phone features MegaBass enhancement for added depth of sound, a flight mode that lets you keep listening to tunes with the phone’s network connectivity turned off, and the PlayNow feature that enables you to download new music tones directly to the phone.

Sony Ericsson’s SensMe technology is used to incorporate mood analysis into the track details, which allows you to create playlists that suit your mood. Select SensMe in the downloadable Sony Ericsson Media Manager software, and it will mood-analyze all MP3 files on the computer. When you transfer music from a CD or a PC to your phone using Media Manager, the tracks will automatically be analysed. Instead of selecting tracks for your next playlist, just select your mood.

With the W760, gaming is more fun than ever. The integrated accelerometer allows you to shake or tilt the W760a to simulate motion while playing video games, and dedicated A and B gaming buttons also allow extra control and interactivity. The intuitive Media User Interface rotates depending on how you’re holding the phone, so you can see everything you need at a glance. Auto rotate works for photos, videos and games.

This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking–surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.

The built-in 3.2 megapixel camera captures stills and video–and playback of video or still pictures is only limited to the memory card size (or capped at 20 seconds for sending via MMS). You can choose from four resolution sizes and two quality settings for still photos, and it also features white balance and brightness adjustments, digital zoom (up to 3.2x), night mode, panorama, and multi-shot mode. It provides support for PictBridge technology so you can print your photos without the need of a PC (either using USB or Bluetooth). Video clips can be shot at up to QVGA resolution (320 x 240 pixels) at 30 frames per second (fps).

The phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3 and IMAP4 protocols, while the included Access NetFront Web Browser allows you to surf full HTML web sites. It also supports RSS feeds, allowing you to use your phone to view up-to-the-minute news and other content from selected Web sites and blogs. Just subscribe to the feed and let it come to you. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit–a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

Other features include:

  • Flight mode allows you to safely use the non-wireless functions of this phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight
  • Instant messaging via AOL, Windows Live, Yahoo!
  • Organizational tools: calendar, calculator, alarm clock, tasks, timer, notes, stopwatch
  • USB mass storage capabilities
  • Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, vibrating alert
  • Speakerphone
  • Voice dialing and voice commands
  • Built-in FM radio

Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson w760a weighs 3.6 ounces and measures 4.05 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches. Its 930 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of talk time, and up to 240 hours (10 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T’s 850/1900 MHz 3G frequencies (UMTS/HSDPA).

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Nice phone but definitely not great!
I recently upgraded from my old w810i to w760a. Found that the phone is pretty much same as w810 w/o any much upgrades…Definitely don’t use GPS coz don’t have data plan. So that upgrade doesn’t matter me.

Goods:

1. Camera is better as always was

2. 3G capability

3. Navigator…those who don’t have GPS but have data plan (i wouldn’t like to have data plan unless i have iPhone)

4. better resolution

Bads:

1. Network – I used to get full signal with my old w810 at my home. Now with new 760 i no longer get full network. Also i have observed overall network strength has decreased at number of places. At places, some 10$ cheap nokia phone gives full network whereas my w760a doesn’t…Haven’t seen any noticeable change in dropped call but donno whether people have noticed it while reaching me…

2. Battery life – Compared to 810 battery life is half…My 810 used to last for 3/4 days for sure w/o much talking…But with same amount of talking my 760 doesn’t even last 2 days…Also takes little longer to charge the full batter as compared to 810.

3. Memory card – I had sony’s proprietary pro duo 2g card for 810. now its useless since they have changed the card format…its awful and i hate it…

3 Stars Just don’t like Sliders
I’ve owned a Motorola Razr for years and like the large keypad for ease of dialing. The Voice dial is exceptional and the keys are responsive, which takes me to why I had to sell the Sony W760a. The voice dial set up is terrible. Took me a long time to activate 3 entries and it is entry specific. The Razr allows you to voice dial ANY entry on your Sim card after you activate the feature. Also, the Sony has an annnoying delay after entry of numbers and data. The slider feature is attractive but several times when I thought the keys were locked, I was actvating the browser! It showed on my bill. So, I’m back to my Razr and other flip phones.

1 Star One HUGE Negative!!
The only way you can plug in your ear buds is buy a bulky accessory that plugs into where you plug it in to charge it, then it won’t fit into any carrying case. So if you want to listen to the walkman on earbuds you have to carry the phone around in your hand every where you go. I always do my homework before I buy a product. This time I didn’t. Great reminder to me – ALWAYS DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU BUY. That word “Walkman” cast a magic spell over me that got me to ‘assume’ you could of course plug your ear buds into it. Fooled me Sony Ericsson. Thanks a lot. NOT.

1 Star w760a is J U N K
i am on my 2nd w760a now. my replacement phone has the same problems as the previous one. lockups, shutdowns, problems with bluetooth (on multiple bluetooth devices). i got this phone because i was tired of carrying around a bulky “smart” phone…but this is ridiculous. I had a motorola razr that lasted for about 5 years with never any single issue what so ever. additionally, all the extra accessories you have to buy on this thing are ridiculous. i can honestly say i will never again purchase another sony phone, or probably any other product. oh, and all these problems happen with the ATT software, or debranded. if you have this phone and don’t have any problems, at this point i would recommend you buy a lotto ticket.

3 Stars Not perfect, but a very good non-smart phone.
I bought this phone to replace a Moto Slver S7. The reception and voice quality on this phone is generally superior and the screen is very nice. The sliding parts feel sturdy and I doubt they will break any time soon. This phone is also surprisingly light weight given how sturdy it feels.

The phone does have two issues which are big negatives for me. The battery life is generally short. Perhaps I expect too much since the Slvr had such fantastic battery life, but charging my phone every 2-3 days or so is irritating. From what I gather this battery life is about as good as other phones that are available now, but it is still disappointing. The second issue is that the bluetooth is bothersome to turn off manually. I only use bluetooth when I’m in my car and this phone either leaves it on all the time or off all the time. In order to turn it on and off you must flip through 5 menus. (You can link a shortcut to the handsfree menu, but not to the bluetooth menu.)

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EDIT: The problem that I describe above does not actually exist. I decided to investigate this issue a few days after I wrote the review and it turns out that you can set a button to automatically turn the BT on and off. No menus or any of that mess. It’s actually very convenient! I would add a star to this review if it were allowed.

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Another odd thing is that they do not package an ear-bud or computer connection cable or memory card with the phone. I suppose that since I paid $.01 for the phone I cannot hold that against them.

Buy/More Info

Samsung A777 Phone Green ATandT

June 25th, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Samsung A777 Phone Green ATandT




Updating its popular a737 slider phone, Samsung soars even higher with the a777 3G-enabled slider for AT&T. In addition to sleeker styling, the a777 now boasts GPS capabilities, enabling you to access the optional AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions. Other AT&T exclusive features include over-the-air music downloads from AT&T Mobile Music (as well as compatibility with the Napster Mobile subscription service) and the Video Share verice, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.

The a777 also boasts a 1.3-megapixel camera with video capture capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity for both handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 8 GB), multi-format digital audio player, quad-band GSM connectivity for global roaming, access to personal email and instant messaging services, and up to 3 hours of talk time.

With AT&T Mobile Music, the Samsung a777 lets you play and download all your favorite tunes and ringtones. And thanks to the built-in MicroSD memory slot, you can store all the music you want.

AT&T Service
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band 850/1900 MHz 3G network (UMTS/HSDPA), which provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it’s fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You’ll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company’s 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) While using Video Share with family and friends is a fun way to communicate, it’s also very useful for business. For example, a majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day’s work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.

You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster subscription music service, stream music video, discover what’s playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what’s hot with The Buzz music news portal.

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.

It’s also pre-loaded with AT&T’s Mobile Banking application, which is compatible with accounts from banks including Wachovia, SunTrust, Synovus, and BancorpSouth. Mobile Banking from AT&T affords you the flexibility to stay on top of your banking needs while you’re on the move, enabling you to check your account balance, securely transfer funds between your eligible accounts, view and pay bills, and review your transaction history. AT&T customers pay no additional fee to access mobile banking and, because the application resides on the handset, the service is optimized to reduce the number of new page views necessary to complete a transaction. Minimal data usage charges apply and vary based on individual use.

The a777 also features stereo Bluetooth streaming, GPS navigation capabilities, and a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder.

Phone Features
The A737 has a bright color TFT display that offers a 176 x 220-pixel resolution (with 262K colors). It has a 50 MB internal flash memory, and is expandable via MicroSD memory cards (up to 8 GB in size). You can store up to 1000 contact entries in the internal phonebook, and each entry can hold multiple phone numbers, email addresses, and web URLs. Additionally, it offers support for caller groups and pairing numbers with a photo or a specific ringtone. The phone also displays the last 30 incoming/outgoing/missed calls, eight one-touch dialing numbers, and automatic redial.

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking–surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).

The 1.3-megapixel camera can capture images up to 1280 x 1024 pixels, and it also offers a 3x digital zoom, three quality settings, multi-shot/mosaic/panorama capabilities, brightness and white balance settings, and self-timer. You can also capture video clips at a 176 x 144-pixel resolution, and you can shoot up to approximately 3 minutes for sending via messaging for as long as you have available memory for saving to your PC. The integrated digital audio player is compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC and AAC+ formats.

In addition to voice calls, text messaging, and MMS capability, the phone also ships with a built-in email application with support for Windows Live, Yahoo!, and AOL–as well as instant messaging capabilities with those services. The T9 predictive text entry technology is built into the unit (with support for both English and Spanish), making it easier to input text into messages and email. The a777 also comes stock with a built-in WAP 2.0 web browser for downloads and mobile web browsing via MEdia Net.

Other features include:

  • Organizer tools: Calendar, alarm, calculator, memo book, clock, world time, currency converter
  • Java for downloadable applications and games
  • 72-chord polyphonic and MP3 ringtones
  • Multilingual text display (English, French, Spanish)
  • USB connectivity with mass storage capabilities
  • Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures)

  • ENERGY STAR-qualified power adaptor for energy savings and a better environment

Vital Statistics
The Samsung a777 weighs 3.4 ounces and measures 4 x 1.9 x 0.56 inches. Its 880 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of talk time, and up to 250 hours (10.4 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T’s 850/1900 MHz 3G frequencies (UMTS/HSDPA).

Get to Know the Samsung a777

Buy/More Info

Samsung A737 Red Phone ATandT

June 24th, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Samsung A737 Red Phone ATandT




Joining its clamshell A717 and candybar A727 cell phone brethren, Samsung and AT&T introduce the A737 in a compact slider format. Like its predecessors, the A737 can access AT&T’s dual-band HSDPA/UMTS high-speed 3G network, which makes it easy to download music purchased from AT&T Mobile Music, stream tunes from Napster and eMusic, and watch video streamed from CNN and Comedy Central via AT&T’s Cellular Video. It also supports AT&T’s Video Share service, which offers a one-way video stream during a mobile-to-mobile phone call. Other features include a 1.3-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming, compatibility with popular instant messaging services, and MicroSD memory card expansion.

Enjoy fast 3G multimedia streaming capabilities on the slim slider Samsung A737.

AT&T Service
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the UMTS 850/1900 network (also known as WCDMA), making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services with speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. It also gives AT&T the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it’s fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company’s 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.)

It’s also packed with multimedia streaming and download capabilities. AT&T’s Cellular Video (CV) service features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster subscription music service, stream music video, discover what’s playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what’s hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T’s Internet, video, and music services.)

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.

Phone Features
The A737 has a bright color TFT display that offers a 176 x 220-pixel resolution (with 262K colors). It has a 50 MB internal flash memory, and is expandable via MicroSD memory cards. The 1.3-megapixel camera can capture images up to 1280 x 1024 pixels, and it also offers a 2.6x digital zoom, multi-shot capability, and self-timer. You can also capture video clips up to 1 hour in length at 15 fps (frames per second). The integrated digital audio player is compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC and AAC+ formats.

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 1.2), which includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and object push (OPP) for sending images and virtual business cards to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking–surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.

In addition to voice calls, text messaging, and MMS capability, the phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, SMTP and IMAP4 protocols (as well as the ability to view attachments such as PDFs and Word documents). You can also connect via instant messaging (IM) services such as Windows Live, Yahoo!, and AOL. T9 predictive text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for entering text on handsets, is built into the unit–a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. The A737 also comes stock with a built-in WAP 2.0 web browser for downloads and mobile web browsing via MEdia Net. Other features include:

  • 50 MB internal flash memory, with MicroSD expansion
  • Up to 1000 phonebook contacts, each with up to 5 numbers and 2 email addresses per contact
  • USB 2.0 wired connectivity with mass storage capability
  • 64-chord polyphonic ringtones and MP3 ringtones (with support for WMA and AAC)
  • Voice memo recording up to 1 hour in length
  • Hearing aid compatibility: T4/M4 rating
  • TTY compatibility
  • Java support for applications and games
  • Personal organizer (calendar, calculator, alarm)

Vital Statistics
The Samsung A737 weighs 3.16 ounces and measures 3.9 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of talk time, and up to 250 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 850/1900 WCDMA (3G) frequencies.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star This phone is horrible
Do not buy this phone. I have only had this phone for 4 months and the LCD screen is damaged. I carry my phone in a case so I believe the phone itself is defected. I can not see any numbers or text messages. I have used cell phones for years. This is the first time this has ever happened.

5 Stars Better than expected -
I had really good luck with my Razr so was a little skeptical about making a change; however, I’m really glad I did. We live out of town and I’ve not had any problem with reception or losing calls. I love the feel of this phone – I like a substantial feeling phone and this one works great for me without being bulky. The battery has been fine, although, I’m not a big texter nor do I use it for email or the internet, so I can’t comment on how long it would last if those areas were utilized. I may have to charge it every 3-4 days and that’s only if I keep it turned on. I also haven’t had any problem with fingerprints. All in all, I’m loving this phone.

2 Stars Lost Mind
Poor phone. Why I bought this phone, I do not know. I must have been out of my mind. Was dis-satified from the word go. I gave it to my son-in-law; he kept it for about three weeks and gave it back. It was so bad it’s now lying in the box. Buyer beware.

5 Stars Best “non-smartphone” out there..
I have had this phone for over a year. So believe me when I say this is the best “non-smartphone” out there. If you’re looking for a phone that is easy to use and looks good, then this is the phone you need. The slider is also a plus. I have dropped this phone countless times, and would have expected it to tear up by now. (My phones usually don’t last more than one year). But this one has stood the test of time! My husband also has this same phone in orange, and he is rougher with his phones than me. His also has never given him any trouble and is still working great. Love this phone!

2 Stars Satisfactory phone, poor mp3 player
I chose this phone hoping to carry one less device, by installing a 4GB Micro SD chip and using it as an mp3 player.

OVERALL RATING 2 stars (average of my phone and mp3 ratings)

A737 AS A PHONE: 3 stars.

As phones go, it is good enough. Other reviews complain about durability and battery life. So far mine is not broken, and I agree that the battery life is short. That will put me in the habit of leaving it connected to the computer overnight to recharge (using a USB cable). It’s nice to be able to charge it from USB rather than carry an AC charger when traveling. Indoor use is better than my previous phone (Sony Ericsson T610), which did not work well in my home.

A useful feature that is not listed in the manual is “AIRPLANE” mode: it disables connection to the network, so that you can use the device on an airplane, for example to play mp3s or backup the phone’s address book to your laptop.

I don’t have the data plan. If you’re going to pay the exhorbitant monthly fee for data, you should get a smart phone that makes better use of it.

Many features that require a data plan clog up the interface even when you don’t have a data plan. For example, if you press the AT&T logo (select button), it pauses, says the connection failed. You then have to press OK, then Back, then confirm that you want to exit from the browser, 3 different button presses just to cancel the unavailable feature. This button is prominent on the phone and I had to learn NOT to press it from the main screen. I wish that the phone knew or learned it had no data plan, and kept data-dependent features from getting in the way.

On the other hand, there is a convenient configurable menu on another button from which you can select the features you actually use. That does soften my complaints in the previous paragraph – except for the AT&T logo button starting the browser.

A737 AS AN MP3 PLAYER: 1 star

As mp3 players go, it’s nearly unusable.

I have a nice pair of standard earbuds (Koss “Plug”) plugged in through an adapter, and they sound decent when the music is playing, but not as good as on my inexpensive but old Creative Zen Nano Plus mp3 player.

There is a LOUD *POP* at the beginning and end of each songs – that means two loud pops between tracks. It usually cuts off the first half-second of the song. Every time I push buttons to navigate the menus on the phone, there is the same LOUD *POP*. Between songs, there is a pause – sometimes short, sometimes long, and sometimes it is stuck until I push some buttons.

The volume control has only 5 steps over a wide range from too quiet to too loud. I have to use step 4 even though it is louder than I prefer, because step 3 is much too quiet.

I would like to play songs in a Music folder in the order they appear when sorted (my songs include a track number), as I can do with my Zen, so I can play an album in its intended order, or arbitrary mp3s in an order I have chosen. The only way to do that is to create a playlist for each folder. Without a playlist, you can play by Album and by Artist only.

I was hopeful when I saw that I could rate each song as it was playing, but this feature is useless. I played two hours worth of songs and rated each of them. The ratings are available on the phone, but I can’t transfer the ratings back to my mp3 library with any of the three mp3 transfer mechanisms – Windows Media Player, the included Multimedia Manager (which has a column for displaying the rating but apparently no way to set it), or the mass storage USB setting using File Manager copy.

The battery life for playing music is poor: perhaps 3 hours, about the same as talking on the phone. If you play a lot of music on a flight, you won’t be able to use the phone when you land.

MISC COMMENTS

The phone came with a charger and nothing else. I had to buy adapters to connect to USB (to charge, and to transfer data), and to use standard 2.5mm (1/8″) stereo headphones. You will probably want to buy a lot of accessories to make the phone practical. They would be cheap except there is high postage, and no one seller has them all.

Contrary to some reviews on Amazon, I CAN use 4GB Micro SD chip in this phone; the Kingston chip works fine.

The 1 megapixel camera will sometimes come in handy when I don’t have my real camera with me. The quality is on par for mobile phones, but not comparable to using a dedicated camera.

The AT&T plan I have includes SMS text messages. People can message me by emailing 10-digit-phone-number@txt.att.net, which is convenient, but I cannot reply to them without a data plan, except using SMS to their phone.

The alarm clock and address book applications are fine. The included PC software works, albeit with a non-intuitive interface and text and help file written by someone who does not know English very well. The Multimedia Manager takes much too long (average 2 minutes each) to transfer mp3 files to or from the phone.

The three included USB modes support the Samsung PC software, Windows Media Player protocol, and accessing the MicroSD (if present) like a USB memory stick. There is a choice to “ask me when connecting” – but it greys out all but the Samsung PC software, so this setting is useless.

SUMMARY

The phone is ok for basic phone features. With the exhorbitant price of data plans, if you’re going to pay that much monthly, you should invest in a phone that can make better use of the data features. The crippling problems in the MP3 player render it nearly unusable for that purpose.

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Motorola W490 Phone Green T Mobile

June 23rd, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Motorola W490 Phone Green T Mobile




Blending RAZR high style with an affordable price tag, the sleek Motorola W490 offers compelling communication features to keep you in touch with ease. With a vibrant color screen and lengthy talk-time, this compact flip phone is a handy mobile companion. In addition to text messaging capabilities, you can chat with buddies using Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, or ICQ instant messaging services. Other features include a 1.3-megapixel camera with video capture, USB wired connectivity with mass storage capability, Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming, and MicroSD memory card expansion.

With RAZR-like slimness, the W490 measures just 0.7 inches thin and weighs 3.8 ounces.

With T-Mobile’s MyFaves service, you’ll enjoy unlimited nationwide calling to your 5 favorite people.

T-Mobile Service
The W490 operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile’s EDGE network (which stands for “Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution”). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

It’s compatible with T-Mobile’s myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts–on any network, even landlines–without using any of your minutes. Learn more about myFaves from T-Mobile.

Phone Features
Measuring 0.69 inches thin, the Motorola W490 sports a 1.9-inch LCD screen with support for 262K colors and a 176 x 220-pixel resolution. It has a 5 MB internal memory, which can be expanded up to 2 GB using optional MicroSD memory cards. This phone can store up to 1000 contact entries (plus up to 250 stored on the SIM card), and each entry can store up to five numbers as well as picture ID.

This Motorola phone includes the innovative CrystalTalk technology, which automatically accounts for background noise during a call and adjusts the audio quality based on ambient noise conditions to provide the optimal conversational experience. CrystalTalk also reduces the volume of the background noise picked up by the microphone during a call, making it possible to be more easily heard over the phone while in a noisy environment.

This phone provides Bluetooth version 1.2 wireless connectivity, and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones.

In addition to SMS text messaging capabilities, the W490 offers built-in instant messaging with Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, and ICQ services. iTap text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for entering text on handsets, is built into the unit–a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. Other features include:

  • Music file support: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+
  • 1.3-megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom and video capture
  • PIM tools: calendar, calculator, voice memos
  • Speakerphone
  • Java 2.0 support for app and game downloads

Vital Statistics
The Motorola W490 weighs 3.8 ounces and measures 1.8 x 3.9 x 0.7 inches. Its 800 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7.5 hours of talk time, and up to 14 days of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Tested 10 year old tough
I purchased 3 of these almost 1 year ago for my 9 yo, 10 yo, and 18 yo children. I would never have thought the phones would have survived this long. They all have their battle scars, but remain 100% functional. I have owned a cell phone for 15 years now, and these come with more standard features than anything I have had except for my recent Blackberry pruchase. The only weakness of this phone is its strength; these are metal bodied instead of plastic. That makes them resistant to damage, but the finish scratches off when you drop it (remember, 10 year olds).

My first cellphone was the “contractors” motorola dynatec 800x (want some memories, google that phone). These phones have been just as durable.

Overall this model is hard to beat for its features and durability. 4 1/2 stars in every catagory (nothing is perfect)

5 Stars I love this phone so much I just might marry it.
Aesthetically, this phone makes me smile every time I take it out. I sometimes leave it on my desk at work to make my co-workers jealous. ;) The functionality is great – very intuitive and easy to use. The keypad has a straightforward, pleasantly tactile interface.

I was wary about getting this phone because of a review on Amazon that said the screen was ugly (it’s perfectly fine), texting was slow/characters took two seconds each to pop up (not true; they come up immediately); the front window was useless (like all phones, it clearly displays the time and, when someone’s calling, their name or number — the picture on this page accurately depicts this); the ringer is too soft (it’s plenty loud at the highest volume; in fact I had to turn it down); and the photos are low-quality (they’re obviously not as good as those taken with a real camera, but they are about what you’d expect for a camera phone).

I’ve had my phone for about three weeks and I’m simply thrilled with it. (The ooohs and ahhhs from passersby don’t hurt!) ;)

4 Stars Yes, it’s a pretty phone
It works, makes phone calls, & makes cool noises.

Icons are poor, useless, & not intuitive, but was able to get almost everything up & running without reading the very thick manual. I have mine set to not show icons & just text.

Does not play WMA files, which is normally a standard feature on any phone with a built in player & all players… Why? Because you can fit 2-4 times more tunes on the same 2GB memory in WMA without them sounding too compressed or scratchy. A software upgrade to play WMA files is a must ASAP if you want people to buy this phone who like a player in a phone.

There is no graphic equalizer or other tone controls for the player. This is a must-have on any player, & is standard on other phones with players.

The speaker is adequate for speaker phone calls, but a bit too quiet for music compared to other phones, but the quality is better than expected for a phone speaker. An equalizer would help here too. People tweak up the highs & mids a little & tweak down the bass on their music to get a little more volume out of the limited power available for a tiny phone speaker.

You may not hear the ringtones ringing from across a large room unless the room is relatively quiet.

Sound through headphones of my choice sounded good & had plenty of volume. It was too loud on some songs, where the lowest setting was too loud, & the next lowest setting shuts the sound off entirely.

Don’t buy a spare battery from the factory or carrier for over 35 bucks. They’re only 4 bucks everywhere else. Likewise, don’t get their headphones & headphone adapters for 99 bucks. They’re 2 bucks everywhere else.

The battery cover in the back is plastic, not metal, like on older Motorolas. So if you change out the memory or battery often, you can expect it to wear out, become too loose & get lost. Invest in scotch tape.

Manipulating, uploading or downloading lots of files to a PC via the USB port is extremely slow compared to most & even older phones, but required no special phone software to do it (Good because most phone PC software is bloatware, buggy, & can even crash your computer).

Inserting the micro card into a thumb reader to transfer files goes a lot faster. But I wouldn’t recommend doing that too often. The slot for the card in the phone is poorly made, & really grinds the little micro card up after repeated removal. I would expect failure of the card or the slot’s contacts by pulling it in & out a lot.

The SIMS card is also mounted poorly, right behind the battery. I would suspect a little banging around or dirt getting in to cause the SIMs card mounting or contacts to fail.

These are the only potential flaws I could find in the phone that could cause it to fail prematurely. Other than that & the battery cover, they seem to be solidly built.

The camera & it’s quality are way below those in most modern phones, but I do like the low-light feature for taking pix in low light without a flash… taking pix without being obvious. Just make sure your hand is steady, & your subject doesn’t move for a second.

Zoom feature it totally useless. It zooms the screen, not the pic. When you upload the zoomed image to a PC, it’s actually much tinier than if you used no zoom at all.

Haven’t tried recording movies or sound with it because my micro card is always too full of music.

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Samsung A737 Lime Green Phone ATandT

June 21st, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Samsung A737 Lime Green Phone ATandT




Joining its clamshell A717 and candybar A727 cell phone brethren, Samsung and AT&T introduce the A737 in a compact slider format. Like its predecessors, the A737 can access AT&T’s dual-band HSDPA/UMTS high-speed 3G network, which makes it easy to download music purchased from AT&T Mobile Music, stream tunes from Napster and eMusic, and watch video streamed from CNN and Comedy Central via AT&T’s Cellular Video. It also supports AT&T’s Video Share service, which offers a one-way video stream during a mobile-to-mobile phone call. Other features include a 1.3-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming, compatibility with popular instant messaging services, and MicroSD memory card expansion.

Enjoy fast 3G multimedia streaming capabilities on the slim slider Samsung A737.

AT&T Service
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the UMTS 850/1900 network (also known as WCDMA), making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services with speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. It also gives AT&T the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it’s fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company’s 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.)

It’s also packed with multimedia streaming and download capabilities. AT&T’s Cellular Video (CV) service features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster subscription music service, stream music video, discover what’s playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what’s hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T’s Internet, video, and music services.)

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.

Phone Features
The A737 has a bright color TFT display that offers a 176 x 220-pixel resolution (with 262K colors). It has a 50 MB internal flash memory, and is expandable via MicroSD memory cards. The 1.3-megapixel camera can capture images up to 1280 x 1024 pixels, and it also offers a 2.6x digital zoom, multi-shot capability, and self-timer. You can also capture video clips up to 1 hour in length at 15 fps (frames per second). The integrated digital audio player is compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC and AAC+ formats.

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 1.2), which includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and object push (OPP) for sending images and virtual business cards to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking–surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.

In addition to voice calls, text messaging, and MMS capability, the phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, SMTP and IMAP4 protocols (as well as the ability to view attachments such as PDFs and Word documents). You can also connect via instant messaging (IM) services such as Windows Live, Yahoo!, and AOL. T9 predictive text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for entering text on handsets, is built into the unit–a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. The A737 also comes stock with a built-in WAP 2.0 web browser for downloads and mobile web browsing via MEdia Net. Other features include:

  • 50 MB internal flash memory, with MicroSD expansion
  • Up to 1000 phonebook contacts, each with up to 5 numbers and 2 email addresses per contact
  • USB 2.0 wired connectivity with mass storage capability
  • 64-chord polyphonic ringtones and MP3 ringtones (with support for WMA and AAC)
  • Voice memo recording up to 1 hour in length
  • Hearing aid compatibility: T4/M4 rating
  • TTY compatibility
  • Java support for applications and games
  • Personal organizer (calendar, calculator, alarm)

Vital Statistics
The Samsung A737 weighs 3.16 ounces and measures 3.9 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of talk time, and up to 250 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 850/1900 WCDMA (3G) frequencies.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great, but don’t call on long trips!
I got this phone because it seemed nice. It is. Don’t get me wrong, but other than music and texting, not that great. I was looking for a music phone and found it. The sound is great, and there’s even a handy dandy music button on the front. It’s a little hard to organize your music, so I create playlists which seem to work well.There are too many internet connections though. I didn’t get internet because I don’t need it, but it seems that you can get to it on every last menu. Have to be disappointed in the battery life. If you call, recharge that day or your phone will die. On standby, it lasts 3-4 days. Calling is okay I guess. Sounds a little fuzzy, and is way off when calling someone near any sort of signal, i.e. the radio station. However, ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC RECEPTION!!! I was up a mountain 30 miles from anything worth mentioning, and I got 3 bars! Most of the time I get 6, yes, 6 bars. This phone goes to 6, not 5. A note, as long as you don’t have the picture of a phone with a slash through it, YOU HAVE RECEPTION. I had a 30 minute conversation with ONE BAR! I also could text with no bars. This phone is amazing for contact. Menu layout is simple, and there is much customization if you want it.

1 Star Do not buy this phone!
The Samsung A737 has been nothing but trouble. First two months worked fine, but when I downloaded songs, the trouble started. I can no longer make or receive calls in my home, near my home or a mile away. Called ATT and have received two new phones, changed the card and still not working. Took the card and inserted in my old Nokia and phone works fine. Do not buy this phone.

2 Stars Smooth Transition, Crappy Phone
I got this phone in July as a replacement for my stolen D-807, the precursor. The menu setups are almost identical, and it took me about a day to figure out the options that differed. My favorite feature of this phone is the “My Menu”, which lets you select the tools and applications you use most and order them accordingly. Mobile email did not include GMail, which I had to download separately (thank you Google!).

This phone was not made for text messaging. I do my share and do fine with it, but the quick-link create-a-message from the main screen does not allow you to access your inbox and outbox like the D-807 did, which is a feature I miss. The keys are flat and indistinguishable from each other, making typing a challenge. T9 is terrible and once the phone learns a word it tends to use it instead of high-use words.. for example, I entered an address months ago, the phone learned “Ct”, and every time I type “at” it gives me “Ct”. It’s just a quirk, but a really annoying one.

The thing that I dislike most about this phone is its flimsy build. It’s colorful, it’s cute and it’s almost a functional slider – nothing on the face to push to slide – but it’s incredibly fragile. I used to carry phones in my back pocket and broke the habit with this phone to try to extend its lifetime, so when I use a pocket it goes in a front pocket. Even that is too much for this phone, and I just bought a hardcover case for it because I’m concerned about the integrity of the casing. Fortunately Amazon Marketplace has a clear plastic cover for less than $4 including shipping… check it out Transparent Crystal Clear Case Cover for Brand Samsung SGH A737 A-737 Protective Cell Phone Hard SNAP-ON. I’ll write a review as soon as I get it.

2 Stars Satisfactory phone, poor mp3 player
I chose this phone hoping to carry one less device, by installing a 4GB Micro SD chip and using it as an mp3 player.

OVERALL RATING 2 stars (average of my phone and mp3 ratings)

A737 AS A PHONE: 3 stars.

As phones go, it is good enough. Other reviews complain about durability and battery life. So far mine is not broken, and I agree that the battery life is short. That will put me in the habit of leaving it connected to the computer overnight to recharge (using a USB cable). It’s nice to be able to charge it from USB rather than carry an AC charger when traveling. Indoor use is better than my previous phone (Sony Ericsson T610), which did not work well in my home.

A useful feature that is not listed in the manual is “AIRPLANE” mode: it disables connection to the network, so that you can use the device on an airplane, for example to play mp3s or backup the phone’s address book to your laptop.

I don’t have the data plan. If you’re going to pay the exhorbitant monthly fee for data, you should get a smart phone that makes better use of it.

Many features that require a data plan clog up the interface even when you don’t have a data plan. For example, if you press the AT&T logo (select button), it pauses, says the connection failed. You then have to press OK, then Back, then confirm that you want to exit from the browser, 3 different button presses just to cancel the unavailable feature. This button is prominent on the phone and I had to learn NOT to press it from the main screen. I wish that the phone knew or learned it had no data plan, and kept data-dependent features from getting in the way.

On the other hand, there is a convenient configurable menu on another button from which you can select the features you actually use. That does soften my complaints in the previous paragraph – except for the AT&T logo button starting the browser.

A737 AS AN MP3 PLAYER: 1 star

As mp3 players go, it’s nearly unusable.

I have a nice pair of standard earbuds (Koss “Plug”) plugged in through an adapter, and they sound decent when the music is playing, but not as good as on my inexpensive but old Creative Zen Nano Plus mp3 player.

There is a LOUD *POP* at the beginning and end of each songs – that means two loud pops between tracks. It usually cuts off the first half-second of the song. Every time I push buttons to navigate the menus on the phone, there is the same LOUD *POP*. Between songs, there is a pause – sometimes short, sometimes long, and sometimes it is stuck until I push some buttons.

The volume control has only 5 steps over a wide range from too quiet to too loud. I have to use step 4 even though it is louder than I prefer, because step 3 is much too quiet.

I would like to play songs in a Music folder in the order they appear when sorted (my songs include a track number), as I can do with my Zen, so I can play an album in its intended order, or arbitrary mp3s in an order I have chosen. The only way to do that is to create a playlist for each folder. Without a playlist, you can play by Album and by Artist only.

I was hopeful when I saw that I could rate each song as it was playing, but this feature is useless. I played two hours worth of songs and rated each of them. The ratings are available on the phone, but I can’t transfer the ratings back to my mp3 library with any of the three mp3 transfer mechanisms – Windows Media Player, the included Multimedia Manager (which has a column for displaying the rating but apparently no way to set it), or the mass storage USB setting using File Manager copy.

The battery life for playing music is poor: perhaps 3 hours, about the same as talking on the phone. If you play a lot of music on a flight, you won’t be able to use the phone when you land.

MISC COMMENTS

The phone came with a charger and nothing else. I had to buy adapters to connect to USB (to charge, and to transfer data), and to use standard 2.5mm (1/8″) stereo headphones. You will probably want to buy a lot of accessories to make the phone practical. They would be cheap except there is high postage, and no one seller has them all.

Contrary to some reviews on Amazon, I CAN use 4GB Micro SD chip in this phone; the Kingston chip works fine.

The 1 megapixel camera will sometimes come in handy when I don’t have my real camera with me. The quality is on par for mobile phones, but not comparable to using a dedicated camera.

The AT&T plan I have includes SMS text messages. People can message me by emailing 10-digit-phone-number@txt.att.net, which is convenient, but I cannot reply to them without a data plan, except using SMS to their phone.

The alarm clock and address book applications are fine. The included PC software works, albeit with a non-intuitive interface and text and help file written by someone who does not know English very well. The Multimedia Manager takes much too long (average 2 minutes each) to transfer mp3 files to or from the phone.

The three included USB modes support the Samsung PC software, Windows Media Player protocol, and accessing the MicroSD (if present) like a USB memory stick. There is a choice to “ask me when connecting” – but it greys out all but the Samsung PC software, so this setting is useless.

SUMMARY

The phone is ok for basic phone features. With the exhorbitant price of data plans, if you’re going to pay that much monthly, you should invest in a phone that can make better use of the data features. The crippling problems in the MP3 player render it nearly unusable for that purpose.

4 Stars Samsung a737 (Green)
I was up for renewal and my x507 was getting long in the tooth. I ventured to the ATT store to shop for a phone (I was looking at the Centro). I loved the Centro till I realized I didnt know how to make a call. I gave that up right quick and then found the a737. I normally hate anything but flips, but this was sleek, nice, and came in a color thats different. It is more or less identical to the Sync, just a slider. Its amazing in nearly every regard except three things.

First, the locked JRE. This is bothersome as I have a ton of java apps that are FREE but the JRE is locked so you cant run java (easily) without downloading through WAP, which I refuse to pay for.

Second, the Recieve AGC (Auto Gain Control) is a mess and makes sounds waver from soft to loud. Use this code to find the menus to turn it off:

*#0002*audio# Its labeled Rx AGC.

Third, as noted above, the battery life does not compare to either my x427m, x497, or x507. Oh well, its a beast, a great media player (4gb MicroSD yay!), and an excellent phone. Better call quality in/out than my x507, and half the radiation!

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