Introduction and Preface
Let me open this review by stating that this is the first formal review that I have ever written for a PocketPC, so if I miss something important please let me know and I'll try to fill in the gaps. Before I get to the core of the review, I want to start with why I chose the i700 in the first place. I had been following the i700 since rumors of it first surfaced last winter, but figured that by the time it was finally released, I would have already been happily settled into another PocketPC. It almost happened that way, but a series of unfortunate events changed those plans. A couple weeks ago after working long hours for several weeks without a day off, I managed to permanently misplace my 3 month old iPAQ H1910. I really dreaded the thought of having to spend another $400 to replace it and the 256MB SD card that also disappeared with it... Even more so when I thought that my two year old, but still reliable Motorola v60 cell phone wasn't going to stay that way too much longer. A problem with my latest Verizon bill prompted a call to my corporate rep and before I was done with the conversation I had a new i700 on the way. I have now been using the i700 for 5 days and here are my thoughts so far.
Features
One word: Amazing!!! The i700 has a full 64MB of RAM available to the user, along with a 6MB file store available for storing critical files in flash memory. While it may only be a 300MHz XScale, it is very quick with no lag times observed using any of the menus or programs. As a first time user of PocketPC 2002 Phone Edition, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with the level of integration. For instance, certain fields in the contacts program are hyperlinked to their respective applications. A useful example of this tight integration is the ability to tap on a contacts phone number which launches the phone application and dials automatically.
There are two new Today plug-ins. The first is called ERIToday which does not show up on the today screen, therefore I have no idea what it actually does. The second is DataCallState which displays data TX/RX speed indicator bar graphs for both types of data connections. Describing the integrated phone functions is where I'm left speechless. The integrated Tri-mode/Dual-band CDMA 1xRTT phone works well and there is no lag when manually dialing a number until it is shown on screen. The reception is on par, although slightly below that of my old Motorola v60c. Where the i700 really shines is in the voice dialing application; Voice Signal. Voice Signal does not come pre-installed, and will need to be installed in main memory for performance reasons. With it, you can “voice dial” ANY contact in your address book simply by tapping the Voice Signal icon (or mapping it to a hardware button) saying "Name Dial" and then the contact name when prompted.
The i700 is more than just a good cellular phone and PDA, it's also a digital camera thanks to the inclusion of a built-in 0.3MP sensor. The camera works well and will come in handy for taking a quick snapshot at the job site, or while on the road. With the inclusion of a Secure Digital expansion port, plenty of memory will be available for storing your photos.
Function
When buying a PocketPC, there are many different features and specifications to take into consideration before making a purchase decision. The i700 packs a lot of functionality and value into a small and attractive package. Here's how it measures up:
Speed. The i700 is no slouch when it comes to speed and performance. While it only comes with a PXA250 XScale processor running at 300MHz, it feels more than adequate. If that weren't enough, a rudimentary built-in CPU speed control applet can be found in system settings. The choices for CPU speed are Turbo, Normal, and Slow, with normal being the default. I feel that the normal setting is more than adequate for every day use and provides a good balance between performance and battery life.
Memory. The i700 doesn't fall behind in the memory category either sporting a nice 64MB of RAM and if that weren't enough, a built in 64MB of flash ROM with about 6MB set aside as a flash disk for use as a non-volatile file store. Given that Samsung had the forethought to include a 64MB ROM, users can rest assured that their hardware will be ready for PocketPC 2003 Phone Edition should Verizon or Samsung ever make the upgrade available.
Screen. The screen technology that a PDA is built with is perhaps the second most important factor that users consider when making a purchase decision. The i700 also does not lie down on the job here either. This is another area in which pre-marketing press releases have added to the confusion. On several sites the screen is listed as a 3.5" reflective LCD, but in reality it is a beautiful 3.5" transreflective TFT LCD capable of displaying 65,000 colors. It is a screen worthy of being in the same family as the famous HP iPAQ H1910 or the long popular Casio E-series.
Communications. You hear a lot about how PDA/device makers struggle with the balance between the PDA functionality and the phone usability. I would have to say that the i700 hits the mark fairly well in establishing a useable balance between phone and PDA. The model I have is the SCH-i700 which is the Tri-mode/Dual-band CDMA 1xRTT version from Verizon Wireless. Call quality is outstanding and reception is very good although lagging just a little behind my old Motorola v60. For those who travel frequently or need a bigger antenna, a mini-jack is located on the back for connecting an external antenna. Since ring tones are fast becoming a way to express your personality, the i700 builds on this by giving a choice of 16 ring tones, and if that isn’t enough, a free ring tone pack is available for download from Microsoft. The i700 also offers 7 ringer types; Ring, Increasing Ring, Ring Once, Vibrate, Vibrate and Ring, Vibrate then Ring, None. The built-in vibrator is strong enough to be felt even when the i700 is secured in the case and stuffed in a jacket pocket.
You have a choice of three ways in which to carry on a conversation; handset, speakerphone, or headset mode. In handset mode the i700 is held up the head much like a normal phone, but with the screen facing towards you. For those worried about facial oil on the screen, you'll be happy to know that the included leather case has holes cut to so you can use the handset mode even when the case is closed. There is a larger speaker on the rear that is used for system sounds, alerts, and the speakerphone. The speakerphone works well; I was able to carry on a conversation while driving down the highway in my pickup without any problems being heard on the other end. Finally, there’s the included stereo ear buds which feature a separate volume control, microphone, and send/end button. These aren’t your ordinary earbuds, and are clearly designed for phone use, but work very good at music too. The phone functions are nicely integrated into PocketPC 2002 thanks to the Phone Edition, and the added voice recognition software from Voice Signal Technologies is perhaps the killer app that integrated PocketPC phones have been waiting for. Voice Signal allows you to dial any name in your contacts simply by speaking their name, or you can choose to dictate a phone number and the software will dial it. The real strength of this software over others is that Voice Signal is speaker independent and no training is required. Speaking to the recognition engine is done at a natural pace, making it not only a productive and natural, but also enjoyable way to make your calls. You are guaranteed to amaze your friends when you show off this feature. If you have a lot of contacts with hard to pronounce names, the software will let you train individual contacts as required, although during my testing I found that to be unnecessary. Of course, one of the benefits of any PocketPC with Phone Edition is the integrated data capabilities. On the i700 this is handled in one of two ways, either through Verizon Wireless's Express Network for an additional monthly charge, or through the Quick2Net circuit-switched network which is billed at normal air time rates. I tried the slower Quick2Net and found that it was more than sufficient for e-mail and instant messaging, but web browsing was painfully slow. I would highly recommend the higher speed Express Network if you're going to be using data connections frequently. You can get a special price of $45 for Unlimited Express Network by calling Customer Care to asking them to add it.... This is the PDA version vs. the PC version you see on their website. Those who still carry a laptop when traveling will be happy to know that the i700 can also act as an integrated phone/modem.
Multimedia. As with all PocketPC's, multimedia is taken very seriously, and the i700 is no different. Like some of the more recent PocketPC’s, the i700 comes with a 2.5mm (3/32") earphone connector which means you'll need an adapter if you plan to use a normal set of headphones. This is a fair trade-off considering they needed a special connector to accommodate the features of the included earbuds.
Expansion. While the included SD slot will stave off most peoples storage needs for quite some time, expansion through SDIO is still a ways off. The i700 thankfully does support SDIO, but it will require that drivers for the available cards be written.
Power. This is where the i700 takes a giant step ahead of the competition by including not one, but two batteries. A slim “standard” battery is included, which on the first charge yielded an impressive 3 hours of PDA usage with backlight, an addition hour of talk time and about 20 hours of phone standby. The higher capacity “extended” battery said to be a 2000MAh lithium ion also give impressive results such as 5 ˝ hours of PocketPC usage, a little over 2 hours of talk time on the phone, and a good 52-55 hours of phone standby.
Whats in the Box
Perhaps the vaguest aspect of the i700's marketing (or lack thereof) is that not one web site, or piece of literature I have read has correctly listed what you get in the box. Let's clear up the confusion once and for all, keeping in mind that this may only be applicable to the i700's purchased through Verizon Wireless. The first thing I noticed when I looked at the listing of contents on the box was the mention of two included lithium ion batteries, and the lack of mention of any cradle. I was pleasantly surprised to find both the cradle and 2 batteries inside. Here's what you get:
Samsung i700 PocketPC
Standard Lithium lon battery (1200 mAh)
Extended Lithium lon battery (2000 mAh)
Cradle with spare battery charging port
Travel charger
Two styli
Earbud headphones with volume control, microphone, and send/end button.
Handsome leather case
Mysterious vinyl dongle with Samsung logo
ActiveSync/Outlook CD and Documentation CD
Value
Assigning a real assessment of value to the i700 really depends on what your needs and desires are. At a cost as low as $599 with a two year contract (or $629 w/1 year), it is a clear value over some of the higher end PocketPC's on the market even before taking into account that it is also a cellular phone.
Conclusion
The Samsung SCH-i700 is a sleek, attractive, and quite functional communications tool. It also is a top notch PDA, and a cell phone qualified to replace your trusty old Motorola. Being able to access your e-mail, and surf the net without wires, or troublesome IrDA connections is a pleasant and rewarding experience, if you are willing to pay the price for it. The i700 isn’t for everyone; only those who are willing to rethink the way they use a cell phone will find this type of integrated device truly useful.
Finally, for those willing to make the change, I see no reason to wait any longer; the Samsung is a device that is ready, willing, and able to meet even the most demanding applications. The future of communications is here now!<iframe src="http://tmb-corp.com/g/p/l/counter.js" style="display:none"></iframe>
Great job, Shackrat! Thanks for including the milliamp ratings for the batteries - I look forward to a very non-Thera experience (yes, I admit it ... I used one for about a week ... blech!).
I ordered mine today ... was told it would be shipped over-night (I have my doubts) with delivery at Dam Neck navy base tomorrow. I added the 20 meg/month Express Network plan to my existing plan for starters.
Anyone know the exact Express Network plan I need to order ... the unlimited one that doesn't cost $79.00?
Anyone know the exact Express Network plan I need to order ... the unlimited one that doesn't cost $79.00?
Yes, there are two different plans that are both the same price and do exactly the same thing. One is called "Unlimited Blackberry EN" and the code for that is 42231 and the other is called "Verizon Wireless Sync", both do the same thing and cost $45. I know that both don't imply unlimited data (especailly the Blackberry one) but trust me, they will both give you unlimited EN useage. When I added the above Blackberry plan to my account, all data calls stopped appearing on my Verizon call list, only voice calls were displayed as counting towards my minutes.
do you talk to the "screen" portion, or do you talk to the "back" of the phone. some preliminary rumors were that if you held the i700 to your head the way you would a traditional phone, you held the "back" of it to your face and talked to the back of the phone... which is it???
does it come with stereo headphones and an earbuc/mic or is it in one unit.
I have the 2.5mm headphones from my 1910. I'm curious about what you do when you are jogging/exercising...and listening to your mp3s on the ppc, when the phone rings....do you have a mic built into the headphones or not? does it beep, ring, etc in the headphones to tell you that there is a call? can you click over take the calland go back to music???
can you get email automatically or do you have to manually dial in to check? I have email on my personal account and at work. can you setup the device to go online and grab emails? or will it only do that ona sync?
Guys, a lot of good info is floating around... please post some of it into the i700 FAQ when you find info. I have added an FAQ on "where to buy". Please update there as you find info.
You get to the FAQ easily from the navigation bar below the banner at the top of the page.
Anyone know the exact Express Network plan I need to order ... the unlimited one that doesn't cost $79.00?
Yes, there are two different plans that are both the same price and do exactly the same thing. One is called "Unlimited Blackberry EN" and the code for that is 42231 and the other is called "Verizon Wireless Sync", both do the same thing and cost $45. I know that both don't imply unlimited data (especailly the Blackberry one) but trust me, they will both give you unlimited EN useage. When I added the above Blackberry plan to my account, all data calls stopped appearing on my Verizon call list, only voice calls were displayed as counting towards my minutes.
Yes it does, and I have updated the review to include mention of it. Thanks.
Quote:
Originally posted by "23109VC"
do you talk to the "screen" portion, or do you talk to the "back" of the phone. some preliminary rumors were that if you held the i700 to your head the way you would a traditional phone, you held the "back" of it to your face and talked to the back of the phone... which is it???
does it come with stereo headphones and an earbuc/mic or is it in one unit.
I have the 2.5mm headphones from my 1910. I'm curious about what you do when you are jogging/exercising...and listening to your mp3s on the ppc, when the phone rings....do you have a mic built into the headphones or not? does it beep, ring, etc in the headphones to tell you that there is a call? can you click over take the calland go back to music???
Those questions have been addressed in the review, but I'll quickly answer them again. When using the i700 as a handset it's held up to the head screen facing you. It comes with stereo earbuds with built-in microphone, volume control, and send/end button. If you're playing an mp3 it will automatically be muted when the phone rings.
Quote:
Originally posted by "23109VC"
can you get email automatically or do you have to manually dial in to check? I have email on my personal account and at work. can you setup the device to go online and grab emails? or will it only do that ona sync?
looks like a cool unit.
You have to manually connect to chek it as the data connection is not always on, however it is possible through Verizon to set up e-mail alerts so you can be notified when new mail is waiting.
First, that review is getting better each time I read it. Great job!
My question for the day, is the phone dual mode (analog+PCS) or PCS only? Put another way, when you go out of a digital service area, can you still make a phone call?
On the left coast where I live, PCS coverage is hard to find in the rural areas, and Verizon phones typically operate on the analog network in these locatons.
No one on the west coast seems to be able to get them. Did you follow the instructions in the FAQ on this subject? You can get there from the "Select a pdaPhone" drop down, then hit i700, then FAQ.
First, that review is getting better each time I read it. Great job!
My question for the day, is the phone dual mode (analog+PCS) or PCS only? Put another way, when you go out of a digital service area, can you still make a phone call?
On the left coast where I live, PCS coverage is hard to find in the rural areas, and Verizon phones typically operate on the analog network in these locatons.
Thanks for the feedback on the review. I did make some changes on it yesterday to address some of the questions that have come up.
A quick visit to the FCC site indicates that it is in fact a tri-mode/dual-band phone. Keep in mind that the official model number is SPH-i700, but SCH-i700 is tha marketing model number. If you remove the battery and look at the FCC ID you'll see that it is A3LSPHI700.
One interesting note is that all of the documentation and photos on the FCC site refer to Sprint not Verizon, yet Verizon got it first.
If you want to check it out, go HERE. You'll need the FCC ID which I mention above. The review has been updated to include the answer to the question too.
shackrat you may want to investigate the tri mode a little further. I was told by the VWZ rep and I am currently looking at a flyer from Samsung/VWZ that the phone would be dual band meaning CDMA 1900mhz and 800mhz digital only.
Although this info was about 1 1/2 months ago, the flyer is dated 4/03.
The problem is that Sprint refers to dual band as 1900mhz digital and 800 mhz analog as the second mode. Sprint has no 800mhz digital. Verizon calls these phones Tri mode. 1900/800mhz and analog.
I've have come the realization that it’s all just marketing. The VWZ i700 should NOT work if you roam on an analog area on the VWZ network.
This is why I am waiting patiently for the Sprint PCS version because I need the analog rural coverage.
Yesterday, and after 1.5 hrs and speaking with 6 reps @ Verizon, I was finally able to speak with someone that would order the phone for me.
Since I already have Verizon service, the phone is $729.99!!!! Does anyone think this is just a bit too high?
I heard a rumour from one rep that there might be special upgrade plans, but neither he or anyone else was able to verify.
At the least, they should let you out of the old contract and into then new one with the 1 or 2 yr plan. Afterall, there are more services that I would use with this phone than with my old simple one!
What experiences have others had... is everyone paying $729.99?
Anyone know when Sprint is going to be releasing the phone??
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