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View Full Version : Hands on With an Orange SPV C500


Jason Dunn
09-16-2004, 04:12 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/show/handset/orange_spv_c500/detail' target='_blank'>http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/show/handset/orange_spv_c500/detail</a><br /><br /></div>Orange was kind enough to send me an SPV C500, and while most other Smartphone sites have been talking about this phone for months already, this is the first time I've seen it in person - and I'm very impressed so far. I've charged it up and synched it with my Exchange server, but haven't loaded any applications on it yet (so I haven't seen some of the gaming/GAPI problems mentioned elsewhere). Here's what it looks like:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/big-spt-c500.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/small-spt-c500.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>(click the image for a high resolution version)</i><br /><br />The C500 is thinner, lighter, and feels higher quality than the E200 I've been using. The screen is bright and crisp, and performance is quite snappy. More from me later on this phone, but so far I think it's excellent! :-)

Mike Temporale
09-16-2004, 04:17 AM
:drool: :drool:

Jason Dunn
09-16-2004, 04:21 AM
:drool: :drool:

You have no idea dude - it's SO nice! :-D

Kris Kumar
09-16-2004, 04:54 AM
A w e s o m e ! Dude!

:werenotworthy:

lonesniper
09-16-2004, 07:41 AM
I played with the C500 in my local Orange store for ages. The staff were not busy and just let me play and play with it. The screen has to be seen live to be believed, it is SO large and SO clear. The joypad/rocker is easy to use and navigate the menus. I found it easier to use than my T68i joystick.
I was amazed that it had a video recording feature. Would be good for snapping funny moments, or pretty girls walking down the street :lol:

My problem now is a choice between paying my new mortgage or going on a phone plan and getting the C500. What should I do, get a new phone and starve or eat food??

TANKERx
09-16-2004, 09:05 AM
Why go on a phone plan? If you're happy with the network you're on, can't you buy it SIM Free? The final cost is probably going to be the same, if not a little cheaper (assuming you're currently on a tariff that suits you).

Personally, having to change memory card format yet again and seeing the card slot behind the battery (something which caused much hassle for the N-Gage and Nokia 3650, yet strangely acceptable for a Microsoft phone) really puts me off this unit. Oh, and did anybody say GAPI?

To be honest, if this had SD, I could have been tempted, but MSD is just another cost for which I'm not ready.

ricksfiona
09-16-2004, 10:08 AM
This phone is so beautiful! I agree though that mini-SD sucks. If it had SD, it would be PERFECT.

Mike Wagstaff
09-16-2004, 01:19 PM
For me, it's the little enhancements over previous SPV models that make the C500 so good. The T9 system is excellent, you can now turn on delivery reports by default, the phone feels snappy and responsive, and the screen is superb.

Of course, you could argue that those features come as standard on other phones. But then other phones can't browse the Internet, don't allow you to watch ripped DVD's, etc... :)

TANKERx
09-16-2004, 01:42 PM
For me, it's the little enhancements over previous SPV models that make the C500 so good. The T9 system is excellent, you can now turn on delivery reports by default, the phone feels snappy and responsive, and the screen is superb.

Of course, you could argue that those features come as standard on other phones. But then other phones can't browse the Internet, don't allow you to watch ripped DVD's, etc... :)

Don't they? I thought they did? Maybe I was dreaming ;-)

I guess I've been in the Microsoft camp too long!

goofy166
09-16-2004, 05:01 PM
Is there any possibility that this phone will be exported to the USA like the i-mate? I don't think Arne will be offering it on PPW.net.

Jason Dunn
09-16-2004, 05:31 PM
Is there any possibility that this phone will be exported to the USA like the i-mate? I don't think Arne will be offering it on PPW.net.

Yes, I believe it will be - I'll post front-page if/when it does happen. :-)

Mike Temporale
09-16-2004, 06:14 PM
Is there any possibility that this phone will be exported to the USA like the i-mate? I don't think Arne will be offering it on PPW.net.

Yes, I believe it will be - I'll post front-page if/when it does happen. :-)

There's no date, but Arne has already announced that he will be selling the iMate3. Check out this post (http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/spt/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6185) for more info.

Kris Kumar
09-16-2004, 06:29 PM
Is there any possibility that this phone will be exported to the USA like the i-mate? I don't think Arne will be offering it on PPW.net.

You may want to keep an eye on announcements related to this one, the Audiovox SMT5600, (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6196) especially if you plan to use the phone on AT&T network here in the US. Because it has the US GSM bands 850/1800/1900 as opposed to the i-mate SP3 or C500 which are European versions.

lonesniper
09-16-2004, 07:20 PM
Why go on a phone plan? If you're happy with the network you're on, can't you buy it SIM Free?
I am PAYG Orange, it is not offered on Pay As You Go, only on contract. I wonder how much it would cost to buy SIM free, I bet it would be over 400quid.

Mike Temporale
09-16-2004, 07:32 PM
Why go on a phone plan? If you're happy with the network you're on, can't you buy it SIM Free?
I am PAYG Orange, it is not offered on Pay As You Go, only on contract. I wonder how much it would cost to buy SIM free, I bet it would be over 400quid.

the Orange Developer site (http://www.ora.co.uk/orangeSPV/) is selling this unlocked for £253.80 inc VAT.

lonesniper
09-16-2004, 07:55 PM
the Orange Developer site (http://www.ora.co.uk/orangeSPV/) is selling this unlocked for £253.80 inc VAT.

£265.55 inc VAT is a good price for that phone, but on a £15 a month plan and £80 for the phone it would be a total of £260 for the one year contract. So the same in the end.

Maybe I can stretch the food bugdet a little bit more and afford a C500. Who needs to eat vegatables anyway??

Mike Temporale
09-16-2004, 08:08 PM
but if you're PAYG, then there is no difference to your plan. The developer kit doesn't require you to sign a plan. At least I don't think it does.

nikjones
09-16-2004, 08:58 PM
£265.55 inc VAT is a good price for that phone, but on a £15 a month plan and £80 for the phone it would be a total of £260 for the one year contract. So the same in the end.


But you get the benefits of whatever you get for £15 per month on top.

I just got the C500 as I was looking for a replacement for my Nokia6310i; for once I dropped lucky and a cool phone came out 2 weeks before I started looking, not after!

I'll probably go PAYG after a year, as I wanted a smartphone for PIM stuff, not web/email.

Currently debateing whether to go for SmartPhoneNotes or PhatNotes - any ideas?

algorhythm
09-17-2004, 04:39 AM
Expansys' US site is taking advance orders on them. Price is $450. It's not on their US website (though it is on the UK one), but I emailed and they replied that it's a glitch. They're saying it'll ship around 9/17 (which is tomorrow...), but my gut tells me it'll be a few days later. In any case, they don't charge your card until it ships, and they're pretty reputable.

TANKERx
09-17-2004, 07:11 AM
£265.55 inc VAT is a good price for that phone, but on a £15 a month plan and £80 for the phone it would be a total of £260 for the one year contract. So the same in the end.


But you get the benefits of whatever you get for £15 per month on top.

I just got the C500 as I was looking for a replacement for my Nokia6310i; for once I dropped lucky and a cool phone came out 2 weeks before I started looking, not after!

I'll probably go PAYG after a year, as I wanted a smartphone for PIM stuff, not web/email.

Currently debateing whether to go for SmartPhoneNotes or PhatNotes - any ideas?

PhatNotes is better if you want some organisational control over your notes (it has basic structure abilities and hyperlinking between notes), but if you have gazzilions of notes, SmartphoneNotes allows you to store the notes on your Memory Card.

If you got a bunch of Phone memory (which the C500 seems to have), then PhatNotes may be your boy.

possmann
09-17-2004, 03:28 PM
Very Cool..

OK - so say I buy this phone and living here in the US, how am I going to charge the darn thing? Do I have to buy a new charger - and where would I get it from?

It's clear to me that it will be MONTHS before we see these new phones here in the US and frankly I'm getting a bit put off by moto - I don't know if I want that 220 anymore now having read the intial reviews of these guys...

Mike Temporale
09-17-2004, 03:37 PM
These are coming to North America as iMate3 and Qtek 8020. As for when, check out this post (http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/spt/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6102). They wouldn't give me a date, but I was told very soon and early September. That was back in mid August, so I'm guessing it won't be much longer.

Jason Dunn
09-17-2004, 04:20 PM
OK - so say I buy this phone and living here in the US, how am I going to charge the darn thing? Do I have to buy a new charger - and where would I get it from? It's clear to me that it will be MONTHS before we see these new phones here in the US...

1) You can charge it with the USB cable, or get an adaptor plug to convert the UK power plug to a North American plug. You can get these at any Radio Shack.

2) SIM-lock free versions of the C500, a.k.a. the SPV SP3, will be available from our affiliate partner sooner than "months"...hopefully. ;-)

possmann
09-17-2004, 04:48 PM
Thanks guys...

well then that is good news. I'm tossing between the HTC models - the i-mate or C500 OR waiting for the T-mobile flavors to hit the streets. I do have my eye on that SDA music one...

nikjones
09-19-2004, 05:41 PM
If you got a bunch of Phone memory (which the C500 seems to have), then PhatNotes may be your boy.

Thanks, I'll give it a proper go.

fixthatC500
09-22-2004, 12:31 AM
:?:

hey all, its getting pretty late in the game now and im wondering if the gaming bug has been fixed in GAPI, Orange said they were working on it
and im waiting on an email back from orange..

Jason Dunn
09-22-2004, 01:26 AM
hey all, its getting pretty late in the game now and im wondering if the gaming bug has been fixed in GAPI, Orange said they were working on it and im waiting on an email back from orange..

I haven't installed any hard-core games yet, just Lemonade Stand, but I haven't run into any problems yet. What's the test for the GAPI bug?

Mike Temporale
09-22-2004, 01:51 AM
What's the test for the GAPI bug?

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6130&highlight=

I don't think there is a fix yet. I'm sure that Orange would announce this over the loud-speaker. A lot of people are waiting for this bug fix.

fixthatC500
09-22-2004, 02:24 AM
yes yes and it is a major puchasing desicion for me.
i used to play doom on my spv E200 really well no bugs or anything

has anyone tryed loading quake on the C500?

http://quake.pocketmatrix.com/