the::unwired Looks at the New Samsung i300 Smartphone

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=2703#article' target='_blank'>http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=2703#article</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The Smartphone itself is a bi-color (black and silver) device which looks noble and feels good in your hand. It's clear structured and the keypad (black keys with white symbols) is straight and not kittenish. Left and right from the navigation-pad, which also acts as a mechanical wheel (similar to the first generation iPods), you have the typical Windows Mobile Smartphone buttons..."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20051024-UnWiredi300Review.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Arne Hess has posted part 1 of a 2 part review of the new Samsung i300 device. I'm still disappointed that the phone is not shipping with Windows Mobile 5 and it's missing WiFi. Otherwise, this phone looks to be a great device with extra quick access buttons on the side, external access to the TransFlash memory card, scroll wheel, and of course, a 3GB hard disk. Is anyone planning on getting one?

[Jason Dunn]

Microsoft and the ODM/OEM's HAVE to improve the cycle times from when they release the software and when the phones get released. It's just insane to have a new phone come out with an old OS. :roll:

[Sven Johannsen]

Microsoft and the ODM/OEM's HAVE to improve the cycle times from when they release the software and when the phones get released. It's just insane to have a new phone come out with an old OS. :roll:

Maybe they decided there is just not sufficient reason to subject their users to WM5 and AS4. There certainly are some potential enterprise enhancements in WM5, but I don't see much to excite me, the average consumer. Add to that the requirement to use a sync conduit that even MS apparently doesn't think is ready.

[mpaquette]

I was initially intrigued by this device, but no WM 5 and no WiFi are deal breakers for me. The 3GB HD sounded nifty way back when this phone was announced, but I think a large SD card makes more sense. I won't be buying one.

I agree with the comment above; what's the point of releasing a phone with an old OS?

[gib8080a]

I think I'll pass.

Some good features (the 3Gig storage is tempting) but too many things I don't like: the propriety connector and headset jack, microSD (I have a 1Gig miniSD for my STM5600) and would prefer to have WM5.

I don't understand the micro-drive. Didn't Samsung produce the flash memory for the iPod nanos? They should have used it themselves to create a lighter (thinner?) phone.

[Sven Johannsen]

More good news (depending on your viewpoint ;) ). Seems the i300 will see WM5
http://www.coolsmartphone.com/news1846.html

[Arne Hess]

More good news (depending on your viewpoint ;) ). Seems the i300 will see WM5
http://www.coolsmartphone.com/news1846.html
Or bad news if you live on the other side of the channel (aka continent):

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=2709

Even Microsoft Germany confirmed today that it will be released with WM2003SE only. :-(

http://www.theunwired.net/media/news/msft_windows_mobile_club_sgh-i300_proof_small.gif (http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=2709)

But honestly, I'm clueless now... :?

[Mike Temporale]

I think my head is going to explode! Let me see if I got this straight, O2 has confirmed that they will be offering the i300 with WM5. As did Microsoft by promoting the device during the WM5 Launch. However, Samsung and Microosft Germany have confirmed that it will have WM2003SE.

Could this be a regional thing? Some regions will see the i300 with WM2003 while others will have WM5? :?