Verizon To Release Samsung i830?

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=804277' target='_blank'>http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ad.php?t=804277</a><br /><br /></div>I reported back in March that the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38199">Samsung i830 passed FCC approval</a> -- it's a Pocket PC Phone with the same formfactor as and a near-identical featureset to the i730, minus WiFi but with GSM roaming (e.g., CDMA 800/1900 and GSM 900/1800) to enable international use. Now, it looks like it's slated to hit Verizon early next year (around January 10th for B2B customers and January 24 as a full retail release).<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20051228-Samsungi830.gif" /><br /><br />Here's the kicker though: the device is rumored to cost $699 <b>with</b> a two-year contract. 8O I guess they're only targeting the constantly-traveling rich executives with this device, because I don't see anyone else buying it. I know I wouldn't -- it's apparently going to have WM2003SE. :|

[Rod3]

That's not so bad; at least you don't have to use ActiveSync 4, which I've been avoiding like the plague.

[DaleReeck]

ActiveCrap 4 is so horrible that it makes me revile the thought of having to use a Windows Mobile 5 device. The ironic thing is, it (AS4) seems to work OK with Windows Mobile 2003 devices (like my I730). But with Windows Mobile 5 devices like my Universal, even on the very same machine to sync both, it is horrid. Which makes me think its the AS4 client on the PocketPC that is the real problem, not the desktop.

With a WM3 device, AS4 works just like AS3 - with many of the same options and generic functionality. It isn't perfect, but it works for the most part. But with a WM5 device, AS4's functionality changes to complete crap.

First of all, it forces you to "continuous" sync. There is no option for manual syncing. That means every email that comes in, any little change, and the whole thing starts syncing every conduit. My Universal is in a literal constant sync state. When my Cash Organizer syncs a bunch of data, the PocketPC end literally comes to a crawl. With other conduits constantly trying to also sync it's data, the processor is sucked up 100% on the PPC.

Then WorldMate Pro insists on syncing itself every minute no matter what setting you set it to. And if you dare to so something stupid, like disconnect your PocketPC, the PPC client end of Activesync is too stupid to realize the connection is broken and the PPC crawls to a stop as you frantically try and kill the AS client on the PPC as it tries to connect to a nonexistent PC. Some of the problems may be conduit related, but as the same conduits work fine with WM3 devices, MS needs to change how AS4 deals with WM5 devices. Make it more like how AS4 deals with WM3 devices. Don't try and fix what isn't broken.

It really is shocking that MS released WM5/AS4 in what I would consider an early alpha state at best. If that combination is what new PPC buyers are experiencing, expect an upsurge in Palm device sales.

I'm also shocked that Samsung/Verizon never released the I730 with a camera option. There is a physical spot in the back where the camera should go and there was a prototype camera version shown around before release. But it was never released, which is puzzling. IMO, if they released a future "I900" that's basically an I730, but with a camera and a VGA screen, it would be an almost perfect device. And get rid of that huge-a$$ antenna :)

[ricksfiona]

Now that's something... A CDMA AND GSM radio in one device... Now THAT is inventive. That would solve my problem with getting fast data speeds and still have International roaming.

But wouldn't you need to have TWO cellular carriers? Verizon and T-Mobile/Cingular to support the two cell technologies on this device? Also, I don't think this device lacking WM5 is all that bad. All my current software works fine with WM2003 and since I don't have to deal WiFi connections, the setting up 'connections' should be pretty simple via the current interface. This is what I really like about WM5. I would only be concerned with the Bluetooth profile that allows stereo AND cell phone functions on a headset. Persistent memory would be good, but not a deal breaker.

If I'm right about the two cell phone carriers, then this device won't work for most people I believe. It's too much cost. Even at $699, it's not too bad for me. I'm going to spend only a little less on the E-TEN M600... Overall, I would put this device around #5 in my list of Pocket PC's I would want...

[buckyg]

Wow, that seems steep. Looks interesting though.

ricksfiona,
To answer your question re CDMA &amp; GSM: You're basically right but it works relatively seemlessly, billing-wise. I have a Verizon phone that's both CDMA &amp; GSM. You get it through their business channel, even if you purchase at a local store. They have an agreement in Europe, at least, with Vodaphone (I believe). You get your regular Verizon bill but international calls are listed separately with their charges. There are, of course, different rates per country.

The drawback is: The phone works only in one mode at a time. In the US, it only works with CDMA. To use GSM, you switch to "International Mode". So, you cannot choose between, say Verizon and Cingular in the States. This is due to the way they setup the phone.

My guess is that this new device would work in some similar way.

A limitation my phone has that I hope this device would not have: The modem only works in CDMA. Seems silly for it not to work on both standards with this device, but it is Verizon...

Yes, there's a SIM card for GSM.

The phone was expensive to buy, though nowhere near this price. But it's what works for me both work and personally. It's come in quite handy on several occasions. I travel for personal reasons through rural areas in the Midwest that the GSM carriers don't cover yet. I also travel several times a year for business. The company pays for the service, so I got a phone that works in most places I go. (If I get too rural, well, it is only a digital phone...) I will be keeping an eye on Cingular &amp; T-Mo coverage expansion.

[Phillip Dyson]

I'm still disappointed that Samsung dropped the i750. I kinda like the form factor of the i730 and was hoping for a GSM version.

[Janak Parekh]

The drawback is: The phone works only in one mode at a time. In the US, it only works with CDMA. To use GSM, you switch to "International Mode". So, you cannot choose between, say Verizon and Cingular in the States. This is due to the way they setup the phone.
Even more so, the Verizon GSM-enabled phones only support GSM on the international frequencies. I think it's by design that it wouldn't work on Cingular or T-Mobile.

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

ActiveCrap 4 is so horrible that it makes me revile the thought of having to use a Windows Mobile 5 device.
Having read the rest of your post, it does seem like the custom conduits/sync service providers (SSPs) are the main problem. If you use the built-in sync providers, they do work okay, and I've always used continuous sync, even with AS 3.x. It's unfortunate that the custom conduits are working so poorly with 4.x, though.

With a WM3 device, AS4 works just like AS3 - with many of the same options and generic functionality.
This is by design -- AS4 goes into a "compatibility mode", and basically runs legacy 3.x sync code.

Make it more like how AS4 deals with WM3 devices. Don't try and fix what isn't broken.
Apparently, this long-term rearchitecting was needed to make AS a robust platform for the future. I hope the resulting issues are fixed sooner than later, though.

--janak

[threedaysdwn]

Regarding AS4, aside from the lack of Wifi sync'ing - I've loved the changes. I haven't had any issues at all with my PPC-6700, but I don't use any custom conduits or whatnot, and I sync to an Exchange server so ActiveSync on the PC isn't really doing as much. But I like that it shows status for the Exchange sync, that the window can be made not to pop-up when plugged in, and I really like the improved UI on the device.

[Ed Hansberry]

I know I wouldn't -- it's apparently going to have WM2003SE. :|
That is a mistake. Persistent Storage in Wm5 to me is worth it, even if WiFi sync is lost and there are other areas that 2003SE is better at than is WM5.

[q-live]

So lets see. You are telling me that they made the SAME DAM mistake again....... :evil: NO FFFF CAMERA :twisted: AND ON TOP OF THAT THEY TOOK THE WI FI OUT :evil: :? im gonna say it again..... WHOEVER IN VERIZON IS MAKE THESE DECISIONS NEEDS TO BE FIRED AND HUNG :!: :evil: :!: PERIOD

[ricksfiona]

Wow, that seems steep. Looks interesting though.

ricksfiona,
To answer your question re CDMA &amp; GSM: You're basically right but it works relatively seemlessly, billing-wise.

Thank you for the information. You know, I could deal with the way this is setup. CDMA in the States and GSM Internationally. Unfortunately, this device is just to thick and I hate the built-in keyboards. If this did not have the keyboard, I would seriously consider it. Even with WM 2003.

That EVDO speed is the closest thing to sin without the guilt.

[whydidnt]

q-live,

I agree that Verizon has an AWFUL habit of crippling our devices. I resisted changing to their service for years because of that (but couldn't resist the i730 :wink: . Having said that, my guess is that they had to remove the WiFi radio in order to fit the second Telephone Radio (GSM). The camera/no-camera debate is old, with plenty of supporters on either side. I personally prefer a camera and if it was SUPER important to me in my phone decision, I could buy an alternative PPCPE device with a camera.

This phone is targeted at a very limited audience - frequent international travelers, it would not surprise me if a majority of those travelers didn't want a camera in their phone.

Remember it's only a phone, and fortunately most of us have a choice in providers - if Verizon isn't going to meet your needs, vote with your wallet and go to a different vendor.

[Ed Hansberry]

q-live,

I agree that Verizon has an AWFUL habit of crippling our devices.

Hahahahahaahahahahaha..... :rotfl:

Good one. Your device. :lol: Pretty funny.

Oh, wait. You are serious. 8O You think it is your device? You think the carrier thinks it is your device? :idontthinkso:

[whydidnt]

Oh, wait. You are serious. 8O You think it is your device? You think the carrier thinks it is your device? :idontthinkso:

Touche :devilboy:

I forgot the $500.00 I paid for it was just for the privelege of using their airwaves. :roll:

[q-live]

think to really piss us off they would make a camera version of the i830?????