Orange SPV C500: "Not Big, But Clever"

[Kris Kumar]

<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><i>"If you’re looking for a phone that puts equal emphasis on enhancing productivity and creating pleasure, then the SPV C500 is your perfect companion."</i><br /><br />Orange is now showcasing the SPV C500 on its online store. This means that the Smartphone lovers in UK would soon be able to own one. The SPV C500 has all the ingredients for success: small form factor, Windows Mobile 2003 SE, Bluetooth, camera and 64K color screen. The only thing negative about this otherwise superb model is that it is Tri-Band. I am sure a number of folks on this side of the pond would like get their hands on one and are eagerly waiting for Qtek 8010, the unlocked version to become available in the retail stores.

[Mike Temporale]

This phone is really getting me excited. The Mpx220 is nice and all, but the size and power of this little guy is amazing.

:drool:

[aristoBrat]

Check out this video recorded BY the C500. Wow! Honestly, after seeing this, I'm 95% sold on it. MPx220 who? :-D

KLICK (http://www.videomail.de/videomail/viewvideo.jsp?EmailID=e7acf542-3bea-46c0-a0d3-c8973401f6bb&B=check)

The author of the video has a cool thread going on over at MoDaCo (with quite a few shots of the camera, and picture taken of the camera).
http://smartphone.modaco.com/posting.php?mode=quote&p=431934&sid=a4587b170ae60879ca5f1c9cc4bbdd9f

[lonesniper]

I am seriously thinking about getting one of these once I come back from holiday. It will be tough affording to go on a monthly tariff but I don't need to buy brand name foods right, I can survive on the supermarket brand stuff.

Since the early death of the Motorola MPx100 this looks like a killer device and is sure to be the next "must have mobile" for UK phone freaks.

[Mike Temporale]

I think Moto is worse off now. They took too long in getting the MPxWhatevers to the market.

[aristoBrat]

Plus they're a generation or two behind.

HTC has everything they've learned from the SPV, SPV e100, SPV e200 and now the SPV C500 underneath their belts.

I just wish a US carrier would pick up these phones! I swore I'd not get an unlocked Orange phone again, but I'm really liking what I see with the C500! :)

[Mike Temporale]

Plus they're a generation or two behind.

HTC has everything they've learned from the SPV, SPV e100, SPV e200 and now the SPV C500 underneath their belts.

I just wish a US carrier would pick up these phones! I swore I'd not get an unlocked Orange phone again, but I'm really liking what I see with the C500! :)

It's coming to the US. Just not sure under what name, or carrier. Watch for the Qtek 8010 (I think that was the name).

[Kris Kumar]

:drool:

I had made up my mind that my next phone will have Quad Band. But this one if it hits the US in the next few weeks, before the MPx220 hits the market. I think I will not be able to stop myself from pulling out the credit card.

Wish the stock market had been doing well..could have made some dough :roll:

[Kris Kumar]

I think Moto is worse off now. They took too long in getting the MPxWhatevers to the market.

Moto worries me. They have been showing of the MPx's since Mar-Apr. Yet the phone is not in the market. This C500 became public info only couple of months ago or so, and now it is almost in the stores.

Looks like Moto was showing of a very early prototype back in Mar-Apr. They just wanted to lock in the geeks, I guess! I am tired of waiting! :x And the fact that they have not (or AT&T) released WM2003 for MPx200 just goes to prove that they are more concerned about their bottomlines, that too short term bottomlines, they don't have the vision to build up customer relationship for long term gains. And don't care about the customers. I feel that when I spend $300+ on a phone it should serve me for couple of years. Forcing us to buy a new phone when an alternative is available is very :evil:

Sorry about the rant. Had to let it out. Ever since I have seen the C500 specs, I have been having second thoughts.

[Paul [MVP]]

I've just posted my full review here: http://smartphone.modaco.com/viewtopic.php?t=112554

It's an AWESOME phone, bar the rather serious gaming bug :(

P

[Kris Kumar]

]I've just posted my full review here: http://smartphone.modaco.com/viewtopic.php?t=112554

It's an AWESOME phone, bar the rather serious gaming bug :(

P

Thanks Paul, the review link is now live on our home page. (here's a link to the thread (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=40766) )

Any idea when this phone would be available unlocked in the US retail stores? I am talking about the Qtek or I-mate version.

[aristoBrat]

Awesome review Paul! :)