E-TEN M500: Quad-Band Goodness

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.etencorp.com/products/Communication/500.php' target='_blank'>http://www.etencorp.com/products/Co...ication/500.php</a><br /><br /></div><i>"E-TEN M500, a Microsoft Windows Mobile Software based Pocket PC Phone, offering wireless connectivity fits the mobile lifestyles. It supports built-in Bluetooth technology and quad-band GSM/GPRS capabilities. In addition, a full set of business applications with friendly user interface design and wireless connection features keep your work continued on the move. With the integrated 1.3 Mega pixel digital camera, on-the-go picture taking is now not only convenient but also of exceptional quality. The flash light enables you to hold to that special moment whenever you want. The M500’s built-in camera not only allows for crystal clear imaging, but also for video recording with 4x digital zoom function. All captured materials can first be reviewed and edited on the device’s 65,536 color display before being sent to family and friends via email, multi media messaging (MMS) or stored to the device’s 130 MB user accessible memory."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20041229-ETENM500_01.jpg" /><br /><!><br />The E-TEN M500 offers a wealthy set of features - 1.3MP camera with flash, quad-band GSM/GPRS support, internal antenna, 400MHz processor, integrated Bluetooth and an SDIO slot. It lacks a VGA screen, but that's nothing new in the world of Pocket PC Phones. I don't know if it's just me, but the device reminds me of the T610 in terms of form factor. Do you see that too, and are any of you excited about this new release?<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20041229-ETENM500_02.jpg" /><br /><br /><b>Note:</b> The E-TEN server is very slow and you may encounter periods of inaccessibility. Please be patient.

[tourdewolf]

Wow! SWEEET!!! :jawdrop: :drool:

[ricksfiona]

Bummer no WiFi.

[gibson042]

111.7 x 60.7 x 22 mm

I know the depth is comparable to a Treo and only slightly more than a 63xx or a Blue Angel, but man does that thing ever look thick. Bulk aside though, I am always happy to see a new Phone Edition introduced... especially when it's a tri- or quad-band GSM model.

[Paoac]

I still waiting for one of those baby go VGA
I refuse to get myself a brandnew pda phone and next thing you know, its outdated due to lack of VGA support

...its all good, I can wait 8)

[johncruise]

yep...very dissapointing to leave out WiFi. That plus the fact that this unit most likely will not see (again) the light of day in the US of A. Also, beside from the dual slot, I don't see much difference between this and their previous P300B units.

[Paragon]

:?: WiFi :!: :confused totally: Rather cool otherwise.

[Darius Wey]

A lot of these small Pocket PC Phones are lacking Wi-Fi; i-mate JAM included. The SDIO slot might provide added Wi-Fi functionality if you wish to add it in, but there are times when you need a memory card instead. Ideally, I'd like to see dual SDIO slots in a device where integrated Wi-Fi is lacking. But that's just wishful thinking... ;)

[gibson042]

A lot of these small Pocket PC Phones are lacking Wi-Fi; i-mate JAM included.
Which is a real shame, because it's the small devices that need integrated WiFi the most.

The SDIO slot might provide added Wi-Fi functionality if you wish to add it in, but there are times when you need a memory card instead.
Not to mention how those protruding cards just ruin the main appeal of these units... their size. And you can't have a non-protruding WiFi card because of how terrible its reception would be.

Ideally, I'd like to see dual SDIO slots in a device where integrated Wi-Fi is lacking. But that's just wishful thinking... ;)
Count me in, with a caveat. I'm all for it on these tiny PPCs, but I'd only want a second SDIO slot on a normal size one if I get to keep my CF as well (I just love all the esoteric add-ons that keep coming out). Of course, at this point there is basically no excuse for releasing a full size device without WiFi, so the point is pretty much moot. :wink:

[Darius Wey]

Not to mention how those protruding cards just ruin the main appeal of these units... their size. And you can't have a non-protruding WiFi card because of how terrible its reception would be.

Good point, although my main gripe with protruding Wi-Fi cards is its fragility. The thought makes my stomach churn. :(

[gibson042]

Agreed. A moment of silence for all dead WiFi cards, whose numbers I don't want to think about.

[KTamas]

Well...its nice, but....no wifi, and i still wait for the VGA-GSM-BT-WIFI combo...

[aviator]

its a little larger in all dimensions than the i-mate JAM I am currently using with much the same specs so I am still happy with my choice :)

I'm using the sandisk wifi SD card in the JAM but only insert it when I really need to use wifi but for full VGA/wifi etc there is nothing better than my hx4700... now why didn't they put GSM/GPRS into that!

[yslee]

No keyboard! I wish manufacturers would stop assuming that everyone loves to use a stylus for data input.

[Darius Wey]

No keyboard! I wish manufacturers would stop assuming that everyone loves to use a stylus for data input.

It's not easy incorprating mini-keyboards (i.e. thumbpads) into every Pocket PC. While they are good for some purposes, they're not exactly the joyous of all things with respect to data input. A compact wireless keyboard would help if you wanted to do some serious typing. Otherwise, the thumbpads are only really great for a quick note/message, etc.

[yslee]

And isn't that what a PPC is used for most of the time, not to mention a PPC Phone? SMSes, notes, appointments, contacts, emails? Furthermore it is far superior for me than any graffiti, transcriber, jot, or what not. I can write short articles on it (the first draft for this article (http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,5156) was done on the keyboard of a Tungsten W). No keyboard, no sale!

[whydidnt]

I have to agree with yslee regarding the lack of a built in thumb/keyboard. If anything the smaller screen on the device makes input even more difficult for those of us that are input challenged. It will be very difficult for me to choose a device without an attached keyboard in the future.

A separate folding keyboad is not a practical solution for a converged device such as this. I can't imagane fitting one of those along with this phone in my pocket, and then standing somewhere balancing it while trying to connect my phone so I can use it to send a quick e-mail.

I realize there are technical limitations meaining we can't have a big VGA screen and a thumboard all in a nice small form-factor. But, If I'll do without the VGA before the thumboard at this point in time.

[cgavula]

Is the available user memory RAM or just a big storage area? How much REAL RAM is there on this device?

--Chris

[rene_canlas]

Eten has had build quality issues with their products (specifically the P300) before. I owned a P300 for about a month and it was the worst month of my gadget-lovin' life :( If you don't believe me, just check out the PinoyEten group in Yahoo! Groups. I was glad to finally get rid of it and cough up the dough for an XDAII (way better build quality).

I hope for Eten's sake that it has put these build quality issues to rest with this new product.

Rene

[ventivent]

I had wifi on my h4155, and it was nice to use while I was at home (on the can, or something) but I found I didn't use it that much when I went out. I don't have T-mobile hotspot access or anything like that, so I found myself relying on GPRS via my bluetooth phone for net access.

Before I got my i-mate JAM, I ordered a Sandisk Wifi +256MB card so that I could have wifi. I used the Sandisk a couple of times, and then I put it aside. The problems are with the card are: You have to swap out another SD card to use it and it sticks out quite a bit. I am currently selling it on eBay.

The main issue for me is that the only Wifi I have access to is at home. And when I'm at home, I have computers (three of them in my 2 bedroom apt) all around to access the Internet. When I'm at work, I have computers. When I'm out and about, there aren't Wifi spots readily available most of the time (in the car, for example) so I use GPRS. I don't think it's that big a deal that manufacturers have chosen to exclude wifi; it improves battery life, and slims down the form factor.

Just my $.02

[fivepetpalace]

I don't think it's that big a deal that manufacturers have chosen to exclude wifi; it improves battery life, and slims down the form factor.

WiFi obviously didn't hurt the size of the 4155, and as for battery life, just put it in flight mode, and avoid wasting battery and or hooking to spots you don't want.

The issue is that in order to get WiFi you have to have a card taking up a slot with the antenna sticking out of the handheld.

[ventivent]

Yes, but remember that the h4155 is not a PocketPC phone, it's a PDA. When you turn it off, it's off. When you turn a PocketPC phone "off," it's still in standby mode ready to receive incoming calls...which drains the battery further.

[fivepetpalace]

Cats :mrgreen:

[Darius Wey]

I realize there are technical limitations meaining we can't have a big VGA screen and a thumboard all in a nice small form-factor. But, If I'll do without the VGA before the thumboard at this point in time.

Fair point regarding the use of thumbpads in devices. However, you'll have to bear in mind that as far as the consumer market is concerned, not everyone wants one in their device. If you incorporate one, you do away with some positive attributes of a compact form factor. I actually like the slide out thumbpads as seen in the PDA2K, etc., but you do have to make the trade-off between size and practicality.

[Darius Wey]

The main issue for me is that the only Wifi I have access to is at home. And when I'm at home, I have computers (three of them in my 2 bedroom apt) all around to access the Internet. When I'm at work, I have computers. When I'm out and about, there aren't Wifi spots readily available most of the time (in the car, for example) so I use GPRS. I don't think it's that big a deal that manufacturers have chosen to exclude wifi; it improves battery life, and slims down the form factor.

I must be in the exact opposite situation as you. :mrgreen:

Granted, I have Wi-Fi at home, but there are a lot of hotspots I can hop on to when I'm out and about. GPRS is just a killer in price. :(

I'd use it copiously when travelling as well - airport club lounges, hotel networks, etc. Yet funnily enough, my device lacks Wi-Fi. ;)

[Darius Wey]

Cats :mrgreen:

Dragging this thread off-topic, but I find it funny how you two had a little debate with your avatars being a cat and a dog. :lol:

[JustinGTP]

This looks promising! I also like how it looks aesthetically. When I buy a device, it has to look good!

-Justin.

[farnold]

No VGA, no WiFi... and as per usual the camera sits quite perfect on the wrong side as well. Gee, will manufacturers never listen to the market 8O

[bnycastro]

I use the JAM with the sandisk 256+WiFi card and yes I am extra careful when using it. I think we can't have everything (for now). I would have liked to see a keypad on the JAM but I think it would have messed up the size even more than a sd wifi card... I don't have trouble with sms or email with the JAM except when I'm driving. in these cases just call up the person it will be safer and faster :D