Samsung i730 At CES

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/ces_2005/index.php?p=sa2' target='_blank'>http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/...index.php?p=sa2</a><br /><br /></div><i>"As we first reported a couple of weeks ago, the i730 will also include Wi-Fi. Although Samsung is still not mentioning this major feature in press materials and marketing for the i730, I was able to verify that the prototype on display here at CES certainly has functioning Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi, however, like the integrated megapixel camera, will be a carrier-optional feature with the i730. So we could see something like Sprint offering the i730 with a camera but no Wi-Fi, while Verizon offered it with Wi-Fi but no camera (in theory - I don't have any specific info either way). What's possibly most exciting is that Samsung currently expects the i730 to launch in Q1, which means in less than three months. If there are no major delays, that will be sooner than some people had expected."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040105-PhoneScoopi730.jpg" /><br /><br />Rich from Phone Scoop is in Las Vegas to cover CES. He talked to Samsung and got some great information... and has some more high-res shots of the device. I hope that carriers aren't shortsighted about bundling WiFi, but who knows. :| On the upside, Q1 '05 is awesomely close.

[Vincent M Ferrari]

My Samsung rep loves me; I can't wait to see that bad boy!

Hey Janak, are you or Jason gonna be there?

[Janak Parekh]

Hey Janak, are you or Jason gonna be there?
Jason's going to be in the Microsoft booth at CES. I'm stuck in my NY office working. ;)

--janak

[whydidnt]

Very interesting design choices. I notice that it looks like most of the PPC unit slides up to reveal the keyboard. In contrast the PDA2K device features a screen that slides up, while the rest of the unit stays below. I wonder if this has an impact on how easy or difficult it is to balance the unit while typing on the keyboard.

The business card scanner seems gimmicky to me, but who knows-- it is a geek toy. :D

Based upon Samsung's track record on delivering these type of devices on schedule, I bet we don't see one until the third quarter at the earliest. :?

[shawnc]

Isn't this the same device that was posted on the front-page a couple of days ago with the only difference being the slider was a number pad instead of a keyboard?

[Janak Parekh]

Isn't this the same device that was posted on the front-page a couple of days ago with the only difference being the slider was a number pad instead of a keyboard?
No, there are two different devices. This one will actually hit the market soon and is 1xEV-DO CDMA. The other keypad-based one is a concept device, is even smaller and is GSM.

--janak

[murph]

I really want this phone...especially if it's coming soon!!

2 issues I have are...
1) Engadget said the keyboard wasn't all that great. I have big hands, this is important. I'm going to need to touch this device myself to decide.
2) Windows Mobile 2005 upgradable??? It better be!!

[maximum360]

Positive:
1. Black. The black rocks.
2. The camera beats the pants of the one included with the XV6600.
3. WiFi is a good thing.
4. Keyboard looks good.
5. Stereo speakers.

Negative:
1. While it seems small, it also seems a bit thick.
2. Antenna is a big no no (after seeing and holding the XV6600)
3. Screen real estate is limited. I still want a 3.5 inch screen.
4. Stereo speakers and speakerphone on back. I absolutely hate this. Why put a speakerphone on the back when the mic is in the front? I hated this about the i700 and being in stereo is only going to make it twice as annoying here. When I listen to music or watch a movie I don't want the sound projected away from me. Who designs this stuff??
5. RAM is only 64MB compared to XV6600 128 MB.
6. As far as style goes the unit looks functional but looks too much like a techie device. The i700 had the same issue. The XV6600 wins out here as well.
7. It's made by Samsung. The i700 crew should understand.
8. Camera on back. Well I guess video confererncing is again pointless...even though we have EVDO to use it.

[Fishie]

I really want this phone...especially if it's coming soon!!

2 issues I have are...
1) Engadget said the keyboard wasn't all that great. I have big hands, this is important. I'm going to need to touch this device myself to decide.
2) Windows Mobile 2005 upgradable??? It better be!!

I would take what Engadget says about these devices with a grain of salt, big Treo fanboy he is.