Samsung i730 Reviewed

[Jon Westfall]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobiletechreview.com/samsung-i730.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.mobiletechreview.com/samsung-i730.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The Swiss Army Knife of Pocket PC phones. It has everything except a camera: Bluetooth, WiFi, EVDO, an AV remote, excellent thumb keyboard and voice recognition. Not only that, it's quite compact, especially with the standard battery. If you're a power user craving serious processing power, plenty of memory and triple wireless, the i730 beckons. "</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/westfall-20050727-i730.jpg" /> <br /><br />If you're a Verizon user, and looking for a new toy, the i730 might be calling your name. This fairly complete review does a good treatment of the i730's features. Now you just need to bring the cash: $499-$599 with contract, and $719 without it!

[biglouis]

I was told in this forum that the i730 was not going to be available in the UK so I guess I am going to have to seriously think about emigrating.

Or should I wait until the apperance of the rumoured next generation i-mate JAM?

Tough choice!

LouisB

[VanHlebar]

Well this device isn't my dream device, but it does have me seriously looking at a converged device again.

I know it is very early, but has anyone heard any rumors on if this device will be given an upgrade to WM5 when it is released?

I think I may have to goto my local VZ store this week and check out the phone in person. :) It would just be very hard to go from my X50v to a much smaller screen, but it would be nice to only have to carry around one device and not two...

-Eric

[stevelam]

*screams* Stop gawping and save for an HTC Universal!

[biglouis]

"stop gawping and wait for the HTC Univeral"

Hmm. I think the key point here is one of form factor. I personally prefer a smartphone PPC which is close to something which is pocketable. The problem with the forthcoming Universal and the existing larger HTC devices is that unlike the JAM they are bigger and bulkier. The attraction of the i730 is that form factor is slightly smaller and more convenient.

Of course, at the end of the day, preference is entirely subjective.

LouisB

[rmasinag]

Looks nice, hmm... But the Jam is looking cheaper and if it's true there's a new one, Imight be able to hold out a lil more.

[whydidnt]

Wow, that's a very thorough review. Very well done. I get a nice feel for the pros and cons of the device just from reading it.

Slightly Off-topic - I think it's funny the Eten phone uses a Samsung Processor, yet the Samsung phone uses the Intel processor. Is there a feature available with the XScale that the Samsung doesn't provide?

Regarding the Universal vs. i730 debate. The comparable model is probably the HTC Wizard, which is similar in size to the Jam and i730. Of course the Wizard only supports EDGE speeds, not EvDO. The Universal supports higher speed 3G data, but in the US that's not available yet. The great news for us consumers is that there seems to be a lot of choice forthcoming in this area, so most of us will be able to pick the device we think will work best for our needs.

Many of us prefer the flexibility offered by the GSM networks, but phones like the i730 certainly give pause, with all it's bells and whistles. In my opinion, there are enough limitations imposed by the CDMA technology (no simultaneous WiFi and phone) and Verizon (no bluetooth DUN), that I'll stay with my slower data access for now.

[jasondearyou]

i for one wouldn't be bying this device. it's not filled with the standard features for starters. 0X