BenQ Releases the P51... Before the End of Time!?

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.benq.com/press/news.cfm?id=1816&cat=0&year=2007' target='_blank'>http://www.benq.com/press/news.cfm?...cat=0&year=2007</a><br /><br /></div><i>"TAIPEI, TAIWAN, March 19, 2007 – BenQ today announces the launch of the BenQ-Siemens P51 PDA phone - the much anticipated successor to the P50, offering enhanced feature set including WLAN technology for fast, convenient Internet access and an integrated GPS receiver for navigation service."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20070326-BenQP51.jpg" /><br /><br />Say <b>what</b>? Was that PR supposed to be dated 2007 or 2006? 8O Seriously -- we first mentioned this phone on <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=47026">March 8, 2006</a>. The phone doesn't even have EDGE, let alone 3G. Finally, the company is <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54149">having major financial troubles</a> (especially due to, surprise, <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=53302">poor product launches</a>). Move along, nothing to see here. ;)

[saru83]

this WAS my dream phone at some point, i was really looking forward to get it last summer &amp; was willing to get it even without EDGE support, but now without EDGE &amp; 3G its almost useless to me.. if they release a same kind of phone but with added EDGE &amp; 3G support i would be the first on the list of buyers..

[Marty1781]

This could have been a somewhat decent alternative to the Treo if it simply had a 3G radio. Similar form factor, a 320x240 screen instead of the Treo's 240x240, 192MB ROM, a GPS receiver. This could have actually been a decent device if it weren't for the lack a 3G radio.

I know its comparing Apples or Oranges, but it is still interesting to me to note how two devices that lack 3G radios have received such different welcomings. The iPhone with its lack of a 3G radio was greeted with such enthusiasm and this device, the P51, which addresses many of the iPhone's concerns (hard buttons, expansion slot, removable battery, etc), barely gets a mention. I know a lot of it has to do with marketing/promotion/etc as well as the companies that stand behind the products and their reputations but just couldn't help to notice the differences in how these devices were received. Not trying to start an iPhone debate here though.

[whydidnt]

This could have been a somewhat decent alternative to the Treo if it simply had a 3G radio. Similar form factor, a 320x240 screen instead of the Treo's 240x240, 192MB ROM, a GPS receiver. This could have actually been a decent device if it weren't for the lack a 3G radio.

I agree 100%. How can you release a phone obviously marketed at the top end without including decent data access? It's incredible that they couldn't even include a previous generation technology, EDGE.

The iPhone with its lack of a 3G radio was greeted with such enthusiasm and this device, the P51, which addresses many of the iPhone's concerns (hard buttons, expansion slot, removable battery, etc), barely gets a mention.

Yes but at least the iPhone has EDGE, and a built-in supply of fanboys ready to buy anything Apple produces! :wink:

[MitchellO]

Much anticipated? hmm I don't think so. I can't believe they are still releasing this outdated piece of crap.