Asus P550 Passes FCC Certification

[Nurhisham Hussein]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/19/feature-filled-asus-p550-pocketpc-phone-clears-the-fcc/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/...clears-the-fcc/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"...this ASUS P550 took us a bit by surprise, as we'd not heard even a whisper of this little fella until just this morning. Featuring Windows Mobile 6 Pro, a smokin' 570 MHz CPU, GPS, WiFi, triple-band GSM, and a dash of 2100 MHz flavored UMTS, it will slot quite nicely into the middle of Asus' existing lineup. The spec sheet -- and the photo tells no lies -- doesn't mention a forward facing cam, but the unit does feature a 2 megapixel fixed-focus jobbie, with storage for said pics in either the system memory -- listed as 256 MB ROM and 64 MB RAM -- or via miniSD."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/hisham-20070920-engadgetmobile_asusp550.jpg" /><br /><br />Mid-range pegs this just right - a decent model with specs that are neither spectacular nor disappointing (though the processor speed is 520MHz, not 570MHz). The P550 has just enough attractions - GPS, 3G, 2MP camera - to make it worth considering if you are in the market for a GPS handset. The lack of a front facing camera would tend to indicate this model is intended for the US market (in which case, why tri-band?) - and most likely will be available unlocked and unsubsidised, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

[Snail]

The lack of a front facing camera would tend to indicate this model is intended for the US market (in which case, why tri-band?)

Despite the hard sell of UK carriers, the videophone function in the UK really hasn't taken off. So this could still have mass market appeal in the UK. That said, it doesn't set the world alight with it's spec - the price will need to be good...

[daS]

The lack of a front facing camera would tend to indicate this model is intended for the US market (in which case, why tri-band?)
There have been a number of tri-band devices sold in the US that provide 850MHz in lieu of the 800MHz band used elsewhere. This provides the same "limited roaming" ability for US consumers travelling overseas as a tri-band phone sold in Europe does for people travelling to parts of the USA where only 850MHz is available.