07-06-2005, 03:00 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15,171
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MobileTechReview Reviews E-TEN's M500 Pocket PC Phone
"You've come a long way, E-TEN! We reviewed their P300B Pocket PC phone a year ago, and weren't impressed. E-TEN wants to be a major player in the PPC phone space and they've reinvented their product line with the M500. Like the i-mate JAM, the E-ten M500 is a compact Pocket PC Phone with a 2.8" transflective display. It's similar in size to the Treo 650 and close in size to the JAM, which means it can fit in a roomy pocket and you won't feel like you're holding a brick to your head when in conversation. The device runs Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC Phones and word is that E-TEN will offer a Windows Mobile 5 upgrade later this year."
From this review, it's clear Lisa really likes the M500, and looking at the pictures of the unit, I can see why. I'm glad HTC is not the only one making compact units. Are any of you happy M500 owners? What's your experience?
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07-06-2005, 03:54 PM
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Mystic
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,520
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After reading this review and a few threads over at howardforums I was really tempted to purchase this device.
After great pains I've decided to wait for the m600. Perhaps there will be other choices that also peak my interest.
__________________
Phone: Nexus one Backup Phone: AT&T Samsung Jack; Future Phone: I'm Watching WP7; Media Player: Platinum Zune HD 32GB; Home Server: HP MediaSmart Server LX195 Console: XBox 360, PS3, Wii |
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07-06-2005, 05:59 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 92
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Yeah, same here... I was about to purchase the Jam then I got interested on the M500 but after a few M600 reviews now I'm willing to wait for it. :lol:
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07-06-2005, 06:37 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 184
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i'll rather have bt 1.2 and wifi, this is old man waitin for m600
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07-06-2005, 07:25 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 349
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I am a happy Eten M500 owner. However, there's one thing I want to point out to prospective buyers (not to dissuade them, but just be aware).
I posted this on a HowardForums thread, but I thought it would help out, and possibly add or correct to the reviewer's comments.
"99% of the desktops and laptops I connect my M500 via its USB cable automatically provide 5V power and ground through two of the connectors [in] the USB cable.
"Here's the kicker question: Why the hell did E-ten NOT put the round 5V AC connector either on the M500 or its cradle? Because they decided to put the connector on the USB cable itself, the cradle and AC adapter become useless if you decide to separate the USB cable from the kit for apparent reasons, like bringing just the cable to work or on a trip.
"Say you did something inadvertent, like I did today. I left my Eten USB cable at work and it's going to be a long holiday weekend. How will I provide power to the M500 now?
"All [present and future] M500 owners, make sure you provide yourself with a second charging station or cable immediately upon purchase, if you don't plan on separating the charging/syncing station it comes with in the box.
"As I was banging my head on the train's window from my seat, I hypothesized about the "USB host" connector on the back of the cradle. I figured it was just a reverse of the USB cable.
"I ran to CompUSA and picked up the CompUSA-branded Retractable USB Travel Kit, SKU #309757, $14.99 retail ($11.99 cost, I have hookups). It comes with 4 adapters: USB A-B, USB A-A, USB-Mini5, USB-Mini4. I connected the retractable cable to the back of the cradle, then the USB A-A adapter between the USB port of my PC and the retractable cable.
"Lo and behold, my M500 started charging. There's no synchronization, but at least I'll have a way to provide ample power over the long weekend.
"E-ten, I hope you're taking notes, because that was in all honesty, some piss-poor engineering and/or planning on their part. Either change your connector to a common sense, industry-standard mini-USB as the JAM did, or provide a spare cable right in the box."
Hope that says enough. There is no universal connector (looks like an iPAQ connector, but it's not), and the only place you can get accessories is if it's imported.
Some sites for accessories:
Vinko's Treasures
Flip-top case: http://www.vinko.com/php/shop/ebayli...sd=15.48196125
Bi-Fold case: http://www.vinko.com/php/shop/ebayli...sd=15.48196125
PC-Mobile
Sync & Charge cables: http://pc-mobile.net/eten.htm
Vendors/Distributors of Eten M500:
MadMonkeyBoy: http://www.dweiniger.com
Trends Mobile: http://www.trendsmobile.com/main/sho...roductID=99251
Smart Devices Direct: http://www.smartdevicesdirect.com/pr...roducts_id=769
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07-06-2005, 10:23 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 40
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Totaly agree with Raphael143. That's the only flaw kind buged me, but by extra cable and battery just arrived from TrendsMobile yesterday, so it's not an issue anymore for me 
I was also thinking to wait for E600, but than again - you can wait forever, there is always something newer is out there  Also, I am not big fan of black color of E600 IMHO
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07-06-2005, 10:51 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 92
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by ID64
...I was also thinking to wait for E600, but than again - you can wait forever, there is always something newer is out there Also, I am not big fan of black color of E600 IMHO |
Yes, I know, but for me it's essential to have WM5.0 and integrated WiFi. Besides, I would like to try the black colored housing, I'm tired of the metalic finish, in all my previous and current device (MDAII), it tends to fade very quickly!
Best regards,
Rayan
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07-06-2005, 11:42 PM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 866
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Nah, I don't like this one. It looks sooo thick!
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07-06-2005, 11:43 PM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 866
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But, if it had WiFi.......M600......
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07-07-2005, 12:50 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 40
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by MitchellO
Nah, I don't like this one. It looks sooo thick!
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It's not THAT thick It's much more comfortable to hold it than JAM. BTW, the sound quality of the speaker while using as the phone is way better that JAM, there is no comparsion. Also, Voice Dialing over a Bluetooth is a amazing. For the WIFI I have this small Spectec card, it only sticks out about 3 mm
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