As time goes on, computers continue to get smaller and smaller. Computing power unimagined 20 years ago is now available in a card deck-sized chassis.
Being a happy new owner of Sprint' PPC-6700 (manufactured by UTStarcom) I wanted to share this gem with anyone in a position to renew their revolving contract with Nextel or Sprint. This really is the way to go if you want to take the following with you:
- Outlook Contact Folder
- Outlook Task List
- Outlook Inbox
- Word, Excel, Powerpoint Documents
- WMA and MP3 audio tracks for playback
- MSN Messenger with your buddy list
- MSN Hotmail Mobile
The Microsoft Outlook integration is the killer application here. Your Tasks and Calendar appointments all give you audible reminders just like the Outlook client on your desktop. These items are kept up to date on your Pocket PC using a USB -to- mini USB cable and Microsoft ActiveSync for Windows XP, and for Vista you will see the Windows Mobile Device Center. Pocket Word works as expected, although I would recommend that you enable ClearType before doing anything else, to smooth out the blocky stuff.
Built-in features include:
- 1.3MP still and video camera with mic
- FULL QWERTY SLIDE-OUT KEYBOARD with oversized keys
- EV-DO support for high-speed internet in Sprint Mobile Broadband areas
- voice recording
- voice dialing
- Wifi with WPA-PSK encryption
- Bluetooth support
- speakerphone operation (this feature is disabled for voicemail for some reason)
EV-DO works great where you can find it. It's definitely not available in my home town of Monterey, California. The keyboard with its oversized keys is great, especially since I've got huge fingers. The speakerphone is a disappointment, but only because it's not as loud as my last phone - the immortal Motorola i860. The slide-out keyboard is really something else, guys. Take a good look at the model shot up there, and even click on it to get the full view. It's awesome. You may find a better handheld out there but you will not find a better built-in keyboard.
Specifications:
- Windows Mobile 5.0 Operating System
- 416 MHz CPU
- 64 MB RAM
- 128 MB ROM
- 6.7 oz (not verified)
- Antenna-integrated stylus
In the box:
- PPC-6700 Pocket PC Phone with stylus
- 1350 mAh Li-ION battery for ~6 hours talk time
- USB -to- mini USB sync & charge cable
- Windows Mobile 5.0/PPC software license & installation CD
- quick install guide and full color 170-page printed user guide. Way to go, Sprint!
- activation instructions
- Sprint Terms of Service
- padded vinyl holster
- freebie hands-free cable
Optional Sprint in-store accessories:
- spare battery @ can't remember the price
- 12V car charger @ $29
When I bought my phone, I opted for a factory car charger cable. I learned a lesson when I broke the end off a no-name aftermarket charger in my last phone.
As far as upgrades, I decided to give Seidio a try. They had better looking stuff than Sprint and seemed to be very responsive to what their customers asked for.
Recommended 3rd party accessories:
- Seidio Rubberized Case @ $29.95 provides shock protection. I've dropped my PPC twice already and it didn't blink.
- Seidio Slim Extended Life Battery (1500 mAh) @ $42.95 gives you ~11% greater battery life with the same size battery. They have bigger ones too, but they protrude from your phone.
- Seidio Premium Screen Protectors @ $6.98 ea. Trust me when I say these are the best. They adhere magically to your screen and a washable with soap and water, and reusable. Buy one of these before you buy your phone.
Seidio has a full line of battery upgrades and accessories for the PPC-6700, and their stuff is top notch. Check it out.
Retail price: $549 -- at the time of this post, Sprint has rebates bringing the price down to $299.
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