vasuvenkat

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Trendy and functional

Jan 16, 2009

Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: slim, light weight, win mo 6.1, supports SDHC, GPS, 2MP auto focus Cam, WiFi,
Cons: poor reception, slow processor/RAM
Opinion:
I've been using this phone for about six months now. This is my first Win Mobile device and I ve been trying to put all of its features to use. I think that this phone is intended to be a competitor to the leader in its class:-the HTC Touch; Asus has tried to gain an edge in packing a GPS receiver and upgrading the OS to W.M.6.1, supporting an SDHC card is also an added feature over the rival. asus has succeeded in all these and also exceled in keeping the price at the lowest wen compared to the other PDA phones in this class.
The biggest problem with the phone is its processor and poor memory. The processor which is Texas Instruments' OMAP 850 which can spurn out 200 MHz of computing is barely sufficient for basic PDA functions and hence all the added features are only a burden here. Adding fuel to fire is the frequent system hangs which is a trade mark feature of any windows OS
The RAm bundeled is 64 MB but what we get for our other functions is a max of 48 MB, whihc makes most of the functions slower. Using any Graphic related operation would make it night marish. So I couldn't use SPB's mobile Shell, Touch Commander or TouchFL.
The Asus today plugin sucks, I use HTC's today plugin and I am happy with it.
The windows media player synchronizes all media files stored in my computer and would make it easier to play back on this device. But this version of the media player does not even have a graphic eqilizer.
I have always felt that the phone could have had a 3.5mm stereo jack to connect earphones. having to share a mini usb for charging, data and listening to music is painful atimes.
The GPS is good I use tracky pro.
I am able to connect with WiFi although this device does not pickup signal from the WiFi router as good as my notebook. My attempts to install Opera did not add any value to the browsing experience, The Internet explorer is ok; an application from SPB Software House- The SPB Pocket Plus would allow tabbed browsing in the IE and also let finger scrolling.
I ve been able to work with Parlingo a multi account messenger messenger.
The IMAP and POP enabled email client is very very useful. I am able to check, reply and forward mails easily. I also use SPB Wireless Monitor to check my GPRS/Edge usage
I ve also been using MsDict Dictionary viewer, Foxit PDF reader, SK tools.
On the whole the phone is slow and tests your patience But for the price I got this gadget, I wouldnt complain