i-mate Ultimate 8502

The four devices in i-mate's Ultimate series each have different form factors. The 8502 is the one that has an exposed QWERTY keyboard, which is ideal for those who are used to the BlackBerry layout but want a Windows Mobile device.

Design

Though it has a QWERTY keyboard below a display, you won't actually mistake the 8502 for a BlackBerry. It has less width than most of RIM's devices mainly because the display is in a portrait mode, not landscape. Because of that, its alphabet keys are narrow and have no spacing between each other. Even then, we didn't find it hard to type on the 8502. Though the QWERTY keypads on devices like the BlackBerry Curve and Treo 750 are easier to use, the raised center of each key on this i-mate makes them distinct from one another, so finding the right one isn't a problem. Even then, those with fat thumbs may find it a little hard to use. So as usual, we recommend trying it out at a store to decide for yourself.

Right above this keypad is a row of shortcut buttons including Windows and OK keys. The directional joystick is not in the center as with most phones, but tends to the right. This makes it easier for right-handers to access when you have two thumbs on the keypad when typing, but could be slightly inconvenient for southpaws.

A scroll wheel is found on the left side of the 8502 along with another OK key, while more shortcuts including volume control are placed on the right. A microSD card slot is also on the right though this is hidden by the battery cover. This PDA-phone comes with a single mini-USB port for charging and syncing and a separate 2.5mm audio mini-jack for plugging in a bundled wired headset. We particularly liked the position of the stylus slot--on the top right corner. This used to be the most common and natural position in PDAs, but these days most manufacturers tend to hide their styli in weird places.

The 8502 is the only device in its Ultimate series not to have a VGA display but a lower-resolution QVGA screen. Though that is sufficient for almost all needs, having a 640 x 480 display would have been a bonus especially when watching videos or browsing the Internet.

At 116 x 55 x 15mm and weighing 140g, the 8502 is pretty compact. Those we've shown it to found its build quality good and liked its stiff plastic finish. It may not be as slim as the Samsung SGH-i780, but the 8502 has its own appeal, one that we believe will suit the palate of most people.

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