Asus P750

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Features

Among the handhelds from Asus, this is the first to come with HSDPA connectivity. In this case, that means it can hit a theoretical data transfer speed of 3.6Mbps over the cellular network. As always, this is usually much lower and is dependent on the quality of your operator's network in your current location. This handset also has a triband GSM radio, so roaming in the US won't be a problem. Aside from the cellular features, the P750 additionally comes with the regular crop of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options.

The Asus Launcher interface--nice to look at, but not all that useful.

GPS has become a regular item on Asus' checklist of specifications on its handhelds. The P750 comes with the Sirfstar III GPS chipset, a commonly used component for satellite navigation and one of the best in the market. Asus bundles some software which makes use of this feature. One of them is Travelog, an application which can follow you on your travels and then allow you to export a file which is used on Google Earth to track your journey. Another is LocationCourier which sends your coordinates to predetermined contacts via SMS. These are all nice to have, but the most important application for a GPS handheld is missing--maps. Asus has not bundled any navigation software or maps with the P750. Most PDA-phones with built-in GPS we have come across so far have been sold with applications like MapKing and a free local map. So those considering buying the P750 should factor in the cost of buying maps separately before going for it.

Other applications found in the P750 include a namecard scanner, a world time clock, an RSS reader and a backup application. There are also some which make the interface more user-friendly. Like with all current HTC products, Asus has a setting called Auto Cleaner which lets you press and hold the close button to terminate an application instead of just minimizing it to the background. There are also tiny icons on the Today screen which tell you when Wi-Fi or GPS is in use, and also gets you to certain settings quickly. There is even an Asus Launcher which makes the entire interface look more like a regular mobile phone with a grid-style menu layout. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to include new programs installed in the menus, making it ineffective for regular use.

Two cameras are found on the P750, one for picture-taking at the rear and one for video calls in front above the LCD. The 3-megapixel camera at the back has an autofocus feature and takes decent enough photos for a camera-phone. We did find the shutter lag quite bad, so don't be surprised if you miss some fast-moving action because of that.

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