Audiovox PPC4100 (AT&T)
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"Some good and VERY bad things about this product" on by denverrand
Pros: Great as PDA, nice screen, and off the shelf storage space
Cons: Battery life, phone drops calls and freezes up, phone doesn't work well at all without a headset. Problems with Active Sync to my computer, lack of buttons.
Summary: In my first month I went through 6 of these! I should have read that the product was not intended to be used as a phone without using the headset. At first that was a major problem, but now I always use the headset when using the phone feature, and it has stopped about 99% of the dropped calls and the phone freezing up. At first I could not believe that someone would produce a product with such a limitation and I still have a hard time with that fact. So my recommendation is to ALWAYS USE THE HEADSET when using this as a phone.
The battery life sucks and I would highly recommend that you check the option in Active Sync that will back up your PDA on every connection. The problem with using the headset with the phone is that if you carry the phone around in your pocket with the headset attached you will stand a chance of making a lot of calls that you don’t intend to because if you accidentally hit the button on the headset it will redial the last call you made. This happened to me while I was out of town and it ran my battery down and I lost all of my information on the PDA. Fortunately I did have it backed up but it still sucked.
This product is superior to other PDA/phone combos I have had in all other regards. I do have a problem with active sync at times because I will plug it in the USB port and my computer will crash. Still working on that problem. I like the fact that it had a little extra memory and the Pocket PC software keeps getting better and better and they have made significant improvements since it was first introduced.
I highly recommend Microsoft Voice command for this phone, you just have to learn how to use it and it can ONLY be used with the headset on since the phone lacks any buttons you can use on the phone itself. I also really like Battery Pack Pro, it is great!
Overall I really love the product but am very frustrated with the phone feature at times. If I don’t have my headset with me then I always have to make a disclaimer to anyone who calls that my phone will most likely hang up on them. I really wish they would fix this problem because it will probably cause me to look at another PDA/phone combo a lot sooner than I would have normally. -
"Stay away from this poor excuse for a PPC" on by schlau
Pros: Bright screen, that's it
Cons: Dismal battery life, unreliable performance, no hardware buttons, poor audio volume
Summary: This is my 5th or 6th Pocket PC, but my first phone edition. In addition, I have worked with many other PPCs. By far, this is the worst piece of computer equipment I have ever owned. Can't wait for my AT&T contract to end.
The designers chose to omit ALL hardware buttons. There are no user-assignable buttons. This in itself should be enough to discourage most users. You are forced to turn on the device and use the screen FOR EVERY OPERATION except answering the phone. Voice Command (after market Microsoft software) does work and is the only thing keeping me from throwing this thing hard into the fireplace.
The manual states that you cannot use this phone without the earbud. It specifically states in multiple places NOT to hold the phone to your ear. ???
The battery: I'm lucky if I get 2 hours on standby; 1 hour of phone use and the battery is dead.
My hearing is pretty decent. Even with the stereo headset, it's tough to hear driving down the road with the window open.
My PPC4100 (and I've warranty-exchanged it 3 times now) freezes at least daily and most days 2-8 times: requires a soft reset. This phone has dumped my data 3 times, forcing me to restore from backup after a hard reset.
I could go on, but I'm upsetting myself. I'm gonna go shop from my next phone now. Do yourself a favor--stay away. I'm going back to HP. -
"The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions!" on
Pros: The Sceen Is Large And Easy On The Eyes. Pocket PC is The Best Feature. It has helped me keep important documents and contact handy. The Longer I have it the more I'm getting to like it.
Cons: It dosen't like SD cards. I have tried to carry docs and mp3's on my sd card but It seems to freak the phone out. If I get a call It freezes up and won't let me answer it. I've had to do several hard reboots and the first one before I backed up my info wa
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"oh my gosh AVOID AVOID AVOID" on
Pros: it is fast and has a lot of memory..
Cons: my company has replaced EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE FOR 8 people.. not once.. not twice.. three times.. not including the first official recall...
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"Great PDA, Great Phone! Surpassed all of my expectations." on by tuairman
Pros: Great PDA functions. Expandable Memory. Large vibrant screen. Included accessories.
Cons: No keyboard. Awkward protection case. No caller specific ring selection.
Summary: I recently bought the PPC 4100 and read the reviews while I was waiting for it to come in the mail. After reading some of the reviews boy was i scared. After recieving the device I was impressed and wondered what all the complaints were about.
This thing is great!!!
First of all the phone function works great, some people have complained about it, but I I have expereinced no problem whatsoever. I have T-mobile and unlocked the phone so that I could use it, maybe the problem is with their provider. ( We all have heard about AT&T, right? ) The speaker phone works fine, and although the manual advices against putting it up to your ear I have experinced no problem in doing so. ( I only wonder why they advice against this?? )
Second, the phone works pretty fast boasting a 400 Mhz processor. It has great features such as picture editor, games, microsoft word and excel ( pocket version ) and Windows Media Player 9. This is great I use this phone and it has replaced my PDA, cell phone, and Ipod all in one device. All you need is an extra storage card and you're good to go. I especially enjoy watching movies and shows on the Media player during some of my longer plane rides.
Third the device is a nice size. It's not too bulky and fits in your pocket with no discomfort at all.
I do wish the phone had a more comfortable ear piece. I also wish I could set personalized ringtones for individual callers. ( if anyone has figured out how to do this, please let me know. ) The phone doesn't support Wi-Fi.
Overall I am happy with my product.Its a great phone, a great PDA, at a GREAT price. I'm happy with my purchase.
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