Entered CNET Catalog: 05/04/2005
SKU: CNETMobileActionhandsetmanager9.0
Manufacturer: Mobile Action Technology Inc.
Manufacturer description
Handset Manager 9.0 includes new features such as new PC synchronization, enhanced support for Bluetooth accessories, and new MP3 and video support to mix music and movies for your cellular handset. Foremost among the new features added to Handset Manager 9.0 are an MP3 audio clipper and editor, and a video composer, which deliver the ability to create and share music and movie files between your laptop or PC and your mobile phone. These new functions enable users to create, cut and mix their favorite MP3 files and video clips to produce ring tones and short films for multimedia-ready mobile phones. Mobile Action also has added SyncManager, a powerful new tool that allows users to establish synchronization settings to enable a one-click connection between your cellular phone and your PC. The new version includes a better user interface with new controls for features such as picture sharing, MMS sound and animation editing, file transfer, and the synchronization and management of personal contacts and calendars. Enhanced Bluetooth capability also adds support for MSN Messenger and Skype, and lets users control their cellular handsets using Bluetooth-enabled hardware, such as a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard and mouse. This solution is designed for LG VX 7000, Sony Ericsson K700i / S700i, Motorola E550 / v600i / V3, Sharp GX25, Siemens SL65 / S65, Nokia 6230 / 6260 / 6670 and Sagem MyX8.Product summary
The good: Easy to use; wealth of features; comes with USB charging capability; modem functionality.
The bad: Capability and performance varies by handset; installation can be tricky; can't multitask between features.
The bottom line: Mobile Action's Handset Manager 9.0 is functional and easy to use, but it could be fine-tuned.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/13/2005
We tested the newest version, 9.0, on the Motorola Razr V3. We connected our phone to our PC with a USB cable, but Mobile Action also sells an infrared data suite that comes with a USB infrared adapter ($49), a Bluetooth data suite, and a USB Bluetooth dongle ($49) for wireless data transfer. Alternatively, you can download the software directly from Mobile Action's site. One advantage of the USB version is that the phone can charge via the computer when connected.
After inserting the software CD (make sure to do this before connecting the phone), we were guided to the step-by-step installation. The process was simple enough, but we encountered a few hiccups. Since the plastic plug surrounding the PC end of the USB cable was relatively fat, we could insert it into only a port that had no other cables on either side. As a result, we needed to use a USB adapter hub. Once we plugged in the cable, it took a few tries to find a driver, but the software finally succeeded in detecting the Razr. The overall software interface was pedestrian, but the menu navigation was easy to understand and use. That said, it was bothersome that we couldn't have two Handset Manager functions open at the same time. For example, it's not possible to have the contact-syncing and text-messaging features open simultaneously.
When using the contact-syncing feature, we found that creating new contacts on a full computer keyboard was much easier than tapping away on the phone's numeric keypad. You can assign up to six phone numbers and an e-mail address to each contact, then designate whether they should be stored in the handset's memory or on the SIM card. Contacts can also be moved from the phone to the PC for editing, and they can then be saved to the computer for safekeeping. Our only complaint is that each time you open the phone book feature, the program automatically downloads contacts from your mobile anew. It's not a huge deal, but it's still time-consuming.
Using the text-messaging feature, we could type and send messages on the PC, but we were disappointed that the reverse transfer process wasn't possible. Mobile Action says Motorola is the only brand of mobiles that doesn't support the downloading of texts from the handset to the computer, and the company assures us it is working on a solution. Moreover, the calendar-syncing function isn't available to the Razr V3 when used with USB sync cable. Instead, you must go through the Bluetooth data suite--not the most convenient arrangement.
A new feature on Handset Manager 9.0 is the ability to create your own ring tones from scratch. If you're not musically inclined, the software also comes with a selection of MP3 and polyphonic tones that can be edited to your own creative whims. The only limitation is that a phone's included ring tones can't be transferred in any way. On the other hand, we could download all pictures and videos on our handset for saving and editing. While it's no Photoshop (and camera phone images aren't the best quality anyway), it's still a fun feature. Additionally, it might help you circumvent the fees your carrier charges for sending or transferring your photos from your phone.
A useful feature that we didn't expect was the modem capability. If you're ever without an Internet connection, your cell phone can act as a modem with the help of Handset Manger. To do this, you'll need your ISP information (this varies from mobile to mobile, so contact your provider for details), and a data plan from your carrier. Also, data speeds will vary among carriers, and any minutes you spend online will be deducted from your monthly plan.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26out of 26 user reviews
Katana 2 suite crashed PC, security suited vetted
Pros: Nice if it would work
Cons: I needed to reinstall drivers and program each time I hooked handset to USB port. Warning: Windows states "file does not have valid digital signature that identifies its publisher." Crashed PC, like with power outage when I uploaded data to hanset
out of 26 user reviews
Piece of Garbage that Does Nothing
Pros: None I could find.
Cons: It's basically useless.
I'll also mention that it boasted an MP3 editor, so you could trim MP3s and use them as ringtones. This was a false claim...at least for the U740. Another false claim was synchronization with the calendar. It did not work. Neither did downloading and viewing contacts. For both, it claimed I had none programmed into the phone, which I knew was false.
Fortunately, the USB cable came in handy. I already had BitPim installed for another phone. I started BitPim with my phone plugged in and it quickly recognized the phone and allowed me to access all the internal features...including the ringtones! It also successfully allowed me to connect to the calendar and contacts and just about everything else. Basically, the freeware BitPim delivered where this other piece of garbage failed.
As if it couldn't get worse...here's the topper. Another feature I was interested in was the USB charger. First of all, in order to turn it on, you have to access it through a different shortcut via the Start Menu. Meaning, it's not even mentioned in the main interface or the help notes. Then, when I finally found how to start it, I clicked on it and Symantec Anti-Virus quickly popped up claiming it detected a virus and quarantined it. I honestly have to say I was expecting a virus detection at some point.
The software is unprofessional, from the tacky packaging to the strange previews of the functions on the splash screen prior to start-up. It sounds like they just picked people off the street to do the voice over. Not surprising, since I wouldn't be surprised if these same people off the street were in on the programming of the software.
Hopefully, Symantec detected the only questionable file created by this program. I immediately deleted the program and am now thinking about a format. The program left me with a cootie-esque feeling and I want to go take a shower. Take heed. Save your money, see if you can find the USB cable by itself (Product #: MA-8280P) and install BitPim instead, providing your phone supports it. It delivers on everything that Mobile Action Handset Manager promises and fails to deliver. You have been warned.
out of 26 user reviews
Untested on some phones
Pros: Nothing special
Cons: No solutions provided
out of 26 user reviews
they don't answer their support
Pros: since I couldn't install it and they don't support it, there are no pros.
Cons: completely worthless
out of 26 user reviews
BEWARE ,JUNK
Pros: None that I'm aware of
Cons: the title of this section says it best "CONS"
(no shipper name)
P.O.Box 44444
SHAU KEI WAN POST OFFICE
HONG KONG
I loaded the disk and on prompt attached the USB cable as and when directed and then the fun began. After several failed attempts to load the USB driver I went to the site listed for the package, www.mobileaction.com and downloaded and printed the install manual, after un-installing the program and related files I followed the manual to the letter with negative results. I was then directed (by a sub line in the install manual) to download a "manual installation guide" I printed this manual out and followed it line by line front to back and still no sucessful install. This has been a really frustrating experience and in retrospect the money I wasted on this "suite" could have purchased the REAL motorola cable and then I could have downloaded free v-cast to do what I wanted.
BUYER BEWARE.
out of 26 user reviews
Outrageous FRAUD, Potentially Dangerous - AVOID
Pros: Nothing worth mentioning
Cons: Fraud 1- Packaging show a cnet average user rating of Excellent. Fraud 2 -Advertises 12 ******** - When received my version for Sprint using a new Sanyo Katana DLX it shows it only works for 2 funct.
out of 26 user reviews
Crap company/product
Pros: a cool new device to break when your pissed
Cons: EVerything about it sucks
BOTTOM LINE:support the cause of a goodamerican economy and dont support this half ass crappy company
out of 26 user reviews
Useless: need to install it every time you use it
Pros: Synchronises images with cell if it works
Cons: You need to install the software every time
The software is useless, Mobile Action support doesn't go beyond giving you a recommendation that says: "uninstall drivers using this software, and install it again." Mobile Action is a waste of money and a waste of time. It's a rip off.
out of 26 user reviews
tricky install, but well woth the effort
Pros: Mega Functions
Cons: Very tricky setup and P&P issues
out of 26 user reviews
Poor choice
Pros: Easy to find at most locations
Cons: Poor support
out of 26 user reviews
Mobile Action should of asked what OS I was using. It is not compatible with VISTA.
Pros: I don't know if there are any as i couldn't get the drivers to download
Cons: Downloading drivers impossible with Vista
out of 26 user reviews
Beware LG Chocolate Users!
Pros: Contact sync is easy.
Cons: Contact sync is the only feature that works with the LG Chocolate v.06,
Buyer Beware!
out of 26 user reviews
For what I wanted this (MA 730 Bluetooth) for- its useless.
Pros: All the fun stuff features work great- Text, music, & pictures
Cons: The calendr will not sync. And that is why I purchased this.
out of 26 user reviews
Worthless for V3 with laptop
Pros: There are No Pros for this product
Cons: Does not install on any of 3 different laptops
The information on their web site is virtually useless in this situation. I tried to look for a v3 specific driver or a MA-8870 driver on the CD, but could not find either. There is a lack of documentation to assist with installation problems.
The installation instructions are criptic at best. That is why I installed on three different computers to see if my timing was off when I connected the cable.
I uninstalled the driver for the motorola modem, uninstalled the software and rebooted to install again and had no success.
The software says not to use this with a hub, etc. I suspect that means you cannot use this with any laptop with multiple USB ports since most will have an internal USB hub.
If there is another way to get this working, I would like to know. I will be returning the software as soon as I hear back from the retailer I purchased it from. Fortunately I used Paypal to make the purchase.
If I find a successful solution I will post it as an updated review.
out of 26 user reviews
This product isnt worth any sum of money at all
Pros: There isnt anything good about this product
Cons: Wont connect to my phone even with ther products.
out of 26 user reviews
Good luck, you'll need it.
Pros: It comes with a shiny black cable.
Cons: You'll waste a bunch of time with tech support and it still wont work
out of 26 user reviews
Terrible Support/Terrible Product
Pros: Good Possibilities...
Cons: Hard to install, Bad support, and more.
When I visited the website to see their FAQ section, I could not access it, and it seemed all the questions they answered were about how to buy their program. I would not recommend this product to anyone! Not worth the $40.
out of 26 user reviews
Feezes WinXP, no customer support
Pros: Haven't found any yet, but it's promissing
Cons: Freezes WinXP & no customer support
I've uninstalled and run System Mechanic 6 to clean up the system. After trying reinstalling, the same thing happens.
I've tried contacting Mobile Action. Finding support on the web site is really tough. I have been sending daily emails for several days, but they don't bother respond. This could be a great product, but you'd be very brave to try it based on my experience.
out of 26 user reviews
Connectivity issues
Pros: none that are known
Cons: connectivity issues
out of 26 user reviews
What kind of company is ??
Pros: Every phone I change, I must to buy another interface
Cons: Not recommended at all !
Now, With USB cable data and Handset Manager 9, I CANNOT connect with SMS message base of my N90 (tried on several different pc's !! and phone resetted many time) and NOBODY replies me !
So, do you really think this is a serious company ?
Paolo Borroni
out of 26 user reviews
Easy to install & Rich features!
Pros: Amicable installation, Nice software features, Reasonable price!
Cons: The Bluetooth is too big
Friendly installation, rich software features (I love the MP3 feature the most!), and the price is reasonable!
I strongly suggest you to buy one for yourself if you also own a multimedia cellular phone!
I could not install it successfully in the first 10 min., then I called tech. support center. The customer service guy was very friendly and helped me to complete the installation.
I can't believe there are 12 great features in the software CD, and all of them are very useful and easy to operate.
It's a wonderful product!
out of 26 user reviews
Could not install - Support ID's on website invalid
Pros: NONE to think of!
Cons: Waste of money.
out of 26 user reviews
Great product with alot of great features!
Pros: Great price, great performance, so many great features just in 1 package!!
Cons: package can be better!
I got my package from an electronic retail chain store while I was visiting my friends there!
Handset Manager works perfect! And it turns my Razr not an original Razr with original ringtones anymore, I just love the MP3 clipper feature so much more!!!
It's just awesome!
out of 26 user reviews
Great Price. Powerful Function.
Pros: MP3 clipper
Cons: No contact syncronization with outlook
out of 26 user reviews
It's a very powerful tools for cell phone!!
Pros: Works very well for the new multi-media phones.
Cons: Installation can be a headache from time to time.
out of 26 user reviews
Great price for the function
Pros: Priced just right
Cons: interface need upgrade
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