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"Former Treo Cheerleader LOVES the PPC6700" on by OJM Brooklyn
Pros: Best keyboard, WiFi, EV-DO, Multitasking, lighter & smaller than the Treo
Cons: So-so SMS, a bit too square and thick
Summary: I really am beginning to question CNet's review methodology. How does the PPC6700 with all of these features in such a small package get a 7.0 while the brick like non-wifi or EV-DO PPC6600 got a 7.3 and the Treo with all of its worts (horridly insufficient memory, frequent resets) got an 8.3. I have owned all three devices and the 6700 is the best of the lot for the tech savvy. A little clunkier than the Treo - but the features blow it away.
I have been a Treo user since two days after the T300 was released. I have owned the 300, 600 and 650. I felt that the 650's flaws were nearly unforgivable (resets, memory, poor bluetooth). Nevertheless, the competition was so poor that I kept the 650 and tried to make the best of it (I tried the PPC 6600 and dumped it in 2 days - horrid). Well, I made the jump to the PPC6700 5 days ago. I still own my 650 and could return the 6700 - but decided that the 650 will be going on eBay this weekend. As for the Treo700, I think it shows potential but it won't be out for Sprint for 6-8 months. Furthermore, it still lacks some of the features that the 6700 has...and the 6700 is available now.
Here are a few Pros and Cons based on my experience with both devices. BTW - I think I am more qualified to speak about "one-handedness" than most Treo users. I have a 75 m inute commute to work (each way) and I stand virtually the whole time on a subway. Needless to say, one hand is used to hold onto something to keep me from falling over!
Where the 6700 beats the 650:
*Memory and stability (these were the 650's biggest flaws IMO)
*EV-DO. I am blown away by the speed (my test on showed 884 kb/s in Newark, NJ). Unfortunately, EV-DO is not widespread in NYC where I live. Regardless, the speed is only slightly slower than I get via wifi. Sprint's charge for this service is a great deal.
*Seamless integration with MS Office (great for me as I edit Word docs regularly)
*Big screen (of nearly the same quality/brightness as the Treo. I keep mine a the second lowest brightness setting and it is perfect. Screen size makes the biggest difference when surfing, watching movies and typing Word docs)
*Great keyboard (but the color contrast between the backlight and key color is mediocre - only a big deal during the learning curve)
*Multitasking
*Wifi (didn't think this would be a big benefit - I was wrong. Very convenient and the 6700 will switch over to wifi automatyically when available. It will also turn off wifi automatically if no signal is detected for a defined period.
*Amazing Bluetooth (far better range, clarity, and functionality)
*Almost all the needed accessories included in the box (save screen protector)
*One-handedness in the new OS is a huge improvement over the 6600 and other PPCs I tried. I have been testing Voice Command and think it solves this issue entirely - but it isn't a necessity.
*mini USB power/sync connector is AWESOME. I can buy spare sync/charge cables for $4.95!
Where the 650 beats the 6700:
*One-handedness. No shocker - this is one of the Treo's only remaining claims to glory. Rightfully so, it is the best (A++). That having been said, the 6700 is fine (B+) and I have used the stylus only twice in 5 days (both time on the first day).
*Aesthetics (the Treo is as good looking as a geek device can be, the 6700 is more utilitarian. The build quality is similar, but the Treo's finish is much nicer)
*Battery life (the Treo's battery is much larger - and based on my use of both devices - lasts about 25% longer than the 6700. That having been said, I always charge my devices at night and the 6700 has never dipped below 55% after a day of heavy use. (heavy data and 30 to 45 minutes of phone use/day)
*Loads of great Palm programs and hacks (this is a huge benefit)
*Geek factor. The Treo's popularity makes it more socially acceptable - dare I say chic? Nah! Still, the PPC loses in the sexy department.
*Treocentral Discussion Boards!
Push:
*Size/weight. The Treo is a tad longer/wider - but a tiny bit less thick. Also, the Treo's rounded edges give the illusion it is smaller. The 6700 is tiny compared to other PPC's with keyboards - but boxy. Both a very "pocketable".
*Phone: The 650 wins on dialing ease - it is obviously easier to use a keyboard which is always exposed! On the other hand, the 6700's sound quality and microphone are significantly better than the 650.
*Reception. I get good reception with both.
Conclusion:
Overall, the size/weight is a push and the 6700 blows away the 650 and 700 when it comes to features. It also costs the same. It is hard to imagine it having much more than it does. Give it slightly better aesthetics, shave a quarter inch off the thickness and 1oz off of the weight and we would have GEEK NIRVANA! -
"PPC-6700 - One Major Flaw" on by Erdaram
Pros: If you got this far, you have already read all the pros.
Cons: Lack of Memory, The Speaker is not Loud enough
Summary: By & large, this is a great unit. I believe I am holding in my hand, the true next generation PDA/phone. The battery life or lack thereof, does not concern me for two reasons.
1. It is reported that with the New Windows Memory architecture, you are able to R & R the battery without loosing any setup parameters, settings or data. You may therefore, swap batteries as many times as you like without loosing any more than the time than it takes to swap the battery. I have had mine since Monday 9-19 and honestly, even though I use it heavily, I have not yet run he battery out between available wall receptacles or car trips.
2. Mini USB chargers for wall, car and solar energy sources are readily available. if you can afford this unit, you should be able to afford those too.
My biggest peeve is that though they claim this unit has 64 MB of RAM what they don't tell you is that only 43.5 MB is usable. I am therefore led to conclude, that the OC and other bundled programs consume 16.5 MB. Having come from an iPAQ HX4700, I find this falls vastly short of meeting my requirements. I have yet to procure a mini SD card and have yet to hear from ANYONE as to whether data on the card will sync with a PC using active sync 4.0. If it’s like it used to be, the answer is no. This will require a lot of creative shuffling in order to keep files and documents at home, the laptop and on the 6700 all up to date. If anyone has tried this unit with a mini SD card, please let us know how it responds!
The 128 MB flash ROM seems plenty sufficient to handle every web site I have attempted to access.
The phone works well however, the speaker lacks sufficient volume to use in real life anyplace other then in a church or a library. (In others words, in a real quiet place).
A foot note to the last post… Sprint would NOT grandfather in my unlimited vision services because EVDO is a different and step advanced from vision. I was told that I could stay with the grandfathered unlimited vision however, would NOT be able to get the high speed connection but rather the same old slow vision.
Windows Mobile 5.0 ~ Hmm… The jury is still out. I don’t like that you can’t manage your memory allocation as you can with CE 2003.
All in all, I think I’ll keep it but may remain frustrated until someone comes up with a way to dump at least 128 or 256 more MB of RAM into it! -
"Everything in One" on by livingsynd
Pros: Awesome all in one device
Cons: a little thick for a cell
Summary: This is one of those phones for the person who has been looking fo the all in one.
This phone has a ton of features including Windows Media 5.0, active synch with your calander and tasks, media player 10, and mobile word, excel and powerpoint. Calls come in crisp and clear and has speaker phone.
Tons of connection options including bluetooth, wifi, Infrared and EVDO capabilities. Speaking of EVDO Sprint seems to be grandfathering in Vision customers to their EVDO network so if you have Unlimited Vision you have access to EVDO on this phone. Nothing like browsing the internet on your phone from anywhere.
The Keyboard makes txt messaging a breeze and is nice to have for the quick note in word or excel. The Screen actully switches to landscape mode automatically when the keybord is slid out.
Camera is a 1.3 Mega pixel with panamaric modes as well as video. They even include a little convex mirror on the back so you can take a picture of yourself. Screen is very nice and good quality but definitly protect it like you would a pda.
THe device takes minisd as its storage so be prepared to shell out another 100 bucks on storage. Good news is that most minisd cards now come with a SD convertor so they can be reused in some pdas and digial cameras.
My only compliant is that the phone is a little thick but nothing outrageous. I would give this phone a perfect score if they find a way to trim about another 1/4 inch off the width. Talk time is a little light clocking in around 3 and a half to 4 hours. I recommend in either buying a second battery or car charger.
Overall a great phone for the person who has been looking for the all in one but be prepaired for the price. Over $600 with some rebates depending on how long you've had your previous phone for. I am very happy with my purchase so far. -
"BUGS and known problems" on by fyuta
Pros: Device shows promise if numerous bugs can be patched
Cons: Many many bugs. This device was not properly beta tested
Summary: Please refer to my earlier review (Works nicely, but AARGH THE SETUP SUCKS by tac333pow - January 6, 2006). Cnet wouldn't allow me to post a second review under my original user name, so I logged in as a differnet user to post this very helpful info on known problems and bugs. For my first review look at this link (I hope it displays correctly)
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sprint_PCS_Vision_Smart_Device_PPC_6700/4864-6452_7-31517199.html?ctype=msgid&messageSiteID=7&messageID=1652864&cval=1652864&tag=uolst
Here is a list of known problems and bugs that I have uncovered.
1) Phone turns off if it loses cel coverage for more than several seconds (the phone automatically goes into flight mode). Unless you are fortunate to hear the warning sound, you will be unaware that your phone is off. If someone tries to call you while your phone is stuck in flight mode, they will immediately go into voicemail. The only other way of knowing that your phone is in flight mode is by viewing the phone strength indicator icon which is about 2mm wide by 3mm tall on the phone display. This bug may be a deal breaker. I have never heard of any phone that would turn itself off when it loses cell coverage. This is a recognized problem, but there is no response from Microsoft as to if or when this problem will be fixed.
2) Microsoft has ABSOLUTELY NO SUPPORT WHATSOEVER for Pocket PC 5.0 operating system other than the $35 paid support option. This mobile OS has been on the market for 3 months and it is still not even listed on the Microsoft website. I would caution users to beware the $35 paid support service since I am under the perception that they wont even know anything about this new mobile OS.
3) Sprint has no web based support at all. However, their phone-in support is free and these folks are very friendly and helpful. You have to call a special tech support group (1-877-654-9111 and press option 6 for blackberry support). There are approximately 40 tech support reps in this department and they have only (3) Sprint PPC 6700 phones in the entire department. They seem justifiably frustrated that Microsoft and Sprint went to market with a phone full of problem and bugs.
4) ActiveSync software will not work if software firewall is configured improperly. I use ZoneAlarmPro. You must select the "Trusted Zone" when prompted. If you select the "Internet Zone", the unit will not sync. This is not address in the microsoft troubleshooter or anywhere else that I could find.
5) If syncing between 2 pc's, you may not be able to get one of the 2 pc's to recognize the device after the initial sync. To fix the problem, turn the unit's power off before attempting the sync.
6) Wireless email service may not work depending on your ISP’s POP3 server setting. I have several email accounts. I am able to successfully send and receive emails on the email accounts hosted at the sprintpcs.com and hostsave.com servers, but I cannot send and receive emails to the qwest.net servers. This is a recognized problem and is being investigated by the Sprint tech support and Qwest tech support. I would predict if it can happen to a large telecom company like Qwest, then it will probably happen with other ISP’s.
7) Internet connection occasionally stops working and nothing you did would get it working again. I called tech support and they acknowledged that this is a known problem. To resolve, click on the bulls eye icon next to the battery icon on the desktop. Click "All Off", wait 30 seconds and click the phone button on again. According to Sprint Tech Support, this solution was discovered thru trial and error by one of their techs a couple weeks ago. It is better than the previous solution which was a hard reset (not fun).
8) Pocket Streets mapping software doesn't work properly. I installed the software, but could only get it to run about 20% of the attempts that I made. In order to launch it, I would tap the icon, then open file explorer, and then tap the file name I wanted to open. Even then, it would only open the file about 1 try out of 5. I would mostly get error messages saying critical components were missing or most of the time I would try to open a file, absolutely nothing would happen. If you are unsuccessful at opening the map file, File Explorer would stop working also. A soft reset was necessary to get File Explorer working again. I tried to uninstall and reinstall, but it would not uninstall from the ppc6700. I tried to reinstall from my desktop, but it would not install pocket streets. A hard reset was necessary. This is at least a 15 minute process (but took me over 90 mminutes since I have to sync between 2 pc’s and reconfigure all my email accounts).
9) Microsoft Pocket PC uninstall programs doesn’t work properly. During my Pocket Streets odyssey described above, I decided to uninstall the software on my pc and my PPC6700. The PPC6700 reported an error when I attempted to uninstall the Pocket Streets mapping software. After the uninstall attempt, the software icon for Pocket Streets mapping software still showed in the program menu. The software did not show in the uninstall programs list, so essentially this program was caught in limbo. I tried to reinstall the software on my pc and on the PPC6700, but I got an error message saying I could not reinstall it. The only solution was a hard reset.
Microsoft and Sprint really ought to have Beta tested this unit with a group of a couple hundred users before sending this unit to market. I think the logical approach would be to give every of the 40 Sprint PCS techs in that department one of these devices for a couple months and debug it before selling it to unsuspecting customers.
I am still holding out hope that I can get this thing working, but I am considering the possibility of returning it within the 14 day window that I have. I predict that many early adopters will not have the patience and will return this device.
I stick by my first statement on this unit. It has great potential, but Sprint and Microsoft deserve a black eye for putting their customers thru an ordeal that could have been easily avoided by proper beta testing.Updated
I have resolved 2 problems.
My phone would go into flight mode for no good reason. I thought that it was doing this when I lost cel signal. I learned that I was inadvertantly pressing the end call button for more than 3 seconds. This turns off the phone functions (although the pda continues to work) and puts the device in flight mode. Hopefully I will not have this happen too many times in the future. The key is turning the device off before sticking this in the belt case where you could mistakenly turn off thee phone.
The second problem that I have resolved relates to Pocket Street. Microsoft has awesome mapping software called "Streets and Trips". Part of the software is "Pocket Streets". This has been a very popular mapping program for Windows CE devices for years. I tried to install it on my device. Big mistake. It wouldn't run properly, and I tried to uninstall it and it got locked into the OS and couldn't be uninstalled. I did a hard reset. I spent the next 2 hours rebooting, resyncing with 2 pc's, adn reconfiguring the PPC6700. I learned that you should NEVER INSTALL ANY SOFTWARE that is not specifically tested and approved for the Windows Mobile 5.0 Operating System. I will be researching Microsoft to see if they have a Pocket Streets version rated for my OS. Since the OS has only been on the market for 3 months, I may have to wait.
I am still trying to get Sprint PCS and Qwest.net tech support to resolve the email problem. I am only able to connect and download from the Qwest.net pop3 servers one out of every 50 attempts. I can send and receive emails using other pop3 accounts with no problem. -
"Next Big Thing in "Smart Phones"" on by gkzgstuart
Pros: Extensive feature set, sliding keyboard, connectivity options
Cons: None really; reason for 9 (versus 10) - could have smaller 'footprint' (size)
Summary: As a long-time believe in convergence devices (read "smart phone"), I picked this one up last week after my Treo650 died (due to a firmware issue with Good Technology (corporate email synchronization provider)). Sprint offered to upgrade me to this device for an additional $80. After extensive research (which is hard to come by at this point given this was JUST released to business customers only last week), I couldn't pass on the opportunity.
After having this device for ~48 hours and spending some time this weekend going through the manual and scratching the surface on the feature set, I am extremely impressed. As a gadget freak (consider personal technology as a hobby), this is truly an impressive piece of technology. I must say it is not for someone looking for a simple phone. It was extremely easy to set up and perform the initial 'synch' with Outlook. The camera is also great and has a ton of features (templates, scan, sport mode, burst mode, etc...) - although I don't expect to use the camera much.
I'm most impressed with the networking features so far. It is smart enough to know to connect to my wireless (Wi-fi) network while in the house and transfers connectivity to dial-up (via Sprint PCS Vision) when I leave my house and to the high speed EVDO network where coverage exists.
While not a huge Microsoft fan (but really no complaints), I really like the integration with all of the Microsoft apps - Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Windows Media Player, Explorer, etc...
Battery life is pretty good (still at 50% on Sunday from Friday noon charge) but will also depend on how the phone is connected to a network (Wi-fi, PCS Vision, etc..) - and for how long its connected.
I really like the sliding keyboard and the phone also comes standard with a nice leather belt holster.
As an early adopter - had the Kyocera 6035, Treo 600, Treo 650 - I am realy impressed with this one. While the actual specs indicate little differnce in dimensions as compared to the Treo 650, it feels smaller in the hand and on the belt - but, the screen area seems much larger.
Would highly recommend this phone to anyone looking for an integrated device. I'm actually considering traveling sans-notebook with this one!!
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