Samsung SCH-i730 (Verizon Wireless)

Pros: Size;Full PocketPC functionality;EV-DO;Exchange Activesync

Cons: Difficult to use one-handed

Summary: I've been looking for just the right Smartphone or PDA phone for years and nothing seemed quite right. After Motorola failed to bring the MPx to market I was about to give up. Then I picked up an i730 mockup. It fit perfectly in my hand. Although large compared to today's pure phones, it is similar in size to the original Motorola flip phone that I loved only thinner. The QWERTY keys, while small for my large fingers, are raised and shaped so I could type at reasonable speed and accuracy. With use I've become quite proficient with it. And it was a full PocketPC device, which particularly appealed to me as I've been using an iPaq since they first came out.

I've been using my i730 for three weeks now. With my company's Exchange Activesync support my calendar, contacts, and email are constantly up to date. Internet browsing is excellent, particularly in areas where Verizon has rolled out EV-DO. The sliding keyboard is good, serving as a phone keypad as well. The phone's balance with the keyboard extended is excellent and makes it feel like a substantial landline phone.

I've managed to figure out how to do most operations one handed, such as process e-mail. But I'm stuck on some operations. For example, in Messaging I can't switch folders one-handed. This is important for switching between my e-mail and SMS inboxes. Fortunately, with the i730s touch-screen it is a simple tap with a free finger of the other hand to make this switch.

I've also used the WiFi support to connect to my home Linksys-based WLan. This support is great, but is a major battery drain. I see it as a great solution for client-based synchronization and file transfer, but if you do server-based sync then I'd stay focused on Verizon's 1xRTT and EV-DO data service.

I'm glad I waited for the i730. One of my concerns with Smartphones is that they aren't strong enough for email use. A Pocket PC Phone device such as the i730 is an excellent email device. And while I considered the Treo 650, its Exchange Activesync is flawed (it syncs email and calendar, but not contacts). Plus it's ergonomics weren't nearly as nice as the i730.