Review: Asus P835 PDA Phone

Available Date: Early March 2009

Launch Price: RM2,299

Fresh Gear rating: 7/10

Specification:

• Qualcomm 538 MHz
• 228MB RAM, 256MB ROM + 4GB Internal Storage
  
• GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900 / GSM 850
• 115 x 59.0 x 13.8 mm
• 148 g (with battery)
• 5MP Camera with Auto-focus & Flash
  
• 3.5″ WGVA Hi-Res screen (800 X 480 pixels)
• Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS
  

Unboxing the Asus P835

The Asus P835 comes with the following accessories.

• A/C Charger
• USB Sync Cable
• 2 Stylus
• Manual + CD
• Pouch
• Wired Headset
• Car Charger

Screen Protector is missing from the package.

Asus P835 - Content

First Impression

The Asus P835 looks very professional with its brush aluminum back cover and leather like front cover. The track ball also gives it a “BlackBerry” feel. Excellent job on the outlook department. Someone actually mistaken it as an Omnia which I first took it out to review. However, I must say it looks far BETTER than OMNIA!

Asus P835 - Box

On the left side sits the Volume UP DOWN button and also the hold key. This is a very welcomed button which is usually found in Palm devices.

Asus P835 - Left Side

On the right side sits the MicroSD slot as well as the dedicated Camera button.

Asus P835 - Right Side

At the bottom are collection of buttons, “virtual” buttons and a trackball. The Mini USB connector and RESET button is located at the bottom.

Asus P835 - Buttons

The top of the PDA sits the 3G camera, Light sensor and the obvious speaker.

Asus P835 - 3G Camera

Behind the PDA is the 5.0MP autofocus camera and speaker. The battery cover is made from aluminum and it feels very solid! (But makes it heavy)

Asus P835 - Rear Camera

Asus P835 - Battery Cover

Using the Asus P835

I must say the screen on the Asus P835 is just stunning as well as sensitive! The 3.5″ WVGA Hi-res screen makes web surfing a breeze and coupled with Opera Mobile, it just makes things perfect.

Like most serious WM manufacturer, Asus replaces the boring, standard Windows Mobile with a what they called; Asus Glide.

Asus P835 main screen

Asus P835 - MultiHome

You can change to any one of the 3 themes; Business, Life, and Original. I don’t really like the ASUS Glide because it find it slow and un-responsive at times. The scrolling effect sometimes confuses me.

There are 4 quick access “Virtual” button located just below the screen. Quick Access, Start, OK and Internet Button. Pressing on the “Quick Access” button gets you the below nice little interface.

Asus P835 - Quick Access

There are

• Favourite Programs
• Favourite Contacts (Quick Dial)
• Message Center (Email, SMS and Miss Call)
• Internet (Share Flickr and YouTube)
• Multimedia (Photo, music, camera and camcorder)
• My Settings (Alarm, Ringtone, Theme and Device Lock)
• Recent Program

Some of the extra features not usually found in other PDA phones.

WiFi Access Point

It basically creates an Access Point whereby the PDA itself becomes a “Wireless Router” to enable up to 10 other devices to connect to it (Using WiFi) to go on Internet. It is high recommended to connect to A/C power when using this feature as it will drain your battery pretty quick according to Asus.

Call Filter

Asus comes with the built-in software which filters calls. Handy tool if you are avoiding a certain number (Spam, marketing…).

Asus P835 - Call Filter

Backup

Asus very thoughtfully included a Backup software which enable the users to Backup and Restore their PDA.

YouTube and Flickr

You can upload video and pictures directly to YouTube and Flickr (you need to sign up first).

Asus P835 - YouTube and Flickr

More Screen Shots of ASUS P835 (Click on Enlarge)

Sample Picture taking using Asus P835

Asus P835 - Sample Pix of Camera (Click on Enlarge)

Conclusion

Pro:

• Useful Hold-switch
• Useful Trackball for easy navigation
• Good Built quality and look great!
• Nice 3.5″ WVGA screen
• Good 5MP Camera with Auto focus
• Built-in WiFi Access Point software/capability

Cons:

• Built-in User Interface; Asus Glide (UI) is not smooth
• Doesn’t comes with any other input method other than the standard Windows Mobile
• Battery life could have been better
• Heavy side but feels solid
• No Flash

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Review: BlackBerry Bold 9000

Price: RM2,399

Available Date: May 2008

Fresh Gear Rating: 7/10

Specification:

• 624 MHz Marvell Tavor PXA930 processor
• 1GB On-board + 128 MB Flash
• 114 X 66 X 15 mm  – 136 gram
• HSDPA – QUAD band
• Internal GPS antenna
• Bluetooth + WiFi
• 2.0 megapixel color camera
• Battery 1100 mAh with Up to 4.5 hours for GSM and 13.5 days Standby Time

Unboxing the BlackBerry Storm

BlackBerry Bold - Content

Comes with the following accessories.

• Leather Pouch
• Wired Headset
• USB Cable
• Wall Charger
• Manual + CD

The unit comes with an un-interesting packaging. A black box with a BlackBerry Logo on top and the device name located at the side with font size 8 or something! All 3 BlackBerry Storm, Bold and Curve comes with the same box, same size and font. So, it can be quite confusing and mistakenly taken the wrong box.

BlackBerry Bold Headset

The bundled headset/handsfree is actually very nice! The BlackBerry logo is clearly seen and the quality is pretty good too.

First Impression

BlackBerry - Pouch

The provided leather pouch holds the device firmly but exposing the top indicator light so that users can easily take a look at the notification light. The pouch is so tight that when you are trying to remove the phone from it, it will turn on the Bold “automatically”. 

Using the BlackBerry Bold

One of the few distinct feature of Blackberrys are their keypad and trackball; and I totally agree! The QWERTY/QWERTZ keyboard is fantastic to type on and the trackball is super easy to navigate around!

Getting the BlackBerry up and running with all my contacts was SIMPLE! Since I am using Google account, a simple Google Sync setup synchronized all my contacts and appointment over to the new device; effortless! 

BlackBerry Bold - Main Screen

When there is an incoming new Email, a red flashing indicator light will appear near the top right side of the phone. The main screen of the BlackBerry is very plain and simple with only 6 icons appearing. 

Each Email account which you associate with your BlackBerry Server appears as an individual icon. Therefore you can easily identify which Email of yours has a new mail. All these located at the front screen shows how much emphasis BlackBerry put on (push) Email.

BlackBerry Bold - Email

On top of the screen shows how many new Emails are received. Attachment are clearly indicated and Bold is able to easily open most of the popular attachment like Excel, Word, Powerpoint, pictures…

 

BlackBerry Bold - Email Options

Some of the options you get with Email screen.

 

BlackBerry Bold - Contacts

BlackBerry Bold - Add New Contact

 

BlackBerry Bold - Calendar

Appointments are indicated with a small tiny dot. Longer appointments are indicated with a line instead.

 

BlackBerry Bold - Menu

Click on the “BlackBerry” logo and you will be greeted  with host of other functions. Below are some self-explanitary  screen shots.

 

BlackBerry Bold - Application Screen

 

BlackBerry Bold - Wireless

You can manage all your wireless connection settings from this menu.

BlackBerry Bold - Weather Forecast

BlackBerry Bold - SMS

Threaded SMS on the BlackBerry Bold.

BlackBerry Bold - Setup

BlackBerry Bold - Profile Selction

BlackBerry Bold - Options

The BlackBerry button acts like a “right click” where you can access more options when in a particular menu.

BlackBerry Bold - Media

The movie player in the Blackberry Bold is surprising powerful. Right out of the box, I was able to play most of the file format including DivX and MPEG!

BlackBerry Bold - Map

I don’t like the built-in BlackBerry Maps and I have not figured if it is possible to install other third party maps onto BlackBerry like Mapking, Garmin or Papago maps? Anyone want to share your experience on the mapping software on Blackberry?

BlackBerry Bold - Games

Some of the popular pre-installed games. Better than Windows Mobile pre-installed games! 🙂

 

BlackBerry Bold - Facebook App

A pretty nice built-in Facebook app which allow you to view, upload and update status on Facebook!  

 

BlackBerry Bold - Download

This is the screen where you can manage all the application you have installed. 

 

BlackBerry Bold - Browser

The browser on the BlackBerry Bold is quite slow if compared to other browser on other platform like Safari (iPhone) or Opera (Windows Mobile). Nothing to shout about in this department.

 

 

BlackBerry Bold - Auto Lock

Conclusion

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Robust Email System
• I absolutely love the trackball
• Blackberry system is responsive, reminds me of the good old Palm OS days

Cons:

• Lack of 3G Video Camera
• Lack of Auto-focus function
• Built-in browser could be better
• Limited 3rd Party Apps
• Interface is rather boring. It’s a business phone.

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Review: HTC Touch Cruise T4242 aka HTC Iolite

Price: RM2,199

Available Date: 5th March 2009

Fresh Gear Rating: 7/10

Specification:

• Qualcomm® MSM7225™, 528 MHz
• ROM: 512 MB    RAM: 256MB
• 102 X 53.5 X 14.5 mm (4.02 X 2.11 X 0.57 inches) – 103 gram
• HSDPA – QUAD band
• Internal GPS antenna
• Bluetooth + WiFi
• 3.2 megapixel color camera with fixed focus
• Battery 1100 mAh with Up to 400 minutes for GSM and 330 Hours Standby Time

HTC Touch Cruise - Box

Un-boxing the HTC Touch 3G

HTC Touch Cruise - Content

Like HTC P3300, HTC Touch Cruise comes with load of accessories like below!

• Screen Protector
• 2 piece earphones
• Car-Holder
• Car Charger
• Extra Stylus
• Nylon Pouch
• Travel Charger (Adapter)
• USB Cable
• Manuals + Startup Guide
• Papago Registration Number
• 1GB memory card pre-loaded with Papago maps

First Impression

The HTC Touch Cruise looks quite small nimble compared to the previous HTC Touch Cruise. It did inherit the scroll wheel found the previous model, but that’s it. 

HTC Touch Cruise - Front

HTC Touch Cruise - Back

 

Following the design of Touch 3G, the volume/up down button is just a long sleek line.

HTC Touch Cruise - Side Profile

A 3.2MP camera sits behind and the back cover is made from a very rubbery type material with gold dust like effect, unlike HTC Diamond. 

HTC Touch Cruise - 3.2 MP Camera

Top of the PDA is the ON/OFF button

HTC Touch Cruise - Top

Using the HTC Touch Cruise

Touch Cruise Home Screen

Touch Cruise Weather Tab

Touch Cruise Setting Tab

HTC Touch Cruise isn’t running on Windows Mobile 6.5. So, there isn’t any much difference compared to say HTC Touch 3G in terms of OS. The Settings Tab however now include an additional “Location”. So what is so special about HTC Touch Cruise?

Footprint

Foot Print Tab

Footprint by HTC

What is “Footprint”? Simply put, Foot Print is a software develop by HTC whereby additional info can be stored on every photo taken using the HTC Touch Cruise. Information like telephone, audio clip, address, notes, coordinates and categories can be store in each of the picture so you know exactly when and where and why you took those pictures.

Step 1 - Take a picture

Step 2 - Set a Category

Step 3 - Add a Coordinate/Location

Step 4 - Enter additional info

Done! Picture appears in Footprint

The next time you open up your footprint, you can just click on the image and navigate to the place on the image. Easy and straight forward.

Map Search

Map search function is also new in HTC Touch Cruise. It is actually powered by Google Maps where you can search for nearby restaurant, petrol station and others. It is as accurate as what all other users in the world contributes.

Searching for Japanese Food

Found "Momo Japanese Restaurant"

Momo Japanese Restaurant on Map

Papago X3 GPS Navigation System 

Papago! X3

HTC  Touch Cruise comes pre-loaded with Papago GPS software. It also comes bundled with Maps of Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Maps of different countries

Very similar to my previous review on the Papago Z-820 GPS Navigation System, this map also comes with 3D building and landmarks.

Simulation Screen

More screen shots of the Papago X3 below. Click to enlarge.

        

Car Kit Mode

Another feature found specifically on Touch Cruise is the Car Kit Mode. Basically when you fix this PDA to the supplied Car Holder kit, it will automatically changes into Navigational Model catering for GPS. 

Comparing with HTC Touch 3G

So, the closest PDA (in terms of specification) would be HTC Touch 3G. They both about the same size, weight about the same and have almost the same functionality.

Lets compare!

	HTC Touch Cruise (T4242)	HTC Touch 3G (T3232)
Memory	ROM: 512 MB    RAM: 256MB	ROM: 256MB   RAM: 192MB
Processor	Qualcomm® MSM7225TM, 528 MHz	Qualcomm® MSM7225TM, 528 MHz
Battery	Battery Capacity: 1100 mAh	Battery Capacity: 1100 mAh
Size & Weight	102 mm X 53.6 mm X 14.5 mm (96g with battery)	102mm X 53.5mm X 14.5 mm (103g with battery)
Camera	3.2 MP (Fix Focus)	3.2 MP (Fix Focus)
Additional Accessories	Car Charger + Car Holder + additional stylus + 1GB memory card	– nil –
Additional Software	Papago X3 and Footprint	– nil –

Besides the obvious memory storage and button layout difference, everything between the HTC Touch 3G and HTC Touch Cruise is the same. Both have GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi and both don’t come with 3G camera. With HTC Touch 3G now selling at RM1,899, will the difference in RM300 worth all the additional accessories and software?

Other Screen Shots

     

Conclusion

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Light weight
• Comes bundled with all the necessary car holder, charger and additional stylus

Cons:

• Lack of 3G Video Camera
• Lack of Auto-focus function
• Sensitivity of GPS signal weak compared with HTC Touch Pro

Available at Fresh Gear Online Store. All major credit cards and Paypal accepted.

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Sneak Preview: HTC Touch HD (T8282)

Added 4th December 2008: View the follow up review of the HTC Touch HD (commercial unit) here.

——————-

It is better to be late than never… The “sneak” preview of much awaited HTC Touch HD (T8282). 

Our local distributor loaned us a unit of the HTC Touch HD unit for couple of days for review. The unit is an engineering set, meaning what you see in this sneak preview might not be the final output in the commercial unit. The software that you see on it might not be final too.

First Impression

HTC Touch HD

The thin bezel on the side makes the screen looks really big and nice. The whole front panel is flat except for the headset speaker therefore minimizing dust built-up. Built quality feels very solid and tough too.

HTC Touch HD front camera

HTC Touch HD - Buttons

Behind the HTC Touch HD sits the 5.0 MP camera and a matte finish battery cover. 

HTC Touch HD - Back view

The 5.0 MP auto-focus camera is slightly protruding from the overall flat surface.

Closeup shot of the 5.0MP Auto-focus camera

On the top is the 3.5mm audio jack which is a very good news for those who owns good headphones. Those with large fingers or short nails will find it hard to press the small and narrow power button.

HTC Touch HD - Headphone + Power

HTC Touch HD USB Connector

Just like HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, the screen turns on when you pull out the magnetic stylus.

HTC Touch HD - Up/Down button

HTC Touch HD - SIM and Memory Slot

Turning it on

The WVGA 800X480 screen resolution on the Touch HD is just simply amazing! All the words are sharp and crisp and picture viewing is just gorgeous. 

HTC Touch HD main screen

When surfing the internet, you can make the font size the smallest and yet you can still see the alphabets clearly. This is the advantage of a Hi-res screen! Try this on a conventional QVGA screen and you will be struggling to see the words.

HTC Touch HD Program screen

Software wise, there isn’t much difference in the HTC Touch HD except for an additional software call “ICR” for In Call Recording function and Google Maps.

HTC Touch HD Program Screen

As mentioned earlier, this unit is still an engineering set there therefore software found in this current device is NOT final. Potentially there should be more software. If you take a look at the official image below found from HTC.com, you will see the “Stock/Share update” icon. This is however, not found on this particular unit.

Look closely at the "Share/Stock" icon beside the "Camera" icon

   

Conclusion

I cannot really conclude much on the software part of it as this unit is still not the commercial unit. The device hangs everytime i tried viewing multiple pictures. The camera also refuses to Zoom in / Out in this current firmware. 

I also cannot confirm the talk time/standby time as the battery in this unit is also an engineering unit. (Yes, the battery is in “beta” phase.)

Pros:

• WVGA 800 X 480 Screen
• Nice design and built quality
• 5.0MP Auto focus camera
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Fast processor and large memory

Cons:

• a bit on the heavier side
• should have more value added software

This baby will be available in the market by early next week at RM3,399. 

You can book your unit now at Fresh Gear by sending us an email at sales@freshgear.com.my

p/s: I will do another review on the HTC Touch HD again once I get my hands on the commercial unit.

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Review: T-Mobile G1 ‘Google Phone’

Available Date: Late September 2008

Launch Price: -Not available officially in Malaysia-

Fresh Gear rating: 8.5/10

Specifications

• Qualcomm MSM7201A 528 Mhz
• 192 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM (MicroSD Slot)
• Android OS
• Quad-band GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (HSDPA)
• 117 x 55.7 x 17.1 mm (158g)
• 65K colors, 320 x 480 pixels, 3.2 inches
• Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
• Trackball
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g & Bluetooth Ver2.0
• GPS
• Camera: 3.15MP Autofocus camera
• Battery Capacity: 1150 mAh
• Standby time: 406hours
• Talk Time: 5hours 20mins

Un-Boxing the G1 Phone

G1 Box

  

The pakaging looks like any other regular phone pakaging except for the cut-out “G1” at the front.

Contents of G1

Inside the box comes an AC Charge, USB Cable, Pouch, Handsfree Kit and some manuals.

First Impression – The Look and Feel

G1 Keyboard

Styling wise, the G1 does not really score better than Apple iPhone. It lacks the “coolness” and simplicity of an iPhone. 

G1 Keyboard close up

The keys are a little too flat to type on and provides very little tactile feedback. The little ledge near the letter “Q” is to remove the battery cover. 

G1 memory card slot

The memory card slot located near the “CALL” button is properly disguised. I might not have spotted it if it wasn’t for the instruction manual.

G1 - 5 simple buttons with a track-ball at the centre of the phone.

G1 - Missing a secondary video camera

G1 - Mini USB charger slot. Nicely concealed when not in used.

G1 - No buttons on the top part of the phone.

G1 - The signature 'bent' of G1 and the Camera button

G1 - Up Down button and HTC Logo

G1 - 3.2MP camera and speaker located behind the G1

G1 - Battery cover removed. No RESET button.

G1 - When G1 is connected to A/C charger

Using the G1 Phone – Screen Shots

When starting G1 for the first time, you will be prompted for a Gmail account. If you don’t have an account, you are op to create one on the go. Basically, G1 does not really work without a Gmail account. You also need a Gmail account to access the “Market” to download application.

Upon keying in your Gmail account and password, all your contacts, calendars and emails will be automatically sync with your G1. Process is straight forward and simple unlike setting up a Microsoft Exchange Server details. 

G1 main screen (centre)

The main screen spots a analog clock and 4 basic icons; Dialer, Contacts, Browser and Maps. I added the Messaging icon for quicker access to SMS and Email.

On the top is a mini notification bar which have snippets of new SMS, miss call notification and tells you other info like time, battery and signal indicator. When 3G is in active transmission, the arrow below the “3G” will flash accordingly. Good indicator to know if you are transmitting signal or just an idle connection.

G1 notification curtain

If you want to see the full notification, you can tap and pull the notification bar down to reveal everything. This is an extremely cleaver design which save precious main desktop screen space.

G1 main screen (right)

There are 3 parts to the main screen area; centre, left and right. You can flick your screen left and right (just like Apple iPhone/Touch). The right screen is just a Google search bar where you can quickly do a search without first opening your browser.

G1 main screen (Left)

Originally a blank screen, I have basically added all the games application on to the left main screen. (Some of which are very addictive!)

G1 application screen

Tap and drag the little tab at the bottom of the screen will reveal all the full application on the G1. What you see now here are not the original softwares found in G1. Many are downloaded using the “Market” icon.

G1 Android Market

From here is where you will get to download and install additional application to enhance your experience with the G1. Do note that a valid Gmail account is required to access the Android market place. Most of the application found here are free and result of the open source practice by Google OS “Android”.

G1 - Android Market

Softwares are all sorted according to their category which makes searching hassle free.

G1 - Android Market

G1 - Web Browser

The web browser found in G1 is just called the “Browser”. However, we suspect it is actually Google’s latest Chrome browser, or Mini Chrome or Chrome Lite… It supports multiple tab browsing and works with most online banking site like Maybank, CIMB and Public Bank.

G1 - Web Browser

G1 - Web Browser

What I miss most is the “pinching” function of Apple iPhone. To resize the website on G1, you need to press on the “+” and “-” sign on screen. Then again, multi-touch is a patented technology of Apple. 

G1 - Web Browser (Settings)

The Browser also lacks the support of “Auto-Rotate” when held the G1 in a landscape position. To rotate, you will have to open up the keyboard! Why not built that in when G1 has accelerometer built in?

G1 - Calendar (Month)

Calendar screen is pretty standard looking. There is no “invite” function like the online version.

G1 - Calendar (Day)

To crate a new event, tab and hold until a new message pop up.

G1 - Call Log

G1 - Contacts screen

G1 - On screen dialer

G1 - IM Chat

You can configure GTalk, AIM, Windows Messenger and Yahoo Messenger on G1. 

G1 - Email screen

G1 - Map

You can set the Map in Satellite mode, Traffic Mode or Street View mode. Unfortunately, Street view mode is not available in Malaysia. You can set the destination and you can see the route to the destination from where you are currently. But there is no turn by turn voice navigation on the G1 like most GPS devices in the market.

G1 - SMS

Just like Windows Mobile 6.1, Apple iPhone, SMS is threaded for each viewing and referencing. 

G1 - YouTube

G1 - Setting Screen

  

  

  

  

  

G1 - Unlock pattern

With G1, you can set your own unlock pattern as oppose to usual PIN number.

Sample Camera Pictures

Color is quite accurate on the pictures taken using G1. Auto-focus function is great with macro shots possible. However, there isn’t any send file via bluetooth option. So, the only way is to save into memory card and transfer using a card reader.

G1 - Sample Pictures

G1 - Sample Pictures

G1 - Sample Pictures

Conclusion

Pros:

• Built quality is good
• Integrate with Google product is painless and easy
• Same touch screen technology as iPhone (as opposed to normal pressure sensitive screens)
• Download and install software OTA (Over The Air) is simple and FREE (Network data charges applies)
• Camera is auto focus enabled
• Does not support Microsoft Exchange/Black Berry syncronization

Cons:

• Does not show which network you are on
• Does not use built-in accelerometer in most applications. E.g. website, pictures, main screen.
• Pressing on battery does not give a precise battery indicator
• Do not have turn-by-turn voice navigation on the GPS Map
• Does not support bluetooth file transfer

 

Want to try out the Android OS before buying? Click here