Samsung IP-830w Review
The Samsung IP-830w may feel like it is a larger phone, due to its many features. But its design is actually smaller than others in its category, and it works just as well, if not better.
When using the Samsung IP-830w, users may think that the phone actually feels a bit larger than it actually is. This is because of its signature feature, also known as the QWERTY keypad that vertically slides out from the phone’s bottom. But, for anyone who has used the Palm Treo 700p, they’ll find that the Samsung IP-830w is actually only one tenth of an inch deeper, slightly narrower, and only heavier by a mere one tenth of an ounce. The Samsung IP-830w features sharper bulges and angles located on the back of its case, with gives it almost a utilitarian look without comprising its aesthetics. The shell is a dark metallic blue, which is quite attractive, and the screen is tall and easy to use when the phone is closed. The screen measures in diagonally at 2.8 inches and offers 262,000 colors and 320 by 240 pixels. The buttons are thought to be just a tad on the small side, particularly the 5-way button, which, when pressed, can cause the user to also mistakenly press the Back button. The Samsung IP-830w does offer a touch screen, but using both it and the keypad simultaneously must be done with both hands since the phone’s length make it hard to navigate while using just one hand. Users who have previously used a slider phone may notice that the Samsung IP-830w’s top row of keys similarly butts up to the device’s top half. The slider is spring-loaded, however it is not quite as tight as users may have seen with other Samsung slider models, including the U420 Nimbus.
Using the messaging feature on the Samsung IP-830w is quite similar to those on other Windows Mobile devices. It uses Outlook, which is able to handle numerous email accounts through the ActiveSync application. The phone is also able to access Lotus Domino and corporate Microsoft Exchange accounts, including push email capabilities. The only problem with using these applications is that the user will have to endure a little menu manipulation in order to switch back and forth between his or her email accounts. SMS messaging allows for 160 characters to grace the screen at one time, however, threading, a feature that can be found on the popular Palm OS Treo, is not available through Windows Mobile. Instant messaging can be done through MSN messenger, although users may not like the fact that half of the screen is left completely blank during the process. Scrolling can access any messages that are longer than the top portion of the screen allows. However, users cannot scroll through IM chat data through the use of the 5-way button. For this, the stylus must be used. The QWERTY keyboard’s keys are raised and separated, but users may find that they are slightly stiffer than what they may be used to. There is a ridge that follows the edge of the phone’s slide. Although an attractive feature, it does make it difficult to press the keys that are located along that edge. Using the phone to create schedules is somewhat easy. With just one hand, both locations and appointments are able to be automatically completed. Users will find the familiar Outlook application here. The aforementioned tall screen allows the user to look at appointments for a whole business day all at one time. ActiveSync helps to seamlessly synchronize schedules through the network, a USB 2.0 connection, or through Bluetooth.
Windows Mobile Office isn’t the only application available on the Samsung IP-830w. The company has also decided to include Picsel Browser, which is a powerful, yet easy-to-use, application for Excel and Word documents, as well as web pages. Th program relies on input through use of the stylus, and navigating through documents is also quite easy. Not only will users find that Samsung has included Windows Mobile PocketPC edition Today screen and Start Menu, they will also like that a special launcher, referred to as Mobile Intelligent Terminal, or MITs, is also included. The tiny pop-up window matches up with a button located on the slider’s top half. This button allows for one-touch toggling between various control panels and application categories.
Making phone calls on the Samsung IP-830w is simple. This is thanks to the contact list offered by Windows Mobile PPC Edition. It is easy to search through the contact list in order to find phone numbers. Dialing is also a snap. There are keys on the touch screen to allow for dialing when the slider is in a closed position. However, they are on the small side, so users may want to opt for dialing when the phone is open. The quality on the phone isn’t that great. Even in perfect reception conditions, the phone still doesn’t sound as clear as it should. Ring tones are fine, and can be heard even from inside a bag or a pocket. The vibration alert is also strong, and can be felt, as well as heard. Bluetooth is supported by the Samsung IP-830w, so users will be able to use the phone’s speaker-independent voice recognition, as well as MP3 ring tones. Users won’t find any mention of conference calling in the phone’s manual, but the option is available for use. Just press the phone’s green call button, and the calls will be joined together.
Using the Samsung IP-830w to browse through web pages is quick and easy because of the Picsel Browser application. Through use of the stylus, users can zoom into web pages of interest, and can also quickly scroll through the pages. Even complicated pages, which can take a long time to load even on fast PCs, completely load on the Samsung IP-830w’s screen. There is no TV option on the phone, but Windows Media player is present to play many popular video files and music formats. The phone does have a built-in GPS, and an option to activate this feature is included. However, no software is offered. There is also no camera feature on the phone. But, it does accept SD cards.
Wikipeda defines polyphony melody as “a musical texture consisting of two or more independent melodic voices, as opposed to music with just one voice (monophony) or music with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords (homophony).” This phone has polyphonic ringtones.
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