The Siemens SL45 Experience
Written: Oct 13 '01 (Updated Oct 20 '01)
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Pros: Small, well made, large clear screen, many features, mp3 player
Cons: Antenna is not built into the back, ridiculously slow data transfer rate
The Bottom Line: Buy this phone if you want something small, unobtrusive, well made and packed with features such as WAP and an MP3 player. If you are impatient forget the mp3 player.
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| drgreenthumb's Full Review: Siemens SL45 |
I have had this phone for a few months now and so far I have been generally pleased with it. It is an easy phone to learn how to use and has a comprehensive help facility for those who feel they need it. When you first pick it up you will be amazed at the size, it is the same as a Nokia 8210 but with the addition of a small built in aerial - this equates to something small enough to put in your shirt pocket and forget about. Unlike the Nokia 8210 the screen is of a generous size and is ideal for using WAP. The orange backlight can be adjusted to vary the contrast and the brightness (the lowest brightness setting is ideal since the battery last loads longer and it is still easily visible). The phone is packed with features such as a few puzzle games, a mp3 player, a 32mb memory card, WAP, address book, calendar, infrared, modem, etc.. - More than enough for even the most demanding user. A desktop stand is also supplied and functions as a charger as well as a connection between your phone and your pc. Unfortunately Siemens decided it would be a good idea to use possibly the most out of date and slowest port available on a regular pc - the COM port. The data transfer rate via the COM port is fine for synchronising with outlook to update your memos etc. but when you start uploading to the mp3 player you will experience delays of about 1mb per 10mins. This is very frustrating. I should also mention that only approximately 25mb of the card is free for mp3 files since a lot of the help files are also stored on the card. However the card is generic and you could always purchase a larger 128mb or 64mb card for a relatively low price ($70 for a 64mb). Siemens also seem to be capitalising on the slow data transfer rate by attempting to flog you a multimedia card reader at a reduced price. This would be a good way to increase the data transfer rate although it utilises a parallel port, which is still slow compared to USB. The battery life is very good considering the capacity is only 540mAh, expect about 48 hours if you listen to the mp3 player for a couple of hours as well as making and receiving a few calls. An additional 1000mAh battery can be purchased for about $60 - this would be worthwhile if you listen to the mp3 player a lot or you want extended talk time. The build quality is very good - the front cover is made from aluminium apparently galvanised. The back is build from tough abs plastic and you would have great difficulty smashing the antennae off. The antenna is perhaps the only nuisance, it sticks out slightly less than the average antenna but you can’t help wondering why it wasn’t built into the back like a lot of the Nokia's.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 150
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drgreenthumb
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Reviews written: 4
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