The Mighty Mite for Sprint PCS Subscribers
Written: Jan 10 '02
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Pros: Simple interface for common tasks, good battery life and signal acquisition
Cons: Signal indicator too optimistic, cumbersome interface for advanced features
The Bottom Line: Just try to get more bang-for-the-buck in a Sprint PCS phone . . . it won't be easy.
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| slugline's Full Review: Samsung SPH-N200 Silver |
Prologue: From Sony to Samsung
I have been a Sprint PCS customer for two-and-a-half years; the company's rate plans and coverage area fit my lifestyle wonderfully. I've had few concerns, and the ones I have had have been addressed by customer service in a competent manner. The Samsung I purchased replaces a Sony Z100 I started service with in mid-1998. When I originally bought the Sony, my top must-have features in a phone were a compact size and a vibrating ring. Unfortunately, it was hamstrung with only a 24-hour battery life on standby. It was like Dracula -- if it failed to make it home, it would be dead when morning came. :D My signal reception was also poor compared to my Sprint-using cohorts that opted for larger phones. I mention all of this so you know "where I come from" as I write this.
A Phone That's Easy to Live With
Now, assuming that you have come to this review with Sprint PCS as your carrier of choice as well, I will tell you why I think this Samsung N200 probably belongs in your hand. When I decided to shop for a new phone, my must-have features now included longer battery life and better reception. Of course, it still had to be compact and have a vibrating ring. The N200 has all of these covered. The interface, which includes a mini-joystick (compare to the "eraserhead" TrackPoint from IBM ThinkPads) is a breeze to navigate to commonly used functions. The two side buttons let you quickly cycle through ringer options; in comparison, the Sony had these buried three menus deep. The "keyguard" feature, which prevents accidental keypresses, automatically reactivates after every call when you close the "clamshell." (My Sony required that I manually set "keyguard" on after each call.)
How well were my battery and signal concerns met? Well, I dared myself to leave the phone off its charger for two consecutive nights, and the battery indicator was only missing one bar. I have yet to test the limits of the talk time. The phone is also proving an ability to acquire and keep signals more effectively than the Sony ever did. At home, I used to not be able to hold calls from anywhere by the south side. The Samsung has problems just in the very middle of my home. However, I have noticed that I have dropped some calls when the signal strength indicator was showing a healthy (3+) number of bars. I'd say the Sony was at least being more honest about telling you that you were likely to drop a call.
A Phone That Wants To Run Your Life
The N200 has covered all the basics when it comes to what you would expect from just a phone. However, Samsung and Sprint PCS does not stop there. There are some very advanced features just under the surface. The first and foremost is Sprint's Wireless Web. I'd say it works fine, and there's a good variety of content providers for the browser. The text messaging feature also works fine. However, using a phone keypad for text input is inevitably a clumsy experience. In addition, the cost of these services will escalate your phone bill rapidly. This looks like Sprint's ticket to padding their revenue stream, although I must admit that checking the forecast from Weather Channel or grabbing an NBA score every once in a while is cool.
Also in the "cool" category is an appointment calendar, but of course it suffers from the same text input snafu. Samsung has built in a voice dial feature (independent of the one Sprint offers for all phones). I tried it out and was disappointed, because after more than a handful of names were recorded, the phone began to complain that additional entries sounded too much like existing ones -- I'll just stick to speed dial. The one bonus feature I do appreciate is the four-function calculator. Numeric input is naturally straightforward, and I like to be able to quickly determine the price per ounce of that box of Tide on the store shelf. :)
A Phone in Living Color (well, at least two)
In a refreshing change from all the silver and black phones out there, this one is accented in a handsome metallic blue. (There is a silver version too.) Overall, it is a great package. A price reduction and discount from Best Buy dropped my price to $105, and unless you actually want to orient your life around your phone, there simply is no reason to look at anything more expensive.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 105
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slugline
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