The Swiss Army phone by Motorola : The Accompli 009
Written: Jul 19 '02 (Updated Jul 19 '02)
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Pros: All-in-one Communicator, GPRS support, and convenient keyboard
Cons: Uses proprietary OS, Included earpiece not up to par, phone could use Bluetooth technology.
The Bottom Line: For the power-hungry, busy businessperson or silent-talker: the Motorola Accompli 009 is for you!
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| CellKnowledge's Full Review: Motorola Accompli 009 Personal Communicator |
Ever seen someone only talking in their earpiece, holding something that looked like a tiny laptop? If you have, the person you saw walking or sitting was probably holding the Accompli 009, a new multi-functional device released by Motorola only but a few months ago. The Accompli was told to be the successor to the Timeport and Pagewriter line of two-way pagers Motorola just recently discontinued. It took a lot of time and delays to release the Accompli, but I think Motorola was on to something when it finally hit the public.
The body of the phone is based on the frame of the Motorola V100/200, also another personal communicator. The major difference between the three is that the V100 used Motorola's Startac/V series phone software, the V200 used V60's generation of software, and the Accompli 009 used the Timeport's generation of software, seriously re-vamped for 2002. The innards of the phone, though is based on the V100. The connectors on the Accompli can prove this.
Currently, the Accompli 009 is only available in Silver or
Radar Blue. Some of you have seen the Accompli in Black, which is the only edition released in its prototype, and the model that very few people own.
As I said earlier, the software is based on the same type of software used in the Timeport P935 pager, the Wisdom OS. The version installed in the Accompli 009 is version 5.0, which adds color, phone support, e-mail, and browser capabilities. The software is very easy to use, and every feature is clearly shown on the display. Included are your basic applications (phone, e-mail, contacts, tasks, and memo pad), games (phinny, minesweeper, draw 21, battleship, and zap2000), and your basic configuration apps. Third-party applications for the Accompli 009 so far have been rare, since the Wisdom OS is only used for two devices. It's almost negligent, compared to the OS's used by other portable devices (PPC, Palm OS, etc.)
The keyboard is very easy to use, and nearly designed like a standard keyboard. You have your qwerty system, with additional buttons for phone functions. I like the fact it is designed with a standard phone keypad on the left side. Only downside to this is the buttons are too small for comfort, and there is not a backlight to illuminate at least the corners of these buttons.
The display is one of the brightest and most clear than other phones available to the public (ties with Sony Ericsson T68i). The size is almost 1.5 inches measured diagonally, which allows for up to twelve lines of text and four rows of icons and service status logos. The backlight is a very bright white shine, which is useful in the night. The display also sports a 256-color capability.
Functionality of the phone is far superior than par, with it being convenient and fun to use.
The Contacts list allows for up to 250 contacts, with up to seven divisions for each contact (work, fax, home, mobile, e-mail, main, other).
The e-mail application allows for SMS messages to be sent/received and also allows access to different e-mail accounts you may have (requires provider internet access).
You can set up to three different sets of alarms to be rung at specific or recurring dates with the Alarm Clock app.
You can surf the wireless web with the Openwave browser, and access the net even faster with always-on GPRS service. You can also initiate a wireless web connection with your computer by using the Accompli 009 as a wireless modem!
Upload and view your favorite pictures in 8-bit color with the PocketPix Client software.
Play games on the Accompli 009 with a fellow friend or send quick messages to him/her with the "beaming" feature.
And everyone's favorite feature:
Customize your phone by adding different ringer melodies of your own, such as that song that plays on the radio, or that annoying sound that makes you wake up. You can store up 100 different melodies and you can also compose your own! For a sample selection, check out 2wayX.com or 2waybeats.com .
The included earpiece is great to use and allows for the privacy of the conversations, but I would suggest a sturdier earpiece, such as those made by Jabra. Motorola also could have done better by adding in Bluetooth support for the new line of handsfree products compatible with Bluetooth. On the other hand, the included speakerphone allows for better conference calling, and included a built-in amplified microphone so you don't have to speak so close to the Accompli.
The battery life is phenomenal, with over five hours of continuous talk time, and nearly a week and a half on standby. Don't try testing it at home. Charge the phone regularly for optimal performance. The only thing that can greatly reduce the chances of prolonged battery life is the backlight. You can set the preferences for the backlight in the General Phone Settings.
The reception is great on the Accompli and could not be better, but call drops and break-ups may occur (as with all phones). The technology used in the phone is TriBand GSM, with the 1900MHz band being used in North America (900MHz used in EU/Africa; 1800MHz used in Asia/AUS). Currently this phone is only supported by Cingular, but some that have sold can work on other provider's services, such as VoiceStream and AT&T.
Before I forget to describe it, GPRS is the new standard for mobile internet browsing, allowing for high speeds of internet access, usually offered anywhere between 40-60 KBps. GPRS is short for General Packet Radio Services. Check with your provider if this type of service is available in your area.
Expect to pay approximately $649 for this phone if you are buying it as an upgrade from your current phone, or $499 if you are buying it with a service plan. Prices may very depending on the market.
When shopping around for the Accompli, make sure that these accessories are included with the phone before you buy:
(1) Motorola Accompli 009 Phone
(1) Rapid Travel Charger with EU and Asia convertors
(1) Standard NiMH battery
(1) Earpiece
(1) Holster
(1) Speakerphone Accessory
(1) Documentation
(1) Software CD-ROM
(1) Multi-purpose docking station
(1) PC Connection cable
In a nutshell, the Accompli 009 is everything the busy person wanted in a phone---except the kitchen sink. For those who don't regularly engage in e-mail, text messages, or internet, an inexpensive standard phone solution may be for you. Remember no opinion can make someone's decision.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 599
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CellKnowledge
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Location: Harrisburg, PA, US
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