Excellent Combo Phone/PDA Package
Written: Dec 15 '02 (Updated Dec 19 '02)
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Pros: Low price, great combination of PDA and phone.
Cons: Doesn't have full functionality of either a PDA or a Phone; heavy & large.
The Bottom Line: For BASIC PDA and phone functionality, this is a great buy at the current prices. I love this phone!
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| stevendebi's Full Review: Ericsson R380s Cell Phone |
This phone has exactly the features I want: a GSM world phone, plus basic PDA functionality. I find the phone to be excellent overall. One word of caution: this phone is a combination PDA and cell phone. It has a good spread of features from each category, but does not do everything from each category.
As a cell phone: The phone is really designed to be used in "open" mode (with the keypad opened and the full PDA screen available), dialing from the contact list in the PDA menus. It will do some functions with the keypad "closed", but they are very basic and more difficult to use. The phone lacks some common phone features (I traded up from an Ericsson T-28, and all of these are available in the other phone). First, it doesn't have profiles, which are used to automatically set various features. Second, it doesn't have individual selectable rings for each phone number. Third, when accessing the "closed" mode recent calls, it lists the phone number instead of the person's name (the T-28 lists both). Fourth, for some reason, the phone did not list the correct carrier for my area (showed Pac-Bell instead of T-mobile); but the phone was on the right network anyway. Fifth, while there is a graphic battery meter, the phone does not have a detailed time remaining/battery status in either mode; I was used to getting an estimate in hours & minutes. And you should be aware that this phone was designed in 2000; if you want fancy musical rings or other more "hip" features, you won't find them here. For example, the phone does not support GPRS, so setting up the internet and WAP was a bit difficult; I had to call T-Mobile tech support several times before it was all working right.
Other features go beyond a standard cell phone. First, the phone has a really good call log, which does list all calls, including who, what number, and duration (sorted by today, this week, this month, and before that - neat!). This is available from the "open" mode only. Second, the phone book is actually a PC-style contact list, with multiple phone numbers, E-Mail, and Internet addresses for each person. Third, in "Open" mode, the phone has amazing call conferencing capabilities. Fourth, the SMS is really great; it has an easy to use screen (write via Palm-style handwriting recognition or via a small virtual keyboard. This input style is available to all "open" applications.). And there is an option to concatenate SMS messages, so as to send more than the standard 150 characters. Fifth, the calendar is VERY full featured (with fields directly matching my Outlook calendar). Sixth, the phone has super internet capabilities (for a cell phone), with the large screen allowing for really good WAP browsing. Seventh, you can send and receive E-Mail (IMAP or POP server). And, of course, last but not least is the PDA style entries; instead of entering phone numbers, WAP addresses, etc., via a small cell phone keyboard, you use a stylus. Also, I should mention that the contact list is available for dialing from the "closed" mode, and will list all phone numbers associated with a contact. Then you dial the one you want.
The PDA has a couple of good features. The R380 will sync with a PC using the included software. This allows the user to backup and restore, as well as to sync the Contact List, Calendar, and Task list. The interface works well and the PC software is sufficient. It uses only a serial cable, even though the phone has an IR modem (the IR is used to communicate with other devices that accept vcards). The calendar, contact list, and task list work well and are easy to use. The phone syncs up with Outlook, Lotus organizer (version 5.1 is included on the CD), and several other programs. It will also sync with Microsoft Exchange servers. The only capability I have personally tested is the Outlook "pst" file sync. The manual says it is compatible with Windows 98, ME, and NT SP5, but I am having no trouble using Windows XP Professional.
Now the drawbacks to the PDA features. This is not a full PDA. It does not have any capability of adding RAM, and comes with 1.2 Mb. I am finding this quite sufficient for my calendar (6 months ahead). However, once the limit is reached, you have to delete something to get more space. You should be aware that, while you can access programs and games via WAP, you can't download them. Also, you can't upgrade the software (Ericsson dealers can upgrade the firmware, although at this date I doubt there will be any more updates). So what you see is what you get. The PDA features that ARE included work really well.
As far as basic phone features, the sound is fine, and it seems to have about the same reception of signal as my T-28 (perhaps a bit better). I like the extra length; the T-28 was too short for my ear-to-mouth length.
This is a very heavy phone, but that is because it is made of METAL rather than all plastic. The thing is built like a tank. The only possible weak point in the design is the hinge where the keypad "opens" and "closes". It seems sturdy enough to me.
The phone battery lasts for about 4 hours of talking, but I don't think it will last more than a couple of days with standard PDA use. I ordered a second battery and dual charger.
I found this phone in numerous places new, unlocked, for about $100. I also saw one for $79 plus shipping, which is what I bought. I definitely think the phone is a great buy at these prices.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 79
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Epinions.com ID:
stevendebi
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Reviews written: 1
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