Feeling it was about time to upgrade from my 4 year old Sanyo SCP-4700, I stumbled across the Siemens SX56 on sale for $100 at the AT&T store. I was a bit intimidated since this was my first NextGen phone (and first Palm type device). As such, I'm not an expert on these but felt I needed to add a review since I myself used epinions for guidance when checking out potential phones. I've had the SX56 a few weeks and am loving it more and more! It has many capabilities: web browsing, emails, notepad, reading ebooks, games, playing movies, playing mp3's, etc. and considering everything it can do, the stock battery hold its charge better than my old Sanyo! The reception is incredible. I was so used to dropped calls with my Sanyo on Sprint but haven't had one yet with the SX.
A great feature is being able to sync everything to your PC, either through infrared or the included USB adapter. The PC sync dock can also be connected to a power source, so I usually sit the phone in the dock and let it charge while I am home and don't have to worry about battery life or updating my shared files before I leave. Just grab it and go!
One of my concerns for buying a PocketPC was the size. My Sanyo was a nice size that didn't really get in the way. But the SX56 is very comfortable in the pocket or in the hand while talking. Very slim and stylish.
My other concern was the screen being damaged, but my phone came with a leather carrying case which is decent. I've since found an InnoPocket metal case that adds more protection (not to mention looks very tactical and space age along with the SX56!).
Add-ons are abundant: from accessories you can order right from AT&T like a foldout keyboard or a slip-on thumb-board, to many programs and games you can find online. I found a few sites with minimal searching that had a bunch of stuff to download. So far the best is www.pdagold.com.
The only negatives I have found so far are: (1) The hands-free port cover is a tiny plastic plug that is not attached to the phone, making it easy to lose and a pain to figure out what to do with it when you're plugging in your ear piece and (2) My face accidentally hits buttons on the screen when I am talking without my hands-free. You can close most of the windows while talking so this won't happen as much, but this is requiring me to have my caller wait a second while I do that. There probably is a work-around for this that I haven't figured out yet, but I've found myself using the earpiece more and more.
All in all I am very happy with the SX56, and am glad I went with it. It didn't hurt that the saleswoman at the AT&T store also uses one of these herself (for the record I went in looking for the phone specifically, she didn't even have to push it on me). It may still be on sale for $100 if you hurry!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100
Recommended for: Professionals On-the-Go - Internet and Email is a Must!
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