Samsung I 710
Samsung i710 specifications
Platform: Windows Mobile 5.0
Standard: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Dimensions: 108 x 58 x 13.5mm
Weight: 109 g
Display: TFT, 262144 shades, 240 x 320 dots
Memory: 128 MB, microSD expansion slot
Battery: Li-Pol 1300 mAh
Call signals: polyphony (MIDI), MP3, AAC, AMR
Connections and data transfer: GPRS, EDGE, USB, Bluetooth, WLAN, miniUSB
Additionally: Java MIDP 2.0, MP3 player, FM radio
Digital camera: 2.0 megapixel, effects, flash
Samsung І710 was created to dispel the stereotype that a communicator is a device for the elite. Affordable price, popular ultra-thin form factor and intuitive interface make the new product extremely attractive for the mass user.
APPEARANCE
The design of the gadget is business-like. The main body material is matte black plastic with Soft-touch coating, which minimizes the risk of accidentally dropping the device from your hands. The look is enlivened by metal chrome inserts on the front and sides. The control buttons and the OK key are also metal. The build quality is traditional for Samsung products - the construction is monolithic, no cracks or gaps are observed. The large touchscreen display is recessed into the housing, which protects it from scratches. But there is also a negative point: dust collects along its edges, which is not easy to remove. The back cover is fixed securely enough, but it can also be removed relatively easily - by moving it towards you. The SIM card slot is located above the battery compartment, but you cannot remove the card without removing the battery. The connectors for the charger and headset are located on the sides and are covered with a plastic cap. There is no standard 3.5 mm audio output here, although it would definitely not hurt in a multimedia communicator. There is no numeric keypad, it is completely replaced by a touch screen, which offers to type text and phone numbers. However, there are control keys in the terminal, they complement the capabilities of the touch screen. In particular, two keys located directly below the screen provide access to the telephone directory and navigation menu. The user will not always have to use the stylus, since most operations, with the exception of typing, can be performed on the touch screen with the tip of a finger. On the left side of the gadget there is a small swing key that adjusts the volume, and when taking photos, it serves to adjust the white balance. On the opposite side there is a key for voice control and access to the voice recorder. As you can see, the manufacturer very competently approached the implementation of the side interface, using every millimeter of usable area.
The display of the communicator is subjectively brighter than most competitors, and in terms of richness of colors it has no equal. It has a good viewing angle, and the colors are not distorted under any circumstances. There is practically no graininess, although the physical dimensions of the matrix are quite large at a standard resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. An interesting feature is the relationship between the vibration alert and the response of the touch screen. If the display responded to pressing, then the device confirms this with a barely perceptible vibration. Such an innovation will be very useful, for example, in places where sound would be inappropriate.
FUNCTIONALITY
The communicator is powered by an Intel РХА 272 processor with a clock frequency of 416 MHz. In terms of this indicator, the i710 outperforms the overwhelming majority of competitors, especially considering its record-breaking compact size.
The amount of built-in memory is standard - the user has access to 128 MB of memory for data storage and 64 MB of RAM. For most situations, this amount of RAM is sufficient.
The memory expansion possibilities are represented by a slot for microSD cards located on the side surface of the communicator and covered with a plastic flap. It slides off easily for hot swappable cards. However, the specificity of the gadget is such that it is recommended to first disable the card in a special menu in order to avoid data loss. Of the wireless interfaces, we note only Bluetooth 2.0, which is activated through the "Manager of wireless connections".Supports A2DP profile for connecting Bluetooth headphones. But there is no Wi-Fi in the communicator, and this is an annoying omission. It is offered to connect to the Internet using GPRS and EDGE. The device uses a standard Internet Explorer Mobile browser, which allows viewing full HTML pages.
PRESET PROGRAMS
The peculiarity of Samsung communicators is that the developer almost always brings something of his own into the Windows Mobile software shell. Basically, the interface is subject to changes, sometimes - the graphic elements. Samsung i710 is no exception. It runs on Windows Mobile 5.0 with the AKU 3.4 service pack installed. The manufacturer offers a whole set of additional software, as well as a number of improvements to the operating system itself. The first thing that catches your eye is the redesigned Phone program. Functionally, the branded application is not very different from the basic version of the program, but there are some unique features. The touch buttons are large enough to be pressed with your fingertips, with virtually no accidental presses. It is possible to choose a color scheme from several preset color schemes. There is also a unit converter, a program for recognizing business cards and a proprietary utility Picsel File Viewer, which not only allows you to view images, but also scales them. And this is just a small part of the programs that come with the device. The only thing we didn’t find was a data backup application, it would not interfere with any communicator.
MULTIMEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Media functions are concentrated in the pre-installed media player, which can be launched directly from the desktop without bothering to find the corresponding icon in the menu. Launching it, the user will immediately see the library of compositions, and the player's interface completely repeats the player from the desktop version of Windows. Random and repeat play, as well as background mode are available. It is curious that it is possible not to completely minimize it, but so that the control elements - pause, start, rewind, remain on top of other windows, without interfering with work. For incoming calls, the song is automatically paused, then playback continues.
DIGITAL CAMERA
The built-in camera in the terminal is 2-megapixel. Thanks to autofocus, the pictures taken with such a camera are sharper than those of other similar devices. Until recently, communicator manufacturers did not pay enough attention to the camera, considering it not a very relevant function for business people. The trend was reversed only in the latest models, and the example of Samsung i710 is very indicative here. The camera lens is located on the back of the device, there is also a mirror for taking self-portraits. You can access the camera both through the menu and using the side key. The maximum resolution for photography is 1600 x 1200 pixels, the minimum is 320 x 240. Three types of quality can be selected - economical, normal and excellent. Additional settings include white balance, self-timer, and multi-shooting mode. The maximum video resolution is 320 x 240 pixels, the duration is not limited.
OFFLINE OPERATION
We had a Samsung i710 with a 1300 mAh battery at our disposal. Considering that battery life is a very topical issue for users of such devices, let's dwell on it in more detail.
So, when using exclusively telephone functions (calls and messages), the Samsung i710 lasted 4 days. The display backlight has been set to the maximum value. Then the battery was recharged, after which the device was used as a mobile phone, as well as for a short time listening to music through a stereo headset and transferring files via Bluetooth. In such conditions, the operating time was reduced to three days.In the case of listening to the MP3 through a headset at maximum volume, the terminal lasted exactly 12 hours - a good indicator. When watching a full-length movie with maximum display illumination, the battery was completely discharged after 4 hours. In general, with normal use of all functions, you can count on autonomous operation for 1.5 - 2 days. This figure is typical for most modern communicators.
RESULTS
Samsung i710 turned out to be as close as possible to the mass user, both due to the popular thin design and the modified Windows shell, which greatly facilitates the operation of the device for inexperienced users. Well, a good set of business functions and a large touch screen with the ability to operate without a stylus will not leave business people indifferent.
Samsung i710 will appeal to those who prefer an integrated and thoughtful approach to things. Businessmen who are used to appreciating every minute of their time, as well as bright techno-lovers, will certainly purchase our phone. The i710 is a prime example of how aesthetics don't have to be sacrificed to achieve high performance. This model is a compact device for calling, data handling, time management and entertainment. A simple and easy-to-use terminal has a number of useful and functional features, for example, the original Vibetonz function. It provides physical feedback (tone and vibration) when dialing a number using the on-screen touch keyboard. Business users will undoubtedly benefit from the option of recognizing business cards. You no longer need to enter contact details into the address book manually ~ you just need to take a photo of the business card you need using the camera built into your smartphone, and a special program will automatically recognize the business card data and enter them into the address book. This information, if desired, can be edited and synchronized with Outlook on the PC.
"+" Slim body, good ergonomics, price / functionality ratio
"-" No Wi-Fi and GPS
ALTERNATIVE
NTS Touch - A multimedia communicator produced by the Taiwanese company NTS also has good functionality and very compact dimensions. The interface of the device is maximally adapted for control without a stylus, and unlike the Samsung i710, it has Wi-Fi. However, Samsung also has an undeniable advantage - an incredibly thin case for a communicator and a more affordable price.
