Full Version: PPCSG Previews the Palm 500v Smartphone
Palm recently joined the Windows Mobile Standard arena with their first non-touch screen Smartphone. Join PPCSG to preview our hands-on take on Palm's latest release which was recently officially announced in Singapore today, 11 Oct, 2007. Our overall preview, gives it a thumbs up for Palm's first smartphone device. Find out more about our preview inside.
The first thing you will notice about Palm's 500v in partnership with Vodafone is it's UI(User Interface) known as the Vodafone UI. It is a systematic glide/slide UI presentation of the different applications on the device which breaks the normal mold from the UI of other branded Windows Mobile device currently in the market. This have been what users have been asking for, something new, something different, something fresh from Microsoft and they listened.
Just a flashback, since Pocket PC 2003, the current UI has remained basically unchanged in arrangements beside the improvements in colors, sharper image icon. However, the basic layout was always the same. This is not a bad thing but there are people want something different from that released about 5 years ago. However this will be a good welcome with the new UI. But if you are like some of us, "old school" Windows Mobile users that like the current UI, the Palm 500v has an option for you to change it back to the current UI. Isn't that great? Two completely different interace to choose from in one device.
Software:
The new GUI (Graphical User Interface ) is so easy to use on a non-touch screen Windows Mobile Powered Device. Palm is using the new new Windows Mobile 6 Standard OS. (If you are not in the know, Windows Mobile Standard means a non-touch screen version of the platform.) but with a spify new GUI. The new navigation function is a more comprehensive way of navigating, you can scroll/slide/glide, whatever you might want to call it with the 5 way navigation button. It is efficiently faster for a user to use and search for applications or change of settings. Accessing sms/messaging just takes 2 steps, this makes it on par with other industry standard mobile phones, n the past it took about 3-4 steps. Yes I know what you are thinking, faster by just 2 steps only? - Well if you are a regular sms/messaging user, you know that 2 steps is means alot.
If you are not used to the new UI, no worries, you get to change it back to the classic/regular mode in the device 'Settings'. I like what Vodafone UI has done with the colors and hues, it makes the phone different from your regular HTC's look and design. I give the new GUI two thumbs up!
[attachmentid=9675]
Hardware:
It comes under the hood with 3G UTMS, Bluetooth 2.0, running a Processor PXA270, ROM 256MB, RAM 64MB, screen resolution is 320 x 240, 2MP camera, under the battery MicroSD (a pain to change the cards, but acceptable), QWERTY keypad, weight is 120g with 1200mAh battery, 4.5 hrs of talktime and 240hrs of standby time. Wifi is missing in the device. However with 3G cost coming down, the need for Wifi diminishes.
One notable point is that Palm has moved away from their proprietary sync cable and is using a more universal mini USB for ActiveSync and charging at the same time. The built quality of the 500v in our standard is overall well-built with no creak to the device when held tightly. The screen resolution was bright and sharp. The keypad is well built with a solid feel to it when the keypad are pressed. I was impressed with the 5 way D-Pad as your thumb rest comfortably around the recess area of the 4 directional ring and center action button.
[attachmentid=9676]
The rest of the buttons are well built with clean and smooth lines, the solid built feel gives me the impression that this is a sturdy device compared with other Smartphones in the market. The volume buttons are located on the left hand side of the device. I would have preferred a 3-way scroller coupled with an action button but this is nice enough. Another point is the location of the speaker at the back of the phone makes the sound muffled and not as clear and loud. But overall it is acceptable.
[attachmentid=9677] [attachmentid=9681]
As I only had the phone for a brief few hours and I did not have time to fully review the full potential of the device. But I would be confident to say Palm is headed in the right direction for their new range of non-touch screen Smartphones.
Just a flashback, since Pocket PC 2003, the current UI has remained basically unchanged in arrangements beside the improvements in colors, sharper image icon. However, the basic layout was always the same. This is not a bad thing but there are people want something different from that released about 5 years ago. However this will be a good welcome with the new UI. But if you are like some of us, "old school" Windows Mobile users that like the current UI, the Palm 500v has an option for you to change it back to the current UI. Isn't that great? Two completely different interace to choose from in one device.
Software:
The new GUI (Graphical User Interface ) is so easy to use on a non-touch screen Windows Mobile Powered Device. Palm is using the new new Windows Mobile 6 Standard OS. (If you are not in the know, Windows Mobile Standard means a non-touch screen version of the platform.) but with a spify new GUI. The new navigation function is a more comprehensive way of navigating, you can scroll/slide/glide, whatever you might want to call it with the 5 way navigation button. It is efficiently faster for a user to use and search for applications or change of settings. Accessing sms/messaging just takes 2 steps, this makes it on par with other industry standard mobile phones, n the past it took about 3-4 steps. Yes I know what you are thinking, faster by just 2 steps only? - Well if you are a regular sms/messaging user, you know that 2 steps is means alot.
If you are not used to the new UI, no worries, you get to change it back to the classic/regular mode in the device 'Settings'. I like what Vodafone UI has done with the colors and hues, it makes the phone different from your regular HTC's look and design. I give the new GUI two thumbs up!
[attachmentid=9675]
Hardware:
It comes under the hood with 3G UTMS, Bluetooth 2.0, running a Processor PXA270, ROM 256MB, RAM 64MB, screen resolution is 320 x 240, 2MP camera, under the battery MicroSD (a pain to change the cards, but acceptable), QWERTY keypad, weight is 120g with 1200mAh battery, 4.5 hrs of talktime and 240hrs of standby time. Wifi is missing in the device. However with 3G cost coming down, the need for Wifi diminishes.
One notable point is that Palm has moved away from their proprietary sync cable and is using a more universal mini USB for ActiveSync and charging at the same time. The built quality of the 500v in our standard is overall well-built with no creak to the device when held tightly. The screen resolution was bright and sharp. The keypad is well built with a solid feel to it when the keypad are pressed. I was impressed with the 5 way D-Pad as your thumb rest comfortably around the recess area of the 4 directional ring and center action button.
[attachmentid=9676]
The rest of the buttons are well built with clean and smooth lines, the solid built feel gives me the impression that this is a sturdy device compared with other Smartphones in the market. The volume buttons are located on the left hand side of the device. I would have preferred a 3-way scroller coupled with an action button but this is nice enough. Another point is the location of the speaker at the back of the phone makes the sound muffled and not as clear and loud. But overall it is acceptable.
[attachmentid=9677] [attachmentid=9681]
As I only had the phone for a brief few hours and I did not have time to fully review the full potential of the device. But I would be confident to say Palm is headed in the right direction for their new range of non-touch screen Smartphones.
looks good.
having tried the dopod c730, I must admit I have new faith in the windows mobile smartphone (or the windows mobile standard), as they felt so 'phone-like' and never felt like a ppc phone at all (if you know what I mean)
With Palm's proven track record on smartphone devices, I think this product is going to enjoy the same success as its big brother (750v), if not bigger, despite being just a smartphone.
having tried the dopod c730, I must admit I have new faith in the windows mobile smartphone (or the windows mobile standard), as they felt so 'phone-like' and never felt like a ppc phone at all (if you know what I mean)
With Palm's proven track record on smartphone devices, I think this product is going to enjoy the same success as its big brother (750v), if not bigger, despite being just a smartphone.
nice stuff, they shud have included a front facing camera, would be nicer..but the price is pretty reasonable...
where are they selling the phone.....?
any promotions out there?
any promotions out there?
Some more pics on the SMS functionality it is different and I like the change as it is all white with just the text in black, very retro, but I like it.
Does it support Chinese?
QUOTE(edwardkylee @ Oct 14 2007, 04:31 PM)
Does it support Chinese?
For Windows Mobile devices running on English ROM, Chinese support is all about 3rd party chinese language software. So, it's just a matter of whether they bundle any chinese language software into the package. If not, you can always search for solutions (may not be free) online.
i wonder where can get a demo test of this new OS
so it similar to ppc os without touchscreen and scatchpad?
but have notepad with catatgory?
so it similar to ppc os without touchscreen and scatchpad?
but have notepad with catatgory?
QUOTE(vicott @ Oct 14 2007, 04:54 PM)
For Windows Mobile devices running on English ROM, Chinese support is all about 3rd party chinese language software. So, it's just a matter of whether they bundle any chinese language software into the package. If not, you can always search for solutions (may not be free) online.
actually this is not true. for e.g. Dopod C730 is having an english ROM with chinese language support (both input and output). It's all about adding the language support for the device.
Hi, a question for Echelon (good review btw).
If I understood you correctly you know the way to disable the Vodafone UI. Could you please expand on how to do it? Being a 'hardcore wm user' I'd certainly like to have a regular menu. Plus I'm sure that switching off the proprieatory UI would speed up the system. Thanks
If I understood you correctly you know the way to disable the Vodafone UI. Could you please expand on how to do it? Being a 'hardcore wm user' I'd certainly like to have a regular menu. Plus I'm sure that switching off the proprieatory UI would speed up the system. Thanks
Press centre button can switch on/off the Vodafone UI
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