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P800, its 12-bit screen, and other thoughts |
Azaray
Joined: Mar 13, 2003
Posts: 18
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I'm thinking about purchasing a P800 (they're not quite available yet where I'm at - next month, though), but I'm wondering what those of you who do own one think about the phone in regards to a few things...
Like the 12-bit screen. What do you P800 owners think of it? I'm unsure as to why SE chose not to put a 16-bit screen into the expensive P800, like they have on the less expensive T610 series.
Where I'm at, the P800 will sell for around $650. IMO, this should demand not only a better screen, but more integrated memory (I know it can be expanded with MS Duo, but still...), maybe even a faster processor, and better Polyphonic capability than what it currently has. (I don't ask for much, do I?).
What do you think about those things? I realize that no device is absolutely perfect, but some of these things, to me, are glaring flaws in the P800 based on its cost and considering what phones less expensive, from both SE and other manufacturers, offer or will offer (at least in terms of the screen and polyphonic capability, anyway). What are some of your disappointments about the phone?
How does it serve as an email and web device? Is it good? Lame?
I'm also wondering about how truly practical the phone would be without having any four way rocker pad or send/end buttons near the bottom of the phone (without using the flip (I don't care for the flip, myself)). Without the flip, does the P800 perform well with only its touchscreen? I've been thinking about this particular aspect, because I don't like the flip on the P800, and I've been looking at Motorola's upcoming A920 (can be seen at http://www.phonescoop.com), which does have the rocker pad and some other buttons, without utilizing a flip, which I like. I'm wondering if something like that would be better than what the P800 offers (minus the flip).
I'm trying to make a decision about whether I should wait for something better to arrive, or whether I should just take the P800 plunge. The screen, processor power, memory, and lack of hardware buttons near the bottom of the phone, are what are keeping me somewhat hesitant in spending $650 on a P800.
I know this was a long post, but all of your input would be greatly helpful and appreciated.
Thanks!
[ This Message was edited by: Azaray on 2003-03-13 20:55 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Azaray on 2003-03-13 20:57 ] | |
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kradcliffe
Joined: Mar 10, 2003
Posts: 434
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
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You're not greedy are you?
Considering the P800 has been delayed for some time, and with some glaring omissions in the firmware, it is still the BEST phone on the market just now.
There will always be something newer and better, it's called evolution.
Why did Ford put a 2.5 V6 in my Cougar when a 5 liter would fit under the bonnet ?
There's enough memory inbuilt to satisfy and with up to 128mb on fast transfer from mem stick it's far better than anything else on the market just now. I've had a Nokia 9210 for ages, and this just blows it away.
You could wait until the new firmware comes out in April? or just buy one and get it updated.
Everyone has different opinions on what's needed and what's best. The P800 is a good all-rounder and has something for everyone. |
Nips
Joined: Feb 28, 2002
Posts: 27
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Like i've said in my earlier post i'm with u on the screen it really should have been 16 bit ring tones dont bother me as much! |
Azaray
Joined: Mar 13, 2003
Posts: 18
PM |
It's not greed, lol. I just want to get the most for my money, as anyone would. I want to spend my money wisely. Not to mention, part of my perspective is influenced by the technology that is found in Pocket PC's that anyone can buy for under $300 (and yes, I know it they a different OS, and no phone capability, but it puts things in perspective).
We all understand evolution - that's the way of the world, especially technology. But I haven't been able to play around with this phone yet, which is why I'm searching for some opinions on real life experience with it, beyond just "It's so cool !"
But thanks for responding.
Any other details would be great.
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dazbradbury
Joined: Nov 24, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: UK - Derby/London
PM, WWW
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but that's just it, it is actually so cool! No, but i've just got mine and i mean if you dont think it's good enough for you and doesn't do what you need it to then dont get it, the screen i think is really good, and it's definately fast enough for everything it needs to do.
If you think something better is soon to come out then wait, but you could be waiting a while... |
Raven
Joined: Jul 01, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Norway
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I would also prefer a 16 bit screen, but I'm afraid that would drain the battery even faster than the existing 12 bit. The 12 bit is good enough for me, vibrant, clear and bright, but not too bright.
Don't confuse processor power with RAM. The 156Mhz ARM9 processor performs very well! Multi tasking works like a charm. The operating memory(RAM) is at 16MB, and the internal storage memory is 12MB.
The touch screen performs very well also, responsive and accurate. Handwriting recognition is excellent.
The 5-way jogdial is a nice touch IMO, very usefull when browsing the web in Opera and navigating through the menus, but I wish someone would develop a program enabling the jogdial to be used as mouse on the screen.
About the e-mail client, I actually prefer to open my e-mails on the phone over my computer, that's how good I think it is.
And what do you mean by "polyphonic capability"?
Polyphonic ringtones is just a gimmick IMO, but if you like to use them, then what's wrong with how the P800 plays them?
16 channels is not enough for you or something?
You do know the P800 supports .wav files for ringtones, right?
_________________
carpe noctem
[ This Message was edited by: Raven on 2003-03-13 21:45 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Raven on 2003-03-13 21:46 ] |
themarques
Joined: Jan 26, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: London, Tokyo,
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I smell a RAT to be exact (Azaray) i have this funny feeling you actually work For SE. The questions you ask and the knowledge you have considering you dont have A P800!!!!! or is it that you are so clued up in every aspect of the phone and secondly about the competition SE MIGHT face with the Motorola????
now this could be just me being paranoid but hey if you are from SE tell your boys to help out Laffen and crew make this a better place....
ciao |
Azaray
Joined: Mar 13, 2003
Posts: 18
PM |
Lol, relax Themarques, I don't work for SE (or any other company). If I did, I wouldn't be here asking about the P800 because I'd already know the answers.
But the input you guys have offered is good so far. Every little bit helps. As far as the polyphonic is concerned, I was asking about that because the P800 had 16 voice, where as the SE T610 will have 32 voice, which is curious to me. Not to suggest that 16 voice isn't good enough, but I wanted to know how good it sounds. Now that you mention that WAV files can be used - that's even better.
More input is always welcome. |
Raven
Joined: Jul 01, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Norway
PM |
Well, what more would you like to know? The best suggestion I can give you is to simply go into a mobile phone store near you and get some first hand experience. I'm quite positive that you will leave the store with a brand new P800 in your hand. 
carpe noctem |
steve10574
Joined: Nov 18, 2002
Posts: 36
PM |
of course some of the stuff on the t610 will be better it was made after the p800 was being made ready to launch if you wait for that there will be a t660 that will be better than that |
Rashkae
Joined: Jun 03, 2002
Posts: > 500
PM |
Also, you have to look at target markets.
The T610 is targeted at a mass-youth market. Gimmicks like 32k colors and 32-voice polyphony matter most to them.
The P800 is for business users. Powerful, optimized for maximizing productivity. Extra colors or extra voices in MIDI won't really affect that, and just drain your battery even faster. |
jamatjam
Joined: Jan 08, 2003
Posts: 288
From: UK!
PM |
ive had my P800 for some time now and im more then happy with it theres nothing like it on the market, the screen could be better with more colours say 60,000 but then why. The screen isnt your tv!,
again the t610 is targeted at the youth market who did buy most of the samsung T100's because of screen savers, back grounds and it was cheap with 16 poly channels, the t610 is just another samsung T100, just a more advanced T100,
now anyone that would place a P800 in the same line as a T610 must be crazy!
a P800 is perfection it-self, if your un happy about the 16 note poly, simply have your fav singer shout there mouth out when you get a call with wav.
i simply made my own ringtone which says
"could i be anymore of a phone!"
which i found very amusing which i made on my windows recorder!
its that easy people!!
and the screen may be only 4,095 colours but its hard to tell the differnce! and a better screen would just waste more power (i bearly get 3 days out of it, and i use my P800 for personal use and work when i say work i mean i play games on it in meetings lol)
and remember the P800 comes with a cradle with games and web,wap
and email, non of that crap sms based email but proper email, and with the web viewer u can use hotmail which is one plus!
and remember if you buy the phone and dont like it u can take it back within 14 days!
[ This Message was edited by: jamatjam on 2003-03-14 01:34 ] |
Lopio
Joined: Feb 07, 2003
Posts: 266
From: Cebu City, Philippines
PM |
my best phone so far.
This message was posted from a P800 |
jamatjam
Joined: Jan 08, 2003
Posts: 288
From: UK!
PM |
Quote:
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On 2003-03-14 03:05, Lopio wrote:
my best phone so far.
This message was posted from a P800
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very short and gets the msg to the reader! puts my hole bit in the bin!
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jplacson
Joined: Apr 21, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Philippines
PM, WWW
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"Like the 12-bit screen. What do you P800 owners think of it? I'm unsure as to why SE chose not to put a 16-bit screen into the expensive P800, like they have on the less expensive T610 series."
I was a bit annoyed at this at first... but would you want to have a 16-bit screen on a phone that lasts only 6 hours on standby? The 12-bit is a good trade-off for a full day of battery...no other PDA on the market has battery life this long.
"Where I'm at, the P800 will sell for around $650. IMO, this should demand not only a better screen, but more integrated memory (I know it can be expanded with MS Duo, but still...), maybe even a faster processor, and better Polyphonic capability than what it currently has. (I don't ask for much, do I?)."
Yes you do. Try and find the same features even in a split solution (PDA plus phone) combination for a LOT less than $650. Specs MUST exceed the P800s:
-320x208 screen (this eliminated all old Palm units w/ 160x160 screens)
-16MB onboard memory PLUS 16MB included Sony Duo (again, this eliminates all old Palm units...and a few new ones that don't come with a memory card or more than 32MB RAM)
-156MHz CPU or better (again, this eliminates all old Palms even the new Tungsten W w/c runs at 66Mhz)
-Multi-tasking OS (I'm not sure, but I think this scraps out ALL Palm OS PDAs since Palm OS cannot have multiple apps running in the background. Or can it? Palm gurus pls confirm)
-16-note MIDI
-Bluetooth and IR
-tri-band
-VGA camera
-GPRS 4+1 (5 timeslots total)
-PDA with 20-hour battery life while being used
If you can find any device or combination of devices that EXCEED these specs at a much lower cost (and if you don't mind the bulk) Then don't go for the P800
How does it serve as an email and web device? Is it good? Lame?
It works great!
I'm also wondering about how truly practical the phone would be without having any four way rocker pad or send/end buttons near the bottom of the phone (without using the flip (I don't care for the flip, myself))...
Only you can answer that. So far, I've never had any problems using the phone without the flip & using my thumb. Under extreme needs... I can even write with my thumb using JOT. (This is not recommended though cuz it's very frustrating at times)
The Jog-dial's functionality could be improved... it's very limited right now considering that TECHNICALLY it is a 5-way joystick...  didn't think about it's application too well.
But most of the P800's shortcomings as a practical device are NOT hardware related... if is willing to listen, most complaints can be solved via FW upgrade...that's IF is willing to listen.
This message was posted from a P800 with a FrappuccinoŽ machine | |
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Posted: 2003-03-13 21:54
