vB Easy Archive - JesterDog's P910a Initial Impression

Pages: 1

JesterDog's P910a Initial Impression
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: JesterDog

My P910a arrived today and here are my initial impressions:

1. What features do you like the most about your phone and why?

a. The setup on the P910a was a snap. After charging the phone, I turned it on for the first time and followed the instructions on the screen. Next I shut the phone off and installed my SIM from the ol'V3 and it came up straight away. Success!

Initial Setup = A

side note: The setup on the Cingular network was equally as easy. L Bo found a link back to Cingular which Auto Configures your P910a.

Killer Feature = A+ for Cingular

Link: http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...threadid=455305

b. Considering what this phone can do, I really like the form factor. It packs quite a punch in such a small package. Now granted it's not like the sexy V3 which can slip into your pants pocket, but the V3 can't sync my entire database of contacts (and sort them the way I like). This dude needs to ride in a case on your belt or in a coat pocket.

Size = B

c. Finally a phone that actually includes the software for exchanging data between your PC and your phone! (as opposed to dropping $30.00 - thanks Moto, love ya) What a novel concept. Thanks to this inclusion, I was able to quickly sync Outlook (Calendar, To Do's, Emails, Contacts). This one feature alone sets the P910a above just about all other Smartphones that I have tried.

Software Feature = A+!

d. The flip out keyboard is sturdy. You can actually support the phone when holding it and typing at the same time.

Flip Keyboard = B-

e. SE did a great job in delivering a high resolution screen. The display is bright and easy to read.

Screen = A-

f. How about the ability to add a Sony 1GB Duo for additional storage! Now I can walk around with tunes, videos, and pictures stored on a memory stick. This is one feature that I truly welcome, no more onboard memory limitation. Let the pigeons loose!

Additional Storage = A

2. What features do you dislike the most and why?

a. Sadly the battery drains quickly with normal usage. An SMS here, a phone call there, shoot a couple of pictures, mix in a sync and next thing you know you are down to 70% on the battery (and I am not even through half the day). I have not had the chane to figure out the best battery saving techniques, so I am holding out hope that I can solve this.

Batter Life = D

b. Phone comfort leaves a bit to be desired. With the keyboard closed, the phone pressed up against your face is not the most pleasurable experience.

Comfort = C

c. The software sometimes moves at the speed of a snail. When switching between processes it tends to lag. Again, I hope to find a way to speed this dude up, but for now it is s-l-o-w.

Application Speed = C-

3. How would you rate the call quality of the phone?

a. Call quality is on par with the ol'V3, which in my opinion has excellent reception.

Call Quality = B+

4. How would you describe the phone's ease of use?

a. If you have been using a handheld for any length of time, the P910a is very intuitive. Navigation is straight forward and it is very easy to get around.

Navigation = B

7. If it has a camera or video recorder, how easy is it to work the video and camera features on the phone?

a. I have only tried the camera (it does come with a video recorder) and it handles the job just fine. Am I going to run around shooting museum quality shots, no. Can I capture quick pictures of me and my friends goofing of, yes. That is all I need it to do.

Camera = B-

8. What's your overall opinion or rating of the phone?

If you are looking for a phone that provides the functionality of your PDA, look no further as the P910a delivers. You will be able to do all of the PIM funtions that your current PDA provides. The P910a will be with me as my regular phone for quite some time (ok, or until Motorola releases it's MPX smartphone).

Overall Rating = B

Posted by: mobilezen

nice pics

good review.

Posted by: alexp900

JesterDog - you have a message

Posted by: JesterDog

Quote:

Originally posted by alexp900
JesterDog - you have a message

I do where?

mobilezen - Thank you for the comments!

Posted by: nolimit

nice mini review.

1 thing i hate the most about P910 is the qwerty keyboard. useless to use, they could have actually made the flip more thinner with the qwerty, or maybe could have added something special instead e.g wi fi. maybe im pushing it.

Posted by: getagrip15

Great review and I agree with just about all of it! I've had my P910a for a few weeks now and I use Cingular as well. I do agree that sometimes the phone lags too much. It isn't quite as fast as my old P900. I feel confident that this issue will be addressed in a future firmware upgrade. The qwerty keyboard is actually ok once you get used to it. I don't use it a whole lot, but it's nice to have. Even thought it makes that flip a bit thicker, I prefer the sturdiness of the P910a flip over the P900's whimpy little flip. It always felt like it was gonna break off. The battery life is a bit of a mixed bag. It isn't as good as my P900. I wouldn't expect it to be really, with the brighter screen and all. It still holds up for a couple days with me. If you haven't already, Make sure you install Sman. It is a must for P910a users! And it is free. That one app will save you so much battery life.

I have one question for you JesterDog. Is MMS working correctly for you? I can recieve pics and text, but if I try to open an MMS with video or sound I get a message that it has been deleted due to "MMS adaptation".

Posted by: JesterDog

Quote:

Originally posted by getagrip15
If you haven't already, Make sure you install Sman. It is a must for P910a users! And it is free. That one app will save you so much battery life.

I have one question for you JesterDog. Is MMS working correctly for you? I can recieve pics and text, but if I try to open an MMS with video or sound I get a message that it has been deleted due to "MMS adaptation".

getagrip,

What is Sman and where do I get it? Cingular is having problems with their MMS. Spoke with a Customer Service manager this morning and they think that it is just about fixed. I thought it was me, but it is not. Hang in there and it should be resolved.

Thanks for the comments on my review.

Posted by: JesterDog

Quote:

Originally posted by nolimit
nice mini review.

1 thing i hate the most about P910 is the qwerty keyboard. useless to use, they could have actually made the flip more thinner with the qwerty, or maybe could have added something special instead e.g wi fi. maybe im pushing it.

Hmmm...I am on the fence regarding the keyboard and using it. Need to spend some time working with it before I could comment. As for Wi-Fi, that would be a nice addition.

Posted by: getagrip15

Jesterdog,
Sman is a task manager for the P910a. It runs in the background and closes unneeded programs and processes. It is a huge battery saver. Do yourself a favor and get it. Just do a search for it on google. It also has a file manager( that is better that the one on the phone), and alot of other cool extras. You NEED it.

Posted by: nolimit

tracker and worldmate pro is the best 2 programs man can have

, along with MGS pool 2 and bartender

Posted by: JesterDog

Quote:

Originally posted by getagrip15
Jesterdog,
Sman is a task manager for the P910a. It runs in the background and closes unneeded programs and processes. It is a huge battery saver. Do yourself a favor and get it. Just do a search for it on google. It also has a file manager( that is better that the one on the phone), and alot of other cool extras. You NEED it.

getagrip15 - Thanks! Did a search and found the program and installed it. The search lead me to another site for the PXXX series phone.

Quote:

Originally posted by nolimit
tracker and worldmate pro is the best 2 programs man can have , along with MGS pool 2 and bartender

nolimit - Great suggestions, I will hunt these down and give them a go.

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Jester,

With Sman installed, has your battery life and speed ("snappiness") improved?

I enjoyed your review, as I am still trying to justify the $$$ on this device. The battery life and speed are issues with me, and I wouldn't buy it if it was poor.

Posted by: getagrip15

Quote:

Originally posted by WirelessAndy
Jester,

With Sman installed, has your battery life and speed ("snappiness") improved?

I enjoyed your review, as I am still trying to justify the $$$ on this device. The battery life and speed are issues with me, and I wouldn't buy it if it was poor.

I wouldn't say either are poor. But they both could be better. It really is a great device. Just needs some minor tweeking with a new firmware upgrade.

Posted by: JesterDog

Quote:

Originally posted by getagrip15
I wouldn't say either are poor. But they both could be better. It really is a great device. Just needs some minor tweeking with a new firmware upgrade.

That is very true. The P910a is an excellent device, but as you said still needs a few tweaks. I am sure that SE is addressing these things and I hope an update is forth coming.