vB Easy Archive - The Samsung D307 thread (please read before starting additional threads)

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The Samsung D307 thread (please read before starting additional threads)
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Posted by: .7

I knew this one was around the corner, but I think this got everyone by suprise. Please post reviews, sightings, impressions of the phone here.

Price---------------------------------------

$349.99 No Contract
$299.99 1YR
$249.99 2YR

Currently running a $50 mail in rebate / Pricing is official Cingular pricing as of 10-20.

Specifications-----------------------

* Weight: 4.3 ounces
* Dimensions: 3.7 x 1.9 x 0.85 inches
* 850/1800/1900 MHz - Tri-band
* Talk Time: Up to 5 Hrs
* Standby Time: Up to 8 Days
* Warranty: 1 yr on the phone and accessories
* All talk, data and standby times are approximate and depend on network configuration
* EDGE Data Rate: Up to 135 KBPS
* Bluetooth® connectivity for connecting wireless accessories
* EDGE High-Speed Data Access
* 850/1800/1900 MHz - Tri-band for international compatability
* Speakerphone
* Mobile Instant Messaging using AOL® , Yahoo!® and ICQ® Instant Messaging
* Large internal (176 x 220) 262k color TFT display
* External display for caller ID
* Multimedia messaging - send text, pictures and sound
* VoiceMode - voice dictation for SMS in portrait mode
* Wireless Internet Express
* Java(TM) support for application download
* Voice Recorder
* Wireless modem capable
* Downloadable ringtones, graphics & games
* T-9 easy text input (portrait mode)

spec scource: cingular.com

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Nice photos, Tripy!

Good to see that the numeric keypad (for phone mode) still has the alpha keys. Handy for when you need to dial 1-800-IWANTPIZZA or something. I remember how frustrating this was at first on the Blackberries, which don't have that unless you know the workaround.

I wonder what kind of external screen this has? Grayscale or plain black and white? Or.. (gasp) color? Hope not.

I wonder how the dual-action hinge feels, especially if you're going to press that thing against your head? I'd feel a little worried about torq'ing that poor thing to a wobbly fate. Only one way to find out...

Posted by: killah21

This phone is pretty ugly

Posted by: tendura

I actually got to play with this phone at a Samsung sponsored event. The layout of the keys on this thing aren't the best. There aren't any dedicated soft keys so you the "q" and "z" keys are the soft keys. It took me a little while to get used to that. The construction of the phone seems pretty sturdy, but there's no way to know how the two hinges will hold up under normal usage without actually owning the phone.

It's the first Samsung phone for Cingular with Bluetooth, so that's obviously a plus, and it's got speakerphone. The only thing missing is a camera.

From playing with the phone for the few minutes that I got to, I kinda liked it. The keys were kinda close together, and for a guy with big hands (like me) it felt a little bit cramped. RF was good. sound quality was good.

One thing's for sure... It'll beat the pants off that horrible excuse for a phone that was the LG F9100.

Posted by: GadgetGirl

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripy

* EDGE Data Rate: Up to 135 KBPS

Doh, not a class 10 EDGE device. I really want a little zippy data/messaging device, so I've been looking for a phone with qwerty and EDGE via Bluetooth to connect to my tabletpc. The Nokia 6822 seems gimped in the EDGE speed department too.

Guess I'll keep waiting. The Nokia E70 looks promising.

Posted by: donniegood04

my choices are this or wait and get a t809 from tmo and try to get it unbranded and unlocked

Posted by: wcl884

Experts of HoFo,

You guys know if the phone jack is a regular 3.5mm or the usb-like jack on the D500?

I have some decent headphones I'd like to use with the MP3 player on the this phone.

Also, anyone seen this at a Cingular Corp store yet?

Thanks,

W.

Posted by: donniegood04

i called a few corps none around me have it also phonescoop says it doesnt have a media player ...telesales will have this phone tmw but i really wanna see it in person first anyone have any expirence returning a phone baught using telesales jus incase i cant hold out and buy it tmw and then dont like it

Posted by: WirelessAndy

The more I think about it, I think I would rather have a sturdy flip clamshell from Samsung with predictive text fixed! So far, as far as I can tell with Cingular's Samsung line, only the lowly SGH-x497 actually remembers added words- which is great! Except that switching between typing modes is a two-step ordeal.

So as much as I love the concept of having QWERTY keyboard, maybe it's not for me. I see myself obsessing over that hinge. I want a phone, not a Go-Bot.

Posted by: DaleJr#8

that phone looks half way decent but I'm still waiting on the SE W600.

^ now thats gonna be one nice phone.

Posted by: eden_nova

Quote:

Originally Posted by killah21

This phone is pretty ugly

I concur...it's really funny looking

Posted by: eimajuno

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaleJr#8

that phone looks half way decent but I'm still waiting on the SE W600.

^ now thats gonna be one nice phone.

It would have been better if the keys were spaced better and if it did not have the spoiler antenna thing on it. I played with a W550i which is basically the same phone without the 850 band. It is smaller than the S710a though which is a good thing.

Posted by: Marcster

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessAndy

I want a phone, not a Go-Bot.

Posted by: NotPennState

Any way to make this thing work with iSync?

Posted by: spartacus13b

Nice phone but the price is a bit steep for not having a higher end operating system... I just cannot us selling a lot of them it does feel nice though.. the only thing is that you need to get used to the typing

Posted by: donniegood04

do some stores already have it?

Posted by: jjgainer

I thought I read somewhere, I can't remember where, that the keyboard would only work for text messages/e-mails, but NOT for things like entering contacts and calendar appointments. Does anyone know whether that is the case or not?

Posted by: donniegood04

you cant even order it telesales told me yesterday to call back i can get it from them so i call today they said nope they cant order it the only way to get it is from web with a new line or samsung.....its not even on samsungs site.....it boggles my mind i am on the phone with them credit card in hand about to give them 350 and they cant even take it wtf

Posted by: ASimpleFarmer

seriously this thing costs just as much as the rokr.

its going to be hard to sell it. ppl here are all cheap when they walk in.

Posted by: donniegood04

yea its making me rethink buying it do i really need a qwerty phone that desnt have bb connect?...no do i like the design ...yes... do i want a t809 more....hell yes....oly problem is unbranding and unlocking it when it comes out and finding someone to buy it off

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Actually, I think I can live without Blackberry Connect (perish the thought!) Until BB data rates come down to like, uh, anything LESS than what Cingular charges, it's not worth it to me.

If:
* the hinge is built to last (wishful thinking)
* the keys are nice and responsive
* it has EDGE and a basic email POP app
* and some kind of always-on external LCD display or LED blinky...

I just might reconsider!

(Asimplefarmer: Dang, those comix in your sig are sick n twisted! I love it. Don't ever stop updating 'em!)

C'mon Scorpy!

Posted by: donniegood04

I really dont know i want the t809 to though and this just feels like a huge step backwards from a s710 i love ythe qwerty but for 349 and to deal with the idiot customer service ppl who wont sell me it err sorry i am jus in a bad mood...o.t. anyone know if samsungs are easily unbranded the t809 is what i want to unbrand

Posted by: VanillaGorilla

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessAndy

I wonder what kind of external screen this has? Grayscale or plain black and white? Or.. (gasp) color? Hope not.

According to PhoneScoop, the 2nd display is a monochrome LCD.

Two things are making this under suspect for me as far as being my next phone: Amount of memory in the phone and lack of expandable memory. It supports MP3 and AAC ringtones, but if it doesn't have a decent amount of memory, then that might be a deal breaker for me.

Other than that, I am intrigued. Good thing I'm not eligible for an upgrade until January.

MtA

Posted by: cjmedina

its on cinguar
*Retail Price $249.99
Mail-in Rebate -$50.00

*Your Price $199.99
Total Savings 20

Posted by: IlKevinlI

Has anyone been able to find a place to buy this phone ? I don't think its available at the stores yet.

Posted by: .7

Pictures orginally posted by tuolumne who orginally posted the first pics of the device.

Posted by: spartacus13b

it loooks uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugly

Posted by: Eric5273

I wonder how long this phone will take to make it to the local Cingular store. It seems like some phones they get right away (like the ROKR) as soon as they are on the Cingular site, and others take months.

This phone might be enough to get me to switch back from Verizon, but I would like to use it a bit in the store first before buying it.

Posted by: dmorand

Is there a 3rd party web browser for this phone? I like using my opera browser on my n-gage.

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric5273

I wonder how long this phone will take to make it to the local Cingular store. It seems like some phones they get right away (like the ROKR) as soon as they are on the Cingular site, and others take months.

I posted this in another D307 thread.

Any in-store sitings of this phone? I know a lot of you don't put much stock into what the store reps say, but the rep I spoke with said it may not be in stores before the first of the year. He said the new Samsung PTT phone should be in stores by mid November so it's possible the D307 will be out by then. Sounded like a pretty general answer and threw in the "mid November" bit to kinda cover his ***. Oh well.

Posted by: shawncv79

haven't seen this on the pricing grid yet. it has the PTT samsung, the d357 but not this one. could be like the p207 where it is online until the demand gets so great in the retail store...then its discontinued 2 weeks later.

Posted by: hf1khal

OK hwat happened to teh original info that it was a quad band and now all teh sudden it shows up as a tri band. Any one with inside info if this is still a quad and they only show it as a tri band one?

Posted by: ivwshane

A qwerty keyboard and yet no real OS to take advantage of it, what a waste. Samsung phones always seem like a half arse attempt to me.

Posted by: Marcster

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivwshane

A qwerty keyboard and yet no real OS to take advantage of it, what a waste. Samsung phones always seem like a half arse attempt to me.

At the very least, QWERTY keyboards should be able to input names/numbers, that's a no-brainer...

Posted by: donniegood04

am i the only one who is not able to order this i have went to every sales channel available to me stores dont have it sales cant get it customer service cant one guy found it and told me he can get me to the "web team" to order it and she tried but to no avail coulfd not order it....why release a phone if it isnt possible to buy

Posted by: Eric5273

Quote:

Originally Posted by donniegood04

am i the only one who is not able to order this i have went to every sales channel available to me stores dont have it sales cant get it customer service cant one guy found it and told me he can get me to the "web team" to order it and she tried but to no avail coulfd not order it....why release a phone if it isnt possible to buy

I think you have to order online, at least for now.

Posted by: donniegood04

that drives me crazy why turn down a customer with credit card in hand...and if you are gonna turn them down stop runnin them in circles

Posted by: Rock3nrenigade

That is one of the ugliest phones i have ever seen.

Posted by: jjgainer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcster

At the very least, QWERTY keyboards should be able to input names/numbers, that's a no-brainer...

Do you have information that the QWERTY will not work with address book and contacts??? If so, can you point me to where you read that. That is the deciding factor for me at this point. I can't imagine what idiots would design a phone with a full keyboard and not allow you to enter in the most basic and common info with it.

Posted by: SE Aholic

This phone should start hitting stores this week as early as Thursday probably as it supposedly started shipping Monday and tuesday according to the local cingular store. She said she had 1 in transit and 1 of the HP ipaq in transit on the same order. So I would say check with your local stores on Thursday or Friday of this week.

Posted by: Eric5273

I just read a full list of specs on this phone. It looks like it has the same new advanced voice functions that the 2 new Verizon Samsung phones have (a950 & a970). To begin with, you can dictate a text message. And second (and most important), you can do voice dialing without training or pre-recording anything. You just press the voice key and say "Call Eric Mobile" and it will confirm what you said, and then dial. No annoying promps like most other phones, and no need to pre-record your voice tags. And lastly, you can also launch applications using voice controls.

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric5273

I just read a full list of specs on this phone. It looks like it has the same new advanced voice functions that the 2 new Verizon Samsung phones have (a950 & a970). To begin with, you can dictate a text message. And second (and most important), you can do voice dialing without training or pre-recording anything. You just press the voice key and say "Call Eric Mobile" and it will confirm what you said, and then dial. No annoying promps like most other phones, and no need to pre-record your voice tags. And lastly, you can also launch applications using voice controls.

This is pretty sweet but I rarely use voice anything lol Like a few others, I'm more interested to see if you can use the keyboard to enter in contacts and calendar information. I guess if it's supposed to be hitting stores this week, we'll have a chance to find out first hand. That will probably determine whether or not I get the phone.

Posted by: hf1khal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric5273

How about voice dialing via BT headset?

Posted by: hesh

It's on the Samsung site but they don't have many details about it.

http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/...selTab=Features

Posted by: shawncv79

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjgainer

A demo model was shown and when you open the phone into landscape mode (to use the qwerty keyboard), you are taken directly to text msging. Having the ability to go to...say the web or address book would be convenient but not an included feature.

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawncv79

Wow, not lookin good!

Posted by: .7

This phone is now starting to show up at retail locations.

Posted by: jjgainer

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripy

This phone is now starting to show up at retail locations.

If anyone knows of a location that has the phone so that I can call and inquire about some of the features, please let me know!!!

Posted by: hesh

lol I called to local Cingular stores and one told me that Samsung has a 30 day online only exclusive on this phone and the other store told me late November

Not true, our store got 1 this morning.

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Let me guess: On-line only, and only with new activations or 2yr agreements?

Posted by: jjgainer

I received this today from Samsung technical service

Thank you for the inquiry regarding the SGH-D307 mobile phone. The qwerty keyboard on the D307 is active for creating Notes, IM messages and Text messages, however the keyboard is inactive for while editing phone book entries and in other applications.

Should you require assistance in the future, please feel free to email us or we invite you to contact Samsung Customer Support by phone, toll free at 1-888-987-4357.

Also, at your leisure, please feel free to check the newly redesigned FAQ page located at http://www.samsungtelecom.com/FAQs/, using the drop down menu to select your phone.

Your interest in Samsung products is appreciated.

Sincerely,
Technical Support
Samtech101

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjgainer

I received this today from Samsung technical service

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!!

This is not good. How disappointing! I'd still like to see the phone in action but I'm not so sure if I'm going to get it now. Definitely a waste of a keyboard.

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Quote:

Originally Posted by hesh

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!!

I assume I have the right reference?

Posted by: hf1khal

Yah, that FAQ is so good to find out aobut the phone. LOL it does not even exist in it. Oh yes, I had called tech support at Samsung a couple of days ago to enquire as to why it was released as a tri-band instead of quad band, they acted like they knew nothing. So I asked about the band range that the phone has, and they told me that is is in the manual. I said I do not have the manual, and I am calling to get more info before buying. She said you can downlod it from our site which was again no manual on the site. Poor lady she tried and got no where too. In any manner the response I got was the ransmit range for the 850 was between 824 and 994 and the recieve was between 969 and 994. while the actual 850 designation in the market is 824 to 849 paired with 869 to 894. (Oh yes, the 900 band should be 880 to 915 paired with 925 to 960) Now, a question, can any one see what is wrong with what they gave me? 2 days later I got a call back from their engineering department and all what they said that it is a tri band phone as was said in the manual. They could not give me an ansewr regarding the descrepency. Who can spot it?

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessAndy

I assume I have the right reference?

Pretty much, but more this

http://khan2.ytmnd.com/

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Now ThAT was the photograph I was looking for!

Actually, I don't think I mind so much about the QWERTY landscape mode thingy. I'm more concerned about the phone performance and the hinge build.

Posted by: mulletwireless

this has to be the ugly phone for 2005 award winner! Does this phone look like a handset rushed into production? I will wait for the MotoQ when it comes out or the Nokia E90!

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessAndy

Now ThAT was the photograph I was looking for!

Actually, I don't think I mind so much about the QWERTY landscape mode thingy. I'm more concerned about the phone performance and the hinge build.

I understand about the keyboard landscape mode thing, but still, doesn't it seem like you're only getting half the functionality from it? Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a phone with a QWERTY keyboard for text messaging, but you'd think they could make it where you could use it for other things as well. Maybe this is something that can be taken care of with a firmware upgrade or something, but it should be built-in from the start.

Posted by: b1ffphone

Brookline, MA Cingular has the phone. The guy there saw it for the first time when he brought it out to show me. He didn't let me play with it too long, because he wasn't supposed to bring out a real, working phone -- they also have a demo model that hasn't been put out on display yet. no point calling them to ask about it, since i clearly knew more about the phone than the sales guy who was getting his very first look at it.

So, what I know is that speaker is pretty good (the bootup noise sounds pretty clear), the hinge feels a little flimsy when it's in keyboard mode, inner display seems bright, but couldn't see much of it because it was behind a sticky-thing. wish i could have found out how good the email pop interface is and what modes the keyboard is useable in, but i wasn't allowed to play for more than a minute.

Posted by: b1ffphone

new press release seems to suggest bluetooth DUN and file transfer. is that right?!

http://www.mobileburn.com/pressrelease.jsp?Id=1758

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1ffphone

wish i could have found out ... what modes the keyboard is useable in, but i wasn't allowed to play for more than a minute.

According to jjgainer's post further up on this page, it's only useable for text messaging and email. Info is straight from Samsung tech support.

Posted by: hf1khal

The store by me got 2. I got to hold one but the sales man will not let me turn it on. It did not feell that bad. However, no one there knew anything about it other than reading what is on the box. It actualy felt solid no play withthe hinges. The manager asked that I go back there tomorow and he will have one ready for me to test out.

Posted by: CA

Sorry, but I cant figure out if this update is posted here.

Cingular Delivers Samsung SGH-D307 Messaging Powerhouse
Cell Phone News Feed

Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:42 pm

Samsung today announced the availability of the multi-functional designed SGH-d307, which features a swivel display that morphs the clamshell phone into a virtual mini-laptop. With a quick flip of the screen, the d307's numeric keypad becomes a full QWERTY keyboard, unveiling a productive messaging device for users to send and receive emails and instant messages on the fly.

The d307's large internal display features a 262K-color TFT screen, making it easy to view and move from one message to another. Its integrated EDGE technology takes advantage of faster connection speeds, allowing quick and efficient browsing of HTML pages and navigation of emails, and the internal antenna keeps the lines of the device smooth and unobtrusive, without compromising network reception.

Packed with an array of advanced communication features, the d307 includes advanced voice recognition with VoiceMode speech-to-text dictation technology and voice-enabled dialing, as well as a speakerphone and Bluetooth wireless technology support. Additionally, the phone includes multimedia messaging for sending pictures, animation and sound files. "The d307's breakthrough design showcases Samsung's ability to embed real-life, relevant technologies in sleek, user-friendly packages," said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. "With the increased popularity of messaging, products such as the d307 will resonate with consumers, meeting their ultimate communication needs."

Additional features of the d307 include:

- EDGE, Class 10
- GSM: Tri-Band 850/1800/1900 MHz
- Bluetooth wireless technology support - Profiles supported: headset, hands-free, file transfer, dial-up networking
- Cingular Mobile eMail
- AOL, ICQ and Yahoo! Instant Messaging
- Internal Display: 262K-color TFT; 176 x 220 pixel
- External Display: 4 Grey Scale; 96 x 96 pixel
- Weighs 4.3 ounces; Measures 3.7 x 1.9 x 0.85 inches
- MP3 ringtones and 64 note polyphonic ringtones
- T-9 easy text entry
- Wireless Internet access
- Wireless modem capable
- Java support
- Tone, image and ringer download
- Integrated games
- Trilingual user interface: English, Spanish and French
- Voice recorder
- Personal information manager - Calendar, calculator, alarm clock, to do list, currency converter, world time

- Samsung SGH-D307 Specs

Posted by: CA

How's the Rf on Samsung's?

Posted by: rabisdogis

My store just got one in today for display. I was actually able to create new contacts, send sms, make notes, make calender appointments and instant messege from the keyboard function.

Posted by: Eric5273

I just got off the phone with the local Cingular store. They got one in today which they put on display. So I'm going to go down there today after work and play around with it. I'll post details later on tonight.

Posted by: br549

I was able to check this phone out at the huge Samsung 'experience' store at Columbus Circle. The phone feels pretty good with regard to the dual hinge concerns and I was making good headway with the keyboard functionality after playing with it for 5 minutes. A manual and I'm sure I'd be good to go!

The overall build quality is high with the keyboard being pretty acceptable in my opinion (been a Treo 600 user for a couple of years). I like this phone. The primary thing stopping me from purchasing is the lack of information from Cingular and Samsung.

My only concern with the features of the phone is the lack of a memory card for expandability. I also forgot to check it out but the presence of an mp3 player and headphone jack would be nice. I suppose (if you can get mp3s on the device without using Cingulars service) you can use a bluetooth stereo headphones.

Anybody have any info on the ability to get files into and out of this device?

Posted by: hf1khal

OK, this is the closest that iwas able to get on how to use the funtions of the phone: https://tutorials.cingular.com/tuto...criberType=cing Please slecet teh device from teh list

And for a longer list of specs: https://onlinecare.cingular.com/dev...ls/KB54127.html

Posted by: Eric5273

I played around with the phone for about an hour at the store tonight....

To begin with, you can use everything with the keyboard open except for the wap browser and games/java programs. You can enter info in the address book, type notes, calandear entries, and of course the basic stuff like messaging and IM.

In portrait mode, the phone functions very much like any other Samsung flip phone. But in Landscape mode, things can can become very confusing. As soon as you switch to landscape mode, the menu you are shown includes 3 choices: Messaging, Notes, and IM. So my initial thought was that you could not access anything else in landscape mode except for those 3 applications. But once you enter either Messaging or Notes, a popup menu allows you to switch to the calendar, address book, or even the recent calls menu. Any calls made in landscape mode will be on speaker phone.

You can also adjust the settings so that as soon as you open the phone in landscape mode, instead of seeing this 3-choice menu, it opens up one of those 3 programs on its own. So if you use IM most often, you can adjust it to open up the IM program upon opening the phone in landscape mode. And if you need the menu at that point, just press the menu button and it will go back to the menu.

A couple of other things I noticed: There is no email program built into the phone. The specs said "POP3/IMAP email", but they must have meant using Cingular's MediaNet mail over wap. Also, on the settings menu you must choose either ICQ, AIM or Yahoo as your "prefered IM program", and then whenever you open "IM", it goes to that messaging system. So if you are a frequent user of more than one of these 3 IM systems, then it could be a pain to switch between them as it would require you to adjust this setting on the settings menu each and every time. What would have been simpler is if they designed it to give you the choice at a menu when you enter the IM program of your choice. Since I only use AIM, I guess for me this "preferred IM program" is preferable since it allows me to skip such a menu and just go directly into AIM.

As far as the feel of the phone, it feels pretty solid, has a nice design, and the keys have a nice feel to them. I briefly tried to play with the voice controls, but it became obvious that I would need to read at least some of the instruction booklet in order to figure out how to set this up. While it doesn't need you to record voice tags, it does need you to train the system for your voice, a task that according to the warning popup I received, should take about 3 minutes. I decided not to bother.

I did find one bug in the software. When you first open the phone in portrait mode, you see the phone's wallpaper as with most other phones. (In landscape mode there is no wallpaper as it just goes directly to either the menu or your chosen program). Upon starting the phone up (I was the first one to use it and power it up), there was a default samsung wallpaper. What I found was that if I chose a different wallpaper in the settings, and then I closed the flip, when I opened the flip back up, the default wallpaper appeared again, but for about 15 seconds, when at that time the new chosen wallpaper would suddenly appear. Very strange to say the least, and rather annoying. What is nice though is that the wallpaper is animated, and Cingular includes a few very nice ones with the orange logo.

I would have liked to check out the wap browser, but the SIM card in the phone did not have data activated on it. So I'm still undecided if I'm going to get this. I think as a regular phone, this will be great as it has the bluetooth and voice command system. But as a messaging device, it's possible the UI may make some tasks rather tedious.

Posted by: Seltzer

Cool phone for text messaging.

Maybe the UMTS/camera version early next year will improve it as well...

Posted by: jjgainer

Wow, thanks for the mini review on this phone. I am now very irritated that I was misinformed by Samsung about the keyboard capabilities. I was ready to buy this phone and instead bought a used Motorola A780. How stupid must Samsung be to misinform customers into buying other products? I guess it serves me right for trusting an customer service e-mail to actually give accurate information.

Posted by: WirelessAndy

No built-in email app? Hm.

Were the keys the typical Samsung hard plastic, or the rubberized texture keys found on the x497?

Posted by: MrMoose

Keys were hard plastic (I got to play with one for about half an hour last night in the store)

I am curious about something myself. Having never used a Samsung phone before, I'm not sure how custom ringtones work. I have a different one for my girlfriend than for everyone else. Can I still set that on the Samsung like I can on my t637? I know on her phone (an LG), she can only set a few groups and then set a ringtone to each group.

Posted by: Eric5273

Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't think the UI supported custom ringtones, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't support picture caller ID either. That is not much of an issue for me anyway since I have rarely used those features.

My main concern is if the UI in landscape mode will become annoying to me. It seemed a little bit confusing even after using the phone for a good hour. My current phone is a Verizon LG 8000 which has the very user-friendly standard Verizon interface, and I think I've become spoiled by how easy it is to navagate around my phone.

But one thing that could sway me is Cingular's new java email program that supports AOL mail. If that program works well, then that would mean this phone would give me push email for my AOL mail. Better yet, it would sync with my AOL mail folders, something that even a blackberry does not do. This could be enough to sway me to change over to Cingular and buy this phone. I guess I'll have to wait a couple more weeks and see how this all develops.

Posted by: hesh

Well that's just weird. jjgainer got word from Samsung tech support that you could NOT use the keyboard with contacts, address book, and calendar, yet those of you who were able to try out the phone said you can. This is weird. I obviously believe the people that have actually used the phone. I guess this is just a case of Samsung tech support not knowing the full story, as is the case with most tech support outfits. I'm not blaming them, but they should at least know this kind of information.

Anyway, I went into one of my local Cingular stores and the rep I spoke with said they're getting them in soon, they just don't know when. She gave me a flyer on the phone and everything and said they get shipments on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I should call on Wednesdays and Fridays and I'll be able to mess around with it.

But though I'm not eligible for a phone upgrade and can't exactly renew my contract when I buy this phone, I'll have to pay the full retail price of $300. I really wasn't wanting to spend that much on the phone. Maybe some online retailers will have it cheaper without a contract purchase.

Thanks for the information everybody!

Posted by: martytheprep

I've never owned a Samsung phone before, how's the reception on Samsungs in general or if you're already in possession of the d307 already, hows the RF? I currently have the Motorola V551 and HATE it. I'm fed up with all the dropped calls and gaps mid-call I experience.

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by martytheprep

I've never owned a Samsung phone before, how's the reception on Samsungs in general or if you're already in possession of the d307 already, hows the RF? I currently have the Motorola V551 and HATE it. I'm fed up with all the dropped calls and gaps mid-call I experience.

Some people say Motos are notorious for bad signal strength, but I know I can watch the signal on my RAZR bounce up and down. It's really annoying.

But I've owned both Samsung and Sanyo phones when I was with Sprint and they were really good, solid phones.

Honestly, I don't know if it's the phone or the carrier though. So I guess my post wasn't all that useful lol

Posted by: MrMoose

Actually, full retail on the phone according to the cingular rep I spoke with is 370. There is, however, a 50 dollar rebate available.

Posted by: .7

This thread has been released from its sticky, but still keep most related content here.

thanks guys.

Posted by: hesh

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMoose

Actually, full retail on the phone according to the cingular rep I spoke with is 370. There is, however, a 50 dollar rebate available.

Hmmm, the rep told me $300. At any rate, it sucks that I can't just say "okay, extend my contract for another two years and I'll take that phone for $250" without having to be eligible for an upgrade or whatever. Lame.

Posted by: paypalbid

no Opera or any kind of full html browser. This phone is still old school.

Posted by: WirelessAndy

OK, so I had a chance to play with one at my local corporate store. Thanks to Andre and Ian who were very patient with me, as usual!

The very first one I saw was on the Live Bar, in the anti-theft claw of death. Beacuse of the claw, the D307 had a little problem opening up in landscape (QWERTY) mode, and of course does not close all the way, either.

I was able to see a fresh unit out of the box. First thought? This thing is bigger than your garden-variety SGH-x427m freebie.

ONE PHONE, TWO MODES
To my delight, the dual-action pivoting hinge worked quite well. When shut, there is a tiny bit of wobble, but not as much as I expected. In phone-mode, the screen pops into the open position with a little more tension than a normal phone, which is VERY NICE THING. Some kind of mechanism really wants to keep the phone solidly open, and in a very smooth manner too. There is no "CLICK" in the hinge, for you Clickophilles.

The D307 hides a fantastic party trick: When the phone is open in either mode (phone or landscape) you cannot simply twist the screen to switch. You must first close the phone, and at that point the mechanics of the hinge permit you to open the screen in either configuration. Genius!

HINGE IN PHONE MODE
When open in phone mode, the screen will wobble just a bit due to the pivot, but it's not really that noticable. Because the phone is a bit chunky, it is very comfortable to hold the screen portion of the phone as you hold it up against your ear. (This is how I hold all clamshell phones to reduce stress on the hinge.)

HINGE IN LANDSCAPE MODE
When in landscape (QWERTY) mode, the D307 brought up a shortcut screen with icons for SMS, memo/notes, and IM. The tilt-angle of the screen is adjustable (not that you need to: the color screen is among the finest I've seen and is highly viewable no matter what angle you're looking at it)

SCREEN
This is amongst the finest color screens Samsung has produced for a Cingular phone to date (Nov 2005). Bright (and adjustable), vivid colors and good contrast. As mentioned before, the most impressive screen characteristic is that the screen does not "wash out" much at all if you look at at an angle. The backlight is even without blotches, and the LCD on the unit I saw was not misaligned with the bezel.

The sub-LCD (external) is a delightful monochrome LCD. Say what you want, but I love monochrome, always on LCD screens. A whitish, almost pale blue backlight provides low light illumination, much better than the too-dim backlight found on the Cingular SGH-P107. The sample D307 I saw had a very slightly crooked external LCD, but it was not noticable unless you were picking at nits. It was only off by 1/2 pixel. The LCD window is not recessed, so scratch-o-phobes beware.

Speaking of screen protection, the main LCD does not touch the keypad when closed. And if you're the kind that likes to rely on the "free" plastic screen film that comes with a new phone to hold you over until you get that Brando/Martin Fields type screen protector, you're out of luck. The plastic film that comes with the D307 is a vinyl decal with some colorful graphic of a screenshot/advertisement thing. The external LCD comes with an oversized square plastic film that is way too big, but at least does the job (for a screen 4x that size).

AUDIO
I was in an area of good reception, but I had to test the audio out anyway. A test call to the Voicemail Lady produced good audio. Not to thin, not to bassy. Just right. Oddly enough, I did hear a higher than average level of hiss in the background. But it was proportional to the overall volume level I chose from the side keys (louder voices = louder hissing).

It took me a few failed attempts to get the speakerphone to work. No, I didn't read the manual! When you're in a call, tap the right side key, which appears to be normally set for voice commands. An on-screen message asks if you want to activate the speaker (yes/no?) I did not see any other external loudspeaker holes, so I assume the audio was coming from the earpiece itself.

The volume is sufficient. Nothing more.

Interesting note: When you're in speakerphone, a little "warning" reminder comes up to say that you must now end your calls manually. I disovered that if you fold the phone shut, the call continues (unlike the SonyEricsson z520i I tried recently).

RINGERS
Naturally, I didn't have the chance to connect the D307 to a computer or download ringtones. The D307 comes with the usual assortment of frilly ringtones, and a bunch of SMS chimes. Nag alerts (vibrate or audible) for missed text messages are selectable, or not at all. Ring tones were loud, but the phone seemed to struggle a bit with distortion at the higher volumes.

KEYS
There is only a set of volume keys on the left side, plus the voice control/speakerphone key on the right. Pressing volume down on the side key when the phone is closed toggles between the silent/vibrate mode and the normal ringer mode.

The keypad is confusing. There is definitely a steeper learning curve here. The softkeys are indicated with a set of tiny dots under/above the keys. Get used to them quickly to avoid getting too lost.

The keys are hard, and appeared to be capped in a clear plastic. There is a slight click to each key, which is good. And, they appear to be backlit.

After nearly an hour of fiddling with the keypad in both phone and messaging modes, I concluded that Samsung was perhaps a bit too ambitious here. I almost didn't find the delete key (it's on the right) and entering in numbers is awkward (you use the 0-9 keys, but they're sideways now!)

I also found that my thumbs kept hitting the bottom edge of the screen as I reached for the top row of keys. I don't consider myself to have large hands, but it did get a little annoying.

Another annoyance: Although the keys can be set to beep at you as a form of audio feedback (or not, your choice) there does not seem to be any audio feedback in QWERTY mode. Like it or not, it ought to be a choice.

GPRS/EDGE
A quick tour through the built-in browser (apparently only accessible via "phone mode") revealed no surprises. I could not tell if the phone was using EDGE or not, since a tiny "G" icon blinked atop the tiny browser window. It was a little zippier than I recall, but then again, I've been using an old Nokia 3590 lately.

ODDS AND ENDS
There is a odd, square rubber bumper on the back of the phone near the top. I'm not sure what it's for.

The charging and headset jacks are covered with "hard" plugs that stay attached with a tiny plastic strap. The headset jack is the funny-looking square one. It might be the same as the SGH-e317, I don't know.

I didn't see what was included in the box.

CONCLUSION
A neat idea, but not for me. There is no built-in email app, and I can't see a way to use the browser when in landscape mode. Really nice color screen. The keyboard layout is what ultimately did it for me. Just a little bit too much going on.

Posted by: hesh

WirelessAndy...

Thanks for that review! Very nice and filled in a few gaps. I think there is a way to access the browser in landscape mode through another menu but I could be wrong. Hopefully one of my local stores will have it in so I can check it out tomorrow.

Posted by: Eric5273

Andy is correct. You cannot use the browser, or any of the Java programs/games in landscape mode. That is rather bothersome considering those are the only 2 ways to access email, either through wap or through Cingular's Mobile Email java app. Either way, you are stuck using T9 to type emails, and that is a shame.

Fortunately for me, I rarely type outgoing emails on my phone, and 99% of my T9 entry (my current phone does not have QWERTY) is for SMS & IM, so I'm still considering this phone.

Currently I am waiting to hear about the rumored MediaNet upgrade. I am currently with Verizon, and am a heavy user of Mobile Web 2.0. MediaNet is such a downgrade compared to that. If they upgrade their system to wap 2.0 like Verizon's or like Sprint's Vision, and if the Mobile Email program is confirmed to be working well with AOL mail, then I may port over and buy this phone.

Posted by: MrMoose

Ugh, can't type email with the QWERTY pad?

I was really hot on this phone too and about ready to buy it. I really liked the price of this phone and everything. :/

I liked the Treo, but had issues with the 40 bucks a month and all for the Data plan, not to mention the $550 outlay up front. Then this phone came along and I thought I could be happy...

But no. I need a phone that lets me get the 20 dollar media net service and has a keyboard, however small. Will there ever be one?

I'm still somewhat considering this phone -- I don't type emails out on my current phone, either, but that's more because typing out an email on a t637 would just annoy the crap out of me, lol.

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Yeah. Not an email machine for sure. More for SMS or IM.

Posted by: MrMoose

curious, though: I know with one of my older phones, I could send a text message to an email address...wonder if that is still possible?

I really like the design of this phone and such, too. But now I'm thinking about the Black Razr again... I am beginning to doubt that an email phone with the ability to use MediaNet will ever come about :/

Posted by: WirelessAndy

No reason you can't send email via the SMS gateway. Don't see why not.

Posted by: IlKevinlI

You can type email with the QWERTY keypad when using the Cingular Mobile Email client. Thats what I use with my AOL account.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMoose

Ugh, can't type email with the QWERTY pad?

I was really hot on this phone too and about ready to buy it. I really liked the price of this phone and everything. :/

I liked the Treo, but had issues with the 40 bucks a month and all for the Data plan, not to mention the $550 outlay up front. Then this phone came along and I thought I could be happy...

But no. I need a phone that lets me get the 20 dollar media net service and has a keyboard, however small. Will there ever be one?

I'm still somewhat considering this phone -- I don't type emails out on my current phone, either, but that's more because typing out an email on a t637 would just annoy the crap out of me, lol.

Posted by: hesh

I was able to mess around with one at the store, though no battery so I couldn't actually turn it on.

But the keys were smaller than I thought and I have long fingers so it was a little awkward. Not sure if that would change after getting used to it, but it felt funny. There was some wobble on the display portion of the phone while in phone mode.

The rep told me I'd have to pay $300 for this phone since I'm not eligible for a phone upgrade and can't just extend my plan another 2 years. To me, the phone isn't worth $300. I'd probably feel better paying $200 for it, but at $300, I might as well spend an extra $100 or 2 and get a PDA phone.

Posted by: Eric5273

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlKevinlI

You can type email with the QWERTY keypad when using the Cingular Mobile Email client. Thats what I use with my AOL account.

Are you certain that the Cingular Mobile Email client works in landscape mode??

The phone I used in the store did not have the email client installed on it, but according to Cingular's site, it puts the email client in the "games" folder on most phones, and there was no way to access the games folder while in landscape mode. I figured most games are designed to work in portrait/phone mode, so that seemed to make sense to me.

So can you confirm that the Cingular Mobile Email client works in landscape mode? Or are you just guessing or hoping that it does?

Posted by: IlKevinlI

Im positive it works. Im using it.

It does put it in the games folder but its also listed in the landscape menu screen. Its the 2nd choice called "Mobile Email".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric5273

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Whoah!

I remember the first time opening that thing in landscape mode, I only saw three choices: SMS, "notes", and IM.

Is the Yahoo Mail stuff under the IM menu? Can you post a screen shot of the step to get there?

Posted by: Eric5273

Thanks for the info. Suddenly this phone is seeming more and more desireable.

Posted by: Eric5273

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessAndy

Whoah!

I remember the first time opening that thing in landscape mode, I only saw three choices: SMS, "notes", and IM.

Is the Yahoo Mail stuff under the IM menu? Can you post a screen shot of the step to get there?

If you played around with it a while, did you notice that when you go into SMS or "notes", and then pressed the menu (left) soft key, a small menu would pop up. On that menu were links to go to the address book, as well as other programs that weren't listed on the main menu. I think he's saying that it ends up on that list.

Sounds as if Cingular finally decided to release a good product with this phone. They must of customized the mobile email program to work in landscape mode specifically for this phone and for it to appear on that menu when installed on the phone.

BTW, how is the speed with EDGE? How long does it typically take to download a typical sized email?

Posted by: IlKevinlI

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessAndy

Posted by: WirelessAndy

I never saw that icon (envelope with the "e" on it). So you go into the sub menu and "add" the Mobile Email onto the three-icon "list"?

Posted by: IlKevinlI

Im pretty sure that once I used the program for the 1st time, it then appeared on that menu.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessAndy

I never saw that icon (envelope with the "e" on it). So you go into the sub menu and "add" the Mobile Email onto the three-icon "list"?

Posted by: WirelessAndy

Interesting. What's up with the up/down red arrows above/below the icon? Does pressing up/down on the keypad change the icon selection?

Posted by: MrMoose

Email capability is a major seller for me.

I may do this when i go home for thanksgiving now. Will just tack on 10 extra bucks to my plan and get the 20 dollar media net (have 1k text messages already)

Posted by: chornb2

I previously used the Samsung S307 and was very surprised with how well I liked the phone as I've always kind of thought of Samsung as a lower tier electronics company. I recently purchased the D307 but am already considering returning it as there doesn't seem to be any way to sync my contacts and calendar with Outlook.

My question is has anyone found any way (hacks or otherwise) to get the phone to sync with Outlook contacts and calendars? I don't understand why manufacturers have started taking away features that are like a decade old. If not, what are you doing to at least enter contacts when you change phones?

Thanks.

Posted by: joshnextel

One way may be with RoadSync to use with Outlook/Exchnage servers. I am currently looking for the same solution.

My big issue with phone now is that the headset volume is so low. I can barely hear it ring even on highest setting! Any suggestions??

Also, anyone know of an adaptor to add a 2.5mm headset jack to this phone?

And, anyone find a way to make IM sounds louder?

Problems I have had:
-I wish the "Melody/Vibrate" feature would do both at once!!
-When I have speakerphone on and close the portrait top, it disconnects the call!

Posted by: joshnextel

I see there's no help here, so oh well. I guess no one has experienced any of these issues themselves.