Hands on with Cingular's version of the Audiovox SMT 5600
Reader Jesse King got his hands on the new Cingular version of the Audiovox SMT 5600, and was kind enough to send us a few pics of his new baby. Not surprisingly, it looks almost exactly like the old AT&T Wireless version of the SMT 5600, even down to the lack of carrier branding on the phone itself (even though the handset depicted on the SMT 5600's box does sport a Cingular logo on its casing). Not that we mind a phone coming with less branding on it or anything…
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
burch @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
not bad
Charles @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Windows Smartphone still has a long way to catch up wih Symbian series 60 in terms of functionality and software.
~J~ @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Is this the Orange C550 then? Can't say I'm that inspired to upgrade like I was between the 200 to the 500!
Marv @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I prefer Nokia. Windows mobile crashes way too much and there are few third party software, for example I love ereader and Quick office both very popular, but unavailable for WM.
Kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Another vote for Series 60 here!
I love Win XP on my desktop and Pocket Pc, but definitely Windows Phones suck.
Jasmine @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
The Treo line and Nokia 66xx lines are a hundred times better than this phone
Jay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
@ 3. Posted May 8, 2005, 5:46 PM ET by ~J~
this is not the Orange C550, this is just a rebranding of the C500 which has been out ages.
Have a google for the C550, it will have a higher res screen and 4 extra buttons on the front dedicated to windows media player 10 (yes it will come with the new WMP10).
As for all the "anti-windows phones" people, clearly they aren't as bad as you make out and symbian isn't as good either, they both have their pros and cons. Otherwise no-one would buy windows mobile smartphones, which is not the case.
Pete D @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Loads of people bashing Windows mobile for no reason. I have had the SMT5600 for several months and not once has it ever frozen. For all you bashing, next time think of something intellegent to say...
eGoogl @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
windows mobile rocks!
i don't need in iPOOP opss iPOD,
ihave all office suite functionality, an i would never even toch something like palm Os or similars.
NO CRASHES...
i say again
my smt5600 rocks!
;-)
Grandpa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
My god, are you that dedicated to a piece of hardware that you troll boards and post lies? Pathetic.
You've never even used a Windows Mobile phone. They don't crash and they completely crush a series 60 or Nokia phone in funcionality anyday.
Nokias/Series 60 has some advantages, but not what you list.
TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I believe this phone DOES come with WMP10? Thought I read it in the spex, maybe I was thinking of something else.
Also, gotta love the ass-packages who come into a thread just to voice they like SOMETHING else other than the story posted. Shut up already, mmk, thanks.
Kirk Williams @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Ok,is there a difference between mpx220's wmp9 and audiovox's wmp10? Can you do voice dial through bluetooth? Can you do file transfer? How is the camera quality?
Steve Fisher @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I too have used the Audiovox SMT 5600 for many months now. As soon as At&t offered it I bought one. It is a great phone. Tons of features Tons of useful software. And, the best phone display I've ever seen.
Really want to have some fun? Get a free ORB account (www.orb.com) and access all your home PC media right from the SMT 5600. Pictures, video, even Live TV if you have a media PC. All stream off your PC right to the Phone.
I got stuck at the dentist the other day, watched live HBO on my cellphone. What Nokia does that?
And whatever the windows mobile software didnt do for me, third party windows mobile software did. Alarms wakes me up different times on weekdays and weekends to my favorite MP3s. Rip movies to the mini SD to watch anytime anywhere.
So many third party softwares on my 5600, and I think it has only crashed once maybe twice since ive had it.
My Daughter has a Motorola mpx220, that seems to have a few glitches and she reports more crashes even though she has little extra software. I dont know if that is what is giving Windows Mobile a bad rap. But the SMT 5600 a winner in my book. SF
Vexorg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I'm planning to get one of these sometime within the next couple of paychecks. I've been using Windows Mobile devices (PocketPCs mostly) for quite a while, and although the HTC PocketPC Phones are incredible devices, they're too cumbersome to carry around on a daily basis, so this will make a nice one to carry around as my main phone, supplemented by my Axim X50v when I need a bit more capability.
gopi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I'm a developer. I have:
SonyEricsson P800, P900
N-gage (cheapest series60 phone out there)
iMate PDA2k
iPaq h6315
iPaq 5555 (Running Linux currently)
Windows Mobile 2003 is a very poor OS in many regards. One fundamental difference between it and Symbian is that Symbian really integrates the phone functionality with the core OS. PocketPC devices turn on and off; incoming phone calls will wake a sleeping PPC device.
Symbian, OTOH, is always-on. I can get a week of battery life, with features like Bluetooth, with, say, a Python command prompt waiting for a keystroke. The PPC side of the device gets nowhere near that; if you just leave the phone side running, sure, but not if you use the organizer parts.
Locking the screen? Not part of the OS. What happens if you get an incoming phone call with a Windows Mobile device in your pocket, and you ignore it? Well, the touch screen will be active, and it'll just start doing random things, calling random people, or whatever else manic clicking can cause.
Now, the device this story is about is the phone edition stuff - I don't have as much experience with it, not owning one (yet.) However, the lack of attention to detail - or even the big, obvious things - is stunning in Microsoft's more expensive offerings. WindowsCE still can't even handle more than 32MB of memory for a single process - ridiculous, given that it's a full 32 bit OS that ships on hardware with more than 32MB of DRAM.
All mobile OSs have problems. Nokia wants Series60 to be really good. UIQ wants the UIQ platform to be good. Microsoft wants you to buy their stuff; they don't care if it's good.
Windows Mobile tries to be a desktop OS on a postage-stamp sized screen. It's got a fast processor, sure, but it's bloated and poorly designed - PocketIE can't even have more than one page open at a time! You can't edit a bookmark's URL. You can change the folder a bookmark is in once you add it. They've been at this for years, why can't they do the simplest things right?
gopi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Steve Fisher writes, "I got stuck at the dentist the other day, watched live HBO on my cellphone. What Nokia does that?"
Any Nokia running Series60, for one? They ship with RealPlayer and can play RTSP streams. They've been able to do that for years.
http://www.nokia.com/nokia/0,8764,57504,00.html
Kirk Williams @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Never mind. I found my answer here:
http://www.phonemag.com/index.php/weblog/read_more/10212004_audiovox_smt_5600_full_review/
Kirk @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I had the Nokia 6620 and switched to the 5600. I couldn't be happier. The Symbian OS feels like an open source project that isn't finished. It feels patched together. Windows Mobile just works. There may not be as much third party software but the software that's out there is much better than Symbian software. I'm done with Symbian and plan on upgrading to the next Smartphone when it becomes available.
Hector D @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I am not a Microsoft fan at all. I am a cell phone freak. I have had tried Symbian, Palm and MS phones. I like them all. It really comes down to personal preference and really, to personal needs. I carry a Treo 650 now and I love it. There are a lot of applications for it! However, I am getting tired of the sudden reboots every couple of days. The size could be a lot smaller too.
I have tried the SMT 600. Solid phone, and awesome size. Yes, not a lot of applications compared to the Treo, but, if all you want is a way to sync with Outlook and don't care for a full keyboard, the SMT is perfect. And it is not a brick like the Treo or P series from SE.
So, really, nobody could say that "theirs" is beter than the other. Leave that talk to the Xbox and PS2 owners.
Awesom-o @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Damn. That thing is nice. I want one.
Ted @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Gopi,
Good comments about the PPCPE devices, but the Smartphone OS is different - biggest being it doesn't have a touchscreen you that problem you talked about in your pocket is non-existent.
Pickup an SMT5600 and check it out, works GREAT. And realplayer on a 60 series phone? Heh heh, checkout Betaplayer for the SMT5600 (or any PPC or Windows Smartphone). Makes Realplayer look like one of this kids "videOH" players :-)
That being said, I did sell my SMT5600 and bought the Treo650, I need that QWERTY keyboard too mcuh.
Grandpa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Yah, well mr 15/gopi you aren't exactly paying attention. You just pointed out how you had every device except what was being discussed. The Smartphone OS is a phone OS, nothing like the "phone edition" version of Pocket PC. Maybe you should check it out.
Windows Mobile for Smartphone is phone centered and they did...a good job. There's more work to do but they didn't take their eyes off the prize with this one. My 70 year old mother (bless her soul) can actually use this phone.
Magneto Man @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Hi -
Does anyone have knowledge to know if this phone will support the new "Magneto" phone OS from Microsoft? That is, when the new OS is released, will the SMT be capable of running it??
Magneto Man @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I read in a comment about the SMT (other thread in Engaget) the newer version of this phone would be released in a few months running Magneto. Does anyone have any information about that?? What other phones are on the 2 month horizon that are comparable or better than this one? Should I wait???
Magneto Man @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I read in a comment about the SMT (other thread in Engaget) the newer version of this phone would be released in a few months running Magneto. Does anyone have any information about that?? What other phones are on the 2 month horizon that are comparable or better than this one? Should I wait???
jayson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
comment on #23
I honestly don't know if it can accommodate Magneto. Magneto is a hybrid of Pocket PC and Smartphone OS. There will be no distiction anymore. This means that the OS can be operated via touch screen or via key pad. Current Pocket PC and Smartphone apps will work on the new OS. Problem is, since magneto is built from the Pocket PC OS, you might need a QVGA screen at a minimum. Only a handful of smartphones come with QVGA screens (but this will be a standard in the future). I'm not sure if this device sports a QVGA screen. If yes, then you might have a chance but I doubt.
Roy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I notice that most Windows Mobile 2003 basher have a problem because its coming from Microsoft. I bet if the same OS would have been developed by Nokia or any other company it would be the greatest phone OS ever. I certainly will check out Magneto when it comes later this year.
Jay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
@16. Posted May 8, 2005, 8:57 PM ET by gopi
I think you are confused about what OS this phone is using, this is a SMARTPHONE not a phone edition of the PDA OS. The smartphone OS is optimised for use on mobile phones with one handed operation and smallish screens. The screen is not touch screen and you can lock the keys...
Bart @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I used the nokia 6600(symbian os) for two months and was happy to go "back" to a nokia 6610i, it works much more like a phone and it actualy remembers my appointments(the 6600 somehow erased my agenda 3 or 4 times in 2 months...)
Although I like nokia and used a few, I'm ready for something new.
I believe that the new spv c550 will work with magneto and I'm seriously thinking of getting one within 1 or 2 months.
Bart @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I used the nokia 6600(symbian os) for two months and was happy to go "back" to a nokia 6610i, it works much more like a phone and it actualy remembers my appointments(the 6600 somehow erased my agenda 3 or 4 times in 2 months...)
Although I like nokia and used a few, I'm ready for something new.
I believe that the new spv c550 will work with magneto and I'm seriously thinking of getting one within 1 or 2 months.
Buzzcut @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I've heard that MS has a feature in their server software to enable Blackberry like "push" e-mail (for free, no less). I've also heard that this phone works with it.
Anybody out there using this phone like a Blackberry? Can it sync wirelessly (not Wi-fi wirelessly, not bluetooth wirelessly, but GRMS wirelessly or some other cellphone wirelessly).
L @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Yes, you can use a blackberry like push email on this phone, it just requires that you have an exchange server on the backend. If you do, it is already all built in, you just need to convince someone to turn it on for you...
I have been using a mpx200 for some time now and while I really like this phone, it has been out way to long now, and the magneto phone should start coming out any time now...
Too bad pocketmac is still a little bit funky on my home machine. That is my only real complaint about this or the other microsoft phones, no officual support for non-windows sync!
puna @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
So what's coming out to replace this phone within the next 6 months?
Magneto Man @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
This is taken from a wireless newsletter called Fierce Wireless -- key features of the new Magneto phone OS. I'm not with MS, or in the phone business. I'm just a user hoping this OS will work on my new SMT phone. :-)
Microsoft to launch newest version of Windows Mobile next week
Microsoft next week is expected to launch the latest version of its mobile software, Windows Mobile 5. The new mobile OS, code-named Magneto, is designed to make Microsoft's mobile platform more flexible and scalable, allowing device makers to create a large variety of Windows-powered mobile gadgets. Windows Mobile 5 is reported to include a number of improvements, including better one-handed device navigation, a improved version of mobile Word, a mobile viewer for PowerPoint, and the ability to add photos to phone contacts. Windows Mobile 5 will also supposedly make it easier for users to roam between different wireless networks, such as roaming between a cellular data connection and a WiFi hotspot.
For more on Windows Mobile 5:
http://www.mobile-review.com/pda/articles/wm2005-magneto-en.shtml
Magneto Man @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
OK - I got one here in Boston.
I'm very new to such a capable phone, but I have two comments:
1) there is a web address advertised on the insides of the box "to make the most out of your Audiovox SMT5600 Smartphone" http://www.cingular.com/smartphonesolutions.com except the page is not found on the Cingular site
2) I've been told by a few people that I sound like I'm al echoey as if I'm in a bathroom or swimmingpool. Is this the norm for this phone??? Did I get a dud??
kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
is there a difference in the version that used to be sold with att and the newer version that cingular sales.
PhilharmonicTom @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Just got a 5600. Have a mpx200. Noticed that the 5600 home screen settings are limited to far less than the 200....limited colors to default and bliss (one and the same)...and limited background image to default and cingular (one and the same). Any way to download home screen stuff...like PPCPE? Thanks
Pankaj @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
Does anyone know how to setup SMT 5600 so as to access Exchange emails.
Here is the thing; i can acess my exchange email just with a internet connection by PC (no VPN etc), as exchange 2003 provides for browser based email. I was hoping with those settings i will directly be able to acess mails from the phone as well. But it every time tells me that can not connect to incoming mail server; i can access sites like google easily.
Help!
Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
You can use this phone with Exchange 2003 - the URL is different from a pc, though, because it uses outlook mobile access. If your normal URL is http://mail.companyname.com/exchange, try http://mail.companyname.com/oma
Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
I've been researching this phone lately, and I finally had a chance to play with one in the cingular store. I'm very impressed with the usability and feature set this phone offers. I'm seriously considering leaving Verizon just to get this phone, but I have two concerns.
First, is Cingular's service good? I've been on Verizon for 5 years, and there network is impressive. I've very seldom come across dead spots. Has anyone in here had both providers? How do they match up?
My second concern is that there will soon be another version of this phone with upgraded features and running Windows Mobile 2005. Has anyone heard about a successor to this phone?
Rich @ Dec 19th 2005 12:14AM
There seems to be an issue connecting this phone with cingular to an exchange server using the push technology previously outlined in post 32. Everyone is blaming everyone else, but it seems that you can't install a root certificate on this phone it's locked by...(Audiovox,Cingular OR Microsoft).... as a consequence you either have to remove the security protections to your corp exchange server (yeah right!) or use the /oma solution outlined which is NOT push technology.
Has anyone got this to work ?