Sprint PPC-6700 reviewed
posted September 29th 2005 8:00AM
Matt Maier got four days with Sprint's new HTC Apache based PPC-6700 and he seems to be a fan. Obviously the Apache features still rock; WiFi, Bluetooth, EV-DO network, 1.3 mega-pixel camera, and Windows Mobile 5.0—but Matt also seems to dig the size, battery life, and EV-DO and WiFi reception. He says "the 6700 may be the best-designed and implemented PDA phone to date." And according to him it might even be able to pull laptop duty for a weekend thanks to the large keyboard (though not as tactile as the Treo's) and the well implemented feature set. Of course, all these happy convergence experiences come at a price. After a $150 rebate the phone will still cost you $479, and the Sprint data service isn't exactly cheap either, but once you convince your boss that the PPC-6700 will allow you to commit every single waking moment of your life to productive endeavors, we're sure she'll be more than happy to assist you in purchasing.
This is why you go GSM with the Wiz stuff. With the two players comnpeting, that is. I dont care for the petruding antenna, either. I just never liked them. I do hope T-mobile get this.. if not, I will have to make a trip to Expansys and order something unlocked.
how's the volume of the earpiece speaker... the 6600 SUCKED and was never fixed.
Cutesy feature stories are just that, but actual real world tests would help keep people from buying premature junk.
A "review" without live pictures ?
I guess this is just a "review" of the specsification list !
What do you mean Sprint's data service isn't cheap? Where else can you get unlimited data for $15/mo? Unless you're just talking about EV-DO, in which case everyone's expensive. =P
:: Adora
:: adora [at] techslut [.] net
I wonder if I can stay on my nextel plan with this phone?
I got a demo of this phone, sound is good! The internet is quick, wifi rocks, but its no treo! No easy one hand dialing...... No top switch to silence all the noise... You have to constantly check the running programs to make sure you have enough memory, otherwise the slow down will kill ya.
If one wants an HTC Apache device unlocked and suitable for GSM, he should consider i-Mate K-JAM
i-Mate K-JAM is GSM. Same keyboard and screen, real different hardware, no EVDO. EVDO>>>EDGE.
I tried this out at the meetup last night. It's a nice design overall, but the keyboard was disappointing. I think it's a better kb than the treo has, but it certainly doesn't come close to the Sidekick II in terms of speed/usability.
The review is actually done by Matt Maier - also from Business 2.0 and a n occasional contributer on Om's blog.
Had mine for almost a week now and will probably replace my Treo 650 with it. Yeah, the KB's tactile feel isn't that great, it's got this weird metallic springiness to it, but it's nice having it around. Earpiece volume is more than adequate. Antenna really doesn't get in the way even when you're using the KB in landscape mode since you're holding it further down. Oh, and yeah I'm still on my $15/mo Vision picture pack plan and didn't have to a change a thing for EV-DO. In SF I get ~420-450 kb/s down, and in Fremont on occassion I get ~700-1000 kb/s. Pretty sweet.
I've got one but might return it and switch back to my Treo 650. The features are great, but the implementation is lacking. Usability of the Treo 650 is much better overall, partially due to Microsoft's usability team's incompetence (do they even have a usability team?). The roomier keyboard on the 6700 is much appreciated, and Ev-DO and built-in WiFi is sweet, but the D-Pad isn't implemented well across the board, the device feels sluggish, and one-handed phone-mode use doesn't come close.
I am submitting this post from my 6700. I switched from a palm OS i500 to the 6700 and have been using it for about 3 weeks now. I have never used a treo or a sidekick, so I can't compare. I use a motorla bluetooth headset and added a 512 mini sd card along with some applications such as agile messenger and a few games. all I can say is WOW. this is the coolest most versital gadget I have ever owned. I love the keyboard, I have no problems with sound and I find it very easy to use. I even use it for mp3's - if you get a call, the volume lowers until you hang up! I love my 6700 and wouldn't trade it for anything...
Got mine last week. I ordered the 6700 and different one for my wife over the phone.
My experience with customer service was excellent. I ported 2 numbers from another carrier and Sprint got it done on the day they said it would. I've carried a cell phone and a HP pocket pc for years. I got the 6700, loaded the sync software, performed an ActiveSync and my calender and 300+ contacts were in my 6700. It took 10 minutes. I read the bible. So I downloaded an NIV with concordance - another thing I don't have to carry. My phone reception has been fine. I find I haven't used the keypad. I'm so used to the stylus and the keypad on the screen in the HP. Because the operating system is exactly like the HP I haven't had to read much of the user's guide.
The battery life is not much different than the cell I had. The 6700 is a bit thick. But I'll gladly trade that for not having to carry two devices. I travel into rural areas for work and T-Mobile does not have coverage in my area if you wander off the interstate. Come on, if you want to take quality pictures get a real camera. I have surfed the web with it, but I prefer a high speed cable connection. It was a lot of money for me. I was worried about Sprint's customer service. But now I'm relieved - I made a good choice.
this may be my next phone. We will see how it compares.
Martin Tibbitts
Guys,
Anyone know the trade name or part number of the GSM version of this device ?. Any additional pointers on where I can get also would be nice. Thanks
Bobby
How does the Sprint PPC-6700 compare to a black berry for recieving and sending Messages?
thanks
ty
This phone is amazing... although not without its shortcomings. with the right software it's easy to copy movies, dvds, tv shows and music.
The phone feature is great, although there is only 1 phone skin to use. The phone can be used with one hand once you become say with the little joystick mouse attached on it....
No complaints at all glad i bought it
If you want to run Palm PDA software on this phone, download this program from Styletap. I did and now I have the best of both worlds.
www.styletap.com/