Peeping Sprint PPC-6700 over the course of three days
posted September 30th 2005 8:01AM
So over the course of the last three days here at CTIA in San Francisco we've gotten to play with the anticipated Sprint PPC-6700 any number of times. Every time we see one we have to go pick it up, it's kind of weird. We've just got Roman hands for the 6700. What did we think, you ask? Well, as the first reviews are starting to trickle out, it's easy to see why this phone is poised to step in as the premiere high speed data enabled qwerty keyboard equipped smartphone, but it's not without fault. Though the unit performed quickly each time we used it, there were issues with the screen orientation getting wonky. It's not that it never came back—it always would, just that it got a little confused sometimes. The sliding hinge left something to be desired (as our pals at PhoneScoop said it, it didn't "inspire confidence"), the silver keyboard and the white backlight made it extremely difficult to read, and, of course, that chubby antenna where the Wizard has none. Still, would we buy one? You kidding?
I'm buying one within a month. I'm sick of waiting for Verizon to come out with the i730 with camera.
The chunky antenna seems to be a Sprint PPC 6700 peculiarity. O2's version, the XDA Mini Pro, doesn't have it at all. The keyboard seems different too.
Whats that big metal hook around the middle of the keyboard in the top picture? Is it part of the keyboard slider mechanism!?!?
#2 response
O2 and others are releasing the GSM version which has different hardware and differnt keyboard but its pretty much the same size.
What we are looking at here is the CDMA version. The reason for the Antenna is probably for EVDO connectivity or they couldn't stuff anything else inside.
Hope this helps
That Big Metal Hook is probably a security device so that someone (like the engadget writers, or myself) doesn't run off with it.
I've got a sidekick 2 that I really love, but this thing has me thinking about switching. The beauty of the sidekick is it's interface, button placement, scroll wheel, it's very simple and intuitive to use and get around. I'd love get my hands on one of these to try out and see how it feels.
God, I hope the tmobile version is better.. I dont see how, but it seems CDMA ones usually seem different to me.
It's a nice looking phone. Size wise, from the pics, it looks like it's about the same size as a 20gb iPod.
I hope to see one in person soon. It may have me not waiting for the Sprint version of the Treo 700w.
The problem with everyone who posts, I included, will never have the perfect gadget. Their will always be a small group of us who wants this or that. We should just be happy sprint is even getting this. I cant wait to get one!
I AM REALLY INTRIGUED ABOUT THIS PHONE, BUT I WONDER HOW IT WEARS. IS IT LIKE CARRYING A BRICK ON YOUR BELT. AND THE SPEAKER PHONE IS REALLY IMPORTANT, IS IT LOUD ENOUGH IN A NOISY BACKGROUND?
I AM REALLY INTRIGUED ABOUT THIS PHONE, BUT I WONDER HOW IT WEARS. IS IT LIKE CARRYING A BRICK ON YOUR BELT. AND THE SPEAKER PHONE IS REALLY IMPORTANT, IS IT LOUD ENOUGH IN A NOISY BACKGROUND?
I still think a phone is a phone I carry it and go everywhere, and a PDA is a PDA, I'll take to work only if I need to.
These things are just too bulky to carry around.
I bought one and the phone is awesome. Its size is a little thick but nothing that is unmanagable. I keep it in by back pocket and havent had issues with it yet. To answer a couple of questions... Speaker phone is so so. It does come with a set of headphones/mic though that produce sound in stereo which is awesome for those noisy situations where it is hard to hear. WM5 can be a little sluggish going from portrait to landscape but we are talking 2 seconds
to post 13. You are right the one thing I would change about the phone is the fattness. If they found a way to cut off another 1/8 to 1/4 inch off the width it would be the perfect size. The picutes that are shown though definitly make it look bigger then the phone actually is.
this thing is a BRICK!!!
The Universal is VGA. The Wizard is QVGA, same as the 6700.
I'm still not sure what I think of the sliding keyboard. It allows the 6700's screen to be larger than the Treo's, but it adds thickness. And I wonder if the keyboard will stay closed after the first couple hundred open-and-closes.
I've had one for over a week now, and it has it's software bugs but overall I think it's an awesome phone.
And every photo I saw of one makes it look like a big brick, but once you actually hold one you'll be very surprised at how small it is. It is smaller then the Treo 650.
A phone like this really needs some kind of UMA-type functionality, so that I could use it to:
1.) make voice calls on my Wi-Fi network, and
2.) switch between Wi-Fi and cell tower in the middle of a call.
I'd pay an extra $5 a month for it, and it would still save me money because I could drop Vonage.
#13 and #15 - yes, this thing is on the thick side. Not bad, though.
I just got it last weekend and its awsome! The form factor is ideal for a PDA/phone model with a hidden keyboard. It's about hte size of a mini-iPod, but slightly ticker to account for the keyboard, relatively light, it's narrower than the treo, and much much smaller than a typical PDA. The keys are designed to accomplish 90% of the work without a stylus. It's reasonably fast, responsive, the phone operation is awsome otherwise I'd be sending it back, and the EV-DO/sprintpcs connectivity is near perfect. It keeps my outlook email updated instantly from the work exchange server. I'm trying to setup the gmail as well, but all else is great. It comes with a mini-usb2.0 port used for syncing and charging it, has powerful wifi antenna,picks up connections while i'm in the car. oh, yeah, my favourite so far, you can drop any .wma, wav or mp3 file and make it your phone ringer or alarm sound. Awsome! The camera is pretty descent as well. Overall, I love it as it's a great form factor for phone/pda.
Get one!
Can any owners comment on the vibrate ringer. I have had two smart phones (the i500 and the 650) that have such weak vibration that I have to use a ringer which I would rather not do. My other question is their voice recognition dialing, and can it be done from a bluetooth headset?
Thanks for advice .
derfrednib@gmail.com
I wouldn't mind if they create a phone like the Wizard, but of this phone's size. Should provide enough room to stuff GPS and an extra battery in there!
HAs anyone tried using the jaba 250 wireless headset? I used it on the treo650 and was not good at all. Hope it works better on this device.
HAs anyone tried using the jaba 250 wireless headset? I used it on the treo650 and was not good at all. Hope it works better on this device.
I like cookies.
Me want cookies.
Any idea if the HTC Universal will be on CDMA (EVDO) anytime soon. Seriously thinking about the PPC-6700 but really need VGA to make it worth it.
I have Cingular coverage due to fact they provide better coverage away from Intestate highways, especially data availabilty, where I live. Anyone know when or if this phone will be available from Cingular. Plus Cingular is advertising a new windows phone soon that is either the MOTO Q or the iPAQ h6315 PC. The MOTO is supposed to be released around christmas I think Cingular is going to sell the iPAQ h6315 also.Does anyone have any info / Any feed back on the T Mobile iPAC 6315
I have the pp-6700 and I have to say its way better than the new Treo 700w. Just check out the specs. And also as former treo user, the ppc-6700 doesn't freeze up like the Treo 650. Great phone.
Does anyone know about this phone's SMS abilities? Can you send AND receive sms messages? Seems to be a problem with the sprint ppc/pda phones. (I'm not referring to yahoo im, or aim... but to the good ole' fashioned SMS to another phone number!)
Thanks.
My friend from Texas told me about this thing and I ordered it immediately (I hope you guys knew about the eBay deal of $350 w/free overnight). I love it! Took a few days to get used to the way it works. My main complaints - Microsoft is retarded! The included browser is a joke! Finding and connecting to a wireless network is a joke unless it's unsecured. It's not too thick, fits great in the utility pocket on my jeans. The vibrate feature is pretty good, haven't used it much though. You NEED to hack the registry to get the performance out of it that it should have by default. The speakerphone is a little soft but you can jam MP3s pretty darn loud. Overall, this is just about everything I've been looking for in a phone/PDA for years! OneHappyOwner
I currently have all my address info on an ancient Palm V. Does anyone know if there is an easy way to transfer that data to the PPC-6700?
I currently have all my address info on an ancient Palm V. Does anyone know if there is an easy way to transfer that data to the PPC-6700?
I lost my Treo600 in Vegas this past week and was in the market for a new smartphone. I asked my co-worker and fellow "Treokster" what he thought I should purchase (back of my mind I thought he would say to wait for the Treo700) and without hesitation he pointed me to the PPC6700. I must say I am in awe with this thing so I ordered it immediately through Sprint. ***a note here*** I called a few Sprint stores and nobody seems to have it in stock yet. Anyway I can't wait to get my hands on it the only downfall seems to be it uses a mini SD card. Oh well, can't win them all.
Well, I think I've been looking for this! Been a SPRINT customer since 1995 & have been one of the lucky ones, never any problems. True, I've only had 4 phones since then & my last one (Hitachi G1000) is still going strong (yup, I have the original one I got from Sprint!) Even added GPS to it. I guess that's my problem. About time to upgrade (and HATE palm with a passion) so should I get this and what GPS should I get with it AND (GODS!) does it do POP3 email?
Well, I think I've been looking for this! Been a SPRINT customer since 1995 & have been one of the lucky ones, never any problems. True, I've only had 4 phones since then & my last one (Hitachi G1000) is still going strong (yup, I have the original one I got from Sprint!) Even added GPS to it. I guess that's my problem. About time to upgrade (and HATE palm with a passion) so should I get this and what GPS should I get with it AND (GODS!) does it do POP3 email?
Is there any way to make sure this doesn't accidentally answer a call - like if it is in your pocket and somebody is calling?
I got the 6700 two weeks ago and I am only now warming to it. I had a hell of a time configuring the e-mail system, even with IT folks from my company helping me and many (at least 4) hours on the phone with Sprint tech support. They have had so many problems with this that they have a dedicated PPC6700 group in Texas. If the first C/S person can't solve the problem they bounce you over to the specialists and you get to start all over again.
I'm addicted to one-handed typing on my Treo, but it doesn't look like the sideways layout of the 6700 is conducive to one-handed use. Can anyone please comment?
Yes, I can type with one hand on my 6700. I can almost control the whole thing with one hand... I'm still working on it though.
#31, can you fill me in more about hacking into the reg to increase performance. slycann@gmail.com
I just got my 6700 2 days ago. My treo600 died. I'm having a little bit of rough time converting over but things are really getting smoother by the hour. TRANSCRIBER (ability to write letters/words/sentences in cursive/print & and that gets entered into word,an email address, contact lookup, IE address, etc... is VERY cool. 3 kind of anhh things are battery life,speaker vol/clarity, and SMS acts like emails vs. the chat format found in 600(I'm looking for WM5 version... please let me know is you find one). david@donham.us
RE:#39- YES, one hand typing via pop-up screen keyboard(Use options:Big keys&gestures). when not driving, I'm as fast as with 600!!!I've had no prob's with WiFi(WEP or not) or email(much better sys than 600). I wish active sync work over WiFi. Phone-as-modem feature lets you use your phone as Wireless modem for laptop is cool feature but can't get that going just yet. I miss dedicated Calendar, Contacts buttons & Menu-C & Menu-P & tricked out calc & ever-present speed dial (keypad)App's,fon#'s on 600. Super Stable OS. Wish I could dismiss SMS's with one button click.
RE:#41- Here are some of those reg hacks
http://pdaphonehome.com/forums/showthread.php?s=cb79a1a9dae3ac70b7ac1a727159acb8&threadid=57061
re:silver keyboard/white backlight, I'm considering having artist friend outline letters on slide keyboard. If she can do w/o it being Ghetto-fabulous, that works for me.
OVERALL: 9 and some change (same score I'd give Treo650(perhaps) but for very different reasons), I believe I'll be hard core 6700 believer in about 2 weeks.
I got the connection from the phone to the computer working with the usb cable that comes with it, had to wait on hold for 45 min to talk to sprint specialist for this phone but I was able to hit 1.7mbps on a download page... www.sprintpcs.com/downloads choose your os mine is XP I chose this one "Sprint PCS Connection Manager for Phone as Modem/USB Cables" its 11mb file one installed you still have to use the connection.exe that it came with that is the only way I was able to connect, no longer able to dial #777 to gain access but I got used to it... side note anyone have any problems with the battery sating that its at an unknown status, its getting annoying any feed back would be appreciated thanks
I've had my 6700 for a week and have several issues. 1) Battery life sucks. 2) I have had to re-boot to get the backlight to come on - quite a few times. 3) It is not "syncing" all of my email with Outlook. 4) When I turn it on, I have to wait about 10 seconds to initiate a call. 5) Too many steps required to get to "speed dial". 6) When making a new call, It's too easy to mis-dial the last number you talked to. 7) The screen is VERY HARD to read when in sunlight. 8) The keyboard is VERY HARD to read when NOT in sunlight. 9) Unless you turn WiFi "off", it'll beep and display a message every time its within range (which is CONSTANTLY). 10) Too many unnecessary "notifications" pop up. 11) "Speaker Phone" volume is too low.
I'm still uncertain if I'll keep it. I first want to talk to Sprint about software/firmware upgrades or other fixes.
If anyone has had similar issues and has found a "fix", I'd love to hear from you! sonvec@erinet.com
1. Press and hold your power button to toggle the back light on and off!
2. Make sure that you shut off your WM5 device when not in use to conserve power!(it will still recive calls and data while shut off) Also make sure that all back light and power conservation settings are set.
3. Active Sync should has a setting for how much mail to actually sync!(i.e. 1 week, 2 week, 1 month etc.)
4 Just like windows it take a minute to boot. But I'm sure you will do that less now that you know how to turn on the backlight without a soft reset.
5. Get a contact list going or use Microsoft voice command 1.5
6. SEE # 5
7. That's LCD for ya not WM5, but you could allways try to increase you screen brightness on batter though....
8. Enable your button backlight, and you can just press the bottom left key twice to enable it when dark. This will not do anything to your current screen.
9. WIFI should be off unless u want to use it. WIFI card is a complete waste of power if not needed and it will cause issues with vision service is it's turned on and randomly connecting.
READ THE MANUAL..............
Is it better that the treo 650 or not please help before a make the purchase.
fpitkat@comcast.net
is anyone currently syncing it with ACT?
fpitkat@comcast.net
i lost my treo650(which i think so far is the best product out there) and sprint shipped me a new one (should get it by friday) now the ppc 6700 is getting my attention. after reading all these comments, im really planning to get one by the end of this week.. but i still like to hear it from a treo650 (or a pre-treo650)owner if changing to the 6700 is beneficial. basically a straight forward YES or NO answer would be useful.
-thanks
I saw a review of this device by a Sprint exec. FYI... she liked it.
http://businessblog.sprint.com/1/1/2005/12/04/Treo-650-lover-review-of-the-PPC-6700-Is-this-a-test.html?tb=y
I just got the 6700 last nite. I think I will love it. I have had pocket pcs before, so this was my criteria for a pda. I had no problem syncing with my desktop, but then the 6700 froze while I was in my car. I tried to do several soft resets. I finally had to do a hard reset which was frustrating since I lost some pics. With it freezing, I missed an important call from my vet. Any clues as to why it froze so quickly? I didn't add any new software to it.
I have had the ppc-6700 for just over three weeks now and I love it. It's a little bigger than most cell phones, but that's not bad as far as I'm concerned, as I tend to drop and break the tiny ones. The performance is Phenomenal. I really like the windows Mobile operating system, surprising since as a computer technician I am not overly fond of microsoft (go Linux!). It is easy to use, there are lots of software titles available, more every day, and it works great as a phone. I have a Sony/Ericson bluetooth headset that works well, with the exception of not being able to use the voice command (sold separately, although forty bucks ain't bad) through the headset. I don't know if this is model specific (HBH-600 headset). The only time i have had any issues, ironically, is that it seems every time I walk into a sprint store, my phone freezes. Hmmm... I automatically check email, the sprint wireless web service is only $15.00 a month, for unlimited access, and it connects at about 300k per second here in the Sacramento California area. I ususally dont' even bother to use the WIFI, as the sprint service is blazing, for a phone. Web pages are not mini-pages, but the full page. Came in handy when picking up a friend at the airport. I checked his flight itinerary from my phone at Southwest's website right from the airport parking lot. Definitely worth the dough I forked over for it (650.00 because I was not up for an upgrade yet.) Does everything they promised and lots lots more.