Peoples Republic of South Devon

PDA Phones – The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly Pt2

April 25th, 2008

The weekly technology column from those good people at Plymouth’s Orange Crate

With the main network providers offering at least some PDA option with the majority of their pre-pay contracts, the opportunity to get your hands on one with minimum outlay has never been so realistic. But which one? A few years ago the market was heavily skewed towards the business and enterprise sector, but recent marketing campaigns have ensured the foray of the PDA phone into the world of the home consumer.

This week I’m going to take a closer look at three options available on regular phone provider contracts – The LG Viewty, HTC Touch, and the Apple iPhone. Although these represent a mere drop in the ocean in terms of models available, the likelihood is you’ve heard of at least two of them so it’s as good a place as any to start.

Available for free on contracts from all the major players, the LG Viewty fortunately has more to offer than a silly name. In its favour it is certainly easy to use as a phone, and has all the features you’d expect from a PDA – radio, calender, media player. Possibly the Viewty’s best feature is its 5 megapixel camera – impressive by any standards. However, there are some unfortunate drawbacks. Lack of speed is definitely an issue, as is the relatively poor quality of the operating system and included software. Potentially a great idea, but don’t expect to leave your laptop at home by any means – this is a very attractive phone with some nice features, little more.

HTC are relatively unknown as a phone manufacturer, but as one of the biggest platforms for the Windows Mobile operating system in the UK, they have built a series of improving phones over the last few years. Although aesthetically pleasing, the Touch also offers a host of well designed applications and features through Windows Mobile 6.0. For anyone familiar with previous Windows phones, you will know this combination is a rarity! Much more of a pocket pc, although its phone functions are pretty good, the HTC Touch’s major downfall is its reliance on the stylus pen. If you don’t like using it, give it a wide berth – finger pushing isn’t a realistic option here.

The Apple iPhone is currently recognized as the user-friendly pinnacle of high street PDA phones. Developed with the private consumer in mind, it combines a touchscreen phone, an iPod, and a PDA. And it does it well. Attractive and sleek, it successfully markets itself as today’s must-have ‘accessory’. However, it’s expensive. Very expensive. And it’s closed-platform operating system ensures that it really is just a designer gadget rather than a full blown technical aide.

In truth, I’ve only scratched the surface of these phones’ abilities. All have their own fortes, and I haven’t even mentioned some of the other powerful contenders such as Palm Treo, Blackberry, i-mate, or even Nokia. Next time you’re renewing your contract, skip over the pretty pink Sony and have a closer look at the PDA options. Because it’s cool to play games, check your email and talk on the phone at the same time – surely everybody knows that.

Entry Filed under: technology