| Smartphones are finally
beginning to live up to their name with the introduction of the Kyocera QCP 6035.
It’s a tri-mode CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) wireless phone, an 8MB Palm
OS-based organizer and a wireless data/fax modem rolled into one snazzy package.  In
addition to traditional cellular phone features, it includes voice-activated dialing,
voice memo recorder, speakerphone, speed dialing and multiple ring options. Kyocera claims
the rechargeable lithium ion battery provides up to five hours of talk time and up to 180
hours of standby.
Size Does Matter
The Kyocera Smartphone is broadly proportioned, yet its display is about 25
percent smaller than most other Palm organizers. The resulting paradox is its display,
while noticeably small for a Palm organizer, is actually more spacious than those on most
browser-enabled cell phones. The wider design makes it uncomfortable to hold for extended
periods. However, this is a huge improvement over its predecessor, the original clunky
Qualcomm pdQ phone.
PDA a lá Mode
The Smartphone has two main modes: phone-based and Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA)-based. When the numeric keypad is closed, it functions like a wireless phone. I
found the larger screen fonts used in this mode easier to read. Flipping the keypad open
reveals more screen area and activates the Palm-based organizer. You can access the
central address book from either mode.
Reading My Palm
The Smartphone unit I used runs Palm OS, Version 3.5.1, which was tweaked to
integrate with the phone features. It comes with the standard built-in Palm programs as
well as additional programs to access the call history, dialer, data/fax modem, voice
messages, speed dial, voice dial, wireless e-mail and Internet features directly from the
Palm application launcher. It also comes with a serial cradle that charges both the
Smartphone and a spare battery.
The Smartphone ran most other productivity Palm programs
without a hitch, but a few games didn’t display properly or complained they were not
designed to run on this version of the Palm OS, which isn’t uncommon with Palms in
general.
The big plus is the seamless integration of the address
book with the cell phone. The Smartphone makes it possible to have one address book that
is in sync between your home and office PCs, PDA and cell phone. The speakerphone allows
for the use of the Palm-based organizer functions while talking on the phone, but the
speaker’s weak maximum volume requires quiet surroundings, and makes a hands-free
headset a necessary accessory.
Cutting Wires
The included Eudora POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) e-mail client worked well, but
I was not as pleased with the bundled Eudora Web browser. While it handles both WAP
(Wireless Application Protocol) and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), heavily formatted
Web pages appear messy onscreen. Unfortunately, the relatively slow 14.4 Kbps data
connection rate is a function of the CDMA wireless network infrastructure, not the
Smartphone.
You can install browsers other than Eudora Web, such as
AvantGo or Handspring’s Blazer browser. The Smartphone also doubles as a Palm VII in
the sense you also can run various PQAs (Palm Query Applications) on it. It also can be
used as a wireless data/fax modem for your laptop, but don’t expect to break any
speed records this way.
Perhaps the largest concern I have is the glaring
omission of two key features while you are online with the Smartphone: There’s no
real-time notification of incoming voice calls while you are connected to the Internet,
and flipping the keypad closed doesn’t kill your online session. If you forget to
press the “End Call” button, you will stay connected and chew up your monthly
minutes unless you specify a number of idle minutes before the unit disconnects.
Charge It
I needed to recharge the phone once every three to five days depending on my use
of it. This is an impressive battery life in my book. However, the Palm organizer and cell
phone run off the same battery pack, so once the battery goes completely dead, the
organizer is erased back to factory condition just like a regular Palm.
Pricing plan
Neither Sprint nor Verizon offered unlimited data access plans at the time of
this article. Your online calls take up your monthly minutes just like any other call.
Given the relatively slow wireless connection, this could add up.
Who Should Buy It
Despite the shortcomings it’s a useful device. The Smartphone is a good
alternative for mobile professionals who are tired of carrying around a pager, PDA and
cell phone, and just want one device to lighten their load with a universal address book. |
Kyocera Wireless Corp.
www.kyocera-wireless.com
(800) 349-4188Price:
$499 (price may vary with wireless service plan)
Review unit provided courtesy of Verizon
Communications. Monthly service plans vary by wireless provider.
Reviewed by Jeffrey J. Beard, J.D, Legal Technologist
at Quarles & Brady LLP, Milwaukee.
Oct/Nov
'01 Issue
PROS
Single device with smartly integrated Palm organizer,
exceptional phone features and full wireless feature set.
CONS
Expensive, small Palm display, somewhat bulky for a
phone, relatively slow wireless connection, lacks notification of incoming voice calls
during data calls, no unlimited Internet access pricing plan, no internal expansion option
or USB support.
VERDICT
It’s a capable Smartphone for those looking for
a “one device” solution. |
