At first glance, the SP3i appears to be a standard mobile device, but the features it is packed with turn it into a mobile business tool, without the bulk.
The SP3i is powered by a 200MHz TI OMAP processor, with 64MB of ROM and 32MB of RAM. For connectivity, both IrDA and Bluetooth are included.
Active sync makes backup and data transfer to and from a PC painless.
For the business traveller, flight mode allows for work to continue while in the air. The phone re-connects to any available mobile network upon landing and sends and receives mail messages.
Including Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Smart Phone, full Internet browsing, MMS, POP3 and text message functionality, file manager, free space checker and task manager and provisions for a MiniSD memory card, this mobile wonder will slip into many lifestyles.
A larger screen and a joystick mean enhanced viewing and mobility, although the joystick could have done with some refining as its sensitivity counts against it.
The battery life is impressive - imperative in a device designed for those on the move.
On the down side, it seems the developers at I-mate have not learnt from past mistakes. The location of the miniSD slot is still under the battery. Each time the card is removed, the phone must be turned off and dismantled - rather cumbersome even if this only needs to be done once a day.
Memory is lacking; the phone is resource intensive at times and I had to reboot my stalled phone now and then, a trend Microsoft tends to stick to. Boot-up time is lengthy.
Although users are able to load and remove programs from the device, a firmware upgrade on a battery that is not fully charged can be disastrous. If the battery dies before the process is complete, the entire operating system is lost. While it is recoverable, the potential for lost data is worrying.
On the whole, a powerful smartphone that brings convenience to lifestyle and business. But be warned, it is rather pricey.
Related stories:
i-Mate SP3
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