ZDNet have published a review of the P800. They like the device and give it 7.9 out of 10. If only it had predictive text input and coped with Windows 98 it would heve got an editors choice.
VERDICT
Sony Ericsson has loaded the P800 with a myriad functions, yet somehow manages to integrate them successfully. The result is a hugely powerful device that will satisfy all but the most demanding users.
What ? It does not cope with windows 98 ?
Don't tell me that this is almost the first device that actually works with XP, but not 98.
It may be my age, but I could not handle predictive text, I had to turn it off.
If I want to type gibberish I will do that for myself without automatic assistance !
That was a poor review... Anyways, about the lacking of predictive text input, sure it would be nice for one-handed(in phone-mode)use when typing an sms, but using the virtual QWERTY keyboard(in PDA-mode)is just as fast, if not faster, for typing sms etc. when you get used to it.
Interesting about the virtual keyboard.
It will do until a IR external keyboard is developed (see other threads regarding PALM IR keyboard).
I would think that BT keyboard would be better than IR one.
And no suprise that ZDnet (M$) makes a poor review of symbian phone.
But I think that predictive text input is really must on any phone.
[quote="Raven"]That was a poor review... Anyways, about the lacking of predictive text input, sure it would be nice for one-handed(in phone-mode)use when typing an sms, but using the virtual QWERTY keyboard(in PDA-mode)is just as fast, if not faster, for typing sms etc. when you get used to it.[/quote]
The wirtual keyboard is fine.
But SMS is not just a matter of speed, if the P800 had T9, SMSing would be a one handed, walk-and-go affair, with a bag of groceries in the other hand.
... or with the other hand on the steering wheel 😮
[quote="JyriK"]And no suprise that ZDnet (M$) makes a poor review of symbian phone.[/quote]
Quite obviously. And as an attempt to bring you back to MS, they link you back to a review of the SPV at the bottom of the page. Nicely done.
[quote="Raven"]That was a poor review... Anyways, about the lacking of predictive text input, sure it would be nice for one-handed(in phone-mode)use when typing an sms, but using the virtual QWERTY keyboard(in PDA-mode)is just as fast, if not faster, for typing sms etc. when you get used to it.[/quote]
I don't know if the QWERTY keyboard will ever work faster than T9 for inputting common words. Think about it, you only have to work with 9 keys with T9 (for that's why it's called T9 obviously 😉 ) compare to trying to find each letter individually on a virtual keyboard with relatively smaller and more crowded keys.
Aiyo homeboy at ZDNET comments on how the P800 is bulky (which i don't agree with) but says the screen is not as wide as a pda. So which one does he want? u can't satisfy this guy! NEWAY a 7.5 in deisgn is a horrible call on my part. microsoft must pay them off.
[quote="Zdnet Review"]A Sony Ericsson spokesperson told us that the company is considering releasing predictive text as a software upgrade, but nothing is confirmed yet. [/quote]
That would be nice!