Company Samsung - is not new to the market of WM-units. Nevertheless, the Korean giant is in no hurry to force things, slowly but surely developing in this direction. Despite the slowness, all overlooking the light of the model (whether it's a smartphone or PDA) consistently attracts the attention - either through the conceptual novelty (remember the smartphone SGH-i300 with a 3 GB hard drive), or through a fresh look at the known solutions and issues. Fortunately, the company can afford to invest not only in design but also to establish convenient software shell of its own production, as easy as possible to "talk" the user with a phone Windows. This, as you've probably guessed, about the smartphone Samsung SGH-i600. A feeling that the engineers Samsung has been tasked to facilitate familiarity with smart devices based on Windows Mobile, seemingly bringing him rather to ordinary phones than to the communicators. For this version and said the handset design, and its positioning within the image-line Ultra, the well-known ultra-thin mobile handsets, and advanced phones with the support of third-generation networks, and the aforementioned program shell from Samsung, brightens up the work with WM. Otherwise, it's the same Blackberry-like device - with all the trademark features: thin, but wide body, horizontally oriented screen and a mini-keyboard underneath. Recall that the prototype of our hero, as well as the entire Guard of similar devices from manufacturers served as popular in the U.S. Blackberry messenger from the company RIM, a proactive mobile correspondence. I600 hardware close to its predecessor, SGH-i320, from which it differs not only Wi-Fi and UMTS / HSDPA-ins, and improved ergonomics - a smarter QWERTY-keyboard and controls (for example, the advent of the scroll wheel) and tied to it the menu shell. Here's how to look its characteristics.
Features: - Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone AKU 3.2
- Processor: TI OMAP 1710 220 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB RAM (48.5 Mb) and 128 MB Flash ROM (54.8 MB available)
- Screen: 2.3 "transflective TFT, 240x320, 65536 colors
- Memory Expansion: microSD
- Communication capabilities: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz, GRPS (Class 10) / EDGE, UMTS / HSDPA, Bluetooth (2.0), Wi-Fi (802.11b / g)
- Camera: 1.3 MP
- Battery: Li-Ion, 1200 mAh
- Dimensions and weight: 113x59x11.8 mm and 95 g
Attentive readers will have i600 and another difference from the i320 - a less powerful processor 220 MHz TI OMAP 1710 clocked at 220 MHz vs. 416 MHz chip from Intel. However, here we advise you not to jump to conclusions and wait for the results of our tests for performance. Among the pleasant small differences - slightly increased screen size - from 2.2 "to 2.3". Of the closest competitors Samsung i600 can be identified by a similar form-factor HTC S620 and similar positioning HTC S710 (Vox).
Set
Samsung, SGH-i600 is available in the following components:
- charger
- Slim Battery (1300 mAh)
- set to synchronize with your PC (cable and CD with software)
- Wired Headset
- Charger-Case (battery)
- user's manual.
However, to our office unit has been with the battery to 1200 mAh, in connection with which there was some confusion. Interestingly, the site appear on only two types of batteries - so-called thin with a capacity of 1300 mAh and the standard of 1800 mAh. Included appear last. Thus, our results of tests on the battery life will be approximate. In any case, it is nice that the Samsung puts in a box in addition to the main battery backup. From this perspective, set the device looks pretty generous.
Design and Ergonomics
Design Samsung i600 is impressive. The unit looks elegant, rigorous and expensive. Smartphone in black - explicitly favorite Samsung, judging by recent hits.The main body material - high quality plastic soft-touch, known for its superb tactile performance and durability. The screen is covered with a protective glossy panel that visually increases its size. From the same shiny plastic is made and sidebar buttons underneath. Other hull surface - dull. So with the gloss of no sorting. Accordingly, you will not need frequent polishing cloth machine, getting rid of fingerprints. The shape and dimensions i600 - match for the middle palm, then there is not much more than the usual mobile phone. Due to the small thickness of about 12 mm and an ultra-light weight for a smartphone to keep the machine very convenient. Manipulate the tube with one hand while running, without any problems. Second hand will connect, if necessary quickly topstitch email or SMS.
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General comfort control - this is the main feature new items. Under a good thing sharpened many buttons and elements, one of which deserves special mention. It's about the scroll wheel. Usually it is placed on the left side - under the thumb of his left hand, using mostly for scrolling and navigating through menus. However, in our case, the wheel - the more serious mission. This is a basic element of control that linked all programming filling machine. With it you can not only navigate through the installed applications, but also view information about calls made, received messages, letters, and read the messages and mail. All of these data with a special theme for Today can be displayed in one line at the bottom of the screen.
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Long-term retention of the wheel causes a rapid development of the sidebar Samsung - in the form of a vertical panel on the right. The program displays information about the level of charge and free / used memory, and also allows you to collect and display icons of frequently used applications and files you have (about 15 pieces). With the wheel you can navigate through them and run the right touch. When scrolling and pressing the center wheel requires little effort, but it is moderately tight, ribbed and located so that hurt his chance is almost impossible. Below that is a button, the default action to invoke the "Back". Together they form a nice duo. Above the wheel is an expansion slot microSD, covered with a flap. No matter how convenient the wheel, but to replace the traditional control unit headed by a joystick he can not do. Here we have a full set. Directly below the screen are two soft keys that let you move the phone menu. On either side of them are buttons Today and Back. Under them - "End" and "Call". In the center of the group is inscribed with four-button "OK" button in the center.Claims to move the joystick and buttons to their size we do not, however, due to the fact that they are almost flush with the surface of the device, manage blindly complicated. Hand periodically jumps on the keyboard, located just below.
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Buttons on the keypad, on the contrary, convex, so that typing on it is convenient, thanks to clearly feel the response. The shape of the keys - an oblong, size - small. They are placed at a slight angle, which is somewhat easier printing. In general, the QWERTY-keyboard deserves a separate story. Buttons (37 pieces) are arranged in four rows. Numeric keys extracted from the total mass of gray. However, are not a single block, as you might think, but after one for symmetry. As a result of alternating colors in the eyes of a little dazzled, and the first time such an arrangement makes it difficult to dial numbers. However, you can get used to it very quickly, as well as to press on the keyboard. In total, would take about a week to ensure that fully comfortable with it, but then you can work with decent speed in virtually any environment. Illumination of buttons - a pale white, not cutting the eye in the dark.
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On this description of the front side could finish, however, say that over the screen is a familiar speaker phone and camera lens for video calls, which works only in mobile networks, 3G. Sorry, the neighborhood was no place for the charging indicator. A small omission from the forward-looking developers. Slightly above the upper edge is a button on / off the unit. The bottom end is surprisingly empty. Normal interface connector for charging and syncing passed in i600 at the left end. It's not very convenient solution. Also, here he performs the role of part-time slot for the headset. Next door to it is the volume control as a key-rocker.
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| Samsung SGH-i600: a headphone jack and sync |
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| Samsung SGH-i600: microSD slot and a scroll wheel |
The back of the i600 undeveloped as most analogues. Occupies most of the battery compartment lid, and above her eye are 1.3-megapixel camera, a self-portrait mirror and grating, behind which is hidden speaker system.
Finally the assembly. In this regard, there is no doubt at all altitudes. No backlash. Quality - excellent as always with Samsung. In general, in terms of design and ergonomics i600, of course, failed. The smartphone is fully justifies its destination. This is a handy tool for keeping mobile correspondence, fits perfectly into the image of a successful middle managers.
Screen
Display i600 has the standard features - 320x240 pixels at a diagonal 2.3 "with support for 65,000 colors. By its square screen device can be compared even with some models of communicators (eg, Voxtel). However, as we mentioned above, the top covered with a protective glossy panel slightly darkened the color of the case, because of what the picture on the screen looks dull. Interestingly, specifically for this model, Samsung has developed several outstanding topics for Today, which is partly negate this impression.
Generally, to solve this little problem can be achieved by adjusting the backlight. In total, there are five levels, suitable for any lighting condition. The screen, as usual, blind, and room enough for a second or third division.
Speed and memory
Samsung i600 is equipped with 220 MHz processor TI OMAP. Although it is not too impressive clock speed, our hero shows good results, which confirm and subjective observation. The device works quite quickly, with virtually no brakes as you move through the menus and launch applications, and more costly problems. In short, let's move on from words to numbers. Test performance as usual with the built-in player TCPMP benchmark.
Of course, the unconverted watch video on i600 - a thankless task, but the standard rolls with a resolution of 320x240 pixels smartphone quite cope. As for memory, there are no surprises. We have the standard 64 MB of RAM, from which to run applications are available 48.5 MB and 128 MB of permanent memory, 55 MB of which we can use to install additional software, and storage of personal data. Refill memory can always be at the expense of cards microSD expansion up to 2 GB.
Runtime
Testing the battery life was the standard method HPCru in three modes: the maximum load. Vykruchena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker - also included Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth.Through Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was 3 hours and 40 minutes. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set to the second division of the account (ie, average). On the PDA was started reading the text in the program AlReader with automatic scrolling. Opening hours at 11 hours and 20 minutes. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used Windows Media Player and files with a bitrate 192 Kb / c. Time work 8 hours 55 minutes. Results shown slightly above average, but did not refer to the records. With average load (about 15 minutes of calls per day, hours of music playback, 20-30 minutes of use with wireless interfaces) smartphone "spent" about two and a half days. But the results look like the device against the nearest equivalents.
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Sound
Audio section at the Samsung i600 - pretty good quality. Even regular headphones are able to provide a very good-looking with good sound traced frequencies. Stock volume will be enough to listen to tracks in the subway. Only here the bad luck with connecting alternative earphone. As mentioned above, the Samsung role headphone jack does proprietary socket, intended also for synchronization and charging. So that regular earphone better care of. Part of the problem can be solved by connecting a Bluetooth headset. However, in this case, we must remember that the battery will sit twice as fast as usual. As for the external dynamics, it is enough volume to hear the call in a very noisy place. Strength Vibrate - average.
Communication
Communications capabilities - is another forte Samsung i600. Firstly, it is nice that the phone can maximize the potential of GSM networks, with support GPRS / EDGE and as a consequence, high-speed Internet. Secondly, a good foundation for the future can become a support network of third generation UMTS / HSDPSA, deployed in Europe. This feature, although it is not relevant as long as in Russia, but it can render good service to those who happen to foreign missions. And finally, a full wireless kit in the form of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is also able to provide future owner i600 complete freedom in choosing the communication options. Now, first things first. First on the phone. There are no surprises. Smartphone quickly find a network (tested on the network MTC), holds steady relationship. Audible at both ends - perfect. Available all the basic phone services. In the presence of a good collection of profiles.
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Bluetooth-module with i600 supports the latest version of the protocol 2.0, which means that all the basic profiles:
- Wireless stereo music playback, combined with wireless control of the process
- FTP
- headset
- HID - connect external Bluetooth devices.
Wi-Fi-module keeps up his "brother" - supports the latest 802.11b / g. From beginners do not require any additional configuration and are able to provide reliable communication with the nearest access point and as a consequence, rather smart Web surfing.In concluding this chapter, we say that, and Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi function without any major problems.
Luggage
Camera features Samsung i600 - very average. While most of the latest models equipped with cameras with a resolution of 2 megapixel, our hero only a 1.3-megapixel matrix, which allows you to shoot with a maximum resolution of 1280x960 pixels. No flash and autofocus. Of the additional elements - the only self-portrait mirror.
The following shooting modes: - normal
- multishooting
- matrix shooting.
Standard set of special effects: - black and white
- negative
- Sepia.
Pictures can be done in four sizes: - 1280x960 - excellent quality
- 640x480 - high quality
- 320x240 - normal
- 176x144 - cost.
The additional settings are available: - White Balance
- timer
- set the framework for a photo.
All of the above options are available from the shortcut menu, run simultaneously with the camera. Sample photos can be viewed below.
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| Samsung SGH-i600: an example of the photo (jpg, 1280x960, 276.4 KB) |
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| Samsung SGH-i600: an example of the photo (jpg, 1280x960, 311.7 KB) |
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| Samsung SGH-i600: an example of the photo (jpg, 1280x960, 323.9 KB) |
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| Samsung SGH-i600: an example of the photo (jpg, 1280x960, 200.0 KB) |
Video recording is produced in formats MPEG4/3GP (H.263 + AMR) with a maximum resolution of 320x240 pixels.
Software
Additional software installed on the Samsung i600, deserves only the most flattering assessment. In this respect, as we have said, the developers are not stingy, and equipped the smartphone for the full program, knowing full well that "charms» Windows Mobile for Smartphone will be difficult to surprise the users. In addition to an excellent selection by the beauty of the device, the following applications: Quick Menu bound to a wheel, which was discussed in the chapter on design and ergonomics. Recall that by using this menu, you can call not only the most frequently used programs, but also files, folders, and even Web pages.
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D-Day - simple, but useful organizer. Notes - a nice notebook. Alarm - a kind of control center alarm. With it you can create up to nine separate alarm clocks set for each time and tune. World Clock - Clock with world map on which you can select up to three cities. Picsel Viewer - one of the required additional software. Allows you to view Office documents (Word, Excel and PPT) and PDF-files. MyItems - an alternative to the conductor, a little more functional, but displays some reason only multimediafayly and documents.
Voice Assist - voice control. Podcast - program for downloading and listening to podcasts. Actual instrument, given the wireless capabilities of the phone.
RSS-reader - a program for reading news.
Smart Converter - a package of utilities, including a currency converter and quantities (length, mass, temperature, volume, area).
Also, the i600 installed a calculator and a stopwatch from Samsung. In addition to Samsung SGH-i600 is available to update your operating system to Windows Mobile 6 Standard. Download the update from the site Samsung Fun Club.Among the major changes in the new operating system include the following:
- improved messaging features and calendar
- Support for Microsoft Office documents
- simple and secure access to corporate networks
- Data Encryption
- device management and policy
- enhanced integration with the phone
- synchronization and contact management
- and others ...
Price
The average retail price of Samsung SGH-i600 is 14 thousand rubles. A quite reasonable figure, given the design and capabilities of the phone.
Output
Smartphone Samsung SGH-i600 is definitely a success, if we evaluate the implementation of the ideas in the form factor. Another question - how much will be demanded such a decision in the domestic market. In general this is a very attractive and compact device for mobile professionals who cared for the image and time. Convenient operation, implemented in a smartphone with a pair of "wheel + quick menu" will not gain one minute, and the QWERTY-keyboard is quite satisfied with those who lead an active mobile correspondence. In addition, the future owner of virtually no need to install additional software. i600 is equipped with an extensive collection of instruments on almost all occasions. On the amount of impressions amount plus smartphone clearly outweighs the number of deficiencies.
Pros: - excellent design and build quality
- compact size and weight
- convenient control through scroll wheel
- good performance
- full wireless kit, including 3G support cetey
- great selection of additional software
Cons: - very little room for Russian letters on the keys QWERTY-keyboard
- rather weak camera
- one connector for synchronizing, charging and headphones.
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