μblog: engineering from the trenches

I have recently sent my Q to greener pastures in favor of a Samsung SCH-i760 (Verizon). I have yet to experience the phone at great lengths, however, I have a few things to share with prospective users:

• This phone has a touch-screen and runs the full PocketPC version of Windows Mobile 6 (as compared to the smartphone edition on the Q)
• With the extended battery (1500mA), the phone is thick (see below) and almost twice as heavy (6oz) as Q
• That’s okay because it hides a full QWERTY keyboard
• The extended battery stays charged for 2-3 days with moderate use (AIM, constant email checking, few phone calls)
• There are a lot of buttons (all around the edges of the phone)
• No Verizon Get It Now
• Can be used as a broadband modem without paying the $15 service fee
• Has a better camera than Q (both are 1.3MP)
• Google maps can be moved using touch screen
• Built in 802.11b/g, bluetooth, stylus for screen
• Did I mention the phone is heavy and bulky?
• Fairly intuitive usage and notifications
• Back-lit keyboard
• LED that can light up half of the bedroom while being charged
• Same Thunderbird integration (via BirdieSync)
• Non-standard connector (as compared to Q’s mini-USB)
• Cannot be charged with included non-standard to USB cable
• MicroSD slot, just like Q
• Supports Adobe flash and various flash video sites

All in all, I am happy with the i760 so far, more so than I was with the Q. Throughout the benefits, the main downside of the phone is its thickness which makes it fit less well in the front pants pocket. The interface is more polished, however, there is a small delay when the phone is switched between landscape and portrait modes while sliding out the keyboard. I will try to post small hacks as I see them come up, however, you will have to look for the modem bit on your own. Please feel free to ask any questions if you are considering one and are not sure or have some difficulties.

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