*(Scale of 1-5, 1= lowest and 5= highest)
1-Lowest, 2-Usable, 3-Meduim, 4-Good, 5-Excellent
*This review is about HTC P3300, a Windows Based Pocket PC(phone) running Windows Mobile 6.0.(This came with 5.0, and I upgraded to 6.0)
1>Features and Specifications [5/5]
Compared to Nokia, SE, Motorola etc, HTC is not as famous. However, they make up for this by their competent and feature rich mobiles. They are suppliers to brands like O2. The HTC P3300 was released in the Indian market during October 2007.
Features:*
*Network:
*Quad Band (Good, especially when travelling abroad)
Dimensions:
Average sized for a pocket PC, but definitely not bulky nor will make you feel uncomfortable.
*Display:
*65K colours, 320 X 240 screen. Just the normal fare here, could make with a better display.
CPU:
200 Mhz Processor. Surely needs more juice to overcome lag, a 300 or 400 Mhz processor would be ideal. But the 200 Mhz ensures fantastic battery life.
*OS:
*Windows Mobile 6.0
*DATA:
*GPRS+EDGE. No 3G
*WLAN:
*802.11 b/g
*PRODUCTIVITY:
*Windows Mobile Office with Word, Excel and Outlook.
MULTIMEDIA:
2MP Camera, FM Tuner, MP3 player
NAVIGATION:*
GPS with Sirf III chipset and Quick GPS update.
Quad band ensures you stay in touch in all GSM networks. Dimensions are about average and I dont think no one would complain. Its not bulky, but once you put the P3300 into the belt pouch it comes with, it defintely look a whole lot bigger.
Battery Life [4/5]*
With a 1200mah battery, the P3300 runs comfortably for 3 days. I am currently getting about 2-3 hours of talktime on a full charge, and backup of 2 days with a little spillover left for the third day. Definitely good compared to other GPS pocket PC’s that I have used.
GPRS/EDGE:** GPRS and EDGE Data rates are completely dependent on your network. Like other devices, it automatically notifies once you are within EDGE coverage. Surfing the net over EDGE gives around 6hours.
WLAN:** Within my home wireless network, it gives about 4 hours of access. The signal strength suffers a bit compared to laptops. At a distance of 20feet, signal strength is about 20%. Setting up WLAN+secured access takes 2mts.
GPS: I have never tried how long it will stay on, but did leave it switched on a trek for 2.5 hours. 4-5 hours GPS should pose no problem for the P3300. Guess, it should stay alive as mp3 player for 15hours, with 50%backlighting. Note: ** With 50-60% backlighting, there is a gain in battery life. 80% backlight brings the display more brightness and colours feel vivid, but battery backup goes down by 20%.
Value For Money [5/5]*
When it was launched, it virtually had no competition. The HP IPAQ 6500 series with GPS and 1.3MP camera were the only choices. With a higher rated processor, HP IPAQ 6500 series is faster. A major worry with the HP was battery life.which hardly used to cross a day or less and the non SIRF based GPS. P3300 has all the features except 3G. I would not consider this a big issue as 3G is yet to be rolled out in India. All the other services / features available in the handset can be used in India. With P3300 available for around 18500/-, it is good value for money.
At this price point, the only other alternative is the Asus P527 available for around 16000. Both are good handsets, but I would recommend the P3300 for its features and the way its been implemented in addition to maps for GPS supplied with the pack. Nokia 6110 Navigator is another slider handset with all the above specs except WLAN. Nothing like windows mobile to customize and get donwloadable applications. Nokia 6110 navigator retails in the 13000-14000 range, and has shorter battery life, GPS is not sirf III chipset and being a slider, is not optimal for in-car navigation nor does it come with a car holder.
Build and Feel [4/5]*
Not the best, but no creaks or rattles after using for 9 months. Sides are covered by a soft to touch material which feels great to grip. Bottom and top is pretty plain, with normal but well finished covers. The package comes with a screen protector, which is really useful. As long as you keep the P3300 inside the belt pouch, nicks and scratches should not be an issue. The retail package consists of a car charger, which has a premium feel, and a 512MB card. Also included are headphones. All of them give the P3300 definitely a upmarket look and feel.
Compatibility [5/5]
P3300 running on Windows Mobile6 ensures that you have a load of applications and tools available for your phone. Easy to upgrade, and WM6.0 has a built in diagnostic. Having GPS onboard with WM6.0 is fantastic as the majority of applications are written for WM6.0. There are lot of freewares available for GPS, which enables you to chart your journey in minute details.
Navigation [4/5]*
Abroad, the P3300 comes with Tom Tom navigator with a map. In India, it comes preloaded with mapking and you can select 1 city map. The mapking map for Bangalore and other cities are really not good at detail. I prefer to use google maps for navigation instead.(Ensure unlimited data connection)
Turn by turn navigation works well on almost all the main roads and also depends on how updated the map is. Advantage with Google maps is obviously routing+ terrain mapping. Hopefully in the next 2 years, as more GPS enabled systems are sold, I am sure the Indian market will respond with more accurate maps. Please note that with the existing maps, its perfectly feasible to drive around town.
While in US, I did use microsoft pocket streets(its free) and I was really impressed with the accuracy. Instead of asking directions, I found it easy to get the same from the GPS, as the microsoft maps for most of the cities were pretty accurate. Positional accuracy was much better than using any of the mapguide or satking softwares available here.
Accessories [5/5]*
Retails with a superb package, contains carholder, car charger, exhaustive manuals et all all packaged well. You save atleast 2000/- on the car cradle and car charger.
HTC Club*
Membership includes certain advantages once your PDA is validated. Software updates and freewares are the main highlight.
Problems and Issues*
Unable to hotswap memory card.
Tracroller feels vague at times.
Resetting the PDA, some of the licensed softwares refuse to install as Windows Mobile creates a new MKID.
Sluggish when you have more than 2 applications open.
Need to clear device storage cache frequently when using IE.