Noah's Bark - Podcasts that don't put you to sleep! Listen online or take it on the road...

BenQ P50 Review - Messaging, Internet & Connectivity

BenQ P50
Published on 8/18/2006
By: Noah Kravitz, Senior Editor, Consumer Products and Services
 
Editor Rating: 3.5
3 
3 
Messaging
Running Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC SE, the P50 comes with mobile versions of Microsoft Outlook and MSN Messenger pre-installed, and can handle SMS and MMS messaging and POP3, IMAP, and push Email right out of the box.  Connections can be made via GSM/GPRS cellular and 802.11b Wi-Fi networks, and the phone can sync with your PC's Outlook client via Bluetooth and/or USB.  A plethora of other email and messaging clients are also available for Windows Mobile 2003, including AOL, Jabber, and Google Talk-compatible programs.  The P50 is also capable of tunneling into home or office VPN networks (Virtual Private Networks).

Benq P50Internet
A built-in 802.11b antenna supports connections to any Wi-Fi (WLAN) wireless broadband network.  While the Windows Mobile connection manager isn't the most user-friendly program I've ever used, it is easy enough to configure the phone for use with your home or work networks (though I did have to enter a manual IP address for my home DHCP network).  When the WiFi connection is switched on, the P50 automatically sniffs out any visible WLAN networks and offers you the choice of connecting to them; I used this feature several times to hop onto open WiFi networks when out and about.  The phone also comes with a Skype installation CD for making Internet calls when connected to a wireless broadband network.

The drawback to using WiFi on a handheld device is battery drain.  The P50's battery life is about average on par, but leaving the WiFi antenna on is a surefire way to run the battery down in a hurry.  A power-saver WiFi mode is offered at the cost of slower connectivity, but if you're planning to use the P50 for WLAN connections, plan also to recharge the battery every night.

The P50 also supports GPRS data transfer over GSM cellular networks, but not the faster speeds of EDGE.  The phone can also be used as a Bluetooth modem with your PC, though I was unable to set it up for similar use (or any sort of synching) with my Mac.  The onboard SD/MMC memory card slot also supports SDIO connectivity via optional cards.

Connectivity
With built-in Bluetooth, USB, IR, and a removable SD/MMC card slot, the P50 will sync with your PC using the built-in ActiveSync software (a Windows-only application CD is included), and transfer files to a computer or other Bluetooth-equipped devices.  Windows Mobile 2003 includes a remote control program which lets you control compatible PCs and home entertainment systems via Infrared, which is nifty.  Mac users beware: I couldn't get the P50 to transfer files to/from my Mac, let alone sync via iSync or using shareware sync apps.

 

Next: Construction & Conclusion »
All about

Reviews by manufacturer

Verizon Wireless,   Sprint PCS,   Nokia,   Samsung,   Sony Ericsson,   Motorola,   LG,   Sanyo,   HTC,   Palm,   BlackBerry,   Sharp,   Pantech,   BenQ,   Apple,   Eten,   o2

Our fancy algorithm says this stuff is related...

Add a comment

There are two easy ways to submit your comment
  1. Sign in if you are already a member, or join PhoneDog for a free account- this way you won't have to re-enter your information on subsequent comment posts. Additionally you'll receive all these great benefits of being a PhoneDog community member.
    Or,
  2. Submit your comment without registering by using the form below
Benq P50 Introduction & Design

BenQ P50 in-depth review - Introduction & Design

Half phone, half PDA, with some laptop functionality thrown in for good measure, the Benq P50 is the mobile executive's dream, at least on paper.  Combining a quad-band GSM cell phone, Windows Mobile-powered PDA with QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen display, and Wi-Fi enabled Web and Email capabilities into a handheld unit is no easy task.  Was Benq up to challenge when it designed the P50?  Yes ... and No. The P50 has been...
Benq P50 Features

BenQ P50 in-depth review - Features

Anyone considering a Benq P50 would be doing so for its extensive feature set.  Running Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC SE (a version of the Win CE operating system), the P50 comes with mobile versions of MS Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Outlook pre-installed, and is capable of running hundreds of other productivity and entertainment applications.  It should be noted that newer devices, including the TMobile MDA, now...
Benq P50 Display & Audio

BenQ P50 in-depth review - Display & Audio

The P50's functionality is really centered around its 2.8" touchscreen.  Capable of displaying 65,00 colors at a QVGA resolution of 240 x 320, the screen is not quite state of the art, but is more than sufficient for a handheld.  The touchscreen functionality works well, and the Windows Mobile software includes user calibration functionality.  As with most handhelds, the screen exhibited some readability problems in direct, bright...
Benq P50 Construction & Conclusion

BenQ P50 in-depth review - Construction & Conclusion

On paper, the Benq P50 offers just about everything a power user could want from a PDA phone:  WiFi, QWERTY keyboard, Touchscreen, Megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and an operating system that supports Web browsing and Email out of the box and is customizable via myriad downloadable applications.  While the phone didn't entirely disappoint me, I'm sorry to say that it didn't live up to my expectations, either. The main problem I had...

About our reviews

More than just the specs, our in-depth reviews are the closest thing to "Try before you buy"!Or use your favorite online news reader
Google, My Yahoo, My MSN, Bloglines, Netvibes, Newsgator

Latest cell phone reviews

  • Samsung i900-Omnia
    Samsung i900-OmniaWhat’s Good: Universal landscape mode and universal landscape QWERTY; optically-enhanced action
  • HTC Touch-Diamond
    HTC Touch-DiamondWhat’s Good: Stunning hardware design and elegant software user interface; front panel is subdued,
  • LG Dare
    LG DareWhat’s Good: Attractive, highly customizable UI with home screen shortcuts; Compact design with
  • Samsung Instinct-M800
    Samsung Instinct-M800What’s Good: Supports every feature Sprint offers; EV-DO Rev. A data speeds; Good touchscreen
  • LG enV2
    LG enV2What’s Good: Sleeker and smaller than the original EnV. Comfortable QWERTY keyboard and QVGA
  • Motorola Z9
    Motorola Z9What’s Good: Great voice quality; fast 3G data speeds; good GPS system; mobiTV compatibility;
  • Samsung Glyde
    Samsung GlydeWhat’s Good: Touchscreen and Full QWERTY Keyboard in Compact Body; Clean Menus and “Croix” User
  • Nokia N82
    Nokia N82What’s Good: Incredible Camera w/Xenon Flash; Full VGA Video Capture; Excellent Web Browser; WiFi;
  • BlackBerry Pearl-8120 Titanium
    BlackBerry Pearl-8120 TitaniumWhat’s Good: Integrated WiFi for Web, Email, and HotSpot@Home UMA Calling; Trackball is easy to
  • LG Venus
    LG VenusWhat’s Good: Beautiful display; Context-sensitive menus; Extensive feature set; VZ Navigation works

Latest cell phone videos

  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 2
    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 2Part 2 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 1
    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 1Part 1 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Unboxing & First Look
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220If only my BlackBerry would flip shut! Hey, it does! Noah unboxes the new BB Pearl Flip 8220 for
  • LG Lotus (Sprint) Unboxing
    LG Lotus (Sprint) UnboxingFierce! It's the unique new LG Lotus for Sprint - a square-shaped clamshell with a full QWERTY
  • Samsung a837 Rugby (AT&T) - Dropped From a Crane! Sorta
    Samsung a837 Rugby VideoIt's the ruggedized Samsung a837 "Rugby" for AT&T. It's the Crane of Death in downtown Berkeley,
  • Samsung a637 (AT&T) - Unboxing and Hands-On
    Samsung a637 (AT&T)Out of the box! It's the newest AT&T 3G phone, the pearly white Samsung a637. Low-end means
  • Inside the T-Mobile G1
    T-Mobile G1 HardwareDuring the live demo at the T-Mobile / HTC / Google Android launch event, Doug got a chance to take
  • Sprint Touch Diamond - Full Review Part 2
    Sprint Touch Diamond Pt 2Part 2 of Noah's review of the first CDMA Touch Diamond - Sprint's version. Is it a diamond or just
  • Sprint Touch Diamond - Full Review Part 1
    Sprint Touch Diamond Pt 1Noah goes in-depth with Sprint's version of the HTC Touch Diamond. Is this the best Windows Mobile
  • Touch HD video:
    Touch HD videoSeriously. In the video it says so: Touch HD is where "your wildest fantasies come to life." I

What's happening right now

  • Podcast
    Noahs Bark Episode 7 - BlackBerry Flip 8220, LG Lotus, Android G2 (?), Top 5 Cell Phone Commercials

    Noah's Bark Episode 7

    Noah gets his hands on two new flip phones with some power under the hood: The BlackBerry Flip 8220 for T-Mobile and the LG Lotus for Sprint. Will your next smartphone be a flip? Also, more on the Android "G2" rumor, and news on tons of new cell phones.
    Blog Article
    Noahs Five: The Five Best Cell Phone TV Commercials

    Noah's 5: Cellie Commercials

    Did you listen to this week's podcast, Noah's Bark #7?  If so, you heard Noah's list of his Fave Five cell phone TV commercials of all time.  Watch 'em for yourself here and chime in:  What'd he miss?  What's in your five?  Let us know in the comments (with links if you can find 'em). 1.  T-Mobile "Pookie" Commerical with Charles Barkley and D-WadeThe series with The Chuckster and D-Wade is my all-time...
    In-Depth Review
    Samsung i900-Omnia At a Glance

    Samsung i900-Omnia

    What’s Good: Universal landscape mode and universal landscape QWERTY; optically-enhanced action button functions as a scroller or track pad; appropriate use of haptic feedback and accelerometers; excellent 5 MP camera with LED flash, auto-focus and face detection; secondary cam for video calls; embedded GPS; FM radio and overall A/V-friendliness; large, welcoming and sensitive screen; it's a generally comfortable phone that makes you feel cool...
    Video
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 2

    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 2

    Part 2 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides the buttons away for a sleek look, but does it have the juice to keep Crackberry addicts happy?
    Video
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 1

    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 1

    Part 1 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides the buttons away for a sleek look, but does it have the juice to keep Crackberry addicts happy?
  • Blog Article
    Mini-Review: BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 - T-Mobile

    Mini-Review: BlackBerry 8220

    The first ever flip BlackBerry is a winner, so long as you play to its strengths.  While the 8220 is very large for a modern day flip phone, it's lightweight and slick looking enough to trick you into thinking it's a little smaller than it really is.  I've had the 8220 for just under a week now, and I very quickly grew used to carrying it around in my pocket.  No, it's not as thin as a RAZR or as small as a low-end sliderphone,...
    Video
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Unboxing & First Look

    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220

    If only my BlackBerry would flip shut! Hey, it does! Noah unboxes the new BB Pearl Flip 8220 for T-Mobile and gives us a (long) quick tour around the phone.
    Cell Phone List
    Samsung A637

    Samsung A637

    Carrier: AT&TRetail Price: $99.99 or via ebayContract Price: $49.99 or via Let's TalkHot Feature: Video captureThe Samsung A637 is a complete messaging phone perfect for anyone who wants all the features without the fuss. Key features include 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, Instant Messaging capability, MP3 player, GPS, XM radio and video sharing.  
    Cell Phone List
    MOTO ACTV W450

    MOTO ACTV W450

    Carrier: T-MobileRetail Price: $159.99 or via ebayContract Price: $29.99 or via Let's TalkHot Feature: Music PlayerThe MOTO ACTV W450 available in mandarin orange and canary yellow sports the familiar Motorola clamshell design. Key features include a 1.3 megapixel camera with video capture, stereo Bluetooth, MP3 player, microSD slot, speaker phone and picture messaging.
    Blog Article
    Photo Gallery: BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 Unboxing

    BB Flip Unboxing

    Thanks, T-Mo!  Unboxing of the Blackberry Pearl 8220 Flip photos here.     ...
  • Tips & Tricks
    Better Signal: Great tips and tricks for Verizon devices

    Better Signal: Verizon

    Lane Jensen in Oregon here and I have a great trick that works for all Verizon phones to get better signal. First, you need to be within about a 5-10 mile radius of where you are going to use your phone the most. Secondly, instead of dialing the normal *228 for activation, dial *22899 and it will take you instantly to the programming music and update your phone. No more having to go through the prompt and listening to the same old voice saying,...
    Video
    LG Lotus (Sprint) Unboxing

    LG Lotus (Sprint) Unboxing

    Fierce! It's the unique new LG Lotus for Sprint - a square-shaped clamshell with a full QWERTY board inside. GPS, Sprint TV & Music, 2MP Camera, HTML Browser, Mobile IM and Email ... Noah checks out this fashion-forward feature phone.
    Blog Article
    LG Lotus (Sprint) - Photo Gallery

    LG Lotus (Sprint) - Photos

    Hey, look what just came!  Thanks, Vanessa ;-)  Here are some photos of the black LG Lotus for Sprint.  The QWERTY board feels GREAT so far, as those bubbled chiclet-style keys make up for the relatively small size of the layout.  Sprint's new One Click UI is sort of cool and helpful and sort of overdone; I'll have to play with it more, but I hope it winds up being handier more often than it gets in the way.  And I'm...
    Blog Article
    In the Wild!: Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Unboxed

    Xperia X1 Unboxed

    D'oh!  It's a real, live Sony Ericsson Xperia X1.  In a box!  Out of a box!  Happy Friday!See the full gallery on Fosfor.com(Via MobileCrunch)
    Video
    Samsung a837 Rugby (AT&T) - Dropped From a Crane! Sorta

    Samsung a837 Rugby Video

    It's the ruggedized Samsung a837 "Rugby" for AT&T. It's the Crane of Death in downtown Berkeley, CA. Push to talk technology meets a giant crane. But will Noah have the guts to scale the crane to drop the phone? Find out here!

Latest phone images

Matrix-C740SGH-A637StormC610SCH-u430 BlackMOTO-ACTV-W450 OrangeMOTO-ACTV-W450 YellowRhythm-AX585 WhiteRhythm-AX585 BlackG1w580i Red5800-XpressMusic BlueChocolate-3-VX8560 BlueRumor BluePro-200Emporio-Armani-M7500

Latest winner

October 6, 2008 - Cogratulations to Omar Flores of TX.  He is our week 17 winner of a brand new Motorola Q9m.  "It feels good to know i won, I really did not expect for me to win, it came of great shock to me, thank you phonedog.com for the awesome phone!"
Don't forget to enter »

Fetch PhoneDog via Rss

Subscribe & use your favorite news reader to get: