Messaging, Internet & Connectivity
3.5Running 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).
Internet
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 »
