Pocket PC Thoughts: Hands-On With the Gigabyte gSmart Phone

Product Category: Pocket PC Phone Edition
Manufacturer: Gigabyte
Where to Buy: imminently available
Price: TBD
System Requirements: ActiveSync 4.1
Specifications: 416 MHz Intel processor, QVGA screen, Tri-band 900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, TV, FM

Pros:

• Integrated analog TV and FM! ;);
  
• MSFP (Direct Push E-mail) and A2DP out of the box!;
  
• Many neat software add-ons and customizations;
  
• Sturdy construction;
  
• Great 2.1MP camera with macro setting.

Cons:

• Small battery can drain fast with multimedia features;
  
• Weak TV reception;
  
• 2.5" LCD can be tough for touchscreen use;
  
• Proprietary wired headset;
  
• No 850 MHz band support or EDGE.

Summary:
Gigabyte, the Taiwanese maker of motherboards and PCMCIA cards, was gracious enough to send us a late pre-production sample of their first entry into the mobile device world: the hotly anticipated gSmart Pocket PC Phone. Since this device is not yet released, nor have the firmware and applications been finalized, it would be unfair to call this article an official review. But, I'm sure you'd appreciate my ongoing experience with the unit and what to expect, should you decide to pick up this feature-packed device.

Read on for the full preview!