Pocket PC Thoughts: No Matter Where You Go, There You Are ... With The E-TEN G500

Product Category: Pocket PC Phone
Manufacturer: E-TEN Information Systems Co.
Where to Buy: GBT Mobile
Price: $599.00 USD
System Requirements: Microsoft ActiveSync 4.x (for PC synchronization)
Specifications:

• OS: Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC;
  
• GSM Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 Mhz;
  
• GPRS Class B, Multi-slot Class 10;
  
• Polyphonic, MP3, WMA, WAV, AMR, AWB, MID, MMF, RMI, AAC ringtones;
  
• Processor: Samsung S3C2440 400 Mhz;
  
• Memory: 128 MB Flash ROM, 64 MB SDRAM;
  
• Display: 240 x 320, 65,536 colors TFT-LCD;
  
• Camera: Built-in, 1.3 mega pixels, 1280 x 960 pixels;
  
• Bluetooth: v2.0 compliant;
  
• Expansion: Mini-SD slot;
  
• GPS: SIRF Star III;
  
• TMC: Supported* (*Subject to change by region);
  
• Battery: 1440 mAh Li-Ion, rechargeable, replaceable;
  
• Dimensions: 119 x62 x23 mm;
  
• Weight: 191g.

Pros:

• Built-in SIRF III GPS Receiver;
  
• Dedicated Soft Key Buttons;
  
• GSM Quad Band 850/900/1800/1900 Mhz;
  
• 400mhz Samsung Processor.

Cons:

• No EDGE;
  
• No DUN Bluetooth Profile;
  
• Navigation Software Not Included.

Summary:
One of the emerging trends with Windows Mobile 5.0 devices is the inclusion of built-in GPS. Enter the G500, E-TEN’s latest Pocket PC Phone offering. Being my second convergence device (the previous being the M500), I was curious to see if E-TEN was able to continue with their excellent track record. Did the G500 live up to my hopes and expectations? To find out you’ll have to join me on a review that every parent … er, Pocket PC owner should read.

Read on for the full review!