First Windows Mobile 6.0 handset reviewed

HTC HAS claimed that the S710 is the first handset 'powered by' Windows Mobile version 6.0 but there doesn't seem to be much improvement over previous version of Mobile.

The biggest surprise about getting this smartphone out of the box and starting to play with it was its lack of a 3G capability. What is the point of having Microsoft Office style built-in apps if you have to swap files over GPRS?

It seems crazy to be able to edit files in native Word and Powerpoint formats and then send them over GPRS. In the USA you could use EDGE which would be more acceptable.

Perhaps HTC expects everyone to use the S710 built-in Wifi capability instead? Especially since it offers support for 54 Mbit/s 802.11g.

The second huge mistake with this handset was the lack of a mobile network setup wizard. If you don't purchase this handset pre-configured by a mobile phone operator you might as well give up.

It took us about a week to find the correct settings for accessing the mobile internet via Vodafone UK's network. The answer - for anybody else who tries it - is that the username and password is 'web'.

The S710 is quite unusual for a candy bar shaped handset in that it boasts a slide-out qwerty keyboard. Those looking for a Blackberry alternative might, therefore, consider this smartphone.

Particularly since it is relatively small while boasting a decent 2.4 inch screen. Plus there's a reasonable 2 megapixel camera although it has no flash facility.

A pet hate is the standard Mobile Windows addressbook. It doesn't support multi-press on the keypad. This means you can't spell out the name you want exactly. You just press keys until it narrows down the entries to reach the required number. Ugh!

What's the point of having a Windows style UI, if the email facility is extremely hard to navigate your way around, for example?. And just like virtually every non-Blackberry device, you can kill POP3 emails to your heart's content but they still stay on the server.

What you're obviously meant to do is use this handset in conjunction with Exchange Server 2007. So the S710 is clearly aimed at the corporate user.

There are also certain features of any mobile phone which you'd expect to find easily. Like the keypad lock, for instance. Pressing the power off button and selecting the lock option isn't exactly intuitive.

The handset boasts a Windows Media player so you can play tunes or videos but the sound was disappointingly tinny.

Given that HTC will be pushing its 'Touch' handset as an Apple Iphone killer, the S710 looks fated to get completely overlooked. ?

The good
Slide-out qwerty keyboard
Office Mobile support for full Word, Excel and Powerpoint functionality
Compact size. Fits easily in pocket
Wifi capability

The bad
Not too hot on POP3 mail
Takes ages to boot up

The ugly

No 3G capability - only GPRS and EDGE
Mega-unfriendly Windows Contacts addressbook

Model HTC S710
Web HTC
Price From free on Vodafone contract

Specs:
Processor TI's OMAP 850, 201 MHz
Platform Microsoft? Windows Mobile 6.0
Memory ROM: 128 MB RAM: 64 MB SDRAM
Dimension 101.5 mm(L) x 50 mm(W) x 18.6 mm(T)
Weight 140g (with battery)
LCD Type 2.4 inch Transmissive LCD with white LED back light
Network GSM/GPRS/EDGE Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Joystick 5-way Navigation Control
Keyboard Sliding QWERTY keyboard
Connectivity Bluetooth 2.0 Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g
HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB and audio jack in one)
Camera 2 mega-pixel CMOS imaging sensor
Audio Built-in microphone and 3-in-1 speaker
Standby time: 175 hours
Talk time: Up to 7 hours
Expansion Slot microSD

Bartender's verdict