BenQ-Siemens SXG75 hands-on summary
The smallest and lightest GPS handset currrently available, the Linux-powered BenQ-Siemens' SXG75 presents a perfectly legible user interface on its 2.2-inch screen housed in a candybar form factor. Complete with 3G connectivity and a 2 Megapixel camera for video calling and still picture taking, it's a well-rounded alternative for consumers looking for GPS but not willing to compromise on other features. Other highlights include a stereo FM radio with RDS and RS-MMC memory expansion.
Full preview
Remember those rumours about Siemens trying to offload its mobile phone division a couple of months ago? Apparently, Siemens engineers weren't paying particular notice as the company unveiled a broad range of products at this year's CeBIT - as if nothing had happened at all. In fact, one could even say Siemens finally got its act together as the handset maker introduced one of the first handsets that will be truly groundbreaking once it hits shelves.
I'm talking about the voraciously versatile SXG75, which offers just about every high-end feature under the sun. UMTS, a 2 Megapixel camera, integrated GPS and AGPS, audio playback and an FM radio receiver are just some of the features gracing the handset; and lo and behold - it actually looks quite slick.
A tad on the large side, which is understandable given its broad feature set, the SXG75 features a bright, clear and large 2.2" QVGA display which offers a view to its proprietary, icon-driven operating system. Similar to other Siemens handset user interfaces in layout, the time I was able to spend with it was limited, but I can honestly say that it was painfully slow - which, for now, I'll blame on this being an early, early prototype version of the firmware
Gracing the front of the handset is a large and comfortable keypad with a soft blue backlight, as well as a navigational pad that's just barely large enough; meaty-handed users might run into problems with rapid navigation here. Raising the impression, audio from both the RDS-enabled FM radio and MP3 player proved to be of high quality, however audio out is only courtesy of a proprietary Siemens connector; a clear disappointment.
GPS functionality in the SXG75 appeared quite extensive, although naturally couldn't be tested indoors. Navigational data will be provided by Siemens VDO Automotive, and for when GPS isn't available the phone also supports AGPS and supports point of interest information. For frequent travellers, there's also a built-in translation feature supporting English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
Other highlights include the inclusion of another, front-mounted CIF camera which enables two-way videoconferencing, as well as support for Bluetooth for short-range wireless connectivity which enables synchronization of appointments, tasks, contacts and notes with Microsoft Outlook. Also, there's 64 MB of user available non-volatile memory, which can be expanded by means of RS-MMC memory cards.
Price and availability
Due out in September 2005, the Siemens SXG75 will be one of the most advanced handsets available when it hits shelves, which is pleasantly surprising given Siemens' laid-back attitude towards high-end features in recent years.
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