An updated version of Siemens' SX45 is here with GPRS capabilities; we've taken a closer look at it and found out that even though it's big and bulky, it still has its appeal.
Siemens has earned itself a reputation as a mobile phone maker, thus it's only fitting that the company is one of the first to put a hybrid PDA-mobile phone device on the market; the Siemens SX45i is an update to the SX45, which delivers on the promise of not only integrated GSM but also GPRS capabilities in a device that's also a PDA. Also; it's the first color device to offer such integrated functionality, except for Nokia's 9210 and the Motorola Accompli 009.
Big and bulky | A front view of the Siemens SX45i
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Being first does have its downswides, though - and unfortunately for Siemens, that has resulted in a device that's big and bulky. As a result of a collaboration on the hardware side between Casio and Siemens (it even as the Cassiopeia logo embossed on its back), it weighs close to 300g and is 2 cm thick - which almost gives the impression that it's a PDA with a tacked-on radio module.
In general, however, the hardware gives off a first-class impression, with a body that is robust and sturdy, and buttons and a jog-wheel of good quality. In addition, the Siemens SX45i has both a CompactFlash Type II expansion slot and an MMC/SD Card expansion slot, and the accompanying handsfree set delivers very good audio quality.
Having the ability to use other applications on the device while engaged in a conversation using the handsfree set is also a benefit, but at the same time it's a major flaw; the SX45i cannot receive or place a call without the handsfree set being connected. So, wherever a user goes, the handsfree set needs to be connected in case of an incoming call - which in our experience proved to be quite inconvenient, especially if you have an answering service that kicks in after a few rings since getting the headset attached from scratch or even just plugging it into your ears can take a little while.
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