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Cons:
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Software
The SPH-i330 runs Palm OS 3.5.3 with extra Samsung-specific applications. Most of the default applications are the same as the standard versions. The Address Book has been enhanced a bit to use the rocker and Dialer button on the left side to select and allow one-handed dialing, although it still cannot change categories without using the screen.
 | The phone application is the only program that can use the would-be virtual Graffiti area
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At all times above the main Palm OS screen is a small icon bar showing various phone-related information. That includes signal strength, roaming status, battery charge, whether or not vibrate is active, and so on. This sort of "status bar" is very useful on a phone/handheld hybrid, but we can certainly see uses for it on any handheld.
The suite of phone-related applications uses the main Phone application as a central interface, but not all of the functions integrate into it. The Phone application is the only program that hides the Graffiti area. It offers a let of large on-screen buttons, a display area for the phone number, date, and time, and a set of five icons across the bottom of the screen. The Menu button activates the menu, while there are also buttons for Call History, Speakerphone, Speed Dial, and Key Lock. Unfortunately, aside from the ubiquitous Home and Menu icons none of the others is very intuitive.
The user can set the Phone app to take over any of the four application buttons for various functions. There are a variety of included polyphonic ringtones for the user to choose from, with individual ringtones for caller ID, non-caller ID, voicemail, and text connections. The keypad itself is also somewhat themeable, and four themes come with the device by default.
The Phone app also allows access to the text message app, which is a separate program. It does not, however, have direct access to the Voice Memo program, which is a separate and completely independent program. Nor does it allow the user to edit the voice dialing options. That also requires a separate, stand-alone application.
The SPH-i330 ships with Handspring Blazer in ROM for web browsing. It does not, however, include a wireless e-mail client, only the default offline Palm OS e-mail client. For a wireless handheld that is a major oversight, even if it is intended primarily as a phone.
Availability
The SPH-i330 is available now through Sprint PCS for $499.99 USD.
Conclusion
Hybrid devices are always difficult, but Samsung has done a decent job with the SPH-i330. By its design, it errs on the side of being a phone first, which is not uncommon. The feature set is good, although the integration isn't as tight as we'd like. The software bundle, however, is very minimal. Blazer is just about the only included wireless data application. The form factor is comfortable, at least until the screen gets all greasy from the user's cheek. The button placement is a major drawback, and we found it very annoying. The writing area should also at least pretend to be a real virtual Graffiti area, as now is does not. All of these issues detract from what is otherwise a good wireless handheld/mobile phone. If they were corrected, the SPH-i330 would be a very tough competitor for the Handspring Treo Palm OS phones.
- What's positive: Good feel, good phone features, battery options
- What's negative: clumsy buttons, poor software bundle
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Price and availability
The will start selling for TBA () in November 1999.
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