Windows Mobile Editor Anthony Newman has watched the SPV line from Orange evolve, and feels that with the M1000, things have just got serious.
Orange's range of SPV Smartphone devices pioneered the platform in Europe, and the network has now carried three devices branded with the acronym. With this, their fourth, they have departed from the smaller platform and instead adopted the 2003 version of Pocket PC Phone Edition, as found on O2's XDA II. The similarities with its rival don't end there, though: the two units are based on the same reference design, just as with the variants of the original XDA. Let's see how Orange's offering stacks up.
 | Orange's SPV M1000 is built on the same reference design as that on which the O2 XDA II is built, and is a dead ringer
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Design
Orange are clearly investing a lot in the image of this device, much as O2's heavy advertising campaign aims to build prestige into the packaging of their model. As befits a premium device, then, Orange have included a lot more than just the handheld inside the box. Users will find a leather case with belt clip, a headset, screen protector, spare stylus, spare battery, cradle, world AC adaptor and all the usual software and documentation.
This kind of presentation is not empty, either: the device itself certainly justifies the expense. Although the design is very close to that of the XDA - a design triumph in its own right - the M1000 loses the protruding aerial and adopts slightly sleeker lines for its cold metal body. The SPV is pretty, in an understated way, and also sits very nicely in the hand, and weighs a very solid 190 g. As a phone, however, it does retain the same problem as its ancestor: holding the device against the head does feel a little silly due to its size.
The display of the M1000 is a typically good 16-bit transflective 3.5-inch model, offering average ClearType and a good range of brightness settings at the standard Pocket PC resolution of QVGA, 320 x 240. Colour reproduction was good, although the device leans towards the vivid rather than the washed-out, meaning things can get a little dark at times. The touchscreen travel is very positive and as responsive as we'd expect. The stylus doesn't disappoint either, offering the same size and weight as the original XDA from its metal and plastic design.
The M1000 is equipped with a good selection of buttons. Below the screen we find a pair of them to make and end calls, finished in domed chrome and recessed beneath a clear enamelled surround to avoid accidental activation. The unit can opt to lock all buttons except the power button for extra security when switched off. The D-pad, centrally-mounted, is smooth in directional movement and acceptable for centre-clicking, although not quite as distinct as we'd have liked.
Above the screen, in the same odd position as the XDA, are two application buttons, which have the same clicky feedback and positive feel as the phone buttons. The left side of the device hosts a cluster of buttons towards the top, which comprise a slider for controlling volume. Below the slider we find a plastic button used to activate the camera, while above we find the usual Pocket PC record button. With the exception of the phone buttons, each can be remapped to any function. Last but not least the top edge holds the power button, recessed just enough to avoid accidental usage.
Two LEDs are contained within the top corners of the M1000, showing GSM connectivity, notifications, Bluetooth status and the presence of AC power. The cradle also holds an LED to show charging.
Audio was always a strongpoint of the M1000's predecessor, and happily this strength remains. The loudspeaker, used for music and handsfree calls, produced lively sound without too much distortion, even at high volumes. It is worth mentioning here that the 2003 OS supports separate volume levels for system and phone sounds, and vibrating alerts.
Sound quality within a call proved to be excellent for both parties, while using the loudspeaker function also proved surprisingly good: our habitual tester noted that this was better than any previous handsfree call previously experienced. At very high volumes, however, the power of the speaker did allow the caller to hear their own voice, despite the auto gain control on the microphone. The SPV M1000 also supports Bluetooth, and this also offered good call quality several headsets, with call transfers happening promptly. Voice dialling is not supported natively by the OS, however.
The M1000 includes a VGA digital camera mounted on its reverse side and paired with a vanity mirror for self-portraits. The hard button on the side activates the camera application and takes pictures.
Connectivity
A single SDIO-capable SD/MMC Card slot provides expansion for the M1000, which is a fairly standard choice. The included AC adaptor features a dongle for direct connection to the sync port of the handheld, or it can plug into the cradle for charging there. The cradle is a large sculpted silver creation, which looks great and matches the handheld well.
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