My first impression after taking this device out of the box and hefting it was that it was one sexy unit with its slide out keyboard. I have gone on record elsewhere saying that I don’t like thumb keyboards for two reasons. One is that I think they are awkward and inefficient to use, and the other is that they take up space and extend the size of the unit or compromise screen size.

It seems to me that Samsung has ameliorated both of these objections. The vertically elongated keys are easier to strike without error than the usual small round ones, and the nifty slide out keyboard reduces the device dimensions.

With measurements of 5.2 x 2.8 x 0.6 inches, it has a relatively light weight of 5.5 ounces. Its 240 x 320 pixel 65K color TFT screen is huge by cell phone standards but small by Pocket PC standards, and I think a nice compromise for a multifunctional device.

There are many features to appreciate about this powerful convergent unit. One of my basic requirements for a Pocket PC Phone is that it not only have built-in Bluetooth, but also Wi-Fi, and the i730 has both. However, I discovered that you cannot run Wi-Fi and a phone conversation at the same time, which is unfortunate. It almost goes without saying that it offers infrared. This phone has EV-DO capability offered by Verizon, which is the fastest format for cell phone data transmission, a definite plus—but it’s only available in certain markets.

Because it’s a Pocket PC, it comes with Windows software that will not run on a Smartphone, such as Word, Excel. Software common to both platforms includes Internet Explorer, Messaging, MSN Messenger, Windows Media, Tasks, Contacts, and Calendar.

There are some unique programs bundled with this device. VoiceSignal allows you to make phone calls, find a contact, or run an application with voice commands. Sprite Backup, RingTone Manager, Remote Control, Picsel Browser, OBEX FTP are useful adjunct programs. Wireless Sync software transmits email, appointments, contacts, and tasks between handheld and desktop automatically, wirelessly.

One of the programmable buttons surrounding the navigation cluster on the front of the unit brings up a very nice launcher utility that displays battery life, gives instant access to settings, and enables screen rotation. There are four programmable buttons on the front and a green send and red end button along with a return to previous screen button.

Optionally, you can display a convenient device connection panel on the Today screen that enables handy access to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. By the way, I found a irreconcilable conflict between PocketPlus and the wireless applications. You must deactivate PocketPlus before invoking either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The top of the device has an antenna with a pull-out whip, which seems a bit retro considering that many new devices function without a protruding antenna. Also on top is the InfraRed port. On the right side resides an SD I/O port and a voice activation button. On the bottom is the power connector port. Along the left edge is the power button, a toggle volume control, and a record button, but no scroll wheel, which I miss. A difficult to dig open headset port tops off the left side. On the back is a telescoping stylus on the left side and a removable, rechargeable lithium ion battery.

I just assume that any high-end telephonic device has a camera and video capabilities, but was surprised to find that the i730 has no camera. You would think that a $600 device would have this simple amenity expected in all fancy phones these days. This might be an advantage at high security facilities. Actually, the 1.3 MP cameras found in cell phones are pretty pathetic, and I tote a 5 MP tiny Pentax for my photo needs. However, I expect many potential customers will find this a glaring omission.

Another problem with other Pocket PC Phones I’ve looked at is their underwhelming computing power. The i730 runs a respectable 520MHz Intel processor. It boasts 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of Flash memory, but only about 80 MB is available to users.

In the box, you get an AC charger that will plug directly into the device or into a creatively designed cradle that simultaneously charges an extended life battery generously included along with an extra stylus and a belt-clip holder. The cradle folds into a flat package for convenient transport. The manual comes on a CD, and there is another CD with Outlook 2002 and ActiveSync 3.7. There’s also a set of ear buds included.

To test this device’s connectivity, I attempted to pair it with a ThinkOutside Stowaway Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a Motorola Bluetooth headset, and a Bluetooth Freedom Keyboard. The i730 unfortunately did not work with any of these devices. After some tweaking, I got it to work with the ThinkOutside Stowaway keyboard using the native HID BT feature. Then I discovered that an older 4.0 driver worked with the i730. Unfortunately, I was unable to experience the apparent speed of the EV-DO wireless technology in my area, but look forward to testing it elsewhere.

What Rules, What Drools

I appreciate the size of this device, which I see as a good compromise between a larger Pocket PC screen and the small cell phone screen. I like the computing power and onboard memory. It’s too bad that it only has a single SD card and no CF or mini SD slot for expanded storage. I think it is unfortunate that there is no SIM card and that you have to get stuck with a single carrier. The sound system is surprisingly good with its built-in WOW feature.

What drools for some people may be the lack of a camera and the unsightly stick-up antenna. What double drools is that I had trouble with the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless applications. Otherwise, I would be proud to pack it in my pocket. This device will not be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 5.

The suggested retail price is $699, which seeems a tad pricey to me for a unit that will not be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 5.