While the full review is a little way off, here’s a sneak peak of what’s in store.
The IDEOS is a diminutive 3G/HSDPA-capable Android 2.2-powered handset with similar form factor to the HTC Wildfire.
It’s small, easily fits in the hand – and while it might lack some of the hardware polish of a more ‘name-brand’ device, the IDEOS – as you will soon see – holds its own, especially considering the bargain-basement price of $159 outright on the Crazy John’s network. It’s quick, snappy, functional, and importantly, performs well as a mobile phone as well as a mobile data device.
Pros:
- Bleeding-edge Android 2.2 out of the box.
- WiFi tethering built in.
- Comes with a 1gb micro-SD card in the phone, and a 4gb micro-SD in the retail packaging.
- The price – it’s $159. It’s CHEAP.
- Considering the small screen, touch input is accurate and responsive, and the screen is easy to read.
- All things considered, it’s fairly quick… but…
Cons:
- … it does only have a 528 MHz CPU – CPU-intensive tasks, such as installing apps, can be a little slow.
- The case is all plastic – it doesn’t have the nice metal touch of higher end phones – however the casing is solid – it doesn’t creak or rattle, and it feels sturdy.
- 2.8″ QVGA screen – it’s small.
- First batch of IDEOS’ released do not have Crazy John’s APNs pre-programmed – consumers will need to insert these themselves – not a difficult task, but not for the novice either.
More to come!
