Comments on: Samsung Demos Smartphone at CeBit

Samsung has officially announced its hybrid Palm/mobile phone device at CeBit in Germany which it refers to as a "compact wireless intelligent terminal". The SPH-I300 has 8 MB of memory, a 256-color screen, and an infrared port. It is 4.92 x 2.28 x 0.82 inches and weighs around 6 oz. Its antenna is retractable, and it has a vibrating alarm. This smartphone should be available around late summer for an as yet undisclosed price.

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Software graffiti area

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 1:06:44 AM #

The picture in this article seems to strongly imply that the graffiti area on this palm phone is in fact software based, and not a silk-screened item (with the screen off in the photo, no trace of the icons are visible).

Does anyone know what the specs are on this phone? I'd hope that they would include 8 megs ram, and hopefully the newer processor. If they could manage to include an SD slot on this thing, I thinòÀÞ†ey'd have an m505 killer on their hands. :)

RE: Software graffiti area

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 11:02:05 AM #

On the news last night, (CNN Tech stuff) they showed one in action. The graffiti area IS software based. It looked SO COOL when it went away and the screen got bigger!

COOL! I want one in MY palm!

RE: Software graffiti area

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 1:23:54 PM #

Yes, the graffiti area is software drawn. The screen is 160x240 and has an extra area above the title-bar for signal strength and such.

The phone is really cool. I saw it at the CTIA show this week in Las Vegas.

The booth guy said release was around mid-year at around $500.

RE: Software graffiti area

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 1:29:25 PM #

I agree. An SD slot would this thing so far over the top it is frighteneing. Lets us hope they put one ine but I am kind of doubting it as thi as probably another compromise solution.

Great App for the I300

heywood @ 7/30/2002 8:12:27 PM #

Great App for the I300

MidCast - Streaming Financial Applications

I300 free MIDCAST demo - streaming financial applications
Has anyone else tried Midcast?

MidCast is cool financial app that streams real-time and it really works!!! You can download it from www.handango.com for free. You need to search for MidCast or HillCast at the Handango web site to get it.

Enjoy….

Heywood

Smartphone vs. m505

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 7:39:07 AM #

The last guy said that if the phone had an SD slot, they'd have a killer m505. Doesn't the m505 run on the 33mhz Dragonball VZ? Plus it has 16k color. Correct me if I'm wrong, though.

RE: Smartphone vs. m505

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 11:40:36 AM #

When I posted the m505 killer comment, the memory, color depth, size, and other specs hadn't been posted on the page yet. Sorry for any confusion.

Specifications

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 8:17:42 AM #

Some more specifications are available from Samsung:
http://samsungelectronics.com/mobile_phone/ads_awards/trade_shows/cebit_2001_pdaphone.html

SPH-I300 vs. m505

philmair @ 3/23/2001 8:34:12 AM #

The 'smartphone' looks like an m505 killer to me! If Palm take too long to get their UK act together then I'd be willing to sacrifice 16K colour/33 Dragonball technology for a 256 colour integrated Palm V/Palm IIIc/Nokia 8210/mp3/......etc

RE: SPH-I300 vs. m505

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 1:27:32 PM #

I don't recall the phone having MP3 playback capability.

Playing both sides.

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 10:41:52 AM #

Samsung is playing both sides... WinCE City (www.wincecity.com) says Samsung has released a Pocket PC (Not "Stinger") smartphone as well.

Eston Bond
CEO Pine Tree Software
http://www.pinetreesoftware.net/

RE: Playing both sides.

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 11:27:19 AM #

Samsung didn't. Siemens did, at least according to the link you provided.

"At CeBIT 2001 in Hanover, Siemens Mobile Information and Communication (IC Mobile) launched MultiMobile, has combination of PDA and mobile phone for mobile business communication. Based one Microsoft' S Pocket PC operating system, the Java enabled MultiMobile with integrated GPRS phone is set to redefine the standard of mobile voice and dated based communication. The MultiMobile brings seamless integration of PDA and mobile compact phone allowing the sending and receiving of emails in one device. "

The Samsung phone - saw it, used it

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 11:27:00 AM #

Samsung also had some of these at the CTIA show in Vegas. I was supremely interested, having just bought the Kyocera phone a few days before going to the show. All I can say is AWESOME!! The graffiti section is indeed floating, the screen is great, and I gotta have one! The screen resolution is about on par with iPaq; in fact, since the unit is silver, it looks something like an iPaq (if that matters to anyone's aesthetic tastes).

Bottom line - it makes the Kyocera look like a true dog.

RE: The Samsung phone - saw it, used it

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 12:25:13 PM #

Any indication as to when this phone will be avilable in the US?

RE: The Samsung phone - saw it, used it

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 12:52:20 PM #

yes on sprint pcs, read the article above it has a link to a press release by sprint pcs.

RE: The Samsung phone - saw it, used it

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 1:28:30 PM #

The phone is supposedly going to be released around June time for about $500.

The interface on the I300 was way better than the Kyocera phone. It was much more intuitive and better looking. The fact that the screen is 160x240 (I think it's 240, can't remember what he said), provides a much greater area to draw on. The dial pad uses up the whole screen, while in Palm mode, it draws the graffiti area. The phone itself is much smaller than Kyocera's also.

RE: The Samsung phone - saw it, used it

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 2:31:28 PM #

Where is the keypad for this phone. The Kyocera has a flip screen keypad, but the pictures for the Samsung did not show the keypad. What did they say the battery life for this phone was?

RE: The Samsung phone - saw it, used it

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 4:14:20 PM #

A few questions:

What is the size of the screen?

What are the number of pixels across and down?

For refrence what is the size of the screen (and actual text characters) in relation to the m100 or Vx or 6035?

Would the Samsung phone or Kyocera 6035 make a ok doc reader?

How powerful is the irda transceiver?

Have you tried it with omniremote?

Has there been any mention of future support for a SD slot?

While in "phone mode" does the Samsung phone or Kyocera 6035 allow name card beaming like IrDA Ultra (part of IrMC) protocol, with no XID (exchange ID). The Ericsson (R320) and Nokia (6210/6250/7110/8210/8250/8850) all allow for this.

RE: The Samsung phone - saw it, used it

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 4:25:58 PM #

Oops I should have read more closely, it seems the screen size is 160x240. even so, judging from the pictures it seems that the physical dimentions of the screen are much smaller than the Kyocera 6235 or m100,making it impossible to read a doc file.

i want this phone

y2kmatthew @ 3/23/2001 1:08:36 PM #

i don't own a palm right now but i might buy this phone over the summer, it looks really cool.. i better start saving now its sure to cost a bundle :-)

RE: i want this phone

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/23/2001 3:25:26 PM #

Have you bought yours yet, where can I buy one of these???

Wireless phones with lots of glass

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 2:41:08 PM #

This is all cool, but have they come up with a way to keep your cheek from making the glass
all greasy? I haven't seen a handset yet that has solved that problem!

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 4:26:27 PM #

This is one of my biggest concerns. Come on I don't want to wipe my screen down everytime I use the phone, and I am not a huge fan of an ear piece.

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/24/2001 11:38:09 AM #

Before using the phone, wipe your face?
Let me know if this helps...
I had to!

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/24/2001 11:43:04 AM #

The above was rude, I'm sorry!

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/25/2001 12:02:38 AM #

that, and don't press it against your face. the microphone will pick up your voice from a few extra inches away.

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

Ed @ 3/25/2001 8:30:25 AM #

Should Samsung think about putting a cover over the screen like the one that comes with the V series? Open it to use the screen but close it when holding the phone to your face.

---
Plenipotentiary
Palm Infocenter

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/26/2001 4:01:43 PM #

From the reaction I'm seeing about this phone at various PDA website discussions, it could well be the "Ipaq" of cell phones when it debuts. If so, I imagine that there will be a host of cases that will aleviate the greasy screen problem.

For what it's worth though, I suggest using an earbud whenever possible. It's safer (i.e. 2-handed driving) and it eliminates the threat of radiation. Plus, with this phone you will inevitably need to jot something down on the Palm side of the device.

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

I.M. Anonymous @ 4/25/2001 7:07:47 PM #

I read about a study that indicated that the earbud, acting as an antenna/conduit, actually made the brain radiation problem worse, not better.

RE: Wireless phones with lots of glass

DougFreeze @ 9/9/2001 6:51:07 PM #

Keep reading. There is no danger of radiation with an ear bud or with the phone on your head. .6 watts of power is very low.

Doug Freeze
dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

Operation without phone

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 3:51:51 PM #

Does this phone, or the Kyocera, allow you to use the Palm with the cell phone part turned off, and if so, is it obvious enough that you can convince a flight attendent that you're not using your cell phone on an airliner?

RE: Operation without phone

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/24/2001 4:09:46 AM #

On the Kyocera, the palm functions independant of the phone, with the exception that you can't surf the web and talk on the phone at the same time. As far as getting the attention of a flight attendant, what airline do you fly on? I have enough trouble just getting them to answer the "call" button. :^)

RE: Operation without phone

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/25/2001 2:52:51 PM #

Since it uses only PCS spectrum (1900 mHz) it does not fall under the FCC-imposed ban on cellfon use while in flight - strange, but true.

As to the FAA regs, they allow any wireless device as long as the captain permits - and I've transmitted/received from my VII in flight w/ no backtalk from flight crew.

See http://palmwireless.cjb.net for general wireless info, if you like. It's spamfree, adfree and plaintext except for the counter & web ring link at the end, so it's easily ready wirelessly, and a PalmDoc version is available for download there for the Wired.

Thank you kindly, Elaine.

RE: Operation without phone

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/26/2001 10:31:55 AM #

I also want to know if the Samsung operates with the cell phone part turned off. But also, does the Palm require a separate battery independent of the phone battery or is the Palm not functional if the cell phone battery is dead?

RE: Operation without phone

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2001 5:05:15 PM #

>See http://palmwireless.cjb.net for general wireless info, if you like. It's spamfree,
>adfree and plaintext except for the counter & web ring link at the end...
>Thank you kindly, Elaine.

So much for 'adfree'...I just went to the site and was greeted by a pop-up window with an advertisement...god, I hate those things!

RE: Operation without phone

I.M. Anonymous @ 7/9/2001 2:55:50 PM #

Read in a recent article that the phone can be turned off seperately from the PDA...

RE: Operation without phone

DougFreeze @ 9/9/2001 6:54:25 PM #

One rechargable battery will power the entire unit.

Doug Freeze
dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

What about other phone bands?

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 4:13:36 PM #

The Samsung website mentioned the SPH-I300 operating on both PCS and AMPS networks. Does anyone have any news as to whether they intend to come up with GPRS untis on GSM as well?

RE: What about other phone bands?

y2kmatthew @ 3/23/2001 4:28:17 PM #

I dobut it. Samsung makes CDMA phones. When they say PCS they mean 1900MHz CDMA, since PCS just refers to the sprectrum.

I don't know of any non-cdma phones made by Samsung and they do have a good relanship with Qualcomm so i doubt they will make them anytime soon.

RE: What about other phone bands?

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2001 10:11:12 PM #

samsung does make GSM phones. Check out their corporate web site. Only the CDMA models are sold in the US

RE: What about other phone bands?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/16/2001 7:17:05 AM #

Hope Samsung will make a GSM version for Europe and Asia, 900 & 1800 Mhz too.
Any price info today ?

RE: What about other phone bands?

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/23/2001 3:33:18 PM #

Does anyone know of a Palm phone that will work on AT&T's network or if there is one expected out anytime soon???? I want to put it on my Christmas list.

No GPRS or Bluetooth

Lim M S @ 3/24/2001 6:01:15 PM #

The Samsung still doesn't have GPRS or Bluetooth both of which are being released in new phones from Nokia, Siemens & Ericsson. No doubt a new model will be announced soon to address.

Note: No Palm based smartphones have GPRS yet whereas there are several based on Pocket PC.

RE: No GPRS or Bluetooth

I.M. Anonymous @ 4/25/2001 8:37:06 PM #

That's because no carrier in the U.S. offers GPRS and don't expect it until 2003. Bluetooth, maybe never.

Landscape mode!

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/24/2001 11:19:37 PM #

With a 160x240 screen , now there is an excuse for someome to write a program that will display the screen in landscape mode like the Window CE machines do. It would make browsing the web a little bit more enjoyable.

RE: Landscape mode!

I.M. Anonymous @ 5/23/2001 8:34:30 PM #

There is a palm os device that does that now.....well they say that they are going to ship on 5/27/01????? It is the Handera 330. Palm OS...about the size of the III (little smaller)...8 megs...you can make the fixed part of the display at the bottom of all Palm OS devices go away....and flip the screen 360*...I will let you know how it all works out.

http://store.yahoo.com/pilotgear/handera330.html

RE: Landscape mode!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/1/2001 6:08:40 PM #

does anyone know if you will be able to surf any webpage wqith the openwave browser, or will the number of pages be limited?

will the pages be reformatted? if so, how?

? GSM Support

Jeffrey @ 3/25/2001 12:13:37 AM #

It looks so cool I'd definitely get one if it supports GSM. I guess a lot of people in Asia would. Colour screen too!

Bottom Line: Buy or Wait?

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/25/2001 5:36:24 PM #

Hi, enjoyed everyone's comments. I'm a Sprint PCS user, and wonder: should I buy the Samsung now, or wait until other phones out in ?....want in next 6 mos. but don't know if others are in works/better...have heard of jointly developed Motorola/TI smartphone? GPRS seems pretty key for next 2-3 yrs....worth the wait as Samsung doesn't have?
Thanks

RE: Bottom Line: Buy or Wait?

y2kmatthew @ 3/25/2001 6:56:35 PM #

hmm well a) u cant buy this phone now, heh, b) sprintpcs does not and will not support GPRS as that is a GSM system thing, and SPCS is CDMA...

RE: Bottom Line: Buy or Wait?

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/25/2001 9:00:48 PM #

matthew....thanks so much...can you help me understand more re GSM vs. CDMA not supporting GR? how does G3 play into this...thanks again for your advice

CDMA carriers will use HDR not GPRS

WireLes @ 4/25/2001 8:51:04 PM #

GPRS is an "always on" high speed wireless connection. HDR is what CDMA carriers will offer to compete. GSM carriers (Cingular) will offer GPRS. For info on GPRS check out this site: http://www.gsmworld.com/technology/gprs.html
CDMA carriers (Verizon Wireless)will transition to 1XRTT,then to 3XRTT aka HDR. 1XRTT is currently in trial and should be available from Verizon Wireless Early 2002. See Verizon Wireless' press release: http://www.verizonwireless.com/mediacenter/news_releases/2000_11/20001106_nortel.shtml
For a great article on the transition paths of CDMA, GSM, and TDMA to 3G see: http://www.telecoms-mag.com/issues/200010/tcs/3g_wireless.html

Palm OS SmartPhones (Buy now or wait???)

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2001 7:55:10 PM #

I currently own a palm Vx and a Startac Digital phone (Both in perfect
working order), I got wind of the new smartphones and fell in love with the
Kyocera QCP 6035 http://www.kyocera-wireless.com/kysmart/kysmart_series.htm
, I have read some very basic reviews at
http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=1707 and have actually gone
down to the verizon stores to check out the Kyocera QCP 6035, this phone
seemed to be everything that I wanted. I then read something that said that
Kyocera has an enhanced version of the phone in the works, I also got a
chance to see a picture of the Samsung SPH-1300
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/main/samsungusa.jsp which will be
available in the summer and has a color screen (this unit does not have a
keypad which I think is a bad idea). Now I am wondering which features are
planned for the future Kyocera (color screen?, 320x320 resolution like the
new Sony Clié?, sleeker design?) and have been hesitant to buy one of the
first generation units.

Does anyone have any information on the planned features for future
smartphones or any opinion on rather it is worth buying one of these units
now or is it better to wait for things to settle down a bit.

RE: Palm OS SmartPhones (Buy now or wait???)

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2001 11:23:21 PM #

If the new phone also support analog I will get the phone too! We just have to wait and see! Palm is going to have great revenues!!

RE: Palm OS SmartPhones (Buy now or wait???)

I.M. Anonymous @ 4/7/2001 11:16:41 PM #

I've also got a StarTAC and Palm IIIe. While both work, I'm stagnating with the paltry 2 meg on the Palm IIIe. Look at what software is available: GPS maps which can be over 2 meg in size, PDF readability, ebooks, bigger games, bigger spreadsheets, more avantgo offline content, etc etc. I doubt even 8 meg would satisfy me very long.

(whine mode on) I can't demo all the things I want to because I have found the palm indispensible at work and don't want to risk messing with my data so I'm almost at the point of being a dual palm man.

I need one palm for work and 2 megs would do it. I need one palm to try every demo out there so I need probably a Clie with a 64meg memory stick. And I also want to access the internet. Neither of the smartphones has a slot for more memory, so my work palm will be a smartphone and my leisure encyclopaedia palm will probably be a Clie.

is the phone triband, dualband, or single band

I.M. Anonymous @ 5/16/2001 4:07:08 PM #

I am interested in buying either the Kyrocera or the Samsung phone. I am leaning to waiting for the Samsung, but I have three questions. 1) is the Samsung going to be like the Kyrocera and be a trimode phone? 2) can you get Verizon service with the Samsung phone? 3) which carrier between Verizon and Sprint is preferred and why? Thank You for all your help.

RE: is the phone triband, dualband, or single band

I.M. Anonymous @ 5/18/2001 5:37:17 PM #

This phone is dual band: 1900 MHz Digital PCS and Analog AMPS.
Sprint PCS has announced that this phone will work on its network.
There is no word yet from Verizon Wireless. However, this phone is not a Tri-mode Phone.
Verizon may stay away from it until a tri-mode phone comes out, with support for
800 MHz Digital Cellular as well.

Sprint PCS has the best pricing [as in cheaper] in terms of minutes and options, etc.
Verizon Wireless network works!
Meaning that Sprint PCS gives you more minutes, but it will not work in many instances.
I am a Sprint PCS user, have been for 3 years, in the East Coast.
Verizon Wireless has the most reliable service compared to Sprint, AT&T, and NEXTEL.
Verizon's coverage larger than Sprint, if you have a tri-mode phone. Sprint's network has the
largest Digital coverage, with all the advanced features including data. [if you can keep the
connection up]...

RE: is the phone triband, dualband, or single band

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/6/2001 2:30:30 PM #

1) Do you think Samsung will make the phone a tri-mode?
2) Will Verizon ofer the phone if it is only a dual-mode?
3) Would a dual-mode phone be a better choice at Verizon or Sprint?
4) How does a dual-mode phone at Sprint compare to a tri-mode phone at Verizon?

New News?!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 5/23/2001 3:15:53 PM #

Has anyone heard any new news on this great little device? Like an official release date, price, pre-ordering??

Any info would be much appreciated!

Palm 9

I.M. Anonymous @ 5/25/2001 6:48:30 PM #

Does anyone know any specs regarding the Palm 9.
It's said to be similar to the Samsung SPH-1300 but for TDMA.
Any info appreciated.

RE: Palm 9

I.M. Anonymous @ 5/25/2001 8:57:24 PM #

Where did you find info on the Palm 9? Do you have any links? Is is a phone similar to the Samsung SPH-I300?

RE: m700

Ed @ 5/25/2001 9:26:17 PM #

I think you may be referring to what is typically called the m700, though that name isn't official.
www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=1875
There is more about it at the end of this article:
www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=1933

You might also be interested in Handspring's plans:
www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=1815

---
News Editor
Palm Infocenter

Availability

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/6/2001 1:40:24 PM #

I want one of these so bad it hurts. Does anyone know when I can finally get my hands on one. I live in southeastern United States.

RE: Availability

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/10/2001 1:42:02 PM #

I want one too!!! I keep checking the Samsung site and all I get is "Coming this summer."

Does anyone have some dates???

At least two people are ready to line up at the door!

Thanks

RE: Availability

I.M. Anonymous @ 7/3/2001 2:11:23 PM #

Checked with Sprint, product will be avail by end of July. I've got my $400 lined up (doubt that it will be cheaper than that)

RE: Availability

I.M. Anonymous @ 7/5/2001 5:23:33 PM #

you say you checked with sprint. i have tried many times myself, but nobody at sprint ever seems to know anything about the SPH-I300. how or who did you get this info from so i can also ask them some questions...do you know anything about the phone being offered through Verizon?

RE: Availability

I.M. Anonymous @ 7/9/2001 11:36:43 AM #

i called the sprint customer service line (they never know anything) which referred me to my local store. The store guys said that they had been informed by Sprint that it would be available at the end of the month BUT since we are in a small town, that it could take a little longer getting to us. However, for all you guys in major cities, around July 31 is when its coming to a store near you.

RE: Availability

I.M. Anonymous @ 7/26/2001 3:23:26 PM #

Just checked with Samsung USA and the release date has been pushed forward a month so it won't be until first week of September that one will be able to purchase this phone.

links

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/12/2001 11:50:29 PM #

I had to create a very basic webpage for a class i'm in so i decided to include a bunch of links i quickly found about the Samsung SPH-I300. View it if you are interested @ http://www.auburn.edu/~stanfna/" target="_NEW">http://www.auburn.edu/~stanfna/

what about Verizon?

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/16/2001 11:45:59 PM #

I am a happy Verizon wireless customer, planning to get the Kyocera QCP 6035. But the Samsung seems to be a better choice.
Does anyone know if the Samsung is availabe for Verizon?
Thanks

RE: what about Verizon?

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/17/2001 1:59:37 AM #

A technical support rep at Samsung told me the phone would be available at Verizon a short time after it is released through sprint.

RE: what about Verizon?

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/19/2001 11:24:01 PM #

Did technical support indicate when it was going to be available other than "Summer 2001" for Sprint?

Thanks!!

RE: what about Verizon?

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/25/2001 12:20:10 AM #

to the best of his knowledge august

A possible problem?

I.M. Anonymous @ 7/10/2001 12:07:31 AM #

in recent dreams of owning the I300 i have thought of something that may be a problem with the phone. in a situation where the phone would be carried in the pocket you would want to lock the touch screen from being touch sensitive while being carried in the pocket (a feature i believe the phone has). the problem i was curious about involves answering the phone when the touch screen is locked. if the phone can be answered by simply tapping any where on the touch screen when the phone is locked, then with the constant pressure of the pocket tapping the very large screen, wouldn't calls be answered by mistake very easily and possibly before you are even ready to answer them?

Download speed?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/8/2001 8:25:56 PM #

Does anyone have any idea what the download speeds will be for this phone on Sprint's network as Sprint rolls out it's 3G technology? I believe now the phone will connect at 14.4 bps. I assume the phone will download at 144 bps when Sprint completes it's first phase of getting to 3G. I am currious as to what the maximum speed of the phone will be as Sprint gets closer to it's 3G technology and if my above assumtions are correct.

RE: Download speed?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/22/2001 1:26:59 PM #

I haven't seen anything about this phone being upgradeable to 2.5G or 3G when they come out. The Handspring module (http://www.airprime.com/html/sb3000.html) is supposed to be upgradeable so you'd think Samsung would be making the same claim (if it was) to keep this product competitive.

This of course, is IMHO.

RE: Download speed?

DougFreeze @ 9/14/2001 1:30:09 AM #

Some information from Sprint about future G3 technology:
http://www.developer.sprintpcs.com/news/index.cfm?action=j2me_initiative

Doug Freeze
dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

RE: Download speed?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/15/2001 3:59:54 PM #

DougFreeze,
I followed your link and read the information, and still have a question that maybe you (or anyone else) could address.

Will the I300's download speed grow along with Sprint's network, or will it be limited?

Example: Would I be able to download at speeds up to 144kps or higher on the I300 as Sprint's network begins to evolve?

RE: Download speed?

DougFreeze @ 9/15/2001 11:57:11 PM #

I don't really know if the i300 phone will be compatible with the 3rd generation technology coming next year. I am pretty sure newer phones will be out by then with this new speed technology integrated into them.

Doug Freeze
dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/28/2001 10:47:01 PM #

The I300 should be out very soon (sometime between 9/1 and 9/27 in my area)!!!
Does anyone have the phone already?
What are your feelings about the phone?

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/30/2001 8:22:32 PM #

I wrote to Samsung directly and this is the response I received today:

Thanks for your interest in the SPH-I300. It is due
> to be released in the third quarter of the year. (We
> are only talking a matter of weeks at this point!)
> It will have a full color display and utilize the
> Palm OS. Features will include voice dialing and speaker
> phone. The best place to get this phone will be through
> a local Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City or Sprint
> PCS phone store. For more information please call
> us at 1-888-987-4357 and/or visit the telecommunications
> website at www.samsungusa.com.

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/31/2001 4:20:37 PM #

In the previous reply you stated "The best place to get this phone will be through a local Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City or Sprint PCS phone store."

Which of these locations do you think will have the phone available for purchase first? (I would buy the phone right now, if it were available)

When do you think the phone will be released for sale?

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/9/2001 6:36:09 PM #

I feel the same way. I have $500.00 cash sitting on my dresser for this phone. I've been talking to alot of people and they say mostly the Office Supply Stores will carry it before someone like Radio Shack due to the fact that it's a business tool more than it is a phone. Look towards the business retailers. I plan on have a stock of them through my web site if anyone is interested. You can e-mail me and get on my personal waiting list if you want. I'll notify you ASAP when I receive them. dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/10/2001 11:30:40 PM #

Samsung's website just says available "in September".............can't wait!!!!!!!!!! This is the best i300 thread on the net.

I don't think people understand the impact this smartphone s going to have on the mobile community. People are going to freak out when they see it on the street.

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/12/2001 10:10:46 AM #

Just talked with Sprint and Samsung. Samsung stated they have produced and deliverd the phones to Sprint. The ball is now in Sprint's court. Sprint stated is will probably be early Oct. avail....

If anyone sees this phone in stores, please post.

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

DougFreeze @ 9/16/2001 12:04:54 AM #

I have an estimated RELEASE DATE: 9-21-01
I'll keep you all informed of any changes as they happen

Doug Freeze
dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/21/2001 8:57:18 AM #

I've been checking -- not out yet on the 21st -- one very odd thing, though, the price of the Kyocera smartphone has fluctuated absurdly in the last several days. First it was $399, then $299, then $349, and now $399 again. Bizarre (and, yes, I am talking about the same model).

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

DougFreeze @ 9/22/2001 4:00:38 PM #

I appoligize for any misguided information. I'm giving you the best and most up-to-date information I have.
I received an e-mail the other day, here it is;

Doug: Thanks for your interest in the i300. We do not currently have inventories of the phone. The phone is scheduled to be available in our retail stores the first week of October. Demand is expected to be high,so
early spot shortages may exist while Samsung ramps up it's distribution.

Doug Freeze
dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

RE: Available any day now !!!!!!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/27/2001 12:42:27 AM #

I was told the FCC hasn't approved the radio frequencied the phone needs to use it's
web browser. Until approved they won't be released.
Sprint is just leading us on by announcing release dates.
My source says they don't even have a clue.

Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/25/2001 1:28:38 PM #

When IS this phone going to be available???? Ihave been to every Sprint Office around and they don't even know what this is!!! Can you give me any info about it's debut?

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/25/2001 5:03:04 PM #

I CALLED SAMSUNG YESTERDAY 09/24/2001 THEY SAID THAT THEY JUST GOT WORD THAT THE RELEASE DATE HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK TO 10/15/2001. STILL WAITING.....

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/25/2001 10:31:46 PM #

OK I called them today, too, and they said early November....

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/27/2001 12:38:49 AM #

I was told the FCC hasn't approved the radio frequencied the phone needs to use it's
web browser. Until approved they won't be released. Sprint is just leading us on by announcing
release dates. They don't even have a clue.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/27/2001 2:55:17 AM #

The Sprint guy I talked to said this device doesn't even exist! They're just trying to keep people from buying other PDA/phones until they can figure out how to make one. Damn!

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/27/2001 2:53:27 PM #

Here is an email response I recieved from the Sprint customer center.

"In response to your question about the Samsung 1300, we do not have that information at this time , however, we can offer the manufactures customer assistance number. Please dial 1 800 631 - 4782 to inquire about the availability."

Funny that they refered to the phone as "1300" instead of "I300". It seems Sprint knows so little about there most popular phone.

When I called the Samsung number above they told be the buzz they were hearing was Oct 15th.

rlewis@appliedtheory.com

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/27/2001 11:54:03 PM #

It seems to me that we are all getting the run around! I am getting very annoyed that it has been hyped for more than 9 months and they can't get this phone out to us! I hope it comes out soon, but it doesn't seem like it will be anytime soon.

I am now trying to find another similar phone... hopefully with Windows CE instead of Palm. I like the interface better and the web capabilities are much more advanced. Does anyone know of a phone like this... or has heard of one coming in the not so distant future.

Thanks!

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/28/2001 2:45:15 PM #

Samsung was at our Sprint store (Houston) this afternoon and I went and got to play with an I300. It was very nice, small, good color and brightness. He said the shipment was caught in Customs because of the terrorist attack so they were behind schedule. He said 2 more weeks and cost was going to be $499.99. He said Sprint stores would have them first.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/28/2001 11:14:19 PM #

I am going to check the Sprint store here (Raleigh, NC) and see if they have any idea when it will be available. I will post what I find out.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/28/2001 11:18:47 PM #

I checked 3 Sprint stores and 3 Radio Shacks in Queens, NY - they have no clue (a plam what?) !!! I spoke with Sprint today and they said they will release it Oct. 1st. I called again about 5 minutes later and another rep said mid October. One more time and they said next week sometime. Figure that out...

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/28/2001 11:28:44 PM #

I called Sprint today and I talked to two different sales reps... they both did not no what I was talking about... it figures! Unbelievable!

I just want one... and now!

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/28/2001 11:30:35 PM #

I think that your source that mentioned the FCC license for the Web Browser is pulling your leg. Sprint operates on the 1900MHZ band...web browser included. That's the whole point behind Sprint's network...and how they got the initial license for a little over 3 billion for nationwide coverage :)

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/28/2001 11:34:29 PM #

I'll be willing to drive out of state to get one - if anyone gets a hit in their area, pleeeeaaaaasssseeee pass that along.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/29/2001 3:15:15 PM #

I, along with many of you, have been patiently waiting for this wonderful device since July. The amount of unceartainty at times has been very frustrating. Everywhere you go, you get a different story.

The majority of people i have spoken with (that seem somewhat knowledgable) say the phone will be out sometime between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15. It is my understanding that the Sprint stores will have the phones before anywhere else and supplies are estimated to be low.

I along with many, many others would appreciate it if someone would post a message when the phones are released and the fastest way to get one.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

DougFreeze @ 9/29/2001 11:50:51 PM #

That is the most accurate release date I have also. Sometime in the first 2 weeks of October. The Sprint stores should have them first.

I have mentioned this earlier but feel it's time to say it again. I am creating a list of people that want this phone. If I can get some extras I will contact you in the order I received your name. Send me an e-mail and I'll put you on this list. Thanks.

Doug Freeze
dougfreeze@sprintpcs.com

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/1/2001 11:42:16 AM #

From Samsung (e-mail):

The release of the I300 has been rescheduled for mid-October. The unit cannot be purchased directly from us...only through Spring or one of its retail affiliates.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/1/2001 10:22:08 PM #

This is ridiculous - if I didn't want one so badly I would never go with a company who is so intense on simply not knowing their own product line. Here's what I just sent to Sprint:

Hello,
I've been hunting around the web and called your CS number repeatedly - do you have an official release date for the Samsung SPH-I300 phone? I saw numerous ads claiming the unit is available now -- however your CS reps have conflicting opinions. So do you have this product or is it "vapor'hard'ware"?

I'll post my response when they decide to reply. I would certainly be embarassed to have employees lacking even the most basic skills. Anyone else experiencing this with Sprint or am I being too picky?

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/1/2001 10:56:04 PM #

No, you're on base. The Sprint reps are morons. 99% have never heard of the phone, they have no idea what you are talking about if you call. When they "search" for an answer, the answers are neither helpful nor consistent. You could call 5 times and get 5 completely different answers both as to why there has been a delay and when the release date will be. Sprint reps are complete drones.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/2/2001 12:07:08 AM #

I'm certainly glad I am not alone. It's amazing that I have $500 ready and more than willing to give to their company. During these hard economic times there are others that would gladly bend over backwards for this amount of money. I know for a fact that the demand for these products is extremely high. Imagine that - we each have $500 ready to go out the door and they're basically saying "No, that's ok, we'll wait..and no, in fact we don't know how long before we'll accept your money...".

I wish I knew someone up the food chain over at Sprint -- I would love for them to see our postings and responses to this rather uncertain chain of events.

Once again this goes to show that you really don't need to be a rocket scientist to make a million dollars. I guess it's new economics afterall - delay product release and hire the most uneducated staff to sell your goods.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/2/2001 1:09:38 AM #

Now now, be nice to the Neanderthals...

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/2/2001 2:33:49 AM #

I think we're seeing an unfortunate catch-22: No company wants to risk a new product flop because of a miserable economic climate. Since companies aren't releasing their products, there's nothing that excites the market and people don't buy. The economy stagnates or gets worse, making it even less likely that new products get released. Et cetera. God forbid some corporate weasel makes a mistake and learns something from it.

So long, Palm; it was fun while it lasted. Handspring? How long before you reinvent yourself as a services company, or at least die trying? Sony, I'd like to apologize for the buffoonery of my fellow Americans at Palm. Sprint and Samsung, have fun stroking each other as your stock plummets (how long do you think you can give away phones and service to hipster-wanabee urban losers with 8 maxed credit cards?).

If half of the dip****s at these companies had gotten laid in college, maybe they wouldn't be so spineless today. Of course, a lack of spine is why they never got laid. Another catch-22.

RE: Samsung SPH-I300

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/2/2001 11:55:38 PM #

For those of you who rrrreally want to give Sprint PCS upper management a PIECE OF YOUR MIND!
go to www.planetfeadback.com and leave a complaint letter. These guys will forward your complaint
to the CEO of any major corporation. SO LET 'EM KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!! (p.s. And it's FREE!)

Im on the list

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/3/2001 2:08:37 AM #

I visited a local sprint store over the weekend and found an i300 enthusiast working in the store. After he gave me the run down on the delivery date (sometime before the middle of the month) he put me on a list of about seven people to get a phone out of the first shipment. He said that he had been informed that each store would receive only 10 phones for the first shipment. My name was on the list with 2 Seattle Mariners and a couple of guys who work in the store. I never thought that I could be reduced to the likes of an excited old lady waiting for a shipment of Beanie Babies but here I am. I cant wait!

RE: Im on the list

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/3/2001 5:37:20 PM #

You're lucky - I attempted to do the same thing over the phone in my neighborhood store when I read your posting. I got a different response: "Well if we take your name down, there's no guarantee that we'll call you. After all it's just a piece of paper which would probably get lost." I bit my lip and hung up the phone.

RE: Im on the list

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/4/2001 11:47:19 PM #

I saw one in CompUSA today. They said that they just received it yesterday!!!

RE: Im on the list

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/5/2001 12:21:04 AM #

which compusa

RE: Im on the list

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/5/2001 7:56:26 AM #

Nashua, NH

RE: Im on the list

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/5/2001 10:06:22 AM #

no way it's in a COMPUSA in NH

RE: Im on the list

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/5/2001 12:38:06 PM #

I found this web page this morning...

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011004/hsth016a_1.html

Dont bother trying to call the stores and trying to get them to ship. I tried. Half the Sprint reps dont know what it is and the other half say that its not in stock yet.

Change of Venue

Ed @ 10/5/2001 12:43:25 PM #

Guys, please do me a favor. This article that you are adding comments to, it's 6 months out of date. Please, continue this conversation somewhere where more people will see it, like the most recent article I posted on the I300:

http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=2408&MODE=FLAT

Thanks!
-Ed

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