Pharos Traveler 137 video review
Matt Miller from the ZDNET blog has reviewed the Pharos Traveler 137, the first Windows Mobile phone to run on T-Mobile’s AWS 3G network.
While the device seems pretty good, Matt has gone of Windows Mobile a bit, which explains his conclusion:
Closing thoughts: Most of these higher end smartphones all have virtually the same specifications, so then it comes down to the user inteface, performance, and stability of the device. Pharos uses Spb Mobile Shell 3.0 to achieve a higher level of user control and it really is quite customizable. However, Windows Mobile devices today just are not as responsive as the iPhone, Google Android, or Palm WebOS platforms and consumers do not appear to be as accepting of devices that don’t act like the iPhone. Windows Mobile is still very attractive to the power user and enterprise user who needs the best Exchange experience on a mobile phone and the Traveler 137 is a decent performer in most areas.
The MSRP for the Pharos Traveler 137 is $599.99, but I see it online at various retailers for about $525. This actually is not too bad considering it requires no contract extension and is fully SIM-unlocked for worldwide usage.
I plan to leave my T-Mobile SIM in the device all next week and focus on the GPS software and performance in my follow-up post since that is the primary focus of this device, but wanted to give you a heads-up that it is under review and available for purchase. If you have any specific questions you want me to answer, please post them here and I will try to answer them in my next post about the device.
Read his full review here, and the video below:
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- Pharos Traveler 137 now officially available
- Pharos Traveler 137 hands-on gallery
- First T-Mobile 3G Windows Mobile smartphone rivals HTC Touch HD
- CES: Windows Mobile 6.5.3 handsets spotted at CES
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Sorry…this phone blows.
This company should stick to making GPS units only.
two words: Rubbish Phone.
[Reply]
efjay Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 1:45 am
What exactly “blows” about this phone? 3.5 WVGA screen, WM 6.1 upgradable to 6.5, accelerometer, camera, AWS 3G. And going for under $500 at amazon.com it compares very well to the Diamond 2 hardware wise only beaten in the camera department.
[Reply]
tung Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 6:56 am
I agree with sarkis, the traveler 137 is the worst phone i have ever seen. i’ve been waiting for this phone for so long and finally i have it. Been using it for about a week now.. my god, nothing is working right. The screen is none responsive, I have to press like i’m about to break the screen for it to respond. The power button will not turn on but you can turn it off. I have to the the stylus to press the reset button to the thing on. The is a ball integrated as a mouse but it’s used less. Oh my god, i can go on and on. Nothing is working right on this phone.
[Reply]
I think this was the guy’s first time doing a mobile review.
that said, I really didn’t get a feel of how the device performs, feels in hand, compared to other devices, build quality, etc.
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I love this phone but i need to know how some functions work base on specific conditions.
Will GPS work without internet?
[Reply]
Junior Smart, Yes, the GPS will work without the internet. Since it is integrated, all you need is some navigational software (which is provided with the device upon purchase) to utilize the GPS. Let me know if you have any questions.
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