Samsung SCH-i760
Verizon scores a big one with the release of the Samsung SCH-i760. Announced last 2006, the i760 is a Pocket PC phone with a number pad and a built-in QWERTY keyboard. It operates on the Windows Mobile 6 operating system which includes the Office 2007. This is in contradiction to earlier reports that the i760 will run under the Smartphone version of the Windows operating system. It also does not include the Windows Live integration that other units of its class offer and will be missed by those who are used to having their services.
Another great source of frustration probably has to do something with either the display hardware or drivers as some programs are unable to display videos in landscape mode, which should have been one of the great features of Pocket PC's. Note that most programs may still take advantage of this feature without hitches so another possible culprit would be the developers of software to be used with the i760. Either way it is a bug that I hope will be fixed with the next couple of updates in firmware or the operating system itself (Windows Mobile).
But, with these flaws aside though, users and would be owners of the i760 should have no worries about application compatibilities. And Samsung's processor of 400 MHz is more than adequate for a smooth performance by the i760, and may be 
even better than other units offering the same processor speeds.
The i760 supports the relatively new EV-DO high speed network which Samsung takes full advantage of. For those yet to be familiar with this abbreviation, it means Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data Only. This is a standard for wireless transmissions of data which is typically used for broadband access. This enables the Samsung to have fast internet connections therefore making your file transfers and email attachments load seamlessly. Speed tests with EV-DO connection with the i760 clocked in at average speeds of around 740 – 820 kbps, which is a very respectable connection for a handheld device.
Aside from capabilities of the i760 with EV-DO, and unlike most recent releases from Verizon, the i760 also features Wi-Fi connectivity. While quite a surprise for a lot of consumers, because of the presence of EV-DO, its need for Wi-Fi was greatly contested by a lot of users, both techies and casual users alike. Well, as a defense for Samsung, the EV-DO is currently not available in a lot of regions yet, so internet connections relying on Wi-Fi is still the tried and tested way to go. And like with the EV-DO, the Wi-Fi connection of the i760 was fast and reliable with more than sufficient range. In just a few seconds after booting up the i760 it has already found the network with ease.
With the Samsung SCH-i760 utilizing the Microsoft Bluetooth stack instead of the more user friendly and generally better Widcomm stack, Bluetooth connectivity fared below than expected. In fact, listening to music using Bluetooth headphones was not generally pleasing.
Samsung SCH-i760 Camera and Display
The i760 does come integrated with a 1.3 mega pixel camera but quite frankly could do so much better. Especially frustrating knowing that entry level mobile phones can equip theirs with higher rated cameras. And the photo editing tools that come with it doesn't have a lot of surprises as well. Granted that this is a device meant for business activity though and it is understandable why Samsung scrimped on this area, but I reckon this will turn off a lot of prospective consumers.
Not much accessories go with the i760 package as well and as such comes in such a small box. Upon opening, one will only find the travel charger, USB cable and the software CD's. The extended batteries were nicely included though. But for a device boasting of music capabilities, the absence of a headphone was frustrating. Samsung could have at least thrown in some cheap ear buds.
Samsung SCH-i760 Design and Accessories
Truth be told, the Samsung i760 is not a very photogenic device. Even with the professional press release photos 
the device looked rather dull and uninteresting. Aside from that it looked bulkier than it really is. When viewed up close and personal though all these misconceptions are quickly forgotten as the i760 looked really sleek and gorgeous and would most certainly elicit a lot of interest. And it wasn't quite the heavy gadget one would expect it to be. At 150 g with the battery, it is just a tad heavier than a high end mobile phone. Its thickness even competes with that of supposedly slim phones with nothing much to offer compared with the i760. The i760 of course is a little taller and stouter, but pound for pound, this is PC mobility at one of its better incarnations.
And not only does it have the goods when it comes to looks, holding the samsung sch-i760 feels good as well. It felt very tough and well built. The spring loaded mechanism on this device was a charm to operate and seem durable. And unlike other Pocket PC's, the slider on the i760 does not slide open unintentionally while inside the pocket or when given a slight jolt. Opening the device exposes the rubberized buttons of the QWERTY keyboard and is generally easier to type with than most Pocket PC's.
Samsung SCH-i760 Features
- Weight: 150 g (with battery included)
- Width: 58 mm
- Height: 114 mm
- Thickness: 19 mm
- Network: CMDA800, CDMA1900
- Screen Resolution: Touch screen, 2.8 inches, color transflective TFT , 65536 scales, 320 x 240 pixels
- Data: CDMA2000 1x, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v2.0 (A2DP), USB 1.1 client, Full-Speed (12Mbit/s), Proprietary connector
- Web Browser: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Professional (Crossbow) AKU 0.4.0
- Camera: CMOS sensor, 1.3MP
- Expansion Slot: microSD, TransFlash, SDIO
- Tones: 64 -chord melody, Vibrating Alert
- Other Features: Slide-out QWERTY-type keyboard, 37 keys
- Battery: 1040 mAh standard battery; included 1500 mAh extended battery
PROS: The presence of both EV-DO and Wi-Fi connectivity options was great as EV-DO is still not readily available everywhere. The build is very sturdy and not as heavy as expected. Also the spring loaded slider mechanism was easy to operate but does not open unintentionally at the slightest jolt.
CONS: Bluetooth connection left a lot to be desired. The camera also could do a lot better. The accessories, or lack thereof, that comes bundled with the unit is also quite unsatisfactory, not even including a cheap set of ear buds.
Overall: All in all, the Samsung SCH-i760 is an attractive and sturdy business device and would be with you for the long haul. It works fast and efficiently and would definitely be great for the traveling business man.