Samsung SPH-i500
IrDA) | |
---|---|
Data inputs | Graffiti, telephone keypad |
The Samsung SPH-i500 was a Palm OS-based smartphone manufactured by Samsung Electronics. It was previewed at CommunicAsia 2002 in June and launched later that year.[1] It was later discontinued in August 2005. It was marketed in the United States for use on Sprint's mobile phone network.
The CDMA phone has a
The phone shipped with an extra battery and extra stylus. The supplied power cable could be used as a travel charger or to plug into the included cradle, which could charge the phone and an extra battery simultaneously. Despite two batteries, the phone needed to be plugged in regularly. Swapping charged batteries would eventually result in a phone reset---a complete loss of user data.
Specifications
- Processor: Dragonball 66 MHz
- Weight: 130 g
- Operating System: Palm OS 4.1
- RAM: 16 MB
Applications
Applications include the
Installed applications included ones carried over from existing Palm handheld non-phone devices:
Address |
Calc |
DateBook |
Graffiti |
Expense |
Memo Pad |
Preferences |
Security |
To Do |
Welcome |
In addition, applications to support voice and data communications were included:
Blazer (web browser) |
Messages |
Phone |
Speed Dial |
Voice Dial |
Voice Memo |
Voicemail |
Note that the Voicemail application was not a distinct executable, but rather aliased directly to the Voicemail category in the Messages application.
History
The SPH-i500 is the last Palm-OS-based smartphone to use a clamshell design and employ Graffiti input. It is the only clamshell to use the upper block for the display, and the lower for input. Its successors use a brick form phone and a keypad for input.
Samsung developed a follow-on Palm OS smartphone with multimedia features, the
Reviews
CNET gave it 4/5, praising it as a good integration of Palm PDA and phone, but criticised its price and lack of expansion slot.[2] PCMag gave it 4/5, a rating of "excellent", also praising it as a phone that unites PDA and phone with few compromises.[3] It was also well-reviewed by Mobile Tech Review.[4]
References
- ^ "Samsung unleashes PalmOS smartphone, the SPH-i500", Mobile Burn, November 13, 2002 Archived February 8, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Samsung SPH-i500, CNET, 8/21/03
- ^ Brown, Bruce. Samsung SPH-i500, PC Mag
- ^ Gade, Lisa, http://www.mobiletechreview.com/samsung_i500.htm August 26, 2003