Monday, May 25, 2009
Further Traveling with Pharos -- the Traveler 127 reviewed
Posted by Don Tolson in "Pocket PC Hardware" @ 09:00 AM
Product Category: 3.5G GPS PDA Phone
Manufacturer: Pharos USA
Where to Buy: Expansys [affiliate]
Price: $479.99 USD
System Requirements: Runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
Specifications: Qualcom 400Mhz processor, 256mb Flash ROM, 128mb SDRAM, 2.5 inch QVGA display, QWERTY keyboard, Triband (850/1900/2100) UTMS/HSDPA/HSUPA, Quad Band (850/90/1800/1900) GSM/GPRS/EDGE. GPS (with AGPS compatibility), 802.11b/g, BT2.0+EDR, USB 2.0, Cameras - 0.3mp (front), 2.0mp (rear)+fixed focus, battery is 1410 mAh Li-Ion with is rechargeable/replaceable. Dimensions: 116mm (4.57in) x 62mm (2.44in) x 15mm (0.60in). Weight is 145g (5.11 oz) with battery. Full specifications are available here.
Pros:
Trackball has a good, responsive feel to it, but software is still not fully integrated into its existence;
GPS is very responsive and works well with the Smart Navigator software;
Standard 2.5mm headphone jack, which also doubles as TVOut;
- Good all around package for traveling business people.
Cons:
Lock/power button doesn't always turn on the screen;
- Small stylus;
- WiFi has difficulty with secured networks;
2 megapixel, fixed-focus camera is not up to current expectations.
Summary:
Following along from our review of the 117 last month, we now present Pharos' latest addition to the Traveler series -- the 127. Similar to the 117, but designed for those who prefer the front-facing embedded keyboard format, the Traveler 127 is a full 3.5G capable travelling companion for the mobile business executive. It's not an easy market to make your mark in, as it's crowded and competitive. How does the 127 fare against the HPs, HTCs and Blackberries? Let's take a look...