Samsung Omnia i910 Phone, Silver (Verizon Wireless) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pros: The haptic feedback is very responsive, the business card reader works fantastic (take a picture of a business card and it stores it as a new contact), the etiquette mode (face down the phone doesn't ring) is really nice too. Easy sync with e-mail.
Cons: I really didn't like the widget interface, but thankfully it is easy to change and aftermarket options like SPB are great alternatives. It is pretty crucial to remap the task switcher to a key so you can kill programs, otherwise windows slows down.Summary: I have been a long time Treo user, and my last one ran windows mobile instead of the palm system. Windows mobile is really very functional but it tends to leave programs running in the background regardless of what phone you use. Dell addressed this in their PDAs with a task switcher, and I'm very glad to see a similar program employed on the Omnia. Remapping the keys on the side is very simple and makes pulling up the task switcher very easy and keeps windows running smoothly.
Before I go into details on some of the various qualities of this phone I want to emphasize a couple of things. First, while this phone is advertised as having GPS abilities, these are strictly tied to Verizon's Navigator Service, if you're looking to replace your stand alone GPS with a phone and don't want to pay $9.95 a month this phone currently locks you from using any other navigation service. Accordingly the "GeoTagging" feature for photos that is available on the unlocked version of this phone isn't currently available on the Verizon version. I say right now because it is always possible that Verizon will release a firmware update down the road that allows some of these features, but you should know before you buy just what you're getting. That said, still a pretty awesome phone!
The size and weight of the phone is great, it isn't heavy, doesn't weigh down your pockets, but it has some heft to it so you don't feel like you're playing with a toy or something easily broken (that said, I don't think this phone would do well being dropped much). It fits comfortably in my pocket, no bulge. There is an available holster case for it, but personally I've never liked having my phone on my waist.
Typing --
This was where I really expected the most trouble with the phone. I'm used to real keys and so the touch screen keyboard worried me. It's not as effective or quick as my Treo, but I think speed will improve with some practice. That said, typing in portrait mode is very difficult and it is almost a requirement to turn the phone to landscape to type any message. You can change the type method from keyboard to a T9 style number pad which does help vertical typing considerably.
Call Quality --
After all, this is a phone. Calls came through very clearly, and the people on the other end had no trouble hearing me. The speaker phone is loud enough to be heard over ambient noise and does a good job of picking up voice too. The listener on the other end did say they could hear a lot of background noise when on speaker phone so it might be better used in an office setting or someplace where you can limit the amount of noise around you. Still, for as often as anyone uses speakerphone it is more than adequate.
The interface --
I have to give credit to Samsung for their widget interface. I personally don't like it, but I am a creature of habit and know where stuff is on my old phone and just wanted to recreate that. My girlfriend loved the widgets, they were simple enough to her to be able to be comfortable navigating the phone in about half an hour. They might not be the first choice for more serious users, but they do a good job making windows mobile a bit more finger friendly.
Battery Life --
Well this depends... I've enjoyed playing with my phone pretty much nonstop since I got it, and that screen does seem to kill the battery pretty quick. I haven't made it all the way through the day without needing to plug it in, but I've found that if I plug it into my computer while at my desk, or into my car while I'm driving it will do very well staying fully charged. Wouldn't wander off without a power source for more than a day though.
The stylus--
I seriously doubt anyone will use this thing, it might have been a nice addition had they been able to build it into the body of the phone instead but putting it on a little leash just makes it impractical.
The Camera--
I haven't fully explored all of the built in options as far as editing goes, but so far it seems pretty good. The flash isn't a flash in the traditional sense you might be used to. It is a very bright LED that does a good job for subjects that aren't more than maybe 4 or 5 feet away, but you're not going to light up a room with it or anything, keep your expectation reasonable and you'll be pleasantly surprised with it's effectiveness. (The flash also doubles as a flashlight which is an interesting feature). The downside to the LED flash is that I'm having trouble with Red Eye, but that is so easy to edit these days that it's hardly worth mentioning.
All in all... If you're looking for a multimedia phone with smart phone abilities this is a great phone. If you're looking primarily for a phone to handle e-mails then you might find the touch keyboard on this a little aggravating. If you're a seasoned windows mobile user the phone is exactly what you're used to but better, if you're a cross over from Blackberry, or this is your first foray into the smart phone world the widget interface is simple enough you should be comfortable within half an hour or so. The phone has put an emphasis on media playback, and if you're looking for a phone that can handle e-mail but really serves as an mp3 player, decent camera, web-browsing, and occasional video watching, this is about as good as they come.
I would absolutely recommend this phone to anyone looking for a good all in one sort of phone, with the caveat that long e-mails aren't as easy as they might be on other devices. It's still windows, it still slows down some, and it is almost impossible to respond to messages one handed (which I suppose you shouldn't be doing anyway) and I kind of wish they had built in a stylus (could have even made it the FM's ant. since to use that feature you have to plug something else in). All those things in mind I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Hope my review helps. Happy Holidays!

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Meaning "everything" in Latin and "wish" in Arabic, the Samsung Omnia for Verizon Wireless is designed to provide business users with stylish multimedia capabilities and personal mobile users with simple access to business based functions. This touchscreen-enabled phone has a large, brightly colorful 3.2 inch screen, and it includes Samsung's intuitive and easily customizable TouchWiz user interface. Other features include 8 GB of internal memory, a built-in GPS receiver, 5-megapixel camera, multi-format digital audio player, Bluetooth for handsfree communication and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion, video output to your TV, and up to 5.8 hours of talk time.
With the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, the Omnia supports Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager, which provides single-point access to line of business and corporate data such as applications, files and other information located on the corporate network. It also provides push email for immediate send and receive on Corporate Microsoft Exchange servers as well as editing of Microsoft Office documents. You'll also benefit from the phone's Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) and built-in A-GPS receiver, which enables you to access Verizon Wireless's VZ Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions.
Verizon Wireless Service With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless's multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)
With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access Verizon Wireless's VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps that can be quickly panned and zoomed. Other features include weather updates for a location without knowing the ZIP code, optional rerouting based on current traffic conditions, and a gas finder feature for finding recent gas prices in your area and getting directions to gas stations.
With BroadbandAccess Connect (subscription required), you can use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with BroadbandAccess Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.
Wireless Sync always-on email service (subscription required), you can stay connected and get the job done while away from the office--without a delay and in a secure environment. Email is delivered to your device in real time across the National Enhanced Services Rate & Coverage Area, and you get the ability to forward large attachments via email as well as access both your personal and corporate emails on one device. Wireless Sync offers strong security with AES encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard) technology so that unauthorized parties cannot access or alter application data transmitted over wireless networks.
Personalize your phone using the VZAppZone, a mobile marketplace that allows you to browse and purchase content and add-on applications. You'll get weather updates for up to five locations, news updates from Reuters, and a storefront for discovering and downloading ringtones, wallpaper and applications.
Phone Features The Samsung Omnia's 3.2-inch touchscreen as a 240 x 400-pixel resolution and a 65K color depth. It features handwriting recognition capabilities as well as an accelerometer sensor that auto-rotates the screen when shifted from tall to side profile (and back again). In addition to the internal 8 GB of memory, the Omnia can be expanded via optional MicroSD/MicroSDHC memory cards up to 8 GB in size.
Samsung's TouchWiz user interface makes entering data and text simple. With unique widgets, you can customize and personalise the way you use the phone. The quick and simple drag-and-drop feature lets you have instant access to your favorite functions at a moment's touch. A unique menu of widgets display functions such as the clock, radio player, music player and more personal elements including photos and birthday reminders.
The Samsung Omnia also features a full on-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast text messaging, mobile IM and e-mail messages. The haptic feedback on the touch screen provides subtle vibrations to confirm selections; and an optical mouse provides easy navigation with the swipe of a finger. The Samsung Omnia supports Opera 9.5 Mobile Browser for a smooth Web browsing experience.
Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
The 5-megapixel autofocus camera sports a 4x digital zoom, flash, 15 shooting modes (from sports to sunset), ISO settings, and many more advanced functions. It also includes a Face Detection function that centers on a face when taking a picture; panorama, split shot and anti-shake camera settings; and a SmileShot function that enables the camera to detect when a person is smiling and automatically takes a picture when in the SmileShot mode. The Omnia also captures video clips (length determined by available memory), which can be displayed on external TVs and monitors using the phone's TV output capabilities. You can also edit videos on the Omnia, with functions such as trimming, audio dubbing, and subtitles.
The digital audio play provides a wide range of format compatibilities (MP3, WMA, AAC, eAAC+), and the video player offers multi-codec support for DivX, Xvid and other video formats, eliminating the hassle of file format conversions. It also comes with an FM radio with RDS, which displays the name of the currently playing song (when tuned to compatible radio stations).
Other features include:
MicroSD memory card expansion (up to 16 GB capacities)
Personal organizer with calculator, calendar, alarm clock, world clock, stop watch and notepad
Support for Divx and Xvid movie files
Mobile IM using AIM, MSN, Yahoo
Voice command capable
Business Card Reader
Text, Picture and Video messaging (MMS)
Compatible with ActiveSync 4.5 and Windows Mobile Device Center
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PBA (transfer contacts), SPP (serial port profile)
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4

Vital Statistics The Samsung Omnia weighs 4.34 ounces and measures 4.4 x 2.24 x 0.52 inches. Its 1440 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.8 hours (346 minutes) of talk time, and up to 464 hours of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 (19.3 days) frequencies as well as Verizon Wireless's EV-DO data network.
Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 offers a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.
With Windows Mobile 6.1, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.
Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6.1 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.

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