Videos/Unboxings

Blackberry Curve 8900 unboxed

We haven’t reviewed many Blackberry handsets here in tracyandmatt.co.uk before having really only had a brief look at the Blackberry Bold before. When Orange sent me an email a few weeks ago and asked if I would like to review the new Blackberry Curve 8900 on a Pay-as-you-go contract I thought that sounded like an excellent idea!

Many people are referring to the 8900 (RIM Javelin) as the new smaller Blackberry Bold and looking at the handset its easy to see why. The 8900 is in fact a new Curve model though.

The Blackberry Curve 8900

My initial impression of the 8900 is that it’s an extremely neat handset which is small and light enough for every day use and not just business use. The screen is extremely clear and sharp thanks to the 480×360 pixels being packed in to just a 2.4" diagonal screen. The resolution and OS setup are the same as the Blackberry Bold.

We’re going to be setting the Curve 8900 up with a PAYG SIM and using it over the next couple of weeks. Please take a look at the unboxing video below where I take you on a tour of the handset a quick look at the OS.

The review will be here soon!

Blackberry Curve 8900 specification:

• Dimensions: – 109 x 60 x 13.5 mm
• Weight: – 109.9g
• Display: – 480 x 330 pixels/2.4 inch
• Network: – GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 (Quad-Band)
• Camera: – 3.2 mega-pixels (auto-focus)
  – 5 x Digital Zoom
  – LED Flash
• Video: – Video Recording
  – Supported formats: DivX, XviD, MP4, H.263, 3GP & WMV
  – Video Streaming
• Music: – Supported formats: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+ & WMA
• Messaging: – SMS
  – MMS (with video)
  – E-mail (POP3, SMTP, IMAP4, MS Exchange, BES, BIS)
  – Instant Messaging
• Memory: – 256MB (internal)
  – microSDHC (external)
• microUSB
• 3.5mm Audio Connector
• Bluetooth (2.0)
• Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11g)
• GPRS Class 32
• Navigation: – AGPS
  – BlackBerry Maps

Posted by: Matt

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic unboxing video

If you are a regular to tracyandmatt.co.uk you’ll know that over the past few months we have been looking at a number of new ‘feature phones’ and music phones and Nick has been reviewing and comparing each of them.

One handset that seems to be very popular at the moment is the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. It’s one of only a few touch-screen handsets to be released by Nokia and certainly seems to be feature-packed.

Once again Nick is doing the review honours so have a look at my unboxing video below for a preview of what the 5800 has to offer.

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic specification:

• Operating System – S60 5th edition, Symbian OS version 9.4
• Memory – 81 MB internal memory, 8GB MicroSDHC included
• Display -3.2" 640 x 360 pixels, aspect ratio 16:9, with automatic orientation sensor (Accelerometer) for display rotation
• Sound -Integrated stereo speakers with surround sound, and dedicated audio chip for crystal clear hi-fi sound quality.
• Micro-USB connector, USB 2.0 High Speed
• 3.5 mm Nokia AV connector
• TV out interface (CA-75U)
• Bluetooth version 2.0
• WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g
• MicroSD card slot hot swappable, max. 16 GB
• Operating Frequency – WCDMA 900/2100, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• GPS – Integrated GPS for pedestrian and car navigation, Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch application
• 3.2 megapixel camera (2048 x 1536 pixels), 3x digital zoom
• Front facing video camera for video calling
• TV out with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, in-box)
• BL-5J 1320 mAh Li-Ion battery
• Dimensions – 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm
• Weight – 109 g

Overview of Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

When it comes to music phones, people all over the world want a device that offers a great music experience – with more memory, loud and powerful speakers and easy synchronisation.

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic delivers just this and allows you to access and share content as well as offering all the standard mobile phone functions.  So where-ever you are, what ever you are doing, you remain in contact.
Taking advantage of touch screen technology, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic takes advantage of the ‘Media Bar’, a handy drop down menu that provides direct access to music and entertainment, including favourite tracks, videos and photos.

The Media Bar also offers a direct link to the web and to online sharing. Because the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic supports Flash content, you can surf the entire web. 

In addition, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic offers all the music essentials, including a graphic equalizer, 8GB memory for up to 6000 tracks and support for all main digital music formats, and a 3.5mm jack and Built-in surround sound stereo speakers.
Ensuring a seamless music experience, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic also provides easy access to browse and purchase tracks from the Nokia Music Store thanks to the HSDPA  and WiFi internet connectivity.

Posted by: Matt

HP iPAQ Data Messenger unboxed

I’ve been waiting to get my hands on the HP iPAQ Data Messenger for a while now and last Friday my friends over at Clove Technology managed to get their hands on one for me to play with.

The HP iPAQ Data Messenger

The Data Messenger looks quite similar to the HTC TyTN II and shares the same form factor. Dan is going to be using the Data Messenger over the next few weeks and will be making comparisons between that and the popular TyTN II. If you want to see the Data Messenger in a little more detail have a look at the unboxing video below and then head back in a week or so for the full review.

HP iPAQ Data Messenger specification:

• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Qualcomm 7201A 528MHz
• 128 MB SDRAM
• 256 MB flash ROM
• 2.81” transmissive TFT, 65K colours, 320 x 240 pixel touch screen display with LED backlight
• Full QWERTY slide-out alphanumeric keyboard
• 5-way optical navigation
• Ringer/sound switch
• Keyguard button
• Integrated WLAN 802.11b/g with WPA2 security
• Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
• Micro-USB connector for synchronisation and charging
• Micro SDHC card slot – supports up to 8GB
• 3G Tri-band UMTS (900/1900/2100 MHz)
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
• Integrated GPS navigation (Assisted GPS)
• Integrated 3.1 Megapixel autofocus camera
• Removable/rechargeable 1140 mAh Lithium-Polymer (user changeable)
• Dimensions (W x D x H) – 5.7 x 1.74 x 11.4 cm
• Weight – 160 g

Overview of HP iPAQ Data Messenger

A beautiful 3G smartphone with large touch screen display, full slide-out alphanumeric keyboard and GPS gives a new style to your mobile messaging experience. The HP iPAQ Data Messenger helps you communicate with confidence and distinction.
Ever practical the Data Messenger enables you to use email, phone, and Internet. With high speed HSDPA and HSUPA the voice messenger allows for efficient and fast upload and download of key information that you need when on the move.  In range of a wireless network?  Utilise the on board WiFi connection to save your data plan usage and enjoy high speed wireless connectivity.

Productivity is now even easier.  Taping at a touch screen or through a numeric keypad can be frustrating and slow.  The HP iPAQ Data Messenger makes text entry quick thanks to the full alphanumeric slide-out keyboard.

A crisp and clear 2.8–inch diagonal QVGA touch-screen display offers the best of portability, and functionality, ideal for viewing that all important spreadsheet or the map of city centres. 

Posted by: Matt

Sanyo Xacti HD1010 sample videos

Some time ago we started looking at the Sanyo Xacti HD1010 which is the updated version of the HD1000. You may have seen my Sanyo Xacti HD1010 unboxing video wherein I mention some of the new features added to the camera. One feature that we have been asked about a lot is the ability to shoot at 300 frames per second!

There is a drawback from shooting at 300fps though and that is that you are limited to 448 x 336 pixels in that mode and your subject will have to be well lit to get the best results. (have a look at the video below for some samples)

Other advantages of the HD1010 include the ability to now shoot in 1080p, improved AF, improved CMOS sensor, 7fps continuous still shooting mode and photo-wide mode.

In the video below I quickly recap what the HD1010 has before talking through the menu options and the moving on to some sample footage. I recorded all of the sample videos at 720p (except for the slow-motion bit) but do bear in mind that YouTube compression will have affected the quality and that I have uploaded everything at 640×360 so just use this as a guide!

My final words of advice for anyone shooting in HD with the Xacti HD1010 (and probably any flash memory based HD camera) is to make sure that you get a good quality fast memory card. My initial testing was carried out with a no-name 8GB SDHC card and I ended up having lots of problems with the footage breaking up. This turned out to be because the SDHC card was not fast enough. After swapping the card for a decent SanDisk one I had no problems with the recordings and transferring to the Mac was a lot faster too!

Posted by: Matt

[ Post Tags: Sanyo Xacti HD1010, camcorder, video cameras, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]

Mobinnova ICE unboxed

A different brand and a different take on the Windows Mobile platform, the ICE is the first handset to be launched by the relatively unknown company Mobinnova. In fact Mobinova do have other handsets but this is the first one I’ve actually seen.

The Mobinnova ICE

A first look at the Mobinnova ICE and you might be forgiven for thinking that it was a Samsung Omnia as both have a similar form-factor and glossy silver-grey finish. The similarity doesn’t end there either as the ICE phone also has a 240 x 400 (WQVGA) display albeit 0.5" smaller than the Omnia’s.

What is different about the ICE is on the navigation panel below the main screen. Underneath the 3" touchscreen you’ll find a small OLED display. Measuring just over 1" diagonal this secondary display is actually a touch panel area in place of a more conventional d-pad or trackball. There are other phones on the market that employ a similar technology, such as the Samsung Soul, but this is the first time I’ve seen such a thing used on a Windows mobile device. As a result the front of the ICE is extremely clean with just the Send and End phone keys sticking out.

The touch panel illuminates and is context sensitive so, most of the time it functions as a regular d-pad with up, down, left, right and ‘OK’ in the centre, but some applications change what the display shows and does. It can even be configured to display date/time when the main display goes off.

The rest of the Mobinnova ICE specification is also pretty good as you’ll be able to see below. Weighing in at 120 grams and only 13mm thick it’s an easily pocketable handset with CPU power and decent amount of RAM to boot.

We’re working on the full review at the moment but please have a look at my Mobinnova ICE unboxing video below to see it in a little more detail.

Mobinnova ICE specification:

• Dimensions: 114 x 53.5 x 13mm
• Weight: 120g with battery
• Networks: Tri Band WCDMA/HSPA
• Europe/Asia/Americas – WCDMA/HSPA 900/1900/2100MHzHSDPA providing downlink *speeds of up to 7.2Mbps
• HSUPA providing uplink speeds of up to 2Mbps
• Quad band GSM / GPRS / EDGE GSM850/900/1800/1900MHz
• Display: 3” WQVGA flat TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen
• Secondary display: 128 x 96 OLED panel
• User Interface:  mobiToday, mobiFeel and mobiShift controls
• Camera: 3 megapixel autofocus camera with dedicated shutter control. 2nd camera for video calling
• Memory: 256MB ROM / 128MB RAM. microSD expansion slot with SDCH support
• Wireless: WiFi 802.11 b/g
• Radio: Built in FM Radio with RDS/RBDS function
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR / A2DP for use with Bluetooth stereo headsets
• mini USB 2.0 plus TV-Out CVBS + L/R audio
• Navigation: Built in GPS/AGPS
• Chipset: Qualcomm MSM7201ATM (528MHz)
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile® 6.1 professional
• Battery: 1080mAh rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery
• Talk: Up to 6 hours
• Standby: Up to 160 hours

If you like what you see then you can head over to eXpansys.com where you can pre-order the Mobinnova ICE for just £399.99.

Posted by: Matt

Sony Ericsson W980 unboxed

If you are a regular here on tracyandmatt you’ll know that we’ve looked at a few Sony Ericsson handsets lately and have tried to compare their features to Windows Mobile devices. Nick recently reviewed the W595 and was pretty impressed with it’s music features, not surprising perhaps given that it bears the Walkman moniker.

The Sony Ericsson W980

Nick wanted to have a look at some other handsets from Sony Ericsson in their Walkman range so SE kindly sent us the W980 to review.

Unlike the slider of the W595 the W980 is a flip-style handset occupying the higher end of the market. It has a decent feature set, which you can see in the specification below and has 8GB of built in storage for your music – A pretty decent amount but a shame that there is no memory card socket to enable you to increase the capacity.

Nick’s using the W980 as his every day phone and putting the review together at the moment. For now, enjoy the Sony Ericsson W980 unboxing video below:

Sony Ericsson W980 specification:

• Size:92.0 x 46.0 x 17.0 mm
• Weight: 100g
• Main Screen: 240 x 320 pixels – 2.2 inches
• External screen: 176 x 176 pixels
• Memory: 8GB Phone Memory – Stores up to 8000 songs (eAAC+ format)
• Networks: GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900 & UMTS 2100
• Camera: 3.2 megapixel camera, 3.2x digital zoom
  – Picture blogging
  – Video blogging
  – Video recording with 4x digital zoom
  – Photo fix
  – Auto rotate
  – x-Pict Story™
  – PictBridge printing
• Music: Walkman® player
  – Clear stereo
  – Clear bass
  – Album art
  – FM transmitter
  – Shake control
  – SensMe™
  – PlayNow™
  – TrackID™
  – Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
• Internet: RSS feeds, Access NetFront™ Web Browser
• Entertainment: Music tones (MP3/AAC), 3D games, Java™, FM radio with RDS
• Connectivity: Bluetooth™ technology, Modem, Synchronization
• Messaging: Email, MMS (Multimedia Messaging)

Be true to the original recording

The W980i Walkman® phone is designed to allow you to listen to music as it should be heard. Clear stereo enables the music to sound like the original recording. Clear bass delivers distortion free sound even at higher volumes. These features combine with the premium headphones, the Stereo Portable Handsfree HPM-77, to deliver an incredible clear audio experience and music that sounds as true as possible to the original recording

Share your music with friends

The W980i Walkman® phone has a built-in FM transmitter, which allows you to send whatever’s playing on your phone to other devices with a built-in FM radio receiver. This gives you the ability to share your music with all those around you, whether through a friend’s hi-fi or your car stereo.

Quality music is made for sharing with the W980i. Unplug your headset, sit back and let the music flow through the integrated stereo speakers for all to enjoy. Select a track from the extensive music library – the W980 lets you store up to 8000 songs – or tune in to your favourite radio station and listen out loud. No need to plug in an FM Receiver (which is usually built-in to the handsfree kit), since this is on-board with the W980i.

Posted by: Matt

[ Post Tags: Sony Ericsson, W980, Walkman Phone, feature phone, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]

Samsung SGH-i200 unboxed

If you are considering the switching over to Windows Mobile from a Nokia or other feature phone then you way well be looking for an entry level WM device to start off with. That’s just where Samsung are pitching their SGH-i200 and even add the tag line ‘My Very First Smartphone’ to their branding.

The Samsung SGH-i200

So the i200 is a fairly basic handset but don’t be fooled, there are some features in the spec that you may expect to find in higher-end devices. For starters you get HSDPA and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR, in fact about the only thing missing from the i200 is WiFi support!

Our reviewer Steve was so impressed with the Windows Mobile Standard platform in the HTC S740 that he thought it would be great to see what a device without QWERTY could offer. Steve will be reviewing the i200 over the next few weeks so here we have the unboxing video to give you a taster of what the i200 is all about.

Overview of Samsung i200

The Samsung i200 is the newest slim, candybar style unit from Samsung that incorporates the latest Windows Mobile 6.1 standard operating system.

Whereever you are with the Samsung i200. Push e-mail support collects e-mails automatically the moment they arrive, whilst the built in document viewers let you review important office files.

3G connectivity with HSDPA, lets you connect to the internet and online sources enabiling you to complete a range of tasks. Connect to other devices wirelessly with the built in Bluetooth technology. Exchange files, or connect to other Bluetooth devices such as headsets or computers all completely wire free.

With Tri-band support you can stay in touch in throughout Europe and the USA.

Sleek and slim, from one of the biggest names in mobile computing the i200 is a great solution for mobile communication.

Samsung SGH-i200 specification:

• Dimensions: – 112.5 x 58 x 21.95 mm
• Display: 240 x 320 pixels (2.3 inch)
• 128MB ROM / 64MB RAM
• MicroSD/SDHC memory card slot
• Network: – GSM: 900/1800/1900 (Tri-Band) – WCDMA: 2100
• Camera: – 2 mega-pixels
• Music: – Supported formats: MP3, AAC, eAAC+ & WMA
• Video: – Video Recording – Video Streaming
• Bluetooth (2.0)
• GPRS Class 32
• HSDPA (3.6 Mbits)

Posted by: Matt

LG Renoir unboxed

It’s been about 3 months since we first saw the LG KC910 Renoir at its launch event and since then we have been waiting to get our hands on a review unit. Finally got one just before Christmas so have been putting it too the test over the festive period.

The LG Renoir (KC910)

The KC910 Renoir is one of about 4 or 5 handsets available at the moment with an 8 megapixel camera built in. We’ve already looked at many of the others and you can find their reviews here on site too. The Renoir is quite similar to the Samsung Pixon in form and appearance, and both have the 8mp camera. One of the cool things about the Renoir is that it has a proper Xenon flash as well as Dolby Audio and Divx support. Take a look at the specification below and see what you get in a package that weighs just 114 grams – impressive!

So while we finish writing up the review, here’s the unboxing video to give you a taster of what the Renoir has to offer:

You can also watch the video in HD by heading over to the unboxing video page on YouTube and clicking on ‘Watch in HD’ link under the video player. Don’t forget you can also check out all of our videos (we have 135 now!) by visiting our YouTube channel.

LG Renoir Specification:

• 8 mp Camera with Xenon flash and Schneider-Kreuznach optics
• 30 FPS video recording at 640×480, 60 FPS at 320×240
• Internal GPS w/ Geotagging
• Dolby Audio
• Divx/Xvid support
• Manual Focus
• Smile, focus, face detection, Image stabilization
• Quad-band GSM, HSDPA 7.2 mbps
• Bluetooth Yes.v2.0 with A2DP
• Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML,HTML
• Built-in GPS receiver
• Data GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots),32- 48 kbps
• EDGE Yes
• 3G HSDPA,7.2 Mbps
• WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• USB Yes,v2.0
• Document viewer- DOC,XLS,PDF
• MicroSD up to 8GB
• 3″ touchscreen, 240×400  with Haptic feedback
• TV out support
• Dimensions 107.8 x 55.9 x 14 mm
• Weight 114 g

Posted by: Matt

[ Post Tags: LG, Renoir, LG KC910, fashion phone, mobile phone, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]

O2 XDA Zest unboxed

Several months ago we told you that the Zest would soon be available on O2 and not long before Christmas O2 finally released the handset. Made exclusively for O2 by Asus and based upon the Galaxy 7 the Zest looks like being an extremely capable device with a speedy 624mHz CPU coupled with 128MB RAM, 256MB ROM, VGA screen and built in GPS.

The O2 XDA Zest

Steve has been putting the Zest through it’s paces over the past few weeks and his review will be here in the next few days. Until then here’s the unboxing video:

You can also head over to YouTube and watch the XDA Zest unboxing video in HD, just click on the watch in HD link under the video when you reach the YT page.

O2 XDA Zest specification:

• 2.8 inch VGA Touchscreen with 65k Colours
• 624mHz Marvel CPU
• 3 MP Camera with Auto Focus & Zoom
• Video Streaming Support
• Video Types: WMV, MPEG4
• Audio Types: WMA, MP3, AAC
• GPS (Integrated)
• Wi-Fi Class 802.11 b/g
• Stereo Bluetooth/A2DP Bluetooth Compatibility File Sharing & Headset
• microSD HC up to 32GB
• Memory: 128MB RAM / 256MB ROM
• Instant Messaging
• Integrated RSS feed application
• Picture Messaging (MMS)
• Supported Email Types: POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, Push
• 3G Standby Time (up to) 220 hours
• 3G Talk Time (up to) 3 hours
• Standby Time (up to) 260 hours
• Talk Time (up to) 5 hours
• Battery Type Lithium ion
• Weight 120g
• Dimensions (H/W/D) 120 x 60.5 x 16.5 mm

Posted by: Matt

[Post Tags: xda zest,o2,breaking news,press release,tracyandmatt.co.uk]

Samsung YP-Q1 MP3 player unboxed

I’ve reviewed a number of MP3/media players in the past and when I saw the Samsung Q1 I decided it was definitely a model I’d like to get my hands on. Looking a little more like a mobile phone than an MP3 player the Q1 is a slim and attractive package with a touch sensitive control area rather than conventional buttons and jog-wheels.

The YP-Q1 comes in 4, 8 and 16GB models and is available in both black and silver. Apart from it’s slim size the other striking thing about the Q1 is that it weighs a mere 61g!

The review of the Q1 is on it’s way so for now here’s the unboxing video for you:

Equipped with SAMSUNG’s DNSe™ 3.0 for unrivalled audio quality, while its diamond-shaped pulsating LED touchpad and spacious 2.4" colour display set new standards for accessibility and picture quality. The YP-Q1 lets you watch your favourite TV programmes on the move from the BBC such as Dragon’s Den, Top Gear & EastEnders when downloaded from BBC iPlayer. All handled with flawless precision in a slimline sleek SAMSUNG design.

Samsung YP-Q1 specification:

• Storage Type – Flash Memory
• Memory Capacity – A (4GB), C (8GB), E (16GB)
• Display Type – TFT LCD
• Display Resolution – QVGA (320 x 240)
• Embedded Mic. 
• Output power(@16 Ohm Earphones) – 20
• Available Colour – B (Black), S (Silver)
• Battery type – Li-Polymer
• Display Screen – 2.4"
• FM Radio 
• Picture and text viewer
• Voice Recording 
• View Video Playback
• RDS (Europe, Russia / Ukraine), RBDS (USA), LED Mood Effect
• Battery Playback Time (Audio) 30 hrs
• Battery Playback Time (Video) 4 hrs
• Music Storage Capacity(@128kbps MP3)
  Up to 4000 Songs @ 16GB, Up to 2000 Songs @ 8GB, Up to 1000 Songs @ 4GB
• Charging Time (PC) – 2.5hrs
• Video Storage Capacity
  Up to 39Hrs @ 16GB, Up to 19Hrs @ 8G, Up to 9 Hrs @ 4GB all at 768kbps Video,128kbps Audio
• Dimensions for Unit W x H x D – 49.9 x 97.8 x 10.9mm
• Weight for Unit – 61g

Posted by: Matt