Review: T-Mobile's WiFi Connected SDA

T-Mobile SDA

T-Mobile SDA

T-Mobile SDA

Not to be confused with the T-Mobile SDA Music introduced by T-Mobile Germany in late 2004, the SDA that is being offered by T-Mobile USA is a similar but new device that is based on the HTC Tornado design - also shared with the i-mate SP5m. While similar to the Cingular 2125 and other devices based on the HTC Faraday, the T-Mobile SDA gets the benefit of 802.11b WiFi access in addition to all of its other connectivity options.

It may not be the most sexy looking phone on the planet, but few devices today can offer as much functionality in a normally sized package as can T-Mobile's SDA.

Physical Aspects

Fortunately for the SDA, sex-appeal is not a requirement for being a good phone - though it certainly can help selling them. T-Mobile's SDA measures up at a reasonably compact 116mm x 47mm x 21mm (4.6" x 1.9" x .83"), and weighs about 122g (4.3oz) with SIM and memory card. For comparison's sake, that's a bit shorter and narrower than a Motorola SLVR L7, but 9mm (.35") thicker and 22g (.78oz) heavier. Fairly respectable numbers.

The SDA offers a number of controls to make its use more convenient. On the sides of the SDA you'll find dedicated volume and camera controls and a special button that brings up the Comm Manager application - for quick access to WiFi, Bluetooth, Phone, and ActiveSync switches. A much-bemoaned external antenna, of sorts, can be found up top with the power switch and infrared port. On the bottom, the miniUSB power/data port sits along side the headset jack. The 1.3 megapixel camera's lens and self-portrait mirror are located on the back. The front of the device is dominated by the large 65k color QVGA (240x320) display and a myriad of buttons. In addition to the normal numeric keypad and call control keys you'll find 3 dedicated music controls, a web browser key, and a pair of softkeys that straddle the dedicated home and back buttons. All of the controls have a very solid, predictable feel, as does the joystick that is located in the middle of everything. The keypad keys are located a bit too close to the bottom of the SDA, but other than that there is really very little to complain about.

 

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