Internet
 Strangely
though, Samsung never intended for users to browse in landscape mode, so
consumers will be unable to use the QWERTY keyboard while surfing. But through
Cingular's MEdia Net and WAP 2.0, consumers can use the D307 to check the
Internet for weather reports, sports scores, stocks quotes, or travel information
at GPRS Class 10 (4+2) speeds of up to 48 kbps.
But users will probably opt for EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution),
Cingular's new 3G broadband network. Able to transfer at about two to three
times faster than traditional GPRS networks, through EDGE, the D307 can
access the web at up to 70 to 135 kbps. And should users want to use the
D307 as a wireless modem with their laptop, a Data Kit accessory can be
purchased separately.
Cingular's EDGE network is currently expanded to over 13,000 U.S. cities
and towns and more than 39,000 miles of U.S. highways. Reaching a population
of nearly 253 million people and growing, international EDGE and GPRS roaming
is also available in more than 80 countries.
Storage
Contrary to multimedia-focused devices, the D307's memory will be mostly
stored with text. Unlike most devices which dynamically allocate available
memory, the D307 not only limits storage to 4 MB for messages, 5 MB for
audio, graphics, and videos, and 200 KB for voice memos, but also segments
by number of entries.
Maximum storage space for the segments include 1000 contacts, 200 text
messages, 100 multimedia messages, 100 notes, 50 push messages, and 36 games.
Unfortunately, the storage space isn't that much and the D307 doesn't have
an expansion slot, so users will have to clear out saved entries to make
more room.
Connectivity
The D307 comes with Bluetooth connectivity to pair with other Bluetooth-capable
devices within a 10 meter radius such as headsets, printers, and PC adapters
for handsfree communication, photo printing, and multimedia transfer.
Conclusion
Utilizing an innovative dual-hinge design, the D307 is truly a messaging
powerhouse. But what makes it unique also limits its appeal. Lacking multimedia
features found on many other devices, the D307 is not for the general consumer.
Samsung instead, built the D307 with text messaging specifically in mind.
Opening it up horizontally, the D307 is a workhorse, allowing users to
sending text messages, checking email, and chatting through the most popular
clients. But there are some drawbacks. The QWERTY keyboard can only access
a few features, namely notes, text messages, and chat.
Other features which would have benefited greatly are oddly missing.
As one of the only Cingular devices to also have EDGE high speed Internet
access, unfortunately users won't be able to browse the web using the QWERTY
keypad, instead having to use T9 predictive text to type in URLs. The
lack of POP3 and IMAP4 support is a significant drawback as well.
However, the addition of VoiceSignal and VoiceMode nicely complement
the D307's text messaging features. Speech-to-text and voice commands are
top notch and quite effective and convenient to use.
But again, the D307 is for a specific niche. The exterior is rather drab
and not very appealing, and there's no camera or MP3 player. Consumers looking
for entertainment are better off looking elsewhere. But for those who need
a QWERTY keypad and want to get things done, the D307 is an affordable choice
without the unnecessary extras.
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