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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