Entertainment

The phone comes pre-installed with various game samplers, with full versions and a greater selection available for download from the Sprint PCS Vision network. Games include classics such as Tetris and Ms. Pac-Man, as well as sports-themed games like Midnight Pool.

The 65K-color screen allows for full-color graphics, which are joined by sound effects, music, and rumble features. As with most phones with average-sized keys, users with long fingernails or large fingers may have trouble operating the game keys with dexterity in a fast-paced game.

The application tools offered include a scheduler, alarm clock, countdown and task list to help manage time and plan events, as well as a "Today" feature which lists any scheduled events for the current date. Also featured are a Memo Pad, World Clock, and Calculator. Language can be preset to English or Spanish, and the phone offers TTY/TDD support.

The phone offers all that a user could want, both in terms of fun games to help while away a few minutes, and in terms of handy applications to help keep life organized.

Internet

The A640 connects to the internet via the Sprint PCS Vision service, the 2G forerunner to Sprint's more cutting-edge 3G Power Vision service. The A640's slower connection means not only sluggish download times, but also incompatibility with the new services offered under Power Vision, such as Sprint TV and Sprint Music Store. Unlike more advanced phones, the A640 cannot stream, download, or play MP3s and video.

Connecting to the PCS Vision service allows the user to choose from a menu with categories like "sports" and "news," or to type in URLs. Memory allows for a maximum of twenty bookmarks. Various instant messaging services (AIM, Yahoo!, MSN) as well as third party email services (AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo!, etc.) may also be accessed through the PCS Vision service. As mentioned above, the user may also download multimedia files, such as games and MIDI ringtones, but at a slower rate than newer Power Vision phones.

The A640's 2G PCS Vision internet service allows for web browsing, email access, and instant messaging, albeit at a slower rate than more advanced, expensive phones. The slower connection also means no access to advanced video and MP3 services, so users desirous of Sprint's most cutting-edge internet features should look elsewhere.

Storage

The system features 32.0 MB ROM and 8.0 MB RAM. The total multimedia download capacity is 4.0 MB. The phone does not use memory cards, so users will have to make sure to upload any media that they wish to save. Since the phone does not function as an MP3 player, the only data necessary for upload will most likely be photos.

< Prev Next >

This article is Copyright 2002-2009 Mobiledia Corp. and the review in part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from Mobiledia. For information on reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please contact us.