The
Trium Mondo is the first of its kind--a truly convergent device
bringing together mobile phone and PDA into a single unit. It
works extraordinarily well. The Mondo is based upon a Microsoft
Pocket PC, so you have a palm-sized device with all the
functionality of a full-blown PDA, including address book,
organiser and Pocket versions of Word and Excel to name but a
few.
Connectivity software includes Pocket Outlook for e-mail
and Pocket Internet Explorer for Web browsing. Connection with
your PC is via the now mature ActiveSync which provides seamless
integration and makes sharing and synchronising data a painless
task.
The only giveaway that there is something exceptional about the
Mondo is the small phone aerial protruding from the top right
hand side of the unit. To add phone functionality, all you need
to do is add a valid phone SIM from your existing phone or take
advantage of the Special Offer bundled with the package.
The
software to manage phone use is pre-installed. As a phone, there
is no denying that the Mondo is bulky but the software is
well-thought out, integrating sensibly with the PDA functions to
make for a powerful tool. The speaker and microphone are
effective, providing clear reception both ways and the
hands-free option is also well implemented.
Where the Mondo comes into its own is for mobile data users. No
longer is there a need for two devices struggling to connect via
infrared or a bunch of cables. You can take advantage of the
integral GSM modem to manage live connections to the Internet
and for e-mail through the one device.
The limitations of GSM
still apply, so data throughput is still slow, making e-mail the
most feasible but Pocket Internet Explorer will manage most Web
pages, if you are prepared to wait. For those who can't, WAP is
also available. Indications are that the upgrade path to GPRS
will be a painless one, as the service becomes available but no
prices are available for confirmation at this time.
Our single biggest gripe with the Mondo is with regards to
memory. The Mondo comes with 16 MB--which is the minimum you'll
see in a Pocket PC device. This is compounded by the amount of
space that the Phone software takes up and the lack of
expandability (there is no slot or jacket to add additional
memory as with other Pocket PCs), which leaves you with little
room for additional programs.
The Mondo is a great gadget, that is unusual in being the first
of its kind, yet already a mature and well conceived product.
With the Cash Back offer, it makes a good value proposition, if
you have to have the latest toy and can live with the memory
considerations. --Jason Weston
Description:
Mondo is a powerful dualband phone, sophisticated
personal organiser and pocket pc, rolled into one.
The touch screen puts essential commands and easy-to-use menus
at your fingertips. Browse the Web and send e-mail while on the
move with WAP 1.1, Pocket Explorer and Pocket Outlook. Connect
Mondo to your computer to download addresses, phone numbers and
documents straight into your pocket.
Features:
-
Mobile
Phone and Pocket PC, rolled into one
-
Shipped
without phone SIM
-
Use
your own phone SIM, or take advantage of bundled airtime
deal
-
Up
to 2.5 hours talktime.
-
Up
to 100 hours standby time.
-
Dualband
EGSM 900/1800
-
WAP
1.1: Wireless Application Protocol, 14.4 kbits/s data
-
Fax
and data transmission
-
Handsfree
built in
-
Web
browser (Pocket Explorer)
-
E-mail
(Pocket Outlook)
-
Pocket
Word
-
Pocket
Excel
-
Voice
recorder.
-
Touch
screen with 16 grey levels
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