Review: Samsung T809
Browser
The Openwave browser installed on the t809 was simple and effective in our testing. The browser app itself launched our site in less than ten seconds. Text was extremely crisp and clear, and navigation between links and other page elements gave us no trouble. The web experience was only held back by the lack of an EDGE data availability indicator. Occasionally we tried to look up a phone number using Google local mobile, only to be rebuffed with a network error.
Customization
Customization on the t809 is limited in both image and sound. As we previously mentioned, mp3 files which playback perfectly through the music player app are not available for use as ringtones. The built-in selection of mp3 and midi ring-tones were all equally obnoxious, particularly when the phone lacks a simple telephone ringer.
Menu and display options are limited to two different layouts and color palettes. The first skin provides a green palette, and the second is blue. The green was kind of sickly, so we used the cool blue for our test's duration. The wallpaper on the phone is easily changed, and with such an exceptional display it is certainly the most exciting bit of customization.
File management
File management throughout the phone is simple and straightforward, with one screen displaying photos, video, music, and other files. In any list of files inside the file manager, the phone presented a select all option, which made quickly moving content great. Each of these sub menus also has direct access to the memory card, which is itself divided into the same categories. Navigating into the video folder of the file manager for example, presents options for downloaded videos, captured videos, and then a link to the memory card. Selecting the memory card presents you with the main memory card directory, where you again have to select the type of file you are looking for, be it video, image, or sound. We would prefer to see one hierarchy to control both internal memory and the memory card, as it creates one extra step when navigating.