MiTAC Mio 8390
Average Ratings
GREAT Smartphone!!
Having had MANY GSM phones over the years, the 8390 was my first "plunge" into the smartphone world. Having researched its predacessor, the Mio 8380 thoroughly, I can say the 8390 has improved drastically over that model.
PROS:
The camera is GREAT, with multiple levels of zoom and good, crisp shots.
The video cam with sound is also impressive.
The windows functions are great as well. The ability to use mp3 files as ringers is also a FABULOUS option!
The size, for a clamshell "flipphone" is great. Right in between a Motorola v60 and the old StarTac - PERFECT SIZE, and light.
CONS:
At least when I got it, EVERYTING WAS IN CHINESE!! User manual, CD-ROM, and everything else. That was frustrating - hopefully an English version of the packaging will be released.
As is the case with Smartphones in general, especially Windows powered ones, it has similar hang-up problems like Windows-powered computers - It gets hung up and needs to be restarted every once in a while.
OVERALL, it is a great phone. However, I have already givewn mine to my wife and will soon be purchasing the LG SC8000 - what looks to be the PERFECT combination of phone and windows-powered PDA - with a painful $1,500 price tag!! I will review that one upon its release Sept/Oct 2004.
Mitac 8390 PDA/PHONE
Nice phone, they did a good job on it. I am using it with T-Mobile right now in ths US and it is working just fine. No problems with it so far, but I won't have it long. I change phones every year, and this one might be a keeper for a while.
What I think of it.
Pros:
1. Camera is very clear since it can take 300k color of picture, though video might need some changes.
2. Lots of downloads to pick. Need to unlock the OS to download other programs. Games to get are awesome. Applications that I have found and added are awesome too.
3. Can turn into a mini audio/video player on the go. Listen to music while flip part is closed so it can be in your pocket.
4.Triband phone.
5. Caller ID, select ringtones per group or per person, block calls (software download), and animated caller ID. Window out side let's you know what's going on.
6. Voice dialing.
7. Can go online w/ Internet Explorer, just like PC.
Some programs where in chinese and especially the stuff it came with. There is a cd that I got with it(not sure if it is part of the package or not) that has the english version of the manual.
Cons:
1. Wished it processor is faster, even with booster software.
2. No speaker phone, though when you put the sounds way up, it practically sounds like a bad speaker phone.
3. Incoming calls while talking will notify not only you but the person you talk too w/ a beep so you're not sure who's getting it.
4. Windows. Tend to do a software crash or something were it doesn't want to load so you have to restart.
5. Short battery life. Need extra one and haven't found a site that sells just that. I have to charge it every time I can.
6. No bluetooth. Has infrared and USB though!
I just wish that I can make my connection using T-zone with T-mobile faster like AT&T and Cingular's EDGE. I can't go to places that allows me to listen streams of audio or video with windows media player without stopping to reload and do buffer.
