Test report and technical data Ericsson R520M
The Ericsson R520M - No e-mail function so far, yet upper-class mobile phone!
Plus of the Ericsson R520M: many useful features
Minus of the Ericsson R520M: no e-mail function
In order to prevent any confusion I have to say that this report is about the prototype of the Ericsson R520M. The final version of the Ericsson R520M isn't yet available, because the Ericsson R520M still has a few software problems. They will be removed in the new version of the Ericsson R520M of course.
About the functions: the Ericsson R520M has every feature you can expect from a new model. GPRS, HSCSD, Bluetooth, WAP, e-mail client (not included in the software of my pre-release version of the Ericsson R520M). The software of the Ericsson R520M is being worked on by the manufacturer and will be sent.
I will just list all the features of the Ericsson R520M, so you can get an overview of what the Ericsson R520M can do.
GPRS enables you to be online and mobile, for those who haven't heard of it. The price doesn't refer to your time online, but to the quantity of data transferred by the Ericsson R520M. This function of the Ericsson R520M makes WAP a lot more useful, because you can surf without hassle. Unfortunately this function doesn't work everywhere, it depends on the net provider in that area. But with the new software of the Ericsson R520M it is supposed to work everywhere.
HSCSD makes data transfer with GSM faster through channel-bundling. I'm not sure if the Ericsson R520M really has that function, it does say so in the manual. But I don't have a HSCSD contract for my Ericsson R520M and therefore couldn't try it myself.
Like I said, the e-mail client isn't included in the e-mail function of my version of the Ericsson R520M. Once the software is updated on the Ericsson R520M we will see how good it works.
The WAP-browser of the Ericsson R520M works optimally, even long texts can be displayed and easily read on the 5-line screen of the Ericsson R520M. Sometimes the WAP-browser of the Ericsson R520M acts a bit weird during scrolling, which is most likely a software problem and will be corrected in the update of the Ericsson R520M.
Bluetooth will replace infrared-interfaces in the future, but the Ericsson R520M still has one. This function makes wireless connections over short distances possible with the Ericsson R520M. It can be used for data transfer with the Ericsson R520M, printing and operating the wireless Bluetooth-headset from Ericsson.
The Calendar/ alarm clock function of the Ericsson R520M, which can be shown by month, week or day, is clearly constructed. In the "Meetings" section a reminder-function can be used, which can also change the profile of the Ericsson R520M when reaching the pre-set time and date. Of course this feature of the Ericsson R520M also includes a to-do-list, an alarm clock, a count-down timer and a stop watch.
The real specialty of the Ericsson R520M is its motion-sensor, with which all alarms can be turned off by simply moving your hand.
The hands-free function of the Ericsson R520M is quite good, you hear the other person, but also your own voice as an echo. The motion-sensor will switch the hands-free function off as soon as you lift the Ericsson R520M up and hold it to your ear.
The synchronization-function lets you synchronize your address book and calendar with your computer via infrared-interface, cable or Bluetooth. 45 voice commands can be recorded and saved with the voice control function of the Ericsson R520M, and it works flawlessly.
Incoming calls can be accepted or diverted with a voice command with the Ericsson R520M. If you have set a code word you can also operate the Ericsson R520M entirely without using your hands, which is very convenient when you're busy doing something else. The display of the Ericsson R520M is very good and can be adjusted with four different gray-levels with good contrast.
My conclusion about the Ericsson R520M:
The Ericsson R520M will be really hard to beat by other models, and I can truly recommend the Ericsson R520M, even if the new version won't be available in the bronze/silver design anymore. What a pity.
Test report of the Ericsson R520M:
Technical features: ++++
Quality of reception: +++
User-friendliness: ++
Standby time: ++
Design: +++
Instructions manual: ++
Value for money: +++
Overall result: +++
++++/excellent, +++/good, ++/satisfactory, +/unsatisfactory
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