Moving on to the left-hand side of the device is a new addition: a scroll wheel. This allows you to navigate the M3100 more easily without having to take the stylus out, especially if you're reading emails or web pages. The scroll wheel can be depressed to make selections. Just below the scroll wheel is a second OK button, but this one also allows you to open the Start menu if you're on the Today screen. Below that is the voice dial/voice recorder button and, at the lower left-hand side, is a MicroSD memory card slot.
The power button, the Communications Manager button and, all the way on the bottom, the camera button are all on the right-hand side of the device. The stylus has been hidden right in the bottom corner. It's of the telescopic type and feels comfortable to hold. Finally, at the bottom of the M3100 you'll find the infra-red receiver, the reset button, a custom mini USB port and a small latch that opens the back.
The USB port has slightly different shape than usual, but you can still connect a standard mini USB plug - a battery charger with a mini USB connector is supplied. The reason for the customisation is to integrate the earphone adaptor - the M3100 doesn't have a headphone jack - so the connector doubles up as the port for the supplied headset, which is of rather better quality than those that shipped with previous SPVs.
Around the back is a two megapixel camera with a macro mode setting, an LED flash and a tiny self-portrait mirror. Release the catch that holds the back in place and you get access to the battery compartment. The SIM card slots in easily underneath the battery.
Internally, the SPV M3100 sports a Samsung 2442A processor which is clocked at 400MHz. This doesn't seem to be too fast, and if you intend to run Skype on the M3100 you're better off using the version developed for slower CPUs. The M3100 has 64MB of RAM and 128MB of Flash memory of which around 55MB is available to the user. On top of this you get 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 with wireless stereo support, aka A2DP.
The M3100 operates on all four GSM frequencies (850/900/1,850/1,900MHz) as well as UMTS 850/1900 and 2100 networks. Rather unusually there's also support for UMTS 800MHz which seems to be used only in Japan. You should be able to use the M3100 anywhere in the world, roaming charges permitting.
COMMENTS
skype on M600 ?
can i use older/slower version of skype on the M600 ? any one tried it ? does it work ?
M3100 Comments
Nice phone, nice PDA, much better build quality than the previous small factor HTC PDA phones (vario/MDA). Good quality camera, excellent use of buttons and scroll wheel. Even the voice dialling seems to work without a hitch. Looks good, feels solid (haven't dropped it yet tho!).
Gripes ?
Explorer through 3G seem to take ages "Locating" - moving between cells can leave you with a frustrating "Locating" message - problem with explorer or Orange 3G ?
Twice now (in three days) my phone has dropped off the network and getting back on has been either by hard reset or into and out of flight mode.
Finally - ORANGE!! - spend less money on silly inflatable animals and let me have a resonably priced 3G data access package! - if you don't I'll start using wi-fi n skype !
Hardware Problems
Many HTC TyTNs have been returned by owners because of screen alignment and keyboard problems. Most machines with serial numbers starting HT626, HT628 & HT630 are affected. I know as have returned two myself.
As for the SPV M3100, I have had my one for a day. The main issue is that to make a call you need to press the 'on' switch before you can press the key for the keyboard - how can you call this a 'phone'? Call quality is not as good as the SE P990, SE M600 or Nokia 9500. Will add more comments as I have more experience of this device.
Cant agree with the opinion about WM phones
'They "run" Windows, which perpetually crashes and is really slow'
Ummm.... my MDA compact last crashed about 7-8 months ago (nothing major, quick soft reset sorted it) and its fast enough to play Doom, listen to music and watch full length films.
I wont bother trying to counter the other points but will say that as an ex-Palm user ( 4 different models), Im happy with my MDA (no I dont like MS but pragmatism kicks in every now and then)
This new model looks interesting but I will wait and see, doesnt seem a huge step up from what I already have.
Orange SPV Phones
I have tried and returned EVERY Orange SPV phone they've released. They are all utterly useless:
They "run" Windows, which perpetually crashes and is really slow, they have VERY poor receive sensitivity, low transmit power, poor bluetooth (both range and quality are awful), and poor battery life. In short, they're USELESS.
I'm now happily using a Treo without problems.
