Pantech Duo: Hands-on!
We waited, and waited, and waited — no announcement from AT&T yet — but we secured a Pantech Duo, live and in the flesh! First off, the device is really small. The keyboard is worlds better than the Helio Ocean, and while it might not be fair to compare it to the Ocean, it is more or less the same concept. 3G on here is such a pleasure, and while we’re not talking about Windows Mobile 6 Professional, Standard works just fine for this little handset. Battery life is a concern, especially with a 3G radio, but since we just got it we don’t have a real gage on battery performance. Voice quality and sound quality sounded crisp and clear as well. Final note: if you saw the Pantech Duo dummy display unit, you’ll notice the device slide out both ways simultaneously. Not the case on the real unit because of the spring mechanism. Not too bad for a device we called out a year ago, right?
UPDATE: There’s an "IPM Power Mode" entry in Settings, with "normal", and "turbo" values. On turbo the device seems much faster, could this be a power-saving mode that also scales the CPU?
On Oct 25, 2007 @ 4:31 pm, victor Said:
So what are the limitations of the standard vs pro. Any real major diferences as far as this device goes?
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 4:35 pm, The Boy Genius Said:
Same basic functionality for the most part…no touch screen is the biggest difference. Device is super small, too!
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 4:39 pm, Spizzo Said:
So what about it BG? Does this thing have a GPS receiver or what? Can we install Tomtom or Garmin Mobile XT on this thing and run it via on-board GPS? Inquiring minds need to know?? And while you’re at it, could you tell me what the winning Mega Millions numbers will be this Friday? JK!! LOL!
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 4:45 pm, victor Said:
Thanks BG now is it worth getting when comapring it to the 8820(assuming it has GPS) or is it better to get a Tilt and just get the full pro. Yes I am aware of comparison being a bit off but how would you rank them?
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 4:50 pm, Dtest5477 Said:
BG, you should have a list area where you list your favorite WM, BB, Misc. devices.
This one looks good though, nice design compared to the blocky HTC stuff.
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 4:54 pm, Kevin® Said:
Not bad. Looks pretty nice and I like the dual slide action. Too bad is ruined by the worse mobile OS there is, WM.
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 4:55 pm, EvilHomer Said:
There is no GPS on this device.
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 6:06 pm, bob seiger Said:
so is this in stores now? i’ve called my local at&t store today and they have not recieved any.. I cant wait to get my hands on one.. Ive been waiting since early september
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 6:34 pm, dante Said:
um, no pics of the numeric keypad?
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 7:24 pm, marco Said:
i have a question? Where are the soft buttons when you slide the phone horizontally? where?
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 8:06 pm, Tusitala Said:
Soft buttons are top left & top right.
BG, how does this compare with the HTC S730?
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On Oct 25, 2007 @ 8:07 pm, Jeff B. Said:
Daaaaaaaaaaaaammmnnnn!!! That thing looks hella clean!! I just might add to my arsenal of Tilt, soon to be BJ2, and now a soon to be DUO.
That thing is hella nice.
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On Oct 26, 2007 @ 6:18 am, Jim Said:
3 questions that will help me determine if I get this or the S730:
1 — no gps?
2 — processor speed
3 — screen size
does it rotate orientation well?
Jim
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On Oct 26, 2007 @ 6:57 am, Michaelsviews Said:
I heard from the local Corp store reps, that this is overpriced and functionality isnt that great and pantech is junk.
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On Oct 26, 2007 @ 9:11 am, EvilHomer Said:
It’s very overpriced. The ONLY cool thing this device has is the dual slider function. The build feels cheap as does the horizontal slide. It’s also thick. I didn’t scientifically measure it but it felt the same thickness as my 8525. There is no wifi or GPS and has a tired old 1.3pm camera with no flash. The screen is too thin and the keyboard is for small hands. This device would have to hit a VERY low price point be be attractive. For the money there are far better choices.
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On Oct 26, 2007 @ 12:50 pm, hozay Said:
This phone was directed towards text-happy customer’s & sidekick/En-V ahoppers. People seriously need to stop comparing apples to oranges. This is NOT a blackberry, it’s not meant to compete or compare with the Tilt. It’s a phone of it’s own. If you’re looking for a nice text phone w/ 3G and want a little more then what the sidekick & en-v has to offer this is a great choice.
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On Oct 26, 2007 @ 2:16 pm, Dual keyboard addict Said:
I’m a long time user of the Sierra Wireless Voq - it’s got a great dual-keyboard body. So now I’m torn between HTC S710, HTC S730, and the PanTech. Here are the differences important to me:
Both HTCs have WiFi, PanTech doesn’t.
PanTech has 3G, S710 doesn’t, S730 has it, but it prolly won’t work with AT&T.
People don’t like S710’s keyboard.
S730 has MicroSDHD - can use a larger card.
S730 has an external LED (”flash”) light.
AT&T might force an expensive data plan with the PanTech.
S710/S730 are only available in the US through exporters.
S730 _might_ have GPS - there are reports both ways.
HTC seems to have better rep than PanTech.
S730 has separate still & video cameras.
Don’t have a clear winner yet…
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On Oct 26, 2007 @ 5:12 pm, EvilHomer Said:
Hozay: I agree with you that different devices designed for different folks, but it’s really hard to justify this device’s when its price point is so close to that of the Tilt. The Tilt would work just as well for text happy customers as well as this device, but with a MUCH better build quality, GPS, larger screen, more memory, and a larger keyboard.
I don’t know if you’ve gotten to handle this thing yet but if you do, I think you’ll understand what I mean about how “cheap” the device feels. If this puppy was $99, then you’d really have a niche for it. I think it has a market, just not at that price point for the lack of features.
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On Oct 26, 2007 @ 6:22 pm, hozay Said:
Evilhomer: I’m a RSC for at&t so yes, I’ve tried it out in person already. I agree it doesn’t feel as solid as the Tilt, GPS is missing & it can use a few added touches but again what phone is perfect right? The price is a bit out of reach but if you look at pricing concerns the Sidekick, EnV & Pantech are all $199 after rebate. Will it go down in price? Most likely but holiday season is approaching so who knows what’s up everyone’s sleeves.
btw, you don’t need a $39.99 plan for the rebate. An unlimited text plan however is required.
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On Oct 27, 2007 @ 4:03 pm, Daniel Barton Said:
Can someone definitely answer what unlimited data plan is required for this device, and does it include tethering? I have a $20 unlimited data plan with tethering with my 2125 right now and am looking for a replacement without having to jump to the $40 data plan.
Thanks, Daniel
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On Oct 28, 2007 @ 11:24 pm, big MIKE Said:
Hi guys,
I have held and used both of the new Windows Mobile 6.1 phones for use on at&ts’ network, the Pantech Duo & the MOTO Q 9h. These two devices couldnt be further apart from each other in terms of features and build quality. They are both SUPER nice phones, but I walked out of the store with the MOTO Q. Also, in terms of data plans, at&t is no longer making smartphone users buy a “data plan”. You can use ANY MEdiaMax plan or unlimited text. I hope this helps.
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On Oct 28, 2007 @ 11:25 pm, big MIKE Said:
What the hell device are you talking about man? That vox thing is ancient. And just because something has wi-fi doesnt make it better!
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On Oct 29, 2007 @ 12:48 am, nickr Said:
@evilhomer
what are you talking about? its about .1″ thinner than an 8525, and it has flash on the camera. this keyboard owns the shitty keyboard on the tilt (keys mashed right next to each other, little or no tactile feedback) just for all you htc fanboys. and it may not have wifi or gps, but its o yeah 100 dollars cheaper than the tilt! thats about 33% cheaper, which is sort of a lot.
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On Oct 30, 2007 @ 8:59 pm, bg Said:
No IRdA. Returning tomorrow. Can’t anyone make a smartphone with IRdA? The Imate Ultimate x150 series seems to be the last hope.
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On Oct 31, 2007 @ 12:14 am, klown Said:
this thing is seriously amazing, it does have gps built in, i’m having to call telenav for them to upgrade to the 5.2 because it comes with 2.0 out of the box, but i have no complaints as of yet. the keyboard is a little small, but comparing the size of this phone to the tilt i find it to be almost as comfortable as the tilt’s. the internet works great on the 3g and after u download flash onto it, the internet is even better. the data plan is not too bad i have $39.99 for unlimited web and 1500 text, not intereted in tethering, but that would have been $60 for unlimited data, text and tethering.
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