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MOBILE PHONE
| MOTOROLA E680 |
| P35,000 | |
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Say hello to Penguin power
Forget about caffeine-chugging geeks pounding out lines of code in basements bathed by CRT glare. Linus Torvalds' penguin (named "Tux") is enjoying worldwide popularity and clout thanks to big backers such as IBM. Linux is open-source, which means it can be customized to run on different hardware platforms. Motorola has managed to do just that with the e680, which uses Linux as its OS instead of the usual Symbian OS or Microsoft Mobile.
As far as hardware goes, the e680 is pretty slick. Construction is first-rate, with no creaks or noticeable gaps between panels. A hot swappable memory card slot supports both Moto's proprietary TransFlash format, as well as the more widespread SD/MMC variety. The stylus resides in the bottom - not an ideal location, considering gravity, but it is held quite securely by an internal metal spring.
Unlike a penguin on land, the e680 isn't sluggish at all. Menu response was snappy on the bright 2.5-inch LCD, and Motorola's interface was straightforward. Navigation and input is almost wholly stylus-based. Composing messages - SMS, MMS or email - is achieved via a pop-up keyboard or through handwriting recognition. Either way, the e680 helps you out by suggesting possible words ala T9. We found this system quite helpful, especially with the learning curve needed to master the input method - our crappy penmanship didn't help either.
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Triband GSM. GPRS, SMS, MMS, POP3 messaging. 320x240 pixel, 65k color, 2.5-inch TFT screen. VGA still and video camera. Bluetooth. 50MB internal memory, expandable via TransFlash or SD card. MIDI, MP3, MP4 file support. Dimensions: 109 x 53.8 x 20.5 mm. Weight: 133g.
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This would be perfect, if not for the lack of third-party software support.
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With an onboard memory of 50MB, and a bundled 64MB TransFlash card, this just begs to be filled up with media files. The e680's VGA camera did an adequate job capturing stills and video - even offering up to 8x digital zoom. Video playback was ok too, provided that the cinematographer had a steady hand. Audio output wasn't too shabby either. Motorola specs this device with 3D Surround Sound (just like its e398 sibling). The included stereo headset doubles as a hands-free kit and FM radio antenna. File transfer can be done via Bluetooth or USB, where the Moto appears as a mass storage device. Pretty neat.
The e680, however, does have its share of "penguin out of water" moments. We would have wanted to see Wi-Fi support or a megapixel-class camera on it to make the 8x digital zoom useful. What is most glaring, however, is the current scarcity of third party applications. Top of our wish list would be an office document reader, and a landscape-capable browser. Hope some heavily-caffeinated coders read this review then!
- Agu Paiso
 Post your opinion or own review!
T3 Magazine Philippines - March 2005 Issue
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