Key features and review of the Ericsson R380

Smart and user-friendly the Ericsson R380 is GSM mobile phone with PDA functionality. If we are talking about ergonomics, the R380 is hardly bigger than a standard mobile phone, and doesn't weigh much heavier. The dimensions of the phone are 50 x 130 x 26 mm and weighs 164g. It looks like a regular phone until you flip the number pad down to reveal a diminutive display measuring 80mm wide x 30mm high. When the lid is flipped, orientation will automatically changes making the most of the space and now you have the access of range of PIM features.

The screen is touch sensitive and has full 640 x 480 resolutions to clear and sharp viewing. Data entry is via the touch-sensitive display. There is a handwriting recognition tool on board, and a soft keyboard option if you prefer. A very short stylus slots in the back of the battery pack. PC connectivity is essential for getting data in and out of the R380 in bulk, and a docking station is supplied with the phone - though you can use infrared if you prefer. Outlook, Lotus Organizer and Lotus Notes are all supported, with Organizer version 5 supplied on CD-ROM.

It supports dual-band GSM 900/ GSM 1800 MHz for network connectivity. It comes with many features such as; Monophonic ring tones, Vibration alert, Phonebook, SMS, Alarm, Clock, Games, Organizer, Voice dial, Voice answer, Voice memo and Calculator. The phone also has a speaker. It also has internal memory, but only 1.2 MB. It is powered by a NiMH 950 mAh battery.

Although this may be of little consequence to those who use the R380 primarily as a phone, it may discourage PDA users. Otherwise its great phone, the only downside is that its backlight does not stay on for long.

Excellent Phone! Would be much better with color screen!