Samsung Saga i770 Phone, Blue (Verizon Wireless) Review

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(More customer reviews)I will admit to initially having some of the same frustration(s) with this device, to which others have alluded, and I, also, considered returning it within the thirty-day period allotted by Verizon. However, the capabilities of the HTC Touch Pro are extensive, and I found it difficult to fully appreciate everything the device can do in six weeks, let alone three or four.
First, my hands and fingers are larger than average, but I've found it easy and quick to navigate using the touch-screens and buttons. I use the stylus from time-to-time, and my experience is that it is sometimes necessary to use it when objects are crowded close together on the touch-screen, but I found this to be an infrequent necessity. The keyboard is very good, though I initially found the odd placement of the letter "M" a little disconcerting, but I did eventually get used to its location. These are certainly things one can try out in any Verizon store, and don't have to be left to chance; the same with build-quality, which I've found to be very good, check it out to your own satisfaction.
I use my Touch Pro mainly for business and am a heavy user of Microsoft Outlook Tasks, Calendar, and Contacts, so easy synchronizing these things with the same items on my desktop PC is very important to me; the HTC Touch Pro does this very well, though I'd have liked the Verizon Wireless Sync capability included with the basic data package, without having to pay extra for wireless sync. But I've gotten used to synchronizing by using the USB cable; it's quick and easy.
Setting up the device to download my email from four different email accounts, and four different providers, was easy and quick. One just types in the email address and password (you only have to do this once at setup) for an account and the device software does most of the rest. I did not find it necessary to download any additional software for this. I just followed the directions in the user guide. For each account, you can choose from a variety of time-intervals for checking your email (5 min., 10 min., 15 min., 30 min., 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, or once per day), or you may check manually in just seconds.
At first, I did find the operating system seemed to slow down or freeze from time-to-time. Invariably, this was due to having too many programs running at once, a condition cured with two touches on the main screen (with two touches, you can close any one program or close all open programs). Also, I found that getting photos and music off the device and onto a memory card resulted in faster operation. The device has a lot of memory, relatively speaking, but keep in mind that it has a lot of programs and capability. Re-setting the device (soft-reset, that is) is also a solution, but probably should only be done with the same frequency as you do it on your desktop or laptop--which is, hopefully, infrequently. If the device completely freezes, of course, your choices may be limited to a re-set. You may find, as I did, that once you learn how to get around in the device, moving more efficiently between and among its functions and programs, the incidence of freezing will drop to zero.
This is a great device for business, though the 3D TouchFLO interface (an I-Phone-like experience) seems fun to use and may be easier for some to navigate to more frequently used functions; I don't use this interface much, preferring the--perhaps more boring--"TODAY screen" interface and the full complement of functions available through menu choices. In any case, I found there are a number of ways of accomplishing typical tasks, some easier and quicker than others. For instance, text messaging, of which I do a lot with my daughter, is as easily accessible as it is for a regular cell phone; just three or four quick touches will get you there with the Touch Pro. For receiving a text message, a notification link takes you to the read/reply screen with only one touch.
In the end I've reacted positively to this device, especially for business. And I very much like the familiar "Windows" look and feel. Among those things for which I have less appreciation are: Cost (it's a pricey phone from Verizon); the highly polished, piano-black finish, is easily smudged with fingerprints; there is an atypically long delay in the phone ringing when a call comes in--the person calling will hear five rings while you will have heard only two--even if you're in the same room. Incidentally, in the event you plan to get your device from a non-Verizon source, you might want to check with Verizon to see if you might be by-passing some benefit (like "new-every-two" or a credit on a new phone when your plan expires--just a thought).


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A productivity powerhouse for on-the-go, fast-paced business communications, the Samsung Saga enables you to enjoy Verizon Wireless's reliable CDMA/EV-DO service here in the U.S. as well as access GSM wireless services in more than 200 destinations worldwide for voice and 150 global destinations for data. The Saga combines a full QWERTY keyboard with a large 2.55-inch touchscreen that makes it easy to to send email, text and instant messages. And with the power of the updated Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, you'll stay easily connected to your business and personal data on the go with support for a wide variety of email accounts as well as the ability to edit Microsoft Office documents.
You'll be able to snap still images and videos wherever you roam thanks to the 2-megapixel camera, which includes NightShot capabilties that enhance the camera's capabilities in dark environments. You'll also benefit from the phone's A-GPS receiver, which enables you to access Verizon Wireless's VZ Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions. Other features include Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (to 16 GB), access to mobile email and instant messaging, and up to 5 hours of talk time.
Global Connectivity With the Samsung Renown, you'll be able to connect to wireless networks from Europe to South America to Asia thanks to its quad-band GSM/EDGE/GPRS connectivity. It comes pre-installed with a SIM card, so customers who plan to travel abroad can activate global service at the time of purchase or by calling Verizon Wireless prior to leaving the U.S. For those who travel abroad frequently, the company's Global Value Plan offers discounted roaming charges on calls made to and from 130 countries.
Verizon Wireless Service With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless's multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)
With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access Verizon Wireless's VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps that can be quickly panned and zoomed. Other features include weather updates for a location without knowing the ZIP code, optional rerouting based on current traffic conditions, and a gas finder feature for finding recent gas prices in your area and getting directions to gas stations.
With BroadbandAccess Connect (subscription required), you can use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with BroadbandAccess Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.
Wireless Sync always-on email service (subscription required), you can stay connected and get the job done while away from the office--without a delay and in a secure environment. Email is delivered to your device in real time across the National Enhanced Services Rate & Coverage Area, and you get the ability to forward large attachments via email as well as access both your personal and corporate emails on one device. Wireless Sync offers strong security with AES encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard) technology so that unauthorized parties cannot access or alter application data transmitted over wireless networks.
Personalize your phone using the VZAppZone, a mobile marketplace that allows you to browse and purchase content and add-on applications. You'll get weather updates for up to five locations, news updates from Reuters, and a storefront for discovering and downloading ringtones, wallpaper and applications.
Phone Features The Samsung Saga features a large 2.55-inch LCD touchscreen with a 320 x 320-pixel resolution and a 65K color depth, which you can interact with using the included stylus. It sits above an innovative optical mouse that replaces the standard five-way navigation pad, which places a mouselike cursor on the screen. You'll be able to scroll through phone menu options just as you would with your PC's mouse, and press the optical mouse button down to open menu items. You also have the option of turning off the optical mouse to a more standard navigation pad. It's complemented by send/end keys, two soft navigation keys, Windows key, and OK button. The full QWERTY keyboard includes a number row that shares space with the letter keys (highlighted in white).
The phone has an internal user accessible memory of 110 MB (with 256 MB of ROM and 128 MB of RAM), and it's expandable via optional MicroSD memory cards up to 16 GB in size. It has a virtually unlimited phonebook size, and you can store multiple numbers, email addresses, and instant messaging address as well as birthdays, notes, and a picture per entry. The phone also displays the most recent 90 incoming/outgoing/missed phone calls.
With Wi-Fi connectivity, the Saga lets you move seamlessly between your corporate WLAN, home WLAN and local hotspots. Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
The 2-megapixel camera shoots images in four resolutions (ranging from 1600 x 1200 to 160 x 120 pixels) with a choice of three quality settings. It also features white balance controls, self-timer, three shutter sounds (including silent), and color effects that can be added using the in-phone image editor. The phone can also capture video clips, which are capped at 30 seconds for sending via MMS messaging or recorded for as long as you have available memory up to up to QVGA resolution.
Stay in touch with friends while you're on the go using SMS text messaging. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. The phone also comes with a built-in web browser for downloads and mobile web browsing. T9 predictive text entry technology makes it easier for entering text while composing email and text messages.
Business users can choose from several popular platforms to access your corporate e-mail. The Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional platform offers seamless integration with Microsoft Outlook information including email, contacts, calendar and to-do lists. You can access and edit email attachments using mobile versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint. In addition, this phone supports scores of industry-specific applications as well as Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager (MDM), an enterprise-grade mobile device management solution that also provides security, mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN) and software distribution for Windows Mobile devices enabled for Windows Mobile 6.1.
Other features include:
View, edit, create Word and Excel files; view only PowerPoint and PDF files; view, extract, create ZIP files
Web browsers: Opera Mobile and Internet Explorer Mobile
Voice command capable
Windows Media Player compatible with MP3, MIDI, AAC/AAC+, WMA formats
Digital video formats: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV
Compatible with ActiveSync 4.5 and Windows Mobile Device Center
Support for 72-chord polyphonic ringtones as well as real-music ringers
USB 2.0 connectivity
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PBA (transfer contacts)
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4

Vital Statistics The Samsung Saga weighs 4.59 ounces and measures 4.88 x 2.44 x 0.53 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 325 hours (13.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as Verizon Wireless's EV-DO data network; it also has quad-band GSM connectivity (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) for roaming outside the United States.
Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 offers a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.
With Windows Mobile 6.1, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.
Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6.1 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.

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