Absolute Gadget

Review: Orange SPV M700 Smartphone

Written by Matt Chapman Tuesday, 24 April 2007 08:38

Updates to products are as inevitable as death and taxes. And as it’s been a while since we last saw an Orange SPV Smartphone, a new version was always on the cards. So the SPV M600 is left standing as the M700 Smartphone zooms past it. But does the new model have the go-faster stripes to make it worth an upgrade?

On a superficial level, not at first glance. The form factor looks like it has only changed a fraction, with more curves and a polished finish. That 10.8 x 5.8 x 1.8cm frame still boasts the well-proportioned large 2.8-inch screen, though, with the whole package weighing in at 150g.

But dig a little deeper and things have improved somewhat. The SPV finally comes with the tech to connect using 3G – a feature that sets free other upgrades. Now that video-calling is an option over the quicker connection, there’s an extra camera on the front to make it happen. There’s still the usual 2-megapixel snapper on the back as well and users have the option to switch between these during a call. That 3G connection is also backed up by wi-fi and quad band capabilities.

Our favourite addition by a mile is GPS technology as standard. The M600 was able to guide you around using Orange’s SatNav software, but you had to use a Bluetooth dongle to connect to a GPS service. Having that as part of the unit makes it a much more useful function and means you should never be lost again. One downside is that it might eat into your phone bill as it downloads maps of your current area. The GPS is also a little slow to find a signal if you are in an enclosed space – including a train.

Casual users will be happy to see the usual media player functions in the SPV, with related files automatically being synced to your device from your computer if you choose. Playback is through Windows Media Player 10 and extra memory for bigger files can be added using the external mini-SD slot.

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More-serious users will be interested in the mobile versions of Excel, PowerPoint, Word and compression software that are bundled as standard. Inputting data or editing files is also helped by the Letter Recogniser and Transcriber tools, which are easier than using the slightly-too-small keyboard. Pop email accounts can be set up for access over 3G, or Orange business customers can use a dedicated push-email service (it costs extra for anyone on a regular contract).

The specs aren’t pushing the boundaries of handheld units – there’s a 400MHz 32bit Samsung processor and 128MB SDRAM under the hood – but they handle all the current tasks without presenting the spinning wheel of death at every turn. And decent usage of office features, SatNav and calls still left the SPV M700 with around four hours usage time. Not that you’ll be stuck with a way to recharge it, as it comes with a standard mains charger, a mini-USB lead and a cigarette lighter connector.

It’ll set you back £299.62 (inc VAT) if you buy it without a contract, or you can get it free on an Orange tariff costing £35 a month. But as you’ll be able to leave so many other devices at home and just take this one, in our opinion it’s worth the money.

Rating: 8/10

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