Sprint has rolled out the Samsung Ace — a dual-mode smartphone capable of switching seamlessly between Sprint’s CDMA and high-speed EVDO networks in the U.S. and the GSM/GPS networks more typically used overseas.
The smartphone also ships in unlocked mode, which gives globe-trotting users the option of switching to a foreign carrier’s SIM card to dramatically reduce their calling and data expenses overseas.
Under the Hood
At 3.9 ounces, the Ace sports a QWERTY keyboard, a 2.3-inch LCD screen with 65,000 colors, a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder, and a signature slide-click navigation wheel. Its slim form factor is not only a more natural fit for the hand than its Samsung Blackjack predecessor, but also slips more easily into a pocket or purse.
Under the hood, the Ace has 64 MB of RAM, 128 MB of ROM, a mini-SD slot for 2GB flash memory cards, and Bluetooth for wireless connections with compatible headsets, car kits and other devices. In addition, its built-in EVDO circuitry can deliver fast access to a wide variety of online content, including Sprint’s TV and audio offerings.
The new handset’s standard 1300 mAH internal battery delivers up to 4.3 hours of continuous talk time. An optional 1800 mAH battery is also available.
The Ace uses the Windows Mobile 6 operating system, which gives users the ability to view Word, Excel and PowerPoint files as well as display Web content in the Internet Explorer browser. The smartphone also integrates all four of the cellular bands in use worldwide, giving users the ability to receive and place phone calls, text messages or e-mail at thousands of overseas destinations.
Swapping SIM Cards
Until now, American tourists had to pay sky-high global roaming charges to use their own handsets for calls from overseas destinations. But with Samsung’s Ace, users have the option of purchasing a low-cost prepaid plan…