Hands-on with Samsung's sliding Soul
The Soul is all metal and glossy surfaces, has a "Magical Touch" d-pad which features haptic feedback, is a complete fingerprint magnet, and we love it. It feels substantial, looks like a million bucks and while the d-pad is a bit gimmicky -- ok, well maybe a lot gimmicky -- this thing is going to end up in our pockets as our weekend handset of choice. Follow the link for a few more pics.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JMS @ Feb 12th 2008 8:07PM
There are a lot of GSM/ Edge phones out there that are really really nice but they never work with Verizon's network. Why is that? Is Verizon's network more advanced, or less? Not knowing a thing about cell phone networks, it's hard for me to find information on these things because I'm not sure where to look.
Seoung-Koo Yi @ Feb 12th 2008 8:17PM
Mobile phones that uses GSM standard cannot work under Verizon because Verizon uses CDMA network.
Raiden @ Feb 12th 2008 8:19PM
Actually, Verizon is rumored to go open network this year, making it possible to import foreign CDMA phones, so cross your fingers and pray that it does, and the Korean Samsung CDMA phones will be graced upon your hands...
Until then, look and drool over the GSM phone suckers :P
JMS @ Feb 12th 2008 8:40PM
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be that vague. I know that Verizon uses a completely different network. I was wondering more about the difference between CDMA and GSM/Edge. Is one more advanced than the other? Is there a specific reason why Verizon would want to have a cellphone network format COMPLETELY different than the rest of the world?
Ypoknons @ Feb 13th 2008 2:07AM
Well GSM/EDGE is old school now ... it's more HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GSM against EVDO/CDMA. I don't know technologically, but in terms of transfer speed both 3G technologies are comparable.
CB17 @ Feb 13th 2008 4:03AM
Here let me answer your question better than everybody else.
-Verizon uses the technology they do because 5 years ago it was more advanced then the competing standard at the time (TDMA)
-But for whatever reason they stuck with it and now Verizon and Sprint are the only 2 carriers (plus their MVNOs) left that use it.
-The rest of the world, including ATT and T-Mobile, integrated into one technology: GSM which IS a better technology despite what some diehard CDMA freaks would tell you on here. The main differences that your average everyday user sees:
1) The GSM association requires all carriers to use the same standard allowing interoperability so there are a lot more phone options.
2) GSM's 3G is faster than CDMA's (up to 28mbps vs. 3.6mbps using Rev. A)
3) HSPA (GSM's 3G) carrys both voice and data allowing for better quality voice and simultaneous voice and data use. So if you're on the internet, calls can get through, you can talk on the phone while using the internet, and do video calling.
Sirius @ Feb 13th 2008 9:18AM
@CB17
You forgot another reason: SIM cards. That alone is enough reason to use GSM, especially if you travel lots and don't want to get ripped off roaming.
CB17 @ Feb 13th 2008 3:50AM
What's gimmicky about the D-Pad? It looks pretty useful, I mean the icons can change right? That looks pretty cool to me.
Kalemic @ Feb 14th 2008 2:50PM
So here's a question for the bloggers. I have the d900 and the worst thing about it is the UI after having come from a Sony-Ericsson world before. Does this Samsung give more customization power to the user over previous models? I love the slide, the size and the feel of the d900 and would stay with Samsung if they just allowed me to configure it more to my liking.