Siemens SX66

User opinions and reviews

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H
Hack Man
xL3
29 Dec 2005

I am confused as to why some saying NO CAMERA, while some lucky ones say they have CAMERA?????

V
Victor Miller
4fw
27 Dec 2005

One question and one comment: I bought an "unlocked" phone and find the user manual really useless. Is there a better user manaul avaiable online (or anywhere else for that matter). How can I get some user support by phone? Thanks for providing this forum for questions and comments.

m
matt
jSg
29 Nov 2005

does this phone allow bluetooth headphones such as motorola HT820 i don't want to purchase them and have them not work

l
leek
QRr
21 Nov 2005

Answers to questions:

1. The backup battery is a part of the battery pack. Backup battery is NiMH while main battery is LiIon, but they are in the same unit (which detaches). To replace your SIM without losing battery, plug sync/charge cable into bottom of PDA before removing battery.

2. 2 GB is not "out". Up to 4 GB is possible with SDIO cards now, but costs > $500 US. But you can buy a 2 GB SDIO card for $120 US or so. I have.

3. This unit is the same as iMate PDA2K, Qtek 9090, others, except no camera. See the other phone reviews for more opinions and information. A phone camera is bad because it's not allowed in some places, and because phone cameras take generally poor pictures.

4. http://www.xda-developers.com/ has the most information of any site on this phone.

5. Bluetooth support is weak, but there are patches available. See XDA-Devel.

6. If the PDA slows down and shows memory maxed out, then it almost certainly is maxed out. Go to Settings/System/Memory and move the slider to allocate more memory to "storage". If main memory is too low as a result, then remove software and reinstall it on storage card (i.e. SD card). If reboot takes too long because of permanent storage (e.g. contacts), then save contacts on SD card instead of using permanent storage feature.

This phone is a great PDA phone for the technically-inclined, but its phone features are less well-designed than its PDA features.

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Anonymous
4II
17 Nov 2005

i'm having a problem with my internal battery. when the lithion battery is removed for even a second, i loose all data, even though the back up battery reading is always reading 100%. forget about the 20 min leeway the book you have if the back up battery reads at least 50 percent. i had my phone exchanged and still have the same problem, so i am wondering if i am doing something wrong or have i gotten another lemon.

a
amit
juy
06 Nov 2005

Simply put, the Siemens SX66 does it all. A full color display slides down to reveal an integrated QWERTY keypad, while integrated "wi-fi" and Bluetooth keep you on the cutting edge of connectivity. Powered by the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system and with support for corporate email accounts, this device is designed for maximum efficiency, wherever you are. It's the ultimate power tool for mobile professionals.
Design
The SX66 follows the standard form factor of the latest Pocket PC devices, with one major addition; as mentioned, a sliding QWERTY keyboard is hidden below the screen. A generous, 240 x 320 full-color touchscreen display dominates the face of the unit. Just below the display is a five-way selection button that allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface. Meanwhile, shortcut buttons positioned both above and below the screen offer quick access to your Outlook calendar, contacts, messaging, Internet Explorer and more. Alternatively, the device can be directly controlled with an included stylus that slides out of the rear of the SX66's case.
Under the hood, the SX66 sports a 400 Mhz Intel PXA263 CPU with 128 MB of RAM and 64 MB of embedded flash memory storage. The unit's SD IO memory slot supports additional flash-based memory so you can expand available storage. The Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC operating system is completely touchscreen-enabled and features advanced handwriting recognition that is compatible with all of the device's applications. There's a standard stereo 2.5mm headset jack, while USB data and charging is handled by the SX66's docking ports on the bottom of the device.
Calling Features
Many of the SX66's calling features are integrated with the Windows Mobile operating system. For instance, the included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions. Meanwhile, the phone's handwriting recognition software can be used to dial numbers and enter contact information. The SX66's built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are available, as is a vibrating alert. Caller ID and call waiting are also supported. Lastly, the SX66's Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to sync the unit with a wide range of handsfree, wireless headsets and car kits.
Messaging, Internet and Tools
The SX66 is designed as a complete mobile office solution, so Internet and messaging capabilities are robust. The unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger. In addition to keeping track of contacts, Pocket Outlook features integrated calendar and email functions. Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via USB, IR, wi-fi, or Bluetooth connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can tap the SX66's wireless modem capabilities (Cingular data plan charges apply). An included Cingular Xpress Mail Suite provides real-time access to your corporate and personal email (with optional Cingular Xpress Mail service). Meanwhile, the unit fully supports basic text messaging, as well as multimedia messaging (MMS).
A generous toolset ships with the SX66's Windows Mobile 2003 software. Pocket Outlook includes to-do lists while pocket versions of Word and Excel are included so you can review and edit documents on the go. A calculator, alarm clock and voice memo recorder round out the tools package.
Entertainment
The SX66 delivers the ultimate music experience. You can store MP3 files and easily exchange them with your PC or stream them from the internet. The included Windows Media Player application can also play videos for even more mobile entertainment.
The SX66's wallpapers and screensavers can be customized to suit your tastes. Windows Mobile and Java-based games are also supported.
Vital Statistics
The Siemens SX66 weighs 7.41 ounces and measures 4.92 x 2.83 x .75 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of digital talk time, and up to 168 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM 800/GSM 900/GSM 1800/GSM 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
SX66 handset, USB Sync Station, li-ion Battery, headset, spare stylus, travel charger, 22-pin DC jack converter, carry case, user manual, quick start guide, companion CD

O
Orn
PEm
05 Nov 2005

yes this thongy has mp3 and aac support
duh read the specs before posting

S
SkunK
mZe
14 Oct 2005

2 GB is also out .. does this thing has MP3??

G
George
E@P
28 Sep 2005

Good Phone. Better PDA.
Quick question. I installed the battery bar program and it appears that the RAM is "maxed" out. The bar shows that I am using only 45mb, but calls it 97% full. I have also noticed that the PDA has slowed a bit and that it takes a little longer to load programs? Is this a problem with the battery bar prog. or do I have a setting wrong. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Get over the camera.

J
Jeff Carlson
YHa
03 Sep 2005

The Siemens SX66 is a mixed blessing. I received one of the early versions in Jan 05. I had numerous problems with it including low volume, no internet connectivity, no MMS capability, and the bluetooth would not work with a handset, etc. I returned the phone to Cingular and received a replacement which did not fair much better. After installing the ROM update everything started to work ok. The bluetooth started to work better--albeit not perfectly. The volume is still a major issue. I believe this phone has one major design deficiency; and that is the dual use of the earpiece and the ringer. When you have the phone pressed to your ear, and it rings--you get a mind-blowing blast from the ringer. This happened to me several times, the phone volume is so low that you have to press it tightly to your ear to hear. I was in the middle of a call and had not realized the phone had dropped the call. I still had the phone pressed to my ear and when my disconnected party called me back, the ear-piercing ring left me unable to hear anything for a couple of minutes. After having this happen several times, I only used the speaker phone and purchased another phone to use for a phone.

As far as the PDA functions, this unit is hard to beat. Using the additionally purchased voice command software, this PDA's functionality is increased incredibly. I primarily use the calendar functions of outlook and sync to my laptop for my email. In these modes, the PDA is fast and efficient. If you are a primary phone user, do not buy this phone. If you are a PDA user and occasionally want to talk on the phone, this might be a good value for you.

m
matt
Y7Y
02 Sep 2005

anyone know what the max ram sd card this will take? i've heard 1gb, but just wanted to make sure.

p
pyrofallout
TgZ
26 Aug 2005

Here's a friggin idea. If you want a camera that bad its called get and SDIO Camera they are like less than $99 and if you want it that bad go buy it seperatley..

v
viper_rc10
j4w
26 Aug 2005

mjMH
What type of WAP do you have? make sure it supports 802.b, I have one at home and work fine. I did not have to perform any config when brought the SX66, Also make sure you do not have an ACL(Access Control List) configured on your WAP(Wireless Access Point).

k
keyvan
mjM
21 Aug 2005

it is very nice.
it shoud be finger tough.thats better.
thank you.

G
Gary
4qD
16 Jul 2005

Hi Guys,

I bought SX66 couple of days back and I am having hell of a problem connecting to Internet via Wi-Fi. I tried soft reset and hard reset to make sure there are no hidden seetings I messed up. Still it does not work.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thank you.

e
eric
4Lc
09 Jul 2005

no camera dont buy it just buy the xda IIs or xdaIIi they're better

a
andre
in@
06 Jul 2005

this siemens's phone is very good,but where i can buy this phone?because in my country indonesia is not available.thanks

L
Larry Tilis
Ruf
26 Jun 2005

There is no insurance for this phone for loss or theft nor is there any extended warranty.

Are there any third party solutions?

h
hell
4fZ
16 Jun 2005

please... just go an install ms voice command it doesn't take much space and is a great software much better than any voice patter reccording system like other phones.. no need to train it at all. its great.
Now, you have a PPC in your hands, if you are smart enough you would get the software that fulfill your needs and install what you need. I have voice command, GPS with TOMTOM, and many other feautures installed in my sx-66 working just fine. This is not a phone for people with little knowledge of PDA technology thats for sure.

B
Brian
4k6
15 Jun 2005

It's nice, but the battery didn't last the first day and it doesn't have voice activated dialing or ringer ID. A camera would be nice but is not a necessity. I called Siemens to ask about a possible software update to add some features. They said that the device was made with "corporate users" in mind and after a survey those features were deemed more of a liability than an asset. As a result ringer id and voice activated dialing could be added by an update, but Siemens will never put it out.

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