Panasonic GD87
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- Sarcstic Guy
- 25 Jan 2003
Ok Bethann, go to panasonicmobile.com Skip the intro, select Europe region, then English, then support at top of page, then operating instructions then select phone, then either English (Generic) or English (Vodafone) and you get it in a PDF format. Hope this helps. It's piss easy if you bother to look.
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- Bethann
- 25 Jan 2003
which site is the english manual for the panasonic GD87/88 available. or is it possible for u to email with this manual.
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- Pete
- 22 Jan 2003
Theo:- Use Data Folder/Browse/Picture menu then you can either delete it as you view it, or from the the picture list, using the pop-up menu.
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- Theo Scholtz
- 22 Jan 2003
Great phone. Just love it. Maybe someone can help me. How do you delete photo's after it's been saved. The manual dont say.
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- Greck
- 18 Jan 2003
Simply awesome....that's all I can say.
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- Michael
- 18 Jan 2003
I have had this phone for a month and it's awesome. I complete package - thanks Panasonic for setting the standard in mobile phone technology and reliability!
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- Dave H
- 18 Jan 2003
U can use MIDIfiles on it from web or midiKeybord
- A
- And then some...
- 18 Jan 2003
It's probably easier to xfer data via IrDa than use a cable. Incidentally, you can also use the GPRS facility in this way - take your laptop, point your GD87 at it and go surf...
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- Panaman
- 17 Jan 2003
This is really state-of-the-art from Panasonic! The best mobile phone on planet earth!!!
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- Kerim
- 16 Jan 2003
GD87 or s-55 which one is worth to buy. Compare with price and quality.
Also does 87 have PC connection?
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- efthimis
- 15 Jan 2003
I just bought the phone on Vodafone provider!MASTERPIECE!!!There,s nothing else i can say!I,m astonished!PANASONIC POWER!!!Well Done!
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- Jakov
- 13 Jan 2003
Hey,thanks for informations,but this is not notebook for homework
- P
- Panasonic GD87/88
- 11 Jan 2003
Major features
Tri-band compatibility (GSM 900/1800/1900)
First Panasonic GSM phone with clamshell design and dual displays
External sub-display with multiple backlight colours
Very sharp and bright, internal 65K-colour TFT LCD screen
Built-in camera with special effect functions
GPRS compatibility - accessible via WAP or external PC device
SMS/MMS/e-mail messaging compatibility
Polyphonic ringing and message tones - with built-in ringtone editor
Button on the outer cover to activate voice memo features or camera shutter
Handsfree speakerphone feature
Picture phonebook with multiple entries feature
Voice dialling and memo capabilities
Wallpaper support
Data folder browser - allows management of certain phone data
Built-in PIM functions
Problems/Issues?
Cannot utilise active folder to answer/end calls
Keypad lacks tactility - also keypad being too level with the phone’s case
Sales package (should contain):
1 x GD87/88 handset
1 x lithium-ion battery @ 720 mAh (EB-BSD87S)
1 x fast travel charger (EB-CAD95 variant)
1 x GD87/88 user guide
1 x warranty card
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Overview
If you’re looking for a mobile phone with an integrated camera, Panasonic’s GD87 and GD88 (designations for Europe and Asia-Pacific markets respectively) will blow you away - a far cry when compared to other currently-available, camera-compatible phone models! It’s not just because it has a built-in camera - but also the list of improvements that are packaged with this handset that takes the cake. Read on to find out! :)
New/outstanding features
For avid Panasonic users, you would have already noticed a couple of differences and innovations introduced onto the GD87/88.
Starting off from the outside, the GD87/88 is Panasonic’s first GSM-based model to be encased in a clamshell footprint, with its size being slightly larger than some other folder-based models. A set of 5-way navigational keys has been adopted instead of the joystick, since it is a clamshell-based phone and where depth needs be maintained at a minimum. Also, the integrated camera and IR port are located on the phone’s top face along with the outer sub-LCD and shutter key (for the camera).
Feature-wise, the GD87/88 is also the first phone to be equipped with tri-band compatibility (GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz) which means it can be used in most countries that offer GSM networks - including North American ones! The TFT colour screen colour emits fabulous graphics at around 65,000 colours providing for a rich GUI (graphical user interface) and user experience as well!
Physical aspects
One of the good things about the GD87/88 is that the dilemma on “size” has been addressed, given that it comes with an integrated camera. With the lens conveniently located at the top of the front cover, pictures can be taken either with the GD87/88 opened (with the colour LCD screen acting as the viewfinder) or closed (using the self-portrait mirror positioned below the camera lens, and pressing on the shutter button below the sub-LCD).
If you’re wondering what that black patch is below the shutter button, that’s actually the infrared (IR) port allowing communications with another mobile phone device or compatible PC device. A LED indicator is located below this, indicating certain phone statuses such as charging a battery (still red), incoming call/message (flashing green), and taking a picture (still green). The shutter button also has a blue light, which fades in and out slowly when a call is active.
Working our way into the phone, the colour LCD screen utilises the entire area of the top folder’s inside, while a very well spaced-out keypad provides good usability for people of any sized hands. As mentioned previously, the traditional 5-way joystick used on recent Panasonic models (GD68/75/95) has been replaced with a set of 5-way navigational keys instead. You may notice an additional key below the standard 12-button keypad, which is a quick access key for WAP services located just under the “star” (*) key.
With the GD87/88 being either opened for general use or closed to just hold in your hands, its overall sizing makes it all that pleasant to hold and use.
Enlarge
User Interface & display
An outstanding feature of the GD87/88 is its internal, rich colour display. With the ability to display up to 65,535 colours, the TFT LCD screen produces some of the most vivid images and will beat any current GSM model phone with a colour screen on brightness, clarity and sharpness. Information displayed on its screen came out good in most lighting situations - whether in a dark room or under the sun.
But a big issue with TFT-based screens is the inherent problem of energy consumption. When compared to other type of screens, TFT comes on top for being a good display but also good in quickly draining its power source. Fortunately, Panasonic has included a brightness control feature that provides three brightness settings (dim, normal, bright) for general use which can ultimately affect overall battery times. This is in addition to the backlight timeout feature, and the display ultimately turning off after a period of inactivity.
On the outside, the sub-LCD supports for up to two lines of information (top line used for signal, battery and charging indicators; bottom line for text info - such as caller ID, missed calls/waiting messages, etc). During standby, either the current date and time or status icons are displayed with the top line indicators. To swap between these two different displays, simply press the camera shutter button. Finally, the sub-LCD supports up to three different backlight colours (blue, green, orange), where different colours can be designated for different functions (for example - incoming calls, SMS and MMS messages, etc).
The GD87/88 adopts a similar user interface (UI) as its predecessor models, with the biggest difference being the high quality graphics used for the main menu and the ability to physically display a greater level and amount of information. This is all thanks to its high-resolution TFT colour display.
General navigation is all through the set of 5-way keys plus the two soft keys. While the standby screen is displayed, pressing the left soft key will bring up the phonebook feature; while the right key can have a specific function preset to it (this can be changed under the phone’s “Personalise” function). And holding down the centre button on the 5-way keys gives the option of code-locking the phone or activating the keyguard (which I doubt most people would need to use on a folder-based phone).
I found the responsiveness of the GD87/88 being somewhat improved compared to some of its predecessor models. This becomes less frustrating for those individuals who just skim through their phone menus.
Making and receiving calls
Three cheers for Panasonic in making their first folder-based GSM handset. But unfortunately, this was one of the areas that I had some concerns about.
Starting off with the GD87/88’s inability to answer and end calls by simply opening and closing the active folder respectively, this becomes an inconvenience for many that may have taken this feature for granted on virtually all other models that has this. I agree that some people don’t use this, but it would have been a good idea to include an on/off option for this.
To my surprise, because of this missing ability, a user would be able to automatically mute the caller when he/she closed the folder during a call, and can resume the phone conversation by simply opening up the phone where muting is disabled. With the speakerphone feature enabled, you can actually conduct the call either with the folder open or closed. For both these situations, the camera shutter button will emit a blue light that fades in and out, indicating a call is currently active while the clamshell is closed.
Moving along to the ergonomics of the GD87/88, I found it a bit difficult to properly position the phone against my ear for maximum audio comfort. Even when I worked out the best way to hold the phone, the earpiece audio did not provide sufficient volume in noisy environments - which required me to push the earpiece closer to my ear than I would like it. I also found the bulge of the phone’s active folder hinge to be slightly too big, causing possible discomfort during long telephone conversations.
Lastly, I found the performance of the speakerphone feature to be average only. Out of the calls that I conducted with this feature, a large proportion of those people commented on lack of volume on my end and poor clarity even in a quiet room.
Messaging
As most may know, the GD87/88 supports the multimedia messaging standard (MMS) - another first for a Panasonic GSM phone. This makes the integrated camera that much more useful, where you can take those pictures and send them off straight away! Of course, you can spice up MMS messages by including sound objects, and also have the ability to change the colour of the text and background as well.
Not forgetting to mention that basic SMS text messaging and SMS Chat are supported on the GD87/88.
But a minor problem I did have with the GD87/88, and with some other Panasonic phones alike, is the lacking responsiveness of the T9 predictive text function. It does buffer keypresses when a person types faster than what is being fed out onto the display. But after a while, when you’ve reached the limit of that buffer, you will only know it when misspelt words become apparent. One suggestion to those fast T9 typists would probably be to slow down.
Build quality
The GD87/88 overall build quality was solid - from the actual folder hinge right down to the joints between the different covers. With the clamshell closed, the phone sat nicely in the palm of my hands where its weight sort of contributed to its high levels of sturdiness.
Battery life
I was quite happy with the performance of its 720 mAh lithium-ion battery given that it needed to power the TFT LCD screen. As it comes in a clamshell design, this meant that the display can be switched off when it was closed up or after a long period of inactivity - which provided the majority of the energy savings. On average use, I was able to obtain approximately 2-3 hours talking time and 2-3 days standby.
Major features...
Tri-band compatibility (GSM 900/1800/1900)
Worldwide compatibility with GSM networks is virtually guaranteed with the GD87/88, which now comes with support for the three major GSM frequencies used through Europe and Africa, Asia-Pacific and North American regions. The GD87/88 is the company’s first phone to come with the capability - and certainly won’t be the last!
First Panasonic GSM phone with clamshell design and dual displays
The GD87/88 is the first Panasonic phone to come in a clamshell footprint, along with the convenience of two LCD displays - a 2-lined black-and-white sub-display on the outside of the clamshell, and a 65K-colour screen acting as the phone’s primary display on the inside.
External sub-display with multiple backlight colours
When the clamshell is closed, the external sub-LCD display provides information such as current battery and signal levels, date and time, missed calls and awaiting messages, and any relevant information on specific functions (for example, taking pictures with the GD87/88’s cover closed). A choice of three colours is available (blue, green, orange) for the backlights which can be assigned to different indicators (for example - messages, calls, etc).
Very sharp and bright, internal 65K-colour TFT LCD screen
The GD87/88 comes with a high-resolution, 65,535-colour TFT LCD screen which produces very rich and vivid graphics - being consistent all the way up to the displaying of photos! Even the graphics used in menus seem to look so much better than those of other phones with colour screens as well!
Take a closer look!
Built-in camera with special effect functions
One of the main attractions of the GD87/88 is, of course, the integrated digital camera at the top of the front folder. You can take pictures with the clamshell opened (using the colour screen as a viewfinder) or take a self-portrait by simply using the mirror below the lens to see what it would look like when taken. Several special effect functions are available, including “twilight mode” (improves picture-taking in low light situations), “close up mode” (Macro mode), effects (Sepia, Monochrome or Negative/Positive), adding a frame to the picture (up to 10 available), and delay timer. The GD87/88 supports a variety of JPEG quality and PNG image formats.
GPRS compatibility - accessible via WAP or external PC device
Internet connectivity over GPRS is supported by the GD87/88, which can be utilised by either the built-in WAP browser or an external PC device via data cable or IR (data cable accessory sold separately).
SMS/MMS/e-mail messaging compatibility
The GD87/88 comes with support for mobile-based messaging services, including the traditional text messaging (SMS, SMS Chat) and multimedia messaging (MMS) functions - as well as Internet-based email compatible with the POP3/SMTP protocols. GPRS makes sending/receiving MMS and email messages a true reality thanks to its higher data speeds.
Polyphonic ringing and message tones - with built-in ringtone editor
A 16-tone polyphonic speaker provides for the musical element of the GD87/88, providing for the MIDI-based ringing and message tones of the phone and also sound effects used for keypad tones too. While MIDI files can be loaded onto the GD87/88 for the purpose of ringtones (via IR or WAP downloads), a built-in ringtone editor is still available should you want to create traditional monophonic tones.
Button on the outer cover to activate voice memo features or camera shutter
There’s a little button between the sub-LCD and IR port on the front cover that can be used either to activate the voice memo (recorder) feature or as the camera shutter button when the camera function is activated and the clamshell is closed. In the camera situation, “Camera On” will be displayed on the sub-LCD followed by “Captured” immediately after the shot has been taken.
Handsfree speakerphone feature
A traditional feature of Panasonic GSM phones is the handsfree speakerphone feature, which allows calls on the GD87/88 to be conducted without the need for it to be held up to the ear and face by its user. The handsfree speakerphone can be used with the folder opened or closed.
Picture phonebook with multiple entries feature
The GD87/88 comes with a picture phonebook feature where photos can be attached to the relevant entries. A variety of information can be entered into the built-in phonebook in addition to the standard telephone number - including an email address and special note. You can also assign a specific ringtone, sub-LCD colour and caller group for each individual entry as well!
Voice dialling and memo capabilities
Voice functions, including number dialling and memo/Dictaphone, are available on the GD87/88. For the memo/Dictaphone function, the phone can support up to 4 memos each with a maximum length of 14 seconds.
Wallpaper support
What’s a colour screen without wallpaper eh? Especially on the GD87/88, which does this immensely well thanks to the top-notch colour screen it has. Given the unique resolution of the screen, it’s a good idea to use a picture taken by the phone’s camera and use that instead. The GD87/88’s screen displays photos quite well.
Data folder browser - allows management of certain phone data
Looking something like your Windows’ file manager, the GD87/88 comes with a “Data Folder” feature which allows you to browse data saved on your phone as if it was your PC’s hard drive. For those familiar with directory tree structures and folders, it’s a good way of sorting images and MIDI ringtones into their rightful places. If you are weary of this, don’t worry - not at all hard to use! When assigning ringtones and wallpapers on the GD87/88, the “Data Folder” browser feature is utilised.
Built-in PIM functions
The GD87/88 comes with a set of basic PIM (personal information management) functions, including a month-view calendar, built-in phonebook with multiple data fields, voice memo, calculator and currency converter.
Problems/Issues?
Cannot utilise active folder to answer/end calls
As mentioned previously, one of the annoying things with the GD87/88 was the inability to answer and end calls with the convenience of the active folder. Wouldn’t it have been a good idea if an option to enable/disable the active folder for calls was to be available? Well, Panasonic didn’t think so this time round with the GD87/88!
Keypad lacks tactility - also keypad being too level with the phone’s case
Another small concern I had with this phone was the lack of tactility in the actual keypad - in combination with the “flatness” of the keys with the phone’s casing.
When you brush your thumb over the entire keypad, you can barely make out whether you are going over buttons or not. This keypad problem becomes even greater when you start using T9 with it - as I found it slightly harder than usual in trying to differentiate the individual buttons from each other. Finally, the lack of depth in the buttons somewhat contributes to the poor tactility and the user experience of the keypad.
In Summary
There are many Panasonic “firsts” with the GD87/88. Some of those were pretty impressive (tri-band compatibility, 65K-colour TFT LCD), while there was the odd exception that seriously needs looking into (clamshell design with no option to enable answer/reject using the active folder).
But when you consider the GD87/88 on an overall basis, it does show that Panasonic has successfully brought out a great product that many will find it to be a great phone to have. The biggest selling point of this phone, in my opinion, is the fantastic colour screen plus the integrated camera feature - all in this properly-sized clamshell! :)
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- charlie
- 11 Jan 2003
as far as i know u can only download games if u have the GD87e which is only on orange
also does anyone know if uu can put ringtones on to the phone using a data cable???
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- CIVICjay
- 10 Jan 2003
Just bought my GD87 a week ago, and all I can say is : damn, this is one hell slick looking gsm with wonderful features. Everything looks top quality, and it's easy to use. One small problem is... infrared connection period is too short. I can't keep using it the whole time when I want to send something to my gsm.
I almost wanted to wait for the camera phone of Samsung, but I'm glad that I bought this one. Hopefully in the future it will have SD cards support and Java.
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- Anonymous
- 10 Jan 2003
Steve, that is incorrect information. There is a call register if you press the green key from stanbby you will get info, including time and date of calls where number was not present
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- Panaman
- 10 Jan 2003
Without looking at the price, this Panasonic is the most reliable GSM in the world with a lot of useful features! According to GSMbox it beats all the other competitors! What a pity I don't have the money, so I'll have to keep my GD75!
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- steve
- 09 Jan 2003
does anyone know that this mobile is able to cancel unwanted phone call? and i know some that the mobile doesn't have call register like nokia...when the unknown number have been call to ur mobile..and it doesn't store in ur memomry...you can't check it, that is correct information, rite?
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- Monir
- 08 Jan 2003
Thanks, but I cant download because ATT GSM doesnt allow my phone to browse the web, I was wondering if there was a way to have wallpapers or ringtones emailed to me, anyone know how?
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- Ed
- 05 Jan 2003
i would like to know where can you go to download more games for this phone?