Better than expected | AT&T Tilt Smartphone (AT&T)

Great Phone/PDA... Shame About the Insurance options | AT&T Tilt Smartphone (AT&T)

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	• AT&T Tilt Smartphone (AT&T) AT&T AT&T, 2007 average customer review:based on 71 reviews view larger image
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All In One Cell Phone. Also, see UPDATE at bottom of review.

I have had two cell phones, but was not happy with either of them. So, for weeks I researched cell phones. I read reviews and even downloaded manuals to see what the various phones would do and not do. I finally decided to try the ATT Tilt.

Battery life: Several reviewers complained about short battery life. So, this was my first test. On day one I turned up the brightness and set the backlight to stay on longer. Then I played with it by going to every program and application. I also went to all the settings and played around getting them how I wanted. I also placed a few brief calls. Then I spent a while online using WiFi. I even took a few pictures. I put this phone through its paces for 6 hours and had 17 percent battery life left. The next day I completely drained the battery and recharged it to condition the new battery. Then I put it to work again for another 3 hours or more. I had 40 percent battery life on the second day after a full charge. Of course, if I had been on phone calls most of the time, I am sure that the battery would have only lasted 3 or 4 hours. Therefore, because of my experiences thus far I would rate the battery life as fair when compared to some other smart phones. For power users they do make an extended life battery available online.

Camera: Many reviewers also said the 3mg camera does not take very good pictures. This is true. Even though there are some settings to help improve the picture quality, I found that it really did not help much. So, I rate the camera as average to poor.

Performance: Again some reviews I read complained about screen refresh rate or lag. I found this does happen sometimes. The lag time can be from 1 to 4 seconds. However, there are ways you can minimize this. As with any computer, the more programs you have running the more memory they use and the slower the response time. Try launching a few programs then tap on the memory icon. There you will see how much storage you have on the main unit and SDcard. You will also see how much memory the programs are using. To help with response time touch the Quick Menu at the top right of the screen and close all open programs that you are not using. Plus, wait a couple of seconds for a program to fully load before you try to navigate within the program. Also, files such as MP3s, photos and documents should be moved to the SDcard to free up space on the device itself.

Keyboard: I love the slide out QWERTY keyboard. It is much easier and faster to use than the tiny keys on most other smart phones. Of course, having a large keyboard means you have to use both hands which most users do anyway. I give this feature a very high mark for convenience and usability.

Microsoft Mobile: Personally I love this system because it is like my home computer, complete with a Start Menu. I find it familiar and easy to use.

Sound quality: Addressing some reviewers concerns about low sound when playing MP3s, this is what I found. There are 2 sound settings. One is for the ring tones and the other for the device itself. Tap the Speaker Icon on the top right and you will see these settings. I turned both of them up all the way and launched the music player. The sound was loud and clear. I set a Blackjack II next to it and found that the Tilt was actually slightly louder.

Size: I almost did not get the Tilt because of the weight. Plus, it is a little thicker that most other phones. While in the ATT store I picked up a Blackjack II then a Blackberry then held the Tilt in the other had. The weight of the Tilt was a little more that either of the other two, but not enough to matter to me. Although, this might be an issue for some that want a smaller or lighter cell phone.

Voice quality: While on a call I found the sound quality clear and loud. There is a scroll wheel on the upper left side that will adjust volume while on a call which comes in handy. I also handed the Tilt to someone and called it to see how it was from both ends of receiving and placing a call. The quality was better than my cordless landline phone. I rate the call quality as excellent.

Helpful hint: When on a call the screen turns off in about 10 seconds. However, you can still use the Talk key to mute the call or End key to disconnect the call. If you want the screen back on, simply press the Power button on the upper right side of the phone. Or, you can use the Scroll wheel, but this will also adjust the volume at the same time. Also, when the screen is off in idle mode none of the keys will turn the screen back on except one. To turn the screen back on from idle either press the Power button or slide out the keyboard.

Word and Excel: You can create and edit in these programs without Documents To Go. Then you can either import or export them to your computer or email them. This is a great feature.

WiFi: I do not text or get online that much with a cell phone. But, when I do get online then this is the only way to go. Plus, I can save twenty or thirty dollars a month by not getting the data plan. I simply get online at home or in hotspots. I also disabled the Media Net so that I do not accidentally get on line and get charged a fortune for it.

Today Screen: The home screen desktop is called the Today Screen on the Tilt. I did not like the looks of this desktop at all. For one thing there is a lot of wasted real estate that could be used. The European version of the Tilt is different. I found a free plug-in that is the same as the other version and installed it. There was no editing the register, you just click on the file then reset and that is it. Now, the Today Screen is fully occupied with great looking icons and shortcuts that you can customize.

Navigation: There are a few choices when it comes to navigating. You can use the scroll wheel, the touch screen or the navigation buttons on the front bottom of the phone. I also found that I can use my finger on the touch screen 90 percent of the time and with very good accuracy. I seldom use the stylus.

There are a few other features you can discover for yourself. I just strongly suggest that you read the manual and experiment with the different setting to see what all it will do. I have not seen a cell phone yet that was perfect, and the Tilt is no exception. However, if you are aware of the quarks from the start then you simply learn how to work around them. Therefore, if you want a cell phone that does it all then this is a device to consider.

UPDATE: I only had my Tilt for a few days and it kept locking up when in standby. It would not turn back on by pushing reset or the power button. I could only get it working again by taking out the battery then replacing it. The phone would lock up about every 2 or 3 days. So, I took it back and got a brand new one and it did the same thing. I returned it for a refund because I have no use for a cell phone I can not depend on. Therefore, I can only say that my 5 star rating was for everything I listed above, and I stand by it. However, I have to give it 1 star for reliability.

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Better than expected

I have a friend who bought a similar product from HTC and didn't like it as well as his Blackberry. I was worried about my purchase, until I received it. I am a tech-junkie and it has more than enough things to keep me busy. I have custom ringtones for all of my friends. I use it to stream audio. I have also used it to connect with a Slingbox to watch television. I have started to play with the GPS and I am enjoying that. I have downloaded a book reading software (Yanceyware) and I have been using it extensively. I just see so many things that I can do with only one device, instead of having an Ipaq, a cellular phone, and a GPS. I have them all rolled into one device

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Great Phone/PDA... Shame About the Insurance options

This is a great phone with a lot of flexibility both in download applications and Data Connection. However one major problem I have found has nothing to do with the Phone but with Insurance options. AT&T's insurance plan ($4.99/month) does not cover this phone and it may be difficult to find an insurer who will. If you have Renters or Home Owners Insurance, be sure that this device will be covered by it, or you may have quite a search to find some insurance to cover the replacement costs if its not covered by the warranty.

The slim, pocket-sized AT&T Tilt smartphone is bursting at the seams with a full-menu of wireless capabilities to keep you connected wherever you roam on this globe--quad-band GSM for global roaming, Wi-Fi, EDGE, and 3G data connectivity via AT&T's UMTS/HSDPA-based BroadbandConnect network. Practical and versatile, the phone's face slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard while the screen tilts for optimal viewing of email, spreadsheets, and web videos. It also adds the power of the Windows Mobile 6 operating system (Professional Edition), which provides push email for immediate send and receive as well as editing of Microsoft Office documents. (See more details about Windows Mobile 6 below.)

With its high-speed 3G network capability, you'll be able to access AT&T's Mobile Music and Cellular Video services, and the phone includes the latest version of Telenav GPS Navigator for turn-by-turn directions while on the go. One of the most powerful, feature-packed smartphones on the market, the AT&T Tilt also includes a 3-megapixel camera (with video capabilities), Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming and multiple connection capability, MicroSD memory card expansion up to 4 GB, and a variety of games for when you need a break (including Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 and Ms. Pac-Man).

The AT&T Tilt is a veritable wireless Swiss Army Knife, with quad-band GSM, tri-band 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity as well as a GPS receiver. AT&T Service
The AT&T Tilt can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the UMTS 850/1900/2100 network (also known as WCDMA), making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services with speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. It also gives AT&T the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. You'll also enjoy 3G broadband speed connectivity across the globe with tri-band UMTS/HSDPA capabilities, which allows the Tilt to operate in Japan and Korea, in addition to the more than 135 countries in which AT&T offers international data roaming.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. It also features AT&T Mobile Music, which provides access to Napster and eMusic subscription services as well as Music ID song-recognition software, music videos and The Buzz music news portal. The handset is XM Radio Mobile-capable, so you can enjoy streaming live digital radio as well. (An AT&T MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T's Internet, video, and music services.)

Like a micro laptop, the AT&T Tilt features a full QWERTY keyboard and a face/touchscreen that tilts up to 40 degrees. Phone Features
Akin to a micro laptop, the AT&T Tilt's face/touchscreen tilts up to a maximum of 40 degrees, and the variable screen angle can be positioned to suit your needs, whether you're catching up on email, browsing the Web, or playing a game. The QWERTY keypad offers roomy, rectangular buttons that are tactile and backlit, making it easy to type with both thumbs while on the go. The large 2.8-inch touchscreen has a 240 x 320-pixel resolution and support for up to 65K colors. It sports a 256 MB memory (not all user available) and a MicroSD memory card slot, which is compatible with the latest 4 GB capacity.

This smartphone has an integrated Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g), enabling seamless connectivity with wireless networks at work, at home, and on the roam via Wi-Fi hotspots at airports and coffee shops. For an additional charge, you can connect to any of the 10,000 AT&T hotspot locations in the U.S. and tens of thousands more abroad. The AT&T Tilt supports Bluetooth 2.0, which allows up to six Bluetooth devices to be wirelessly connected simultaneously to the device--one of which can be a Bluetooth stereo headset for listening to music.

Featuring the latest version of Telenav GPS Navigator, you'll enjoyGPS-enabled turn-by-turn voice and on-screen driving direction, colorful 3D moving maps and traffic delay alerts with re-routing for use in vehicles or while walking. New features debuting on the Tilt include address sharing--allowing you to share your location with friends and associates--and reading, rating and sharing business listings like restaurants and more. Business users also can utilize TeleNav Track a fully hosted, on-demand and comprehensive GPS-based workforce-management solution.

In addition to Microsoft Direct Push, the AT&T Tilt will be the first Windows Mobile device in North America to include the Blackberry Connect email service, which also enables familiar wireless synchronization of calendar, contacts and tasks for users. BlackBerry Connect 4.0 supports push email for Microsoft Exchange Server, Lotus Notes/Domino and Novell Groupwise through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and personal email through the BlackBerry Internet Service. You can also use the AT&T Tilt to access your personal email through AT&T's Xpress Mail service, enabling you to receive email from most major POP3/IMAP personal email services pushed to the AT&T Tilt at pre-set intervals. AT&T Xpress Mail can perform two-way wireless synchronization of their calendars, access contact lists and view attachments.

Beyond business functionality, the AT&T Tilt is made for fun and games as well. The device is preloaded with free and premium games and applications including Ms. PAC-MAN, Brain Challenge, Bubble breaker, Midnight Pool, Solitaire, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, MobiTV, and MyCast. Other features include: Instant messaging via AOL, Yahoo!, and Microsoft Live Music format support: AAC, AAC+, eAAC, MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG4, AMR Record videos and voice memos as long as you have available space on an optional memory card Full duplex speakerphone Flight mode turns off cellular network and Wi-Fi for enjoying stored music and video USB 2.0 wired connectivity Push-to-talk capability

Vital Statistics
The AT&T Tilt weighs 6.7 ounces and measures 4.41 x 2.32 x 0.75 inches. Its 1350 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of talk time, and up to 10 days of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as the 850/1900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA 3G frequencies.

Powered by Windows Mobile 6

Windows Mobile 6 adds power to your mobile office with up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars.

Edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets on your phone, just as you would on your desktop/laptop PC. Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6 updates the Windows Mobile 5 platform with a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.

With Windows Mobile 6, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations. Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time. With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily. PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response. After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.

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