Kyocera takes the pdQ Smartphone from Qualcomm and gives it more features and a face-lift.

Kyocera SmartphoneWhen Qualcomm developed the pdQ Smartphone series over a year ago, the result was a 10-ounce monster of a phone. Granted it had all the functions of a Palm, but it was still primarily a phone and it was huge. Last year, Kyocera acquired the CDMA division from Qualcomm and redesigned the Smartphone. Soon, we'll be seeing the newest version called the Smartphone QCP-6035. The QCP-6035 retains the flip-down numeric keypad found on the pdQ and the touch screen for the familiar Palm interface.

What's new

The first thing we noticed was its size. At 5.59 inches by 2.60 inches by 0.86 inches, the QCP-6035 is slightly shorter and thinner than its predecessor. Kyocera also shaved off around 2.5 ounces or 36 percent of the weight. Still, the QCP-6035 is bulky, especially when compared to other combo devices such as the Ericsson R380.

As a phone, the QCP-6035 is tri-mode with support for CDMA 800 MHz, 1900 MHz, and AMPS (analog). Its predecessor separated CDMA 1900 MHz as one model and CDMA 800 MHz with AMPS as another. Now CDMA 1900 MHz users will be able to take advantage of the larger AMPS network as well.

As a PDA, the QCP-6035 will use Palm OS 3.5 with 8 MB of memory. Compared to the 2 MB found in the pdQ, this is a welcome improvement. The PDA can utilize the phone to provide wireless data access for Web clippings, HTML, SMS (short messaging services), and email. As usual, data services will have to be supported by your service provider.

The QCP-6035 now adds speakerphone capabilities, so you can use your PDA while you are on the phone. Kyocera also adds a jog dial, voice dialing, and a voice memo feature to complete the upgrade from the pdQ.

If the QCP-6035 sounds interesting to you, look for it at the end of March 2001. Expect to pay less than $500 depending on the rebates your service provider gives you. Before you run out a buy one, though, look for a full review from TechTV Labs when production units become available.

Company: Kyocera
Phone: 800.349.4188
Price: sub-$500 depending on provider
Available: March 2001
Category: PDA, Mobile Phone
Platform: Palm OS 3.5