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Dopod 838 Pro User reviews

By Andrew Lim, CNET.co.uk on 20/09/2006

More Dopod reviews , RRP: TBA

The good:

  • Range of connectivity options including 3G and HSDPA
  • Slide-out QWERTY keypad
  • Scroll wheel
  • Support for Bluetooth stereo (A2DP)

The bad:

  • Chunky size
  • Heavy
  • microSD expansion slot

The bottomline:

An extremely well-equipped Pocket PC PDA-phone, Dopod has made sure that the 3G-enabled 838 Pro balances features with power so it doesn't leave you hanging when you need to access applications like Skype. Due to its size and weight, however, you'll need a bag if you're going to carry it around.

Buying choices:

Editors' rating:

8.2/10

Users' rating:

6.7/10

Tags:

838 | 838pro | dopod | pda | smartphone

binnies
30/09/2007, 03:08 PM

rating
9
/10

hesitated buying this phone after all the bad comments but after comparing to my other options decided to give it a go. have not had a problem, love it.

Pros: windows is unreal easy to transfer files etc. camera on phone surprisingly good to what i thought. love the flash.

Cons: cannot figure out how to stop the "you got msg" voice when i get an sms. not enough choices for ringtones but i guess these days you are expected to buy them

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buncha
25/09/2007, 02:05 PM

rating
8
/10

You should look at your review on Skype for Dopod 838 Pro again. It does NOT work. Loaded, Run, but that's all it does. You can't make calls from Skype.

Pros: Good everything

Cons: Can't use Skype
Wish there's built-in GPS

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11/09/2007, 09:11 PM

rating
9
/10

Works well once you get used to it

Pros: Phone, PDA, activesync, Wireless modem

Cons: With wireless LAN on it picks up every unprotected network around which can be annoying when driving.

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Jeanne Ong
11/09/2007, 01:46 AM

rating
6
/10

i like the design and style, color black with silver accents

Pros: qwerty pads, User-friendly o.s., calendars and appointments are useful for me.

Cons: wi-fi is weak- have to get near my router to get good signal, battery is worst ~ have to charge battery almost everyday especially when using wlan, no radio, not so good sound quality

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lewchip
06/09/2007, 07:25 PM

rating
8
/10

I have had this phone for 6 months now, but only had it in my possession for 3 the keys on the front of the phone stopped working and took 3 months to repair is there are very limited parts and they have to be ordered from overseas. Got the upgraded program when I received the phone back but now it will not connect with my computer because the programs don’t correspond. The problem that I have with this phone I have been looking for programs and games for this phone for months and cannot find any sites that I can get them from unless I want to pay a ridicules amount and no guarantee for the program. I was wondering if a windows download would work or if I would be wasting my time? If you have any web sites or any information could you please email me at lewchip@hotmail.com with the subject as ‘dopod 838 pro’ thank-you very much.

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vsingh
27/08/2007, 12:17 AM

rating
2
/10

I have just been using it for 4 weeks. I beleive the phone is great purely because it is runnin Mobile Windows which makes is user friendly and I guess every PDA with mobile windows will be user friendly. No big Deal

Pros: User friendly. QWERTY key board is convinient. Easy to set up e mails etc.

Cons: Battery is just awful. I charge the battery all night, and after taking 203 calls by 11:00 AM, it starts to show low battery. Sent it back to provider, nothing happened.
When the phone is locked if you get a notification, you cant unlock it or see the notifucation. Dumbest software error.
Alltogether not an impressive phone and not worth the money.

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nyamukdopod07
09/08/2007, 07:20 PM

rating
8
/10

good plus great style n advantage..perfect pda to date

Cons: battery talk-time quiet not so long

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Trevah
03/08/2007, 02:23 PM

rating
6
/10

Upgraded from a phonebooth around the corner from my house. Found it great not having to run down the road to pick up the phone. Considered extending the cord at one stage but considered buying this phone a viable alternative.

Pros: 1. Can hear the phone ring easily
2. Lets me spend my hard earned money on something useless.

Cons: 1. Doesn't do the dishes or vacuum the house.
2. Doesn't make any decisions for me.

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richard.
31/07/2007, 10:00 PM

rating
9
/10

Near perfect phone. I am a perfectionist and this phone rocks. Things to improve its service are:
1. Scheduled tasks should be added for times to mute phone etc.
2. Headphone port for listening to mp3.

Pros: Internet
qwerty keyboard

Cons: no radio
no headset port

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dhasha
21/07/2007, 11:33 PM

rating
9
/10

i changed from a sony ericcson pda to 838pro. love it! power supply is absolutely great. multiple choices of inputting text.. as some pda-phones u only have the option to key in using the on-screen keyboard.. which is very very time consuming.~

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