In any case, the Eternity (I’ll call it ET from here on out) packs in a good assortment of functions and features into a good-looking phone that takes advantage of AT&T’s 3G network. Aesthetically, it’s another iPod clone with a 3.2-inch touch screen that includes an accelerometer to automatically reorient the screen when you turn it. Underneath the screen are the call and hang-up buttons, plus a back button between them that is invaluable (the very similar Samsung Omnia lacks the back button). On the right edge is a camera shutter button and one other button that brings you to a quick menu of the most used functions (call, messaging, music, Web …). On the left edge you get volume controls and on top is the unlock button. Ports include a charge port and a standard mini headphone jack so you’re not required to use a proprietary connection for earbuds. It accepts micro SD cards, but you have to take the cover off put one in.
The screen is extremely bright and sharp, and haptic-enabled, which gives you a little vibration feedback when you touch onscreen buttons, applications and things like Web links. While the haptic feature may be a bit gimmicky (and gaining in popularity) I found it much more useful than the audible beep that it replaces. Touchscreen buttons actually feel like buttons with a haptic screen, reducing mistouches. Of course, the high-tech screen comes at the expense of battery life. Most users will need to plug this phone in every night.
The ET has two main screens. The menu screen includes a traditional layout of application icons that launch you into various places such at ATT&T Music, Media Net (Web browser, tools, my stuff, setting, GPS, yellow pages etc.). The other main screen Samsung calls TouchWiz. It includes a scrolling toolbar of widgets (calculator, world clocks, calendar …) that you can launch at a tap or permanently dock on the main field of the screen. The concept (borrowed from Apple OS X) looks great, but I wish you could add more widgets to customize the feature better. Gmail would be one I’d add.
Companies Mentioned:
 |
