Samsung SGH P300

...and top of the line Samsung handset, SGH-P300.


WHY SGH-P300?
Prior to my engagement with this eye-catchy S model, I have 2 existing Nokia mobile phones with pay-to-go scheme and all of them have one in common - small and they were once best units in the high street. So, I have to maintain that criteria for new ones.

Looking for a new set always requires several visits to the phone stores and this is ...
...earphones. It is convenient for Samsung users where you could share both the charger and earphones from this model to others. For example, the charger and earphones can be used for models like SGH-Z510 and the latest Samsung U600.

7. The SIM card is easy to slide inside the holder, just besides the battery. In most occasions, I find it difficult to remove the card out from the holder.


**Features and Accessories
more

HAVE YOU TRIED TO be engaged for a fixed one-year period with a celebrity model? Well, everyone does nowadays to get a full benefit of hassle-free relationship, easy to manage terms, and be popular with friends. I am referring to my 2006 service contract with O2 and the incredible, slim, stylish and top of the line Samsung handset, SGH-P300.

WHY SGH-P300?
Prior to my engagement with this eye-catchy S model, I have 2 existing Nokia mobile phones with pay-to-go scheme and all of them have one in common - small and they were once best units in the high street. So, I have to maintain that criteria for new ones.

Looking for a new set always requires several visits to the phone stores and this is really a tedious process for me. Not to mention of browsing available on-line consumer sites like dooyoo and ciao to get invaluable feedbacks from distributors and existing users.

When I saw this model on display at Phones 4U, I can't get my eyes on it and it was a ''first love as first sight'' moment experience. It was true! Until now my admiration to this credit card or business card size gadget did not change even after my contract ended in June 2007. As the saying goes, ''our relationship is getting stronger every minute, every hour, and every day!''

Our first touch was electrifying and unexplainable - that's the way I can describe it. No exaggeration, but I was really struck with the overall package of SGH-P300. As my left hand gripped this thin combined silver-black front cover, and the black leather case rested on my palm, my imagination did not stop telling me to grab the offer at £25 per month - one year open-line engagement, inclusive of the monthly 100 text messages and 125 minutes talking time. Well, one year past and my relationship with SGH-P300 did not fade until now even with a pay-to-go set-up.

Why I adore my ex-handset so much even I recently got my 2-year contract for another S model, U600? I don't want you to be hanging here, so I am very pleased to introduce my classy ex-mobile phone, SGH-P300 and all the basic but dependable features that you need to know!

**Design and Structure
1. It can deceive you as a pocket type calculator. It is a phone in a calculator housing! It is more than a calculator - it is pocket mobile phone with the size of a credit card (3.5 in X 2.2 in X 0.4 in). You can even put the real credit card on top of it and from a distance, it looks nothing below it. It is the smallest gadget ever made last year and maybe until now - in parallel with its latest version, P310. It is thinner than other current models in the market.

2. The black and silver colour cover is an impressive blend; including its black leather flip case with the built-in extra battery (razor thin shape) is tightly packed below it. It has a metal lock below the leather case to fasten the main handset to the case itself. A small rectangular opening is also provided for easy photo snapping even the leather case is attached with the handset.

3. The screen display is more impressive having a landscape orientation than the usual portrait lay-outs. The graphic displays are clear enough to be viewed especially in dark places, otherwise it disappear in direct lighting area.

4. The keypad is quite comfortably laid-out for easy navigation. There are some specific keys found in the normal phones but these are perfectly rearranged in the keypad such like the special function keys, alphanumeric keys and the four-way navigation menu options as to perfectly fit with the front panel. Unfortunately, for people with extra large fingers, navigation is quite uneasy.

5. Other function buttons are located at both thin sides of the handset. The volume button is suitably located at the left side, while the charging port/terminal and the camera shutter button are in the right side. The charging port also serves as the outlet for the earphones and USB connection.

6. It has its own dedicated earphone jack that disallow for using other earphones. It is convenient for Samsung users where you could share both the charger and earphones from this model to others. For example, the charger and earphones can be used for models like SGH-Z510 and the latest Samsung U600.

7. The SIM card is easy to slide inside the holder, just besides the battery. In most occasions, I find it difficult to remove the card out from the holder.

**Features and Accessories
1. It has the basic access menu functions found in an ordinary handset. However, it varies on how these accessories are set-up for easy accessibility and navigation. From customisation to web browsing functions, SGH-P300 offers a range of functionality that are manageable and something worth exploring.
For example, it has all the customised feature selections for phone setting, sound setting, display setting and short cuts. The main short cuts featured in the main menu function include: call records, phonebook, applications, browser, messages, file manager, calendar, camera and settings.

3. The special features of the phone include MP3 player, Bluetooth, photo caller ID option, electronic name card, web browser, e-mailing, and multimedia messaging, including Java function for games, audio and video recording.

4. The 1.3 megapixel digital camera function is worth exploring as well. With the various settings to choose from, taking photos is easy as a photo hobbyist and once in a while performs as the 'paparazzi' does.

5. With these accessories, it has an internal memory of 80MB and there is no provision for memory expansion. In other words, there is no external card slot for additional memory option.

6. Synchronisation option is an interesting function of the phone. With CD installer, a PC or laptop with MS Outlook and WideSync program installed, it is easy to create and update profile through a USB cable or an active Bluetooth connection. You can send messages using the keyboards of the computer, while doing other computer work at the same time. Uploading of MP3 files and photos can be managed accordingly without a fuss.

7. Sharing with friends thru bluebooth is also manageable, but it takes a while to transfer a file.
Unfortunately, it does not have a FM/AM radio function but MP3 feature provides a very good listening setting which could accommodate up to 20 songs. The volume setting is enough for a clear and audible sound, not much to be compared to a stereo sound acoustics.

8. Charging with the leather case allows both the batteries charged. Based from my experience, fully charged batteries take a week to use it with minimal calls but with substantial use for text messaging.

9. The JAVA feature offers two popular games, namely Bobby Carrot and Freekick which sometimes I challenged myself to try this graphic entertainment option during my free time. Samsung has on-line service for additional games and other graphic downloads and ring tones for extra cost.

10. The calendar function is also not to be ignored especially in my busy routine and it doesn't miss to remind me of my important appointments ahead of time.

11. The video recording is impressive for this thin handset with acceptable resolution for on-line sharing. I did a wedding party recording and surprisingly the sound and clip were perfectly alright, except that the viewing screen was not big enough. Otherwise, it could be transferred to a PC or laptop which I haven't done yet.

**Performance and Mobility
1. Due to its size, it can be easily slipped to small pockets, together with wallets, keys or coins. The leather case protects from any direct contact of sharp objects to the panel of the phone.

2. The earphones are not suitable for people who want to hear music from the MP3 while doing their jogging or walking activities. They easily slip from the ears for just a slight movement of the head. With the volume at its maximum level, it does not really annoy someone besides you and don't want to listen to your type of music.

3. The outside speaker is just enough for MP3 player in a quiet vicinity, but don't expect a grand acoustic performance in a busy place.

4. The two batteries are perfectly performing well which provide a week of interrupted minimal phone call and messaging. In my experience, one hour talking time with occasional usage of the camera and games, battery life could last for 3-4 days.

5. The charger is not bulky compares to other existing models and it can be easily kept during long or short travels/trips.

6. I haven't tried yet to print the photos taken from this handset, but based from other reviews; the print-out was not impressive as shown on screen. In addition, I do night shots and the images are mostly dark and unrecognisable even with the use of the built-in flash.

**What's in the Box and Its Affordability?
After signing the one-year agreement with O2 thru Phones 4U, a got the following inside the box and specifications:

- the slim ultra card phone with credit card/business card size design (86x54x8.9mm)
- tri-band/GPRS Class 10
- 1.3 megapixel camera with flash
- Video recording and messaging (MPEG4/H.263)
- Coloured Screen with Speaker phone, email,
vCard and vCalendar
- Music player and ring tones (MP3, AAC, AAC+,and
e-AAC+)
- USB cable, battery, CD Installer, Manual and a
warranty policy

The agreement also covered the following: £25 monthly direct debit, inclusive of 100 messages and 125 minutes calling time. No insurance policy. With my contract, I got a free one unit of Samsung SGH-Z510, including a SIM card with £90 payback check. To date, you can purchase the handset from the internet (Ebay) as low as £55.

OVERALL FUNCTIONALITY & OPERATION
Despite the little flaws in the design and operation, SGH-P300 has survived in my demanding life style and until now it is my stand-by companion especially when my new U600 could not find a signal. There are durable and dependable gadgets out there, but with my one-year engagement with SGH-P300 somehow helped me get connected to the outside world of communication and entertainment.

Every one has his/her mobile favourites, but personally I could proudly say that SGH-P300 is one of the best gadgets that I ever had since after my first bulky phone in 1999. As I mentioned earlier, my admiration with this model started at the first moment I saw it in the display stand. No matter what other users say, it will always be in my top list of the most stylish mobiles of all times.

FINALLY, HAVING THIS MODEL in the market, Samsung proves that the company is in the cutting edge in producing eye-catchy and irresistible ultra-slim gadgets. 

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