Conclusion
Samsung's IP-830w smartphone for Sprint is a heavy-duty business devices - both literally and figuratively speaking. The 830w is not the sleekest Windows Mobile device on the market - not by a longshot - and it's not the most powerful, either. But it is the only one to offer the globetrotting business executive the flexibility of CDMA and GSM network connectivity.
If you don't mind the overall size and heft of the device, lack of WiFi support and rather unwieldy keyboard, there is plenty going for the IP-830w. That might sound like a backhanded compliment, and in a way it is. The smartphone market is so crowded these days that every little flaw in a device is easily magnified. If you want high speed EV-DO and global roaming capabilities, the 830w is a great device with a few quirky flaws that you can probably get over. If you want the perfect smartphone for use in the states, the Cingular 8125 and 8525 are both Windows Mobile 5 handsets with superior ergonomics and WiFi support, while the T-Mobile Dash and Nokia E61/62 offer alternate smartphone platforms in thinner, lighter form factors.
Do I recommend the IP-830w? Yes, I do. But only if its particular blend of form and function fits your needs. There are plenty of smartphones out there these days, so there's no reason to get one that's a bad fit for you.
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