Messaging, Internet & Connectivity
Messaging
The Trace has support for SMS, MMS, and IM messaging. Messaging packages are available through T-Mobile as add-ons to voice service plans, and messaging is also available without a package on a fee-per-message basis.
Composing SMS and MMS messages on the Trace was straightforward, as was attaching images, videos, and audio clips to MMS messages. Samsung's predictive text input system worked well, though I did have some trouble with the phone's flush-mount keypad when tapping out longer missives. There is no email client on the Trace, though WAP email access is available through T-Mobile's T-Zones service.
The Trace's IM client supports AOL, MSN, Yahoo!, and ICQ instant messaging. T-Mobile includes instant messaging as part of their messaging packages, and it is available on a fee-per-message basis, as well.
Internet
Internet access on the Trace is limited to T-Mobile's T-Zones service. The service worked well, and the Trace supports EDGE for faster data rates. T-Mobile's done a pretty good job of making T-Zones an easy-to-use and worthwhile WAP experience.
While not on par with multimedia Internet offerings from Verizon, Sprint, and (recently) Cingular, T-Zones does give quick access to news, sports, weather, and other information. I was able to use it to quickly retrieve World Series scores, weather reports, and other information. Not as nice as full Web browsing access, but still handy on the go.
Connectivity
A quad-band GSM handset, the Trace supports the 850/900/1800/1900 bands as well as GPRS and EDGE data transfer. The phone is suitable for use abroad on T-Mobile and other GSM networks, and a European voltage adapter was included in my review sample. Wi-Fi support is not included on the trace.
Bluetooth includes support for audio devices as well as file transfer and syncing. I had no trouble pairing the Trace with a mono headset or my computer. The phone features a single accessory port that's used for the included wired hands-free earpiece as well as the AC charger.
The phone has an impressive 80MB of internal memory built-in, and also features a microSD slot for expansion via removable memory cards. No microSD card is included in the retail package.
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4.3
