Hands-on with the Samsung SGH-T329 for T-Mobile

We don't think Samsung and T-Mobile are quite ready for the world to know where this clamshell is headed, since they half-heartedly concealed the carrier's logo with a Samsung sticker. Too bad for them T-Mobile's fingerprints are all over the firmware; that's a little bit harder to cover up with a sticker, eh, guys? Specs for the T329 include tri-band GSM topping out with GPRS data, a VGA cam, Bluetooth, and a monochrome external display -- in other words, this thing'll go out the door for peanuts. Click on for more pictures.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2007 1:36PM]

I "upgraded" to this phone from the generic XGH-475 ( or something like that), and I have to say that I'm not very impressed. Though my model does not have the Samsung sticker (It clearly says T-Mobile), it does have the unique T-Mobile firmware as mentioned. The phone does have the camera and takes okay pictures, but it actually has _fewer_ features in the software/firmware than a model that's over three years older.
I got the new phone because it is MyFaves compatible, and it does a pretty good job with the "faves", but it leaves a bit to be desired. The "faves" functionality actually disables the ability to use the left and right shortcut buttons, and the graphics are not as nice and smooth as advertised. Fortunately, the MyFaves display can be turned off, and the original shortcut buttons restored.

Other comments about the seeming downgrade in firmware and capabilities:
- One cannot access the full menu (I.E. settings, calendars, alarms) while on the phone, even with the ear piece in.
- The white-on-black outer screen is actually less readable than the black-on-white older screen.
- There is currently no comparable case for the phone. (Leather with a swivel clip, not a holster)
- The left, right, up, and down buttons are no longer customizable, and the preset options are less than preferable.
- There isn't an external blinking light.
+ There is a timer and stopwatch in this version.
+ There are new and mildly interesting games, though some are demos.

In general, it's not that impressive when compared to a very old model. What's up with that?