Windows Mobile 6 also now supports editing as well as viewing Office documents via the Mobile Office software, but unfortunately this hasn't been included on the S710. Instead you're stuck with the ClearVue software, which only lets you view Word, Excel and Powerpoint files.
For storing files the S710 has 64MB of memory onboard, but you can add extra storage space using microSD cards. The card slot is situated on the right-hand edge of the handset -- a better arrangement than some smart phones that require you to remove the battery before inserting a memory card.
Performance
The S710 screen takes up over half the front of the phone, and although the display's resolution is a pretty standard 320x240 pixels, text and pictures look very crisp and colours are impressively vivid.
On the connectivity side, the phone has most of the bases covered. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and it's quad band so you'll be able to use it in most countries around the world. There is one fatal flaw, though: it doesn't work on 3G networks. Instead, when you're out of range of a Wi-Fi hotpsot, you're stuck with the slow data speeds supplied by GPRS. On a phone that initially seems so well-equipped for high-speed Web surfing, it's a major downer.
Smart phones can sometimes suffer from dodgy call quality, but there are no such worries here as voice calls sound impressively crisp and loud. The speakerphone also works well and is loud enough to be useful in average-sized rooms.
For taking pictures, the handset is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera. The jerky updates when using the screen as a viewfinder don't help when framing shots, but pictures are reasonably sharp. The colours, however, look slightly washed out, and it lacks an LED flash so it's not really suitable for taking pictures in low light.
For the most part the S710, which is driven by a 201MHz Omap processor, feels nippy, but there are times when it seems to struggle to keep pace with Windows Mobile 6. For example, it often takes two or three seconds to change the orientation of the screen from portrait to landscape view when you flick open the keyboard.
That said, the battery life was impressive. Making pretty heavy usage of all its features, including battery draining Wi-Fi, we got just over three days out of it before it needed to be topped up with juice. That's not too shabby for such a feature-laden smart phone.
Conclusion
There's plenty to like with the S710. It has a stylish and compact design, yet it manages to include a full Qwerty keyboard that's excellent for tapping out text messages or emails. The large display makes it ideal for surfing the Web while on the move and the battery life is impressive.
The lack of 3G support is a major disappointment, though, and the phone can feel a little sluggish at times. Nevertheless, we still think this is a seriously impressive Windows smart phone that's ideal for those who need to stay connected while out and about.
Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
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slodriver 16 April 2009
Good: The slideout keyboard and the easy sync with Outlook
Bad: Flakey Bluetooth connectivity and easily breakable keypad
Comment: This was my first attempt at replacing my separate HP PDA and phone with a single unit and it worked...almost. The screen layout is familiar from the PDA and the slideout keyboard great when I need it. However, I always had problems getting the Bluetooth to start up reliably -- it would take ages trying to start and then fail so I ended up trying to start it then immediately removing the battery and rebooting which kidded it into thinking it would work from startup. Also the end call button is very fragile and has finally dropped off and been lost -- judging from various pictures on ebay, this appears to be not uncommon. I would really like to like this phone but it's not quite there.
alexander1 9 January 2009
Good: Nice size and like the wifi option (I use with BT)
Bad: only 1 alarm available, after service
Comment: I like this phone, although there are a few things to get used to, not enough alarm options and seems to switch into wifi mode when I'm in range which I don't always want (it uses more battery).
Biggest gripe is potential flimsiness and after service (or lack of). My phone has broken after being used for around 1 week. Sent it off for repair and they've come back saying the warranty is invalid as there's moisture on the circuit. I dispute this and I've no idea how it could have happened as no water has been spilt on it and when not in use it's been kept in my bag or coat/trouser pocket in it's case. Their response is it may have been perspiration, perhaps it rained lightly whilst I used it, perhaps I had it in the kitchen whilst cooking and steam got into it. I've never had a phone that I can't use outside or in the kitchen before and certainly not sweat near (and I wasn't aware my bottom sweated that much) and if it's done this after a week of use I don't have much hope for any replacement. Perhaps it was a one off dud one, but I now have to have an independent assessment etc etc. Regarless, for this price it should be more sturdy. Beware.
Stuart Fawcett 28 December 2007
Good: Big screen
Bad: Slow & yet keen to launch any old app.
Comment: What wrong with my v1615, HTC TyTN, HTC s710 on monthly contract from Vodafone.
Awkwardness rules despite great headline features
No holder autolock allows the touch screen to launch loads of applications!!!! No single convenient lock key. You also cannot use this as a quick device to make phone calls it takes to long to think about it!
No touch screen disable option, once calls connect means my ear can launch apps or cut me off whilst I listen to conversation. This also allows the volume to adjust to silent, causing you to miss calls etc.
Battery life is short, not like a Blackberry. Unit gets very warm when lots apps going, or charging or calling. Charging is slow.
Can’t easily tell when I’m browsing expensive GPRS or free WLAN, GPRS monitor supplied free was never able to be enabled.
Navigating around can be slow, with the screen freezing up for a few seconds every now and again, Reset switch is needed approx once every 2 weeks, boot-up takes 5-10 mins, so no quick phone calls.
Camera has no flash, GPS only gives 1 free small map so not really used, stylus is getting a little loose.
It’s too big & heavy compared with my previously excellent Nokia 6230i and the blackberry 8800 I’m now trialling – very good so far.
My bills jumped 50% in the 1st 2 months of using this HTC device, and the final problem was the device browsing something one evening causing my monthly charge to be nearly £250, granted Vodafone is investigating but this has to be the final straw, hence this review which was mostly already written before the last big bill.
However the Big screen is nice, and the slide out keyboard is neat - though I almost never use it. Vodafone had once impressed me by calling me up to suggest a better price plan, this was a few years ago though. I had seen this device favourably reviewed on many sites, though I think is
I’m a telecoms IT Manager in London, and finally chose a blackberry solution for our mobile workers. Personally I still slightly prefer Vodafone for coverage and Nokia for phones.
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