The built-in 2-megapixel camera isn't unique, but what we've not seen before in a Pocket PC is a macro mode function. You can get pretty close to your subject using this, which is easy as you just have to swivel the surround of the camera lens. The lens and a self-portrait mirror are in the back of the casing, but there is no flash.
Using the camera is easy. There's a button on the upper-left edge that you press once to start the camera software rolling, then again to shoot. The front screen defaults to landscape mode for shooting, with the round navigation button under your left thumb available for switching between video and stills mode and using the zoom feature. To make other settings, such as changing the image size, applying filters or using the self timer, you tap a tools icon on the screen. It's pretty quick once you're familiar with how to get to the various settings.
The SPV M600 is a quad-band handset and has a shade under 43MB of free space for you to fill with software. You can add more with an SD card.
On the phone, a quick tap of the call button opens the on-screen dialler, and another tap gets you into speed dials or call history. Alternatively, if you are on the Today screen, the right softmenu button takes you to your contacts, where you can find -- and then using the 'tap and hold' menu, call -- any contact stored on the system. Some handsets can be used more quickly for making voice calls, but it is still a good system.
Add to all this Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and infrared, and the various Windows Mobile 5.0 applications including Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, email, SMS and MMS tools, Windows Media Player, Pocket Internet Explorer, plus some software Orange has added, including a PDF reader, Zip file manager and video player, and you have a well-rounded device.
Performance
Audio quality is pretty good, and we found using the speakerphone delivered enough volume. If we have a major issue it is that the screen, which is easy to read in most lighting conditions, gets difficult to see clearly in bright sunlight.
Battery life is not bad for a PDA too. We easily got through a couple of days of average use without needing to charge, but if you are heavy on the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or decide to use the Pocket version of Windows Media Player for tunes, you should expect to charge daily.
The fact that you can charge via USB makes travelling with the SPV M600 less of a burden if you have other devices that charge in the same way.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters
User reviews4
Add your review
Dan Potter 19 November 2006
Good: The styling, the various connectivity methods (Bluetooth, IR, and wireless
Bad: Small amount of built in RAM
Comment: Not a bad phone. Offering multiple ways of connecting with other devices (the Wi-Fi option is a great addition). However, it is let down by the low-spec CPU built into it, this becomes apparent when trying to use an app such as Skype. Generally though, this is a good PDA/phone, with no major problems.
K O 27 July 2006
Good: lots of features all work well together
Bad: media player
Comment: a great phone, recommend using alternative mp3 player software though.
Onkar Dhadra 14 June 2006
Good: Wi-Fi,Windows Mobile, PUSH email, EDGE technology, not on PAYG (keeps the Chavs away!)
Bad: Would be nice to have a keypad BUT I guess this would make the phone bigger
Comment: This phone, in my opinion, has set the standard for how mobile phones will evolve over the next few years. Primarily this phone will be considered a business phone but seeing how mobile technology is moving I can see this transitioning into the mainstream mobile phone sector due to its size and affordability. It's a perfect balance between Pocket PC operations and normal mobile phone useage
Geeky Tech stuff... Wi-Fi capability on this phone is superb. I've downloaded SKYPE so I get all my international VoIP calls free when I connect from a wireless Hotspot. Active Sync is a smart way of syncronising various data options from laptop or PC. The PUSH email facility renders the need for a Blackberry redundant. Next step is to load TomTom Navigator on this device for in-car SatNav. I am really impressed by this piece of kit... 10/10 to Orange!
See all 4 user reviews