3 Mobile INQ1 deals & review

Hailed as the ´Facebook´ phone, the INQ1, first release from INQ, is a clear indication of which market they intend to enter. A stylish brushed metal finish gives this mid range slider an attractive appearance guaranteed to appeal to its intended youth market, boosted by the inclusion of Facebook, Windows and Yahoo IM and last.fm. With a single log in on first use of the applications, they continue to run in the background as opposed to in individual windows, logging in automatically whenever the phone is turned back on. The devices phone lock is essential under these circumstances in case of the phone being stolen to protect any further data and identity theft.

Although the INQ1 does not have the expansive range of applications possessed by the iPhone, G1 and Storm handsets, it makes up for this with sheer simplicity when using the applications it does have, another indication of who INQ have aimed this phone at. With an inbox that receives and displays all text messages, emails, ´pokes´, wall posts and notifications, the impassioned Facebooker is never without constant updates no matter where they are. All applications still operate when the phone is ´offline´ for example on the underground, updating as soon as a signal is received again.  Unlike the iPhone, Xperia X1 and G1 handsets, the INQ1 does not have the touch screen that often makes the use of web applications such as Facebook and Instant Messenger much easier but it hasn´t effected usability too much. The screen is extremely clear and easy to read, ideal for displaying pictures and videos.

Specifications

• Size: 97 x 47.6 x 14.4 mm
• Weight : 110g
• Screen: 2.2 inch, 240 x 320 pixel display
• Battery: 329 hours standby / 5.4 hours talk time
• Camera: 3.2 megapixel camera with video function
• Memory: 50MB internal plus MicroSD memory slot
• Music: MP3 playback capabilities plus FM and web radio
• Connectivity: GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA 1.8 Mbit/s/HSDPA 3.6 Mbit/s

This is an excellent release by 3 Mobile providing a cheaper alternative for customers wanting a phone to fit with the increasing trend of non-verbal communications and social networking sites. The flashless camera and lack of 3.5mm headphone jack will disappoint some customers but at the end of the day, that’s not what this phone is about. This phone is a step towards revolutionising simple web application usage and mobile connection to popular social internet sites. Definitely up there and holding its own with the likes of the iPhone, G1, Storm and Xperia X1.