Sales for Virgin Mobile’s TV handset have reportedly been on the disappointing side, so we thought we’d better find out why. The handset itself isn’t at all bad – a full-featured Windows Mobile smartphone free on contract – though it’s an odd shape (to accommodate the TV tuner and aerial) and doesn’t have the same solidity and upmarket feel of other HTC-built phones. It’s also a very average spec for a smartphone.
Still, it’s the TV that matters, and we see a couple of problems. One is the screen orientation; handsets like the new N77 demonstrate that TV really does work better on a landscape display. Another is the programme selection – only five TV channels, none of them premium-content sports or video offerings. And outside the main urban areas, reception can be a bit flaky with jittery pictures.
On the plus side, when it does work it works really well. And the programme guide includes 50 digital radio stations.
• Needs more TV stations and a better handset to make the service a winner
FEATURES 85%
SALEABILITY 75%
On the plus side, when it does work it works really well. And the programme guide includes 50 digital radio stations.
• Needs more TV stations and a better handset to make the service a winner
FEATURES 85%
SALEABILITY 75%
SPECIFICATION
Size
Length 111mm
Width 58mm at bulge
Depth 23.8mm
Weight
140g
Main display
TFT, 65K colours, 320x240 pixels
Camera
1.3mp
Connectivity
3G, triband GSM, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
Battery
Standby 270h
Talk time 3h
Features
Windows Mobile, DAB tuner (TV/radio channels) with programme guide
Size
Length 111mm
Width 58mm at bulge
Depth 23.8mm
Weight
140g
Main display
TFT, 65K colours, 320x240 pixels
Camera
1.3mp
Connectivity
3G, triband GSM, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
Battery
Standby 270h
Talk time 3h
Features
Windows Mobile, DAB tuner (TV/radio channels) with programme guide