An Android-powered desk phone that
works anywhere is a great idea – but not for $840
It’s a tremendous shame and feels like a
missed opportunity. Given the freshness of the medium, Tecdesk had almost carte
blanche from a design perspective. It could have let loose and created
something truly original to look at. Instead, we have a modern device firmly
rooted in a 20th century school of aesthetics.
HD
Voice support delivers the next generation
in crystal clear sound quality and background noise reduction
In stark contrast to its dull black plastic
facade, the Smart 5500’s display is quite easy on the eye. It could be a little
bit brighter, and the picture a tad sharper, but at 480 x 800 pixels, it has a
resolution to rival low-end smartphones.
Heck, it’s actually exactly as powerful as
the Samsung Galaxy S2 – a market-leading smartphone three years ago.
Performance
& Processor
Combine the quality of its display with the
1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor within, and you have a perfectly usable
device. Video playback is satisfactory, and transitions between screens and
apps are pleasingly smooth.
We tried out the popular game Flappy Bird
on the device, more out of curiosity than anything else, and were surprised to
find it worked relatively well. The Smart 5500 is truly an Android phone, first
and foremost.
It’s a shame that with such an interesting
and versatile product, its real-world application might be limited. The biggest
issue is that, as it uses a SIM card rather than a landline, you will always
have what is perceived to be a ‘mobile’ phone number.
Virtual
Presence support facilitates immediate awareness of colleague availability
Whether or not it’s fair, businesses with
no set landline are commonly perceived as untrustworthy or illegitimate.
When one of the key markets for Tecdesk
could be construction workers who spend their working hours moving from
site-to-site, a lack of a number with a fixed area code could instil doubt in
potential clients.
Any business, in fact, would surely be
hesitant not to use a traditional landline number. As it relies on 2G or 3G
signals, you can only use the Smart 5500 in areas where you would be able to
use your smartphone.
Conclusion
Retailing at a staggering $840, a Tecdesk
Smart 5500 is a big investment for one unit, let alone enough for an entire
office staff.
AT
Hayes Command Set support allows development of advanced multi-line office
systems
It’s a significant downside as the Smart
5500, like most office phones, works best when networked with a host of others.
It loses a large chunk of its functionality when operating alone.
By this point you most likely already know
if the Tecdesk Smart 5500 is for you or not. It’s a niche device, and one that
could certainly gain mainstream traction in the future. If you have both the
funds and the need for it, then you won’t be disappointed.
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Specifications:
·
OS Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread ·
Processor 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 ·
Screen 5 inches resolution 480 x 800 pixels ·
Memory 512MB ROM + 512MB RAM ·
Storage 200MB ·
Camera 2 megapixels ·
Video 2 megapixels ·
Connectivity 2G + 3G ·
Battery 2,200mAh Lithium-Polymer
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