Siemens SX66 - user opinions and reviews

Siemens

Check Price

Popularity

Daily interest
  N/A
Total hits:
370771

Voting results

Design
8.0
Features
8.0
Performance
8.0
Votes:
1087

Sort by:

Simply put, the Siemens SX66 does it all. A full color display slides down to reveal an integrated QWERTY keypad, while integrated "wi-fi" and Bluetooth keep you on the cutting edge of connectivity. Powered by the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system and with support for corporate email accounts, this device is designed for maximum efficiency, wherever you are. It's the ultimate power tool for mobile professionals.
Design
The SX66 follows the standard form factor of the latest Pocket PC devices, with one major addition; as mentioned, a sliding QWERTY keyboard is hidden below the screen. A generous, 240 x 320 full-color touchscreen display dominates the face of the unit. Just below the display is a five-way selection button that allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface. Meanwhile, shortcut buttons positioned both above and below the screen offer quick access to your Outlook calendar, contacts, messaging, Internet Explorer and more. Alternatively, the device can be directly controlled with an included stylus that slides out of the rear of the SX66's case.
Under the hood, the SX66 sports a 400 Mhz Intel PXA263 CPU with 128 MB of RAM and 64 MB of embedded flash memory storage. The unit's SD IO memory slot supports additional flash-based memory so you can expand available storage. The Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC operating system is completely touchscreen-enabled and features advanced handwriting recognition that is compatible with all of the device's applications. There's a standard stereo 2.5mm headset jack, while USB data and charging is handled by the SX66's docking ports on the bottom of the device.
Calling Features
Many of the SX66's calling features are integrated with the Windows Mobile operating system. For instance, the included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions. Meanwhile, the phone's handwriting recognition software can be used to dial numbers and enter contact information. The SX66's built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are available, as is a vibrating alert. Caller ID and call waiting are also supported. Lastly, the SX66's Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to sync the unit with a wide range of handsfree, wireless headsets and car kits.
Messaging, Internet and Tools
The SX66 is designed as a complete mobile office solution, so Internet and messaging capabilities are robust. The unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger. In addition to keeping track of contacts, Pocket Outlook features integrated calendar and email functions. Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via USB, IR, wi-fi, or Bluetooth connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can tap the SX66's wireless modem capabilities (Cingular data plan charges apply). An included Cingular Xpress Mail Suite provides real-time access to your corporate and personal email (with optional Cingular Xpress Mail service). Meanwhile, the unit fully supports basic text messaging, as well as multimedia messaging (MMS).
A generous toolset ships with the SX66's Windows Mobile 2003 software. Pocket Outlook includes to-do lists while pocket versions of Word and Excel are included so you can review and edit documents on the go. A calculator, alarm clock and voice memo recorder round out the tools package.
Entertainment
The SX66 delivers the ultimate music experience. You can store MP3 files and easily exchange them with your PC or stream them from the internet. The included Windows Media Player application can also play videos for even more mobile entertainment.
The SX66's wallpapers and screensavers can be customized to suit your tastes. Windows Mobile and Java-based games are also supported.
Vital Statistics
The Siemens SX66 weighs 7.41 ounces and measures 4.92 x 2.83 x .75 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of digital talk time, and up to 168 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM 800/GSM 900/GSM 1800/GSM 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
SX66 handset, USB Sync Station, li-ion Battery, headset, spare stylus, travel charger, 22-pin DC jack converter, carry case, user manual, quick start guide, companion CD

  • Reply
  • 2005-11-06 03:28
  • juyT
  • U

yes this thongy has mp3 and aac support
duh read the specs before posting

  • Reply
  • 2005-11-05 08:24
  • PEmh
  • U

2 GB is also out .. does this thing has MP3??

  • Reply
  • 2005-10-14 13:16
  • mZeX
  • U

Good Phone. Better PDA.
Quick question. I installed the battery bar program and it appears that the RAM is "maxed" out. The bar shows that I am using only 45mb, but calls it 97% full. I have also noticed that the PDA has slowed a bit and that it takes a little longer to load programs? Is this a problem with the battery bar prog. or do I have a setting wrong. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Get over the camera.

  • Reply
  • 2005-09-28 17:55
  • E@PX
  • U

The Siemens SX66 is a mixed blessing. I received one of the early versions in Jan 05. I had numerous problems with it including low volume, no internet connectivity, no MMS capability, and the bluetooth would not work with a handset, etc. I returned the phone to Cingular and received a replacement which did not fair much better. After installing the ROM update everything started to work ok. The bluetooth started to work better--albeit not perfectly. The volume is still a major issue. I believe this phone has one major design deficiency; and that is the dual use of the earpiece and the ringer. When you have the phone pressed to your ear, and it rings--you get a mind-blowing blast from the ringer. This happened to me several times, the phone volume is so low that you have to press it tightly to your ear to hear. I was in the middle of a call and had not realized the phone had dropped the call. I still had the phone pressed to my ear and when my disconnected party called me back, the ear-piercing ring left me unable to hear anything for a couple of minutes. After having this happen several times, I only used the speaker phone and purchased another phone to use for a phone.

As far as the PDA functions, this unit is hard to beat. Using the additionally purchased voice command software, this PDA's functionality is increased incredibly. I primarily use the calendar functions of outlook and sync to my laptop for my email. In these modes, the PDA is fast and efficient. If you are a primary phone user, do not buy this phone. If you are a PDA user and occasionally want to talk on the phone, this might be a good value for you.

  • Reply
  • 2005-09-03 12:11
  • YHan
  • U

anyone know what the max ram sd card this will take? i've heard 1gb, but just wanted to make sure.

  • Reply
  • 2005-09-02 22:36
  • Y7YB
  • U

Here's a friggin idea. If you want a camera that bad its called get and SDIO Camera they are like less than $99 and if you want it that bad go buy it seperatley..

  • Reply
  • 2005-08-26 20:52
  • TgZ4
  • U

mjMH
What type of WAP do you have? make sure it supports 802.b, I have one at home and work fine. I did not have to perform any config when brought the SX66, Also make sure you do not have an ACL(Access Control List) configured on your WAP(Wireless Access Point).

  • Reply
  • 2005-08-26 04:16
  • j4w2
  • U

it is very nice.
it shoud be finger tough.thats better.
thank you.

  • Reply
  • 2005-08-21 21:40
  • mjMH
  • U

Hi Guys,

I bought SX66 couple of days back and I am having hell of a problem connecting to Internet via Wi-Fi. I tried soft reset and hard reset to make sure there are no hidden seetings I messed up. Still it does not work.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thank you.

  • Reply
  • 2005-07-16 05:01
  • 4qDq
  • U

no camera dont buy it just buy the xda IIs or xdaIIi they're better

  • Reply
  • 2005-07-09 08:27
  • 4LcV
  • U

this siemens's phone is very good,but where i can buy this phone?because in my country indonesia is not available.thanks

  • Reply
  • 2005-07-06 10:41
  • in@P
  • U

There is no insurance for this phone for loss or theft nor is there any extended warranty.

Are there any third party solutions?

  • Reply
  • 2005-06-26 07:57
  • Ruf2
  • U

please... just go an install ms voice command it doesn't take much space and is a great software much better than any voice patter reccording system like other phones.. no need to train it at all. its great.
Now, you have a PPC in your hands, if you are smart enough you would get the software that fulfill your needs and install what you need. I have voice command, GPS with TOMTOM, and many other feautures installed in my sx-66 working just fine. This is not a phone for people with little knowledge of PDA technology thats for sure.

  • Reply
  • 2005-06-16 16:04
  • 4fZj
  • U

It's nice, but the battery didn't last the first day and it doesn't have voice activated dialing or ringer ID. A camera would be nice but is not a necessity. I called Siemens to ask about a possible software update to add some features. They said that the device was made with "corporate users" in mind and after a survey those features were deemed more of a liability than an asset. As a result ringer id and voice activated dialing could be added by an update, but Siemens will never put it out.

  • Reply
  • 2005-06-15 21:09
  • 4k6Q
  • U

Desperately need info. I love my sx56 and dont own the sx66 yet. I really need to upgrade but I need information about the phone issues. I just don't feel comfortable enough to downgrade to just a phone or have two devices again, but the sx56 phone portion bites. I have bad reception. I can't connect to live areas quickly so I always have to redial. This always chews up extra minutes when I didn't even get a connection or a "click" noise. Is this problem solved with the new faster device? I really want answers before I upgrade and if I choose a camera model (which I don't really need), will I actually not receive the benifit of having wi-fi? Sick of buying sx56's need new phone does anyone have answers if the new faster sx66 2003 se has a better phone performance then older models? I plan on buying the sx66 next month yet nobody I know has answers. HELP

  • Reply
  • 2005-05-24 09:24
  • T2j0
  • U

You can purchase this SAME exact phone with the camera and also video it is called the I-MATE PD2K. It is much more expensive, but if you are looking for those features, this is the phone for you.

  • Reply
  • 2005-05-19 06:25
  • Yf3W
  • U

The phone may not have a camera, but it does have a WiFi LAN adapter. The Verizon Audiovox version has the camera but no WiFi LAN. I prefer having WiFi over a camera. I had a camera phone, but the camera did not benefit me personally. As for voice dialing, pickup Microsoft Voice Command. It works great for dialing and also accepts other application commands. For example, you can ask about the battery life.

  • Reply
  • 2005-04-27 22:57
  • juLI
  • U

For those of you who are interested...

Voice dialing is available through the ATA/Cingular network... (Even though it does cost an extra $4/month).

I do agree that with phone types as big and 'clunky' as these to hold up to your ear, it would be nice to have that capability ON the unit itself... you can probably buy the software, but it would probably take up alot of space (unless you could 'train' the software to your voice on your PC, then migrate the profile parameters for your vocal inflections onto your PDA to recognize your speech patterns. Only thing is, I wouldn't want any hacker to get ahold of those speech patterns ;-). Just thinking out loud.

  • Reply
  • 2005-04-27 03:32
  • yBxi
  • U

I'd be happy to purchase a pc phone w/ out a camera. Do you think I want to be proving where I'm at everyday to my lady by sending her freaking pictures!? Thumbs up to no camera phones!!!

  • Reply
  • 2005-04-14 07:14
  • YdVZ
  • U
Sort by:
Total of 130 user reviews and opinions for Siemens SX66.