Acer M900

amazon Acer M900 reviews

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetic and Physical Attributes

The Acer M900 has a utilitarian design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The device is relatively bulky, with dimensions of 119.6 x 62.8 x 17.1 mm and weighing 188 grams. The bulkiness is primarily due to the slide-out QWERTY keyboard and the overall robust construction, which was common in smartphones designed for business users during that era. The M900’s frame is made of plastic, but it feels solid and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use.

The front of the device is dominated by a 3.8-inch resistive touchscreen, with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Below the screen, there are physical buttons for call answer, call end, and a central navigation key. The slide-out keyboard is the device’s most distinctive feature. It has five rows of keys, including a dedicated row for numbers, which is a thoughtful inclusion for users who need to input a lot of data.

The back of the device features a 5-megapixel camera with an LED flash, and there’s also a fingerprint scanner for additional security. The right side of the device houses the camera button and volume rocker, while the left side has a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. The top of the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome addition for users who want to use wired headphones.

Build Quality

In terms of build quality, the Acer M900 feels solid and well-constructed. The sliding mechanism of the keyboard is smooth and sturdy, with no noticeable wobble or looseness. The plastic casing, while not premium, doesn’t feel cheap, and it contributes to the overall durability of the device. The device’s weight and thickness are drawbacks for some users, especially those who prefer slim and lightweight smartphones, but for others, these attributes give the M900 a sense of reliability and robustness.

The M900 was one of Acer’s first handsets introduced in Barcelona. It features a 3.8-inch widescreen WVGA display, sliding QWERTY keyboard, and a slider. Operating Windows Mobile. In essence, the M900 was developed under the E-brand, after Acer acquired the brand, the machine was brand new.

The first impression of this handset is that it looks great, it measures 119 x 62 x 17.1 mm and weighs 188 grams. The M900 comes with a QWERTY keyboard, which looks cumbersome. Compared to its predecessor, the HTC Touch Pro 2, the size of the device is almost the same, but weight is heavier (HTC’s cellphone is 178.5 grams).

The M900’s wide, high-rise surface is highly unstable, especially when compared to its predecessor, the Touch Pro 2. It just slides out without pulling up like the recent slider trend.

The M900 has a very large QWERTY keyboard, and the buttons are large and flat, which is quite similar to a laptop. With 4 rows of keys, the number keys are interwoven with the number keys. When writing dots, commas, users need to press the Fn key. Despite the wide keys, but the keys of the machine a bit hard, the bottom line is quite close, hard to put up the hand to edit.

One of the reasons the M900 is the large size is the wide-screen touch screen, up to 3.8 inches. The handset is large and has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels equivalent to the HTC Touch HD, the screen quality is very good, the image and the characters are sharp and colorful.

Below the screen are four keys and a fingerprint sensor. The buttons include call and disconnect calls, Home movies and GPS shortcuts. The fingerprint sensor is located in the middle, allowing the user to slide the finger across, allowing the cursor to be moved on the screen for control.

The buttons on the right side of the machine include photography, reset holes, customizing the volume and turning on the power button. It’s easy to start the M900 because of its large and easy-to-click power key. Next to the left of this model is the wheel-drive wheel, miniUSB port and microSD card slot. In it, the miniUSB port is a three-way charger, computer connection and headphones.

The Acer M900 is exceptionally powerful in terms of connectivity. The handset allows users to download data via HSDPA, HSUPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Global Positioning GPS. With its integrated SiRFstar III chip, the M900 supports multiple satellite connection solutions, locating well.

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Acer equips its PDA phones with a dedicated interface called Acer Shell 2.0. The program will automatically turn on when the user starts the machine and allows the option to use or not. Shell 2.0 simulates a 3-pound, left-right table on the screen. In particular, icons such as calendars, contacts, photos … are arranged by the image, when clicking on any icon, the application will be opened. Users can drag icons and put them back to their liking. Acer’s interface looks much like HTC’s TouchFLO or SPB Mobile Shell.

The fingerprint sensor below the “owner” recognition screen by swiping the finger over the password. Enabling and customizing this feature is quite simple.

Despite the real keyboard, the touch screen is also very responsive. The handset allows editing with the QWERTY keyboard, which automatically switches the screen to the left, right with the built-in accelerometer.

Other features of the M900 include an FM radio, a backup application that lets you turn on and off the chapters, and zoom in on the corner of the screen. This is also a software-enabled mobile that disconnects programs running in fast RAM.

5 Megapixel camera on the back of the machine with autofocus and LED light. The interface is simple, easy to shoot, but the photos are average.

Equipped with Samsung’s processor, 533 MHz, M900 runs well applications. This model has only 128 MB of RAM, but runs pretty well with memory-hungry applications, smoother when surfing the Web using Opera Mobile or downloading Google Maps.

The battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh, with a usage time of just over a day. Call quality of the machine is stable.

Software and Features

Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional

The Acer M900 runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, an operating system that was designed with business users in mind. The OS offers a range of productivity features, including Microsoft Office Mobile, which allows users to create and edit documents on the go. The integration with Microsoft Exchange Server is also a key feature, providing seamless access to corporate email, contacts, and calendars.

Windows Mobile 6.1 also includes a suite of communication tools, including email, text messaging, and instant messaging. The email client supports multiple accounts and can handle both POP3 and IMAP protocols, making it compatible with most email services. The inclusion of BlackBerry Connect further enhances the device’s appeal to business users who rely on BlackBerry’s push email service.

However, Windows Mobile 6.1 also has its limitations. The user interface is dated by today’s standards, with a focus on text-based menus and small icons that are difficult to navigate using the resistive touchscreen. The OS also lacks the polish and fluidity of modern mobile operating systems, making it feel clunky and unintuitive.

Pre-Installed Applications

The Acer M900 comes pre-loaded with a range of applications designed to enhance productivity and communication. In addition to Microsoft Office Mobile and the standard Windows Mobile applications, the device includes:

• Acer Shell: A custom user interface designed to improve the usability of Windows Mobile. It offers a 3D carousel for navigating between different home screens, each of which can be customized with widgets and shortcuts. While the Acer Shell is visually appealing, it doesn’t significantly improve the overall usability of the device.
• Acer Easy Keyboard: A virtual keyboard that offers larger keys and predictive text input. It’s a welcome addition given the resistive touchscreen, but users are likely to prefer the physical QWERTY keyboard for typing longer messages.
• Acer Easy Launcher: A custom application launcher that provides quick access to frequently used apps and settings. It’s a simple but effective tool for streamlining navigation on the M900.

Other pre-installed apps include a basic web browser, media player, and file manager. These applications are functional but lack the advanced features and user-friendly interfaces found in modern apps.

Fingerprint Scanner and Security Features

One of the standout features of the Acer M900 is its fingerprint scanner, which is located on the back of the device. The scanner can be used to unlock the device and access secure applications, providing an additional layer of security for business users.

While the fingerprint scanner is a welcome addition, it’s not as fast or reliable as the biometric sensors found in more recent smartphones. The scanner occasionally fails to recognize fingerprints, requiring multiple attempts to unlock the device. Nevertheless, it’s a useful feature for users who want to secure their data without relying solely on passwords or PINs.

The M900 also includes other security features, such as the ability to encrypt files and folders and remote device management capabilities. These features make the M900 a viable option for businesses that require a secure mobile device for their employees.

Overall Value and Conclusion

Value Proposition

The Acer M900 was positioned as a high-end business smartphone at the time of its release, offering a range of features aimed at professional users. Its physical QWERTY keyboard, Windows Mobile operating system, and integration with Microsoft Office make it a strong contender for business users who prioritize productivity and communication.

However, the device’s bulk, sluggish performance, and outdated software limit its appeal in today’s market. While the M900 offers a solid set of features for its time, it’s overshadowed by more modern smartphones that offer better performance, more intuitive interfaces, and a richer app ecosystem. As technology has advanced, the gap between the M900 and contemporary devices has widened, making it less competitive in today’s landscape.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Physical QWERTY Keyboard: One of the M900’s most distinctive features is its full QWERTY keyboard, which provides a comfortable and precise typing experience. This is particularly useful for users who frequently compose emails or write long messages.
• Windows Mobile Integration: The M900’s integration with Windows Mobile and Microsoft Office Mobile makes it a strong tool for business users who need access to productivity software on the go.
• Customizable Interface: The ability to customize the Windows Mobile interface and the addition of the Acer Shell interface allows users to personalize their experience, which is a benefit for those who enjoy tweaking their devices.

Weaknesses:

• Bulky Design: The M900’s size and weight make it less portable compared to many other smartphones. The physical keyboard, while useful, adds to the device’s overall bulk.
• Resistive Touchscreen: The resistive touchscreen is less responsive than modern capacitive screens, requiring more forceful taps and reducing the overall user experience.
• Outdated Software: Running on Windows Mobile 6.1, the M900 is limited by an outdated software ecosystem, with fewer available apps and services. The lack of updates and support further hampers its utility.
• Average Camera Performance: The 5-megapixel camera is serviceable for basic photography but falls short in terms of image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
• Limited Battery Life: The device’s battery life is adequate but not exceptional, and heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge before the end of the day.

Final Thoughts

The Acer M900, at the time of its release, was a formidable contender in the business smartphone market, offering features that were well-suited to professionals who needed a mobile office on the go. Its physical QWERTY keyboard, Windows Mobile platform, and strong integration with productivity software made it an attractive option for users who prioritized functionality over form.

However, as time has passed and technology has evolved, the M900 has become less relevant. Its bulk, resistive touchscreen, and outdated software ecosystem place it at a disadvantage compared to more modern smartphones that offer sleeker designs, more responsive interfaces, and access to a broader range of apps and services.

For collectors or enthusiasts of vintage mobile technology, the Acer M900 represents an interesting piece of history, showcasing the design and capabilities of early smartphones. It’s a device that reflects the priorities of its time—emphasizing productivity and communication in a form factor that was once considered cutting-edge.

For current users, however, the M900 is likely to feel slow and cumbersome, particularly when compared to the more streamlined and feature-rich devices available today. While it still has its strengths, such as the physical keyboard and integration with Windows Mobile, these are outweighed by its weaknesses, making it a less compelling choice for modern smartphone users.

In conclusion, the Acer M900 is a device that had its moment in the spotlight but has since been eclipsed by newer and more advanced technology. It’s a smartphone that will be remembered for its unique features and its role in the evolution of mobile devices, but for those seeking a practical and up-to-date smartphone experience, there are better options available in today’s market.