The Newly Released Samsung Transform
The Samsung Transform is an Android 2.1 compatible smartphone released this month for the Sprint 3G network. The Transform essentially succeeds the well regarded, now discontinued Samsung Moment, which was released in August 2009. The Transform is a midrange Android phone, priced at about $150. The Transform is in many ways similar to its predecessor, however, it has a slightly larger display than the Moment’s (3.2″), and of course, a more up-to-date version of the Android Operating System.
A feature new and exclusive to the Transform and Sprint network are mobile ID packs. Sprint describes these mobile ID packs as custom sets of applications and content downloaded all at once, with the goal of easy personalization and customization. Mobile ID packs may be geared to business or entertainment. For example, a business feature may come with airline or hotel applications. Settings are always accessible from the Transform’s home menu. A user can switch between Mobile ID packs at any time once they have downloaded them. Mobile ID packs do not come pre-loaded on the Transform. The Transform boasts a 800MHz processor, as well as 256 mb RAM. The HVGA display measures 3.5″, and is also a capacitive touchscreen, with multi touch capability, and a light sensor. The picture is powered by TFT technology, rather than the AMOLED utilized by the Moment. Despite the display being a bit bigger, the Transform and Moment are virtually the same size (117 x 61 x 15 mm, compared to Moment’s 117 x 59 x 16 mm). Nevertheless, Transform is little more than a quarter ounce lighter. The 1500 mAh Lithium Ion battery allows for six hours of talk time, and 350 hours stand-by time. The Transform is fitted with a sliding QWERTY keyboard, and comes with a camera on both the front and rear sides — the primary 3.2 megapixel located on the rear, and the other a 0.3 megapixel VGA camera, to allow for video calling. It can stream audio and video, and contains a YouTube player. Similarly, the Transform has built-in support for Facebook, Myspace and Twitter, as well as Google Talk instant messenging service. The Transform is Bluetooth 3.0 compatible, and is 802.11b/802.11g Wi-Fi connective. Samsung Transform Accessories can come in a variety of types for a variety of uses. Backup batteries typically cost from $40 to $60. The Transform’s memory can be expanded to as much as 32 gigabytes via MicroSD cards — microUSB connectivity makes it compatible with a multitude of charger accessories and data cables. Likewise, a 3.5 mm connector allows for a wide range of headphone accessories. Samsung Transform Cases are somewhat scarce as of now. There are snap-on cases available, and if need be, the device can be carried in a universal XXL pouch. Cases may cost up to $25. Alternatively, Samsung Transform Screen Protectors cost $15 or less.
