The latest QWERTY device to be added to Verizon's handset lineup, the Samsung SCH-u740 is the subject of this review. This dual-hinged flip phone, complete with a QWERTY keyboard, seems to attract a lot of attention when it enters a room. Capable of being used in both the traditional portrait orientation as well as in a QWERTY keyboard equipped landscape orientation, the SCH-u740 is designed with the serious messaging enthusiast in mind. This good looking folder also offers external, touch sensitive music controls, Bluetooth support, and Verizon's 3G data and V CAST multimedia services.
Physical Aspects
The Samsung SCH-u740 is a little larger in size, mostly in length, than the average folder phone. It measures 98mm x 52mm x 15mm (3.8" x 2.0" x 0.6") and gets its extra length from the phone's unusual hinge. The SCH-u740's hinge allows the device to be opened either in landscape or the familiar portrait mode. But in spite of its size, it manages to weigh a mere 104g (3.7oz).
Physical Aspects
The Samsung SCH-u740 is a little larger in size, mostly in length, than the average folder phone. It measures 98mm x 52mm x 15mm (3.8" x 2.0" x 0.6") and gets its extra length from the phone's unusual hinge. The SCH-u740's hinge allows the device to be opened either in landscape or the familiar portrait mode. But in spite of its size, it manages to weigh a mere 104g (3.7oz).
The SCH-u740's exterior is home to a small but colorful 1" 65k color (96x96 pixel) display that is positioned above 3 touch sensitive music keys, similar to those on LG's Chocolate phones. The keys responded to all commands and worked well for us. The only complaint is that there is no way to bring up the phone's music list or library, forcing you to use the previous and next track keys to skip through to the desired track. Above the display sits the 1.3 megapixel camera's lens and flash. Around back you will find only the phone's battery cover and a sticker that indicates where the internal antenna is located.
The right side of the SCH-u740 houses the phone's covered microSD expansion slot and speakerphone button. The speakerphone button also activates the phone's external display when the phone is closed. On the left are the phone's accessory and power port, a volume control, and a hold button. The hold button is a great addition and acts as an lock/unlock key for the external touch sensitive buttons, so unwanted track changes can be avoided. The only control missing seems to be a dedicated camera shutter button.
The top of the SCH-u740 is where the phone's hinge resides. This large plastic double hinge mechanism allows the phone to be opened to two different positions. It can be opened vertically for normal portrait mode use or horizontally for landscape mode, which allows the use of the QWERTY keyboard. When opened in landscape mode, the internal 2.2" 262k color (220x176) display can be used positioned at various angles - even flat. Something that may bother potential SCH-u740 users is that some applications can only be launched and viewed in the landscape mode. Verizon's V CAST services, Get It Now, Web 2.0, email, and chat are among them. I found it extremely annoying that Verizon's VZW Navigator application could only be used in the landscape position. When I am driving, I would prefer to use the Navigator in portrait mode as it allows for easier viewing and positioning. The phone has a flip duration setting so that if you are in the middle of texting someone and want to use the phone's QWERTY keyboard, you can close it and reopen in the landscape mode. The settings can be set to either 3 or 6 seconds. I found that an even longer duration setting would have made things easier, though. The SCH-u740's hinge started out sturdy and strong for us but has seemed to have loosened up over the past week of use. I fear that it might not be durable enough in the long run.
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