Review of the GX10 from
http://www.thefuturelook.com
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Overview.
Snap up the latest MMS camera phone and go straight to the head of the gadget guru queue.
Who is it for?
Techno wizards who know it's important to be first in everything.
Road test
Sharp may be best known for consumer electronics like TVs and camcorders but it's now getting into phones - and it's not doing it by halves. The company has two handsets ready for launch and both of them are little crackers. Both the GX1 and GX10 boast high contrast 65,000-colour TFT screens, built-in digital cameras, MMS (multimedia messaging service) capability, Java for additional games and function downloads, polyphonic ringtones and high-speed internet connections. These features put them up there with the most advanced new phones on the market but the GX10 takes prime position on the catwalk because of its super trendy clamshell shape.
The camera is mounted on the back and incorporates a few handy gadgets. There's a digital zoom for close-ups and improved framing, a timer function so you can get yourself in the picture (there's also a mini mirror) and you can vary the resolution and brightness of any image. It also makes a very satisfying shutter sound when you take a snap. Now all it needs is a flash.
Features
Dual screen - 65,000-colour inner screen, monochrome outer screen, clamshell design, built-in digital camera, MMS, Java capability, infrared port, WAP, GPRS, polyphonic ringtones.
Verdict
There's no doubt that the camera and colour screen will be the GX10's main selling points. But there are plenty of other things to get excited about here. It comes with three games pre-installed - PK Game, Collection Hunter and Air Hockey - but the phone's Java capability means that if you're not satisfied with the games or functions it comes with, you can always download new ones from the web or your PC. There are thousands of Java applications available, created by everyone from multinationals to keen amateurs, so you're bound to find something that you like, from games to personal organisers, currency converters to heart rate monitors.
As well as a full range of organisation tools, including calendar, call manager and voice notes (though there are no voice commands) you can also compose your own polyphonic ringtones, with an orchestra of over 100 instruments to choose from.
As with all today's camera phones, don't expect to be getting David Bailey-style results - they're a fun addition designed for taking quick snaps and sending them on, and for that they're brilliant.
In Brief
View 10/10
Performance 9/10
Ease of use 9/10
Features 9/10
Value 8/10
Total 45/50
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