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JULY, 21, 2008
Samsung Glyde
My First Look at a Touch Phone
 The Samsung Glyde SCH-U940 (Verizon Wireless) is my first look at a Touch Phone. This was in interesting learning experience. I found the sensitivity, even when reset to High, left me with quite a learning curve. I had to get it just right; a sort of quick tap, as pressing did not do the job. The touch screen worked quite well after I got the hang of it. Scrolling lists on the touch screen was pretty easy to work out. The phone traveled with me to Phoenix and Hilton Head, South Carolina during these tests. Reception was clear at all locations and for all services.
In the Box
The Samsung Glyde Phone
Battery
Travel Charger
USB Cable
CD
User Manual
Quick Start Guide
Quick Reference Guide
 The Glyde is a fairly compact unit that weighs in at 4.13 ounces with standard battery and measures 4.09” by 1.97” by .7” The view on the screen when turned on is sort of outer spacey. You can change the constellation shown on screen by dragging the strings if you get bored. When left inactive the phone automatically locks the screen so accidental touches will not bring the Glyde to life. Auto Lock can be turned off if you wish. I suggest getting a holster so you don’t scratch the screen. Carrying the phone in your pocket should be a NO NO. The screen starts in a top to bottom mode but changes to side to side mode when the keyboard is opened. (see photos)
A pulsing blue square in the center of the screen will bring you to a “MY SHORTCUTS” screen that can save you time finding your favorite places. It can be customized to fit your needs. If you just want to dial a number touching “DIAL PAD” brings you to a familiar touch pad dialer that is easy to use. Viewing your browser and other applications are easier with the keyboard open as it allows a broader display. Unfortunately the screen size is a little small to use the scrolling touch feature to its best advantage. Keyboard
I like a keyboard with little bumps on each key.
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The Glyde does not have them. Since the Glyde has a bigger keyboard than most QWERTY phones I was able to work with it. The bumps would have made it easier for me. In the past I have mentioned my big fingers and thumbs and the problem that creates when I am texting. These concerns should not cause you a problem if you are smaller. The SPACEBAR is reduced to a small key between the V and B. This becomes easy to work with after a few days. There are no dedicated number keys so the SHIFT and FN key become very important. Other keys like $&? also are not where you might expect them to be.
The memory card slot is in the battery area but not under the battery. It is easy to install. I was unable to find a limit on memory card size.
Camera
 With a 2 Mega Pixel camera you get somewhat better photo results than lesser camera phones. There is a flash and brightness adjustment for low light photos. Video was not good. There are bigger and better cameras on other phones but its camera is not why you would buy the Glyde.
More Photos at end of article
Music and Headphones
I love that the Glyde has a 3.5 standard headphone jack. I can use most of my own headsets. The music sounded fine and the caller could be easily heard when using the headphone jack. Bluetooth connected fine with the two Bluetooth headsets I use for testing. I did not sign up for Rhapsody so cannot cover their service as compared with VCast Music. I can say that I am very much for anything that can get rid of DRM Digital Rights management as I have many files on my computer that I can no longer play. This comment has nothing to do with the performance of the Samsung Glyde. It is a protest against having rights to music taken from those who love and support music and their own rights to use it as they wish.
Email
Email setup was difficult for me. I downloaded the application to the phone but after typing in my address and password I was unable to find a place to click to complete the sign up. After some effort with about 4 retries I was able to setup my hotmail account. Setting up additional addresses was easy after the first one.
Battery
Although the specs state battery life is up to 210 minutes of usage time or 250 minutes standby time I noticed the remaining battery charge icon dropped much faster than that. I did not track actual hours. I was able to charge the phone using the USB connecting cable as well as the AC travel charger. You should charge this phone frequently to avoid disappointment at critical times. There also is an expanded battery available.
GPS and Voice directions
I signed up for VZ Navigator and tested during our trip to Phoenix. It worked quite well creating instructions from the Airport to our daughter’s home and from there to our hotel as well as other locations. Written instructions were clear and the audio voice was friendly and very understandable.
Voice Commands
I easily set up my contacts to use voice commands for dialing. I found it was not necessary to be as close to the microphone as suggested. The software understood my commands during setup as well as actual operation. As an aside; our daughter grabbed the phone, took her picture using the mirror next to the camera lens and added that photo to her contact information. This was done in less than 30 seconds. I don’t think I will ever catch up.
Overall I feel this is a solid, well made, and very versatile phone. It is a start up the touch phone path for Samsung. Watch for their future releases.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS AND OTHER SAMSUNG PRODUCTS CLICK HERE.
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