The Pantech Duo, Take Two (1/3)

AT&T Pantench Matrix PRO with Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard


February 23, 2009
Review by: Brandon Miniman, Editor-in-Chief

Jump to: PAGE 1 | PAGE 2  | PAGE 3

INTRODUCTION
    The Pantech Duo, which came out at the end of 2007, was the first Windows Mobile device ever to have dual-sliding keypads. Due to build quality and a certain lack of features, we weren't too impressed by the device and rated it low. Its successor, which AT&T is calling the Matrix PRO, evolves on the dual-slider concept with a fresh new design, the addition of GPS, plus some upgraded specifications. Is the Matrix PRO another dud, or is it deserving of your consideration? Read on for the full review!

WHAT'S HOT
    Let's talk specs. The Matrix PRO is running with a Qualcomm MSM7201A CPU clocking at 528MHz. It has 256MB ROM (95MB accessible) and 128MB of RAM (68MB accessible) with microSD expansion (hot-swappable). It has quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and triband UMTS (850/1900/2100) with HSDPA and HSUPA. It has Bluetooth 2.0, and aGPS. On the back is a 2.0MP camera with no flash or auto focus. There are two keypads - one for numbers, and one for letters, both of which are spring-assisted. Powering everything is a 1320mAh battery. For even more specs, check out PDAdb.net, or see a spec-to-spec comparison chart of the Pantech Duo and the Matrix PRO.

(all images link to larger versions)

The Matrix PRO's design is characterized by rounded edges, smooth lines, and smooth surfaces. It's a nice looking device. Though it's hard to tell in the picture, the Matrix PRO's case is a gray-aqua metallic color.

Here's a shot of the box.

Inside the box we have a charger, sync cable, and 3.5mm headphone converter - all using Pantech's annoying proprietary jack. Also included is a fabric pouch, plus the device and some software/reading material.

Here is the unboxing video in case you missed it.

Device
Size (inches)
Weight (grams | ounces)
4.17" x 2.00" x 0.85"
151 | 5.34
4.41" x 2.24" x 0.49"
122 | 4.30
4.57" x 1.70" x 0.64"
140 | 4.94
4.88" x 2.44" x 0.53"
130 | 4.56
4.21" x 2.20" x 0.55"
120 | 4.20
4.53" x 2.47" x 0.47"
146 | 5.15
4.63" x 2.19" x 0.67"
158 | 5.57
4.35" x 2.07" x 0.67"
158 | 5.57
4.56" x 2.41" x 0.51"
125 | 4.41
4.44" x 2.36" x 0.55"
133 | 4.69
4.01" x 1.98" x 0.55"
124 | 4.37
8.28" x 4.67" x 1.08"
640 | 22.5
4.48" x 2.52" x 0.59"
154 | 5.43
4.17" x 2.38" x 0.68"
147 | 5.18
4.01" x 2.00" x 0.71"
165 | 5.82
4.41" x 2.24" x 0.49"
122 | 4.30
4.41" x 2.28" x 0.73"
140 | 4.94
4.61" x 2.51" x 0.78"
183 | 6.45
4.40" x 2.40" x 0.50"
123 | 4.34
4.01" x 2.00" x 0.45"
110 | 3.88
4.49" x 2.60" x 0.55"
134 | 4.73
4.56" x 2.36" x 0.70"
200 | 7.05
4.60" x 2.30" x 0.50"
110 | 3.88
4.30" x 2.40" x 0.60"
120 | 4.23
4.20" x 2.10" x 0.70"
119 | 4.20
4.10" x 2.00" x 0.80"
138 | 4.80
4.20" x 2.30" x 0.60"
136 | 4.79
4.50" x 2.40" x 0.60"
147 | 5.18
3.70" x 2.30" x 0.60"
126 | 4.44
4.48" x 2.39" x 0.51"
116 | 4.09
4.60" x 2.60" x 0.50"
134 | 4.70
4.44" x 2.32" x 0.74"
150 | 5.29
4.40" x 2.32" x 0.75"
190 | 6.70
4.10" x 2.10" x 0.60"
150 | 5.30
4.01" x 1.97" x 0.78"
110 | 3.88
4.40" x 2.32" x 0.75"
190 | 6.70
4.69" x 2.40" x 0.85"
196 | 6.91
3.99" x 1.96" x 0.69"
140 | 4.93
4.40" x 2.50" x 0.50"
120 | 4.20
4.37" x 2.28" x 0.87"
154 | 5.40

THE DEVICE

The included case is made of fabric (not suede) and adds to the thickness of the device.

In hand, thanks to the smooth textures and rounded edges, the PRO feels nice, albeit quite thick. Though the screen is only QVGA resolution, the colors are vibrant on the screen.

Using your thumb to push up the screen, the number pad is revealed.

The number pad continues the rounded-edges theme, and is backlit in a light purple color.

That said, the buttons on the numeric keypad are totally flat, making it impossible to use without looking by feeling for them.

Turning the device on its side, you can reveal the QWERTY (spring-assisted) keyboard by pushing the screen upward. These keys are also backlit in purple.

The Matrix PRO's QWERTY keyboard has improved tactile response compared to the original Pantech Duo thanks to the raised buttons, allowing for quick text entry once you get past the awkwardly placed spacebar.

Did I mention the Matrix PRO is thick? It's as thick as 13 quarters. Yikes.

On the front of the device, we see an oversized D-Pad (which doesn't scroll like the T-Mobile Shadow). The other buttons are generally flat, making them difficult to feel for without looking.

On the bottom of the device, we have the external microSD slot. That means you can swap cards without having to turn off the device.

On the right side of the device, we have Pantech's cumbersome port for audio/charging/syncing.

On the left side, we have a volume up/down key, plus a Rec button. A short press on Rec will bring up the profile-switcher, and a long press will start Voice Commander.

On the back of the device, we can see the flush battery cover, plus the 2.0MP camera and speaker. Lacking for the camera is autofocus, a flash, or even self-portrait mirror.

And if we remove the battery cover, we reveal the 1320mAh battery.

Here is our hardware tour of the Matrix PRO. We also compare it with its predecessor, the Pantech Duo.

COMPARISONS

Here we have a shot comparing (from left to right) the HTC Touch HD, Touch Pro, Pantech Matrix PRO, Pantech Duo, and AT&T Tilt.

And here they are again in the reversed order, stacked. The PRO is the thickest device here.

Click onto page 2, where we'll cover software for the Matrix Pro, plus gauge camera quality.

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