8 Mar 2009
Clad in an all-metal casing, the 3 INQ1 is a lightweight and slim, yet solid-looking mobile phone that weighs 110 grams and has the full dimensions of 97 x 47.6 x 14.4 millimetres. Working on full HSDPA technology, the 3 INQ1 is powered by Qualcomm chipset. It flaunts a QVGA type of display screen that measures 55.88 millimetres and showcases images in more than 262,000 colours. The home screen of the 3 INQ1 is customisable using its RSS feeds support.

The 3 INQ1 works on slide mechanism. Right below the wide screen, the handset reveals a standard T9 keypad. The top part of the slider situated below the screen emphasizes a d-pad which serves as a menu control that allows access the various applications on the handset.

The 3 INQ1 is equipped with an easy-to-use onboard Internet browser, complete with RSS feed support, to get users connected to the World Wide Web anytime and anywhere. Sharing and transferring data with compatible devices such as laptop, personal computer or printer is a breeze with the 3 INQ1's support for wireless Bluetooth technology. Proving itself to be a reliable assistant, the 3 INQ1 is a must-have for business-focused users who are always on the go. The handset is equipped with its array of standard mobile phone organiser tools for scheduling and planning, like a stopwatch and a calendar.

The 3 INQ1 allows users to access the different programs that have been pre-installed in the handset through a carousel found at the bottom of the home screen. The icons representing the applications may be browsed through scrolling on a left-to-right direction. Another option to utilise the applications is via a grid-type menu interface in colourful logos.

The 3 INQ1 takes the spotlight in the mobile phone world with its capacity to sync with social networking Web sites and update their overall profile and status. Its key interface is characterised by an array of icons found at the bottom of its QVGA screen, which include the traditional contacts list icon, as well as logos featuring Facebook, Windows Live Messenger, Last.fm, Google, and 3's mobile Internet portal. With the 3INQ 1, there is no need to fiddle with different menus, as it immediately conveys the presence or online social networking status of its users. The online status update also applies to chatting tools like MSN Messenger and Skype.

Specifically for Facebook, the 3 INQ1's application interface is quite simple. It allows users to manage their status, photos, profile, as well as messages in inbox. Users can also compose and send messages to buddies in Facebook using their mobile phone.

In addition, the 3 INQ1 also has the ability to multi-task. Pressing a button located on the right-hand part of the handset reveals the Widget list, which can then be scrolled through to launch a different application at the same time.

Beyond main social networking applications that highlight the entertainment facet of the mobile phone, the 3 INQ1 doubles as a handy 3.2-Megapixel camera to capture those picture-perfect moments. The camera is equipped with an accelerometer that allows users to choose and automatically switch between landscape and portrait modes. For optimum ease of use, the 3 INQ1 has a dedicated shutter key on the side part. Photos taken using the 3 INQ1 can directly be uploaded to Facebook.

Additionally, the 3 INQ1 features a portable music player characterised by basic functionalities. The music player supports all popular music file formats. The handset's sound capabilities include an external speaker, coupled with Walkman handsets.

The 3 INQ1 allows users to store files such as contacts and images in its internal memory capacity of 50 Megabytes, and external storage of 4 Gigabytes. This storage capacity can be expanded via a 1 Gigabyte microSD memory card.

Although functioning in full HSDPA, the 3 INQ1 lacks a good QWERTY keyboard. It also supports neither Wi-Fi nor GPS, which some observers consider as major flaws. However, the handset has gained admiration from satisfied users for its social networking facilities and user-friendly interface and features. Clearly, users who seek mobile phone connectivity without being too fussy about high-end bonus features will want the 3INQ. The handset is also applauded for revolutionizing the movement of PC-focused lifestyle toward a mobile platform-based habit.

Find out more about the 3 INQ1 at three.co.uk
Read other reviews at ecoustics.com