Updated 11 Feb, 2012, 4:06 pm IST

INQ Chat 3G via Aircel

23 Mar, 2010, 1:03 pm IST | Shayne Rana | Mobile phones

INQ is not a company that you’ll easily recognize but we’re getting increasingly accustomed to that. However before dismissing it as just another budget Java mobile, this one doesn’t quite look or feel like that. INQ is a British company and was the first to develop a mobile dubbed the 'Facebook phone' that won the ’Best Mobile Handset’ award at GSMA 2009. Aircel has brought this handset to India now and is offering it exclusively with their services. Here’s a closer look at their Chat 3G device.

Form Factor
The Chat 3G is quite like any other QWERTY handset that’s already out there. In fact it’s similar to the Samsung Corby TXT. The device’s 2.2-inch TFT LCD features a 320 x 240 pixel resolution with the QWERTY keypad well laid out but will take a bit of getting used to as the keys are a bit hard. It is well designed however. At just 12.8mm in depth, the Chat 3G is slim and the 90g weight it carries actually gives that certain feel good factor that sets it apart from some similar models. On one side it has a universal mini USB port for PC connectivity, charging and the handsfree. Just below that are the volume keys. On the other side is a Switcher key that can be assigned to functions for quick access. A hot swap slot is located under the rear panel and on the rear of that panel is a little maze game. I’m not sure why.

The red and black color combo adds a bit of visual appeal but the bright yellow panel tends to be quite a contrast and drastically loud. The panels however, can be interchanged and there are a few other color options available.

It’s a slick looking handset and although it does have that certain something about it one can’t help but say that this form factor has now become quite generic so it really needs to ‘Bring it’ to the table in terms of features. Read on.�

Features and Performance
Interface
The Chat 3G runs on a version of Qualcomm’s Brew application development platform. Now originally this system was designed for the CDMA segment but has now been ported to GSM as well. The UI is a bit sluggish on the whole as opening pictures, accessing music or opening apps sometimes takes up to 5-7 seconds. It’s quite user friendly and simple to navigate though with apps that you’d most likely be using very frequently all neatly arranged on an ‘app bar’ at the bottom of the desktop. You also have the option of running widgets on the desktop for live updates from Facebook, Twitter or even using Google’s Search bar.

Everything is neatly tied into social networking. Your entire list of Facebook contacts can be downloaded onto the handset and phone numbers can be integrated with them. It’s a one time process but a bit painstakingly time consuming as it doesn’t easily do it all automatically or search by name like HTC’s Android version. Nevertheless it’s quite handy once it’s done. INQ has gone with a very ‘arty’ motif and included quite a few colorful wallpapers, even the menu icons colorful enough to make you feel like you’re on some psychedelic acid trip.

Multitasking is quite easy with this handset but that also tends to make it slower than it already is.

Media
While you can just copy supported media to and from the device for playback INQ recommends you use a software called Double Twist. As soon as the handset is connected to the PC options for transferring files and downloading the appropriate software pop up. Unfortunately no matter how many times I tried to download it, it didn’t seem to work out. Nevertheless, standard 3GP and MPEG4 videos played without a hitch. The bundled handsfree were comfortable to use for voice and music. The problem is music quality, although quite clear, was a little low. Crowded trains and buses and the many many other loud spaces in the city won’t allow to get really enjoy your music while on the go. The EQ presets included to make quite a difference but unfortunately don’t help too much with increasing the volume. The lack of an FM radio could be a considered an issue for some.

Tags: QWERTY , 3 Megapixel , INQ , Aircel

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