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Time moves quickly in cell phone development, and while we would have given the Samsung IP-830w a glowing rating a year ago, we're iffy about it now. It's easy to use and offers several excellent tools for frequent flyers, but its large size and limited features don't compare well against the leading touch-screen Windows Mobile smartphone, the Palm Treo 700w. And if you can do without a touch-screen, there are several far more compact solutions.

The IP-830w measures 4.5 x 2.3 x 1.0 inches and weighs 6.4 ounces, which puts it on the heavy side (the Treo is 6.0 ounces). It's a solid, chunky smartphone that offers both CDMA and GSM service (CDMA 800/1900; GSM 900/1800), although you can only use GSM when you're traveling abroad.

There's a SIM card and two foreign outlet adapters, so that globetrotters are ready to go. It also comes with a spare stylus, a spare battery, stereo headphones, and a USB connection cable.

The phone offers a decent sized display (240 x 320 pixels; 262,000 colors), Windows Mobile 5.0 with AKU (Adaptation Kit Update) 2.6, Bluetooth 1.1 (supporting headsets, dial-up networking, file transfers, and input devices), EV-DO high-speed e-mail and Internet, voice recorder, and speakerphone. You'll get 128 MB of storage. Missing are Wi-Fi and a camera.


        Start Screen

Interface
At first glance, the IP-830w looks like several other chunky Windows smartphones. Its stylish blue-black trim gives it an edge, while its heft and use of an external antenna, which needs to be extended for good reception, holds it back.

The controls will be instantly familiar to smartphone veterans: The front holds a directional pad, two softkeys, two dedicated application keys (for opening Outlook of the application launcher), as well phone call start, phone call end, and back buttons.

The left side is packed with the headphone port (covered by an especially tricky flap), the record button (you can take voice notes or record phone calls, although only your end of the conversation will be recorded), volume controls, and an on/off/hold switch. The left side holds only the SDIO expansion slot (the phone doesn't come with a card).

Slide the front upward to reveal the tiny thumb-operated QWERTY keyboard. The number keys are a different color, which speeds up dialing.

Software
The IP-830w comes loaded with the usual Windows Mobile bundle, including Excel Mobile, Word Mobile, Pocket MSN, and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile.

The attractively glossy World Clock shown in most of the promotional pictures disappointed us, since it only has 38 cities preloaded. You can load others yourself, but that involves knowing their time zones.


        World Clock

Travelers will also like the Global Adviser program, which informs you of local customs, tipping practices, and business hours for a long list of countries. It's fun to read, whether or not you're traveling. Remote Control software makes it easy to turn your handheld into a remote for your entertainment center.


Use IP-830 As Global Adviser

The smartphone also comes with GoodLink software, for setting up push e-mail, allowing you to get your messages in real-time.

Performance
The IP-830w is least successful as a basic phone. Dialing with either the onscreen number pad or the physical buttons is awkward, a problem shared with similar smartphones.

Its onscreen buttons lack any tactile sensation, while the physical buttons are too small to press easily. Plus, the phone is top-heavy when slid open, so using it one-handed is difficult. Holding its broad flat screen against your cheek while talking feels odd, and the onscreen controls don't lock while you're in a call, so you can tap things by accident.


Use IP-830 As Remote

The phone is rated for 3.4 hours of talk time and 5.4 days of standby, which is much lower than some competitors. We found call quality poor in the New York City area, with calls often echo-y and difficult to hear.

Sprint is offering the phone for $749 without a commitment, or for $599 with a new line and a two-year commitment.

If work often takes you across borders, you'll appreciate this Samsung's features, which let you stay connected wherever you roam. But if you're not a frequent flyer, look for a smaller solution.