Review: Samsung Transform
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The Web browser on the Samsung Transform is the stock Android browser, and that's mostly a good thing. Pages rendered accurately, almost identical to their desktop versions. Our own PhoneScoop homepage looked great, with sharp images and text in its proper layout. While I was able to load the CNN homepage properly, the New York Times only offered its mobile version. This is an ongoing problem on even the best Android handsets, not only the Samsung Transform. Some pages will only recognize this app as a mobile phone browser and will not offer a full desktop page.
The browser was slow to load pages on Sprint's EV-DO network, and the data connection often stalled on me. I had a much better time using Wi-Fi for data, but this still didn't make the browser feel speedy. The browser was also less responsive to touch than I would have liked. While it was better than the phone's homescreen panels, there was still some lag and occasional delay moving about large pages.
Customize
I've talked extensively about the customizations options with Sprint ID in the Menus section, but here I'll add a few details. With Sprint ID, you can load up to 6 ID packs at once, including the My ID pack, which is just the basic Android interface, arranged however you like. There is also a Clean pack that strips away all the other apps and widgets. Once you've loaded your Sprint ID pack, you still get all the standard Android customization options. So, if you have the Electronic Arts pack loaded, you can still add a Twitter widget, application icons and other shortcuts to your homescreen panels. Each ID pack comes with a selection of wallpapers and ringtones. You can use these or your own pictures and sounds, and if you remove an ID pack, you can keep the wallpapers and ringtones that accompanied it onto your phone. Some of the ringtones and wallpapers are actually pretty cool, too, especially the branded ringtones from EA, from the FIFA game, for instance. Too bad the phone can't use Android's Live Wallpapers, because there are not many good live wallpaper options available and the ID packs could have been a great source for new, cool animated screens.
The best use for Sprint ID might be to cherry pick from all of the options and app and widget suggestions that come with the various ID packs, then create one super My ID pack with all of your favorites.
CTIA Fall 2010
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Samsung Transform
