Acer M900 Comprehensive Review of Specs Price Pros & Cons

Overview of Acer M900

The Acer M900, launched in early 2009, was designed to cater to business professionals and tech enthusiasts seeking a versatile smartphone capable of handling both communication and productivity tasks. As a Windows Mobile device, it was introduced during a time when smartphones were increasingly integrating touchscreen technology with robust processing power.

Design and Build

The Acer M900 was constructed with a focus on functionality and ergonomics, offering a solid build quality. Measuring 119 x 62 x 17.1 mm and weighing 188 grams, it was slightly bulky, but this was typical for devices with physical keyboards at that time. The phone featured a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard, which was a significant feature for users who preferred tactile feedback for typing. The black casing with rounded edges provided a professional look, appealing to the business demographic.

Display Features

The device boasted a 3.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of displaying 65K colors at a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This translated to a pixel density of approximately 246 ppi, which was impressive for its time, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio was around 55.7%, offering a reasonably large display area for web browsing and document viewing.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the Acer M900 was powered by a 533 MHz Samsung S3C 6410 processor, delivering adequate performance for day-to-day tasks and multitasking. It ran on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system, which provided a familiar interface to Windows users and integrated well with Microsoft Office applications, making it ideal for business use.

Camera Capabilities

The M900 was equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera, featuring autofocus and an LED flash, which allowed for decent photography under varied lighting conditions. The inclusion of video recording capabilities offered additional versatility. On the front, it housed a VGA camera primarily meant for video calls, an essential feature for business users who required virtual meetings.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM and HSPA technology, allowing for mobile communication over 2G and 3G networks. With a data speed of up to 7.2 Mbps on HSPA, users could enjoy relatively fast mobile internet. For wireless connectivity, it offered Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio, and GPS with SiRF Star III chipset for navigation. The inclusion of a miniUSB port facilitated data transfer and charging.

Storage and Memory

While specific details about RAM are not provided, the Acer M900 offered expandable storage via a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing users to store additional data, applications, and media files. This expansion capability was a significant advantage for users requiring more storage beyond the default capacity.

Battery Life

The Acer M900 was powered by a removable 1530 mAh Li-Ion battery, which provided up to 470 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. This battery life was adequate for a full day's use, considering the device's specifications and the typical usage patterns of business users.

Additional Features

Security and convenience were enhanced with the inclusion of a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, allowing users to safeguard their data efficiently. The device also supported FM radio, further enhancing its multimedia capabilities. Notably, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack aligned with some other smartphones at the time, promoting the use of Bluetooth audio devices instead.

Market and Pricing

Upon its release, the Acer M900 was priced at approximately 250 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range smartphone targeting business and tech-savvy consumers. At this price point, the device offered a solid mix of productivity tools, connectivity features, and multimedia capabilities, making it a viable choice for those seeking a versatile mobile experience.

Conclusion

The Acer M900 represented a significant step forward in the integration of mobile productivity and communication tools. Despite being discontinued, it remains a notable example of early smartphone innovation, blending touchscreen technology with physical keyboard functionality. Its design, performance, and features met the needs of its time, showcasing Acer's commitment to providing practical solutions for mobile users.