The SPV C500 is a stunning phone—leaps and bounds ahead of the previous devices designed by Taiwan's HTC in terms of form factor and performance. Like the Motorola MPx220, the C500 features Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphone Second Edition, a minor update of Microsoft's Smartphone OS and software (see software comments in MPx220 review for more on this).
The C500 ships in a compact box that includes the Smartphone, a charger, a headset, a Mini-SD card with trial versions of Smartphone programs, user manual, and a Companion CD with Microsoft software. Like the MPx220, it comes with a USB sync cable and no data cradle—an unfortunate trend with Smartphones.
World's smallest Smartphone
The C500 is billed by Orange as "The world's smallest Smartphone," and this is one of the few cases where PR and reality coexist. One of the biggest complaints about previous models in the SPV series was the overly large size. Measuring 108 x 46 x 16 mm (4.24 x 1.82 x 0.69 inches) and weighing in at 100 g (3.6 ounces), this new device is spot-on compact, without compromising usability.
World's smallest Smartphone, the Orange SPV C500
The screen is the same size as those found on previous SPV models, but appears sharper and brighter. Gone is the small navigation button found on earlier models, replaced by a rectangular "directional scroller." It takes a little getting used to, and the "press" action is a little firm. But it's an improvement over the rather fragile button on earlier models. It feels a little unnatural at first, especially if you've been using a scroll button or joystick. You might want to test it before you buy it.
The small navigation button found on earlier modelshas been replaced by a rectangular "directional scroller."
The two soft keys are nestled snugly between the base of the screen and the Home / Back button. The action keys produce a nice click when pressed, and everything but the directional scroller is backlit, making it easier to use at night—a nice touch. There is some loss of tactile feedback from the keypad compared with previous models, but I soon adjusted to the different feel of the keys.
Another nice touch is the light sensor located at the base of the phone (below the 0 key on the keypad). This ensures that the keypad's blue backlighting is only turned on when it is needed, thus reducing battery consumption.
The base of the phone houses the headset socket and a mini-USB connector socket. The headset socket is the standard 2.5mm found on previous SPVs, so you can use older headsets. Top marks go to HTC for switching to a mini-USB port. Even though I can't use peripherals from previous models, the ability to charge the C500 from my laptop using a standard retractable mini-USB cable is very useful.
The camera button is located on the upper right edge of the phone. It no longer activates Voice Notes when you hold it down, like it did on the previous model. Instead, this is launched by holding down the Volume Up button found on the upper left edge. Similarly, holding down the Volume Down key activates Voice Dial—more on that later.
The top of the phone houses the infrared port and the power button, which, as on previous phones, can be tapped to bring up the profiles menu. The camera aperture is located on the top back of the phone, complete with a small mirror for self portraits. The button that releases the battery cover is on the bottom of the back cover. Press it and the back comes off, exposing a user-replaceable battery. Remove the battery and you'll see the SIM card holder and the Mini-SD card slot. Using a Mini-SD slot helps them make the device smaller. But it also means that you have to buy a new storage card (or two), and when you want to change them, you have to take the battery out—not a very convenient solution.
Overall, I like the matt-black finish of the standard SPV C500—it gives it a cool "retro" look.
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