subject: Pharos Traveler 137 - 137e Is Totally Different! [print this page]
I have read some horrible stories about this model, that I was skeptical at first.
However, I finally give a try, and got Pharos Traveler 137E (no software card). Strangely, mine doesn't have problem some other users stated, I can assume it's different hardware.
Touchscreen is reliable, no "single tap, multiple characters" issue. Battery is still kinda short, but I expect that happens, running over 3G is certainly battery killer, I have ordered 2 more batteries along with software card (137E has a coupon, which gives $50 off).
Charging this Pharos Traveler 137 from USB hub works with a trick, that you have to cover 2 center conductors on the USB plug to make it NOT data capable, failure to do it will activate ActiveSync and halt charging; same way applies to iGo AA battery charger, NiMH batteries will work, but Lithium AA batteries are recommended as it draws a lot of power.
The new hardware has better radio, no "losing reception" problem like other stated; however, the antenna is located on the bottom (back of trackball), and I hate this design, because your palm will affect reception. Bluetooth is OK, but I wish it's Broadcom stack because it works better, wifi is fine.
I personally like SPB shell more than HTC TouchFlo 3D, the virtual keyboard takes time to learn, but it's cool, and it can take different language layout.
Trackball is OK, but I think it's too slow to scroll on a web, and it's difficult to catch a link, tapping is way better.
This Pharos Traveler 137 has a special USB jack, that only wired headset sold from Pharos work; fortunately, I use wireless headset/headphones all the time, that this is not big deal.
It comes with SPB TV with few free channels, you can pay monthly fee to unlock other channels; however, wifi and/or 3G connection is required to view. Slingplayer works, but rendering is not so ideal especially in full screen mode. Pocket Player works fine, but you need to disable auto screen off, and let the system handle it.
Voice quality is not really ideal, sound comes from earpiece is like some Samsung phones (compressed), even I heard through wireless headset. Audio from wireless headphones is affected by system.
Camera is kinda dark if you take pics indoors, video only renders QVGA in 3GP format.
GPS takes about 3-5 mins to fix, but currently I can't really test it because software card is on the way.
Conclusion: if you plan to get this Pharos Traveler 137, make sure you get 137E model, the cost of software card is worth for better stability.
