3mobilebuzz brings you the latest news, reviews, opinion and hype on 3 from across the web. Find out what other people are saying about all of 3’s mobiles, price plans, products and services online, plus troubleshooting hints and tips.
Today sees the launch of the INQ Mini 3G on 3UK. There’s already been plenty of chatter and overviews of the device that is available in 3 stores, online and over the phone.
Engadget Mobile has an extensive review with a picture gallery and video of the Mini in action. Trusted Reviews also has a video showing the depth of the device’s social-networking integration. Other sites that have covered the new INQ on the block are Electricpig, MobileChoice and Tech65, so be sure to give them all the once over.
The official side of the launch can all be found at the 3 media centre, with details on features and tariffs, along with a quote from Charlotte Blanchard, 3’s director of products and services,
“We’re committed to making the Mobile Internet affordable and easy to use for consumers. That applies whether they’re using Skype to call their mates in Australia, or retweeting Perez Hilton’s latest bit of showbiz gossip on Twitter. Our goal is to offer consumers the best Mobile Internet experience, and INQ’s new products are a key part of that story.”
What are your thoughts on the INQ Mini 3G? Let us know…
The latest member of the 3mobilebuzz fold to get their hands on a 3UK MiFi is Geek Computers, who’ve wasted no time in getting a review of the device posted. The analysis of the device goes from first impressions through to software, hardware as well as few tests along the way.
“My first impressions when the box arrived were this could have been a product from Apple, very clean looking well packaged and immediately you are thinking it’s a smart looking piece of equipment.”
So, on the aesthetics front MiFi does well, but to find out about the real nuts and bolts of how it fared click through. However one bit of performance information that is well worth mentioning is how the device did in the Geek Computer ‘Stress Test’,
“At not one point did it seem to struggle with the load. […] I was very impressed.”
Find out about that ‘load’ and a host of other details in the full Geek Computer review.
“INQ is back, with a sleeker, smaller, sexier INQ Mini that revolves around Twitter instead of Facebook.”
Dumas wasn’t entirely sold on the INQ1, but this hasn’t dulled his enthusiasm for the Mini, enjoying what he describes as a gorgeous propriety OS. This saw him flying through menus with “no futzing”, a phrase I have on good authority means positive things.
To read how he got to his conclusion that the “Mini seems like a great device for a precocious high schooler who desperately wants a smartphone but doesn’t have the cash”, click on through.
Another INQ Mini 3G review has landed, this time from the Tech65 guys. They have produced a video review of the device which is kindly split into two to make it easily digestible. One feature they are particularly impressed by is the incorporation of the social networking elements,
“This week we finally get to take a look at the INQ Mini 3G, one of the phones with the best Facebook integration we’ve seen so far on a feature phone!”
The first part of the video is below and for the second, which is more software based, follow this link.
As fans of the INQ1, Trusted Reviews and in particular reviewer Edward Chester is keen to see what the Mini offers. Although he finds faults with certain aspects of the phone, notably the camera and the viewing of full web pages, overall the device satisfies,
“it’s far too low on features for those that want a true mobile web experience and it’s a bit complicated for those that just want a simple cheap phone. However, if you can’t afford the former and just want to make sure you’re never out of the social loop, then you should definitely consider this phone.”
To see how the handset scored across each category click through, where you can also watch a video version of Edward talking all things INQ Mini.
Making a focus of the integrated features and of course that Qwerty keyboard, MDC is holding on to high hopes for the Chat, especially as they were so impressed with the INQ1,
“[…] the INQ Chat 3G truly has the potential to be a more affordable version of the Blackberry for those who have an eye for the famed smartphone, but not the wallet.”
Are you looking forward to the arrival of the INQ Chat?
“In spite of its flaws, the Mini 3G conveys an inescapable air of cheerfulness. From the bright red backplate, to the quirky ringtones, to the oversized navigation pad, it just feels like a shiny happy thing, and the equally colorful and zany UI further reinforces that notion.”
Along with the reviews is this post by Mobile News on the expected popularity of the handset. Devika Sen-Gupta quotes 3’s head of internet services David Kerrigan,
“The INQ1 was a big device for us, but the INQ Mini will be even bigger.”
And if all this wasn’t enough there is also a little bit of chatter from Mobile Marketing Magazine on the device debuting in Singapore.
Referring to his previous handset, the N95 as “excellent but now quite senile”, Shiv has been on the lookout for a new device and had his eye caught by the INQ1. Tempted by the integration of Facebook, WLM and Skype he had a full-on “ooooh…aaaaah!” moment when he saw the address book 2.0.
His review goes from unboxing to summary and gives attention to everything inbetween. This especially focuses on issues he has had with the INQ1 and what he’d like to see next from the manufacturer. Will the Chat and Mini sync with his thoughts?
Australia.to has, amongst their news pages, discussed the INQ1 and found it to be somewhat of a social networking superstar.
However, it wasn’t all instant gratification, “The INQ is a brilliantly conceived device which takes a while to use to its full potential.” Nevertheless having made their way through the layers of functionality the device was seen to be a hit, offering all you’d expect of a mobile, as well as doubling up as a modem and plugging you straight into Facebook, Skype and Windows Live Messenger.
The self-proclaimed Facebook addict, nivekfs, from Ciao, has taken it upon himself to review the INQ1. Although it’s just up his street as far as his social networking habits are concerned, no-one can be on Facebook all the time, so he points out there’s also “Free Skype to Skype […] instant messenger capabilities […] and an eBay tool so you can bid on the go.”
Do you agree with nivekfs, “no shocker that it won the Best Mobile Handset, award”? Why not go over to Ciao and leave him a comment?
Another lovely review to sate your INQ1 cravings, this time the review is by Steve O’Hear from last100. Being called the “Facebook Phone”, the INQ1 is obviously going to feature Facebook, but Steve thinks it is more integrated than any other phone.
“At its heart is the INQ1’s Facebook integration, which goes a little deeper than rival handsets.”
Out of Control is an Aussie blogger with an INQ1, and they’ve given their readers the full picture on the handset.
The post is positive about the device and concept, “Many of us are living on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the convenience and entertainment from technology, here’s an inexpensive solution: Enter INQ1 mobile.”
The devices are compared thoroughly under sub-headings such as ‘speed is of the essence’ and ‘more than just facbook’, there is even a side by side spec list. Under ‘look and feel’ the handsets are described as “pretty classy” despite being “sliders with no frills navigation or keyboard-wise.”
Ciara O’Brien of Minibyte is a tech reviewer for the Irish Times and has recently reviewed the INQ1.
According to the about section Ciara is a fan of all that is shiny and classifiable as gadget, so maybe it is no wonder that she’s seeing the INQ1 as “…designed to appeal to someone just like me.”
Running through the features the review ticks all the boxes you’d want, and concludes with a mention of the usefulness of being able to use the handset as a broadband modem.
