Torq P120
On paper, the Torq P120 has the makings of a powerful convergence device for mobile professionals. The Windows Mobile-based smart phone comes with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ample memory, and a fairly compact form factor. Unfortunately, the P120 suffers the same fate as the E-Ten G500 in that it never reaches stardom due to mediocre performance and poor design elements. Plus, without the support of a U.S. carrier, you'll have to fork over a lot of cash ($620) for an unlocked version of the P120, and we just don't think it's worth it, especially when you can get better-performing and full-featured smart phones, such as the Cingular 8125 and the T-Mobile MDA, for less.
Upon first glance, the Torq P120 looks to be a sturdy device, but a closer inspection of the handheld tells a different story. The P120 is fairly compact at 4.4 by 2.4 by 0.9 inches but on the heavier side, weighing in at 6 ounces. The extra heft makes it feel solid in the hands, but we noticed the plastic casing seemed a bit cheap, especially the battery cover on the back. Even worse, the navigation buttons are loose, and the five-way toggle doesn't work very well. For one, the entire keypad is tiny, so we had a lot of mishaps; plus, it was hard to press the center Select key. Fortunately, you can also use the responsive 2.8-inch touch screen to navigate the menus and apps. Text and images are easy to read, as the P120's screen shows off 65,536 colors at a 240x320-pixel resolution.
On the left side, there's a camera-activation key, a volume rocker, a voice-record button, a reset button, and a 2.5mm headset jack that's protected by a rubber cover. There's an SDIO/MMC expansion slot on top of the device, while the camera lens is located on the back, along with a small self-portrait mirror and a flash. One design quirk is that the stylus holder is located on the bottom of the handset; it's not a deal breaker, but since we're so accustomed to having it at the top, we kept reaching for it there just out of habit. On a brighter note, Torq packages the smart phone with a healthy supply of accessories, including a desktop cradle, an AC adapter, a wired headset, and a belt holster.
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