As confusing to categorize the Samsung Mondi as it may be, the WiMax-enabled will device probably fit best into the new range of smartbooks and MIDs in the market. Notice that we sad WiMax. That’s right, the handheld contraption will only offer limited usage (Wi-Fi connectivity) outside of WiMax markets.
In its current form, the Mondi is largely a statement gadget, one that heralds Samsung as a major player once that particular market goes larger. When you’re outside WiMax coverage, it’s basically just a smartphone without the “phone” capabilities, making it a largely irrelevant device, save for the usual set of early-adopters willing to take the dive.
What exactly can the Mondi do? Running on Windows Mobile 6.1, it comes with the usual set of default apps, from contacts to organizers. It’s also got Outlook syncing, a Document Viewer for email attachments and editing of Office files. All email standards you can imagine are supported onboard, as well as IM and SMS via Windows Live Messenger.
The 4.3-inch touchscreen is a joy to use, especially with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI running on top of the WinMo layer. With a display that big, you can imagine the enjoyable multimedia viewing the Mondi facilitates, especially with full support for a wide range of file formats.
For web connectivity, you get ClearWire WiMax (for the US) and Wi-Fi. You can also connect to PCs through Bluetooth, USB and VPN via an ISP. Multi-tasking is partially supported, although there are limits (you can’t run two browsers at the same time, for instance). Other features include an onboard GPS (with pre-installed Mobile 8), a 3 megapixel camera and 4GB of built-in storage (with a microSDHC card slot for expansion). Like all Windows Mobile devices, all of these are extensible with add-on applications.
As attractive and well-built as the Samsung Mondi may be, there’s really no market for it, at this point in time. In fact, I doubt there’s that huge of a market for a dedicated WiMax device in the future, given that it will probably be best integrated into existing machines, like cellphone and netbooks.
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