Orange SPV C500 review

Orange's C500 might carry the SPV name, but it's more than a simple upgrade. The new chassis is thinner, smaller and lighter than previous generations, the C500 is the same size and weight as an average handset.

Impressively, the chassis still contains the large range of features we've come to expect from SPVs. This includes a 2.1" colour screen, which is the same size as previous SPV screens. It's much better quality, though, with good colour reproduction and a sharp picture.

The C500 also now has a standard USB port. The phone synchronises with a PC using the supplied cable and can be charged through your PC. Some people may still pine for the cradle of previous SPVs.

A separate power adaptor is also provided, so you can charge your phone when away from your PC. The 64MB of onboard memory should be more than enough room for storing personal information. Should you start to run out, though, there's a mini SD memory card slot. Unfortunately, it's located under the battery, so the phone has to be powered down to remove or replace it.

It's not just the outside that has had an overhaul; the OS has been upgraded to Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. Not much has changed, but the interface is a lot better. The traditional Today screen, which never fitted perfectly on the small screen, has been replaced with a much cleaner interface. A set of icons represent common functions, including email, contacts, diary and web, so it's a lot easier to pick a specific feature. A numerical count appears next to these icons that shows, for example, how many unread text messages you have.

Texting has been drastically improved, with the keypad better labelled. Typing a word also brings up a drop-down box with alternative selections. It's now easier to write longer compositions such as emails.

Thankfully, the fiddly joystick that plagued earlier models has been replaced by a scroll bar. It's much easier to use and prevents the problem of selecting the wrong item by accident.

As with most phones today, the C500 comes with a camera. Its maximum resolution is 640x480, which is good enough to email but it can't compete with a dedicated camera.

New applications are included, such as a file and task manager. There are also the usual Orange applications, including Orange Backup for synchronising contacts over a GPRS connection.

Despite a couple of minor niggles, it's by far the best smartphone that we've seen and a real bargain with a new contract.