Torque DTV90
Judging by the unique extras of the Torque DTV90, it seems the Chinese are really hell-bent on ruling the cellphone world. Now, if only the desire matches the product, then we could really suggest that everyone turn Chinese. Unfortunately, it doesn't.
That statement, though, is not intended to destroy the DTV90's core task which is to be a usable mobile phone. In fact, its features are enough to match any pricier handset in the market: dual-SIM, quad-band GSM, and dual* 2-megapixel cameras, to name a few. But its main selling point, the Free-To-Air Mobile TV, is the real deal maker here.
The TV's landscape and portrait viewing modes are interesting, as the screen automatically adjusts when you turn it, thanks to a built-in sensor. Image quality varies from channel to channel and from location to location.
Like any analog TV, you'll have to find a great spot to get a decent signal. Audio is loud enough to be heard by everyone inside an FX taxi, although we recommend you use earphones just to avoid annoying anyone.
The controls are counter-intuitive and will take awhile to get used to. Even if you get the hang of it, you'll still find yourself thinking about your next move, a big no-no especially when it comes to mobile phones.
On the subject of getting a TV phone, here's the question aspiring DTV90 buyers should ask themselves: Do you need (not just want) a cellphone with a TV?
At first, you might say, "Why not? It's a phone with a TV, right? Who wouldn't want that?" You might even think of it as a way of enhancing your "coolness" (read: attractiveness to the local snatcher gang), but that's beside the point.
Do you really to watch TV on a tiny screen while you're on that MRT or bus ride going home? Is it worth getting dizzy just to see Kris Aquino's "acting" in Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo? If you answered "yes," then there should be little reason for you not to get the DTV90. Otherwise, you may want to consider going for a cheaper and more basic MP3 player.
Click here to see the Torque DTV90 in the Buyer's Guide.
*The DTV90 has a front- and a rear-mounted camera even though it's not 3G-capable.
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| Editor's Pick | No |
| Price | P4,999 |
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COMMENTS
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joemar: i think it's a handy home entertainment, there's a tv, fm radio, mp3 & mp4 player, video & sound recorder, dual camera and i almost forgot it's a phone or should i say it's a phones coz of it's dual sim, what more can u ask for, this is NTC approved, i keep asking myself why NOKIA, SONY ERICKSON, MOTOROLA, SAMSUNG ETC still haven't giving us a free to air tv?February 15, 2010 at 9:43 am
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ariesB: By all means, this model is a winner. I haven't seen any TV phone this nice is form and features. I will get one on my next pay day. Also heard Torque engineers are ex-O2 and Sony Ericsson. Maybe another good reason to consider...March 1, 2010 at 7:56 pm
