INQ mini

Like I said last week, I was going to pop by Jurong Point over the weekends to check out on the new INQ mini. If you have guess I would buy the phone, then yes you were right! I got the new INQ mini at SGD 0 when I renew my mobile contract with SingTel. I upgraded from iOnePlus to 3G Flexi Lite – Amped at no extra charge and I’m now the happy owner to my INQ mini.

I have only started playing around with the Twitter, IM and Facebook functions this morning. For the past few days, I’ve been trying out the basic functions of the phone such as text messaging, camera etc. Text size is a bit too small but I really like how an SMS can fill up the screen without any scrolling required. If you have used the LG viewty before, I think you’ll understand what I meant. So, why do I love the INQ mini?

1. Small, compact and light

There’s a reason why it’s called the INQ mini. It’s a relatively small and light phone (about 130g inclusive of the battery) which fits easily into the pockets of my jeans.

Front of phone

Back of phone

Close up of keypad

Comparing LG viewty and INQ mini

2. It doesn’t have tons of cables & accessories

Some might think that this is a negative aspect of the phone but I beg to differ. It only has 1 USB cable for charging the phone and connecting it to the computer. Most phones have separate cables for these functions. I do not have to constantly remember which cable is used for which. I don’t have to bring tons of cables when I’m out as well. On a side note, I think I’m going to get a bluetooh adapter for my computer.

What is included

3. There are many ways to use the help cards

Each INQ mini comes with a stack of help cards with information about the phone and how to use it. This is rather different from the conventional types of manuals. These cards also have fantastic designs. What do we do with the cards after reading them? Such beautifully designed cards can be used as magnets and even wall decorations.

Help cards

Information on how to use the phone

Magnets

It looks pretty good on my notice board as well

4. Colourful design for the main menu

The main menu for the INQ mini is beautifully designed and extremely colourful. There are clear wordings on the menus and no fanciful animation effects.

Main menu of the INQ mini

5. Facebook Integration

I’m able to view friends requests, check out their profile pages and even send messages via Facebook with this phone. It took a while to login though. I didn’t set it to login automatically as I wish to monitor the data usage first and I’m also not a frequent user of Facebook.

Facebook login screen

Main page of Facebook

6. Twitter Application

Twitter is one of the reasons why I’m getting this phone in the first place. I’m a hardcore user of Twitter and this phone makes it so much easier for me to tweet when I don’t have my computer with me. However, I think the application can still be improved. I hope to see the mentions/direct messages function for this application in the future. It would be much easier to check for any replies to my tweets as I don’t login to twitter 24/7. It would also be good if Twitter is integrated into the phone like Facebook. Perhaps I can “Send a tweet” via the messages menu, just like how I’m able to send an email or message via Facebook.

Tweeting via INQ mini

7. Widgets

This feature is simple but extremely useful. I only use the weather and world clock widget. It’s always good to know when it’s going to rain and I like the huge time/date display on the main screen. There are other widgets available and it allows a maximum of 3 widgets to be displayed if I’m not wrong.

Weather and world clock widgets

8. Windows Live Messenger

I can finally chat with my friends on the Windows Live Messenger on my phone. I can actually reduce the number of SMS send with this program. The best thing is that SingTel is giving 12 months free IM on mobile (worth SGD 64) with the 3G Flexi Lite plan. Data charges still applies although I was told it doesn’t have high data usage. I’ve met some problems when trying to set up this application. I wasn’t told that we have to do a manual subscription before we can use this service. Since my mobile plan includes this service, I thought it would be automatic. Anyway, users have to dial *CHAT to subscribe to this service before they can login.

Windows Live Messenger Contact List

Chat window in Windows Live Messenger

9. Live Contact List

This is another one of the great features of the phone as well. I am able to synchronise my Facebook contacts with the contacts list on my phone. If I’ve merged this particular contact on my list with his Facebook account, I’m able to view his profile photo when he calls. I would also be able to view his profile and his updated status. However, since I don’t login my Facebook account 24/7, I can’t view the updated status, I can still view the downloaded profile photos though. I might just login once every week to let the program update the profile photos and what not. It should be automatic if I’m not wrong.

Live Contact List

Facebook profile photo

10. Multi tasking with the switcher

There is a switcher at the side of the phone so that I can do a few things at the same time.

Switcher at the side of the phone

Overall, if you look at the price and its features, I would say it’s a worthy phone to have. The phone only comes in red, other colours of the battery covers would have to be separately purchased. I’m so dying to get my hands on the pink cover but it’s not for sale yet. If anyone knows when it’ll be on sale, do let me know. Thanks!

Related posts:

1. SingTel INQ mobile event
2. My first Christmas gift of 2009
3. Twitpic of an even busier week

By the way, this mobile is so cool. I really love the Twitter, Messenger, Facebook features and the weather widget. I like how I’m able to tweet “Hi, I’m lost at Bugis, help please?” and then wait for a few minutes for emergency help or “Hey everyone. I’m in town, anyone wants to meet up?”. Tweeting via SMS isn’t the best way since I can’t get any replies. The live contact list is also excellent because you wouldn’t have to upload individual photo for every contact, it’s updated live. There are many other functions as well but those are my favourites. It’ll be launched in Singapore this Saturday on the 19th September so do check it out in SingTel stores. I think I’ll pop by Jurong Point to take a look this weekend!

INQ Mobile - On sale on 19 September

Introducing the INQ mobile

SingTel and Facebook cupcakes and chocolate cake in an ashtray

Yesterday was my first meeting with Brenda and Ivy. Didn’t manage to take a photo with Ivy though but I’m sure there will definitely be chances in the future. Everyone was very friendly and I had a great time chit chatting with some of them especially Ivy and Brenda.

(Left to right) Brenda, Me, Liling

The above was taken by my old trusty Samsung i8 and the one below was taken by the professional photographer at the event. I have to admit mine has a really bad flash.

This photo looks so much better!

I finally got a hard copy of Ivy’s name card. I really love this design of hers. It’s going to be my motivation to design one for myself. I’ve been telling myself to draw one but I’m too lazy. It’s definitely on my to-do list now.

Business cards! I really need to make myself one

Related posts:

1. 10 reasons why I love the INQ mini
2. What happens when 4 girls are put together?
3. A day with Terry and Brenda