Good as GSM, Bad as 3G

A recent article at Mobile Deals Compared showcased the Acer BeTouch E101. The E101 is a carbon copy of the E100, the only exception is that it’s a GSM device and the E100 is a 3G smart phone. It may seem silly, but there is a point to Acer’s marketing plan.

Still, the difference between GSM standards and 3G standards are set so differently, you will see it with the E101 and E100. As a GSM the E101 has great specs, after all, you compare it to other GSM devices. The E100 on the other hand, barely has anything to show compared to 3G mobile phones. Which leads me wondering, why the network bias?

Obviously, the market for the GSM network are folks who do not wish to spend much on their mobile phone coverage. 3G network users are heavy mobile phone enthusiasts who make full use of the 3G features such as HSDPA. Still, Acer has made a good point; it is possible to give a GSM device excellent features fit for a 3G phone. I think that this really is a wise move on the part of Acer and it will pay off by attracting a good market from the GSM crowd. Too bad they will not be attracting a similar market from the 3G with their E100. At least they have the Acer Liquid.

I’m guilty of looking down on GSM models, and in all aspects, that bias is not without basis. Manufacturers tend to forget that there are GSM users who prefer having lots of features on their mobile devices. I have seen people with really high end mini laptops with simple GSM devices. There are those who would have a game system and a 2G phone. There is not doubt that they chose a cheap 2G device and spent more for their other devices, but there is no doubt that if they would appreciate a better set of choices for GSM devices.