Device Review: Microsoft KIN One and KIN Two

I was given the opportunity by Verizon Wireless to try out the KIN One & KIN Two devices recently, and I wanted to do a quick write up on my thoughts of these two Microsoft devices. Touted as social networking smartphones, Microsoft has managed to pull off just that….a smartphone for the social networking butterfly.

I will start right off saying that this device will be suited with the younger set, I don’t think we’ll see too many professionals toting around these devices, they are mainly marketed to younger teens, possibly using their first device. Perfect for them, and chances are they’ll probably love it. For what I need out of a smartphone, it just isn’t for me.

That being said, let’s talk about the KIN One first:

Size: 2.66″ x 0.73″ x 3.31″ – the KIN One has a squarish-ovalish design to it, and it fits easily in the palm of your hand. You can easily slide this device into your pocket and it will not be uncomfortable. It weighs 3.90 ounces, so it’s not overly hefty at all.

Battery: the KIN One comes equipped with a standard Lithium-Ion battery (1240mAh), which boasts up to 340 minutes talk time and up to 210 minutes stand by time.

Screen Display: 2.6″ High res TFT, QVGA (320×240)

Included Accessories: When you open the box, you will be greeted by:

Stereo Headset – 3.5mm
Standard Lithium Ion Battery
Wall Charger
Micro USB Cable
Zune Pass (free for 14 days)
Quick Start Guide
Product Safety & Warranty Guide

The KIN One has a slide out keyboard, just simply push up the screen, and you will find the keyboard tucked nicely underneath, it’s small and compact and like I said, it fits nicely in your hand.

It has a pretty decent camera on it, a 5.0MP camera, in fact. In my experience, it took nice pictures, and everything seemed to be quick and easy.

Here are a few of the other features of the KIN One:

Windows Phone OS for KIN
Push Exchange Mail and POP3/IMAP pull (up to 10 accounts)
4GB storage (does not support and expandable memory port)
Screen lock
English or Spanish UI
40 Polyphonic ringtones
Phonebook, messages, photos and videos automatically synced to a secure service and thus virtually unlimted
TTY compatible

Currently you can pick up the KIN One through Verizon Wireless for $149.99 with an instant $100.00 online savings, making the device $49.99.

Now let’s take a look at the KIN Two:

In comparison, the KIN Two looks more like your standard bar smartphone, and is much bigger. Here are the specs:

Dimensions: 2.36″ x 0.64″ x 4.38″

Weight: 4.70 ounces, this device is more hefty than the KIN One, but it is still pretty light.

Battery: standard Lithium Ion (1300 mAh), and boasts up to 365 minutes of talk time and up to 232 hours of stand by time.

Screen Display: 3.4″ High res TFT, QVGA (320×240)

You will see the same accessories as the KIN One when you open up the box, so we won’t get into those at this time.

Here are some of the added features to the KIN Two:

Windows Phone OS for KIN
Push Exchange Mail and POP3/IMAP pull (up to 10 accounts)
8GB of storage (does not support and expandable memory port)
English/Spanish UI
40 Polyphonic ringtones
TTY Compatible

Currently you can pick up the KIN Two through Verizon Wireless for $199.99 with an instant $100.00 online savings, making the device $99.99.

Wait, what’s my actual opinion of these devices you ask? Well, out of the two devices, I would have to say that the KIN Two is more my speed. It’s more of what I’m used to out of a smartphone and gives me the size that I need. However, there does not seem to be any type of calendar on either of these devices, so if you’re someone who lives and dies by your schedule, you’re going to be late to a lot of appointments if you rely on these devices to remind you.

I have to say that I am not a fan of the OS, it just seems chaotic to me. I never got the hang of using the KINs in the few weeks that I’ve used them. The browser does what it needs to do, but it’s no frills, which is fine. It’s not really a power-device so no worries there.

The homescreen is just far too cluttered, and honestly I could never find my way around it. However, these devices are not going to be for everyone, as I stated at the beginning of this post. There are people out there that are going to really enjoy these devices and love everything about them, and what they can do.

You will need to add the data plan onto your bill to utilize these devices, which will run you $29.99 through Verizon Wireless. Keep that in mind when purchasing either of the KIN devices.

All in all, I’m thrilled I got the chance to try out these devices, because I was highly curious about them. I just don’t see them coming home with me from the Verizon Wireless store. Nor do I see them lasting long in the line-up.