I had a few weeks of experience of Android 2.2 on my recently purchased Tablet pc, and had already appreciated that product as a real break-through for me.
I have had mobile phones since they became available in compact format, and was attracted to the idea of a "smart phone" - just because it runs on Android 2.2. The impression I had was that they were pricey, but when I saw the Star A3000 on amazon, I did a certain amount of research elsewhere and could not find anything against the model, which had a similar specification to the tablet - so I took a deep breath and entered a newer-still world.
I had enjoyed all the apps on the Tablet, and listened to many new "foreign singers" and musicians, so it was easy to pick up from there - I transferred many music tracks to the 4Gb Micro SD Card (supplied) via my desktop pc, and used some earphones with volume control (I had found more or less essential for me with the tablet as I have some hearing problems) and away I went.
I inserted a spare Sim with some credit on it and tried out the Phone app. finding all my contacts copied to the "contacts" app. No need to dial then. I did find that as my hand is not too steady, by using a small stylus for the keyboard and other controls, I had very few mistakes, given the relative small screen.
What for me was negative (due to the afore-mentioned clumsiness perhaps) was the removal and replacement of the phone's back cover. This was a real problem, and I have actually broken several of the plastic lugs off after becoming desperate and trying to lever the pesky thing off. I have similar problems with other phones I have owned - so I don't necessarily blame the design.
Over a few days I have come to be a real Android 2.2 phone admirer and can see this is THE proper item to carry around for use as a good phone, e-mail reader (and perhaps sender if necessary) plus collector of great MP3 tracks with the excellent Apps available. I have transferred all my Google Chrome bookmarks from my desktop to the phone (via ChromeMarks app), and can send instantly future interesting bookmarks from my main Chrome browser to my phone using Chrome to-Phone app.
All seems up to par with the phone operation and manufacture (other than the back which I have had to secure with some selo-tape).
For noobie smart phone users I can't see why this phone could not be a valuable addition to your gadget collection!!