Cell Phones

PCS Phone Samsung RL-A760 (Sprint)

The Samsung RL-A760's claim to fame is its support for Sprint's Ready Link walkie-talkie feature, which makes it easy to instantly communicate with anyone on a Ready Link capable phone. When you add that to advanced voice recognition features, a speakerphone and a color screen, you've got a powerful tool for mobile productivity.

Design
The RL-A760's handsome clamshell form factor houses an internal 128 x 160, 65,000-color display. There's also a supplementary, 96 x 96 grayscale display that displays call information, battery life, time of day, signal strength and more. An extendable antenna is located on the top right side of the phone. The outside cover is dominated by a large speaker/microphone for speakerphone and voice recognition applications. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button above the handset's dial pad. The Ready Link service is operated by a button on the left side of the phone-- walkie-talkie style. A 2.5mm headset jack is also provided.

Calling Features
The phone's built-in address book allows you to assign up to 300 entries, each storing six numbers, with a total capacity for 300 numbers and 300 email and Web addresses. A separate Ready Link phone book provides easy access to 200 personal contacts and 200 company-provided contacts. You can customize your caller ID by linking a downloaded image or photo to a specific phone number in your contact list. Choose from 29 ring tones, offering a variety of traditional ring tones as well as polyphonic (32-chord), melodic ring tones and vibrating alert. The RL-A760's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911 (where available). Perhaps most importantly for users in rural areas, the RL-A760 is a tri-mode phone, meaning it can operate on Sprint's digital PCS network, as well as analog networks that serve many outlying areas.

Hands-free operation of your phone is easy with the built-in speakerphone while enhanced voice recognition allows you to speak numbers digit by digit or speak the name of anyone in your phonebook. You can also command the phone to give you a status update on battery and coverage strength. Voice features are speaker-independent, so there's no need to train the phone to respond to any one person's voice.

The RL-A760's Ready Link feature lets you enjoy the convenience of quick, walkie-talkie style communication at the touch of a button with one or several Ready Link users anywhere you go (Sprint PCS Ready Link service charges apply).

Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you need basic messaging capabilities, the RL-A760 has you covered as support is built-in for sending and receiving SMS text messages (Sprint PCS text messaging charges apply). T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit-- a plus for text messaging users.

The phone also supports PCS Vision email and instant messaging capabilities. Sprint PCS Vision transforms the wireless experience from something that's simply functional into something visual, entertaining and highly personalized. MSN Hotmail, Yahoo Mail and AOL Instant Messenger are all supported by Sprint's PCS Vision service. PCS Vision mobile Web services let you check out sports scores, get your seven-day forecast, check your flight status, and stay up to date with the latest news. Experience full-color graphic versions of popular Web sites.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the RL-A760 including a calendar, a calculator, an alarm clock and a to-do list. A voice recorder lets you record up to 10 one-minute memos for later retrieval.

Entertainment
The RL-A760 lets you choose from a variety of pre-set images to customize your main and external displays and make them unique to you. With PCS Vision service, you can download games like Tetris and Pac-Man, as well as additional ringers, screensavers and backgrounds.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung RL-A760 weighs 3.8 ounces and measures 3.5 x 1.8 x 1 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of digital talk time, and up to 216 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the AMPS 800/CDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
RL-A760 handset, AC battery charger, lithium-ion battery, user's manual.

PCS Phone Samsung RL-A760 (Sprint)

The Samsung RL-A760's claim to fame is its support for Sprint's Ready Link walkie-talkie feature, which makes it easy to instantly communicate with anyone on a Ready Link capable phone. When you add that to advanced voice recognition features, a speakerphone and a color screen, you've got a powerful tool for mobile productivity.

Design
The RL-A760's handsome clamshell form factor houses an internal 128 x 160, 65,000-color display. There's also a supplementary, 96 x 96 grayscale display that displays call information, battery life, time of day, signal strength and more. An extendable antenna is located on the top right side of the phone. The outside cover is dominated by a large speaker/microphone for speakerphone and voice recognition applications. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button above the handset's dial pad. The Ready Link service is operated by a button on the left side of the phone-- walkie-talkie style. A 2.5mm headset jack is also provided.

Calling Features
The phone's built-in address book allows you to assign up to 300 entries, each storing six numbers, with a total capacity for 300 numbers and 300 email and Web addresses. A separate Ready Link phone book provides easy access to 200 personal contacts and 200 company-provided contacts. You can customize your caller ID by linking a downloaded image or photo to a specific phone number in your contact list. Choose from 29 ring tones, offering a variety of traditional ring tones as well as polyphonic (32-chord), melodic ring tones and vibrating alert. The RL-A760's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911 (where available). Perhaps most importantly for users in rural areas, the RL-A760 is a tri-mode phone, meaning it can operate on Sprint's digital PCS network, as well as analog networks that serve many outlying areas.

Hands-free operation of your phone is easy with the built-in speakerphone while enhanced voice recognition allows you to speak numbers digit by digit or speak the name of anyone in your phonebook. You can also command the phone to give you a status update on battery and coverage strength. Voice features are speaker-independent, so there's no need to train the phone to respond to any one person's voice.

The RL-A760's Ready Link feature lets you enjoy the convenience of quick, walkie-talkie style communication at the touch of a button with one or several Ready Link users anywhere you go (Sprint PCS Ready Link service charges apply).

Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you need basic messaging capabilities, the RL-A760 has you covered as support is built-in for sending and receiving SMS text messages (Sprint PCS text messaging charges apply). T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit-- a plus for text messaging users.

The phone also supports PCS Vision email and instant messaging capabilities. Sprint PCS Vision transforms the wireless experience from something that's simply functional into something visual, entertaining and highly personalized. MSN Hotmail, Yahoo Mail and AOL Instant Messenger are all supported by Sprint's PCS Vision service. PCS Vision mobile Web services let you check out sports scores, get your seven-day forecast, check your flight status, and stay up to date with the latest news. Experience full-color graphic versions of popular Web sites.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the RL-A760 including a calendar, a calculator, an alarm clock and a to-do list. A voice recorder lets you record up to 10 one-minute memos for later retrieval.

Entertainment
The RL-A760 lets you choose from a variety of pre-set images to customize your main and external displays and make them unique to you. With PCS Vision service, you can download games like Tetris and Pac-Man, as well as additional ringers, screensavers and backgrounds.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung RL-A760 weighs 3.8 ounces and measures 3.5 x 1.8 x 1 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of digital talk time, and up to 216 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the AMPS 800/CDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
RL-A760 handset, AC battery charger, lithium-ion battery, user's manual.

Nokia N-Gage QD Gaming Phone - Next Generation (AT&T)

Compatible with AT&T Wireless service, the Nokia N-Gage QD is a GSM phone and handheld gaming console rolled into one. The N-Gage QD features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a hot-swap MMC-card slot for memory expansion and games, and a 176 x 208 pixels screen. Like all the latest Nokia phones, the N-Gage QD runs on a variant of the Symbian OS, which allows fast multitasking between game applications, phone calls, messaging and other functions. Users of the original N-Gage will be delighted to know that the N-Gage QD operates as a phone without the need for a headset; hold it to your ear and talk all you want. It's also smaller and more jeans-pocket-friendly than the original model.

The new N-Gage QD is smaller and more intelligently designed than its predecessor. Plus, inserting game cards is a snap.

Overall, we found the N-Gage QD a stunning successor to the original. Nokia has certainly listened to users and made improvements in all the right places. Barring a few quibbles, this new gaming phone is poised to make a real name for itself in the portable gaming space, something the original model was largely unable to do.

Calling and Multimedia
Gaming is the heart and soul of the N-Gage QD, but don't forget, it's also a powerful phone with the latest mobile Web, e-mail and messaging features. While we liked the ability to use it as a conventional handset, Bluetooth is built in, so going hands-free is easy with a Bluetooth-enabled headset. If you're not Bluetooth-inclined, there's also a jack for a wired headset. Like ringtones? You can get creative with polyphonic sounds that get you noticed in a crowd.

The N-Gage QD packs plenty of portable graphics firepower.

If you can receive GPRS data via AT&T's mMode service, you can browse the wireless Web using the built-in browser. We found these features tricky to set up and the Nokia interface for these functions somewhat confusing, but once we got things going, we enjoyed downloading some game tips and tricks from n-gage.com. The unit also serves as a wireless e-mail and messaging client with support for all the latest protocols (MMS, SMS, IMAP4, POP3, SMTP, and MIME2). We especially liked the Java-based expandability of the phone; with a data connection it's fun to download new Java-based games and new game levels. You can also download productivity apps like calendars and planners.

With this iteration of the N-Gage, Nokia decided to drop the FM radio and MP3 player functions from the device. We think these would have been nice to retain, but Nokia was intent on making the N-Gage QD more exclusively focused on gaming. Nokia has retained multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth so you can still go head-to-head with up to four players via a wireless connection.

Gaming
Okay, the meat and potatoes. The Nokia N-Gage QD didn't disappoint when it came to gaming performance on a handheld device. The redesigned controls are far more user-friendly than those on the classic N-Gage. Gone are the days of clumsily pushing the directional pad inward to make a selection; a separate selection button is now available. The newly placed slot for games and memory expansion cards is one of the biggest improvements as users no longer have to remove the battery and cover to pop in a new game. The card slot is now easily accessible on the outside edge of the unit and is protected by a rubber cover.

Our test model came with Ashen, a three-dimensional first-person shooter set in a macabre, supernatural world. Creepy-crawly things were coming at us from all directions and we found ourselves pretty immersed in the game--quite amazing, given that the screen is a little smaller than a business card. Graphics were impressive, too, for such a small device that offers robust battery life (Nokia claims 10 hours of play time on a single charge). Lovers of online multiplayer gaming will like Nokia's N-Gage Arena, which allows gamers to come together on the wireless Internet to compete and cooperate in a variety of online games.

We had some reservations about the number of currently available games for the N-Gage. Many are forthcoming, however, and Nokia has obviously made a serious commitment to improving the platform. The N-Gage QD is a clear and positive sign of what's to come. --Joshua Gunn

Pros

• Vastly improved design
• Compact
• Good portable graphics power
• User-friendly controls
• Robust phone features

Cons

• MP3 and FM radio features dropped
• Small library of available titles
• Somewhat confusing user interface

What's in the Box:
The Nokia N-Gage QD unit, AC charger, dual mono headset, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, software CD-ROM, games brochure.

Nokia N-Gage QD Gaming Phone - Next Generation (AT&T)

Compatible with AT&T Wireless service, the Nokia N-Gage QD is a GSM phone and handheld gaming console rolled into one. The N-Gage QD features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a hot-swap MMC-card slot for memory expansion and games, and a 176 x 208 pixels screen. Like all the latest Nokia phones, the N-Gage QD runs on a variant of the Symbian OS, which allows fast multitasking between game applications, phone calls, messaging and other functions. Users of the original N-Gage will be delighted to know that the N-Gage QD operates as a phone without the need for a headset; hold it to your ear and talk all you want. It's also smaller and more jeans-pocket-friendly than the original model.

The new N-Gage QD is smaller and more intelligently designed than its predecessor. Plus, inserting game cards is a snap.

Overall, we found the N-Gage QD a stunning successor to the original. Nokia has certainly listened to users and made improvements in all the right places. Barring a few quibbles, this new gaming phone is poised to make a real name for itself in the portable gaming space, something the original model was largely unable to do.

Calling and Multimedia
Gaming is the heart and soul of the N-Gage QD, but don't forget, it's also a powerful phone with the latest mobile Web, e-mail and messaging features. While we liked the ability to use it as a conventional handset, Bluetooth is built in, so going hands-free is easy with a Bluetooth-enabled headset. If you're not Bluetooth-inclined, there's also a jack for a wired headset. Like ringtones? You can get creative with polyphonic sounds that get you noticed in a crowd.

The N-Gage QD packs plenty of portable graphics firepower.

If you can receive GPRS data via AT&T's mMode service, you can browse the wireless Web using the built-in browser. We found these features tricky to set up and the Nokia interface for these functions somewhat confusing, but once we got things going, we enjoyed downloading some game tips and tricks from n-gage.com. The unit also serves as a wireless e-mail and messaging client with support for all the latest protocols (MMS, SMS, IMAP4, POP3, SMTP, and MIME2). We especially liked the Java-based expandability of the phone; with a data connection it's fun to download new Java-based games and new game levels. You can also download productivity apps like calendars and planners.

With this iteration of the N-Gage, Nokia decided to drop the FM radio and MP3 player functions from the device. We think these would have been nice to retain, but Nokia was intent on making the N-Gage QD more exclusively focused on gaming. Nokia has retained multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth so you can still go head-to-head with up to four players via a wireless connection.

Gaming
Okay, the meat and potatoes. The Nokia N-Gage QD didn't disappoint when it came to gaming performance on a handheld device. The redesigned controls are far more user-friendly than those on the classic N-Gage. Gone are the days of clumsily pushing the directional pad inward to make a selection; a separate selection button is now available. The newly placed slot for games and memory expansion cards is one of the biggest improvements as users no longer have to remove the battery and cover to pop in a new game. The card slot is now easily accessible on the outside edge of the unit and is protected by a rubber cover.

Our test model came with Ashen, a three-dimensional first-person shooter set in a macabre, supernatural world. Creepy-crawly things were coming at us from all directions and we found ourselves pretty immersed in the game--quite amazing, given that the screen is a little smaller than a business card. Graphics were impressive, too, for such a small device that offers robust battery life (Nokia claims 10 hours of play time on a single charge). Lovers of online multiplayer gaming will like Nokia's N-Gage Arena, which allows gamers to come together on the wireless Internet to compete and cooperate in a variety of online games.

We had some reservations about the number of currently available games for the N-Gage. Many are forthcoming, however, and Nokia has obviously made a serious commitment to improving the platform. The N-Gage QD is a clear and positive sign of what's to come. --Joshua Gunn

Pros

• Vastly improved design
• Compact
• Good portable graphics power
• User-friendly controls
• Robust phone features

Cons

• MP3 and FM radio features dropped
• Small library of available titles
• Somewhat confusing user interface

What's in the Box:
The Nokia N-Gage QD unit, AC charger, dual mono headset, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, software CD-ROM, games brochure.

Nokia N-Gage QD Gaming Phone - Next Generation (AT&T)

Compatible with AT&T Wireless service, the Nokia N-Gage QD is a GSM phone and handheld gaming console rolled into one. The N-Gage QD features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a hot-swap MMC-card slot for memory expansion and games, and a 176 x 208 pixels screen. Like all the latest Nokia phones, the N-Gage QD runs on a variant of the Symbian OS, which allows fast multitasking between game applications, phone calls, messaging and other functions. Users of the original N-Gage will be delighted to know that the N-Gage QD operates as a phone without the need for a headset; hold it to your ear and talk all you want. It's also smaller and more jeans-pocket-friendly than the original model.

The new N-Gage QD is smaller and more intelligently designed than its predecessor. Plus, inserting game cards is a snap.

Overall, we found the N-Gage QD a stunning successor to the original. Nokia has certainly listened to users and made improvements in all the right places. Barring a few quibbles, this new gaming phone is poised to make a real name for itself in the portable gaming space, something the original model was largely unable to do.

Calling and Multimedia
Gaming is the heart and soul of the N-Gage QD, but don't forget, it's also a powerful phone with the latest mobile Web, e-mail and messaging features. While we liked the ability to use it as a conventional handset, Bluetooth is built in, so going hands-free is easy with a Bluetooth-enabled headset. If you're not Bluetooth-inclined, there's also a jack for a wired headset. Like ringtones? You can get creative with polyphonic sounds that get you noticed in a crowd.

The N-Gage QD packs plenty of portable graphics firepower.

If you can receive GPRS data via AT&T's mMode service, you can browse the wireless Web using the built-in browser. We found these features tricky to set up and the Nokia interface for these functions somewhat confusing, but once we got things going, we enjoyed downloading some game tips and tricks from n-gage.com. The unit also serves as a wireless e-mail and messaging client with support for all the latest protocols (MMS, SMS, IMAP4, POP3, SMTP, and MIME2). We especially liked the Java-based expandability of the phone; with a data connection it's fun to download new Java-based games and new game levels. You can also download productivity apps like calendars and planners.

With this iteration of the N-Gage, Nokia decided to drop the FM radio and MP3 player functions from the device. We think these would have been nice to retain, but Nokia was intent on making the N-Gage QD more exclusively focused on gaming. Nokia has retained multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth so you can still go head-to-head with up to four players via a wireless connection.

Gaming
Okay, the meat and potatoes. The Nokia N-Gage QD didn't disappoint when it came to gaming performance on a handheld device. The redesigned controls are far more user-friendly than those on the classic N-Gage. Gone are the days of clumsily pushing the directional pad inward to make a selection; a separate selection button is now available. The newly placed slot for games and memory expansion cards is one of the biggest improvements as users no longer have to remove the battery and cover to pop in a new game. The card slot is now easily accessible on the outside edge of the unit and is protected by a rubber cover.

Our test model came with Ashen, a three-dimensional first-person shooter set in a macabre, supernatural world. Creepy-crawly things were coming at us from all directions and we found ourselves pretty immersed in the game--quite amazing, given that the screen is a little smaller than a business card. Graphics were impressive, too, for such a small device that offers robust battery life (Nokia claims 10 hours of play time on a single charge). Lovers of online multiplayer gaming will like Nokia's N-Gage Arena, which allows gamers to come together on the wireless Internet to compete and cooperate in a variety of online games.

We had some reservations about the number of currently available games for the N-Gage. Many are forthcoming, however, and Nokia has obviously made a serious commitment to improving the platform. The N-Gage QD is a clear and positive sign of what's to come. --Joshua Gunn

Pros

• Vastly improved design
• Compact
• Good portable graphics power
• User-friendly controls
• Robust phone features

Cons

• MP3 and FM radio features dropped
• Small library of available titles
• Somewhat confusing user interface

What's in the Box:
The Nokia N-Gage QD unit, AC charger, dual mono headset, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, software CD-ROM, games brochure.

RIM BlackBerry 7100g Phone (Cingular)

The BlackBerry 7100g is the first of its kind-- a fully-featured mobile phone that delivers the power of BlackBerry e-mail. This is one sweet little phone, loaded with all of the cool features you want, like integrated Bluetooth connectivity, speakerphone, and downloadable ringtones. Plus, surf the Web the way it was meant to be surfed with an ultra-large, high-resolution color screen.

Design

Click the image to get a closer look at the 7100g's features.

Design-wise, the 7100g is a departure from the form factor of previous BlackBerry models. This BlackBerry is far more phone-like, and RIM's engineers have managed to fit a QWERTY keyboard onto the handset's slim frame. Each button on the keypad shares two letters and the unit automatically determines which letter is the intended one based on what it predicts you are trying to spell. This unique predictive text technology, known as SureType, enables the 7100g's diminutive size. SureType also learns the words you use most often, further enhancing your typing speed.

The 7100g sports a large 240 x 260 screen with 65,000 colors-- plenty of real estate to view your emails, web browser content, messaging sessions and attachments. The venerable BlackBerry jog dial is located on the right side of the unit for quick scrolling through menus and emails. A speakerphone is housed in the top portion of the rear of the handset, just above the removable battery door. There's also a standard 2.5mm headset jack that can be used with the included headset.

Calling Features
All the calling capabilities folks have come to expect in a wireless phone are present in the 7100g. As mentioned, the unit's speakerphone makes it easy to use the device handsfree, or if you prefer, use a wireless headset via the 7100g's built-in Bluetooth capability. A vibrating alert, speed dial, and a contacts list/address book that is limited only by the unit's 32 MB of internal memory, are also included. Any of the phone's 32 included polyphonic ringtones can be used to create caller-specific ringers so you can know who's calling without having to look at the handset. More ringtones are available from Cingular's MEdia mobile web service.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
While the 7100g is a different kind of BlackBerry, it's still delivers the legendary BlackBerry email experience. With Cingular's BlackBerry service plans, you can receive emails instantaneously from up to 10 email accounts (personal and enterprise). With BlackBerry push technology, you don't need to retrieve your email. Instead, BlackBerry devices are designed to remain on and continuously connected to the wireless network, allowing you to be discreetly notified as new email arrives. Support is also built-in for viewing email attachments (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, and PDF formats).

If your company has BlackBerry Enterprise Server installed, you can take advantage of the power of wireless calendar synchronization. Your calendar events are exchanged wirelessly and automatically so that your desktop calendar and BlackBerry device calendar are synchronized. All your Outlook meeting requests, changes, and updates are instantaneously synchronized instantaneously with your desktop. Make meeting requests, invite new attendees and more, all on your 7100g. Users without Enterprise Server support can manually sync with their desktop calendars and contacts via Bluetooth or USB using the included BlackBerry Desktop software.

Use the 7100g's Web browser to access the Internet from the palm of your hand. Browse Web sites, get up-to-date stock quotes, read the latest news, check weather reports and more. Instant messaging and wireless messaging are also built into the 7100g. The unit supports AOL, Yahoo and ICQ instant messaging, as well as SMS text messaging. MMS messages can be received and forwarded.

The 7100g ships with a number of tools, including a calculator with a unit converter and a to-do list. The unit supports Java application and game downloads (available via the t-zones service). One game, BrickBreaker, is included.

Vital Statistics
The RIM BlackBerry 7100g weighs 4.30 ounces and measures 4.70 x 2.30 x 0.8 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of digital talk time, and up to 8 days of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
BlackBerry 7100g handset, international travel charger, USB cable, battery, holster, hands-free headset, SIM card, BlackBerry Desktop software.

Samsung P777 Phone (Cingular)

Get ready to join the high-speed wireless data revolution with the Samsung P777. And get ready to do it in style, as this phone sports a unique sliding design that is sure to turn heads. Other goodies include a 1.3 megapixel camera, a jumbo color screen with enhanced resolution, an MP3 player, video capture capabilites, 100 MB of internal memory, and much more. The P777 is the perfect handset for folks who want to combine all their tech-tools into one slim package.

Click the image to get a closer look at the P777's functions.

Design
The P777's sliding design hides the phone's number pad under the display until you need to make a call. The large, 176 x 220 display supports up to 262,000 colors, plenty of resolution and color depth for your videos and photos. A five-way center control button is positioned below the display, as are shortcut and selection keys. The phone's 1.3 megapixel (1280 x 960) camera and LED flash are housed on the rear of the phone. There's also a self-portrait mirror, which is cleverly positioned on the rear of the phone's sliding portion. USB data and charging ports are located on the phone's bottom edge, and a connector for a standard 2.5 mm headset is provided. Lastly, the phone has an infrared port for additional data connectivity and wireless contacts list synchronization functions.

Calling Features
The P777's phone book can hold up to 1000 contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls. In addition to a vibrating alert, the P777 features 64-chord polyphonic ringtones and MP3-based music ringtones. You can also download additional MP3 music and "supertone" enhanced ringtones from Cingular's MEdia service. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The P777 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun, and video messaging brings the messaging experience to an exciting new level. Cingular customers can send video messages to any email address or to any Cingular video capable phone that supports the multimedia messaging service. AOL Instant Messenger is also included and the phone ships with a built-in email client. The email client is preconfigured for accounts from some of the most popular ISPs, including Bellsouth.net, SBC Yahoo, and Earthlink.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the P777. It supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the new, high speed EDGE data protocol. When used with a Cingular data plan and the phone's USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. There's also a built-in web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the P777 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator with currency converter, a calendar, and a to-do list.

Imaging and Entertainment
The P777 is designed to kick the fun up a few notches. The built-in 1.3 megapixel camera captures stills and video to the phone's 100 MB of internal memory. Get ready to make your own movies on the fly; you can capture up to 60 minutes of video at 176 x 144 resolution. Into music? You're in luck there, too. Store up to 100 of your favorite songs on the P777 and listen whenever the feeling strikes you. Simply upload the songs from your PC via the phone's USB interface, then organize and play your songs with the P777's built-in music management software. The phone even ships with a stereo headset. Lastly, if you want to dress up the P777, picture effects, custom screensavers, backgrounds, and themes can be set up to fit your personality.

Java support is built into the P777, making it a powerful gaming companion. Games are downloadable via the MEdia service or you can use the handset's USB data connection to load more games and files onto the phone.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung P777 weighs 3.88 ounces and measures 3.64 x 1.81 x 0.93 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 300 minutes of digital talk time, and up to 200 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 800/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
P777 handset, lithium-ion battery, AC charger, USB cable, stereo headset, user's manual.

PCS Phone Nokia 6016i (Sprint)

With a vibrant, full-color screen, support for SMS text messaging, a speakerphone and voice-activated dialing, the 6016i is an affordable, entry-level phone with top-level features. It's a great companion for Sprint PCS users who want simple PCS voice functionality.

Design
The 6016i follows the tried and true Nokia candybar style with an extendable antenna mated to a dedicated internal antenna. The phone includes a 2.5mm headset jack, a USB data port, and a standard Nokia charging connector. The 96 x 65 color display boasts 4096 colors. Detachable faceplates are available for the front and rear of the handset so you can dress up your phone to suit your mood.

Calling Features
The 6016i's built-in address book can store up to 250 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers. Choose from 30 built-in ringers, including MIDI ring tones with up to 16-chord polyphonic sound, as well as a vibrating alert. Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names. You can also speak up to 25 numbers with the sound of your voice. The 6016i's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911. Perhaps most importantly for users in rural areas, the 6016i is a tri-mode phone, meaning it can operate on Sprint's digital PCS network, as well as analog networks that serve many outlying areas.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you need basic messaging capabilities, the 6016i has you covered as support is built-in for sending and receiving SMS text messages (Sprint PCS text messaging charges apply). T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit-- a plus for text messaging users.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the 6016i including a calendar, a calculator, a voice recorder with 30 seconds of recording memory, an alarm clock, and a to-do list. The 6016i lets you carry these tools wherever you go so you can create appointments and view your schedule at a moment's notice.

Entertainment
The 6016i is Java enabled, meaning it supports games written on the Java platform. Turn downtime into fun time when you play one of three built-in Java games-- Air Glide, Bowling, or Sky Diver-- right on your phone's display. The phone also features customizable colors and screen backgrounds so you can make your phone reflect your personality.

Vital Statistics
The Nokia 6016i weighs 3.87 ounces and measures 4.26 x 1.97 x 0.91 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of digital talk time, and up to 360 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the AMPS 800/CDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Nokia 6016i handset, AC battery charger, lithium-ion battery, user's manual.

PCS Phone Nokia 6016i (Sprint)

With a vibrant, full-color screen, support for SMS text messaging, a speakerphone and voice-activated dialing, the 6016i is an affordable, entry-level phone with top-level features. It's a great companion for Sprint PCS users who want simple PCS voice functionality.

Design
The 6016i follows the tried and true Nokia candybar style with an extendable antenna mated to a dedicated internal antenna. The phone includes a 2.5mm headset jack, a USB data port, and a standard Nokia charging connector. The 96 x 65 color display boasts 4096 colors. Detachable faceplates are available for the front and rear of the handset so you can dress up your phone to suit your mood.

Calling Features
The 6016i's built-in address book can store up to 250 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers. Choose from 30 built-in ringers, including MIDI ring tones with up to 16-chord polyphonic sound, as well as a vibrating alert. Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names. You can also speak up to 25 numbers with the sound of your voice. The 6016i's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911. Perhaps most importantly for users in rural areas, the 6016i is a tri-mode phone, meaning it can operate on Sprint's digital PCS network, as well as analog networks that serve many outlying areas.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you need basic messaging capabilities, the 6016i has you covered as support is built-in for sending and receiving SMS text messages (Sprint PCS text messaging charges apply). T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit-- a plus for text messaging users.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the 6016i including a calendar, a calculator, a voice recorder with 30 seconds of recording memory, an alarm clock, and a to-do list. The 6016i lets you carry these tools wherever you go so you can create appointments and view your schedule at a moment's notice.

Entertainment
The 6016i is Java enabled, meaning it supports games written on the Java platform. Turn downtime into fun time when you play one of three built-in Java games-- Air Glide, Bowling, or Sky Diver-- right on your phone's display. The phone also features customizable colors and screen backgrounds so you can make your phone reflect your personality.

Vital Statistics
The Nokia 6016i weighs 3.87 ounces and measures 4.26 x 1.97 x 0.91 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of digital talk time, and up to 360 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the AMPS 800/CDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Nokia 6016i handset, AC battery charger, lithium-ion battery, user's manual.

Motorola V300 Phone (T-Mobile)

Overview
Compatible with T-Mobile cell phone service, the Motorola V300 features an Internet browser, integrated VGA digital camera, MMS text messaging, and more, all displayed on a large, high-resolution 176 x 220 pixel, 65,000 color screen. The V300's clamshell design also provides a 96 x 32 pixel, two line external screen, which displays caller ID, date, time, and various status icons (including text message waiting, voice message waiting, battery and signal strength, and voice and message mail, among others) without users having to open the phone. There's even a blue backlight for nighttime viewing.

Assign pictures to everyone in your phonebook and have photo caller id every time your phone rings

Calling Features
Used simply as a phone, the V300 features a compelling, ergonomic design and a 4-way scroll key for easy menu navigation. Primary calling features include speech recognition, which allows users to speak a pre-saved name, number, or function and the phone will call it up automatically; as well as an integrated speakerphone, auto redial notification, call forwarding, call waiting, hold, alternate line/dual name, turbo dial keys (2-9), ringer/vibrate suppress, multiple call timers, multiple key answer, vibrate mode, memory for last numbers dialed and received, and a phone book of up to 1000 entries, including Personal Information Manager (PIM) functionality with picture caller ID.

Messaging and Internet

The V300 has instant messaging with real-time chat.

Mobile messaging features are fairly standard: via MMS, users can send, edit, forward, and receive image and text messages to and from compatible phones or PCs. Images and ring tones received via MMS can be saved in phone's handy image gallery. There's also instant messaging capability, conventional email, and built-in iTAP software, which provides predictive text assistance. The V300 supports TTY functionality for the hearing impaired.

The V300's built-in Microbrowser also gives users wireless Mobile Internet access to directions, stock quotes, airline information, entertainment, and more. Users can also download MP3 polyphonic ring tones, wallpapers, and other applications and games. Two games, Bejeweled and Prince of Persia, are included with the phone.

Organizer

Organizer features include a 1000 contact phone book with photo caller ID, a date book, and Mobile Phone Tools compatibility, which (combined with software that is sold separately) lets users create, edit, and synchronize date book and phonebook entries with your PC.

The V300 can use polyphonic Mp3s for ringtones--use one of the 21 pre-loaded sounds, or make your own with the online mixer.

Fun and Games
For fun, the V300's integrated digital camera includes zoom and brightness adjustment functions, as well as 5 MB of memory for picture storage or for saving wallpapers, screensavers, ring tones, and games downloaded from the Internet. Ringtones are supported by a 22 KHz polyphonic speaker with 24 chord capability. Users can also assign different tones for different callers saved the V300's phonebook, and for messages, faxes, and reminders.

Vital Statistics
The Motorola V300's security features include call restrictions, keypad lock, phone lock, application lock, and new password capability. The phone weighs 4.3 ounces and measures 3.5 x 1.93 x 1 inches. Its Lithium Ion batteries are rated at up to 390 hours talk time, and up to 200 hours standby time.

Motorola V300 Phone (T-Mobile)

Overview
Compatible with T-Mobile cell phone service, the Motorola V300 features an Internet browser, integrated VGA digital camera, MMS text messaging, and more, all displayed on a large, high-resolution 176 x 220 pixel, 65,000 color screen. The V300's clamshell design also provides a 96 x 32 pixel, two line external screen, which displays caller ID, date, time, and various status icons (including text message waiting, voice message waiting, battery and signal strength, and voice and message mail, among others) without users having to open the phone. There's even a blue backlight for nighttime viewing.

Assign pictures to everyone in your phonebook and have photo caller id every time your phone rings

Calling Features
Used simply as a phone, the V300 features a compelling, ergonomic design and a 4-way scroll key for easy menu navigation. Primary calling features include speech recognition, which allows users to speak a pre-saved name, number, or function and the phone will call it up automatically; as well as an integrated speakerphone, auto redial notification, call forwarding, call waiting, hold, alternate line/dual name, turbo dial keys (2-9), ringer/vibrate suppress, multiple call timers, multiple key answer, vibrate mode, memory for last numbers dialed and received, and a phone book of up to 1000 entries, including Personal Information Manager (PIM) functionality with picture caller ID.

Messaging and Internet

The V300 has instant messaging with real-time chat.

Mobile messaging features are fairly standard: via MMS, users can send, edit, forward, and receive image and text messages to and from compatible phones or PCs. Images and ring tones received via MMS can be saved in phone's handy image gallery. There's also instant messaging capability, conventional email, and built-in iTAP software, which provides predictive text assistance. The V300 supports TTY functionality for the hearing impaired.

The V300's built-in Microbrowser also gives users wireless Mobile Internet access to directions, stock quotes, airline information, entertainment, and more. Users can also download MP3 polyphonic ring tones, wallpapers, and other applications and games. Two games, Bejeweled and Prince of Persia, are included with the phone.

Organizer

Organizer features include a 1000 contact phone book with photo caller ID, a date book, and Mobile Phone Tools compatibility, which (combined with software that is sold separately) lets users create, edit, and synchronize date book and phonebook entries with your PC.

The V300 can use polyphonic Mp3s for ringtones--use one of the 21 pre-loaded sounds, or make your own with the online mixer.

Fun and Games
For fun, the V300's integrated digital camera includes zoom and brightness adjustment functions, as well as 5 MB of memory for picture storage or for saving wallpapers, screensavers, ring tones, and games downloaded from the Internet. Ringtones are supported by a 22 KHz polyphonic speaker with 24 chord capability. Users can also assign different tones for different callers saved the V300's phonebook, and for messages, faxes, and reminders.

Vital Statistics
The Motorola V300's security features include call restrictions, keypad lock, phone lock, application lock, and new password capability. The phone weighs 4.3 ounces and measures 3.5 x 1.93 x 1 inches. Its Lithium Ion batteries are rated at up to 390 hours talk time, and up to 200 hours standby time.