Cheap Smartphones and Plans

Is There a Better Touchscreen Smartphone Than the Apple IPhone 3G?

Jimmy P. Collins — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:35:59 +0000

These days it seems almost impossible to go a whole day without hearing about the new Apple iPhone 3G. With its cutting edge features, it is the touchscreen cell phone that everyone wants to own. The question is, does it make fiscal sense or even common sense to own one.

Why is an Apple iPhone 3G s special? The Apple iPhone 3G is what is referred to as a touchscreen smartphone. You can surf the web, make phone calls, and even instant text message to your hearts content all by touching the screen of the phone. WOW! Sounds like there’s nothing else like it? Well, there is.

There are a number of other touchscreen smartphones that have features comparable to the Apple iPhone 3G. And unlike the inflexible iPhone 3G that can only be purchased in the AT&T Wireless Store, the other touchscreen smartphones out can be bought online or at the store front.

This particular article will focuses on five different touchsrceen smartphones that are just as sleek and innovative as the Apple iPhone 3G. The list of phones includes (in no order): the LG Vu, LG Voyager, HTC Touch, Samsung Glyde and the LG Dare.

With any of the touchscreen smartphones in this article, you will have to start a new two-year contract or extend your existing contract in order to get the special prices listed. Of all the phones covered in this article, the LG Voyager and the HTC Touch are FREE with a new two-year agreement. The LG Vu is FREE and offers a $49.99 CASH BACK rebate and instant discount with a new two-year contract from AT&T (as of this writing). Compare that to what you will pay for an iPhone 3G……$199-$299….you do the math.

Two of the cell phones, the LG Voyager and the Samsung Glyde, also incorporate slide-out QWERTY keyboards designed for fast instant text messaging. This may not be a big deal to the some, but if you ask a teenager or even some adults, fast instant text messaging is the most important feature they look for in a cell phone. Instant text messaging seems to be the preferred choice of communications in most teens, even over talking.

All of the cell phones that are being comparing to the iPhone 3G in this article offer big, beautiful touch displays that allow complete control over your cell phones features. All of these touchscreen smartphones support a full suite of features such as Facebook, Flckr, Google Maps and YouTube.

The following features may be a little more up to date with the newest Apple iPhone 3G versions, but just remember, everyone else is gearing up for their latest releases too. But as stated earlier, you can only get an Apple iPhone 3G at the AT&T Wireless store (if you can get one, most stores have the iPhone 3G on back order), so you may want to consider one of the other touchscreen smartphones in this article for convenience alone.

When it comes to features, the iPhone is not as cutting edge as you might expect. All of the touchscreen smartphones mentioned in this article, except for the iPhone, are Bluetooth enabled. All play MP3s and Acc, but the iPhone does not play WMA like the rest. All but the iPhone offer photo/digital messaging and voice dialing. All but the iPhone have memory card slots. When it comes to speed, only the LG Vu is as slow as the iPhone with a top speed of 1.7 mbps, the rest boast 2.4 mbps.

As for features that the iPhone 3G excels in besides price? The megapixles on the camera are 2, the same as all but the LG Dare that has 3.2. The iPhone 3G also has double the memory at 16GB.

Now the inevitable question comes, what carriers work with these other touchscreen smartphones? The LG Vu, like the iPhone works with AT&T Wireless, the LG Voyager with Verizon Wireless, The HTC Touch with Sprint PCS and Alltel, the Samsung Glyde with Verizon Wireless and the LG dare with Verizon Wireless. So as you can see there is a wide variety of carriers getting on board with the touchscreen smart phone craze.

It seems that maybe everyone wants the Apple iPhone 3G because it is a status symbol. Look at me, I have the new iPhone 3G! This just makes no sense. You can get an equally innovative touchscreen smartphone for a fraction of the cost (or even FREE), and you can get it online if that is your desire. So really, you may be saying, hey look at me, I spent a fortune on a touchscreen smartphone when I didn’t have too.

You should buy for common sense, not because you have to have the hot new phone. Remember, today’s hot new phone is next year’s dinosaur. Now this is not to say that the iPhone 3G is a bad touchscreen smartphone and that you shouldn’t purchase one. Search4cellphonedeals.com is simply trying to shed some light on the fact that there is an alternative (in fact several) out there that can perform lightning fast instant text messaging and much more. Sometimes in life, it is better to be a leader and not a follower.

Author: Jimmy P. Collins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Nokia N97 – A Superb Smartphone

Samuel Herrick — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:40:43 +0000

Among all the handsets in the Nokia n series Nokia N97 is the smartest. It comes equipped with the qualities of a Smartphone. The phone looks great with its large sized touch sensitive display screen amounting up to 3.5 inches. The screen offers good resolution of 360 x 640 pixels and displays 16 Million colors, which allows one to watch pictures with bright and vibrant colors along with perfect brightness. The screen features accelerometer sensor, which allows one to watch the screen from any direction. There is a proximity sensor available in the screen, which automatically switches off the screen, when not in use. The slider full QWERTY keyboard is sure eye catchy and finds its use while sending messages and mails at an incredibly fast speed.

To own such a stylish looking handset, one can check out for various Nokia N97 contract phones, which offer Nokia N 97 handsets at reasonable prices. There are free gifts offered through contract deals which makes the deal even more beneficial for the users as they get two items for the price of one. The best way to find Nokia N97 contract phones is through various comparison websites, which brings a user, the most affordable deal of all.

Apart from great looks the Nokia n97 features high speed Internet connection over WAP Browser. Integrated with GPRS and EDGE technologies the handset allows one to connect to net at fast speed and send Emails in no time. The phone is enabled with wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which allows it to send data from long and short range respectively .The phone is 3G enabled which allows it do video calling. There is a microUSB port, which allows one to transfer data using a data cable.

The N97 comes with 5MP camera, which is made of Carl Zeiss Optics and offers high quality resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels along with functions like autofocus and LED flash. There is a provision for sending photos to various social networking website data base through Geo tagging. The phone features another camera for video call, which allows one to watch the other user over one’s phone screen while speaking to him.

The Nokia N97 phone is Ngage compatible hence offers a superb gaming experience to users. It also allows easy download of one’s favorite games. The phone also comes with a GPS navigator, which helps in locating one’s position at unknown places using Nokia Maps. There are remarkable entertainment features that this phone offers like its ability to play eAAC+, WAV, WMA and MP3 music files and MP4, Real Video and WMV video files. The phone also allows one to watch the captured videos over TV through a data cable. There is a document viewer, which allows one to work over Word, Excel, PDF and Power Point etc.

This handset is a worth buying handset due to its powerful applications and functions which are used in almost all the day-to-day activities. There are dealers who offer worth buying deals in Nokia N97 contract phones along with attractive free gifts like laptops, gaming consoles and LCD TVs whereas there are various others who offer free talktime or free texts along with Nokia N97 deals.

Nokia N97 handset is most appreciated by high profile users and is high on quality and performance.

Author: Samuel Herrick
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Is 2008 the Year of the Smartphone?

David Lakins — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:05:41 +0000

Once upon a time our mobile phones were only for making telephone calls. Today, more of us want our mobile phones to be fully loaded with every imaginable feature: Internet accessibility, MP3 capabilities, GPS navigation, email devices. As these so-called smartphones become increasingly popular, some are predicting 2008 will be the year they go mainstream.

Apple’s iPhone: Starting it All

The rage over smartphones didn’t start in 2008. It actually began last year when Apple released the iPhone to an eager audience of buyers. Within its first year, the original iPhone sold 5 million units despite being available only in the United States and select parts of Europe. Was it any wonder that the 3G iPhone would shake the industry up in a much bigger way?

Industry Statistics: Telling the Story

Just as the 3G iPhone was preparing to make a highly anticipated launch around the world this July, the mobile phone industry released its latest statistics on the smartphones and their impact on the market. According to Gartner, Inc, smartphone sales have increased worldwide by nearly 30% just since 2007.

In the first three months of 2008, many parts of the market saw enormous leaps in sales for these devices. More than 11.7 million smartphones were sold from January through March in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, for example. That was up almost 40% over the previous year’s first quarter results.

In North America, however, the rise is even more prominent. During the same period, sales for smartphones increased by 106%. That means their sales more than doubled in comparison to the first quarter sales of 2007.

Apple’s Impact on the Mobile Market

Even though the iPhone isn’t the only smartphone on the market, its success has clearly opened the eyes of other mobile manufacturers about the needs and wants of consumers. While smartphones, like those created by Blackberry, were once considered only desirable by on-the-go business professionals, consumers today seem to love the idea of being constantly connected to the world around them. They want news, entertainment, communication, music, and navigation all wrapped up in a single, sleek package.

And the best news for phone makers is that consumers clearly don’t mind paying extra for these added features. Remember the iPhone originally launched at an astronomical US $499 for the 4 GB model and that was including a discount for signing a 2 year contract with a service provider.

New Smartphones on the Horizon

With the popularity of the iPhone, it’s no surprise that other mobile phone companies are going to be hitting the market soon with their own smartphones. Samsung, for example, is releasing the Tocco which is smaller and thinner than Apple’s model. It has a touchscreen and allows for the dropping and dragging of widgets for the user’s convenience.

Still at the forefront of mobile phone sales, Nokia isn’t going to be left out of the smartphone race. They are currently working on a touchscreen model prototype currently referred to as Tube. With built-in GPS and a nice widescreen display, the phone will fit in nicely with the competition. It’s also believed to support handwriting recognition.

Blackberry is also releasing its own 3G model known as the BlackBerry Thunder which should launch in Q3 of 2008.

Clearly, Apple is leading the way for a great year in smartphones both for consumers and for the industry.

Author: David Lakins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Business Cell Phone Plans

Dennis Driscoll — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:15:44 +0000

Business Cell Phone Plans Save Money

Business cell phone plans can save your company tons of money over the course of a year. If you have a large company, or even a company with a few employees with cell phones, you may want to look into business cell phone plans. These plans can help to save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a month or year. Business cell phone plans are geared specifically towards companies who want to supply their employees with a cell phone. These companies are aware that their employees use the phone a lot, so they have come to expect large phone bills. But a business cell phone plan can help to cut down on some of these costs.

The first step to finding a business cell phone plan that suits your needs is to contact all of the service providers and see what they can offer you as a business. Most service providers offer business cell phone plans for companies of every size. These providers may offer you a number of different discounts.

First off, they may offer you a discount on the phone itself if you order a certain amount. Cell phones can be a very expensive purchase, and buying them in bulk may be able to save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. The most important discount is the actual minutes received and long distance calling. Business people tend to use their cell phones a lot; so having only a few hundred minutes a month will probably not be enough.

Most service providers have business cell phone plans that offer over a thousand minutes for a great rate. They can also provide you with unlimited long distance for a certain price. Also, check into roaming charges when searching for business cell phone plans. Traveling salesmen will run into roaming charges quite often, so this is a question you do not want to forget to ask.

Business cell phone plans are a must for any company that has employees using company paid phones. Even if you do not have a lot of employees, business cell phone plans are worth checking into.

Author: Dennis Driscoll
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Understanding the Differences Between Windows Mobile Pocket PC’s and Windows Mobile Smartphones

James Alan Johnson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:03:29 +0000

I’ve often been asked from my customers why they should choose a Pocket PC over a Smartphone or vice versa. Many users don’t realize that each type of device offers unique User interface setups and thus function differently. In this article I’m going to give a quick breakdown of Pocket PC’s vs Smartphone devices. Mainly just a quick look at a few important differences.

Touch Screen Vs One Handed Navigation

Pocket PC’s are touch screen based units, meaning users can either use a stylus or their fingers to navigate throughout their device. This is an important aspect to consider, if your screen size is small the pocket pc device may become bothersome to use as you may have to navigate through hard to press icons to reach your overall destination. On the other hand a Pocket PC is great if the buttons are easy to push, the iPhone 3G or the HTC TyTN II are both great examples of easy to navigate Pocket PC models. Keep in mind you’ll more than likely be relegated to using both hands at the same time.

On the other hand Smartphones are non-touch screen devices that place their focus on one handed navigation, this is often preferred by users who quickly want to pull up menu’s without having to press around on their screens. Smartphone devices such as the new Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphones have home screens that are set up for one handed navigation, you can simply scroll between easy to access menus and in most cases press on a button to access your applications.

Speaking of applications, this is another important area to examine. For instance, Pocket PC third party applications for a Pocket PC will be different in design than a Smartphone Application, the reason being the lack of a touch screen on the Smartphone. Its not to say one is better than the other, just that the smartphone application will require more modular navigating over the Touch screen based program. In most cases one app will not work on both devices, if you are switching over to a Smartphone or Pocket PC you may want to make sure your favorite applications will still be accessible or at least offer a version for your new device.

Finally, Smartphones also tend to lean towards T9 text input, since most, but not all smartphones do not feature a full keyboard, of course the Blackjack series and some HTC devices break from this convention.

Personally I like the flow of Smartphones, I can navigate easily, although it did take some time to get use to. Whatever decision you make i’d definitely suggest looking at the device online or if possible in person to make sure the device is comfortable for you.

Author: James Alan Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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RIM BlackBerry Curve Smartphone – A Change in Blackberry Looks

Vineeta Singh — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:47:11 +0000

Blackberry handset range has allured many mobile lovers. Especially RIM BlackBerry Curve Smartphone’s new looks has been liked by all. But looks are not the only thing. Some of the features, which have made RIM BlackBerry phone stand apart from its range are:

o Facility of short media messaging and multimedia messaging
o Organizer application
o Access to email
o Built in flash camera
o 2 megapixel camera
o Video recording( Unlike other phones, this blackberry phone can record snips easily)
o Media player with playback option in variety of formats
o Built in GPS
o Trackball navigation
o Audio mobile streaming facility is further supported by website
o QWERTY keyboard for speedy typing of mails and messages
o Bluetooth
o MP3 ringtones
o 64 MB memory & with the help of microSD card it can be expanded
o Easy connection with Wi-Fi

All these features doesn’t mean it’s going to be a phone with average looks only. Well this phone has stylish looks and is admired by all. This phone is available in red and liquid silver color finish with the highlights of chrome. So depending on your choice you can go in for one that meets your needs promptly. Further, the smooth edges and soft curves, adds zeal to the handset. In short the stylish looks help in managing the professional responsibilities, personalized communication with friends and entertain the user’s senses. Many people are using this phone and found it to a user friendly. Still it is an individual’s decision. Blackberry manufacturers are known for creating strong influence on people.

On seeing this phone, one gets the notion that it is for the people and to a good extent meets today’s and future needs of the people successfully. Seeing the demand of this phone, many online mobile stores are offering great deals on this handset. So you can contact them for more information.

Author: Vineeta Singh
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Mobile Phones – Will ‘Classic’ Feature Phones Survive the Smartphone Craze?

Nick Wilkins — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:38:40 +0000

As we approach the end of Q4 in 2009, the demand for smartphones continues to grow week by week. Dominant ‘classic’ feature phone manufacturer Nokia faces increasing pressure from the smartphone craze, with the likes of Research in Motion, Apple and HTC making their mark.

Finnish giants Nokia have changed tactic however, with their aim to consolidate their portfolio of smartphones. John Strand, CEO of Strand Consult, believes that the line between feature and smartphones has blurred due to a “technology shift” and not because of a tirade to extinguish the need for low-end ‘classic’ feature phones.

Strand admitted: “Only a few customers deliberately purchase smartphones. Most want a reasonably-priced phone with smart features. Whether a customer ends up with a smartphone or a feature phone is a matter of coincidence.”

Nokia mobile phones continue to succeed throughout the marketplace. Its latest smartphone, the Nokia N900 is available on the market as an enhancement on the Nokia N97 and N97 mini. The Maemo-powered handset has now been given an official UK release date.

Low-end ‘classic’ feature phones make up 45% of the Nokia mobile phone sales. Interestingly, Nokia smartphones only take 15% of the total units shipped, but it appears this is a percentage that is on the increase over the last 12 months.

A Nokia spokesperson said: “We expect that in 2010, volume for the overall mobile device market will increase about 10 percent year over year. And we expect the smartphone segment will grow much faster. People can do more with smartphones which offer advanced capabilities and PC-like functionality, and this is definitely more attractive to consumers compared to feature phones.”

That final point is a statement that rings true to the majority of business and regular smartphone users. The additional capabilities of a smartphone and its ability to synchronise with PC applications make it the ideal component. However, the speed in which technology is shifting means there will always be consumers left behind. Casual mobile phone users will continue to use ‘classic’ feature phones despite the quickening growth of the smartphone sector.

Author: Nick Wilkins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Knowing the difference between Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans Will Save You Time and Money

Declan Tobin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:42:20 +0000

Many people go looking for cell phones without too much emphasis being put on the cell phone plans. Many new users who sign up to the different networks have been sold to rather than choosing the best option the suits them. Research is important. Cell phones & plans can be an expensive commodity.

Types of Cell Phones:

·Camera Cell Phone

·PDA Cell Phone

·GPS Cell Phone

The cell phone itself is not an ongoing expensive. It’s a one off purchase that should last in good working order until you want to upgrade. Your own personal tastes and styles should determine what cell phone you want (not the sales assistant behind the desk). Many phones on today’s market have a built in camera. The camera phone is by far the most popular phone for it’s multifunction use. Not only can you capture that perfect photo you can also send pictures to friends and family or upload to your PC. Many of the camera phones have a zoom in/out option and a rotating lens.

Personal Digital Assistant or PDA cell phones are generally the most expensive of the range. This type of phone has specifications similar to that of the PC. The have their own processor and memory and even have the excellent TFT display. This type of phone is ideal for sales reps or people who like to work from different locations apart from the office. This phone has word processor capabilities.

Global Positioning System or GPS cell phones are proving more and more popular. The newest on the market between the different cell phone types. Many companies who issue company mobile phones especially to sales reps or drivers are diverting to the GPS cell type. The type of phone will give a precise location and whereabouts to the receiver.

Cell phone plans

Cell phone plans are the most important factor when looking to purchase a cell phone for the very first time or changing from one network to another. Before you sign up on a plan you need to ask yourself the following questions:

·Will the phone be used mainly for calling friends or family?

·Is the phone going to be used for business?

·Are you allowed your cell phone on during working hours?

·Will you need your cell for international calls?

·Will you be sending many SMS texts?

It is important to be honest with yourself in answering the above questions, if not you will end up the long-term loser. Remember you will more than likely have to sign a one-year contract with the cell phone carrier, if you think things through now it will only save you money and stress. Do not get taken in from carriers offering you a certain amount of free texts per month. The calls themselves are the expense.

Watch out for the roaming rates

Watch out for the roaming charges. If you intend to travel from state to state or one country to another different carriers have different rates. The can vary dramatically, be warned.

What about the prepaid cell phones?

If you find that you intend using the phone only a minimal amount of time, you should consider a prepaid cell phone. The pre paid option is more expensive per minute during use but it has it’s own advantages such as:

·No contract to be signed

·No monthly line rental

·No service fee

·No credit checks

·No deposit required

·No penalties if you decide never to use it again as you have no contract to begin with

Many people think that you cannot get a prepaid cell phone with built in camera. This is incorrect as many carriers are offering the prepaid phones that are camera mounted. Be careful, sending pictures by text with a prepaid cell to friends or family is much more expensive than with a bill phone. With the prepaid option you know exactly what you are spending at all times. Ideal for those who are on a tight budget.

Where do I get credit for my prepaid cell phone?

It’s very easy. You can top up your credit in most stores. Just tell the assistant what carrier you are with and how much you need to top up for with credit. Many stores have vending machines where you operate the top up yourself. You can also call your cell phone carriers with your credit card and top up from your own home. Always choose a carrier that has a free toll number. There is nothing more annoying than a carrier charging it’s own customers for phone calls.

Author: Declan Tobin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A Short History of the Smartphone

James P Martin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:38:47 +0000

Modern technology moves fast and furious, especially when it comes to capabilities of the smartphone. Just what is a “smartphone”? Actually there are no agreed upon or exact definitions for the term. Most would agree however that smartphones do more – much more – than what Alexander Graham Bell first envisioned when he invented the original telephone back in the 1870s.

Definition

The smartphone differs from ordinary mobile phones in that they are capable of advanced functionality because they contain software applications that can be run directly from the phone itself. This software is typically open-source, an advantage that makes adding applications as easy as loading them onto the phone via wireless downloads. Today, these devices are not considered very “smart” unless they can accomodate a datebook/calendar, advanced internet connectivity, photography, music and even video capability.

Origins

IBM was the first to venture into the business of offering consumers a highly advanced mobile phone. In 1993, the company introduced what could be considered the world’s smartphone – simply called Simon. Considered low-end by today’s standard, this first smartphone featured an amazing array of features – email, address book, clock, calendar, note pad, and even the ability to send and receive faxes.

During the mid-90’s, Nokia began to heat things up by introducing its first line of smartphone – the Nokia 9000 series. This phone was not only the first in a series of popular smart phones manufactured by Nokia, they were also the most expensive, coming in at 20-40% more costly than its rivals. The Nokia 9210 was indeed the first real and true smartphone due to its open operating system.

Cutting Edge Smart Phones

The 21st century has spawned smartphones that are incredibly powerful and easy to use. Touch-screen functionality has become the norm and manufacturers such as Apple, Nokia and Research in Motion are furiously vying for the smartphone consumer and business dollar.

Apple changed the smartphone industry with its introduction of the Apple iPhone in 2007. Nokia has since countered with the unveiling of its Nokia XPress Music Phone in 2008. The Nokia 5800 is a touch-screen lovers dream that includes just about every feature a user would want. The handset even comes with millions of downloadable music tracks at no cost. Google recently joined the fray by introducing it Android phone during the same time period.

The Future

Could the smartphone get any smarter than it already is? Sure can! In the not so distant future, virtually everyone on earth will be carrying some type of smartphone – devices that will make today’s handsets pale in comparison. Increased bandwidth and speed will allow phones to be able to handle video in real-time with no problem. In the future, these mobile handsets will be indispensable to daily life, used for a wide array of functions, including consumer purchases, banking, real-time video connectivity, advanced GPS tracking, entertainment and much more.

Author: James P Martin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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CECT 599 Touchscreen Dual Sim Shaking SmartPhone – Blowing The iPhone Away

Rae Edwards — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:41:37 +0000

If you’ve not already been blown away by the Chinese iPhone clones, you will be once you see them. They have not only brilliantly copied the iPhone’s innovative features, they have drastically improved them with their own upgrades. Simply put, the clones are better than the iPhone and the CECT 599 is no exception.

CECT, the manufacturer of the 599, had several opportunities for improvement and it seized every single one by:

1. making the CECT 599 dual sim. You now have the capability to have two mobile phone numbers without ever need to turn off the phone;

2. having the phone be unlocked so that you aren’t forced to use AT&T if you don’t feel like it;

3. adding a removable battery so you aren’t chained to the manufacturer when the battery dies;

4. adding additional speakers and surround sound (the sound system on this phone rocks); and

5. I’ve saved the best for last. This phone has shake technology. If you want to advance the media (songs, video, wallpaper, photos, etc), you just simply shake the phone. You never even have to look at the phone. You just shake until the media is where you want it to be.

The CECT 599 has all of the features you probably love about the iPhone. You can surf the web, take and play video, play MP3s, and take photos. (It has a really nice camera phone). It also has Bluetooth, a 3.2 inch, high resolution screen and of course, the touch screen everyone is looking for.

The 599 is pretty cheap at between $100 and $130, a steal considering it’s built in, highly innovative features.

Author: Rae Edwards
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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