Monday, March 13, 2006

Optical Zoom with the Sharp 903

Sharp 903


Major features

* W-CDMA 2100, GSM 900/1800/1900MHz network support
* 3.2 megapixel CCD camera, 2x optical/24x digital zoom, auto-focus, flash LED
* 2.4” 262,144 colour, TFT 240x320 pixel (QVGA), Mobile ASV LCD with swivel flip
* 128 tone polyphonic ringtones with MP3 and AAC/M4A support
* 8MB internal memory, miniSD external memory support
* Dedicated music player with up to 7 hours playback
* USB, infra-red and Bluetooth local connectivity
* SMS, MMS and E-mail messaging support
* GPRS/W-CDMA data capable with WAP 2.0 compliant internet browser
* MIDP 2.0/VFX Java games and applications
* PIM, organiser functions, E-book reader and other tools

Problems/Issues?

* No external screen
* Small internal memory with restrictions
* Java applications can’t be transferred to handset
* Extensive DRM restrictions
* Nearly no accessories available at all
* Included features different depending on region

Sales package (should contain):
Sales package

* Sharp 903 handset
* Lithium-ion battery
* User manual
* Quick start guide
* 64MB miniSD memory card
* miniSD to SD converter
* PC software CD
* Stereo handsfree earphones
* AV-out cable

Samsung SGH-ZX10

Samsung SGH-ZX10

More Photos
Samsung SGH-ZX10 Photo 1 Samsung SGH-ZX10 Photo 2
Samsung SGH-ZX10 Photo 3 Samsung SGH-ZX10 Photo 4

Samsung SGH-ZX10 Review Read Review
Samsung SGH-ZX10 Specs View Specs
Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:42 am

As one of the first devices to be released on Cingular's new UMTS 3G network, the Samsung SGH-ZX10 integrates multimedia with broadband connectivity. Featuring a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, an integrated MP3 player, and a TransFlash memory card slot to store all the files, the ZX10 is a capable entertainment package with email access and real-time chat on the leading instant messaging clients.

But the highlight of the ZX10 is its ability to harness broadband data rates for video streaming. Offering popular programming through Cingular Video, consumers can watch shows on the road including breaking news updates from major media networks (NBC News, FOX News, and CNN), kids programming (The Cartoon Network and Disney Channel) and even award-winning shows from HBO like "The Sopranos," "Sex and The City," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage."

Costing a nominal subscription fee for video service, the ZX10 promises customers a complete mobile lifestyle unseen from any Cingular device today.

Simplicity revisited: Sony Ericsson Z520i

Sony Ericsson Z520i

Take a closer look!
Major features

* Worldwide GSM coverage (Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz)
* 128 x 160 pixel TFT LCD @ 65,536 colours
* Additional 101 x 80 pixel 4,096 colour STN LCD
* 16MB internal shared memory
* Integrated VGA digital camera
* Blue LED’s for funky light effects
* Polyphonic-40 and MP3/AAC ring tones
* MusicDJ™, PhotoDJ™ and VideoDJ™ applications
* Bluetooth
* Infrared
* USB connectivity via the Fastport
* GPRS Class 10 with WAP 2.0 compliant browser
* Style-Up™ front & back covers
* Media player with video and audio support

Problems/Issues?

* Limited internal memory
* Only VGA quality camera?
* T9: ‘wou’ vs. ‘you’
* Hard to remove front Style-Up™ cover

Sales package (should contain):
Sales package

* 1x Sony Ericsson Z520i handset
* 1x Standard lithium-ion battery
* 1x Standard Fastport charger
* 1x Wrist strap
* 1x Additional Style-Up™ covers
* 1x Manual & other reading material

N-sane imaging on the Nokia N90

Nokia N90

Take a closer look!
Major features

* 3G and 2G network support (WCDMA (2100MHz) and GSM (900/1800/1900MHz))
* Unique clam-shell design with four “modes”
* Symbian v8.1 on the Nokia Series 60 2nd Edition platform
* Internal display: 352 x 416 pixel TFT LCD display @ 262,144 colours
* External display: 128 x 128 pixel TFT LCD @ 65,536 colours
* 2mpx Carl Zeiss digital camera with auto-focus (max 1600 x 1200 pixels)
* 31MB internal memory
* External hot-swappable RS-MMC support
* Bluetooth v1.2
* USB 2.0 full speed with the Pop-Port™ interface
* GPRS, EGDE, and WCDMA data
* WAP 2.0 browser with xHTML/HTML compatibility
* SMS/EMS, MMS, (push) email, and instant messaging
* Push-To-Talk
* Java MIDP 2.0
* Advanced Series 60 PIM applications
* Office applications including Quicksheet, Quickword, Quickpoint

Problems/Issues?

* Slow user interface
* Small internal memory and included RS-MMC card
* Camera flash cannot be turned on in viewfinder mode
* Form factor adds to bulkiness of the handset
* Camera unit moves around in pocket
* Battery life

Sales package (should contain):
Sales package

* 1x Nokia 90 handset
* 1x Nokia BL-5B battery
* 1x Travel charger
* 1x Charger adapter for regular Nokia chargers
* 1x 64MB RS-MMC card
* 1x RS-MMC card adapter
* 1x Nokia Stereo Headset HS-3
* 1x Nokia USB data-cable CA-53
* 1x CD-ROM with PC Suite and other software
* 1x User guide, quick-start guide, accessories guide and other written material

Weight Lost - LG U880

LG U880

Major features

* Slim, classy clamshell form-factor
* W-CDMA 2100, GSM 900/1800/1900MHz network support
* 1.3 megapixel CMOS rotating camera, 2x digital zoom
* 262,144 colour TFT 176x220 pixel main display
* 65,536 colour TFT 96x96 pixel sub display
* 72 tone polyphonic ringtones with MP3 and AAC/M4A support
* 83MB internal memory, microSD external memory support
* USB and Bluetooth local connectivity
* SMS, MMS and E-mail messaging support
* WAP 2.0 compliant internet browser
* MIDP 2.0 Java™ games and applications
* PIM, organiser functions and other tools

Problems/Issues?

* Angle of screen compared to keypad
* No speakerphone toggle control

Sales package (should contain):
Sales package

* LG U880 handset
* Lithium-ion 1050 mAh battery
* User manual
* PC Sync Software CD
* Stereo handsfree earphones
* USB cable

TV Output with the Samsung SGH-D600

Samsung SGH-D600

Take a closer look!
Major features

* Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz network compatibility
* 2mpx digital camera for stills and video capture
* 240 x 320 pixel, 262k TFT LCD display
* 73MB internal memory storage expandable with a microSD (Transflash) card slot
* Bluetooth and USB connectivity
* SMS, MMS, and e-mail messaging with T9 predictive text
* WAP 2.0 browser with Flash support over GPRS protocol
* Sliding Design

Problems/Issues?

* No Infra-red port
* Camera position
* No profiles
* T9 text typing speed

Sales package (should contain):
Sales package

* 1x Samsung D600 handset
* 1x 900 mAh Li-ion standard battery
* 1x Standard charger
* 1x Stereo headset
* 1x USB data-cable
* 1x TV Output cable
* 1x PC-Suite CD-ROM
* 1x Samsung D600 user manual

Verizon Bids to Buy Out Vodafone's Wireless Stake

Verizon Communications has informally approached Vodafone Group to purchase the company's 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless. Under pressure amid AT&T's buyout of BellSouth for complete control of Cingular, Verizon has offered $40 billion to acquire the remaining shares.

"We have made our interest in acquiring Vodafone's stake in Verizon Wireless clear," a Verizon source said. "The ball is now in Vodafone's court."

If approved by regulators, the combined Verizon would become the country's largest telecom company, with plans to challenge cable and satellite companies in offering bundles of phone, Internet, and video services.

CDMA or GSM with the Motorola A840

Take a closer look!
Major features

* Dual-band GSM 900/1800MHz, GPRS and 800/1900 CDMA, CDMA 1X network support
* 256k colour internal LCD display at 176 x 220 pixels
* Second external 4096 colour display at 96 x 64 pixels
* MP3/MPEG4 playback with dedicated media keys
* 1.2mpx digital camera’s with flash LED’s (1280x960 pixels, flash)
* 10Mb internal memory (expandable with microSD/TransFlash card slot)
* SMS, EMS, MMS, instant messaging and e-mail messaging with T9 support
* GPRS Class 10 with WAP 2.0 compliant browser
* J2ME Java application support
* MP3 and 64 channel polyphonic ring tones
* USB connectivity
* Aesthetically Pleasing and has Good Build Quality

Problems/Issues?

* Large size
* Camera quality
* Battery life
* Finger prints over front panel
* No Bluetooth or Infra-red

Sales package (should contain):
Sales package

* 1x Motorola A840 handset
* 1x PSM5049A Battery Charger
* 1x Stereo headset
* 1x Motorola A840 user manual
* 1x USB Data-cable
* 1x 64MB microSD/TransFlash card
* 1x microSD/TransFlash card adaptor
* 1x microSD to SD card converter
* 1x USB extension cable (for memory card reader)
* 1x PC data link CD-ROM

Sony Ericsson W550i

Take a closer look!
Major features

* Walkman™ Music Player application & branding
* Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900MHz with flight-mode
* MegaBass™ stereo widening
* 1.3mpx digital camera with photo light
* SMS/EMS, MMS, e-mail, and instant messaging
* Bluetooth, Infrared, and USB connectivity
* WAP 2.0 browser with Flash support over GPRS protocol
* Fastport interface
* FM stereo radio with RDS
* 3D Java games and applications with dedicated buttons
* 180° swivel design with removable face/back plates
* 256MB internal memory
* 176 x 220 pixel 262,144 colour TFT LCD display

Problems/Issues?

* No external memory support
* Handset turns off after USB connection
* Walkman™ button too easy to accidentally press
* Only three camera resolutions

Sales package (should contain):
Sales package

* 1x Sony Ericsson W550i handset
* 1x W550i user guide
* 1x Lithium-polymer battery and charger
* 1x Set of grey covers
* 1x Spare ear rubbers
* 1x Headset jack
* 1x Hands free headset
* 1x Application suite CD-rom
* 1x USB data-cable

Panasonic GD90 with a "Pearl" colour casing.

Being one of the less known brands on the GSM mobile market, Panasonic has begun to make some new ground with their latest model, the GD90. With an overall weight of just 88 grams and a slim handset design, the dual band GD90 has a standby time of 95 hours, a talk time of 200 minutes, and is sized to fit comfortably in the hand, pocket or handbag.

With the phone being priced under the $500 mark, it is definitely one that is worth getting!


Impressions - The Phone in the Hand

On picking up the phone, the first surprise is the actual weight of the phone itself - followed by the special texture of the phone's finishing. The finishing of the phone's exterior is different from any other phone that I have come across previously - which provided a unique "feel" towards further appreciation of what the phone has to offer. The keys are also quite tactile.

There are two choices of colours for the GD90 - navy blue and pearl. I was using the latter for this review - but have used the former on occasion. Personally, the pearl colour would be the only choice for me - as the navy blue delivers a totally different (negative) feel for me.

Why Pearl? One problem is with the "material" used for the finishing is that it takes fingerprints easily. Where the colour is darker, the prints become more evident. In the case of the pearl, prints are not visible unless you really put the phone right in front of you. For the navy blue, the phone would have natural graffiti all over by the time that the phone has been handled numerous times.

The size of the phone can be considered "perfect" - considering its overall weight and design. Whilst waiting for incoming calls or text messages, the GD90 can be placed virtually anywhere that deems "fit" - whether it be the pocket of a tight pair of jeans, shirt, or inside a handbag.


On turning on the phone, the 5-line LCD lights up in a fluorescent green colour that is different from the normal "green" most find on mobile phones. On the GD90, the lights for the keypad and the LCD are separated – with the LCD using a backlight similar to the "Indiglo" or Casio "G-Shock" watches. This gives the user a clearer view of whats being displayed. A choice of two backlight colours is available - green or amber.

At the same time, one of the "minuses" of this phone is the difficulty in reading the LCD when the backlight is not active. Even after setting the contrast of the LCD to its maximum, it is virtually impossible to read the display on an angle whilst being placed on a table with sufficient lighting.

Having dimensions of 118 x 42 x 16.5mm (L x W x D) and a considerably ergonomic design, the phone comfortably fits the curvatures of the face providing painless, lengthy, conversations to the hands and ears.



Using the Phone's Menu System

The word "menu" was displayed on the lower right hand side of the LCD. Being a Nokia fanatic, I went for the button right below that (referred to as the "key" from this point onwards) - which immediately bought up a list of the top-level functions available. This key is similar to Nokia's "Navi-Key" that can be found on their 3210, 5110 and 3110 models.

For convenience, the keyguard option was highlighted immediately whilst bringing up the menu. Therefore, by pressing the "key" two more times (once more to select keyguard, and once again to confirm keyguard), it conveniently locked the keypad. Unlocking it requires the user to press the "key" again twice.

Going through the menu system is somewhat a breeze. By using the navigation key to move up and down (located right under the LCD), each menu item is easily accessed (and clearly defined) where each function only requires a press of the "key". On some occasions, where functions may have a number of possible selections, the navigation key is used to access those selections by moving it left or right. This concept is somewhat unusual at first – but is grasped over a short, but extensive usage, period.

Motorola Accompli A6188

The introduction of the personal digital assistant (PDA) back in 1993 by Apple Computer revolutionised the way people kept track of their busy schedules. Long gone are the days of big, bulky paper diaries. These days, all that is needed is a sleek looking, chrome coloured electronic diary the size of your palm. In the same light, mobile phones have also completely revamped the way we communicate with each other. Days of carrying around the brick? are of the past, and with the advancement of more and more sophisticated technology, a vast plethora of mobile phones have emerged into the marketplace in all shapes and sizes.

Streamlined and beautifully crafted, Motorola introduces the Accompli A6188, an innovative, timeless device that links the company, essence of connecting people, dreams and technology, promise together to provide for a flexible, effective and efficient wireless world of tomorrow.

The best of both worlds
The Motorola Accompli A6188 comes forth as the top-of-the-line personal networking gadget that integrates communication, connectivity and convenience capabilities all in the one device. It combines the latest in wireless communications with all the functions of a mobile phone, plus an added advantage of it having personal organiser functions as well.

Samsung SGH-M100

Digital convergence takes on a whole new meaning with the combination of various devices to be one - in the name of convenience. Being one of the most versatile devices, the mobile phone has invaded our lives indefinitely - making it part of our everyday "must haves". Its birth from a pure device for communications has evolved into something of a personal necessity for each and every individual. Keyboards, FM stereos, even cameras - anything is possible in this day and age of technological advancement.

Which is why Samsung has put its skills together to come up with their award-winning combination of conjuring up a mobile phone, fitted with audio capabilities in the form of an MP3 player.

Weighing just over 97 grams, the Samsung SGH-M100 possesses a host of new functions with its menu system being very similar to that of Nokia's - with a touch of animations slapped in. Of the utmost importance, of course, is the MP3 player function that allows users of the phone to simultaneously play music on the phone whilst not using it for its primary purpose. The built-in 32MB memory allows a user to store up to 32 minutes worth of music - which is about 6-8 songs depending on their length.

Supplied with the SGH-M100 is the headset piece with remote control - allowing control over the music function. This 2-ear headset also acts as the portable handsfree whereby calls can be taken even when one has their phone inside their back pocket or bag. Sound quality for both music and normal calls whilst using the headset is superb.

As for the question of how to load the music into the phone's memory, it comes supplied with a parallel cable that connects up to the base of the SGH-M100 and software to load one's choice of music. Installation of the software was a breeze and it did not take much effort to get the phone to connect up.

Call quality, by the phone itself, was standard with the average lifetime of the battery lasting approximately 180 minutes for talk time and around 40 hours of standby (sometimes less dependent on your usage of the MP3 player). If one was to use the MP3 function when they travel between home and work, recharging the phone would probably be a must on a daily basis. In comparison to other phones on the market, battery life is insufficient irrespective of whether the MP3 player was used.

Sony CMD-Z5 GSM900/1800

I'm a Nokia loyalist. Nokia loyalists do not actually like other phones other than the fun, funky, sophisticated and suave phones the prodigies at Nokia concoct up time and again. However, I've got to admit that the Sony CMD-Z5 has got me smitten - it has not only caught my attention, but have actually impressed me more than it should have.

It has not only caught my attention, but have actually impressed me more than it should have.
Its superb combination of looks, features and handling makes it a real jewel to behold. Weighing at just 83 grams with its rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and measuring a mere 87(h) x 49(w) x 22(d) mm with a 25mm stub antenna, the Z5 is just about the lightest phone around. The number-pad has a flip key cover, which can be set up to answer and end calls automatically as it is opened or closed. The screen is of decent size, with up to six lines of information that can be displayed. However, with the top and bottom lines being used for icons and other information, it only adds up to four lines of readable text. The attention grabbing detail of this phone was the thumb-wheel interface - which is and has been Sony's hallmark for some years now.

This wheel is not only the heart of the menu's system, but can be used to control most of the phone's operations - allowing manipulation with just one hand, with the thumb alone doing all the work. Sony has improved on the jog/dial on this phone - as well as being able to turn the wheel to act like a cursor to control and pressing the wheel in to select a function, the Z5's thumbwheel can also be tilted forwards and backwards. Pushing the control forwards acts like a 'clear' button, while pushing the controls away from you brings up the special menus.

While the thumbwheel is the main navigation control, Sony has taken other steps to make this little baby as straightforward as possible. The way that the screen is laid out, for instance, is designed to aid the operation it is in at the time. A perfect example of this is with the calculator function, where the screen provides a diagram of exactly what each of the keys below will do.

The Philips Savvy Vogue

Some people argue that a phone is just a phone. As long as it gets them in touch with others, and as long as others are able to contact them, any ole’ phone will do. Philips has definitely thought of these consumers when they came up with their earlier model, focusing on basic functionality and ease of use.

Working from the previous consumer oriented model, Philips basically “face-lifted” the Savvy Vogue with generous tweaks in its design, as well as a few changes made to give it a fresher look to let users have something “new” to shout about for a much lower cost. Targeted at the lower end of the market for those who would like something that looks nice with the basic functions of a mobile phone, the Philips Savvy Vouge sure does the job well.

The Savvy Vogue comes forth in size as identical to the earlier model, which was described as “mid-sized” when it was released. However, with the average mobile phone shrinking in size every day, it now feels positively “chunky” at 129(h) x 51(w) x 28(d) mm, and weighing a hefty 144g with the supplied Nickel Metal Hydride battery. It is, however, comfortable to hold, with the thickening of the case around the battery area giving the extra secure “grip” needed. In terms of the looks, the Vouge does appear very different to the earlier Savvy phones because of its bright colourings – a contrasting silver front face with light- and dark-blue keys coupled together with a near-black rear casing. The area around the display and loudspeaker has also changed noticeably, with the display surrounded by a large, clear circle of plastic. It looks – savvy – but it is slightly disappointing to find that beneath the cosmetics, the screen is the same, compact green, backlit graphical LCD as used on the earlier models.

In standby, the LCD shows network name, signal and battery strength meters, with a tiny graphical analogue clock positioned neatly on the screen. Other operations are clearly indicated, often showing an icon to point toward the currently selected menu. However, all these are hampered by only being able to display two lines of text at a time. Below the display is the large, well-spaced keyboard for easy access. The four-way rocker key – called the “Compass” key is retained, as are separate ‘call’ and ‘end’ keys. On the rear of the case are connectors for a belt clip and for an external aerial (for use in car kits), while the base of the phone as an edge connector used for accessories.

Panasonic GD52

Panasonic GD52

Simple as it can get – the GD52 – Panasonic’s brand new entry level consumer phone is making headlines with its cool looks and simplicity of use. The phone is as basic as it can get, without games or WAP capabilities – just the fundamental functions of a mobile phone.

The most innovative feature of the phone is, undoubtedly the recordable ring tone option
The GD52 has the classic mobile phone look, with an external antenna and a navi-roller key. It weighs a hefty 99grams, and measures a compact 118(L) x 40(D) x 21(H) mm. The stub antenna adds an additional 25mm or so to the height and takes the depth to 20mm at the widest point. The LCD can display up to 4 lines of text. Available in blue or silver, the finish for the phone is smooth and tough. The ‘rocker’ or navi-roller key and a select key carry out navigation around the icon and list-based menus once a choice has been made. There is a phonebook to the left of the phone, and a new additional ‘P’ hot key, which can be programmed for one number. On the top right of the phone there is a cut into the earpiece where a small LED is placed to indicate when the phone is charging or charged.

The keypad itself feels very solid and the black coloured number keys are backlit when the keypad is active. There is also a choice of two greeting animations – the first is a kid with balloons rising up the screen, and the second is a moving GSM design. When idle, the phone displays the kid holding balloons or a parrot for the GSM design. On the back on the phone, there is a speaker for the hands free speakerphone function.


User Menu
SMS Messaging
Clock Function,
Calculator
and Currency functions
The most innovative feature of the phone is, undoubtedly the recordable ring tone option. It allows for the scariest, dirtiest or silliest ring tone imaginable. All that has to be done is to enter the menu options, choose ‘personalise’, select ‘tones’ and then ‘voice ringer’. A five-second burst of sound can then be recoded, and it can be used as a looping ring tone. It’s a neat trick, though the recording quality is not that good. There are 20 other ring tones to choose from other than this clever function.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Nokia 7200 phone features

What's New

Delight in the design. Feel the fabric, elegant yet durable. The Xpress-on™ textile cover is designed to make a great first impression, and made to last.

Enjoy the style right out of the box. Each Nokia 7200 phone comes with a Style Pack that includes coordinated covers, soft pouch and wrist strap with matching wallpapers and screensavers. All in perfect harmony.

See a brilliant cascade of up to 65,536 colors on the main TFT display. Use the display as your viewfinder. Click and capture the moment. Take a picture. Add text, graphics, and sound. Make a multimedia message and put it in motion – with the Nokia 7200 phone.

See How It Works

Explore the features of the Nokia 7200 phone with an Interactive Tutorial >> **
(Opens in a new window, requires Macromedia Flash Player)
Key Features

* Eye-catching design
* Sensual Xpress-on™ textile covers
* Up to 65,536 color TFT display
* Delightful design experience: coordinated covers, soft pouch and wrist strap, with matching wallpapers and screensavers
* Integrated camera and video
* Presence-enhanced contacts
* Stereo FM radio
* Integrated handsfree speaker

Full Specifications

General

Dual Band Operation

* EGSM 900 and GSM 1800 networks in Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific where these networks are supported
* Automatic switching between bands


Size

* Weight: 115 g
* Dimensions: 86 mm x 50 mm x 26 mm, 91 cc


Display and User Interface

Main Display

* 27.3 mm x 27.3 mm display
* Active TFT color display
* Supports up to 65,536 colors within 128 x 128 pixels
* 5 lines for text in basic mode with 16-pixel font


Mini Display

* Black-and-white display, resolution 96 x 36 pixels
* Active area: 25.6 x 10.5 mm


Navigation

* Three soft keys with four-way scroll
* User configurable right and left soft keys
* List and grid menu
* New animated fashion menu graphics


Integrated VGA Camera

* Resolution up to 640 x 480
* Self timer function (10 sec)
* Phone display used as a viewfinder
* Standard, portrait, and night modes
* Gallery for storing video clips, audio clips, images, ringing tones, and graphics
* 3 image quality options: High, normal, basic.
* Video recorder -SubQCIF - H.263 format
* Integrated video playback and download: .3gp file format (H.263 baseline, MPEG-4 simple profile)


Phone Features

* Personal shortcuts
* Timed profiles (incl. 2 My Styles)
* Alarm clock
* Stereo FM radio
* Radio as alarm clock alert
* Automatic volume control
* Extensive calendar with busy view of the week, snooze on calendar alarm
* Notes
* To-do list (up to 30 entries)
* Wallet
* WIM (Wireless Identity Module)
* Stopwatch
* Countdown timer
* Wallpaper: Full-screen color image
* Animated black-and-white screensavers for mini display
* Changeable color schemes
* Calculator


Messaging and Imaging

Multimedia Messaging (MMS)

* Multimedia messaging (MMS) with compatible devices: Send and receive messages with text, a sound clip, and an image or a video clip to other compatible devices
* Max message size: Up to 100 kB per MMS


Email

* Over SMS
* Email client for connecting to private and business email


Chat

* Presence-enhanced contacts and Instant Messaging (Chat )


Text Messaging (SMS)

* SMS distribution list
* Concatenated SMS: Send and receive up to 6 messages (885 characters) as a single message
* Message register
* Predictive text input: Support for all major languages for Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific
* Picture messaging: Send pictures with text to other compatible phones, 10 preset pictures in the phone, all replaceable


Templates

* Quick and easy sending of predefined messages
* Insert smileys with the editor


Imaging

* Picture viewer
* Shared user memory for phonebook contacts; MMS messages; Gallery containing images, ringing tones, and recordings; calendar notes; and applications. See Memory Functions below.
* Images: 11 preset wallpapers, 10 preset SMS pictures, 10 preset frames, 14 preset clip art pictures, 8 screensavers, 5 animated MMS message templates in the phone
* Enhanced image editing features: Add a scalable fashion clip art picture, add colored text, make the image smaller for contacts
* Business card with image
* Image Uploader


Games

* Java games
* Backgammon, Bowling, and Disco
* Possibility to download new games


Java™ Applications

* Converter II: Converts currencies, measurements, temperature, etc.
* World Clock II
* Translator
* All applications user removable
* Downloadable games and personal applications via Java™ technology
* Max download size: 64 kB per application


Ringing Tones

* Fixed ringing tones: 20 polyphonic tones, 10 monophonic tones, and 1 Nokia tone
* Monophonic tones
* Voice clips can be used as ringing tones


Connectivity and Data Transfer

Connectivity

* Pop-Port™ interface
* Connect wirelessly to a compatible phone or a compatible PC via infrared
* Connect to a compatible PC with Nokia Connectivity Cable DKU-5
* Infrared
* Install applications with Nokia PC Suite for the Nokia 7200 phone
* Browsing XHTML (WAP 2.0) over HTTP/TCP/IP stack
* JPEG/PNG support in browser
* OMA Forward Lock for content protection
* OMA Super Distribution over infrared and MMS
* WAP
* SyncML


Data Transfer

* EDGE: Mobile broadband access with upload up to 59,2 kbps and download up to 177,6 kbps*
Note: Actual achieved speeds may vary depending on network support.
* GPRS: Data transfer up to 57.5 kbit/s in GPRS networks*
* HSCSD: Data trasfer up to 43.2 kbit/s in HSCSD networks*
* TCP/IP*

*Note that these services require network support.

Call Management

* Speed dialing: Up to 8 names, with keys 2-9
* Last-number redial from dialed calls list (Dial key brings out the dialed calls list)
* Automatic redial (max 10 attempts)
* Call waiting, call hold, call divert, call timer
* Automatic and manual network selection
* Caller identification with image
* Closed User Group
* Fixed Dialing Number, allows calls only to predefined numbers
* Conference call (up to 5 participants)
* Vibrating alert


Voice Features

* Voice dialing
* Voice commands
* Voice recording up to 3 min
* Integrated handsfree speaker
* Automatic volume control


Software

* PC Suite


Memory Functions
The following functions use shared memory that is dependent on the data quantity per item and shared memory available at a time in the Nokia 7200 phone. The shared memory pool is up to 4 MB.

* Notes: Up to 3000 characters in one note
* Email messages: Max 30 kB per message
* Ringing tones in Gallery: 31 preset, polyphonic ringing tones removable
* Images: 11 preset wallpapers, 10 preset SMS pictures, 10 preset frames, 14 preset clip art pictures, 8 screensavers, 5 animated MMS message templates in the phone
* Video clips: Up to 94 kB per clip
* Camera images: Approximately 25 high-resolution VGA images
* Business card images: Up to 100 portrait- size images
* Multimedia messages: Max message size 100 kB per MMS
* Java™ applications: 7 preset, max download size 64 kB per application
* Phone book: Up to 500 contacts with all entries filled, in addition to SIM card contacts
* SMS messages: Up to 150 maximum-size text messages in addition to SIM card inbox messages
* Calendar notes: Up to 250 maximum-size entries


Personalize

* Java midlets
* Graphics, icons, and logos
* Games: Possibility to download new games
* Polyphonic tones
* Monophonic tones
* Special packs for Xpress-on™ textile covers for the Nokia 7200 phone: Includes wallpaper, animated screensaver, textile cover, soft pouch, and wrist strap

BenQ Launches Six Handsets Including The P51

BenQ Launches Six Handsets Including The P51With a veritable orgy of announcements, BenQ Mobile rolled out six new mobile phones at the CeBIT trade show in Germany.

The phones, all going under the BenQ-Siemens brand, include the P51, a quad-band GSM/EDGE GSM/EDGE handset running on Windows Mobile 5.0.

Definitely not one for the pockets of the tight trouser brigade, the chunky P51 wedges in a Treo-like QWERTY keyboard, a large 2.8inch 240 x 320 pixels screen, an integrated SiRF Star III GPS module and a somewhat underwhelming 128MB of memory, along with an SD slot for expansion.

BenQ Launches Six Handsets Including The P51 VoIP calls are made possible through the built in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity and pre-loaded Skype software.

The P51 also comes with a music player (MP3, AAC, AAC+) offering a sound equalizer and 3D surround sound and an integrated 1.3 megapixel camera with LED flash.

The handset is due to be made available in Q3, with prices, networks and stockists to be confirmed.

BenQ Launches Six Handsets Including The P51 Also announced was the flagship EL71, a tri-band, 16.5mm thin slider phone with a metal casing in brushed aluminium finish. Designed for the "young professional," the phone sports a 2-inch, 260,000-color QVGA display.

The C81 comes with a built-in multimedia player supporting MP3, AAC, AAC+ and AAC++ formats and an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom. Pictures can be printed directly - no PC needed - by Bluetooth via Pictbridge and the phone has a 1.8- inch TFT 262k screen.

BenQ Launches Six Handsets Including The P51 The CL71 slide phone is another slim number (17.8mm) with built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, MP3 player and radio with a 2-inch TFT 262k display offering 176 x 220 picture resolution.

The consumer-oriented CF61 also comes with a music player, Bluetooth and exchangeable covers. The integrated 1.3-megapixel camera allows capture of nine images in quick succession and a voice commentary can also be added to pictures. There's also a built-in music player supporting the usual formats.

BenQ Launches Six Handsets Including The P51 Finally, the wedge shaped E61 comes in orange, yellow, or silver, with a built-in VGA camera with 2x/4x digital zoom.

Nokia 6136 Serves Up Wi-Fi Mobile: 3GSM

Nokia 6136 Serves Up Wi-Fi MobileLaunched at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Nokia's new 6136 phone is being touted as the handset that brings GSM and wireless LANs together.

Claiming to be "unifying GSM and Wi-Fi connectivity", the 6136 is a UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) phone giving users the ability to roam seamlessly between GSM mobile and Wi-Fi networks.

Thanks to the wonders of UMA technology, network charges can be slashed as the phone automatically switches to a VoIP connection when one becomes available - so if you're on the phone as you come home, your mobile will instantly transfer the call to your Wi-Fi network.

Nokia 6136 Serves Up Wi-Fi Mobile The quad-band Nokia 6136 will be able to connect to GSM networks at 850, 900, 1800, and 1900MHz (so no problems using it in the States as well as Europe) and comes with a built in 1.3 megapixel camera and FM radio.

There's also a microSD memory card slot for expansion.

So far, there's only UMA service in operation, the BT Fusion product, which we reported on in June last year.

The technology holds much promise for operators, offering the ability to deliver new voice and data services to subscribers over WLAN access networks.

Because of its limited bandwidth, GSM only supports basic data services, whereas super-fast Wi-Fi can deliver far richer content though support connections of speeds (theoretically) in excess of 50Mbps.

Nokia 6136 Serves Up Wi-Fi Mobile At a press conference on Monday, Jorma Ollila, Nokia's chief executive said, "We want to help our customers complement their existing mobile services with mobile IP. UMA gives users an alternative to PC-based VoIP,"

He added that UMA devices would appeal to companies who wanted to reduce call costs by moving their voice and data to common IP networks.

The Nokia 6136 UMA phone is expected to be available in Q2 2006, priced around €275 (~$327, ~£188). The company will also release network operating equipment to support the new converged handset.

Orange customers are expected to be the first to get UMA'd up, and there should be plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots about after the company recently took over broadband outfit Wanadoo.

We've no idea how much the network charges are going to be, but they should certainly be cheaper than making calls via Orange's normal network.

Glossary: UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access)
This specification enables the seamless hand-over of voice and data connections between GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks and WLANs.