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.