Editorial Review

The Sony Ericsson T610 features a built-in digital camera, Bluetooth, multimedia messaging, polyphonic ringtones, and tons of ways for you to personalize its look and feel. Quality materials and a large color display give this phone its sophisticated personality. It's the perfect complement to T-Mobile service.

Design
The phone features a bright, clear 128 x 160 screen with 65,536 colors. The stylish candybar form factor of the phone will turn heads and get attention, while the quick camera buttons and easy-to-use center control toggle make it a snap to operate the T610. Charging and data connectivity are provided on the bottom of the phone, while an infrared transmitter for synchronizing contacts and data is housed on the top of the device. Meanwhile, the phone's CIF-resolution (352 x 288) camera is housed on the back panel.

An onboard joystick and iconic menu make for easy navigation.

Calling Features
When you're calling, you'll enjoy essential features like redial, vibrating alert, speed dialing, and side volume keys, as well as choice extras like sleep mode, menu shortcuts, keypad lock, SIM card lock, voice control, and status view. Create your own ringtones with the built-in MusicDJ using a library of pre-loaded instruments, rhythms, and melodies. Further, the phone's 32-voice polyphonic ringtones make your incoming calls sound like music to your ears. Use the ringtones that come with your phone or download new ones from T-Mobile's t-zones mobile Internet service. And because the T610 has Bluetooth built in, you can use a wide array of Bluetooth-compatible headsets for total wireless freedom.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The T610 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, graphics and sound via messages. Multimedia messaging (MMS) lets you compose your messages using images, sounds and text. Sony-Ericsson's QuickShare feature, meanwhile, lets you share content with other devices, other phones, even your computer--just drag and drop pictures from your PC to your phone. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client (T-Mobile messaging charges apply). T9 text entry, which is 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.

The T610 has a built-in camera with 2MB of onboard storage.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the T610, as well. It supports the GPRS protocol for speedy downloads and wireless Web access. T-Mobile's t-zones service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get sports scores, download games and ringtones, and more.

The T610's Bluetooth capability lets you connect, wirelessly, to a laptop, a PDA, or another Bluetooth phone, and users of Apple computers can synchronize their calendars and contact information with the T610 using iSync, Apple's free synchronization software.

A number of handy tools come with the phone, including a memo pad, a calculator, business card exchange, a calendar, and a tasks list. There's also a full-featured clock, which includes a stopwatch, an alarm, and a handy timer.

Imaging and Entertainment
The camera T610's camera couldn't be easier to operate, with just one click to activate it and another to take a picture. Want to view your pictures on your computer screen? The T610 can automatically enlarge pictures to VGA size (480 x 640 pixels). Software included in the phone recalculates picture size without sacrificing quality.

Mobile gaming has never looked better than on the T610's high quality screen. Force and sound feedback guarantees full-throttle fun. The T610 comes with a variety of embedded games, including the legendary racing game V-Rally 2, and many more are available for download.

Vital Statistics
The Sony-Ericsson T610 weighs 3.26 ounces and measures 4.02 x 1.69 x 0.67 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 9 hours of digital talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS 800/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Editorial Review

With a speakerphone, email and text messaging support, as well as support for Nextel's wireless web services, the i90c is the perfect companion. And of course, it supports Nextel's legendary Direct Connect walkie-talkie functions so you can connect with people in your work and personal network at the push of a button.

Design
Like other Nextel phones, the i90c is built tough for construction and utilities industry users. The inside of the phone's flip-up cover phone sports a grayscale LCD color display. Meanwhile, the outside cover features a supplementary monochrome display that can display time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. The trademark Direct Connect and menu scrolling functions can be controlled from the side of the phone. A standard 2.5mm headset jack is provided on top of the phone. The phone's software features one-touch shortcuts to phone features and easy, icon-driven menus.

Calling Features
The i90c's built-in address book can store up to 250 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers and email addresses. The phone comes with built-in ringtones plus a vibrating alert. Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names. The phone supports up to 20 voice dialing contacts. A built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear.

One of the key features of any Nextel phone is support for Nextel's Direct Connect walkie-talkie technology. The i90c fully supports the service, which allows for one-touch conversations with anyone else on a Nextel phone. It's like a having a CB radio with enough range to cover all of North America.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The i90c features support for two-way mobile-to-mobile or mobile-to-email text messaging (Nextel messaging charges apply). T9 text entry, which is 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.

Getting on the Internet anywhere is easy with the i90c, as well. Nextel's optional Nextel Online package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. Nextel Online also features games, ringtones, realtime news and sports updates, virtual address books, and more-- all delivered to your Nextel phone.

The i90c ships with a calendar application that lets you book meetings, plan events, and set alarms that will automatically turn on the phone if needed. In addition to a Java-based calculator, there's also a voice recording application that lets you record up to three minutes of audio. A time and date clock are included, as well.

Entertainment
For those who want a little fun with their phone, the i90c ships with some built-in games from Sega. More games can be downloaded from the Nextel Online service.

Vital Statistics
The Motorola i90c weighs 5.33 ounces and measures 3.50 x 2.00 x 1.10 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.33 hours of digital talk time, and up to 75 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the IDEN 800 frequency. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Editorial Review

Sporting a large, 4,096-color display screen and an unconventional, rotary-style keypad, we found the sturdy, feature-rich Nokia 3650 cell phone one of the best designed phones on the market, with excellent ease-of-use, crystal-clear reception, and a camera, video camera, and Internet access.

Take and share pictures with the 3650. (See detail)

In our tests, we found that the comfortable rounded base of this 5-inch phone rested easily our palm, and the clever retro button display took only a moment of getting used to. The buttons and disc navigation felt quite durable, with a nice, solid action. Menu navigation involves two thin buttons on the top left and right that allowed us to move in and out of menus; then the standard 4-point clickable disc provided more detailed selection. There's a separate button for the main menu prominently below the disc, and the faux-rotary layout of the number buttons helped keep the navigation buttons out of the way during dialing. The requisite call and hang-up buttons are intuitively marked, and a futuristic-looking blue light shines through the numbers on all the buttons for easy keying in low-light areas.

The 3560 delivered consistent, excellent reception in a variety of testing environments, including a basement-level room that typically causes trouble with similar phones. The default ring tones were a bit too gentle for their own good; they were hard to hear in busy outdoor environments. The tones that we created using the composing feature, however, were quite audible, even in the midst of lots of noise. The vibrate alert was also quite effective and hard to miss. Nokia has also preloaded a variety of other polyphonic ring tones for alternate use, as well as a voice-dialing feature, which stores 25 numbers and was easy to use.

In Calendar, you can keep track of your appointments, meetings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other events. You can also set a calendar alarm to remind you of upcoming events. (See detail)	With the video recorder you can record video clips, and play video clips stored on your phone or on a memory card. Also, the video recorder is integrated with the messaging features allowing you to easily send created clips. (See detail)	Nokia 3650 provides various functions, in an-easy-to use interface, such as Camera, Video recorder, Messaging, e-mail, Clock, alarm clock, Calculator, and Calendar. (See detail)

Thanks to high-speed GPRS connection, users can access a variety of Web content, such as news, travel information, and entertainment specifically designed for mobile phones via an XHTML browser, which supports pages written in both HTML and WML (Wireless Markup Language). The 3650's calendar, phone book, and to-do list can all be synchronized with a PC using Nokia 3650 PC Suite software. This phone also supports Java for downloading business applications, and built-in Bluetooth and infrared connections empower users to send photos and text in either e-mail or MMS format to a PC or to another compatible wireless device. Some of the downloadable Java and Symbian applications provided by Nokia through their website include Merriam-Webster Word Search, and games like Racing Fever, Avant Go, and Terminator.

The phone's digital VGA camera is cleverly built in to the back of phone, and can store up to 1,000 photos at 640 x 480 megapixel resolution on its (upgradeable) 16 MB memory card. Also, the Nokia 3650's photo capability is immediately accessible from the top-level display menu, so unlike other phones it was easy to snap a photo at a moment's notice. The camera records images in standard, portrait, and a nighttime mode.

With the same basic set of controls, RealOne software lets the video recording function capture short, low-fidelity sound and video clips for immediate MP4 video playback on the generous screen or for sending to another Web-enabled user. The 15-frames-per-second video recording rate delivers stuttering, delayed images that look sort of like Neil Armstrong's transmissions from the Moon. We found this all very entertaining, and potentially useful for transmitting small bits of information, but hard to take seriously as a true video recording device.

Among the scores of additional features on this phone are text messaging templates, where you create a basic message (like "Let's eat at --- ") then fill in the blank as you wish; a foreign currency and units converter for the jet set crowd, and a "favorites" folder to store Web shortcuts and links. For hearing-impaired customers, Nokia even provides TTY/TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) compatibility. The headset included with this phone is functional, and Li-Ion battery comes rated for up to 4 hours of digital talk and 200 hours of digital standby time. The phone comes with a refreshingly well-written manual. While decorative faceplates and other accessories are available, we found that even without them, the Nokia 3650 is one of the most coolest phones we've ever laid our hands on. --Erik Hammen

Pros:

• Great reception
• Excellent, intuitive user interface
• Feature-rich
• Solid build and large display screen
• Fun camera and video features

Cons:

• Large phone size to accommodate large display screen
• Default ring tones a bit quiet.

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phonebattery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables,including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency(including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, andbattery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handsetmanufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings,they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer tothe times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery liferanges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience atleast the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital andanalog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, asanalog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone.Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to themanufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phoneon, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and,when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook.When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when thephone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped thecalls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately andcontinued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged thebattery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength,this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting thatseveral phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers'ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established acarrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone everyfew hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out.Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because thephone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, againassuming consistent carrier signal strength.

Editorial Review

The Motorola MPx200 combines the power of the desktop with Windows Mobile and the "always at hand" convenience and quality of the Motorola mobile phone to make life simpler, smarter and more synchronized for the mobile professional. The The MPx200 features mobile versions of all the essential Microsoft applications you depend on, including Pocket Outlook, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and MSN messenger.What's more, the unit's software is designed to sync seamlessly with email, contacts and calendar information on your PC. When coupled with a AT&T data plan, the MPx200 is a powerful companion.

Design
The MPx200 follows the traditional clamshell form factor, although unlike many clamshell designs, it has an internal antenna. The large, 176 x 220 screen with 65,000 colors dominates inside of the cover. A smaller black and white LCD screen, which displays incoming calls, current time, battery life, signal strength and other information is located on the outside of the cover. A five-way selection button allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface and there is also a jog dial on the left side of the device for easy access to basic controls. In addition to a headset jack, an SD/MMC memory expansion card slot is housed on the right side of the unit. It allows for up to a gigabyte of additional memory capacity. The power key and infrared port are housed on the left side of the unit, while a universal charger/USB data port is present on the bottom.

Calling Features
The MPx200 has all the latest calling features folks have come to expect. The built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Vibrate modes and custom polyphonic ringtones can also be set to your preferences so you know who is calling without having to look at the LCD. The included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The MPx200 is designed as a complete solution for people who want to bring their office with them. The unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger. In addition to keeping track of contacts, Pocket Outlook features integrated calendar and email functions. Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via USB or IR connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can select an AT&T Mobile Internet package and tap the MPx200's wireless modem capabilities.

You can use the MPx200's built in Internet Explorer browser for AT&T mMode downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's mMode service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get sports scores, download games and ringtones, and more. Traditional text messaging, as well as picture and sound messaging are also supported by the phone. T9 text entry, which is 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 MPx200 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a to-do list, and an alarm clock.

Imaging and Entertainment
The inclusion of Windows Media on the MPx200 means that you can use the handset as an MP3 player. The amount of music you can store is only limited by the unit's memory (up to 1 GB using the expansion card slot), and the included stereo headset is designed for music listening. For gamers, the phone supports Java-based and Windows Mobile game downloads.

Vital Statistics
The Motorola MPx200 weighs 4.16 ounces and measures 3.50 x 1.88 x 1.06 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4.25 hours of digital talk time, and up to 104 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Features

• This sporty little model is as fun as it is stylish
• Large color screen (65,000 colors)
• Download MegaTones from the hottest bands
• WorldClass international phone (dual band: 900 & 1900 MHz) for travel in over 100 countries
• Comes with picture messaging and AOL Instant Messenger

Reviews (147)

Still going, but...
I'm hoping I can upgrade to a better phone.

+
After several Nokia bricks, I was happy to own a light clamshell-design phone. No more accidental dialing! Caller groups and assignable rings are very useful as well.

I like the silver exterior, the outside caller id screen, the color display and the outside light.I've accidentally dropped this phone several times with no noticeable problems afterwards, so it's sturdier than it looks.

=
Reception is not thrilling but I live in a hilly area which seems to have spotty reception for everyone.

-
Functional problems:First, the phone book takes forever to initialize, as others have noted. Second, the clock has to be set manually and it becomes more inaccurate as the battery slows down.I miss the way my old Nokias used to grab the correct time.
Aesthetic problems: The obnoxious ringtones that shipped with the phone were also a step down from the Nokia. (The pop songs available for download through T-Mobile aren't much better. It's truly sad when you have to search and download a ring that just sounds like a ring. )

All right...
This phone isn't that bad. It's very small and sleek. East to download things on T-Zones. The cons of it is that sometimes when I close it, it turns off (I hate that!). And when you first turn it on, you have to wait about five minutes to get the phonebook and text messaging option to work. That sucks! But it's very durable; I dropped it a couple of times (it only got a few scratches, including a few very ugly holes on the cheap plastic outside window). And I also dropped it in a bathtub full of water, and after drying it off (I dropped it in the water about 6 months ago) it still worked(s). But overall, I like it.

Editorial Review

With an integrated camera, voice dialing, and dual color displays, the Samsung VGA1000 makes a great mobile companion. Other features, like support for Sprint's wireless Web services, as well as built-in games and ringtones, round out a strong package that is sure to please.

Design
The VGA1000's handsome clamshell form factor houses an internal 128 x 160, 65,000-color display. There's also a supplementary color display on the front panel of the device 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, and the camera and flash unit are placed on the rear of the device. Meanwhile, most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button above the handset's dial pad. 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. You can customize your caller ID by linking a photo to a specific phone number in your contact list. In addition to a vibrate mode, the phone allows you to choose from a number of polyphonic ringtones that make your received calls all the more exciting. The VGA1000's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911 (where available). Perhaps most importantly for users in rural areas, the VGA1000 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.

Another key calling feature of the VGA1000 is its enhanced voice recognition capabilities. The system allows you to speak numbers digit by digit or speak the name of anyone in your phonebook. Voice features are speaker-independent, so there's no need to train the phone to respond to any one person's voice.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you need basic messaging capabilities, the VGA1000 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 VGA1000 including a calendar, a calculator, an alarm clock and a to-do list. A voice recorder lets you record memos for later retrieval.

Imaging and Entertainment
With its robust set of camera functions, the VGA1000 shines in the imaging department. The VGA-quality (640x480) digital camera lets you take, view, store and send pictures wirelessly in full color. You can also control brightness levels, white balance and color tone to get the image and effects you want. Other features include a self-timer for group shots, built-in fun frames to decorate your images, a multi-shot function for action sequences, and a self-portrait mode for special moments. Capture pictures in high, medium or low resolution and digitally zoom in up to 4 times. As mentioned, there's also a flash for low-light situations.

The VGA1000 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. You can even turn your phone into a gaming device with an optional, attachable game pad that makes it fun and easy to navigate when playing complex, fast-paced games on your phone.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung VGA1000 weighs 4.48 ounces and measures 3.5 x 1.9 x 1 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 2.9 hours of digital talk time, and up to 168 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.

Features

• Large color screen supports 65,000 colors (120x144 pixels)
• Integrated digital camera with 352 x 288 pixel resolution
• Phone supports voice-activated dialing and polyphonic ringtones
• Supports wireless Internet and text messaging
• Includes standard and extended batteries, AC charger, user documentation

Reviews (55)

Good Phone W/Weak Battery
This is my second 8100 (1st one died as I left it in the washer) but to this date, this is the best Sprint PCS phone that I have used.This was recommended to me by the salesman at the Sprint store over a year ago.Here is the quick list:
Pros:
1)Signal:Rarely do I ever experience any drop calls with this phone compared to my last 2 Samsungs.
2)Display:Very clear and vibrant.
3)Quality:As soon as you pick up the phone you feel the quality that it is made.It does not have the Cheap feel on some of the Nokia and Samsung phones.My first one was made in Japan and this one is from Malaysia.Sanyo just makes quality phones.

Dislikes
1)Battery Life:The standard battery is weak.It rarely lasted more than 2 days when it was brand new and now its about 1 day for me.And I have 2 batteries.I purchased an extended battery on Ebay for about $10 and it works great.
2) Poor camera under low light:But what do you expect with a cell phone right?

Overall, its a nice phone I only wish Sprint would carry more Sanyos and Motorolas and stop carrying the terrible Nokias and Samsungs.

I love this Phone, Just one small issue...
Almost all that needs to be said has already. Let me just say that I love this phone. Of all the cells I've owned, this Sanyo has the best reception, and quality of any of them. Of those were 2 Nokia, and one Keyocera.The only issue I have with it, is in low light situations, (read...night-time...) the number keypad is very low lit, and extremely hard to see. This certianly doesn't take away from the greatness of the phone, just a small irritation during 8 hours of the 24 in a day.

Editorial Review

Compatible with T-Mobile service, the color Sidekick features a large 11-line color screen, a full QWERTY keyboard, the usual PDA features, and a wide range of AOL-based online services, in a device aimed at users who want versatility over portability in their "hiptop" computer. In addition to being a full-featured cell phone, the Sidekick also provides Web browsing on T-Mobile's national GPRS network, which includes access to Sidekick forums, contests, and a personalized homepage.

It also provides up to 6 MB of email storage, and users with AOL accounts (not included) can sign on and access, manage, and set up as many as three different POP3 e-mail accounts and use AOL Instant Messenger to chat with anyone on your AOL Buddy List. The device also sports a customizable address book that lets you give favorite contacts their own ring tones, blinking light, and their own caller ID picture, taken with an available attachable camera. The camera also works for taking pictures of just about anything else that strikes your fancy, for easy storage or emailing to other interested parties.

The Sidekick's PDA functions include wireless synchronization to your desktop, configurable notifications to alert you to important events and information, a personal information manager (calendar, address book, notes, etc.) backlighting, a clock, and a thumb control for the included arcade-style games Rock & Rocket and Snowbored.

Cell phone features include a text message indicator, voice mail button, voice mail indicator, volume select/display, and a signal strength indicator. Cell phone features include built-in paging, caller id, conference calling, call waiting and call hold, customer care, access to directory assistance, emergency calls, detailed billing, voicemail with message alert, call forwarding, international dialing, call restrictions, lock alarm, call timers, redial, missed call indicator, call log, any-key answer, auto-answer, auto-redial, speed dial, mute control, no-answer transfer, one-touch 911, vibrating ring, and differential ring. Its phone book capacity is 2000 entries.

Features

• Treo 600 combines a full-featured mobile phone and Palm OS organizer with wireless applications like email, text messaging, web browsing and even a digital camera
• QWERTY keyboard makes entering text and accessing information fast and familiar-perfect for messaging and a must have for email
• Built-in color web browser, Blazer, gives you fast access to nearly all the sites on the web-not just the ones optimized for mobile devices
• Take a picture or share images with others via email-you can even attach a photo to a phone number so you can see exactly who's calling with Picture Caller ID
• Because Treo 600 runs the popular Palm OS, there are thousands of applications you can download and use-like MP3 players, etc.

Reviews (151)

Better than I thought it would be
I got my Treo 600 (on Sprint) from my work. I always preferred the flip phones to these lareg PDA phones so my first thought was, "Well I can't complain... it's free". However the more I used the phone the more and more I found it to be a really good little device.

First off it might be large, but it's actually a good deal thinner than most phones I've used. Thinking the large size would be a problem in my pocket I first tried the phone on one of those horizontal belt clips. Kept the phone out of my pocket, but the clip itself was rather bulky so I took a chance at just pocketing the phone. The slim design fit better in my pocket than any of the cell phones I've used before, which actually surprised me. It fits in my hand rather well too.

The keypad took a little getting used to... like maybe a day or two. Once you get a feel for the little keys everything actually makes sense in the design. Also the large screen it touch sensitive to so technically you don't even need to use the keypad unless you are writing in contacts or something. The navigational buttons along with the hot buttons make it easy to get to contacts on the phone, emails, the camera functions, and more.

As a phone it's neither better nor worse for me than any of the better cell phones I previously used. I live in Houston and only a few occasions have I not gotten a signal. I suppose the speaker could be a bit more powerful, but I can see some tradeoffs here for the sake of the design. The speakerphone function has become really usefull in the car or when I need my hands free. Battery life seems pretty good. I only need to charge the phone maybe once a week with regular use.

I don't have too much use for the PDA functions aside from getting work email. I have found that a game of solitaire does kill the time when having to wait around for stuff like getting an oil change and what have you. I have found some uses for basic things like the calculator and calender, but aside from that most of the extra function stay unused.

I have made good use of the vga camera though. I never expected high quality megapixel images so the image quality actually was better than I thought it would be. I wouldn't make photo prints out of the pictures I take from this thing, but for email and such it's fine. The camera has been extra useful during those moments you wish you had a camera for since I always carry my phone around. The amount of memory on the phone is enough to store over 400 snapshots. That's pretty cool.

You can surf the web on this thing, however I wouldn't recommend it. The connectivity is rather slow and takes me back to the old 14Kbps modem days. Still it's better than nothing if you need to get a quick map/directions or movie times. The email on the other hand is fast. The phone connects to the company Exchange server so maybe that has something to do with it.

The phone is pretty sturdy. More than once the phone fell five feet onto the concrete and didn't so much as flinch on the inside. The chrome looking parts on the outside however are prone to scratching. Looks like even having keys in the same pocket as an unprotected Treo can leave minor scratches over a period of time.

I don't know what else to say. When I first got the phone I didn't think I would like it. An hour later I find that I really like it. Lots of functionality in a slim package.

Very Poor Signal Strength
The Treo 650 I bought is ALWAYS two to three bars below other phones (at the same location) in signal strength. Sprint has been totally unhelpful in this regard saying they can find nothing wrong with the unit.

I would reccommend against the Treo 650 unless one is sure, very sure, they will never be in any but the strongest signal areas.

Sprint support has been a joke, except that I am not laughing.

Editorial Review

With a unique sliding design and a focus on mobile internet and email connectivity, the SL56 packs a powerful punch in a small package that weighs under three ounces. In addition to a built-in email client, and support for multimedia messaging, the phone also features voice dialing, a speakerphone, and tons of phonebook memory. All these goodies make it the perfect complement to AT&T Wireless service.

Design
By going with a slider design, Siemens offers a compact device that offers access to the number pad only when you need it. The front of the phone sports a 101 x 80 color display. Meanwhile, the area below the display offers one touch access to wireless Internet services and your phonebook. There's also a five-way directional key that controls most of the phone's menus and functions. Using the SL56's infrared port, you can synchronize your contacts and calendar events with other devices.

Calling Features
The SL56's generous 13 MB of internal memory provides plenty of space for thousands of contacts, which you can access quickly and easily via the phone's interface. The phone also features a speakerphone for easy handsfree talking, and you can set pictures and graphics to display when specific contacts call you. With 16-chord polyphonic ringtones built in, you can also spice up your incoming call experience. Even more ringtones can be downloaded from AT&T Wireless' mMode service. And for those times you want to keep things discreet, there's also a vibrate ringer mode.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The SL56 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, graphics and sound via messages. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client (AT&T messaging charges apply). T9 text entry, which is 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.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the SL56, as well. It supports the GPRS protocol for speedy downloads and wireless Web access. AT&T's mobile mMode service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get sports scores, download games and ringtones, and more.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the SL56 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar, a to-do list, and an alarm clock.

Entertainment
The SL56 supports custom themes and wallpapers, plus it comes with two games. Of course, more games are available via the AT&T mMode service.

Vital Statistics
The Siemens SL56 weighs 2.79 ounces and measures 3.21 x 1.75 x 0.86 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of digital talk time, and up to 175 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS 800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.