Calling All Colors Next-Generation Cell Phones from LG, Motoro
February 2003
Reviewed by Natalie Hope McDonald
Sprint PCS LX5350 by LG Mobile Phones
$230
www.sprintpcs.com
Apparently, cell phones don't have to chirp, bleep and squeal unnervingly to get your undivided attention (this one clucks like a rooster). Upon launch, LG's 5340 sounds more like wind chimes on a summer's day than the impending wonk of the apocalypse. Being able to customize the graphics (built-in choices are particularly friendly to nature lovers, what with seascapes and autumn foliage) also means that, using the phone's download function, any digital image can be viewed on the device's 1.5x 1.5-inch color screen.
The phone is built with both an internal and external LCD. On the clamshell's exterior, the LCD waxes battery power, reception and time, as well as incoming calls (launching caller I.D. for those already programmed into the phone book). Internally, the full-color screen is easy to navigate with soft keys that select menu options using one touch, whether browsing for call history or sending an instant message in either short form or full-length e-mail. In fact, the click-through menu with animated icons also boasts games (like Space Invaders), as well as instant messaging. Note to gamers: because the phone also supports Internet access, additional games can be downloaded from the Internet with or without charge.
As for the internal workings, even a trip to Cape Cod didn't stop the phone from performing well under harsh conditions. Coupled with the Sprint plan, I was able to make and receive calls in a vacation spot not known for its cellular towers. Better yet, the battery time is considerate for those of us who forget to recharge. The standard phone comes with a removable battery that provides about three hours of continuous digital talk time and eight hours of standby, whereas the extended battery offers five hours of digital talk time and about 12 days of standby. This meant that I could do a three-way call without worrying about losing too much juice.
And when I chose to avoid the usual calling suspects, I could select from a variety of ring tones that made it easy to know who's on the horn without even looking. The sounds can be set to distinguish between in-coming calls, voice mail and text messages, even if the techno dance music ring sounded a little too much like Soft Cell playing on the bar jukebox. Luckily, LG also makes ring tones for the most unlikely environments, like a chicken clucking during a board meeting. Even if you don't like the tones stored (like a trumpet or easy jazz) you can download others to customize.
Between the color screen, good reception, compact design and live-time, the phone's ideal for the road warrior who likes to keep in touch with friends, family and business associates as much as she does gunning down aliens in full color.
The downside about the phone is more a matter of taste than functionality. It features a pull-out antenna which tends to be flimsy (especially in a strong New England wind, as I painfully discovered). But if you buy into the hype about cell phone safety (and you don't favor those Nokia phones with built-in reception), you may decide the extendible antenna is a great feature, whether you're really sea side or just touting the wallpaper.
Nokia 7210
Price depends on service (to be determined)
www.nokia.com
If color (4,096 of them on this one) is indeed the glue that binds these phones, then the Java programming language isn't far behind. Both the Nokia and the Motorola operate using Java for gaming and Web access. With this additional support for application downloads, preloaded apps already include advanced converter and triple pop and bounce games.
But what differentiates this model from the others is design. The keypad is not structured traditionally. Instead, the numbered keys actually create a spanned "V" form. It takes some getting used to, but it also offers the benefit of not having close quarters on such a small platform. Additionally, unlike the two flip-tops, this phone is a lightweight (2.92 ounces) trademark Nokia all-in-one model. Unlike its predecessors, the 7210 is much less bulky, more streamlined, though just as simply organized as far as itsmenu and optionality go.
And if there's something you don't like about having to stare at the same teal color all day, the outer shell is removable so that you can replace it with purple, red or silver. In addition, a headset can be connected to the phone to listen to mobile radio, wherein the arrow keys are used for tuning. If that's not enough, the phone book and calendar synchronizes with your PC using Nokia 7210 PC Suite, a free online download that makes your phone do a lot of the work your handheld use to do, without the weight of two different devices.
This model, like the others, was friendly when it came to both text messaging and e-mail. A user can even insert pictures into messages, or operate a hands-free speaker while on the road. In addition, there are extras that make this phone different from the other two, including a built-in countdown timer, stop watch and calculator with exchange rate.
The downside (on the prototype) is that the "on" button is hard to operate. Since the phone is considerably smaller than other Nokias on the market, the button is also much smaller, though still located on the top of the device. It took some extra work to turn the phone on and off, which could be a good thing, I suppose, if you're concerned about it going off in your bag or pocket a little too easily.
But did I mention the infrared and GRPS connectivity? The first provides an infrared link for reading names, numbers and logos, as well as for overall data transmission. The GRPS setting enhances modem settings for faster download of online content. This meant that I could read the New York Post's Page Six while I waited in line at the bank.
AT&T Motorola
$300
www.motorola.com
Motorola's new lightweight flip-top packs a 2-inch color display that performs well with graphics, games and text. I could view up to nine lines on it, or even zoom in and read seven, plus use the interface with animated icons, quick access and four-way navigation keys. Though the phone is a little wider than other, similar models on the market, the larger screen really shows off the phone's best attribute: crisp color. It looks more like a computer monitor than it does a cell phone. In fact, Samsung also offers a similar model shell with equally wide screen-size, but in monochrome, which doesn't compare to these colors. After using a cell phone that entertains with arcade-style games, surfs the Web and provides this much color, it's tough to go back to the old green or blue screen.
Plus, this model can come ready with Internet service, which enables fast downloads and sharing of digital content, including graphics. In addition, the high-speed wireless data network provides late-breaking news, as well as new applications for downloading content at speeds rivaling DSL. As a result, a user can add custom wallpaper or install new ring tones that perform well with its MIDI
speakers. The ring tones simulate multi-instrument sounds and not just metallic pings that marked phones of the past. Like the LG, rings can also be set up to code who's calling via audio prompts. In other words, if you hear a bacchanale, it could be your mother calling—again. Or maybe you'd like to program your boss' calls to sound like a siren.
But this phone is not just a phone. An additional port also allows an MP4 player to be added as an optional accessory. Even though MP4 has yet to make the case that MP3s have, cell phone manufacturers are counting on its increased popularity to set a phone apart from the average digital music player. For me, the entertainment value provided the best reason to take advantage of the comfortable key pad. There aren't a lot of buttons to clutter the panel. Instead, the keys stick to a traditional format that's easy on the eyes and the fingers. Admittedly, I played more games of Tetris, which comes standard with the phone, than were necessary. But because the screen is a little larger than average-size ones on phones of the same caliber, I didn't feel like I was playing a game on a phone at all. It felt more like a portable handheld that also kept me in touch with Mom, the boss and The Wall Street Journal, via the highly graphical, fast-processing Mmode.
It wasn't easy. But the cell phones selected for this review are some of the most novel models on the market. What sets them apart is the high technology they tout—like color screens, wireless access and digital accessories. But what also gives them credence over other front-runners is their ability to balance new features with design ease. They're lightweight. They're multi-functional. And they're downright pretty. And while each of these phones can do most anything this side of cleaning your windows, they don't make any bones about being overly complicated. Despite initial fears, even your Dad will figure out how to e-mail the latest pictures from his ice-fishing expedition. Aren't you lucky?
Sprint PCS LX5350 by LG Mobile Phones
$230
www.sprintpcs.com
Apparently, cell phones don't have to chirp, bleep and squeal unnervingly to get your undivided attention (this one clucks like a rooster). Upon launch, LG's 5340 sounds more like wind chimes on a summer's day than the impending wonk of the apocalypse. Being able to customize the graphics (built-in choices are particularly friendly to nature lovers, what with seascapes and autumn foliage) also means that, using the phone's download function, any digital image can be viewed on the device's 1.5x 1.5-inch color screen.
The phone is built with both an internal and external LCD. On the clamshell's exterior, the LCD waxes battery power, reception and time, as well as incoming calls (launching caller I.D. for those already programmed into the phone book). Internally, the full-color screen is easy to navigate with soft keys that select menu options using one touch, whether browsing for call history or sending an instant message in either short form or full-length e-mail. In fact, the click-through menu with animated icons also boasts games (like Space Invaders), as well as instant messaging. Note to gamers: because the phone also supports Internet access, additional games can be downloaded from the Internet with or without charge.
As for the internal workings, even a trip to Cape Cod didn't stop the phone from performing well under harsh conditions. Coupled with the Sprint plan, I was able to make and receive calls in a vacation spot not known for its cellular towers. Better yet, the battery time is considerate for those of us who forget to recharge. The standard phone comes with a removable battery that provides about three hours of continuous digital talk time and eight hours of standby, whereas the extended battery offers five hours of digital talk time and about 12 days of standby. This meant that I could do a three-way call without worrying about losing too much juice.
And when I chose to avoid the usual calling suspects, I could select from a variety of ring tones that made it easy to know who's on the horn without even looking. The sounds can be set to distinguish between in-coming calls, voice mail and text messages, even if the techno dance music ring sounded a little too much like Soft Cell playing on the bar jukebox. Luckily, LG also makes ring tones for the most unlikely environments, like a chicken clucking during a board meeting. Even if you don't like the tones stored (like a trumpet or easy jazz) you can download others to customize.
Between the color screen, good reception, compact design and live-time, the phone's ideal for the road warrior who likes to keep in touch with friends, family and business associates as much as she does gunning down aliens in full color.
The downside about the phone is more a matter of taste than functionality. It features a pull-out antenna which tends to be flimsy (especially in a strong New England wind, as I painfully discovered). But if you buy into the hype about cell phone safety (and you don't favor those Nokia phones with built-in reception), you may decide the extendible antenna is a great feature, whether you're really sea side or just touting the wallpaper.
Nokia 7210
Price depends on service (to be determined)
www.nokia.com
If color (4,096 of them on this one) is indeed the glue that binds these phones, then the Java programming language isn't far behind. Both the Nokia and the Motorola operate using Java for gaming and Web access. With this additional support for application downloads, preloaded apps already include advanced converter and triple pop and bounce games.
But what differentiates this model from the others is design. The keypad is not structured traditionally. Instead, the numbered keys actually create a spanned "V" form. It takes some getting used to, but it also offers the benefit of not having close quarters on such a small platform. Additionally, unlike the two flip-tops, this phone is a lightweight (2.92 ounces) trademark Nokia all-in-one model. Unlike its predecessors, the 7210 is much less bulky, more streamlined, though just as simply organized as far as itsmenu and optionality go.
And if there's something you don't like about having to stare at the same teal color all day, the outer shell is removable so that you can replace it with purple, red or silver. In addition, a headset can be connected to the phone to listen to mobile radio, wherein the arrow keys are used for tuning. If that's not enough, the phone book and calendar synchronizes with your PC using Nokia 7210 PC Suite, a free online download that makes your phone do a lot of the work your handheld use to do, without the weight of two different devices.
This model, like the others, was friendly when it came to both text messaging and e-mail. A user can even insert pictures into messages, or operate a hands-free speaker while on the road. In addition, there are extras that make this phone different from the other two, including a built-in countdown timer, stop watch and calculator with exchange rate.
The downside (on the prototype) is that the "on" button is hard to operate. Since the phone is considerably smaller than other Nokias on the market, the button is also much smaller, though still located on the top of the device. It took some extra work to turn the phone on and off, which could be a good thing, I suppose, if you're concerned about it going off in your bag or pocket a little too easily.
But did I mention the infrared and GRPS connectivity? The first provides an infrared link for reading names, numbers and logos, as well as for overall data transmission. The GRPS setting enhances modem settings for faster download of online content. This meant that I could read the New York Post's Page Six while I waited in line at the bank.
AT&T Motorola
$300
www.motorola.com
Motorola's new lightweight flip-top packs a 2-inch color display that performs well with graphics, games and text. I could view up to nine lines on it, or even zoom in and read seven, plus use the interface with animated icons, quick access and four-way navigation keys. Though the phone is a little wider than other, similar models on the market, the larger screen really shows off the phone's best attribute: crisp color. It looks more like a computer monitor than it does a cell phone. In fact, Samsung also offers a similar model shell with equally wide screen-size, but in monochrome, which doesn't compare to these colors. After using a cell phone that entertains with arcade-style games, surfs the Web and provides this much color, it's tough to go back to the old green or blue screen.
Plus, this model can come ready with Internet service, which enables fast downloads and sharing of digital content, including graphics. In addition, the high-speed wireless data network provides late-breaking news, as well as new applications for downloading content at speeds rivaling DSL. As a result, a user can add custom wallpaper or install new ring tones that perform well with its MIDI
speakers. The ring tones simulate multi-instrument sounds and not just metallic pings that marked phones of the past. Like the LG, rings can also be set up to code who's calling via audio prompts. In other words, if you hear a bacchanale, it could be your mother calling—again. Or maybe you'd like to program your boss' calls to sound like a siren.
But this phone is not just a phone. An additional port also allows an MP4 player to be added as an optional accessory. Even though MP4 has yet to make the case that MP3s have, cell phone manufacturers are counting on its increased popularity to set a phone apart from the average digital music player. For me, the entertainment value provided the best reason to take advantage of the comfortable key pad. There aren't a lot of buttons to clutter the panel. Instead, the keys stick to a traditional format that's easy on the eyes and the fingers. Admittedly, I played more games of Tetris, which comes standard with the phone, than were necessary. But because the screen is a little larger than average-size ones on phones of the same caliber, I didn't feel like I was playing a game on a phone at all. It felt more like a portable handheld that also kept me in touch with Mom, the boss and The Wall Street Journal, via the highly graphical, fast-processing Mmode.
It wasn't easy. But the cell phones selected for this review are some of the most novel models on the market. What sets them apart is the high technology they tout—like color screens, wireless access and digital accessories. But what also gives them credence over other front-runners is their ability to balance new features with design ease. They're lightweight. They're multi-functional. And they're downright pretty. And while each of these phones can do most anything this side of cleaning your windows, they don't make any bones about being overly complicated. Despite initial fears, even your Dad will figure out how to e-mail the latest pictures from his ice-fishing expedition. Aren't you lucky?
