If you get what you pay for, you may be in for a mixed treat if you need elementary cell phone service, T-Mobile is your chosen provider, and you can go for the very basic Nokia 1680 Phone.

This basic candy bar-style phone comes with dual band GSM 850/1900, a 325-minute talk range, and a .3 pixel digital camera. It is not heavy (2.6 oz.) or thick (.6 in.); it can store up to a thousand names and numbers in its address book; and, it includes caller ID technology, voice recording, and speakerphone capability.

It is also text, picture, and instant message capable with accessibility to ICQ, AOL, Yahoo, and Windows Live instant messaging programs. In addition, it has sound, wallpaper, and voice download capability as well.

What most reviewers liked about the Nokia 1680 Unlocked Phone was its simplicity and its battery life most of all. The simplicity included a lack of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capability that reviewers said appeals to more users who fear hackers and do not need elaborate minicomputers as cell phone units. The unit’s light weight and attractive, understatedly elegant style also earned positive reviews.

What most reviewers disliked about the 1680 was its modest interface responsiveness and its menu structure; some writers felt the 1680’s menu was a little more difficult to assimilate than Nokia customarily offers. Those reviewers also complained about the phone’s keyboard, calling the buttons stiff and cramped and challenging for text messengers, though they were also quick to point out the keyboard’s backlighting is quite bright.

Where they seemed even more mixed was in the quality of the calls made on the 1680. Some reviewers said the call quality was passable with decent clarity, but others said the volume is low even with adjustments and static was too frequent an issue. One reviewer testing a 1680 complained that if the user moves the phone from the ear even just slightly, the sound level falls considerably enough.

The consensus seems to be that the 1680 is a good phone for those going on the cheap but that a few little nuisances tend to compromise the user experience.

The Motorola Milestone, also known as the Droid in the United States, has whipped up a frenzy of new sales since its release the beginning of November. Running Google’s latest released Android program, the phone is already making some people wonder if there is finally a new phone to rival the IPhone.

The Android software installed on the Milestone enables applications to run in the background, and helps you to stay in constant touch with friends via Facebook and Twitter updates. Now, rather than looking in the message section for text messages and another location for chat messages, all emails, chats and text messages are filed under the contact name, which makes it very easy to see all of your communications with one person at a glance.

Weighing in at 165 gm, the Motorola Milestone Unlocked Phone is not light by any means. The Milestone’s touch screen is 3.7 inches, slightly larger than the comparable IPhone, which is equipped with an accelerometer sensor that rotates depending on which way the phone is held. It also has a proximity sensor that disables the screen entirely when you are receiving a phone call. It includes a slide out Qwerty keyboard, which is better to use than a standard phone keypad but of course not as easy to use as a keyboard on a mini-laptop, for example. Five way navigation keys on the board make web browsing very easy. Other features include a five megapixel camera as well as options for video recording. Neither is as professional as using a standalone camera or video camera, but they do give you quite good resolution pictures and video. It also has full Bluetooth support, or you can connect to your computer via a USB connector and data cable.

The Motorola Milestone ships with an 8GB memory card, which is upgradable up to 32GB. The onboard media player plays a variety of files including MP3 and WMA audio files, nd MP4 and WMV video files. It does not yet support XviD or DivX although applications are continually being added to those that already run on Android devices and it is probably only a matter of time before support for DivX is added.

Many people find the Samsung A137 a little bit on the boring side but it is a very useful mobile device when it comes to text messaging and instant messaging. This phone is the best phone for those who are saving up for other stuff but are in need to connect with relatives, friends, and even coworkers very often.

The Samsung A137 works with a GSM 850/1900. It looks more like a clamshell but is rather sturdy that some may find unattractive. What attracts consumers to the unlocked Samsung A137 however is its functionality, especially when it comes to messaging and that is not just text messaging or instant messaging, which includes sending emails as well. Now that is something everyone needs.

The phone’s navigation works with a 5-way keypad, the antenna is internal, and it has a Li-Ion battery that can last for 5 hours if you always have phone conversations. If it is on standby however it will last for days and that is not so bad for a rather affordable (okay, cheap) phone.

You can even talk hands free because it is also a speakerphone so no more fumbling around with your phone while you are driving. The external screen only as two colors and it is in LCD. The main screen has 65000 colors (STN) and has a resolution of 128 x 128. The resolution is the usual deal breaker for those considering the Samsung A137 apart from its lack of an MP3 player. It does not have a camera but it can receive MMS.

However, many buyers of the Samsung A137 have been complaining that the MMS does not work so maybe you would have to activate it.
It is very useful for checking the weather though, the Samsung A137 can be your personal barometer and if you always want to be updated with sports, you can get team scores right on your phone’s screen by clicking on its Media Net.

The last time there was a leak about HTC roadmap, it materialized completely in just a few months –to the delight of many unlocked HTC Smartphone fans. Just a few days ago, there is yet another leak and it will pay if you pay attention to this one as well. According to the leak, there will be five android handsets to be launched next year –what month it will be released, we do not know but this news is something rather interesting.

HTC – a Taiwanese company will release the 2010 HTC cell phone roadmap in first or second quarter of next year. The launch will not only have 5 android phones but it will also be releasing 3 Windows Mobile (WinMo) handsets. It is a bit strange though that there is no mention whatsoever of HTC’s Espresso.

What phones will be released?

HTC Legend an android phone has a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen (HGVA resolution). The HTC Legend is not the official name that is just the code. The phone’s key features include GPS, Wi-FI a 5 megapixel snapper, 3G capability with HSPA connectivity. This phone will also have an FM radio and USB support.

The Salsa another android from HTC will come with a QVGA touchscreen along with a 3-megapixel cam. The said phone also has GPS and Wi-Fi onboard along with an audio jack (3.5mm), microSD card slot and an FM radio. It will even sport a QWERTY keyboard.

HTC Bravo under the performance category has a huge AMOLED display and has the capability of recording video in HD! This phone will be HTC’s multimedia flagship for 2010 and it is something to be hot-in-the-collar for. Of course, it has GPS and Wi-Fi along with DivX support, 256 MB RAM, USB support and an FM radio.

HTC Tide another android will be out soon as well and this one is for people who love social networking sites. HTC’s Buzz on the other hand will win your heart with a customizable rear panel much like HTC’s Tattoo.

Rogers, Telus, Bell, and Fido have Nokia E72 NAM available in any of their stores offline and online. What is cool about it is that it is ready to use with 3G support activated. Apart from the basic stuff, the package already has all the necessary accessories for only $499 tax included that is if you pay in cold cash. If you want to pay with your credit card, it is best to ask customer care for more information.

If you want to get it from Amazon, though it will only be $469 that is without the telecom providers. An unlocked one is available for those in the US, with full warranty so that is good news for those who would like to have the E72.

Many Nokia fans believe that the E71 is one of the finest devices ever created by the Finnish company so naturally, the expectations for the unlocked Nokia E72 NAM are at a rather high altitude. Last October, Nokia fans have been impatient in getting the said handset. It is a good thing that Amazon started preorders on the same month.

FCC Approved Nokia E72

FCC approved Nokia’s E72 in July of 2009. The North America Model also known as NAM was then one of the most highly anticipated handheld devices in North America. Nearly identical to the E71, only the pad is replaced with an optical track pad was placed on the E72 instead.

It has an email client and has a number of developments when it comes to instant messaging support. Apart from that, it has a 5-megapixel camera along with a headphone jack measuring 3.5 mm.

The phone’s GPS now even has a compass support along with a noise cancellation feature. It’s 3G speed is up to 10.2 Mbps downstream. Its upstream is 2 Mbps. Now that is one great phone.

Apart from that, for those who love working on their mobiles, office 2007 is supported by E72 as well.

BlackBerry HS-500 is a Bluetooth headset that hit the markets recently only. Now you got another true and powerful headset for hands-free talk and audio.

The best thing is BlackBerry HS-500 will automatically adjust the volume level according to the environment. You will not have to worry once you set the volume to your audible comfort.

Hands-free calling has always been an all-time favorite for youngsters and busy executives. BlackBerry HS-500 Bluetooth headset will provide you hands-free with greater flexibility. You can easily fix the headset on your ear and get going. It has slide volume controls.

Features like end, call, answer, mute, and voice activated dialing with the press of a button will just make you ecstatic with BlackBerry HS-500. Its noise cancellation feature will help you be heard better, while you can receive sound signals more clearly.

BlackBerry HS-500 works with third-party GPS mapping applications. Thus you can hear turn-by-turn directions as well. This headset will not only boost your confidence but also give you convenience and comfort while walking, eating or concentrating on any other task or doing something else simultaneously as well.

BlackBerry HS-500’ predecessor was HS-655. It needed update and the latest version is BlackBerry HS-500. HS-500 is nearly same as Jabra BT 530 as experts say. BlackBerry HS-500 can pair with 8 devices but not more than 2 at a time. Audio shock protection and micro USB charging will give you even more flexibility. The headset offers 6 hrs talk time while 120 hrs standby. It can be charged using a USB cable and typically needs one hour of charging.

Close on the heels of dumping Symbian, Nokia recently launched its N900 smartphone, which uses Linux-based Maemo 5 operating system. The phone was delayed in launch by about a week and the company had promised that the phone would be delivered on first-come-first-serve basis. It is notable that the Nokia N900 is the successor of N810.

Priced just over $500, N900 unlocked is a multi-tasking smartphone phone with 3D graphics acceleration. It has got Mozilla based web browser and a resistive touch screen. It comes installed with proximity sensor. Nokia prefers calling N900 a mobile computer because of its comprehensive computing features like multi-tasking, surfing, etc, however some people would consider it as a smartphone only, but it is just a matter of personal choice.

Since you can open multiple browsers, now surfing would be far more fun and easier, like it is with our computers. The full-screen display will make surfing and browsing even more comfortable. With 32 GB built-in storage, there is a lot more that can live and rest on your mobile itself. The storage can be expanded to 48 GB using a microSD card.

N900 has got a slide-out keypad, which has three rows. The 3.5 inch display is comfortable for watching videos and viewing photographs. Some people really love the prop up feature that allows for easy watching of movies and slideshows.

N900 has got 5MP camera, dual LED flash while the most important feature is the Linux based Maemo 5 operating system. However the launch was delayed, yet the Nokia lovers are leaving no stone unturned to grab the handset. You can purchase it from several websites online.

The handset is compatible with any GSM carrier. The third generation mobiles are definitely bringing a revolution in mobile technology, and Nokia does not want to be left behind in the race with other competitors fast approaching the arena.

A preview was given of the Samsung S7070 Diva at a Corby event just before announcing it as the first in a new series of phones that will be designed with female buyers in mind.  The phone is similar in structure to the Samsung Omnia II but has a more fashion-friendly exterior. With a pearly white, faux quilted back cover and a diamond shaped navigation button just below the touch screen, feminine creatures everywhere may find them attracted to this new mobile device.

The Diva has a number of features that are also geared towards the more social of the sexes, such as Bluetooth capability, instant messaging, and network integration with Facebook and MySpace.  The new phone also has a 3.2 megapixel camera built in with special photo editing tools. One of the more amusing features, however, is the fake call application that many men and women would appreciate during bad dates or various other boring and uncomfortable situations.

A second addition to the series, branded the S5150 Diva, was introduced at the event with the S7070 Diva.  This sister phone has a flip open design and comes in a faux quilted black cover similar to the S7070’s glossy white one.  Hardware features are similar also.

Most of the hype about these phones seems to be focused more on the exterior appearance and less on the internal hardware. This might be because while the hardware applications are recognizably directed towards a female user, they really are not anything new.

Exact dates of release and pricing for the Samsung S7070 Diva have not been released, but according to the Samsung hub community, the phone should start circulating retail hotspots in the first quarter of 2010. They are expected to be seen in European and Asian markets first, with no real hint to when they may become available in the United States.

[Image Source: GSM Arena]

The Canadian cell service provider war continues as Rogers sues Bell over network claims. This lawsuit directly followed one where Telus Communications sued Rogers Communications for running advertisements that claimed Rogers wireless network was the fastest and most reliable network in Canada.

Telus had recently joined forces with Bell to launch a new high-speed packet (HSPN) network, which allowed them to match Rogers speed and capability. Once their network was in place, on November 5th of this year, they asked that Rogers stop using such claims in their advertising, but Rogers declined.

That launched the first lawsuit which Rogers Communications lost, and therefore lost the rights to use the term ‘most reliable’ when advertising. Prior to Telus and Bell uniting forces, Rogers was the only wireless network cell service provider that could support the Apple iPhone. Since the upgrade both BCE and Telus are reported to be selling the iPhone. That was probably an equally angering blow to Rogers’ executives.

Rogers has now filed their own suit trying to make Bell follow the same rules, and then some. John Boynton, the chief marketing officer of Rogers Wireless, says Rogers wants to prohibit Bell from using similar terms to the ones Rogers was banned from using.

Similar legal battles have gone on in the United States between providers such as AT&T and Verizon. It seems in these situations, however, that the United States is winning the reputation for peaceful relations, because those cases have been dropped while the Canadian companies wage on.

As Rogers sues Bell over the network claims, the company is still waiting for an appeal on the previous case they lost. A spokesperson for Rogers had indicated before the first case that Telus had not submitted any data proving their network performance matched their own. It is unclear if any of that data was made available in court, but Rogers is not giving up.

AT&T’s new smart phone, the HTC Tilt 2 comes standard with Windows Mobile 6.5. This cellular phone features a roomy QWERTY keyboard and has a very nice bright touch screen. It boasts excellent call quality, and delivers a new improved design gives business customers of AT&T’ a powerful new choice in smart phones.

The HTC Tilt 2 has an interface that is now more user-friendly and some of the newly added features include backup service for My Phone and the Windows Marketplace program.

Though it does not have the same name AT&T’s HTC Tilt2 unlocked is immediately recognizable as an alternative version of their Touch Pro2 smart phone with some of the same features such as the same speaker and camera on it as well as similar chrome edging and mirrored face.

Regrettably, the Tilt2 also lacks a standard 3.5mm jack, which means that users must make use of an audio adapter in order to plug in their own earbuds or headphones. This adapter will plug into a miniature USB port, which is located on the bottom of the phone. Because it sticks out rather far the phone has a rather awkward setup. It is also a bit on the expensive side particularly considering how bulky the phone is.

One of the nicest features of this phone is the full keyboard in the QWERTY format. , AT&T did something different in that the top row is used for symbols, and the numbers are doubled up with letter keys on the right side of the keyboard rather than having a dedicated number row like the ones that are found on phones by Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The numbers are plainly highlighted though, and the user still has the big buttons to use and plenty of spacing as well.

AT&T’s new smart phone, the HTC Tilt 2 is a good choice for business cell phones, with several advantages and just a couple of disadvantages to it.