Cell Phones

Giving the G1 a run for its money, this week Samsung announced the I7500, their first smartphone powered by Google's Android platform. It features a 3.2" AMOLED full touch screen, 7.2Mbps HSDPA and WiFi connectivity, GPS and a 5-megapixel camera.

And of course, with it being on the Android platform, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, and Google Talk can all be accessed with the touch of a button. The integrated GPS receiver makes it easy to use Google Maps features (My Location, Google Latitude, Street View, local search, detailed route description) as well.

The I7500 also has a battery life of 1500mAh and 8GB of internal memory with a microSD expansion slot which supports up to 32G. The I7500 is about 12mm thick.

The Samsung I7500 will be available in European markets in June 2009. Availability in the United States has not yet been announced. However, The Samsung I7500 is a tri-band HSDPA device, (supporting the 900/1700/2100MHz bands), which makes it compatible with the T-Mobile's 3G network. Stay tuned.

Want to see a hands-on video? The folks over at Engadget found one.

The BlackBerry is a wonderful communication device. Sure, the iPhone is cool to play with, but it is the BlackBerry that is truly the communication device of mobile phones. I am always traveling to trade shows, CES, PMA, CTIA, etc. meeting with the latest device manufacturers to discuss the latest and greatest from their research and development efforts. The one thing I notice is that all of the technology industry people that attend these trade shows use BlackBerry's.

I need to communicate, not surf the internet or watch videos. Sure, the games on the iPhone rock, and the Apps are plenty – and solve real world problems in some cases. It is the BlackBerry that has games, Web browser capabilities, and much more – even their own App store.

This sleek, Pearl Flip BlackBerry is a device that delivers on your expectations of what a smart phone should be. Alltel Wireless customers can expect to pay $79 after the mail-in rebate.

Check out the many options from Alltel www.shopalltel.com.

Verizon Wireless just announced that the Samsung Trance will be available for purchase on April 24th. Geared toward those looking for an MP3 replacement, this music phone features Bang & Olufsen's ICEpower speakers, has 1 GB internal memory dedicated for music, and allows you to make music playlists. This slider phone also has touchpad navigation and comes in two colors: Piano Black and Electric Red.

Other features include a microSD card slot that supports up to 16 GB of additional music, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, AGPS, and a 2.1" display at 176x220 resolution.

Verizon has priced the Trance at just $49.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) with a new two-year agreement. Read more

T-Mobile just announced their newest Sidekick LX, this one featuring 3G for faster data speeds, something that the Sidekick has needed for a long time. The Sidekick LX is available for pre-order today via a Web-only pre-sale for existing T-Mobile customers at www.sidekick.com. It is priced at $199.99 (after $50 mail-in rebate). A 2-year agreement is required.

Other features include improved video capabilities as well as GPS-enabled Live Search. The Sidekick LX comes in two new colors — orchid and carbon — and features the sharpest screen and thinnest profile ever delivered on a Sidekick.

The new device will be available for everyone on May 13 at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com.

Cricket Communications just announced that the Motorola Hint QA30 is now available to their customers. This compact slider features a full QWERTY keypad, 2.5" color display, a 2MP camera/camcorder, an MP3 player plus a microSD memory card slot and stereo Bluetooth. The phone supports tri-band connectivity and 3G data downloads.

"For the customer who prefers to access their email and 3G Mobile Web via a QWERTY keyboard the Hint offers all this and more. Hint is an extremely versatile device that will allow our customers to conduct their mobile lifestyles with speed and agility," said Jeff Toig, vice president of product marketing for Cricket. "Hint has a wide array of features such as an MP3 player, 2MP camera and camcorder for high quality entertainment on the go. It's a great way for customers to take advantage of Cricket's unlimited offerings, such as texting, email, Mobile Web and Mobile Video."

The Motorola Hint is available at Cricket retail stores and Cricket dealers for $249.99.

For more information, visit www.mycricket.com.

AT&T is introducing a new range of smartphones and quick messaging phones this spring. These phones help make life easier for customers as they stay connected to family, friends and business connections on the move.

In the smartphone category, AT&T will offer the Nokia E71x & Samsung Propel smartphones. In addition, AT&T will have the Samsung Impression, Samsung Magnet, and LG Xenon and Neon, which takes the number of full-keyboard mobile phones offered by AT&T to seven.

Nokia E71x

The Nokia E71x is the thinnest smartphone, with award winning design and a black steel finish. It is based on the Symbian Operating System S60, which offers Symbian-based applications and Wi-Fi. It also features AT&T's popular AT&T Navigator. It is priced at $99.99 (with contract).Read more

The Motorola Evoke QA4 helps you stay in touch with social circles and access the world of information through real web browsing, full-touch screen and integrated widgets.

The new Evoke has a full touch-screen QWERTY keyboard, predictive texting with auto correction which makes text messaging easy. The intuitive touch-screen in the Evoke helps gain instant access to the full HTML browser. The quick-start widgets also give you instant access to MySpace and YouTube. Built-in integration with MySpace lets you quickly access and update your profile instantly. Further, the integrated widgets allow you to customize and have quick access to your favorite sites including RSS feeds.

Background noise is reduced with noise reduction technology and clear calls can be made even on busy streets. The touch-screen, 3-way calling button makes it easy to connect with friends. The Evoke QA4 also features Bluetooth technology for hands free calling.

Motorola Evoke QA4 will hit the market in the 2nd quarter of 2009. The official price of the Evoke has not yet been released.