LG KE970 Shine

LG continues their Black Label series but this time the black is replaced with a bit of silver shine. The new LG KE970 Shine is the first of the truly shiny devices of the Korean manufacturer that landed on our test site. Packing some serious horse power, the LG KE970 Shine is among the most advanced GSM handsets by LG and certainly one of the most attractive – armed with a 2 megapixel camera with auto focus, a QVGA TFT display, a microSD memory card slot and a number of other goodies it is sure to grab your attention. Read on for more on that exclusive device.

Key Features:

• Stylish all metal design with mirror finish display
• QVGA display resolution
• 2 megapixel autofocus camera with Schneider-Kreuznach lens
• Scroller navigation
• microSD memory card slot
• Office documents viewer

Main Disadvantages:

• Problematic scroller response
• Shoots video in QCIF resolution only
• Fingerprint magnet

Samsung I7500

For today's show and tell, Samsung's first Android phone is serving Cupcake. The Samsung I7500 a.k.a. Galaxy is the first Google-powered device to come with a 5 megapixel camera and that's just the tip of much improved multimedia skill.

This is just a preview and it should serve to whet your appetite as the I7500 prepares to launch. As soon as we get our hands on a final version, we'll grab our tool bag and make an out-and-out review. For now, we'll just share our first impressions of the device.

Samsung I7500 Galaxy at a glance:

• General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, HSDPA 7.2Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps
• OS and CPU: 528MHz CPU with 128MB RAM running latest Android OS v1.5
• Form factor: Touchscreen bar, no keypad
• Dimensions: 115.0 x 56.0 x 11.9 mm, 119 g.
• Display: 3.2" capacitive OLED touchscreen, HVGA resolution (320 x 480 pixels)
• Storage: 8GB, hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 16GB)
• Camera: 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and geotagging
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, microUSB v.2.0, 3.5mm audio jack
• Misc: Accelerometer sensor, FM radio with RDS, Gesture lock
• Battery: 1440 mAh battery

Samsung F490

The Samsung F490 follows a trend that we welcome - touch-based user interface and a 5 megapixel autofocus camera. Add a widescreen 3.2" TFT display and a slim profile, and it already sounds like a juicy deal. We've already reviewed the Samsung Armani phone - that was based on the same Touch UI. However the Samsung F490 seems like the most mature Touch product of them all avoiding most of the mishaps of the previous products. So, buckle up as we test drive this baby in the GSMArena fast lane.

Samsung F490 resembles Samsung F700 but it lacks the hardware QWERTY keypad of its sibling. Just by looking at it, our guess is it's obviously aiming to put pressure on the LG Viewty, that is already available and gathering momentum. We'll see about that later on with an impromptu feature comparison.

Samsung i780

The Samsung "i" line of smartphones have taken quite a lot of different shapes and seen OS implementations ranging from Symbian to Windows Standard and Pro. There are, however, five birds of a feather that do stand out with QWERTY keyboards and uniform design. Samsung i320 was the pacemaker, followed shortly by Samsung i600. There are of course the US-oriented Blackjacks Samsung i607 and Samsung i617.

Now, the subject of our review Samsung i780 is in that bunch but not quite, being the only PocketPC in the lot. Other Windows Mobile Pro devices seem nowhere in sight for the near future, with the two most recent i-series announcements both running on Windows Standard. The QWERTY slider Samsung i640 has just been released, while the low-key Samsung i200 is still cooking.

The full-QWERTY Pocket PC Samsung i780 sure takes after its forerunners but is keen to bring to the table more processing power, 3.6 mbps HSDPA topped with WLAN support, and that square touchscreen display. This smartie is also a tad above the other fellows in terms of design, if you will.

Samsung U900 Soul

If there is one device by Samsung to keep the crowd at fever pitch these days, it would be the Samsung U900 Soul. The latest addition to the hugely successful Ultra lineup is surely the fattest in terms of features among its siblings. Gifted with great design and nicely improved user interface, U900 Soul had us itching for a test drive ever since our first rendezvous in Barcelona.

We are now busy exploring Samsung U900 Soul with a full review coming up in the weeks to follow. But here's something for the most impatient of you in a neat little preview with our first impressions of the handset.

How about kicking it off with a few shots of the Spirit of Ultra (yep, that's what the SOUL abbreviation stands for). To start with, U900 Soul is one of the beauties on the market these days. The fair amount of metal used surely benefits both design and feel.

HTC Touch review

Introduced several months ago, the innovative HTC Touch is the device, after which the world of Windows Mobile will probably never be the same. Chic, smart and versatile, the HTC Touch brings together an array of communication, entertainment and business capabilities enabling mobile consumers to balance work and fun. HTC Touch initiates an intriguing line of smartphone devices to feature the innovative TouchFLO technology with finger sweep control, making full use of the HTC Home application add-on. One of the smallest Windows Mobile devices is up to every standard with the package including Wi-Fi, 2.8" touchscreen TFT display, 2 megapixel camera and rich business applications. Since Apple managed to move a cool one million iPhones in some two and a half months, HTC Touch strikes back with officially reported 800,000 units sold in Europe/Asia since the launch of the device on July 5th. The HTC management admits this result beats even their most positive forecasts.

Key features

• HTC TouchFLO technology allows smooth finger scrolling and panning
• HTC Home application
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• 2.8" 65K color touchscreen TFT display of QVGA resolution
• 2 megapixel camera
• Sturdy build, quality casing and compact dimensions
• Bluetooth v2.0
• Large and comfortable D-pad
• SIM card accessible without removing the battery

Nokia E51 review

Nokia offers a wide range of Eseries business handsets, including Communicators and enhanced messaging devices of different form factors. Each E series phone is optimized for different types of business users, but all feature the familiar and friendly S60 user interface over Symbian OS. The new Nokia E51 combines compact dimensions, rich communication skills, a comfortable keyboard and stylish design, aiming to be a classic and conservative all-round performer.

Key features

• Quad-band GSM/3G (with HSDPA 3.6 Mbps), EDGE and GPRS support
• Wi-Fi, VoIP over WLAN
• Symbian 9.2 OS Series 60 3rd edition UI with Feature Pack 1
• 12 mm slim, elegant design
• 130 MB onboard memory, expandable via microSD cards (up to 4 GB), hot swap
• Very comfortable keyboard and D-pad
• Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP and IrDA (115 kbps)
• New Symbian key icons
• Fast user interface

Nokia N82 review

Nokia N82 is considered the next N-series bestseller and, guess what, it has already hit the shelves. Following the sweeping success of Nokia N73, it was a pretty sure bet that a worthy successor wouldn't take long to appear. As we see it, Nokia N82 fits that description perfectly and our eagerness to test it for you should come as no surprise. So join us as we explore the world of Nokia N82.

Key features

• 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and Carl Zeiss optics
• Xenon flash and active lens cover
• 2.4" 16M color QVGA display
• 128 MB RAM
• Wi-Fi with UPnP
• Built-in GPS receiver and A-GPS functionality
• Nokia maps application covering over 100 countries worldwide
• Convenient standard 3.5 mm audio jack on the top
• 3G (with HSDPA), EDGE and GPRS support
• Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd edition Feature Pack 1 UI
• TV-out functionality
• Automatic UI rotation
• Stereo speakers
• Large capacity battery

Nokia 2730 Classic

General 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network UMTS 900 / 2100
UMTS 850 / 1900 - American version
Announced 2009, May
Status Coming soon. Exp. release 2009, Q3
Size Dimensions 109.6 x 46.9 x 14.4 mm, 65 cc
Weight 87.7 g
Display Type TFT, 256K colors
Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2.0 inches
- 5-way navigation key
Sound Alert types Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone Yes
- 3.5 mm audio jack
Memory Phonebook 1000 entries, Photocall
Call records 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal 30 MB
Card slot microSD (TransFlash), up to 2GB, 1GB included
Data GPRS Class 32
HSCSD Yes
EDGE Class 32
3G Yes, 384 kbps
WLAN No
Bluetooth Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port No
USB microUSB, v2.0
Camera Primary 2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels
Video Yes
Secondary No
Features Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML
Radio Stereo FM radio
Games 4 + Downloadable
Colors Black or Dark Magenta
GPS No
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
- MP3/MPEG4 player
- Organizer
- Voice memo
- Voice dial
- Flash Lite 2.0
- Chinese-English-Chinese dictionary
- Windows Live Messenger (MSN)
-
- T9
Battery Standard battery, Li-Ion (BL-5C)
Stand-by Up to 396 h (2G) / Up to 408 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 7 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G)
Music play Up to 12 h

Nokia 6600i Slide

General 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network UMTS 900 / 2100
UMTS 850 / 1900 - American version
Announced 2009, May
Status Coming soon. Exp. release 2009, Q3
Size Dimensions 109.6 x 46.9 x 14.4 mm, 65 cc
Weight 87.7 g
Display Type TFT, 256K colors
Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2.0 inches
- 5-way navigation key
Sound Alert types Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone Yes
- 3.5 mm audio jack
Memory Phonebook 1000 entries, Photocall
Call records 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal 30 MB
Card slot microSD (TransFlash), up to 2GB, 1GB included
Data GPRS Class 32
HSCSD Yes
EDGE Class 32
3G Yes, 384 kbps
WLAN No
Bluetooth Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port No
USB microUSB, v2.0
Camera Primary 2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels
Video Yes
Secondary No
Features Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML
Radio Stereo FM radio
Games 4 + Downloadable
Colors Black or Dark Magenta
GPS No
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
- MP3/MPEG4 player
- Organizer
- Voice memo
- Voice dial
- Flash Lite 2.0
- Chinese-English-Chinese dictionary
- Windows Live Messenger (MSN)
-
- T9
Battery Standard battery, Li-Ion (BL-5C)
Stand-by Up to 396 h (2G) / Up to 408 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 7 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G)
Music play Up to 12 h

Samsung S7330

Someone at Samsung must be really fond of the Soul design and, honestly, we can see why. How we feel about it is not the point though. The Soul looks are spilling down the company portfolio, like it or not. The latest incarnation - Samsung S7330 - packs in stylish exterior, well-rounded feature set and a moderate price tag. And what sounds like a good recipe already is spiced up by the yet exotic touchpad. No news so far, but knowing what to expect can actually turn hard on the S7330. Users will feel entitled to more than passable performance, so let's see if it delivers.

Key features:

• 3G with HSDPA support
• Quad-band GSM support, usable worldwide
• Touchpad navigation
• 2.2" 262K-color QVGA display
• 3 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• 35MB of user memory, microSD expansion
• Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
• USB v2.0
• FM radio with RDS
• Smart dialing
• ShoZu integration (direct image and video uploads)

Nokia 3600 slide

Nokia 3600 slide is one of those handsets which no one seems to covet, love and lust but everybody ends up buying or having. It's a straightforward guess that a S40 handset of subdued but comfortable styling and sufficient skill will simply go around. The neat and compact Nokia slider has all the basics duly covered and strives to deliver beyond its price in terms of imaging. A 3.2 megapixel camera, VGA video and TV out should be enough of an identity booster.

Key features:

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• 2" 16M-color QVGA display
• 3 megapixel camera, autofocus and LED flash
• VGA video recording
• S40 user interface, 5th edition, FP1
• Bluetooth with A2DP, USB
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• microSD card slot (up to 8 GB), 512MB included
• 2.5mm standard audio jack, TV-out
• Rich preinstalled content
• Nokia Maps
• Voice commands
• Compact and lightweight
• Nice oval shapes and neat slider design

LG KC910 Renoir

LG KC910 Renoir represents the latest and greatest of the cameraphone breed. It tops latest connectivity technology such as HSDPA, Wi-Fi and GPS with serious image and video capabilities. Xenon flash, face tracking and blink detection, geo-tagging and touchscreen focus are combined with XviD and DivX video playback and high-res recording.

The LG Renoir is also equipped with a 3-inch TFT display and the latest version of LG own Flash-based full touch user interface. It's simple, intuitive and functional, and is further enhanced by automatic screen rotation and landscape on-screen QWERTY text input.

LG KC910 Renoir at a glance

• General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 2100 MHz, GPRS/EDGE class 10, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
• Dimensions: 107.8 x 55.9 x 14 mm, 114 g
• Display: 3-inch 256K color TFT, 240 x 400 pixels resolution
• Memory: 100MB, hot-swappable microSD card slot (ships with 8GB card)
• Still camera: 8 megapixel autofocus, xenon flash, digital image stabilizer, geo-tagging, face tracking, blink detection, touch screen focus, manual focus
• Video camera: DiVX AVI, VGA@30fps, 640x384@30fps, 400x240@30fps, QVGA@120fps high-speed recording,
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi, TV-out, GPS receiver with A-GPS
• Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate, DivX/XviD video playback and editing, Dolby Mobile sound enhancement, FM radio with RDS, GPS
• sports application, office document viewer
• Battery: Li-Ion 1000 mAh, Talk time: 4 h, Standby: 430 h
• Release date: early October 2008
• Expected retail price: N/A

Samsung L700

Samsung L700 is a lower midrange fella and its main selling points are solid construction, metal body and fast 3G speeds. Before you frown at the shortish specs list do remember that it's not aiming high. It's set instead to address a chronic shortage of style in this price range.

We are yet to see what kind of difference Samsung L700 will make, but you can bet it's going to be a tough fight against some pretty popular handsets there already. When we pick cell phones to review we rarely go down to this market segment, but our experience tells us the L700 will probably win its share of content customers.

While certainly not the hottest looker there is, we rarely see such commendable build quality and freehanded use of metal in the competition. We hit the pedal to the metal without much further ado to see how the L700 handles the race track.

Key features

• Metallic body and solid construction
• Quad-band GSM support plus GPRS and EDGE
• UMTS 2100Mhz with video calls
• 2.1" display with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels
• 2 megapixel fixed focus camera with LED flash
• microSD card slot (up to 8GB)
• Stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)
• FM radio with RDS
• Office document viewer
• Smart dialing
• ShoZu integration (direct image and video uploads)
• Basic Google integration

Nokia 6600 fold

Smoking hot body, brilliant looks, user-friendly interface and almost no value for money, but still packing quite a punch - Nokia 6600 fold is exactly the kind of meal to order from an unpriced menu. The OLED screen, the cool magnetic flip and the mirror front panel just make it all the sweeter and kind of make sure it feels more at home in designer handbags than pockets. Now, that's where we come in with a little bit of good sense chicks will ignore anyway. And who knows, they may be right in the end.

Key features

• Cute design
• Compact body
• 2.13" 16M-color OLED display of QVGA resolution
• Secondary external 1.36" hidden OLED display (128 x 160 pixels)
• Series 40 5th edition UI with Feature Pack 1
• Cool push-to-open flip mechanism
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and dual-band UMTS support
• Tap-for-time and tap-to-mute
• 2 megapixel fixed focus camera
• Status LED
• microSD card slot
• Stereo FM radio
• Nokia Maps for S40 application

Sony Ericsson C902

Full steam into the megapixel chase, Sony Ericsson C902 is trying to show off its best before the 8 megapixel monsters start stealing the show. The Cyber-shot pedigree, touch-controlled camera and metal outfit are true predator stuff and now that we have a retail unit in our hands it's time to revisit our pre-release preview of the device and see if there are any chinks in its armor that may turn predator to prey.

Key features:

• 5 MP autofocus camera with unique active lens cover and touch controls
• Smile detection, image stabilizer, geo-tagging (via cell-ID)
• Slim and stylish metal case
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and HSDPA (3.6 Mb)
• Scratch resistant 2" TFT 256K colors display
• FM radio with RDS
• Bluetooth (with A2DP)
• Basic multi-tasking support
• Smart dialing
• Extended TrackID over previous generation phones

Nokia 6600 slide

Tiny, yet remarkably solid, like a pebble tumbled smooth by the waves, there's something about Nokia 6600 slide that's really hard to resist. By the way, minimalist, extra smooth and exclusive stand equally well for any of the 6600 pair. While flip for gals and slide for lads may not exactly be set in concrete, gender-free demand is more likely for the black 6600 slide.

Of the same build and pricing, both the yesterday's 6600 flip and the today's 6600 fold are a treat to look at and handle. The differences in gear are minor, boiling down to a fair try to fine-tune the supply. The OLED screen and electromagnetic push-to-open in the flip are swapped for a 3-megapixel shooter and USB-on-the-go. Little secrets won't stay in the closet but there's enough disarming charm to go around.

Key features:

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support, dual-band UMTS
• Accelerometer for tap-for-time and tap-to-mute
• 2.2" 16M-color QVGA display
• 3 megapixel camera, autofocus and LED flash
• VGA video recording at 15fps
• S40 user interface, 5th edition, FP1
• Bluetooth (with A2DP) and USB-on-the-go
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• microSD card slot (up to 8 GB), 512MB included
• Rich preinstalled application package
• Nokia Maps
• Compact and extra smooth
• Sweet oval shapes and neat slider design
• Large capacity BL-4U battery (Li-Ion 1000 mAh)

Samsung i7110

Samsung i7110 puts the latest Symbian in proper attire courtesy of the Soul. Last time we checked, metal still scored high in the fashion stakes, while 5MP camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and the latest Symbian OS promise a lot of action. The large display, the FM transmitter and optical trackpad sure round off a great spec sheet. It seems that we have quite an interesting package in our hands so let's get going - we bet there's plenty to see.

Samsung i7110 at a glance:

• Symbian 9.3 OS, S60 3.2 UI (FP 2)
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual-LED flash
• Camera wide dynamic range, anti-shake, geo-tagging, face, smile and blink detection
• VGA video recording at 30 fps and two slow motion video recording modes
• Wi-Fi connectivity with DLNA support
• GPS receiver with A-GPS
• 2.6" 262K-color display of QVGA resolution
• FM transmitter
• Optical trackpad navigation
• microSD card slot
• Dimensions: 118 x 52 x 12.9mm
• Weight: 125g
• 1200 mAh Li-Ion battery
• 3G with HSDPA support
• DivX and XviD playback out of the box

Samsung i8510 INNOV8

Samsung INNOV8 is back to our shop and quite ready to strut its stuff again. Not so long ago we saw it in heavy duty cameraphone action, it's now time to explore the whole package. And there's a lot. The ample TFT display, abundant storage space, latest Symbian OS and the 8 megapixel camera all promise a nice ride. Multimedia and entertainment won't go unnoticed either, to make it as fun as it gets.

The INNOV8 has already got a star on the 8 megapixel boulevard and might as well be eyeing Symbian domination. Here it goes, but watch out 'cause this thing rides fast.

Key features:

• The most feature-loaded S60 handset to date
• 2.8" 16M-color TFT display of QVGA resolution
• 8 megapixel camera with mechanical shutter, automatic lens cover, dual PowerLED flash, digital image stabilizer, geotagging, auto panorama shot, face detection, smile detection, blink detection
• VGA video recording at 30fps and slow-motion video recording
• Symbian OS 9.3 with S60 3.2 UI
• 3G with HSDPA support
• Quad-band GSM, dual-band UMTS, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
• 128 MB RAM
• Wi-Fi with DLNA technology
• Built-in GPS with A-GPS functionality
• Massive 8/16GB internal memory
• microSD card slot with microSDHC support
• Built-in accelerometer for UI auto-rotation
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• TV out
• Stereo FM Radio with RDS
• Optical trackpad navigation
• USB and Bluetooth v2.0
• Stereo speakers
• DNSe audio technology
• DivX support
• ShoZu integration

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1

There's a lot to fall for in Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1. Possibly the hottest looker of a PocketPC is also heavy on skill. Heavy enough to not just scratch out a living as a one-hit-wonder but aim for the WinMo top.

The extra solid metal looks, gorgeous screen and the right pinch of novelty called XPERIA panels look to us as good enough reasons for the X1 to be hyped and romanticized. By the way, romance or not, Sony Ericsson and HTC have hit their perfect shape with that one.

The XPERIA X1 is surely the most eagerly anticipated device in the world of Windows Mobile. Getting our review out was surely quite a wait too, we know. Better late than ever, as some folks say. We'll still have our say 'cause for the XPERIA it's a load of high expectations to live up to.

Key features:

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support plus HSDPA 7.2Mbps
• 3-inch 65K-color WVGA touchscreen
• Qualcomm MSM7200 528 Mhz CPU and 256 MB DDR SDRAM
• 3.15 MP auto focus camera with VGA video recording
• Four-row full QWERTY slide-out keyboard
• Wi-Fi and built-in GPS receiver with A-GPS
• X-Panels interface
• Optical trackpad
• Exquisite and solid metallic body
• Standard miniUSB port and Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
• microSD memory expansion
• FM radio with RDS
• 3.5mm standard audio jack
• MS Office Mobile document editor
• Opera 9.5 web browser
• Excellent video playback performance
• Superb audio quality

Samsung S3500

The Samsung S3500 is a midrange phone that's dressed above its station. This Samsung Soul look-alike makes good use of metal and although it trades the touchpad for a regular D-pad, it still looks a notch or two above its price range.

Samsung S3500 at a glance:

• General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS/EDGE class 10
• Form factor: Slide
• Dimensions: 99.9 x 48.0 x 14.3 mm
• Display: 2.2-inch TFT, QVGA resolution (240 x 320), 16M colors
• Memory: microSD card slot (up to 16GB)
• Camera: 2 megapixel camera with digital image stabilization and panorama shot, QVGA video
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, standard microUSB port
• Misc: FM radio
• Battery: 800 mAh battery

MWC 2009: HTC

HTC had us quite eager to drop by their booth at the MWC in Barcelona and get some touchscreen action with WinMo and Android flavor. Two curious sequels in the face of the HTC Touch Pro2 and Touch Diamond2, along with the Android-based Magic sounded intriguing enough for a quick sneak peek.

Sadly, it was only the HTC Touch Diamond2 that was on display at HTC booth. The Touch Pro2 and the HTC Magic are still early prototypes and were guarded pretty closely. Still, we had a good enough look on them as well, and we lived to tell the story.

HTC Touch Diamond2

Holding the Diamond2 in hand, the most striking novelty is the missing D-pad/scroll wheel. By the way that's the TouchPro2 approach too. Perhaps as of Touch HD, HTC are ditching D-pads. Most users won't mind its absence in Number 2, though some situations required its use - picking an item off the relatively small high-res display of the Diamond using the touch screen with your finger is a real challenge while on a moving vehicle for example. So a more precise way of making your selections was welcomed. Nevertheless, the D-pad is nowhere to be found on these products.

T-Mobile G1

The T-Mobile G1 is the Googlephone. Did we really need to say that? Well, there's more Google in this story than there is phone, so we guess we did. We've got a new contender on the race track but we're talking no rookie here. If you thought Apple made the phone game breathtaking, think of where it's all heading with Google keen to play along. Unlike the iPhone Mac OS X, the Android is the joint effort of the whole Open Handset Alliance, which brings together makers that sure know the drill. So much for the rookie, as long as Google is siding with Asus, HTC, LG, Garmin, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba.

But well, that's the bigger story. We have the first chapter right here, and it's called the T-Mobile G1 or HTC Dream if you prefer. The first impression sure is important. So, there we go.

T-Mobile G1 or to be also released as HTC Dream might not have the specs to make a geek's heart melt but we guess the Android OS was still gonna draw drool even if it came tossed in a plastic bag or wrapped in newspaper. So, forget about the peculiar form factor, the full QWERTY keyboard, the large and crisp touchscreen and the anti-utopian design. Android's inside and google is the limit.

Key features:

• Android OS
• 3.2" capacitive touchscreen display of HVGA resolution
• Slide-out five-row full QWERTY keyboard
• Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528 MHz CPU, 192 MB RAM
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• 3G with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2Mbps
• 3.15 megapixel autofocus camera
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• GPS
• Trackball
• Accelerometer sensor
• Digital compass

Sony Ericsson T707

Sony Ericsson T707 is a new addition to the T-series but it's nothing like the T-series as you know them. Not only is it the first flip in the bunch, it also has a different brief than virtually any other T-series handset. Codenamed Elle, Sony Ericsson T707 will be trying to please the ladies but maybe it's not as simple as just sticking that less-a-gadget, more-an-accessory label.

As one of the product designers claims, the Sony Ericsson T707 was inspired by rainbows and the array of paintjobs it will be released in will make sure it won't go unnoticed. The light effects, the stealthy external screen and the ripple-and-circle patterns inside give this otherwise modest mid-ranger a distinct personality and visual appeal.

Key features:

• Quad-band GSM and 3G with HSDPA support
• 3.15 megapixel camera with Cell-ID geotagging
• 2.2" 256K-color TFT display with 240 x 320 pixels resolution
• Secondary monochrome external display (36 x 128 pixels)
• Scratch-resistant surface for both displays
• Bluetooth with A2DP
• Hot-swappable M2 card slot (up to 16 GB)
• FM radio with RDS
• Basic multi-tasking support
• Gesture control
• Light effects with 5 colors, assignable to contacts
• Smart dialing
• Threaded messaging

BlackBerry Bold 9000

There we go folks, it's a BlackBerry grand slam at the arena and we're set for another ride with RIM's finest. We guess this here Berry is neither Curve-hot nor Storm-inventive but it's Bold enough to say little and do much. Even without being the latest or greatest of RIM devices, the Bold 9000 is clearly the pinnacle of what BlackBerry stands for.

Moreover, the Bold 9000 is hardly a groundbreaking device outside the BlackBerry world but to Berry buffs it may be about as good as a mobile phone gets. Sporting flawless connectivity, a magnificent screen and one of the most comfortable QWERTY keyboards we have seen, the Bold 9000 is at the very least a great business gadget. Well then, it's business as usual on our end too so the BlackBerry Bold better get ready for one of our out-and-out reviews.

Key features:

• 2.6" 65K-color TFT landscape display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
• Comfortable four-row full QWERTY keyboard
• Quad-band GSM support and tri-band 3G with HSDPA
• Wi-Fi and built-in GPS and BlackBerry maps preloaded
• 2 megapixel camera, LED flash
• 624 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM
• BlackBerry OS v4.6
• Responsive trackball navigation
• Hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 8GB)
• Excellent build quality
• DivX and XviD video support
• Good web browser
• Office document editor
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Nice audio quality
• Smart dialing

Sony Ericsson W508

The Sony Ericsson W508 walks and talks midrange though by no means does it keep a low profile. What we have here is the full Walkman package at a bargain price and the rest of the W508 specs may as well be irrelevant if music is the first thing on your list.

A true Walkman at heart, the W508 takes after the Sony Ericsson W980 in many ways and even adds a dash of color to the Walkman experience - in fact, the StyleUp covers make it a regular chameleon.

There are eight StyleUp covers to choose from and the W508 always ships with a spare one in the box. And in case you wonder what's with all those paintjobs, let's not forget the W508 is in a twin predicament and has an identity to assert against the T707. That one we just reviewed, so we're sort of in for a sequel, though in Walkman flavor this time.

Key features:

• Quad-band GSM and 3G with HSDPA support
• 3.15 megapixel camera
• 2.2" 256K-color TFT display with 240 x 320 pixel resolution
• Secondary monochrome OLED external display
• Scratch-resistant surface for both displays
• Touch sensitive external music control keys
• Hot-swappable M2 card slot (up to 16 GB), 1 GB included
• Stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)
• Walkman music player with Shake control and SensMe
• FM radio with RDS
• Gesture control
• Accelerometer for screen rotation
• Basic multi-tasking support
• Smart dialing
• Threaded messaging
• Exchangeable StyleUp covers

Nokia E75

If we can think of one reason to take being told "to mind your own business" with a smile it would be the Nokia Eseries. A household name for enterprise users, it's hardly a surprise that each E-series update is greeted with plenty of excitement. The Nokia E75 is no exception, even if it doesn't really put anything new on the table.

The side-sliding QWERTY form factor lands on Symbian turf following a reasonably successful spell on the WinMo side of the yard.

The major novelty of the Nokia E75 is the form factor and we're about to see if this is enough for it to carve a niche out for itself in a crowded market.

Key features

• 2.4" 16M-color TFT display of QVGA resolution
• Four-row side-slide QWERTY keyboard
• Quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G (with HSDPA) support
• Symbian OS with S60 3.2 UI
• 369 MHz ARM11 CPU
• 3.5mm standard audio jack
• microSD card slot, 4GB microSD card prebundled
• 3.2 megapixel auto focus camera with a dedicated shutter key, geotagging and VGA@30fps video recording
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with UPnP technology
• Built-in GPS receiver and Nokia Maps with 3 months of free voice-assisted navigation
• USB and stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) connectivity
• Steel battery cover
• FM radio with RDS
• Remote Wipe functionality
• Carrier-independent VoIP support
• Office document editor
• User-friendly Mode Switch for toggling two homescreen setups
• Smart dialing

Nokia 8800 Gold Arte

How many phones can you name that would have made sense centuries back? Here's one: the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte. No, we're not talking medieval calling and texting, we're talking gold and leather.

Okay, it may not be solid gold, but it's the next best thing - the Arte is gold plated alright, but it sure looks - better yet, glitters - the part. Gold does not react with air and moisture so even after thousands of years gold artifacts do not loose their luster. Well, that's one thing you get for your dime - everlasting shine.

It's like choosing the interior of a ridiculously expensive car - creme leather, mahogany, you get the picture. Same with Nokia's Arte series - Sapphire, Carbon fiber and now leather and gold.

The color of gold depends on relativistic effects acting on the electrons… nah, no matter how you twist it an 8800 phone will not interest geeks. It is all about exclusive materials, high build quality and most importantly - making you look good.

In terms of technology, it's forged in the same crucible as the Nokia Carbon Arte - OLED screen, 3G, 3 megapixel autofocus camera, 4GB of inbuilt memory and Series 40.

Key features

• 18 carat gold-plated body
• Genuine white leather padding
• 2" 16M-color OLED display of QVGA resolution
• 3G support
• 3 megapixel autofocus camera
• Full-house retail package with a Bluetooth headset and desk stand
• Decent battery life
• Turn-to-mute
• Tap-for-time
• 4GB internal memory

Nokia 5130 XpressMusic

At a certain point everyone finds themselves in the situation where all they need is a no-nonsense phone that looks good and doesn't cost a fortune. The Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is exactly the kind - one of the sleekest, most affordable handsets by the Finnish manufacturer that has ever set foot in our door.

With a distinctly youthful charm, the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic certainly won't replace your laptop but will give you all a mobile phone should. Offering the bare minimum might not be what your average geek expects from a phone but it is exactly what the market wants. The fact that the Nokia 5310 sold more than 13 million units is clear enough evidence of this.

After all, not everyone can afford an N97 nor does everyone need it. What everyone does need however is good performance from their handset, even more so if reliability can be offered at a low price point. So we felt a thorough review of the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic was in order to check out this theory.

Key features:

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• 2" 262K color TFT display of QVGA resolution
• Sleek body design and nice hoice of materials
• Ambient light sensor
• Hot-swappable microSD card slot up to 16GB (1GB card included)

Music features:

• Top notch audio quality
• Dedicated music keys with backlighting
• Music light effects
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
• Stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• Up to 21 h of dedicated music playback

LG KM900 Arena

One of the most exciting handsets the season - the LG KM900 Arena - returns to our office and this time it is going to stay a bit longer. After getting off to a flying start in both sales and reviews the Arena certainly looks like the next big thing from LG. In these tough economic times no company can afford too many blunders so it better live up to those high expectations.

The LG KM900 Arena grabbed our attention for the first time back in February at the MWC and even more so last month when we previewed it. Let's see if it's third time lucky and if it will be able to completely sweep us off our feet in a full review.

Key features:

• 3" 16M-color capacitive TFT touchscreen of WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
• S-Class Touch UI
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• 3G with HSDPA (7.2 Mbps)
• Wi-Fi and GPS receiver with A-GPS
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with Schneider-Kreuznach optics, LED flash, geotagging
• D1 (720x480 pixels)@30fps, VGA@30fps, QVGA fast-motion video and QVGA slo-mo video
• 8GB built-in storage
• Hot-swappable microSD card slot
• Standard 3.5mm audio jack and TV out
• USB Mass Storage
• Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP
• Accelerometer for screen auto rotate
• Multi-touch input
• 3D hardware accelerator
• DivX and XviD support
• Dolby for Mobile audio enhancement
• FM radio with FM transmitter
• Office document viewer
• Smart dialing

HTC Touch Diamond2 review: Director’s cut

HTC Touch Diamond2 is next on our roll call of MWC debuts but this time it's less about the brand spanking novelty and more about balanced and sensible upgrades. People tend to have second thoughts about sequels but this one here is signed by HTC and may as well be the director's cut of a blockbuster.

It is only recently that Windows Mobile fans are receiving the treatment they deserve after years of undeserved exile. The WinMo devices are no longer stigmatized as ugly bricks with awkward handling and HTC are one of the main agents of this change. The HTC Touch Diamond was one of the most complete devices and its stand-out styling earned it well deserved popularity.

We now welcome its successor, somewhat insipidly named HTC Touch Diamond2. Improving the functionality of the original Diamond, the Diamond2 comes with rather different design that is certain to raise some degree of discussion. But it's the performance that will make the difference between a mere Number 2 and a real gem.

Key features:

• 3.2" 65K-color WVGA display
• Latest TouchFLO 3D
• Qualcomm MSM7200A 528 Mhz CPU and 288 MB RAM
• Dedicated graphics chip (64MB RAM reserved for graphics)
• Quad-band GSM support
• 3G with HSDPA 7.2Mbps and HSUPA 2Mbps
• Wi-Fi and built-in GPS receiver
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• 5 MP auto focus camera with excellent image quality
• microSD card slot
• Touch-sensitive zoom bar
• MS Office Mobile document editor
• Opera 9.5 web browser
• Standard miniUSB slot and Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
• Teeter game
• Great audio quality
• YouTube client
• Excellent video playback