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Gone
are the days of the portable phone, the simple-minded but trustworthy
tool that transformed the drive to work into a conference call and
killed the joy of watching movies in theaters. But if a new generation
of portable multimedia players, personal computers and blackberries
don’t correct the sins of the past, they at least offer the
kind of functionality you’d find in your office and the comforts
of your home entertainment system, all made to fit in your pocket.
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Samsung
A900
Only a half-inch thick, the A900 is one of the slimmest options in
the multifunction phone market. This offering from Sprint comes equipped
with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a multimedia
device, including high-quality music tracks, images, videos, ring
tones and games. Best of all, it offers Sprint TV service, providing
on-demand live TV from subscription channels.
$99.99 after rebate and two-year contract
www.sprint.com
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BlackBerry
Pearl
This smaller and far more stylish version of its predecessors offers
the same functionality and reliability, but now comes with multimedia
capability allowing you to play music and videos. It is also the first
BlackBerry with built-in camera.
$199.00 after rebate and two-year contract
www.blackberrypearl.com
www.t-mobile.com
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Helio
Kickflip
Taking a cue from the Web, the makers of Helio are among the first
to take MySpace.com’s social networking mobile, with MySpace
on Helio. The slickly designed device is made with connectivity in
mind, and comes with camera, instant messaging, photo and video messaging,
as well as the full functionality of your current phone—just
don’t call it a phone.
$200.00
www.helio.com |
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LG
Migo & Chaperone
Created with both parents and children in mind, this fun phone from
LG allows kids to dial up to four numbers through one of four speed-dial
buttons. At the same time, it functions as a tracking device, allowing
parents to locate the whereabouts of their children from a computer
or their own phones. |
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Chaperone
Locator Access $9.99 a month
www.verizonwireless.com/chaperone
Migo $49.99
www.verizonwireless.com/migo |
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Sony
Ericsson W300i
While less flashy than other multimedia phones, the W300i offers an
excellent, more affordable alternative. Besides its good looks and
sound quality, this musical phone offers video streaming, camera,
and best of all, FM radio, allowing you to listen to games, news and
music on the go.
$29.99 after rebate and two-year contract
www.cingular.com
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LG
Chocolate
A favorite among design-conscious mobile users, the Chocolate is both
a phone and a music and video player, equipped with Bluetooth stereo
capability (Bluetooth headphones sold separately), touch-sensitive
interface and a megapixel camera. Both VZ Navigator, a GPS service
and a Fuel Finder, which helps you find the best gas prices in your
area, are available on this device.
$159.00 with two-year contract
www.verizonwireless.com/chocolate
$29.99 after rebate and two-year contract
www.cingular.com
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