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If you like the classic StarTAC flip-phone design but want to step up in style,the Motorola Timeport P8167 may be your next mobile phone. Packed with callingand digital communications features, the dual-band Timeport even comes with astandard serial data cable and TrueSync software so you can use it as a digitalmodem for connections with PCs and PDAs. Battery life is very good and theTimeport's smooth, sliver-colored case with rounded keycaps is a new, morecomfortable take on the traditional StarTAC design. An added benefit of thisunit's StarTAC legacy: the Timeport P8167 is compatible with most of themultitude of accessories sold for StarTAC models.

The P8167 weighs 4.8 ounceswith battery included, and measures 3.7 by 2.2 by 1.0 inches. When collapsed,the antenna sticks up an additional 1.3 inches. The case is a bit thicker thansome StarTAC models, due to its more accentuated sculpting and slightly morerounded keys. Whether worn around your neck (you can buy a jewelry-stylelanyard), on your belt in the included plastic holster, or in your pocket, theTimeport P8167's construction and finish give the clear impression that it willlast for a long time. Our test model, provisioned by Sprint PCS, performedadmirably.

It helps if you're a former StarTAC user when you pick up theP8167, as the 23-key keypad can be a bit intimidating. You should plan oninvesting a bit of time and practice to get this one down. The screen lights upbrightly with blue backlighting, although only three lines of text are displayedat a time, less than ideal when reading messages or Internet menus. Menunavigation, by scrolling or tapping numbers, is straightforward, but all thoseextra keys can make one pause. The P8167 has nine ringer tones and a phone bookwith a 99-number speed-dial capacity. The absolute number of phone book entriesis greater because each entry can have up to four numbers.

The Timeport P8167supports caller ID, call waiting, voice mail alerts, e-mail, one-way SMS textmessaging, and wireless Internet access. You should check with your prospectiveservice provider to make sure it supports the features you want. If you dodecide to use the P8167 as a digital modem for a PC or PDA, you'll be pleased tofind that the documentation included with the communications kit is thorough andeasy to follow. A serial adapter is included for use with PDAs--the adapter actsas a connector between the phone cable and the PDA's synchronization cable. Forhands-free use, a standard 2.5-millimeter jack is located on the top of thephone. To keep your P8167 secure, you can use four-digit codes to lock the wholephone or to restrict outgoing calls to one or 10 numbers stored in specialmemory locations.

We were impressed when the P8167's lithium-ion batterylasted for the exact rated maximum talk time, an impressive 252 minutes. Standbytime clocked in at 170 hours, which also matched Motorola's maximumrating.

Overall, the Timeport P8167 is a stylishly updated classic, chock fullof communications features and studded with control keys. If you're not a heavymobile phone user, you can spend less for another capable phone, but then you'llmiss out on the latest version of one of the most successful cell phones evermanufactured. --Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates, editedby Thom Arno

Pros:

• A fully featured update of a successful standard
• Impressive battery life

Cons:

• Small three-line display
• Keys and buttons are overly complex

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phonebattery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables,including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency(including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, andbattery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handsetmanufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings,they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer tothe times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery liferanges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience atleast the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital andanalog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, asanalog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone.Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to themanufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phoneon, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and,when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook.When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when thephone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped thecalls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately andcontinued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged thebattery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength,this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting thatseveral phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers'ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established acarrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone everyfew hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out.Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because thephone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, againassuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Dual-mode analog and digital for widest coverage
• Great battery life for talk and standby time
• Packed with messaging features
• Compatible with many StarTAC accessories
• Up to 250 minutes digital talk time and and 170 hours digital standby time

Amazon.com

The ultracompact Ericsson LX 588 incorporates dual-band/trimode TDMA technology, which allows you to use it on digital and analog networks nationwide.

The LX 588 is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse. Although this phone doesn't have many bells and whistles, it does offer a few popular features: 14 different ring tones, a 200-name phone directory, and built-in vibrating alert. Its SMS and data-transmission capabilities add to its functionality as a reliable business communication tool.

The LX 588 measures 4.2 by 1.9 by 0.9 inches and weighs just 5.4 ounces with battery. Overall, it's a solidly constructed, durable piece of equipment. Its flip cover protects the keypad and screen so the LX 588 can endure a host of everyday traumas. In addition, its tough plastic casing will resist wear and tear, and the 1-inch stub antenna is unlikely to get snagged or damaged. Side-mounted controls let you adjust the volume of a call while talking.

While the LX 588's screen is relatively small, its three-line display is bright, clear, and equipped with the indicators and icons you need for personal or business use. And although the keypad is well spaced, we missed a certain tactile security when placing calls or entering text messages. Every time we dialed a number, we felt we needed to check that it registered correctly. Also, the phone's menus are a bit unorganized. Since it lacks helpful titles or headers, menu navigation is rather unintuitive.

The LX 588 allows you to speed dial by entering just one or two digit codes to reach the first 99 entries. Once you've memorized the number's locations in the phone's memory, this useful feature lets you keep your eyes on what you're doing instead of your phone. Also, the scratch-pad function saves reminders or quick messages, which adds to the phone's usefulness.

While the phone lacks a minibrowser or infrared modem, you can synch it to your PC with a standard data-connection kit.

The phone's NiMH battery is rated for 170 minutes of digital talk time and 50 hours of digital standby time. In our testing, our sample phone held a call for just over 180 minutes, and it lasted for 48 hours in standby mode.

Overall, the Ericsson LX 588 is a no-frills, durable, compact phone at a very reasonable price. If you don't need advanced call management and are willing to live with a few quirks, it's a reasonable choice. --John Schommer, edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Compact
• Large phone-book capacity
• Active flip keypad cover

Cons:

• Not Web enabled
• Menus are unintuitive
• Awkward keypad

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Tri mode coverage for nationwide use
• 200-name phonebook
• Excellent menu set-up
• Protective flip-style keypad cover
• Up to 170 minutes of digital talk time and 50 hours of digital standby time; includes NiMH battery, adapter, and belt clip

Amazon.com

The hugely popular Nokia 5160i is a lightweight personal phonewith impressive talk and standby time that's loaded with a number ofsimple-to-learn features. With its changeable faceplates, 30 differentringer tones, and ever-increasing world of accessories, the 5160i isdesigned for fun, general-purpose use. And while it lacks standardbusiness communications tools--Web, fax, and e-mail capabilities--the5160i's dual-band/tri-mode operation ensures you'll be able to receivecellular service anywhere it's available.

Weighing in at 5.2 ounces(including battery), the 5160i measures 5.2 inches high, 1.4 incheswide, and 0.7 inches deep, not counting a stubby antenna that extendsanother 0.7 inches. As a moderate-weight, midsize phone, the 5160i ishighly portable. It's also extremely rugged in typical mobile phoneenvironments--including being thrown into bags and cases andoccasionally dropped on the ground.

Four buttons handle most of themenu navigation: a hefty button in the middle that Nokia calls the Navikey, up and down arrow buttons that control volume during calls, and akey marked "C" for "clear." Menu navigation is very intuitive. If youtap the Navi key, the first of a series of graphical menu items popsup. Hit the Navi key again to drill down to options within the menu ortap the up or down arrow keys to choose a different menu. The top-levelmenu choices are phone book, messages (SMS and voice mail alerts), calllog, settings (for calls, phone, and security), call forwarding, games(Memory, Snake, and Logic), clock, tones, and keypad lock. The brightlybacklit display works well with the control keys to simplify findingand making choices. In text mode, five 16-character lines aredisplayed.

If you like distinctive ringing tones, you'll be satiatedwith the 5160i, which lets you select from 30 preprogrammed tones toamuse or annoy yourself and others. Set your phone to play reveille onincoming calls and see who salutes, or choose "The Mexican Hat Dance"to get your feet moving. While there's no internal vibration mode, anoptional vibrating battery is available--a pleasant break from the 30ring tones, perhaps. The 100-name phone book is relatively small,compared to other phones. Then again, the phone is truly designed forpersonal use, so it doesn't necessarily need to have an advancedphone's capacious phone book. Seven numbers can be assigned one-touchdialing locations--to dial one, you simply press and hold thecorresponding key (2 through 8).

The Nokia 5160i has the usual--butstill impressive--array of standard call and messaging features. Ifsupported by your carrier, you can use this phone with caller ID, callwaiting, call forwarding, and voice mail alerts. A call historymaintains the last 10 dialed numbers, 10 most recently received calls,and 10 missed calls. The phone supports two-way SMS text messaging, butis not WAP- or Internet-enabled.

There are four types of basicsecurity with the Nokia 5160i: different call restriction modes, phonelock, and access code storage. There is no standard method ofconnecting the 5160i to a PC or other device. While this phone doesn'thave a standard headset jack, options abound for hands-free use, aswell as a universe of compatible accessories, from car connection kitsto the aforementioned faceplates.

The 5160i's NiMH battery is ratedto last for an impressive maximum 195 minutes of digital talk time and200 hours of digital standby time. In our testing, we achieved 180minutes of digital talk time and over 225 hours of digital standbytime. And it only took two hours for the phone to recharge.

Pleasantand even fun to use, the Nokia 5160i makes menu navigation a breeze.Choose your favorite faceplate color and ringer tone and shock theworld! --Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates;edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Portable; intuitive to use
• 5-line screen
• Hundreds of changeable faceplates available
• Huge range of Nokia and third-party accessories

Cons:

• Lacks standard vibration mode
• Not Web-enabled

How We Tested Battery-Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Simple-to-use navigation buttons and graphical screens
• Large 5-line screen
• Changeable faceplates allow personalization
• Large range of accessories for home, office, and auto
• Up to 195 minutes of talk time and 200 hours of digital standby time with standard battery

Amazon.com

The hugely popular Nokia 5190 is a lightweight personal phonewith impressive talk and standby time that's loaded with a number ofsimple-to-learn features. With its changeable faceplates, 35 differentringer tones, fax and e-mail capabilities, and ever-increasing world of accessories, the 5190 isdesigned for fun, general-purpose use. Furthermore, the5190's dual-band/tri-mode operation ensures you'll be able to receivecellular service anywhere it's available.

Weighing in at 5.2 ounces(including battery), the 5190 measures 5.2 inches high, 1.4 incheswide, and 0.7 inches deep, not counting a stubby antenna that extendsanother 0.7 inches. As a moderate-weight, midsize phone, the 5190 ishighly portable. It's also extremely rugged in typical mobile phoneenvironments--including being thrown into bags and cases andoccasionally dropped on the ground.

Four buttons handle most of themenu navigation: a hefty button in the middle that Nokia calls the Navikey, up and down arrow buttons that control volume during calls, and akey marked "C" for "clear." Menu navigation is very intuitive. If youtap the Navi key, the first of a series of graphical menu items popsup. Hit the Navi key again to drill down to options within the menu ortap the up or down arrow keys to choose a different menu. The top-levelmenu choices are phone book, messages (SMS and voice mail alerts), calllog, settings (for calls, phone, and security), call forwarding, games(Memory, Snake, and Logic), clock, tones, and keypad lock. The brightlybacklit display works well with the control keys to simplify findingand making choices. In text mode, five 16-character lines aredisplayed. And as a bonus, the 5190 is shipped with a Jabra EarSet for hands-free use.

If you like distinctive ringing tones, you'll be satiatedwith the 5190, which lets you select from 35 preprogrammed tones toamuse or annoy yourself and others. Set your phone to play reveille onincoming calls and see who salutes, or choose "The Mexican Hat Dance"to get your feet moving. While there's no internal vibration mode, anoptional vibrating battery is available--a pleasant break from the 30ring tones, perhaps. The 100-name phone book is relatively small,compared to other phones. Then again, the phone is truly designed forpersonal use, so it doesn't necessarily need to have an advancedphone's capacious phone book. Seven numbers can be assigned one-touchdialing locations--to dial one, you simply press and hold thecorresponding key (2 through 8).

The Nokia 5190 has the usual--butstill impressive--array of standard call and messaging features. Ifsupported by your carrier, you can use this phone with caller ID, callwaiting, call forwarding, and voice mail alerts. A call historymaintains the last 10 dialed numbers, 10 most recently received calls,and 10 missed calls. The phone supports two-way SMS text messaging, butis not WAP- or Internet-enabled.

There are four types of basicsecurity with the Nokia 5190: different call restriction modes, phonelock, and access code storage. There is no standard method ofconnecting the 5190 to a PC or other device. While this phone doesn'thave a standard headset jack, options abound for hands-free use, aswell as a universe of compatible accessories, from car connection kitsto the aforementioned faceplates. Also, the 5190 can be tethered to a pcor other computing device for data transmission.

The 5190's NiMH battery is ratedto last for an impressive maximum 195 minutes of digital talk time and200 hours of digital standby time. In our testing, we achieved 180minutes of digital talk time and over 225 hours of digital standbytime. And it only took two hours for the phone to recharge.

Pleasantand even fun to use, the Nokia 5190 makes menu navigation a breeze.Choose your favorite faceplate color and ringer tone and shock theworld! --Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates

Pros:

• Portable; intuitive to use
• 5-line screen
• Hundreds of changeable faceplates available
• Huge range of Nokia and third-party accessories

Cons:

• Lacks standard vibration mode
• Not Web-enabled

How We Tested Battery-Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Simple-to-use navigation buttons and graphical screens
• Large 5-line screen
• Changeable faceplates allow personalization
• Up to 195 minutes of talk time and 200 hours of digital standby time with standard battery
• Includes Jabra EarSet, NiMH battery, and charger

Amazon.com

The Nokia 6162m is a sister phone to the Nokia 6160m, its flip-style keypad cover being the main distinction between the two models.

The Nokia 6162m, a direct descendant of the hugely popular Nokia 5160, is an attractive and reasonably priced phone whose compact size, intuitive menu system, sound ergonomics, and rugged durability have made it one of Nokia's bestselling handsets. While it shares most features with the 5160, it is slimmer, a bit lighter, and offers improved battery performance. It also packs in a few extra features including more ringer styles, three-NAM capability (which lets you register and use the phone with three different carriers), and an extra game.

A glance is enough to see that the 6162m is both attractive and functional. Weighing in at 5.8 ounces and measuring approximately 5.2 by 1.9 by 1 inches, it will fit nicely into your pocket or purse. The large display screen clearly shows menu functions and features.

Like the 5160, the 6162 offers such desirable baseline features such as a calendar to keep track of appointments, a calculator, lots of personalization options, and four mildly entertaining games. It supports text messaging, data transmission capabilities and has a phone directory capable of holding up to 199 names and numbers. It's three-NAM capability, ability to work at both 800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequencies, and support for both digital and analog networks provide mobile users with a great deal of flexibility.

Nokia's soft-key menu system is intuitive and helpful. If you pause at any point during menu navigation, a brief pop-up tip appears to clarify that menu function. Those allergic to reading instruction manuals will find the integrated help sufficient for getting though almost any task. The 6162 lets you track incoming calls, outgoing calls, and missed calls in three separate logs. The 'Navi' button, centered just above the keypad cover provides up/down navigation for your phone directory, call logs, menu functions, and volume.

The standard NiMH battery is rated for 3.2 hours of talk time and about 200 hours of standby time. In our battery tests, we were able to hold a call for 3 hours and 10 minutes, and successfully keep the phone on standby for 205 hours, excellent scores by any measure. The performance you'll experience will naturally vary depending on usage, the strength of your local cellular signal, and general battery care. It's worth noting that desktop chargers, supplementary batteries, and car adapters are available should you need more options than the trickle charger that's included with the phone. If you're looking for a durable phone with easy-to-use features, the Nokia 6162m is definitely a strong candidate. --John Schommer, edited by Tom Mace

Pros:

• Compact size
• Excellent ergonomics
• Durable
• Lots of ways to personalize features

Cons:

• Not Web enabled

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Compact design
• Protective flip keypad cover
• 199-name phonebook
• Intuitive menus
• Up to 3.2 hours' talk time and 200 hours' standby time with standard battery

Amazon.com

If you're looking for a full-featured, rugged, and extremely portable digital phone to use all over the world, the Motorola Timeport L7089 may fit the bill. This classy, slim phone weighs just 4 ounces with battery and features intuitive control keys and a superclear display that aids operation with well-organized menus. With support for three GSM bands (900, 1800, and 1900 GHz), the Timeport L7089 may be more phone--and more expensive--than casual users need. But for demanding users, particularly international travelers, this one is a winner.

The L7089 measures 5 by 1.75 by 0.8 inches and has a stubby 1-inch antenna. The phone is small enough that you can operate it with one hand, using your fingers to cradle it as you press keys and buttons with your thumb. A swivel-style belt clip is included with the phone, but the phone is small enough that you can comfortably carry it in a pocket and sturdy enough that you won't be overly worried about harming it. The L7089 is bundled with a Jabra EarSet and three international plugs for the AC adapter/charger.

The bright, backlit display with three lines of variable-size text (15 characters maximum per line) and has status icons on a fourth line at the top. Prompts for menu or navigation options appear in small letters along the bottom of the display. The prompts print directly above the Clear (marked "C") key and OK key. Other buttons include a vertical roller-bar key to navigate menus and text, a message button marked with an envelope icon, and a go-back and quick-access key labeled with an up arrow. On the left side, you'll find two volume control buttons and a smart button that launches the phone book. On the right side, at the base of the antenna, is a voice recorder start button. There are 11 ringer tones plus a vibrate mode. The phone book can hold 100 numbers, the SIM card (if supported by the carrier) holds 155, and you can store another 40 numbers in a special fixed list for when you want to limit the phone's use to specific numbers. Any 25 numbers stored in the phone can be assigned Voice Tags for voice dialing. Although this feature is technically supported by the carrier rather than the phone, the L7089 is well set up to support the feature, and we found it quick and easy to use.

Advanced features are explained in the user's manual. The manual's font is so small, however, that while it gets high marks itself for portability, tired eyes might wish for easier reading. If you press the quick-access key, 10 common operations are displayed with an array of icons for such operations as changing service bands, muting the phone, toggling the vibration mode, and reading messages. You can use any of the 25 possible Voice Tags to launch quick-access operations instead of phone-book numbers.

The L7089's call-management and security-features list reads like a phone fantasy wish list. Basically, if your GSM carrier has a service (except Internet access) this phone supports it. From conference calling to caller ID and call forwarding to voice-mail alerts, this Motorola does it all. It supports two-way SMS messages and can be set to receive broadcast messages or alerts, if enabled by the carrier.

The L7089's voice-recorder feature is convenient and certainly easy to use, but its 3-minute capacity restricts it to short notes. A simple press of the record button starts and stops the recording, while the remaining available time counts down on the display.

In addition to phone and keypad locking, the Timeport L7089's security features let you control menu and phone-book access and selectively restrict outgoing and incoming calls.

A port on the bottom of the phone can accept an optional data cable, but the Timeport L7089 already has an infrared port for synchronizing phone-book data with a PC. TrueSync PIM software makes it easy to manage your phone book with a desktop or notebook PC to transfer phone book entries to the phone. No software is included to use the phone as a digital modem for PCs or PDAs, and there is no incoming fax mode.

The Timeport L7089's lithium-ion battery is rated for a maximum 210 minutes' digital talk time and 150 hours' digital standby time. In testing, our sample phone held a call for nearly 210 minutes, but it only lasted for 96 hours in standby mode.

If you don't need multiple phone bands in a single phone, the Timeport L7089 may be overkill. However, even if you only travel within one country, this phone's well-executed design and rich set of calling features are appealing. Casual users may not be interested, but frequent callers will be drawn to this phone. --Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates, edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Triband capacity for worldwide use
• Compact size and lightweight in a nicely balanced case
• Wide range of call-management features
• Good talk-time battery performance

Cons:

• International feature set may be overkill for many users
• Not Web-enabled

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Extremely lightweight and slim
• Triband worldwide GSM capability
• Voice memo recording
• Up to 150 hours standby, 210 minutes talk time, with standard battery
• Includes Jabra EarSet

Amazon.com

Nokia's 6190, the GSM model in the company's 6100-series of cellular phones, is a direct descendant of the hugely popular Nokia 5190. We found it to be lighter, handier, and more feature-filled for only a modest increase in price. While the two phones have many features in common, including a 250-number phonebook, 35 ringer tones, and impressive rated battery life, the sky-colored 6190 we tested (provisioned by VoiceStream Wireless) offered a lot of extras. The slimmer case, easy-to-use graphical menus and navigation buttons, and advanced customization features including user profiles and calling groups, make the 6190 a great choice for people who want a reasonably priced handset with something extra for business and personal calls.

At 5.8 ounces and 5.2 by 1.9 by 1 inches, with a stubby 0.8-inch antenna, the 6190 is a bit slimmer and lighter than the 5190. In addition to the numeric keypad, the phone has Talk and End buttons, two smart buttons that work with onscreen prompts, a two-way toggle navigation button, and volume control buttons along the left side. The backlit display lights up for 15 seconds whenever you touch a key. Unlike the 5190, Nokia 6190 doesn't have a removable faceplates, (or at least faceplates that are officially removable, although you can do it with a screwdriver at the expense of voiding your warranty). And as a bonus, however, the 6190 is shipped with a Jabra EarSet for hands-free use.

Like all GSM phones, the 6190 uses a carrier-provided SIM card that defines all call provisioning and features. (Basically, this little chip holds your entire cellular personality including your phone number; you can even use it in another GSM phone.) Specific features of your phone depend on your carrier and plan, but the 6190 supports caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, voice-mail alerts, broadcast news and messages, and two-way SMS text messaging.

In addition to being able to store 250 numbers, the phone lets you assign each phone-book entry to a group that has a distinctive ringer style, so you'll know if someone from work or school is calling before you answer the phone. Although there's no standard vibration mode, a vibrating battery pack is available.

The 6190 has the same calculator and alarm clock found in the 5190, but adds a calendar mode so you can set reminders for calls, meetings, birthdays, and other events. For each event, you can enter text and set alarms. The 6190 also has four games, one more than the 5190, although none of them will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Standard security features include card, phone, and keypad locking; restricted calling modes for incoming and outgoing calls; and monthly calling charge limits. While the 6190 doesn't include standard connectivity cables, an optional data kit enables fax and data transfer.

The 6190's standard NiMH battery is rated for a maximum 300 minutes' digital talk time and 225 hours' digital standby time. In real-world testing, our sample phone held a call for 275 minutes and lasted for 210 hours in standby mode, an impressive result. A step up in features and a step down in weight from the Nokia 5190, the Nokia 6190 combines ease of use with powerful customization features. Overall it's a rugged little phone that's a pleasure to use. --Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates, edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Smaller, lighter, more features than the original 5190
• Capacious phone book with calling groups
• 35 ringer tones
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Lacks standard vibration mode
• Not Web enabled

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Moderate size and lightweight
• An upgraded 5190 with smaller, lighter case and more features
• 35 ringer tones and 250-name phone book
• Up to 300 minutes' talk time, 225 hours' standby time with standard battery
• Includes Jabra EarSet, NiMH battery, and charger

Amazon.com

If you're looking for a phone to act as the cornerstone for all of your mobiledigital communications needs, consider the NeoPoint 1000. While somewhat largerthan average, this digital-only phone has an excellent 11-line display, lots ofbuilt-in functionality (including calendar, to-do list, and 1,000-record contactdatabase/phone book), and a data cable and software for connecting to PCs andPDAs. To ease data entry, the NeoPoint 1000 has a T9 smart keypad, and nicelyintegrates voice command and voice dialing features. While it lacks a vibrationmode and headset jack, and has relatively short battery standby time, it isarguably the best phone on the market today for Web access. This phone is onlyavailable with Sprint PCS service, so you want to be sure that Sprint PCS'sgeographical coverage meets your needs.

The single-band 1,900 MHz CDMANeoPoint 1000 weighs in at 6.6 ounces with battery, which is a bit more thanaverage. It has a flip cover that protects the keyboard but leaves the large1.5-inch-wide-by-2-inch-high display and five navigation buttons exposed. Theattractive case measures 5.5 by 2.1 by 1.0 inches (plus a 0.75-inch collapsedantenna). The phone's weight and dimensions may give you a moment's pause:carrying it clearly involves something of a commitment. Fortunately, carryingthis phone also means that you may be able to avoid carrying a separate pagerand PDA. The phone feels lighter than it looks, and its components fit well andmake a sturdy impression.

You scroll through icon menus using a four-positionjoystick-like key. The other keys are marked M (menu) and B (back), and thereare two smart keys that select onscreen prompts, when applicable. The on-offbutton is on the top of the phone, with volume toggle on the left side. When youflip open the cover, a standard keypad including talk, end, and CLR keys isexposed. You can choose from 10 different ringer tones and melodies, and theycan be assigned independently to incoming calls, messages, roaming, voice mail,alarms, and e-mail.

The phone's 1,000-name phone book lets you add up to fivenumbers, an e-mail address, mailing address, and personal notes for each entry.Fortunately, you can synchronize the NeoPoint 1000 with a PC to transfer contactinfo, notes, and appointments. The cables and software are included.

TheNeoPoint 1000 ably handles all of the Sprint PCS service features includingcaller ID, call waiting, voice mail notification, e-mail, one-way SMS textmessaging, and the wireless Web. The phone also maintains a history of the last30 calls, including incoming, outgoing, missed, and data calls.

The backlitdisplay makes it much easier to read content than smaller phone displays thatshow only three or four lines at once. This feature puts the NeoPoint 1000 inthe front ranks of the current crop of Internet phones.

The voice commandfeature, which lets you train the phone to dial phone numbers from the phonebook or issue commands, is easy to learn. While voice command is technically afeature of the Sprint PCS network, it is well integrated into the phone'sinterface. Just point to the menu item or phone number you'd like to voice- activate, tap a couple of keys, and follow the prompts to speak the commandtwice. To activate a command, you simply press the volume key and wait for avoice prompt. We had no trouble programming it to respond appropriately to"browse the Web," or "call my office."

The NeoPoint 1000 has a phone locksetting and a restricted mode that enables dialing 911 and four programmednumbers only. There is also a feature to erase all personal information held inthe phone.

The NeoPoint 1000's lithium-ion battery is rated for a maximum 150minutes digital talk time and 40 hours digital standby time. In our testing, itran longer on the talk time test (186 minutes) but died after 32 hours instandby mode.

The NeoPoint 1000 is a relatively large phone you may have tocharge often, but in return you'll find a rich load of communications features,including one of the best displays available for wireless Internet access.

--Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates, edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Excellent display, menus, and navigation controls
• Rich functionality for storing contact info
• Attractive, attention-getting case

Cons:

• Larger and a little heavier than most phones
• No headset jack or vibration mode
• Short battery standby time
• Single mode, only works in digital service areas

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phonebattery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables,including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency(including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, andbattery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handsetmanufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings,they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer tothe times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery liferanges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience atleast the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital andanalog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, asanalog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone.Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to themanufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phoneon, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and,when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook.When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when thephone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped thecalls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately andcontinued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged thebattery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength,this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting thatseveral phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers'ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established acarrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone everyfew hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out.Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because thephone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, againassuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Protective flip-cover
• Large display for text messaging and Wireless Web
• Voice command and voice dialing
• 1,000-name phone book
• Single mode, works only in digital service areas; includes lithium-ion battery, charger, wrist strap, data cable, and software

Amazon.com

Although we have a slight quibble about this phone's overall performance, the Mitsubishi T250 is still a suitable phone for Web use. Its generous 10-line screen (8 lines of text) and quadmode technology, combined with AT&T's PocketNet service, makes for good surfing. And with a tap of the Mode button, you can toggle between Web and phone features. While the phone's processor seems a bit sluggish and its battery life isn't the greatest, if you are looking for data phone, the T250's Web features may whet your appetite.

The T250 operates as a quadmode TDMA phone for voice calls, and it provides access to Internet and data services over the CDPD network, a packet-based wireless IP network. It measures 5.6 by 2.2 by 1.0 inches and weighs 7.1 ounces including battery. Even though its design is reminiscent of earlier cellular phone models, the T250 is well balanced and highly portable. The battery clips on and off easily, and the headset jack is located on the right side.

The Menu and Express navigation keys are located right in the center of the phone. The Express key is also doubles as a shortcut to voice-mail and text-message mailboxes. As you scroll through menu options, prompts appear over the Left and Right Softkeys. You use these keys to execute any action displayed on the screen. Press and hold the Mode key to power the phone on or off; or press it lightly to toggle back and forth between voice and data modes. The T250 also provides Send, End, and Clear keys, and features a generally well-designed keypad.

The T250's 10-line, backlit-indigo screen is better than that of any phone we have seen, and it allows you to see your entire range of options without much navigation. The menu provides a standard set of options: You can log on to the Web wirelessly, set caller preferences, check on your phone's status, enable a variety of security features, access your phonebook, and more. While the menu itself is set up well, the phone's processing speed seemed surprisingly slow. We experienced sluggish reaction times with almost every task we tried, from scrolling through phonebook entries to navigating the Web.

The phonebook holds up to 99 names and numbers. You can manage your phonebook entries by assigning any of the four ringer melodies to them. (This way, you know who's calling by the sound of the ringer.) When we updated our phone book, we noticed the T250 alternated unpredictably between standard alphabetical entry and a T9 entry mode. Also, the T250's ringer was barely audible even at full volume.

If secure usage is one of your hot buttons, the T250's authenticated and encrypted data transmission, wireless fraud protection, and electronic locking features are sure to please. To enter this menu, you are required to enter your security code. Then, you can set different call restrictions, lock codes, clear any phone-book or call-log numbers, and reset your browser cache.

The T250's data port is located at the bottom of the unit. Using a standard data cable, we found it simple to tether the T250 to our PC. The modem installation procedure, handled by our computer, took less than five minutes, and the user manual is designed to walk even a first-time user through all the steps without fail. Once we were in sync, we could swap phonebook information, text messages, and e-mails back and forth. Except for the phone's generally slow response times, navigating the Web was enjoyable.

The T250's NiMH battery is rated for 120 minutes' digital talk time and 120 hours' of digital standby time. Our own battery testing produced somewhat mixed results. We could not confirm the talk-time rating, as we never got a call to hold longer than an hour despite testing in an area with strong AT&T service. The phone did last for five days in standby mode, but we noticed significant battery loss if we performed the simplest functions, and everyday calling drained the battery quickly. If you are serious about owning this phone, we highly recommend purchasing an additional battery for your peace of mind.

Unquestionably, the phone has the best screen we've seen and some technically advanced features, but the T250 seems to have as many quirks as it has advantages.

--Thom Arno

Pros:

• Best screen available today
• Web access
• Quadmode TDMA technology

Cons:

• Inaudible ringer
• Sluggish processor
• Comparatively fast battery drain

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Quadmode TDMA technology
• Superb 10-line indigo-backlit screen
• Web enabled
• Balanced design and construction
• Up to 120 minutes talk time and 120 hours standby time with standard battery; includes NiMH battery and charger

Amazon.com Product Description

Compatible with Sprint wireless service, the Motorola Talkabout T8167 cell phone runs on CDMA networks and includes features such as a WAP microbrowser, caller ID, speed dial, vibrate alert mode, and a 99-number phone book. There's also a handy, service cost-control feature, SMS messaging, and FAX-capability. This phone can sync with your PC as well, using optional accessories. It weighs 4.8 oz. and measures 2.3 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches. ... Read more

Features

• Includes a WAP microbrowser and SMS messaging
• Features caller ID, speed dial, and more
• Handy, service cost-control feature
• Internal phone book features 99 programmable numbers
• Runs on CDMA networks

Amazon.com

An attractive contoured design, swappable "phone wrap" fashion covers, two-way SMS capabilities, and a reasonable price are some of the highlights of the new Motorola V2397 phone. This unit is a dual-band, dual-mode TDMA phone that measures 6.5 by 2.0 by 1.1 inches, and weighs in at 5.2 ounces. While relatively large, it is lightweight, balanced, and easily portable.

Motorola's characteristic smart-button navigation, commonly seen on the company's StarTAC phones, guides you through the V2397's menu options. The keypad design is less cluttered and confusing than StarTAC phones, however--a definite improvement. Although you still have to use the FCN (function) button to access menu options, all control keys (Function, Store, Clear, Recall) are well spaced. The raised, oval-shaped keypad buttons were quite responsive, and we rarely misdialed a call. The phone felt good to hold, and we could dial one-handed. The four-line screen (two lines of text, two lines of status icons) is backlit and easy to read. A standard 2.5-millimeter communication jack for hands-free devices is integrated into the phone.

The V2397's handy call management features, including scratchpad memory, one-touch speed-dial locations, multiple call timers, and any-key answer, help you organize your communications. You can store up to 99 numbers in the V2397's phone book, although it does not support multiple entries per contact. Entering phone numbers is easy. Just punch in the number and a unique descriptor, and assign it a memory location. The phone has nine ringer tones, although you can't assign a specific ringer to individual phone-book entries. The 30-incoming and 20-outgoing call logs help you keep track of your conversations, although the V2397 lacks a missed-call log. Other missing features include a minibrowser, PIM functions, profile settings, assignable ringers, and vibrating alert. The V2397 does support caller ID, call waiting, voice-mail alerts, and two-way SMS text messaging, which lets you send and receive alphanumeric messages with other devices. Unfortunately, there is no way to tether the V2397 to a PC, so you can't use it as a digital modem, or import your computer's address book to the phone.

To keep your V2397 secure, you can use a four-digit code to lock the whole phone or to restrict outgoing calls to one of 10 numbers stored in special memory locations. You can also block your caller ID information from showing up on a call recipient's phone.

The V2397's NiMH batteries are rated up to 100 minutes' talk time and 110 hours' standby time. In our testing, the V2397 held a call for 105 minutes, and it lasted for 112 hours in standby mode.

A basic phone for everyday use, the Motorola V2397 scores high marks in visual design and reliability, but it lacks many desirable features. Still, interchangeable phone wraps, two-way text messaging, and a very reasonable price are reasons enough to give this phone consideration.

--Thom Arno, edited by Tom Mace

Pros:

• Impressive new design
• Swappable phone wraps with an included blue wrap
• Two-way SMS support

Cons:

• Awkward menu navigation
• Lacks several standard features, including Web access

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, because analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Because no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Hot new design
• 2-way SMS support
• Up to 100 minutes' talk time and 110 hours' standby time with standard battery
• Weighs 5.4 ounces with battery
• Includes NiMH batteries, charger, headset, and blue phone wrap

Amazon.com

Worldwide network support, an arresting design, and hardware-based voice-activated dialing capability are some of the highlights of the Nokia 8890, one of the company's hottest new phones. World travelers will appreciate being able to use the phone in more than 120 countries, and others will be swayed by its cool, ultracompact design, intuitive menu system, and slew of call management features. We also found call reception and quality to be excellent, in part because the 8890's retractable antenna has been significantly enhanced over that of its predecessor, the Nokia 8860. Not surprisingly, this sleek package doesn't come cheap. The 8890 is Nokia's highest priced phone, and it's more than twice as expensive as other global phones.

The 8890's compact size does not diminish its functionality or usability. Its sleek chrome buttons are slightly raised, and we had no trouble placing calls with one hand. The Send, End, and menu navigation keys are located above the sliding keypad cover, and, after a bit of programming, we could access phone-book entries, place voice-activated calls, and use any of the PIM functions without even opening the keypad cover. Even though the 8890 has an amazing array of menu options and customization features, we found them easy to locate and understand due to Nokia's built-in tutorial and concise explanations.

The 8890 comes loaded with call management features, including a 250-name phone book, a calendar that can hold up to 50 appointments, predictive T9 text input, customizable profiles, scratchpad memory, voice-activated dialing, and two-way text messaging. Two-way text messaging lets you send and receive e-mail messages, and you can also get sports, news, and weather updates as text messages. Like other Nokia GSM phones in the United States, the 8890 does not have a minibrowser for wireless Internet access.

The infrared modem enables seamless data transfer without having to tether the 8890 to your PC. It also enables two-way instant messaging from phone to phone within a limited direct-sight range. Cool new features such as electronic business cards and picture messaging further enhance its capabilities.

The 8890 has an easily activated keypad lock to prevent accidental calls. Opening the sliding keypad cover automatically enables the keypad, while closing the cover essentially locks it. The 8890 also offers an initial security code, call restriction modes, and a lock code that can activate or deactivate memory and menu options. One nice thing about the lock code feature is that you can store numbers in a secret unlocked location, which will let you make calls even if the phone is locked. Added features include an alarm clock, four amusing games, and built-in vibrating alert.

As with almost all Nokia phones, the 8890's battery life is outstanding. Its lithium-ion battery boasts two to three hours of talk time and up to six days of standby time. In our testing, the phone held a call for 185 minutes and lasted for 140 hours in standby mode.

Aside from the lithium-ion battery, the 8890 comes with a universal charger and a Nokia headset. If you are looking for a sophisticated wireless phone for use all over the world, the 8890 will serve you well. --John Schommer, edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Can be used in more than 120 countries
• Ultracompact size
• Attractive brushed-aluminum casing
• Infrared modem
• 2-way SMS with picture messaging
• PIM functions

Cons:

• Not Web enabled
• Battery tricky to remove

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, because analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Because no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Striking design, tiny case
• Worldwide GSM coverage
• Mobile originated SMS
• Up to 180 minutes of talk time, 144 hours of standby time
• Weighs only 2.8 ounces with battery; includes Lithium-ion battery, travel charger, desktop charger, and Nokia headset

Amazon.com

With the introduction of its striking 8260 digital phone, one of the hottest new handsets on the market, Nokia sets a new standard for eye-catching style and extreme portability.

Great looks by themselves don't make a phone, but the 8260's style does not come at the expense of substance. We were impressed with its robust construction, nice fit and finish, and easy-to-navigate controls. The 8260 also boasts dual-band/trimode electronics, a newly designed internal antenna, excellent talk and standby times, and a host of sophisticated functions including e-mail and two-way SMS capabilities. The only real missing feature is Web-browsing support.

Where did this tiny phone come from? Essentially, Nokia updated the electronics and boosted the antenna power of its high-end classic, the 8860; put the new design in a sleek, tiny package; and significantly lowered the price. The 8260 also borrows the easy navigation and ease of use that is a hallmark of its popular 5100-series phones.

Although many of the 8260's features are available in other premium phone models, its design is like nothing you've ever held. Weighing a mere 3.4 ounces and measuring 4.1 by 1.75 by 0.75 inches, the 8260 literally fits in the palm of your hand.

The side-mounted volume-control keys were easy to operate while on a call, and we hooked up a hands-free kit to the headphone jack so we could stow the phone in our pocket while having conversations. One caveat: the tiny power button, located on top of the phone, is almost flush with the casing and hard to find. You won't be likely to turn the phone on inadvertently, but at times it was a challenge to turn the phone on at all. Other than this quibble, the 8260 is a joy to use.

Three buttons handle most of the menu navigation: a roller-bar navigation key lets you scroll through menu options, and two additional buttons let you select menu options as they appear. The right prompt button also provides one-touch access to your phonebook. The top-level menu choices are: Messages (SMS and voicemail alerts), Call Log, Profiles (so you can choose how your phone behaves in different environments), Settings (for calls, phone, and security), System (so you can select a service provider or opt for automatic selection), Games (Rotation, Memory, Snake, and Logic), Calculator, Calendar and Keyguard Lock. The backlit, three-line display works well with the control keys, and we found it easy to locate menus and make selections. Despite the phone's small size, the keypad is well spaced, and we had no problems dialing with one hand.

The Nokia 8260 has a full roster of call and messaging features. If offered by your service plan, it supports caller ID, call waiting, two-way SMS, voicemail, numeric paging, multiparty calling, and e-mail. Three different call logs maintain the last 10 dialed numbers, 10 most recently received calls, and 10 missed calls. PIM functions include a clock, currency converter, calculator, calendar with room for 50 appointments and reminders, and a 250-entry phonebook. There is no standard method of connecting the 8260 to a PC or other device.

A few more cool things worth noting: The 8260 has three-NAM capability, so you can route three different numbers to the phone. Its built-in vibrating alert guarantees you will get your calls without annoying the people sitting next to you. And we have to mention Nokia's new game, Rotation. Most phone games are pretty lame, but this organizational puzzle can actually raise your pulse.

The 8260 offers four basic security features: An initial security code, keypad lock, call restriction modes, and a lock code that can activate or deactivate memory and menu options. One nice thing about the lock-code feature is you can store numbers in a secret unlocked location, which will allow you to make calls even if the phone is locked.

The 8260's lithium-ion battery is rated to last for a maximum of 210 minutes of digital talk time and 192 hours of digital standby time. In our battery testing (using the 8260 with AT&T service), it came impressively close. We held an open call for just over three hours, and the phone lasted for nearly eight days in standby mode. These are impressive numbers for any phone, but especially for one of this size and weight.

In sum, the 8260 is one of the lightest, smallest, most stylish phones around, and it backs up its cool appearance with solid construction and functions. Unless you need a phone with a minibrowser, this unit is an excellent match for almost any personal or professional communications need.--Thom Arno, edited by Tom Mace

Pros:

• Tiny size, stylish case
• Solid construction, intuitive use
• E-mail and 2-way SMS capable, built-in PIM
• Impressive battery life

Cons:

• No browser capability
• Hard-to-locate power button

How We Tested Battery-Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength. ... Read more

Features

• Striking design
• E-mail and 2-way paging capabilities
• Full set of PIM functions
• Up to 3.5 hours of digital talk time and 8 days of digital standby time with standard battery
• Weighs 3.1 ounces with battery; includes Lithium-ion battery, charger, and Nokia hands-free headset

Amazon.com

Is it strange that the Ericsson T28 phone is the same color as your passport? Not really, when you consider that this GSM dual-band phone can be used on digital networks in more than 140 countries throughout six continents. International travelers, or anyone who appreciates a genuine value, will be drawn to the T28's tiny size, global compatibility, rich call management features (including voice-activated dialing), and astonishingly low price.

Weighing a mere 2.8 ounces (including battery), the T28 measures 3.8 by 1.9 by 0.6 inches, not counting a stub antenna that extends another 1.2 inches. It's worth noting that the T28 is currently the lightest phone on the market, and it offers unparalleled portability.

Out of the box, we were impressed with the T28's design and flip keypad cover. The uncluttered keypad features Yes and No buttons, which, along with the up and down arrows, allow seamless menu navigation. The CLR button corrects mistakes, while the No button brings you back to the main screen whenever you are done cruising the menus. The flip keypad cover (controlled by a tiny release button on the right side of the case), side volume keys, and backlight and contrast controls add to the T28's efficient design and ease of use. The three-line screen (two lines of text and one line of icons) is rather small, but it's suitable for entering phone-book contacts and sending short text messages. The rocker-bar volume key doubles as a status indicator, which lets you check the profile the phone is set for and how much battery life remains.

The phone book normally holds 99 entries; however, the SIM card can store up to 250 names and numbers in its memory. The 10 group lists--including 3 customized lists--and 15 different ringers help you organize your contacts. If you assign a ringer to a group entry, you'll know right away if someone from work or if one of your friends is calling. You can also save up to 10 different e-mail addresses, a time saver when sending short text messages. The T28 supports two-way SMS messaging (15-message capacity), and it even has a couple of templates if you send out one or more standard messages on a regular basis.

As any good phone should, the T28 supports carrier-dependent services such as caller ID, call waiting, and voice mail. Standard 30-number call logs, both incoming and outgoing, are a useful reference, while the two calling-card memory locations will prove valuable to anyone who makes a lot of long-distance calls. Throw in any-key answering, muting capabilities, customizable tones and alerts, and built-in vibrating call alert, and the T28 measures up to just about any phone out there. Built-in games include Tetris and solitaire. The phone also features an alarm clock, stopwatch, and calculator.

Using the Profiles menu, you can customize phone settings for six different environments, so the phone will ring quietly at work or loudly at the airport. And, if your carrier supports it, Network Select allows you to prioritize and select the systems from which you can obtain service, which is especially handy while roaming at home and abroad. The phone provides good support for carrier-based voice command operation. We had no problems setting up our 10 voice labels or getting the phone to recognize a name while we were in a loud room. We also connected the T28 to a Jabra EarSet (included) and trained the phone for voice answering. This cool feature lets you accept or reject incoming calls with simple "Answer" or "Busy" commands whenever the T28 is connected to a hands-free kit.

The T28 offers customary security settings, including SIM card lock, keypad lock, and lock dial, which limits outgoing calls to your specifications. The security code feature allows you to restrict access to calling-card numbers and other functions, while Erase All wipes out all your saved text messages. You can also restrict access to phone-book entries and erase its memory in one fell swoop. The T28 also supports digital voice encryption, to ensure that only you and the person you're talking to can hear the conversation. This feature is carrier-dependent as well, so check with your service provider to make sure they support it as well.

The T28 doesn't provide a minibrowser because this feature is not currently supported by VoiceStream Wireless. You can use the phone as a wireless modem with your PC or PDA to swap phone-book information, as well as send and receive data faxes, upload and download files, and make Internet calls on the mobile network. Naturally, carrier dependencies apply, but if you marry the right service plan to the T28, you'll be set to use your phone as an extension of your office.

The T28's ultra-slim lithium-polymer battery is rated for up to 150 minutes of digital talk time and 70 hours of digital standby time. In our testing, the phone held a call for an impressive 190 minutes, and ran for 72 hours in standby mode.

With its ultra-compact design, highly customizable call management features, and multiband GSM support, the Ericsson T28is well suited both for travelers-at-large and homebodies who want the ultimate in portability. Also, after testing its coolMP3 player and FM radio accessories (optional), we wanted them both. If you are looking for a versatile, feature-rich phone that can place and receive calls all over the world, the T28 is a treasure. --Arno Kazarian

Pros:

• Global use
• Voice-activated dialing and answering
• Incredible portability
• Tiny form factor

Cons:

• Not Web enabled
• Small screen

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, because analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls.