Latest Mobiles

Connectivity is all the rage with everyone wanting to Tweet about what they had for lunch and then how upset their stomach got or find out what’s the latest dope with pals on Facebook etc. etc. etc. Oh and of course there’s the occasional need to download emails and see what your boss is raving and ranting about now and the extra work he’s given you. The net is also extremely handy when someone throws a big word or strange term at you and you’re clueless about the meaning or connotation, enter Google or Wikipedia. So needless to say, to put it in a nutshell the internet has become a necessity these days and we can’t often use our laptops or even Netbooks sometimes considering the size so the mobile phone becomes the pivotal force driving our thirst for web access.

While EDGE and GPRS (Yes I know, I know 3G is still a while away for a majority of us) are still going to be the main sources for our mobile web access, Wi-Fi is also getting immensely popular all the time. So handsets with Wi-Fi access are in demand. But for those of you who don’t want to spend a whole lot of money on devices that used to be considered business oriented, here are a few choices that should fit a reasonable budget.


Omnia Pro B7320 – Rs. 14, 099 (MOP)

Samsung’s latest business handset that was launched just a little while ago is a smart looking Smartphone and comes loaded with goodies. The handset runs on a Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard edition OS which keeps things simple yet lively for those looking to connect to Social Networks or the net in general. The onboard 3 megapixel camera features Geotagging as well as face and smile detection which makes this a very worthwhile consideration especially considering the pricing.




Other features include -
A 2.4-inch TFT LCD with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution
Full QWERTY keypad
3G with HSDPA support, EDGE/GPRS
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with A2DP, USB 2.0
GPS with A-GPS support
Samsung’s DNSe for audio enhancement
3MP AF camera
FM radio with RDS
microSD card support for external memory


BlackBerry Curve 8520 – Rs. 14,990 (MOP)
This Curve model is what I like to call the ‘Affordable’ BlackBerry. Sure there are other models nearly as cheap but non compare with the 8520 in terms of features. From full multimedia support for videos and music and a camera with Image Stabilization on board as well as the full use of all of RIM’s BlackBerry services, it makes it a very well rounded business and fun handset. Since RIM has just launched the Open GSMN version for all carriers it’s just become even more appealing.

Nokia N900

Nokia's Linux-based N900

Finally the Nokia N900 has made an official appearance as the company has marked the next phase in the evolution of Maemo Software with the new device recently. Taking its cues from the world of desktop computing, the open source Linux-based Maemo software delivers a PC-like experience on a handset-sized device.

The Nokia N900 has evolved from Nokia’s previous generation of Internet Tablets and broadens the choice for technology enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to multitask and browse the internet like they would on their desktop computer. Running on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 is designed to empower users to have dozens of application windows open while running simultaneously and taking full advantage of the cellular features like the touch screen and QWERTY keyboard.

“With Linux software, Mozilla-based browser technology and now also with cellular connectivity, the Nokia N900 delivers a powerful mobile experience,” says Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Markets, Nokia. “The Nokia N900 shows where we are going with Maemo and we’ll continue to work with the community to push the software forward. What we have with Maemo is something that is fusing the power of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone, and it is great to see that it is evolving in exciting ways.”

The Nokia N900 will feature –

• a 3.5 inch touch-sensitive widescreen display with an 800 × 480 pixel resolution
• full physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard and on-screen virtual keyboard as well
  
• 32GB of storage, which is expandable up to 48GB via a microSD card
• 3.5mm earphone and handsfree socket
  
• 5 megapixel CMOS sensor autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics and a Tessar lens as well as a Dual LED flash
• Photo editor on device
• Video recording
• TV Out (PAL/NTSC) via Connectivity Cable (included in box) or WLAN/UPnP
• Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP
• Integrated GPS with A-GPS support
  
• Video playback includes XviD support
• Built-in FM transmitter and radio
  
• Maemo browser powered by Mozilla technology and Adobe Flash 9.4 support

The Nokia N900 is equipped with an ARM Cortex-A8 processor, up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. The result is what should be PC-like multitasking, allowing many applications to run simultaneously. Check out the video showcasing the UI.