Samsung Looks to Corn Fields to Help Produce New Mobile Phones

The Olympics are not the only thing rocking Asia this past few weeks.
In South Korea, Samsung is set to reveal their latest entry in the field of environmentally conscious mobile phones, known throughout the industry as "eco-phones".
The Samsung E200 Eco contains parts that are made from bioplastics, that is, materials extracted from corn. Amazingly, it is not the first mobile phone to contain such materials. It is the first, however, in which the entire phone casing is made from bioplastic materials. (Source: reghardware.co.uk) But what features does a phone made from corn have to offer?
In addition to being an environmentally friendly product, the E200 Eco contains a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, video messaging capabilities and an MP3 player.
The E200 Eco comes off the heels of two other "green" handsets recently released by Samsung. Both the W510 and F268 are manufactured using techniques that eliminate the need for harmful materials like lead, cadmium and mercury.
Samsung has not stopped with the phones themselves. The battery chargers for both the F268 and the new E200 Eco are now free of a common flame retardant that has long been feared to be harming the environment, while the F268 has a built-in alarm system in its battery charger that emits a loud sound when the phone is fully charged.
Even the packaging for all Samsung "eco-phones" are made from recycled materials.
Samsung is not the only company hoping to develop environmentally friendly mobile phones. NEC Corp. has been using bioplastic materials in most of their phone models since 2006. Nokia is also jumping on board with the crusade, recently announcing that they will introduce 40 new biodegradable models to the market by the end of 2008. (Source: nytimes.com)
Although nobody can doubt that the drive towards eco-friendly innovations is a step in the right direction, some analysts are accusing companies who commit to the "green revolution" of carrying a hidden agenda. While these companies create a wholesome image for their products, many fear that costs will soar, and worse, people will be willing to pay these inflated prices for the simple peace of mind that they are helping to protect the environment.
The Samsung E200 Eco will be released in Europe next month, though the North American release date has yet to be confirmed.

The HTC XDA Mantle - A Phone Built to Last

HTC Xda Mantle - We recently received a parcel from our network partner O2 containing a new device for us to evaluate and review - that device is the Xda Mantle. The background of the Xda Mantle is what you would normally expect in that everything under the hood is manufactured by HTC. The relationship HTC and O2 have goes back some 6 or 7 years now, so there are certainly no concerns over HTC's ability to meet an O2 brief on a new device.
Out of the box this is a far from insignificant device and is quite possibly one of the largest Windows Mobile devices Adam Phones have ever seen. It also tips the scales at 220g, although it's lighter than it looks and when in the hand you notice the weight is distributed relatively evenly across the device.
The Mantle is certainly the heavyweight here, but there is a very good reason for this - the Mantle is not your average executive smartphone. Smartphones are always designed with the user in mind, and while your average executive would not want to walk around with something this big, the Mantle is designed with hard hats and steel toe cap boots in mind. It is without a doubt one of the most ruggedised devices we've come across for some time.
"The Xda Mantle combines great features with a robust, semi-ruggedised device. From logistics to warehousing and transportation, this full featured PDA fits perfectly into any industry." - O2 UK
So, diving in to the box we have exactly what you expect in terms of extras - spare stylus, wall charger, sync cable, screen protector (probably vital given the target market) and finally a very comprehensive case with space for cards, notes and spare memory cards and is secured with a sturdy Velcro clasp.
Moving on to the capabilities of the hardware this is, of course, a Windows Mobile device running variant '6 Professional'. The Mantle is a quad band device running on 3G and has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for short range wireless connectivity. HTC have gone for a 400MHz Qualcomm chipset in the Mantle (excellent choice of manufacturer for the 3G component) and combined with the 1500 mAh battery (one of the physically largest we've seen) provides over 7 hours of talktime when running on GSM and just under 5 hours when running on WCDMA (very impressive by any Windows Mobile standards).
The only element which confused us was that O2's technical breakdown of the Mantle showed a longer talktime on GSM than the standby time on GSM (by an hour) - we can't see how this is possible and assume it is a minor typo in the documentation.
Moving on to some of the other hardware we continued to be impressed. There is an interesting array of hardware buttons on the Mantle (again, probably incorporated for the target audience).One of these is a clickable trackwheel, very similar to that on earlier BlackBerry models which allows you to navigate the OS without having to dig out the stylus. Underneath the trackwheel you have an 'OK' button which closes whatever window you are in, so the combination of the button and the clickable trackwheel let you go in and out of whatever you want easily.
On the body of the device there are 8 hardware buttons - two at the top for email and web access, two under the screen for calendar and contacts, send and end call keys, a Windows menu key and another OK button. You also get a 4-way clickable pad and, saving the best to last, a fingerprint scanner to lock up sensitive files. There are also two heavy duty rubberized bungs (one on the side and one on the top) which, when opened, expose memory expansion slots for full sized SD cards allowing for expansion up to 32GB. The whole package is rounded off nicely with a GPS receiver and a 3.0 megapixel camera.
So what we have here is one of the most multifunctional, expandable, easiest to navigate and toughest Windows Mobile devices that Airtime Manager have come across. Are O2 about to sell out of them in their high street stores - no, but they won't expect to. What the Mantle is, is a workhorse destined for a harsh life in the hands of construction workers and motorcycle couriers, but it'll serve them well and it will survive longer than anything else would in such physically demanding environments.

The War of Offers - Contract Phones Vs Pay As You Go Phones

It is always very confusing for the mobile users, when it comes to choosing the best mobile phone deals. There are so many service providers offering various deals that it becomes very tough to decide as to which one is the best deal. In present times, with so much competition, the users are getting amazing benefits from the service providers.
There are generally two common types of Mobile phones: contract phones and pay as you go phones which are also known as postpaid and prepaid in many countries. With the increasing number of service providers and new generation phones the users always remain confused while choosing the deal.
The Pay as you go mobile phones are good for low-end users who have little money to spend on phone. These services come with a time period of validity for the users. These phones offer a certain amount to be paid to the service provider to make and receive calls. If the talktime balance ends up, the users can receive the calls for the specific period of time as allowed by the service provider. The pay-as-you-go phones are suitable for teenagers, college going students and travellers, as these type of users can keep a track on their mobile usage and the mobile balance.
On the other hand, the contract phones deal is a deal, which include the type of service, usage credit limit, call-rates, discounts and other free services signed between the mobile user and the mobile phone service provider.
The contract phones deal is mostly used by those users whose mobile calls' usage percentage is high. This deal allows the users freedom of uninterrupted mobile services at all possible times. The contract phone deal is such that the mobile user can talk as much as he wants as per his mobile credit limit, which is fixed by the service provider at the time of signing the deal.
The contract phones deal is especially meant for high-profile people and businessmen. The contract phones bill copy is accepted as a residential proof in may countries.
Nowadays, with the stiff and cut-throat competition in the market, the mobile retailers and service provider are offering free gifts with mobile phones to lure and attract the customers. With the invention of 2G and 3G, the mobile retailers and service provider are offering many attractive offers and gifts to clear the stock of old phones. The new category phones are also available with gifts, which include CDs, Bluetooth hands free, mobile cover, T-Shirts, earphones and many months free-service.
It is advisable that the user before going for any deal for their usage must find out, research and analyse the prevailing market trends and search for better services and bargains. The services provider often give away many gifts and accessories with the deal. But before entering into any deal, the users must check all the details of the offers. In this way the user will be able to look for the best products without falling in luring purchase webs.
Both the phones are good for different types of user and needs. One can browse the online mobile phone shops to get more information on contract mobile phones and Pay as you go phones. Check out the mind boggling deals available on these phones and select the one that suits your budget and communication needs.

The Style of the Samsung Armani

The Samsung Armani is one of the most stylish phones ever. It is a phone with the latest facilities in the market today.Thus the phone is the best when it comes to all the latest facilities available in terms of connectivity, ease of handling, messaging and just plain old entertainment. The major feature of this handset is it's 2.6 inch touchscreen. A feature which leaves the famous rivals far behind in terms of technology and features. The touchscreen feature is one of the marvels of this phone with a high resolution screen and it provides the user with very high quality touchscreen controls. Under the touchscreen there is a keyboard which can easily slide out and this keyboard too is provided with QWERTY feature.

This samsung mobile is very comfortable to handle for any user as weighs only 85 grams. The phone is a treat to experience in terms of memory capabilities with about sixty mega bytes of built-in memory and an expandable memory slot. The handset also has the mainstream features of bluetooth, EDGE. The user can take advantage of the facility of connection through the internet through the WAP 2.0 XHTML browser. One of the special features of this phone includes its capability to be connected to other compatible devices through these technologies and also a cabled connection using an USB port This makes the phone one of the most advanced one in the market today.

The Samsung Armani has major photographic and video recording facilities. Thus it has a three mega pixel camera and is thus a photographer's delight. With the help of the Samsung Armani anyone can capture beautiful images and extremely beautiful sequences and moments. Thus it can be a family gathering or a day out in the countryside, you can capture these precious moments. All of this can be captured as moments to be cherished forever through the Samsung Armani.

The phone has also a number of other extremely interesting and useful features as well. The most notable among them is the caller identification feature. the help of this feature the user can know what is the number of the caller. Another interesting feature of this phone is that the caller identification feature allows him to attach an image or a photo to a contact in his phone book. In addition to this there is also the feature of the provision of the hands free concept and thus the use can sit on a chair while taking a call kept on the table without actually picking up the cell.

This handset has many messaging features. The phone supports SMS, MMS and also has a mobile e-mail service. The SMS feature has the predictive system of messaging so that the user does not have to type the whole word and this will hence save time. The handset also has the most amazing music features. Hence the user can enjoy music through the built-in music player and the radio. He can download music in most of the conventional formats and thus can have a great time with the Samsung Armani.

Motorola Mobile Phones Vs LG Mobile Phones - Enjoy the Difference With Pride

Communication technology has undergone several fruitful and amazing changes from past few years. The technological advancement has fully revolutionised the communication concept and its best example is mobile phones. The mobile gadgets are highly innovative and technologically advanced devices, which have given a new concept of highly effective communication. These ultimate communication tools have become a basic need today as they offer lot of amazing facilities.

Nowadays, there are thousands of ultimate handsets available in the market and the users can go for any model which attracts them the most. Many mobile manufacturing companies have established themselves as pioneers in this domain like Motorola, Samsung, Lg, Sony Ericsson etc. Motorola Mobile phones and LG Mobile phones are the best selling handsets, which are highly admirable for their great looks and outstanding features. Both, the Motorola Mobile phones as well as the LG Mobile phones are best in their own way. However, the Motorola Mobile phones vs LG Mobile phones comparison is hard job to do.

Motorola mobile phones are highly innovative devices, which have made their distinct position in the heart of customers. These ultimate mobile gadgets are enriched of all the latest features and techniques, which are necessary for an effective communication. Whether it is the matter of looks or functioning, Motorola devices will never disappoint you. These highly fantastic mobile machines are packed with thousands of useful features, which make the usage of these gadgets more interesting.

You will fall in love with the highly alluring looks of the Motorola gadgets. These enticing devices comes with extremely appealing looks and are beautifully crafted to draw customers attention. Moreover, the large TFT screen of the Motorola handsets gives a pleasing viewing and working experience to the users. The world class camera with autofocus and flash features, gives high quality images to the users and give them an exciting photography experience.

Not only this, the Motorola mobile phones also provide latest connectivity features like GPRS, Bluetooth, USB etc. which allow the users to share several documents, images, wallpapers and songs with their friends. Besides this, the Motorola gadgets are well furnished with great quality media player, along with a FM radio with RDS.

The LG mobile Phones give a strict competition to the Motorola gadgets. The highly elegant inventions of LG are attractive enough to catch your attention. These unique devices are embedded with various amazing and highly useful features. The most important feature of the LG handsets is their extremely beautiful design. You can opt for any dazzling LG mobile device, according to your requirement and budget.

Not only looks, the LG gadgets are also furnished with several other highly fantastic features. Whether we talk about its large TFT screen, its powerful camera, connectivity features and vast memory, all are awesome. You can miss the extremely pleasing photography experience with these fascinating LG mobile devices.

Nowadays, there are many new invention of LG, which let the users to do their business work easily. What can be more pleasing than this facility, which allows you to handle your office work just by sitting at home. If you are tired of your hectic schedule, then the LG mobile Phones offer great entertaining facilities to you. You can listen to your favourite music any time you want and can rejuvenate yourself with its highly pampering musical experience.

The Motorola Mobile phones and LG Mobile phones are excellent communication devices, which can gratify you fully with their highly enticing features.