Cheaper Mobile Calls over the Internet
Mobile communication requires two things, a mobile phone or smartphone, and a network operator. You can’t make that voice call, check your e-mail, take a look at a web or WAP site without having these things up and running…right?
Well, yes and no!
In addition to the services provided by your network, you can make use of other communication systems to cut them out of the loop completely.
There are various options available and not only can they help keep you in touch with your own wider world, but they will also save you a bit of cash into the process.
To take advantage you’ll need a smartphone with Wi-Fi on board. This can be found in Nokia’s higher end S60 smartphones and many Windows Mobile smartphones. Only owners of Palm devices are likely to miss out as it’s sadly absent on the new Palm Centro.
There are many options to choose from such as Frong, Truphone and Skype.
Danger Sidekick Slide
Pros - Using e-mail and IM with the QWERTY keyboard is a plus as is the Wi-FI. The carousel user interface and trackball are fun to use.
Cons - The Sidekick Slide is big ad heavy and only GPRS enabled for data.
Also Consider - Palm Treo 500v is another consumer oriented smartphone with mobile TV that can be watched in full and wide-screen format.
Killer Application - Messaging - With push-e-mail and instant messaging, this is a smartphone that may even get the youth market swooning.
Verdict - A well thought out handset that’s let down by its bulk.