Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon)

Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) is nearly identical in design to the Sprint Palm Pixi, sharing the same dimensions, 2.63 inch multi touch screen, and full QWERTY keyboard. Verizon also packages Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) with the same accessories, which include a travel charger, a USB cable, and reference material. However, in addition to the limited edition artist series back plates, you can also choose from one of five new colored back covers, available in blue, green, orange, pink, or black.

Each costs US$ 29.99 (the artists series cost US$ 49.99 each) and all are compatible with the Touchstone charging dock. For more details about the smartphone's user interface and look and feel, please read our full review of Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) for Sprint. For more add-ons, please check our cell phone accessories, ringtones, and help page.

Features
Obviously, the big news here is the addition of Wi-Fi. Though more of an entry level device and with 3G support, some might argue that Wi-Fi isn't a necessity, but we'd have to disagree. With all the data intensive apps on smartphones these days, it's good to have another means of connectivity. Wi-Fi can provide faster speeds for Web browsing, streaming media, or downloads, especially when a carrier's 3G network is overloaded by users; it provides another method for getting online when you're out of a 3G coverage area.

In the case of Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon), you also get the benefit of using the smartphone as a mobile Wi-Fi router. How? Glad you asked. At launch, you will be able to download a program called Palm Mobile Hotspot from the App catalog that lets you turn your Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) into a mobile hot spot or Wi-Fi router and tether up to five devices to share a mobile broadband connection using Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network. This feature is exclusive to the Verizon Pixi Plus and Pre Plus but we should note, it also comes with a price.

You will need to sign up for a Verizon 3G hot spot plan, which costs US$ 40 per month and comes with a 5GB data cap. If you go over the monthly allowance, you will be charged an additional five cents per MB. For comparison, the mobile broadband plans for the Sprint and Verizon MiFi's cost US$ 60 per month with the same 5GB data cap and overage fees. Aside from Wi-Fi and 3G, Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) also offers Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP stereo Bluetooth support and built-in GPS.

As with other WebOS devices, the smartphone comes preloaded with Google Maps, which offers maps with satellite view, real time positioning, business searches, traffic data, and simple text based instructions. However, if you're after voice guided turn by turn directions, you'll have to subscribe to Verizon's location based service, VZ Navigator.

Motorola Brute i680

Motorola Brute i680 should be able to withstand just about anything you can throw at it. It's large (3.92 inches tall by 2.09 inches wide by 1 inch deep), heavy (5.63 ounces), and is covered in a tough plastic and rubber skin. Indeed, the handset feels very solid in the hand and the sturdy hinge ensures that it opens and shuts with authority. We dropped the handset onto a concrete floor and even threw it across the room onto carpet. Both times, there wasn't a scratch and the phone kept on ticking.

Sure, the black and gray color scheme screams industrial, but this a device built for brawn over beauty. The external display is a bit bigger than a postage stamp, but it supports 65.000 colors (160x120 pixels). It supports photo caller ID, displays your recently called phone numbers, and doubles as a viewfinder for the camera. Speaking of which, the lens sits just above next to the flash. We'd prefer to have a camera shutter control on the phone's exterior, but one is not available.

On the top of the phone you'll find a speakerphone control and the standard Nextel button for accessing your recent calls list. Between them is a headset jack, which, unfortunately, is 2.5 mm (we prefer a standard 3.5mm jack). On the left spine are the volume rocker and push to talk (PTT) control. Both are large and easy to find by feel. We were glad to see that Moto included a Micro-USB port for both the charger and a USB cable. You'll find it on the right spine behind a secure rubber flap. Motorola Brute i680 is water resistant so the rear battery cover is secured by a locking mechanism.

You'll also need to remove it to access the microSD card slot. Moto doesn't include an unlocking tool in the box, but you should be able to use your fingernail. The Brute also is certified to the standard military specifications for elements like dust, shock and vibration, high and low temperature, and salt fog. The internal display measures 2.2 inches and supports 65.000 colors (220x176 pixels). Though its resolution isn't exactly eye popping, it's perfectly suitable for this caliber of phone.

Colors were bright and graphics and photos show up well. You can change the text size and the backlight time. We were glad that unlike many previous Nextel phones, Motorola Brute i680 offers a one page menu interface in a list or icon style. The spacious navigation is extremely user friendly with all controls raised above the surface of the phone. There are four directional controls with a central OK button, a dedicated menu key, two soft keys, a camera shortcut and the Talk and End or power keys.

The only thing missing is a dedicated back button. In standby mode, the up and down directional buttons open the settings menu and the recent calls list respectively; the side buttons let you cycle through the shortcut icons that sit on the display. They keypad buttons are spacious and tactile. We could text and dial quickly and we appreciate the large backlit numbers on the buttons.

LG Lotus Elite

LG Lotus Elite carries on the fashion phone reputation of its predecessor with an unquestionably bold and unique design. Measuring 3.43 inches wide by 2.44 inches long by 0.75 inch thick, LG Lotus Elite pays homage to the original Lotus with its square shape but has a style all its own. Indeed, the Lotus Elite is much sleeker and curvier than the blocky Lotus, with rounded corners and shiny chrome detail along its borders. The phone feels like it is solidly constructed the hinge seems sturdy as well.

LG wisely debuted the Lotus Elite in a stunning bold red decorated with a whimsical floral tattoo, which appears to be a ploy to attract the female demographic. However, the biggest design update for LG Lotus Elite is with its external display. It measures 2.4 inches diagonally, which takes up quite a bit of room on such a small phone. It also boasts 262.000 colors and a 320x240 pixel resolution, which makes everything look sharp and colorful. Not only that, but the display is now a touch screen.

Indeed, you can use your finger to tap through options just as you would with any touch screen handset. The display is resistive, not capacitive, so it's not quite as responsive as the screen on the iPhone or the Nexus One, but since the external touch screen on LG Lotus Elite has access to only a limited menu of options, it's not that big a deal. The first thing you'll notice when you activate the external touch screen is that it has animated wallpaper the one we have has an animation of a flying butterfly, for example.

You will also see the typical indicators like battery and signal strength, plus the date and time. There's also an icon for any missed calls or messages. Beyond that, you can customize it so that you can access your messages, photo gallery (or slide show), speed dial contacts, recent call history, and contacts list without having to open the phone. You simply swipe horizontally across the screen to flip through them. You can also use the external display as a camera viewfinder.

You can adjust the external display's screensaver and, if you want, you can calibrate the touch screen for added accuracy. On the whole, we found the external touch screen intuitive to use. On the left side are a 2.5mm headset jack, the volume rocker, and the charger jack, while the camera key, screen lock key, and microSD card slot are on the right. On the back of the phone is a tiny little metal loop on which you can tie a cell phone charm if you wish. The LG Lotus Elite even comes with an optional red leather strap to attach to it.

Interestingly, the 2.0 megapixel camera on LG Lotus Elite is located right on the hinge of the phone. When the phone is closed, the camera lens appears on the upper left of the phone's rear. When the phone is open, the lens appears on the hinge in between the display and the keypad. Since you'll be using the internal display as a viewfinder at that point, it makes it much easier to take self portraits. Flip open the phone and you'll find another 2.4 inch display with the same color support and pixel resolution. Unlike the external display, though, the internal one is not a touch screen.

It does feature Sprint's OneClick interface, which is a center carousel of shortcut tiles along the bottom row of the home screen. This lets you quickly access phone functions like your messages, your account details, Sprint Navigation, your Yahoo Mail, and more. Notable shortcuts include quick views of your Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace accounts, plus a Google menu that gives you access to Google search, Gmail, and YouTube. You can easily add and remove shortcut tiles from the OneClick carousel. You can adjust the display's brightness, the backlight time, the font size for messages, the browser, the notepad, the dial digits, and applications, and you can have picture IDs for contacts, unsaved numbers, and private or unknown numbers. The main menu can be arranged in either grid view or list view.

LG Neon GT365

LG Neon GT365 provides tri-band GSM coverage (850/1800/1900 MHz) for voice as well as GPRS or EDGE connectivity for receiving data. AT&T's EDGE network offers availability in more than 13.000 US cities and along some 40.000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including full picture messaging, high speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. You'll be able to access the AT&T Mobile Music services, which enables you to access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal.

LG Neon GT365 Features
LG Neon GT365 has a 2.4 inch LCD with a 240 x 400 pixel resolution and support for 262K colors, and it also has an accelerometer for auto rotation of the screen when you turn it from portrait to landscape view. Below the screen you'll find a colorfully organized four button navigator that's complemented by send or end keys and two soft navigation keys. When you press the dialer button at the bottom left corner of the LG Neon GT365's navigation area, you'll be able to quickly dial numbers using the touchscreen dialer.

All other functions are accessed via the physical navigation keys. The Home screen menu from LG Neon GT365's Flash user interface (UI) provides quick access to your calendar, alarm clock and digital audio player, and it provides an intuitive tab-based layout for accessing phone, multimedia and other tools. LG Neon GT365 also offers a three row full QWERTY keyboard that smoothly slides out from the left side of the phone (when viewed in tall portrait mode). LG Neon GT365 comes with a small 14 MB internal memory, which is expandable via optional microSD memory cards (up to 4 GB in size).

The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 contacts, with each entry providing space for up to four phone numbers, one email address, and a picture ID. The phone also includes nine speed dial options (eight entries plus one voicemail) and support for caller groups as well as designating a specific ringtone to a contact. Hands free communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, hands free car kits, and file transfer.

With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can also wirelessly send contacts, calendar events, notes and pictures. LG Neon GT365 can save up to 20 Bluetooth pairings. The digital audio player is compatible with MP3, AAC/AAC+, and WMA files, and it allows you to create and manage playlists directly on LG Neon GT365. Other features include a customizable equalizer and visualization, the ability to multitask in other phone applications while still playing music, and easy transfer of files from your PC via USB (optional cable available separately).

LG Neon GT365 also includes a flight mode, which allows you to continue playing music while turning off the cellular radio. The 2 megapixel camera offers four resolution modes (1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, and 320 x 240 pixels) and it has up to a 4x digital zoom (depending on resolution selection). It also features white balance and brightness controls, multi shot capabilities, night mode for enhanced imagery in low light conditions, multiple quality options, and your choice of shutter tones (including silent). Additionally, this phone can capture video clips with audio in either 320 x 240 or 176 x 144 pixel resolutions with up to a 2x digital zoom. You can record clips up to 32 seconds for sending via MMS messaging or up to 60 minutes for saving to your PC.

LG Xenon GR500

LG Xenon GR500 can quickly download video, music and more over AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can listen to a conference call on a headset while sending and receiving e-mail attachments, picture messages or Web pages at the same time. This GPS enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn by turn directions as well as its Video Share serve, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.

LG Xenon GR500's large touchscreen with vibration feedback and enhanced user interface make menus, shortcuts, and contacts available right at your fingertips. And with its compact, slideout QWERTY keyboard, you can quickly send text messages and emails. Other features include a 2 megapixel camera or camcorder, Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 16 GB), organizer tools, access to mobile email and instant messaging, and up to 4 hours of talk time.

AT&T Service
This AT&T phone can handle high speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual band 850 and 1900 MHz 3G network (UMTS/HSDPA), which provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13.000 US cities and along some 40.000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, the Xenon is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You'll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company's 3G network and have a Video Share enabled phone.) While using Video Share with family and friends is a fun way to communicate, it's also very useful for business.

For example, a majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day's work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so. You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn by turn directions, real time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable).

AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search. With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more.

And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal. LG Xenon GR500 has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. LG Xenon GR500's also pre-loaded with AT&T's Mobile Banking application, which is compatible with accounts from banks including Wachovia, SunTrust, Synovus, and BancorpSouth.

Mobile Banking from AT&T affords you the flexibility to stay on top of your banking needs while you're on the move, enabling you to check your account balance, securely transfer funds between your eligible accounts, view and pay bills, and review your transaction history. AT&T customers pay no additional fee to access mobile banking and, because the application resides on the handset, the service is optimized to reduce the number of new page views necessary to complete a transaction. Minimal data usage charges apply and vary based on individual use.

Klipsch B-3

Klipsch B-3 Synergy bookshelf loudspeaker offers a winning combination of powerful bass with remarkable detail and high volumes with low distortion, making it a perfect delivery source for today's advanced digital music formats. Klipsch B-3 gets its performance thrills by employing a 6.5" IMG woofer and 1" aluminum dome compression driver tweeter coupled to an exclusive square Tractrix(R) Horn.

It also features a rear mounted port that increases efficiency and extends bass response. Available in a black finish with titanium accents, the contemporary look of Klipsch B-3 is two fold. With its grille on, the B3 offers a sense of elegance that nicely blends in with your home decor, but take the grille off and you get an aggressive and powerful statement that exudes extreme performance. The Synergy Series B-3 is a stylish and high performance choice for the discerning audiophile who requires towering achievement in a bookshelf design.

Technical Details

• A pair of stylish and high performance bookshelf loudspeakers
• Equipped with 1" aluminum dome tweeter and one 6.5" IMG woofers
• Exclusive Tractrix(R) Horn technology
• Frequency response : 55Hz - 23kHz 3dB
• Power handling : 85 watts (340 watts peak)
• Price : US$349.99

Sony HTCT100

This amazing system brings simplicity and performance together by pairing a Center speaker that recreates a surround sound experience all by its self. Now add a powerful external subwoofer and you are ready to bring your Movies to life with Sony HTCT100. With three HDMI inputs on tap, this system is tailor made for the Gamer looking for an easy, quick and great sounding solution for their Next Gen gaming system .

It can playback LPCM from the HDMI connection, plus you can listen to your favorite music from the DIGITAL MEDIA PORT that works with various accessories (sold separately). Sony HTCT100 can also control a select number of BRAVIA televisions with BRAVIA Sync via the HDMI interface. With “One Touch Play,” operations that took several steps have been reduced to one.

Technical Details

• 250 Watts (RMS) (50W x 3 + subwoofer 100W)
• 1080p HDMI Active Intelligence (3 in and 1 out)
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
• S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound
• HDMI Repeater
• Price : US$289.00
  

Sony SSF-5000

Fill a large room with the deep bass and pure treble of Sony SSF-5000 Floor Standing Speakers. Using advanced technologies, they are built to recreate tones across the entire range and elevate your music to a new high. The precision sound reproduction provides high resolution audio that you and your guests will appreciate from song to song.

Technical Details

• Newly developed 8" mica reinforced woofer
• 3.25" mid-driver
• 1" nano fine balanced dome tweeter
• 150 Watt maximum input power
• 45-50.000Hz frequency response
• Price : US$126.97

Sony AIRSA10

Sony AIRSA10 is a new digital wireless audio solution for sending audio to a second room in the home. Sony AIRSA10 Technology can also be utilized to send wireless audio for your surround rear channel speakers using the WAHT-SA1 accessory. With up to 8 channels of L-PCM CD quality audio transmission available. Just plug in and listen.

Plus Sony AIRSA10 offers no interference with home appliances. You’ll see many of our BRAVIA Home Theater Systems bundled with a Sony AIRSA10 Speaker System this year. Sony AIRSA10 Speaker System features a 1 line LCD Display, a clock function, and is equipped with controls for volume and the audio source you are listening to.

Technical Details

• Sony AIRSA10 wireless multi room receiver or speaker system
• Expandable up to 4 Sony AIRSA10 receiver or speakers systems
• 8 Watts (RMS) (4W x 2)
• Clock, Timer, Sleep function
• Price : US$87.51

Polk Audio RC85i

Polk Audio RC85i 2 way In wall Speaker delivers incredible sound to any room in your home without using any floor or shelf space. Polk Audio RC85i is easy to install, requiring only that you cut a hole, feed the wires through, and simply drop the speaker in where it is held in place by rotating cams that safely secure the speaker with no extra assembly or mess. Once installed, the paintable grille and flange allows this in wall speaker to virtually disappear in the room.

Polk Audio RC85i utilizes an eight inch dynamic balance, mineral filled polymer composite cone with a rubber surround that outlasts cheaper foam surrounds, as well as a one inch dynamic balance, metalized soft dome tweeter with a swivel mount. The swivel mounted tweeter is aim able for direct high frequency control that ensures spacious imaging with amazing clarity, and well balanced sound in any listening position, even off axis listening positions, rather than in just a small sweet spot.

Constructed of durable, moisture resistant materials, Polk Audio RC85i is safe for use in bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, or even under outdoor eaves, and features a wide dispersion design for even sound coverage throughout even large rooms. Polk Audio RC85i also features infinite baffle tuning which uses the virtual enclosure of in wall space for superior bass response, and is timbre matched to the Polk Audio Monitor Series for seamless, enveloping imaging when used in a home theater system.

Technical Details

• Pair of 2 way in wall speakers timbre matched to the Polk Audio RTi Series for seamless imaging
• Equipped with one 8 inch dynamic balance, mineral filled polymer composite cone
• Frequency response : 35Hz - 20kHz
• Equipped with one 1 inch dynamic balance, metalized soft dome tweeter with 15 degree swivel mount
• Constructed of durable, moisture resistant materials for use in bathrooms, saunas, or under outdoor eaves
• Price : US$147.38