future so bright, i gotta wear shades: Samsung SCH-u340 (Verizon)

A scene from "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" (1986):

[faced with a 20th century computer]
Scotty: Computer. Computer?
[Bones hands him a mouse and he speaks into it]
Scotty: Hello, computer.
Dr. Nichols: Just use the keyboard.
Scotty: Keyboard. How quaint.

I always thought that some things from sci-fi movies eventually become reality. In one of the Star Trek films, the crew of the Enterprise travelled back in time to save the Earth. In one scene, Scotty, the engineer from the future, was trying to use a 20th century computer (an Apple Mac of all things) by simply giving it a voice command. When the computer wouldn't respond, Bones picked up the mouse and handed it to Scotty to speak into. It was a classic scene that remained burned in my head.

Twenty years later, voice commands seem to be nearing practical stages that it permeates everyday use. Because of the "No-cell-phone-while-driving" laws being passed by many state and local governments, voice activation should really be considered by cellphone users or face stiff penalty. I'd be really embarassed if I get a ticket because I was dialing my cell phone while driving. And would feel like a complete loser if I get in an accident as I dialed.

Here's the Samsung SCH-u340 - a cell phone with voice activated commands. It can be dialed using only your voice. I'm sure there are other cell phones out there that have the same features, but it might cost you money even after rebates. The SCH-u340 will cost you $0.01 from Amazon if purchased with a Verizon plan, shipping included.