enV and UpStage -- alternative to iPhone? pt1

In anticipation of the iPhone's debut, two companies released their own entry in the "next evolution" of mobile technology. The Samsung UpStage through Sprint and LG enV through Verizon are here as alternative to iPhones for those who aren't presold to the iPhone yet.

Both companies are aggressively pursuing the market through incentives and bonus. Their rebates are practically giving these phones away.


LG enV (Verizon)



Forget for a second that this is a nice phone. The LG enV gives you access to all kinds of multimedia functions that could make PCs extinct.

Inside the fold, you get:
- a QWERTY keypad with
- a large screen (240x320 pix) screen for viewing CNN, ESPN, or E channel programs from Verizon's VCast. Sesame Street is also available for kids.

The video transmission is well-supported by Verizon's EVDO high speed data. Which makes playing enhanced 3D games a great experience.

The slim packaging is not too shabby either. It's about the size of a standard iPod. Which by the way, the enV comes with
- an advanced MP3 player and
- dual stereo speakers.




Remember my post on cell phone bans while driving? The LG enV is completely hands free ready:
- voice command activation for many of the phone's function, including dialing
- text-to-speech ability so that you may hear emails to you, and
- Bluetooth enabled so that you can use your favorite headsets.

Lastly, the camera can capture videos for about 15 secs. The camera also has a 2 mega pix resolution.


As of 4/13/07, there's a mail-in rebate for $150 USD which would eventually give you the phone for free. Don't forget to read the reviews. There are plenty from Amazon customers.

I noticed a negative review worth mentioning, but it's regarding the rebates.

Hence, I'm including a link to LetsTalk.com as an alternative. This site also has rebates that would eventually be FREE to you. More importantly, LetsTalk.com has an order / rebate status page for easier management.


LG enV (Verizon Wireless)

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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.

Here are the quick specs for the techy minded:

• Integrated VGA Digital Camera to capture those unexpected moments
• Integrated Speakerphone for conference calls or hands free operation
• Personal Organizer: Calendar w/ Scheduler, Note Pad
• Phone book with up to 500 Entries with multiple contacts
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T4

Don't forget to read reviews.

You can browse for more free promotional or cell phones for $0.01 from Verizon or buy the Samsung SCH-u340.

Happy hunting!

Technorati Tags: cellphone, cell phone, Verizon, Samsung SCH-u340, voice activated phone, hands free phone

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