Milspec
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How would you change Samsung's Rugby Smart?
Samsung's beefy Rugby Smart is probably the best rugged smartphone it's easy to lay your hands on. However, its preoccupation with being able to take a beating means there's not much going on in the specs department -- with performance that's not pedestrian, but infuriating. The question we're asking you, however, is does its super-cheap price and build quality make up for being straight-up nasty to use? Would you have stumped up an extra fifty bucks to get a better CPU (or just to banish TouchWiz from the device?). Mobile phone companies want to know what'd compel you to buy this device, over all the others in the world so why not tell them in the comments below?
It's official: Motorola Titanium coming to Sprint July 24th, mil-spec Eclair can be yours for $150
The Motorola Titanium has certainly made itself no stranger to us, as it was officially announced by Sprint all the way back in May. At the time, no pricing or availability dates were known, so we were left to speculation and leaked screenshots -- you know, the usual routine for new devices. We needn't wait any longer for the prized 411, though, as the Now Network has announced the 810G military-spec Eclair smartphone will land on store shelves on July 24th and ding our wallets a Benjamin and a half -- after a $100 rebate, that is. Of course, this particular device may not be for everyone, but we know it could be appealing for those of you who just enjoy tossing the ol' Android around a few times too many.
Casio G'zOne Commando review
For years, construction workers, thrill-seekers, and everyone else unfettered by cubicle walls have had rubberized, rugged handsets to keep them company on the road. Until fairly recently, though, the price of durability has been settling for a dumbphone. And frankly, the selection of toughened-up smartphones remains pretty sparse today. Casio's G'zOne Commando ($199 on contract) isn't the first quasi-invincible Android device, but it is the first to be sold on Verizon's network. As expensive as a flagship handset, the Commando offers military-grade resilience against drops, water, extreme cold, and other elements. But is it capable enough for everything else? Let's find out. %Gallery-123268%
Motorola's r765IS now available at Sprint, perfect for making Navy SEALs swoon with envy
You can take your frilly iPhones and pretty Pres and shove 'em, because Motorola's latest and, perhaps, beefiest handset is finally available at Sprint stores. The r765IS, announced back in April, is Mil Spec 810F rated, so no worries about dropping it -- even into a bucket of salt water -- and that IS on the end means "intrinsically safe," so dial away even if you should happen to be standing in a room full of explosive gas, as we've been known to do from time to time. It also supports rather less exciting Nextel Direct Connect, NextMail to send voicemail as e-mail attachments, GPS navigation, and a variety of emergency calling modes for cutting through the bla bla bla. It's a little less slinky looking than some other Motorola handsets we've seen lately, but we'd clip one to our belts before heading to our next waypoint/coffee shop -- if only we had the requisite funding. A price of just under $2,000 ensures this will only be found in the mitts of the most well equipped mercenaries. [Thanks, Brian]
Samsung mil-spec Xplorer B2100 is tough on everything but data
Following on its beefy-but-miserably-unattractive B2700 of last year, Samsung has introduced its rugged B2100 candybar under the Xplorer name. With quadband EDGE data and a 160 x 128 display, don't count on doing much browsing -- but if you throw the phone against a brick wall in a fit of rage over the slow downloads, at least it'll probably survive. It rocks mil-spec 810F compliance for rain, salt, ambient moisture, and extreme temperatures, plus an FM radio, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, microSD expansion, and a 1.3 megapixel camera with video recording, making it a low-end sidearm capable of taking some of the worst abuse mankind can give it. Look for it around Europe starting next month.
Military-grade PSP case: only $100
Apparently, the PSP is becoming quite popular in the military world. That's why TAD Gear created this PSP case, one that's supposedly MILSPEC grade. "These PSP Pods were produced at the request of some our associates and customers deployed overseas. The Sony PSP has become a common sight in many a soldiers' kit these days. The PSP has become ideal for personal entertainment for many while in transit or stuck at barracks. This is built with MILSPEC construction and materials thru-out. There is no sturdier, better built, and versatile storage pouch for the PSP available anywhere."The high level of construction is supposed to be the reason behind its somewhat exuberant price: $100. But, if you happen to be in the military, now's the time to pick the system up. "Due the high cost of production it is highly unlikely we will produce these again."[Thanks, Bern! Via acquire]
