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flip phone posts

Vertu announces Constellation Ayxta flip phone for the discerning, friendless traveler

by Laura June posted Sep 25th 2009 at 10:31AM

Vertu's not known for making cut rate electronics, so this is probably the closest it'll ever come. The company's just unveiled its latest flip phone, the Constellation Ayxta. The Ayxta is aimed at citizens of the world who are looking for a "high quality product to assist in maintaining their standard of living wherever they may be," -- i.e., lazy people who'd rather throw money at something than figure out what to do on their own on a Friday night in Vienna. We can sympathize -- sort of. To that end, the handset will be kitted with all manner of awesomeness, including Vertu's own Concierge service which puts you on the line with a customer service representative directly -- no hold required. Users will also get access to Vertu Select -- which, as we said before, will help you out and tell you where all the cool people are in whatever one horse town you happen to be in at the moment. It's got 3G and a micros SD slot for up to 8GB of storage, plus a 3.0 megapixel cam with integrated flash (which is always nice), but other than that it's pretty unimpressive. The Constellation Ayxta is available in Europe now, and for a very affordable €4,900 to €6,500 -- somewhere in the neighborhood of $7,000 - $10,500.

[Via T3]

Sony Ericsson eyes fashionistas with Dolce&Gabbana Jalou clamshell

by Darren Murph posted Aug 12th 2009 at 4:40AM

Remember that geometrically-inspired Bao handset we peeked back in July? Turns out Sony Ericsson has another name for it: Jalou. Announced today in both boring and limited edition Dolce&Gabbana versions, the compact-esque clamshell is definitely designed to put "style" first and substance last. Reportedly shorter than "your favorite lipstick," the cellie is actually marketed more as an accessory and less of a phone, boasting a diamond shape design, two-inch display, 3.2 megapixel geotagging camera, video recording, built-in mirror (seriously), an FM tuner, Bluetooth 2.0, multimedia player, step counter, antediluvian web browser and quad-band GSM / tri-band HSPA connectivity. The "normal" version is expected in Q4 in Deep Amethyst, Aquamarine Blue and Onyx Black, while the 24k gold-plated D&G edition will ship in Sparkling Rose along with a matching Bluetooth headset and fanciful packaging. No prices are mentioned for either, naturally.

Read - Standard Jalou
Read - Dolce&Gabbana Jalou
Read - Hands-on with standard Jalou

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Jalou

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Dolce&Gabbana Jalou

Video: CTD's MID concept fits comfortably in freakishly large pockets

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jun 10th 2009 at 2:20PM

Sure, this isn't the sexiest MID render we've ever seen, but it does make for a fun little video. Cambridge Technology Development, known around MIT and environs for fluidic device design, CFD analysis, and a number of other things we know less than nothing about, have designed a collapsible, pocketable PC that they call the Dragonfly. This bad boy can take the form of a flip phone, a straight-up netbook, or it can lay flat, in "table mode," ideal for pen and touch input. Of course, this isn't a real device -- and there's no telling when or if it'll become available. But when it does, how about floating us a review unit? Check 'er out yourself after the break.

Continue reading Video: CTD's MID concept fits comfortably in freakishly large pockets

Motorola's long lived A1200 MING gets a successor: A1210

by Darren Murph posted Mar 25th 2009 at 9:01AM

Say it ain't so! Some three years after the original A1200 MING drew attention overseas with its then-flashy design and Linux OS, we're finally hearing that somewhat of a direct successor is on the way. Oh sure, we've certainly seen others in the MING family surface over the past little while, but this one follows right in line even in name. The A1210 sports a 2.8-inch QVGA (400 x 240) touchscreen, a 3.1 megapixel camera, FM radio, tri-band GSM support, Bluetooth, USB, a TI OMAP850 processor and a microSD card slot. The most interesting part, however, is the homegrown Linux build that'll reportedly be loaded on. Sadly, it's too early to tell whether that system will be all new or partially regurgitated, but the Chinese market should be able to tell in the not-too-distant future.

Motorola Ruby (VE1) ditches weird spelling, not the RAZR look

by Darren Murph posted Feb 23rd 2009 at 5:17PM

We'll hand it to Moto here -- it truly is admirable that it didn't use all caps and no vowels to name a phone that's so strikingly similar to the original RAZR, but we can't help but doubt this thing's ability to sell. The Motorola Ruby (or VE1), will reportedly boast a 5 megapixel camera, a standard flip phone design and... well, that's about it. Or, at least that's all we know of. For those still agile enough to mouse to the read link after the massive facepalm you surely just initiated, there are a few more images down there for your perusal. "Enjoy."

Pantech gets official with wind-recognizing Sky IM-S410K mobile

by Darren Murph posted Feb 12th 2009 at 7:44AM

We had no reason to believe that this thing wasn't actually coming, but now Pantech has gone and erased any lingering doubt. The Sky IM-S410 / IM-S410K is being hailed as the first cellphone in the "wind-recognizing" category, which may actually be useful in places unlike Chicago. It checks in at 11 millimeters thin and sports a microphone that can detect when you're deliberately pushing air through it; once you blow, the phone can then change images on the screen, as if to move through a gallery of photos or play games. Outside of that, Pantech also threw in a DMB TV tuner and an e-dictionary, and you'll even get to pick between white, black and red hues. Good luck not getting the stink-eye from fellow subway mates when huffing and puffing on your handset while within close proximity to other Earthlings, though.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Nokia "Wahoo" 3G half-QWERTY flip swings into view

by Nilay Patel posted Nov 12th 2008 at 3:16PM

We didn't see this one on our exhaustive leaked Nokia roadmap, but our homeboy Boy Genius has uncovered pics and specs of a new Nokia flip destined for AT&T. Codenamed "Wahoo," the quad-band clamshell features an interesting half-QWERTY keypad, an internal 2.2-inch QVGA display and a 1.36-inch external unit, push-to-talk, microSD expansion, and A2DP support -- which you'll need because Nokia seems to think a 2.5mm headphone jack is still somehow acceptable. No word on a release date, but if you're waiting on pins and needles for a phone with a display that small we really can't help you anyway.

Samsung U440 / Cleo drops by the FCC

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Nov 11th 2008 at 1:23PM

Looks like Canada isn't the only country out there getting kisses from Cleo. According to documents recently filed with the FCC, the sassy cellphone looks set to emerge Stateside on Verizon with the decidedly unsassy designation U440. Will the stylish phone -- with its full QWERTY keyboard, 1.3 megapixel camera, A2DP stereo Bluetooth, threaded SMS text messaging and up to 8GB storage -- make its domestic debut soon? Not soon enough, we think!

[Via Phone Scoop]

Samsung Cleo launches in sassy, stylish Canada

by Laura June posted Nov 7th 2008 at 9:44AM

We heard a while back that the Samsung Cleo was on its way, and and now it's arrived -- well, if you're lucky enough to live in Canada, anyway. It's not the only square flip phone on the planet, but it's definitely the most fashion-conscious. As far as we can tell, specs are pretty much beside the point, but it's got a QWERTY keyboard, color LCD screen, 1.3-megapixel camera, MP3 playback, and expandable memory up to 8GB (we're guessing in microSD format). More importantly, this attractive little devil (it's just over 2.5-inches wide and 3-inches tall) comes in pink, blue, and (our personal favorite) champagne. Though it's been officially launched, the Cleo's not for sale quite yet, and there's no word on price. We also don't know when or if it'll strut its way to the US, but we've got our fingers crossed. We really do.

RIM's BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 endures old fashioned tear down

by Darren Murph posted Oct 19th 2008 at 1:43AM

Just because you're the elephant in the group, that doesn't mean you'll get away without suffering through the same humiliation that comes with being a hot new BlackBerry: dissection on camera. RIM's first flip phone has recently been disassembled by the curious minds over at SycotecSolutions, giving us all an up close and personal look at what makes the Pearl Flip 8220 tick. Eager for more? Give the read link some of your undivided attention.

Motorola Krave ZN4 review roundup

by Darren Murph posted Oct 15th 2008 at 9:43AM

We had a feeling we'd get a mixed bag of reviews as soon as we first saw the Motorola Krave ZN4 -- it's one of those love it or hate it type things, you know? In some cases, reviewers chose to focus on the positives, noting that it was cute, unique, a good music player and a phone that would last and last without a recharge. Another batch of critics couldn't hold back the whip, pointing out that it lacked WiFi, packed a lackluster browser, included yawn-worthy software and offered a keyboard that was "straight-up awkward." As expected, overall ratings hovered between just below average to just above average, and it seems this phone will be exactly what you make it out to be. Moto fans will likely have plenty to cheer about, but those without a dog in the fight may want to give the writeups below a more thorough glance before dropping $149.99 and agreeing to a super-sized 2-year commitment.

Read - PC Magazine
Read - PhoneScoop
Read - Laptop Mag
Read - DigitalTrends
Read - CNET

Sony Ericsson's W707 Alicia lives again in spy shots

by Darren Murph posted Sep 12th 2008 at 4:32AM

Though it may never live the proper life it should have, Sony Ericsson's now-canned W707 is alive and well in these spy shots. Of course, being that the Alicia is officially dead, you won't find any updated specifications or a super-secret release date, but the gallery of images in the read link is a mighty fine look at what could've been. It's never too late, SE...

[Via DailyMobile, thanks Daniel]

BlackBerry 8220 / 8210 KickStart outed, but not by RIM

by Darren Murph posted Aug 19th 2008 at 9:22AM

Okay, pretend you had absolutely no inclination that this so-called KickStart was real. Surprise! E-tailer expansys has spoiled RIM's thunder (no silly, not that Thunder) by posting up detailed product pages for both the BlackBerry 8220 (WiFi) and BlackBerry 8210 (GPS). The current specs list points out a 2.6-inch 320 x 240 primary display, 160 x 128 pixel secondary display, 2-megapixel camera (with LED flash), video recording and a microSDHC slot. There's no price or release date listed for either, but at least you can shelve those worries of this thing never making it to market.

[Via Cellpassion]

Read - BlackBerry 8220
Read - BlackBerry 8210

LG's Chocolate 3 doesn't melt during hands-on

by Darren Murph posted Jul 11th 2008 at 1:31PM

Wait, Verizon actually decided it would be a good idea to make official a cellphone today? Oh yeah, that's right -- the Chocolate 3 was announced with a Sunday availability date today, but for those hoping to see the wrapper unfold a few days early, today's your lucky day. The cats over at Laptop were able to acquire the new flip and test it out ever-so-briefly, and while initial impressions seemed rather positive, we reckon it's the photos you're really after. Dig into the read link for the full gallery.

Is the BlackBerry KickStart getting a $50 price tag on T-Mobile?

by Darren Murph posted Jul 3rd 2008 at 5:47PM

We could tell by looking that RIM wouldn't think of charging too many hundies for its still unannounced BlackBerry KickStart, but $49.99? CrackBerry has it that said flip phone will be selling at T-Mobile for a penny under $50 on a two-year contract, which certainly seems smart given the competition. 'Course, we've nothing to substantiate this with just yet, but take one more look at that chubby side and tell us this thing deserves a triple digit price tag. That's right, you can't.