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LG dLite lands today on T-Mobile for $50
By almost all accounts, LG's dLite for T-Mobile is an unremarkable midrange clamshell that barely warrants mention, with two notable exceptions. First, it's just the third LG to ever launch on T-Mobile USA -- the others being the GS170 and the Sentio -- so if you're an LG fan, you should be doing a little victory dance right about now. Secondly, though, the dLite is about the closest North American phone we've seen to a traditional domestic South Korean device, thanks in no small part to its programmable "light effects" and concealed external dot matrix display. For reasons we can't fully explain, we find this awesome. If you do, too -- and you can imagine yourself using something that isn't running a smartphone OS -- you can grab this bad boy today in pink or blue for $50 on contract after rebate.
Verizon catalog reveals Motorola Droid 2, new dumbphones
We knew the original Droid's replacement was coming, but we were never able to nail down the market name with confidence -- until now, it seems. The Droid 2 makes a prominent appearance in an official catalog of Verizon devices leaked to BGR, talking up its 5 megapixel cam, 8GB of onboard storage, and 1GHz processor, positioning it just ever so slightly below the mighty Droid X. Also finding their way into the catalog are the recently-launched Pantech Jest, the self-branded Verizon Salute, and the Intensity II and Gusto both from Samsung, all dumbphones that just add more evidence to the theory that all the good names for mobile devices have already been taken. No date's given for the Droid 2, but we imagine it can't be long now that they're openly talking about it, right?
Inventec's Dr. Eye puts Android in a pocket-sized laptop
It may sound like a mid-boss in some forgotten and poorly translated NES game, but Dr. Eye (aka the N18C) is actually a sort of keyboard-endowed MID from Inventec. This chubby clamshell sports a QWERTY keyboard, a 4.8-inch VGA touchscreen, 3G, WiFi, and a front-facing webcam. Power is said to come from a "Marvell 624," which we're guessing is a 624MHz PXA310 and, while it's currently running 1.6, word is that it'll be dipped in 2.1's creamy filling in the near future. When will delivery be? Inventec has been showing this guy off since last year, and while the person doing the demonstration indicates they'll be available "pretty soon" at a price point around $400, we found this guy for sale already at a price of 2688 yuan, or about $395. So, if you're eager to get computing and prefer donuts to eclairs, we wish you happy importing.
LG kicks off T-Mobile relationship with Sentio, dLite, and GS170
Don't look for any crazy Android hardware here, but these three dumbphones are more notable than you might think: they mark the first time LG has hooked up with T-Mobile USA, believe it or not. The Sentio (pictured left) is the most interesting of the trio, featuring a 3-inch touchscreen, 3 megapixel cam with video capture, and support for visual voicemail. The dLite flip (middle) offers a nifty concealed LED array upfront -- a feature you see occasionally on Japanese and domestic Korean handsets, but rarely on American models -- along with a 2.8-inch display and a pair of color choices ("bubblegum" and "electric blue"). Both the Sentio and dLite also feature T-Mobile's Social Buzz app for aggregating social network status updates, a helpful feature that's quickly becoming the norm in this class of device. Finally, you've got the GS170 flip -- a phone so basic that LG apparently didn't deem it worthy of a proper name -- offering a VGA cam, Bluetooth 2.1, and "large visible keys." All three phones will be available this Summer for yet-to-be-disclosed prices. Follow the break for LG's press release.
US Cellular rolls out 'low-maintenance' CDM8635 flip
When the term "low-maintenance" appears in the first sentence of a phone's press release, you can pretty much guess what it's all about. Sure enough, the CDM8635 being offered through well-established industry middleman PCD to US Cellular keeps things simple with a 1.3 megapixel camera, 2.2-inch color and 1.5-inch monochrome displays on the inside and exterior, respectively, dedicated shortcut keys for top phone functions, and voice-activated dialing; we don't have pricing details just yet, but we can assume it'll be dirt-cheap on contract. Look for it to hit USCC's online store some time today -- and in the meantime, follow the break for PCD's press release.
Samsung's Rugby II ready to put the smack down on AT&T for $130 on June 6
Another in AT&T's parade of June 6 launches, the Rugby II follows up -- yes, you guessed it -- the original Rugby, a rugged clamshell from Sammy that's been in the carrier's lineup for well over a year now. It's got push-to-talk compatibility, 7.2Mbps HSDPA, a 2 megapixel camera, Video Share support, voice processing tech from Audience (the same company that handled the Nexus One's noise reduction circuitry), Bluetooth, and microSD expansion -- standard fare to be sure, but probably just right for the outdoorsy-type workers that'll undoubtedly be carrying it. It'll be available the first Sunday in June for $129.99 after $50 mail-in rebate. Follow the break for Samsung's press release. %Gallery-93661%
BlackBerry 9670 caught trying to justify its existence on video
Look, we'll admit that we may have gone a little hard on the BlackBerry 9670 the first time we saw it -- but seriously, could you blame us? Thanks to the 8200 series, RIM's developed a reputation for making gargantuan clamshells, and the 9670 certainly doesn't seem to buck that trend -- in fact, it's very likely even wider on account of its full QWERTY keyboard, and you can tell from this new video that it doesn't make any apologies about its thick waistline, either. That being said, the phone seems to look just a smidge sexier now than it did before, though it's still not necessarily clear why you'd pick it over a 9650 or 9700 when it's essentially the same size folded. Guess we'll know when -- or if, rather -- RIM launches this thing. Follow the break for video.
Palm Pre Plus, Pantech Breeze 2 dummies showing up in AT&T stores
It's pretty wild that neither Palm nor AT&T have fessed up to a release date for the GSM-ified versions of the Pre Plus or Pixi Plus yet -- especially considering that there are already unboxings going on -- but we've now got confirmation that dummy units (of the Pre Plus, anyhow) are filtering into retail stores, so it definitely shouldn't be much longer now. Dummies of an updated version of the ultra-simple Pantech Breeze (uncreatively named Breeze 2) is also coming in, so between these two, you should pretty much be able to outfit every member of the family from grandpa to the newborn. Seriously though, AT&T -- wait much longer on this release, and this sucker's going to be obsolete. [Thanks, Kal]%Gallery-92113%
Samsung's 'quick and simple' Stride for US Cellular is exactly that
When you pay $29.95 for a phone on contract, you have a pretty good idea of what you're going to be getting: basic communication. Indeed, that's exactly how we'd describe the Samsung r330 Stride for US Cellular, a red-accented flip sporting a 1.3 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, speakerphone, 55MB of internal storage for all of your address book needs, and not much else. It's available now; follow the break for Samsung's full press release.
BlackBerry 9670 flip spotted running OS 6.0, causes eyes to bleed, children to cry
According to BGR, we're apparently looking at the first shots of a phone numbered 9670 in RIM's BlackBerry parlance, a true QWERTY flip running BlackBerry OS 6.0 on a 480 x 360 display with WiFi, a 5 megapixel camera, optical pad (as is the case with every new BlackBerry these days), microSD expansion, and a huge external display that's eerily reminiscent of Moto's RAZR 2. The device is said to be running CDMA, which almost certainly means it's being shopped around to Sprint and Verizon exclusively among major carriers -- the only other big potential takers would be Bell and Telus, and they're in the midst of migrating to HSPA -- so we'll just sit back, relax, and see if this thing materializes at WES next week. Granted, we've got to see it in person and gaze at a few non-blurrycam shots before passing final judgment, but we're admittedly a little worried about the merciless beating the ugly stick may have delivered up in Waterloo this time around.
Vertu Constellation Ayxta gets unboxed and admired
Overkill, thy name is Vertu. Nokia's luxury handset division has rarely gotten much love on these pages, but that's mostly to do with the excessive use of "high end" materials on its phones and zeroes in its prices. Both are present and accounted for here, with the stainless steel and leather-bound Constellation Ayxta starting at somewhere around $7,500. Still, we retain a curiosity to see such exclusive devices in the glaring lights of reality, and Gear Diary has treated us to just such a treat. The handset before you can crank out 6 hours of talk time over GSM or 300 hours of standby, navigate preloaded maps over GPS, or hook you up to an instant Concierge service if you don't feel like doing the work yourself. And why should you? Mosey on over to the source for the full unboxing gallery.
Celsius X VI II LEDIX, the $300k tourbillon dumbphone, gets handled
Yes, folks, what you are looking at is perhaps the world's most overly complex cellphone, and it has been given an overly complex name to match: the Celsius X VI II LEDIX. All those Roman numerals don't convey the sense of power you'll feel in holding this to the side of your face while yelling at your assistant in a futile attempt at gaining the respect of your peers. Despite the phone quite naturally having a battery inside, the (soon to be broken) watch mechanism is purely mechanical, given another three hours of life each time you open and close this clamshell. Inside you can gaze at a design straight out of 1998 and functionality not much more advanced -- a simple browser, text messaging, and tri-band GSM. 3G isn't even on offer here folks, but when you're this rich you can pay other people to download high-res lolcat pictures for you.
Samsung Corby Folder official, just for Korea so far
Samsung's Corby line has a reputation as a fun, simple, cheap, colorful range of handsets, and that trend looks to continue now that the Corby Folder has gone official -- in the domestic South Korean market, anyway. The first Corby with a hinge keeps it relatively simple (by Korean standards) with a 2.6-inch QVGA display, 3G data (HSPA or EV-DO Rev. A depending on the carrier), Bluetooth, microSD expansion, a 3 megapixel camera, and naturally, DMB mobile TV reception. It looks like it's available now on SKT, LGT, and KT in your choice of Candy Pink, Lime Green, and Blue Black (which is an oxymoron, as far as we know) -- no word, though, on when we might see versions in other markets.
TUAW review and giveaway -- BookArc from Twelve South
It's no surprise that TUAW bloggers like the products from Twelve South. They're made only for Macs, they have excellent quality and the company always sends us items to give away to our readers. We've previously had giveaways for the BackPack, BassJump, and now we're giving away a stylish BookArc. The US$49.00 BookArc takes advantage of the ability of Apple's MacBooks (Air and Pro included) to work as a desktop machine when the screen is closed and the computer is connected to an external mouse, keyboard, and monitor. You could just lay your MacBook on the desktop, but then it takes up valuable real estate. How about if you could just position your laptop vertically so it takes up a minimum amount of your desktop? That's what the BookArc is all about. Like the other products from Twelve South, the BookArc is attractively packaged, so it makes a wonderful gift for your favorite MacBook owner ... or yourself. After opening the box, you see the aluminum BookArc with one silicone insert installed, and deeper inside the box are two more inserts. These inserts grip and cushion your MacBook, so you'll want to make sure you have the correct one installed. Not to worry -- they're easy to install and remove. There's not too much more to say in terms of a review, other than the BookArc looks great and it does its job well. If you're not familiar with how to use your MacBook with the display closed, TwelveSouth thoughtfully provides a link to an Apple Knowledge Base page that has instructions. Now, it's time for a TUAW reader to win a BookArc. Here are the details: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. To enter, leave a comment telling us what kind of MacBook you're going to use with the BookArc. The comment must be left before Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing. Prize: One Twelve South BookArc desktop stand for MacBook ($49 value) Click Here for complete Official Rules. Good luck! Check out the gallery below for some shots of the BookArc you may soon be using. %Gallery-86134%
LG Accolade, Clout coming to Verizon?
Verizon -- like pretty much any North American carrier -- has an amazing propensity for offering countless, virtually anonymous flips from LG and Samsung. Yes, granted, they seem to be better at catering to the specific "needs" of Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile more than any other manufacturer -- and for many customers, it's hard to argue with a decent-looking phone that costs a few bucks on contract -- but you'd think they'd be able to keep these handsets in the lineup for literally years on end without a single change. Alas, PhoneArena seems to have the inside line on a couple new ones for Big Red that do little to move the low-end needle, including this VX5600 Accolade (pictured) whose headline features are a 1.3 megapixel cam and Bluetooth support. There's apparently a second flip in the pipeline called the "Clout" that should be fixing to replace the year-old VX8360, so yeah, nothing that's going knock your socks off in this batch of rumors. Hey, they can't all be Snapdragon-powered beasts with WVGA displays, right?
Boost gets back into CDMA game in a big way
In the "press releases we missed while going out of our gourds on the show floor at CES" department, Sprint's Boost Mobile is getting back into CDMA in a big way this month. It wasn't long ago that Boost swore off its CDMA tendencies as iDEN started to heat up again against all odds -- thanks largely to the release of hot (well, hot by iDEN standards, anyway) devices like the Stature -- but CDMA makes a lot more sense now that the parent company has scooped up Virgin and smartly has no interest in running two separate, unrelated prepaid divisions. Anyhow, the gist of the announcement is that Boost will be reinvesting heavily in its $50 monthly unlimited plan for CDMA devices and has brought on three inaugural handsets to help kick it off: the Mirro and Incognito (pictured) from Sanyo alongside the venerable BlackBerry Curve 8330. The Mirro features a slick, mirrored finish (hence the name, we suspect) along with a 1.3 megapixel cam; it clocks in at $99.99. The Incognito steps up to $149.99 with a hidden set of external controls, a 2 megapixel cam, a full QWERTY keyboard inside -- it's got social network integration, to boot, and users can add 3G data to their plan for another $10 a month. Same goes for the 8330, which retails for $249.99; all three prices seem high until you remember that Boost doesn't do contracts. All three handsets are available now.
Samsung not done with Corby line yet, working on Folder model next
Samsung must absolutely love the thick gobs of profit it's making off its Corby models because it's wasted no time in building the line from a single device to an entire range of colorful, fun-loving handsets -- and the next to get roped in looks to be this SCH-W930, aptly named "Corby Folder." The model's destined only for Korea so far (you can tell from that SK Telecom logo in the upper right corner) with a 2.6-inch display, 3 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, microSD expansion, and -- like virtually all domestic South Korean phones -- DMB TV tuning. Following Corby tradition, it looks like it'll be available in a variety of two-tone schemes, but we don't have an exact date or price just yet so we're afraid your now-ancient Corby POP is going to have to tide you over for a few more days.
Motorola Brute now available for Sprint Direct Connect
If you were hoping for a helping of Android with your iDEN, we're afraid your wait isn't quite over yet -- but folks just looking for a standard issue tough clamshell for Direct Connect might want to take a gander at this one. The aptly-named Motorola Brute isn't likely to win any beauty contests, but it comes equipped with CrystalTalk-style noise reduction, a 2 megapixel camera, GPS, stereo Bluetooth, real-time switchover between push-to-talk and a standard call, and -- of course -- mil-spec 810F compliance for protection from dirt, moisture, vibration, and the like. It's available now for $119.99 on contract after rebate.
Samsung's Diva S5150 and S7070 delight, blind
Shiny, quilt-look phones are an admittedly limited market -- but considering that Samsung announces on average 17.2 quadzillion phones a week, it makes perfect sense that they'd devote a whole line to this kind of over-the-top foolishness. We spent a couple minutes with the S5150 flip and S7070 touch phones today -- the first two members of the Diva series -- marveling at just how truly frilly these trinkets are. The gilded S5150, in particular, dazzles the eyes with a concealed LED display (yes, LED, not LCD) and an amazing sheen that could probably be used as a defensive weapon to blind an attacker in a pinch. In terms of UI and functionality, you're not going to find anything new here -- but then again, that's not really what a Diva's about, is it? Follow the break for a quick, totally bedazzled look at the S5150's flashy dress. %Gallery-81606%
Keepin' it real fake, part CCXLVII: these Adidas don't go on your feet
Nothing says "I occasionally don a $200 jogging suit and plod through prominent areas of Central Park where my Greco-Roman form has the best chance of being noticed by onlookers" like carrying an Adidas-branded phone in your pocket. Bonus points for a metal-look "Sports" badge glued to the inside of the hinge. But ouch... minus 15 points for it being an unlicensed product, my friend -- who do you think you're fooling with this thing? Actually, whether it be the streets of Shenzhen or New York City, we don't think the average individual would suspect that this was a ripoff from the outside -- it's surprisingly convincing and tasteful -- but the multicolored lights on the keypad might give it away when you flip it open. Your years of athletic achievements, poof! Gone just like that in a cloud of illegal branding.
