Mobile Handsets Guide

Flip Phones (Clamshells)
The pocket-friendly handsets are ideal for inside pockets and handbags, their design makes accidental calls almost impossible and they are usually smaller to carry around. Many people also find that flip phones are desirable as their screens are protected when closed.

Examples of clamshell mobile phones are:

• Nokia N76
• Motorola RAZR V9
• Sony Ericsson W350i
• Motorola U9 Purple

Bar (Candy bar)
Similar in design to the flip phones, candy bars are a traditional format mobile phone offering quick access to screen and buttons. As they have no moving parts you don't need to open anything to answer a call or use the keypad. Their robust design also allows them to be tougher so you are less likely to break them if dropped.

On the down side, bar phones have unprotected screens so they will be subject to scratching and also the phones can be a bit on the chunky side.

Examples of candy bar mobile phones are:

• Nokia N78
• Nokia 6300 Black
• Samsung F490
• Sony Ericsson W880i Black
• Blackberry Pearl 8110

Smartphones
Most devices considered Smartphones use an identifiable operating system, often with the ability to add applications for enhanced data connectivity or entertainment. Smartphones tend to come fully featured with email capabilities and with a personal organiser. Other functionality can include a QWERTY keyboard, a touch screen and a built-in camera. Perhaps the most endearing feature of these phones is their ability to read business documents in formats such as Microsoft Office or Acrobat Reader (PDFs), their ability to view email, play music, view photos and watch video clips tend to mark these mobile phones out as serious competitors to the ultra-successful Blackberry devices.

Examples of Smartphones are:

• Palm Treo 500V
• O2 XDA Orbit II
• Samsung i640
• T-Mobile MDA Touch

Slider Phones
The advantage of slider phones is that you are able to start and stop calls without using buttons - all you do is slide the phone open or shut. These mobile phones tend to be more compact than similarly featured mobile handsets and they have larger screens as a result. Look out for handsets with smooth opening and closing mechanisms, quick access keys and useful camera settings. Always check that the phone delivers all the features you want as slider phones do tend to trap you with their stylish good looks.

Examples of slider phones are:

• Samsung G600
• Sony Ericsson W760i
• LG KF700
• Motorola RIZRZ8
• Nokia 6500 Slide Black

3G
3G is the 'third generation' in mobile communications and enables wireless communication quickly and easily and offers the following features:

• Person to person video calling
• Live web streaming
• Downloadable video content for new and sport
• Video messaging
• GPS