I think I can now officially and safely say that the iPhone clones are no longer a novelty, but high performing and largely accepted phones in their own right. Their innovative additions like slide unlock, FM radio, a removable battery, and extra speakers were not only economical, but also useful features based on common sense.

The CECT S688 is among the newest of these clones. It has all of the standard features that we’ve been spoiled by, like: Bluetooth; a 3.2 inch finger touch screen; networking support (WAP 2.0, GPRS (class 10); MP3 / MP4 players; a 2.0 mega pixel camera with advanced editing features; a video recorder (this is an improvement on the 1.3 MP models that many clones have); fully functional smart phone capabilities; web browsing and email, up to 2GB of expandable memory; and an FM radio.

Where this phone differs from other clones like the HiPhone i32 (which it looks a lot like) is that it is a bit faster in its performance. When I say this, I must disclose that it is not a huge difference. I would not buy this phone if speed were my only criteria. I tested it side by side to the HiPhone and it was faster, but not by a great deal and certainly not enough to be a deal maker.

The S688 is also thinner in width and it looks slightly sleeker and more streamlined in appearance.

This is a high performing phone. I’ve not found any bugs that would discourage me from recommending it. It’s quick and intuitive, and the camera and speakers in particular are exceptional. I know not everyone will go for the smaller size, but I actually like it.

Perhaps one of the most appealing features of this phone is the price. Coming in at only about $120 (sometimes less) this mobile is among the cheapest of all of the clones. At that price for a 2.0 mp camera phone, you certainly can’t go wrong.

By: Rae Edwards

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The Chinese cell phones were popular this time last year as the iPhone was all the rage, but the troubling economy has given them a huge boost and their popularity is soaring. Having an unlocked phone makes a lot of financial sense because you are not chained to any one carrier or network and are free to shop around for the best deal.

If there was ever a drawback with the clones though, it was that most of the more popular models required us to text, email and send messages on a flat screen. Some people don’t mind this, but there are seasoned texters who much prefer the speed of texting on real, raised keys.

The Chinese manufacturers have responded with a few models that were not only made for messaging, but have upgraded cameras as well. The ZXN is one of the newer models in this category. This phone is also sometimes called ZXN95, or for the silver model, ZXN(S).

What is so appealing about the phone is that it has a full keyboard / scroll bar, a 3.0 mega pixel digital camera, and it’s probably one of the cheapest clones on the market, sometimes pricing in around the $50 range.

Don’t let the cheap price fool you though, the Z model is pretty loaded, with: a 2.6 inch touch screen; a built in 3.0 mega pixel digital camera which doubles as a high quality web cam; full MP3 / MP4 capabilities; Bluetooth 2.0; 4 very sharp vibrating speakers; expandable 2GB of memory; and web browsing, emailing and messaging with WAP, GPRS, SMS, MMS, including voice mail.

Some feel that this phone is a knock off of the Sony Ericsson c702a because of the advanced editing features, the high resolution digital camera and the messaging features.

The original version is black and the S version (which seems to be more popular) is silver. This mobile is tri band and supports GSM 900/ 1800 / 1900 MHZ bands, so it works with most carriers, including Cingular, Fido, SunCom, and T-Mobile to name only a few. A quick check with your carrier can tell you which band you currently use. This phone does not need software and will read your sim card.

I would compare this one to the Nokia N99i clone, as both are texting phones with 3.0 MP cameras, but the difference between the two is that the N99i has analog television included and is more expensive.

By: Rae Edwards

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Sony Ericsson announced three new mobiles the week commencing the 12th November. The most interesting of the three is the W890, a follow up to the popular slim W880 Walkman phone. This is a HSDPA slim mobile phone with the same Media Centre Application as the K850 and the Walkman Player version 3.0. Most Walkman phones are limited to 2 megapixel cameras, so the W890 should prove very popular as it boasts 3.15 megapixel.

- Camera: 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, video and secondary videocall camera

- Screen: TFT, 256K colours, 240 x 320 pixels, 2 inches

- Memory: 26 MB shared memory, Memory Stick Micro (M2) included, rumoured to be either 1 or 2GB.

- Connection: GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE, 3G, HSDPA Bluetooth and USB

- Media: Walkman player 3.0 and FM radio with RDS

- Style: Standard

- Size: 104 x 46.5 x 9.9 mm

- Weight: 78 g

The second of the three new Walkman mobiles is the W380, a more basic clamshell with 1.3 megapixel camera. It has the same shake control as the W910 – enabling you to manage calls, snooze your alarm or change music tracks, with a quick shake of your phone. The W380 will also be available in this seasons hot colour Electric Purple.

- Screen: TFT, 256K colours, 176 x 220 pixels, 1.9 inches with a Second external OLED mono display (128 x 36 pixels)

- Style: Clamshell / flip

- Camera: 1.3 MP, 1280×1024 pixels, video

- Media: Walkman player and FM radio with RDS

- Memory: 14 MB shared memory, Memory Stick Micro (M2), 512MB card included

- Connection: GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE, Bluetooth and USB

- Size: 92 x 49 x 16 mm

- Weight: 100 g

And finally the third handset to be released is the K660 a standard 3G phone, with a 2 megapixel camera. The K660 is quite basic but it does boast a Google maps application and the music player has Sony’s Mega Bass, which is usually only seen on Walkman phones.

- Screen: TFT, 256K colours, 240 x 320 pixels, 2 inches

- Style: Standard

- Camera: 2 MP, 1600×1200 pixels, video and secondary CIF videocall camera

- Memory: 32 MB shared memory, Memory Stick Micro (M2), 256 MB card included

- Connection: GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE, 3G, HSDPA, Bluetooth & USB

- Media: MP3/AAC/MPEG4 player and FM radio with RDS

- Size: 104 x 47 x 15 mm

- Weight: 95 g

The all new Sony Ericsson mobile phones should be available in the first quarter of 2008.

By: John Gray

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The Sony Ericsson CyberShot range of mobile phones has continually raised the bar for camera phones everywhere and has established itself as the brand to follow as a result, but they have really outdone themselves this time. The Sony Ericsson C902 is one of the newest models available but has already been branded one of the best by those that have already used it… and with good reason

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The Sony Ericsson C902 is the next generation in camera phones. There is absolutely no doubt about it. The functionality and sheer quality of the feature is unparalleled. It has a whopping 5MP camera, which is nothing new because there are other CyberShot mobiles that have has a 5MP camera but there are extras thrown in that make it possible to take better pictures than ever. The LED flash charges quickly and enables you to take better photos in poor light conditions.

The applications and software that the C902 certainly adds a wonderful touch to the feature. You can choose from My Storyteller, which allows you to edit your photos on your phone, and face detection motion to capture better images.

The Sony Ericsson C902 is not done there though. It also includes an MP3 player that is only a notch down from the Walkman phones that have been released in the past few years. The sound is crisp and it is supported by 160MB of in built memory so you can store all your favourite tunes on there with little hassle.

Sleek And Stylish

The look of the Sony Ericsson C902 is definitely stylish. It is extremely thin at 10.5mm and lightweight. The all black casing gives it a sleek sophistication that previous gimmicky models did not have, and it will appeal to everyone as a result. The minimalist look should not put your off though because, as discussed above, there is a lot more below the surface and that is all easily accessible thanks to great navigation and well laid out menus. The touch sensitive buttons are much easier to use as well, mainly because they are larger but even the slightest touch will register so you may need a bit of practice to get used to them.

There are a few negative points of this phone, but all of them are so small that you have to wonder if they are even worth mentioning. If you wanted to listen to the FM radio or MP3 via headphones then you do have to be careful because it is very easy to knock the jack out of place. There is no Wi-Fi either, which is something that most mobile phone users have come to expect as standard. Given the capability of the camera though it was inevitable something would be left out.

All in all, the Sony Ericsson C902 is one of the better mobile phone options you have at the minute. Everything it does, it does really well. No matter what your experience of phones, you can operate this with relative ease despite the fact it is jam packed full of features. It is most definitely worthy of your consideration.

By: Carlson Osbourne

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There is no doubt that the demand for mobile phones is increasingly day by day. Camera mobile phones are especially on demand. However, most people don’t realize that there are some basic camera mobile phone etiquettes to be followed. This is because there has been a tremendous increase in improper use of the camera mobile. Yes, you can have fun with your camera mobile phone but you need to make sure that you don’t exceed the limits.

Here are some basic camera mobile etiquettes you need to know

a) Privacy

The first most important thing you need to know is to respect the privacy of others when using a camera mobile phone. You should not snap pictures of other people’s consent. This is considered a serious offense.

b) Don’t use camera phones in banned places

Remember that use of camera phones is banned in certain places. You should avoid using such phones in those areas. You may consult the authorities related to the rules and regulations.

c) No mass mailing

For the past some years, people have been in the habit of circulating pictures of other people without their consent. This has become an increasing habit. Taking pictures and morphing them without the consent of concerned person is a criminal offense. One may end up getting severe punishment.

d) Shut camera lens

It is important to shut the camera lens, when not in use. This will avoid a lot of problems. You need to follow this rule properly because some people may feel offended when camera is pointed towards them.

e) Use your common sense

You must use your common sense when sending MMS messages. Try to understand that everyone does not like to receive these messages. The reason may be as simple as a network not allowing to change the recipient for MMS messages downloading.

f) Turn off the flash

It is advisable to turn off the flash of your camera whenever you can. The flash light can be quite distracting at certain places.

g) Behave responsibly

You need to learn to behave responsibly when sending a particular content to someone on a mobile phone. Try to take some time and understand what you send and to whom. Remember that you are no more anonymous on a network when you subscribe to a mobile service plan. Your phone number and the receiver’s number will identify you to the network as well as to the recipient as soon as you make a phone call. It will even identify your emails, multimedia messages and text messages sent from the phone.

h) Note and name on your photo messages

In case, the receiver is not in the inner circle of your friends, he or she may not have your phone number in order to match it with your name in the contact list of your phone. The receiver may also not be familiar with some people in your picture. Adding a small note with the photo will play the trick.

Following the above mentioned camera mobile etiquettes will help you enjoy the best of facilities without bothering others.

By: Steve Manik

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