We think we've finally ceased to be amazed when Japan's NTT DoCoMo
drops some
endless array of new phones on its domestic market. Sure, the latest gaggle -- which includes the multi-manufacturer 703i series, the SO903iTV from Sony Ericsson, and the D800iS from Mitsubishi -- holds a number of claims to fame, but we're trying our darndest to stand firm in our commitment to remain unmoved by the torrent of Far East-style technology. The 703i variants from NEC and Panasonic, denoted with a "μ" on the ends of their model numbers, are said to be the thinnest WCDMA handsets in the world at 11.4 millimeters, the D800iS includes a second display in place of the keypad for handwriting recognition and various "ooh, aah" kinds of functionality, and the Bravia-branded SO903iTV rocks 1seg for mobile TV reception. We have to admit, our resolve is wearing a bit thin here; anyone care to fly us out to Japan?
posted Jan 16th 2007 1:00PM
I have a real soft spot for block flips (no rounded edges, please). Too bad they never have 850mhz. The Sony Bravia is especially blockish & attracive (though red isn't my cup of tea).
what frequency are these? Can they work in the USA?
Check out the photos of SE BRAVIA handset for DoCoMo. It scheduled for release in June 2007.
http://analytica1st.com/analytica1st/2007/01/after-walkman-and-cybershot-next-comes.html
Trend definitely seems to be favoring square-cornered clamshells... and diminutive external displays. Me likey! Longer battery life. I don't really need to have my cat's picture grace some fancy large exterior color display.
To think the Samsung m610 was knocked for it's "small exterior display"... in comparison to these phones, it's gi-normous!
Yes, but are any as cool as the iPhone?
@4: no. These phones will only work on docomo's home network.
Well, I don't know about as cool as an iPhone, but the D800iDS is about as close as you might hope to achieve, at least without considering the LG KE850. It's a clamshell phone, but uses a touch-sensitive lower screen in lieu of a regular keypad, ala Nintendo's dreamstation. How well will it work? Who knows, but it is still a good bit of cool.
http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/concept_model/d800ids/index.html
Touchscreens have been used on mobile phones for about 10 years already. Funny how Apple fanboys claim it's the best Apple invention that ever graced mobile phones.