Think you’re cutting-edge because your cell phone can text message, give you the weather report and play games?
Think again.
The latest phones to hit the market are so loaded with high-tech features, they’ll make your two-month-old cell seem like two cans and a piece of string.
At long last, American cell phones are finally catching up with their more sophisticated Asian and European counterparts. Whether you want to find out how much your dollars are worth in yen, schedule your yoga classes, take digital photos or even play the piano, there’s a phone out there for you.
Here’s a rundown of the coolest of the cool:
Nokia 7210
Price: $250
Available: This fall
Carrier: Not announced yet; will work on any GSM system
Features: FM radio, color display, speakerphone, currency converter and “Pop Port” interface for digital accessories
Samsung A500
Price: $299
Available: Now
Carrier: Sprint PCS Vision
Features: Animated color display, icon-driven menus, wallpapers, screensavers, personal organizer and optional digital camera attachment
LG LX5350
Price: $229
Available: Now
Carrier: Sprint PCS Vision
Features: Global Positioning System (GPS), photo caller ID, color display, animated menu icons, personal organizer, customizable wallpaper
Sony Ericsson P800
Price: $600
Available: This winter
Carrier: Not announced yet; will work on any GSM carrier
Features: Built-in digital camera, digital photo album, MP3 player, color display, streaming video playback (for watching movie clips), personal organizer
Motorola A388
Price: $300
Available: This fall
Carrier: Not announced yet; will work on any GSM carrier
Features: Smallest phone/PDA hybrid on market, touch screen, handwriting recognition, virtual piano keyboard, on-screen QWERTY keyboard and sketch pad.