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Pantech News

Matrix: Pantech cooking up Duo successor for AT&T

Matrix: Pantech cooking up Duo successor for AT&T

Remember the Pantech Duo, a Helio Ocean-esque dual slider WinMo smartphone for AT&T?  I really like the idea of that phone, but in reality it was super bulky and just not that fun to use.  Looks like Pantech's cooking up a successor of sorts, and has dumbed the Duo down in a good way to create the Matrix, a dual-slider that's a messaging-centric "dumb phone" with slicker styling, funner features, and (hopefully) a slimmer...
New AT&T Messaging Phones : Duo 2, Samsung i640 Coming?

New AT&T Messaging Phones : Duo 2, Samsung i640 Coming?

Engadget Mobile got their hands on a survey being sent around to AT&T customers, and it might foretell of some new QWERTY messaging phones coming soon to the carrier's shelves.  The survey asks for consumer opinions on a number of text-centric phones, including a T-Mobile Sidekick and VZW's new enV2, as well as an AT&T branded, dual-sliding Pantech device that looks a little sleeker and svelter than the current Duo.  Duo 2,...
OZ2 : Helio Ocean 2 - Photos and Specs

OZ2 : Helio Ocean 2 - Photos and Specs

At long last some news on the forthcoming sequel to Helio's flagship device: The Ocean 2, aka OZ2.  The notable changes seem to be on the inside, as OZ2 rocks the same dual slider form factor as the original and looks to be more or less the same size, if a little more rounded and futuristic looking.  Honestly, it's hard to tell from the sole photo that hit the Web over on Engadget Mobile.What's easier to get a read on are Ocean 2's...
The Pantech Duo with a new AT&T calling plan is now available from Lets Talk

The Pantech Duo with a new AT&T calling plan is now available from Let's Talk

Available today from Let's Talk, the highly anticipated Pantech Duo, a dual sliding smartphone is now available with a new AT&T calling plan.  For $249.99* the Duo is the latest Windows Mobile 6 device for AT&T customers that comes equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera with 4x zoom, Bluetooth, and video capture. With access to AT&T's mobile music from billboard, XM, Napster, and Yahoo along with Instant messaging using...
Dual Slider Smartphone: Duo Shows Up in AT&T Stores

Dual Slider Smartphone: Duo Shows Up in AT&T Stores

Boy Genius reports he's got his hands on the new Pantech Duo for AT&T, and word is also trickling in from other sources that the Duo is, in fact, available in select locations.  This Windows Mobile 6 smartphone features a Helio Ocean-esque dual-sliding form factor with dedicated dialing and QWERTY keypads.  3G support, a 1.3MP camera, and support for AT&T's Mobile Music and CV (video) packages make this a really compelling...
Ocean for the rest of us: Pantech C810 Dual-Slider coming to AT&T

Ocean for the rest of us: Pantech C810 Dual-Slider coming to AT&T

Multiple reports have cropped up in the past few weeks all but confirming the Ocea-esque Pantech C810 all but ready for an AT&T launch.  Built by the folks responsible for manufacturing the Helio Ocean, the C810 will feature a similar dual-sliding design with discrete layers for numerical and QWERTY keypads.  Unlike Ocean's proprietary OS, the C810 is slated to run Windows Mobile 6. The handset has recently shown up as a...
Pantech Ocean Introduction & Design

Pantech Ocean in-depth review - Introduction & Design

Earlier this year, Helio CEO Sky Dayton said that the Ocean is the phone he "dreamt of making" when he first took over as the MVNO's chief executive.  The Helio-designed, Pantech-built Ocean has also been near the top of my - and every other phone reviewer's - "can't wait for it" list since it was announced.  Featuring a unique dual-slider design affording dedicated QWERTY and dialing pads, a 2mp camera, media player, and...

Pantech Ocean in-depth review - Features

FeaturesI could easily write a novel-length description of Ocean's features and probably still leave something out.  Helio's bread and butter is packing their "not phones" with access to all sorts of multimedia and games that users can download or subscribe to (for additional fees) via the Helio Store.  Ocean is the first device really designed from the ground up as a high-tech means of accessing all Helio has to offer.   In...

Pantech Ocean in-depth review - Display & Audio

Ocean's display is excellent.  Oddly, something about the layout of the handset's "display layer" made me think the screen was smaller than it actually is, but at 2.4" in size and a QVGA resolution at 260,000 colors, Ocean's screen is on par with all but the very upper echelon of today's mobile phones.  I really like Helio's user-friendly menus and display fonts, and text, images, and video all rendered bright and crisp on Ocean's...

Pantech Ocean in-depth review - Messaging, Internet & Connectivity

Ocean is as much a messaging device as it is a phone.  The operating system supports Yahoo!, AOL, and Windows Live instant messaging as well as Helio mail, Gmail, AOL mail, Earthlink mail, and good old fashioned POP3 and IMAP4 email right out of the box.  You'll be hard-pressed to find another mobile phone that comes pre-configured for access to this many messaging protocols.  SMS and MMS messages are also supported. Messaging...

Pantech Ocean in-depth review - Conclusion

Helio's Ocean was at the top of my "most anticipated" list since it was first announced.  The anticipation grew when images and video clips surfaced following Helio's behind-closed-doors preview of the device at CTIA in March.  When Ocean launched in May, I couldn't wait for my name to make it to the top of Helio's PR list and instead ordered a unit directly from their website.  So after all that hype, what do I make of the three...
Part 1: Noahs Video Review for the Ocean

Part 1: Noah's Video Review for the Ocean

Part 1 of Noah's Ocean cell phone review. The Helio Ocean has arrived at Noah's and he takes you through the "un-boxing" of the device and all of the included equipment.  Stay tuned for more videos about the Ocean device as Noah has time to learn what it can do! 


Latest Videos & Reviews

Check out the latest cell phone videos and in-depth reviews from Noah and our other expert editors
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 2
    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 2Part 2 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 1
    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 1Part 1 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Unboxing & First Look
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220If only my BlackBerry would flip shut! Hey, it does! Noah unboxes the new BB Pearl Flip 8220 for
  • LG Lotus (Sprint) Unboxing
    LG Lotus (Sprint) UnboxingFierce! It's the unique new LG Lotus for Sprint - a square-shaped clamshell with a full QWERTY
  • Samsung a837 Rugby (AT&T) - Dropped From a Crane! Sorta
    Samsung a837 Rugby VideoIt's the ruggedized Samsung a837 "Rugby" for AT&T. It's the Crane of Death in downtown Berkeley,
  • Samsung a637 (AT&T) - Unboxing and Hands-On
    Samsung a637 (AT&T)Out of the box! It's the newest AT&T 3G phone, the pearly white Samsung a637. Low-end means
  • Inside the T-Mobile G1
    T-Mobile G1 HardwareDuring the live demo at the T-Mobile / HTC / Google Android launch event, Doug got a chance to take
  • Sprint Touch Diamond - Full Review Part 2
    Sprint Touch Diamond Pt 2Part 2 of Noah's review of the first CDMA Touch Diamond - Sprint's version. Is it a diamond or just
  • Sprint Touch Diamond - Full Review Part 1
    Sprint Touch Diamond Pt 1Noah goes in-depth with Sprint's version of the HTC Touch Diamond. Is this the best Windows Mobile
  • Touch HD video:
    Touch HD videoSeriously. In the video it says so: Touch HD is where "your wildest fantasies come to life." I
  • HTC Touch-Diamond
    HTC Touch-DiamondWhat’s Good: Stunning hardware design and elegant software user interface; front panel is subdued,
  • LG Dare
    LG DareWhat’s Good: Attractive, highly customizable UI with home screen shortcuts; Compact design with
  • Samsung Instinct-M800
    Samsung Instinct-M800What’s Good: Supports every feature Sprint offers; EV-DO Rev. A data speeds; Good touchscreen
  • LG enV2
    LG enV2What’s Good: Sleeker and smaller than the original EnV. Comfortable QWERTY keyboard and QVGA
  • Motorola Z9
    Motorola Z9What’s Good: Great voice quality; fast 3G data speeds; good GPS system; mobiTV compatibility;
  • Samsung Glyde
    Samsung GlydeWhat’s Good: Touchscreen and Full QWERTY Keyboard in Compact Body; Clean Menus and “Croix” User
  • Nokia N82
    Nokia N82What’s Good: Incredible Camera w/Xenon Flash; Full VGA Video Capture; Excellent Web Browser; WiFi;
  • BlackBerry Pearl-8120 Titanium
    BlackBerry Pearl-8120 TitaniumWhat’s Good: Integrated WiFi for Web, Email, and HotSpot@Home UMA Calling; Trackball is easy to
  • LG Venus
    LG VenusWhat’s Good: Beautiful display; Context-sensitive menus; Extensive feature set; VZ Navigation works
  • Nokia N810 Silver
    Nokia N810 SilverWhat’s Good: Stylish, compact design with large touchscreen and full QWERTY keyboard; Excellent

New & coming soon phones

Hot off the presses... here's what's available now and expected to come to market soon!
  • LG Rhythm-AX585 Black
    LG Rhythm-AX585 BlackCarrier: Alltel Wireless
    Retail Price: $299.99 or via ebay
    Contract Price: $119.99
    Hot Feature: Great music phone
  • Samsung Rugby A837-Black
    Samsung Rugby A837-BlackCarrier: AT&T Wireless
    Retail Price: $279.99
    Contract Price: $179.99
    Hot Feature: Rugged to military specs
  • Samsung SGH A237-Red
    Samsung SGH A237-RedCarrier: AT&T
    Contract Price: $49.99
    Hot Features: Bluetooth technology, WAP browser, VGA camera
  • Sony Ericsson TM506-Green
    Sony Ericsson TM506-GreenCarrier: T-Mobile
    Contract Price: $129.99 with instant rebate
    Hot Feature: Quad band, Live TV
  • Motorola Q9 Global - Slate Gray
    Motorola Q9 Global - Slate GrayCarrier: AT&T
    Contract Price: $249.99 before mail-bate
    Hot Feature: 3G, Qwerty Keyboard
  • Samsung Knack
    Samsung KnackCarrier: Verixon Wireless
    Contract Price: $39.99
    Hot Feature: Simple stylish flip
  • UTStarcom Blitz
    UTStarcom BlitzCarrier: Verizon Wireless
    Contract Price: $69.99
    Hot Feature: Kids texting machine
  • LG Voyager-Titanium
    LG Voyager-TitaniumCarrier: Verizon Wireless
    Contract Price: $149.99
    Hot Feature: New color
  • Sony Ericsson W350 Ice Blue
    Sony Ericsson W350 Ice BlueCarrier: AT&T
    Contract Price: Free
    Hot Feature: Thin flip - Music player
  • LG Invision
    LG InvisionCarrier: AT&T
    Contract Price: $149.99
    Hot Feature: Streaming TV

What's happening right now

  • Video
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 2

    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 2

    Part 2 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides the buttons away for a sleek look, but does it have the juice to keep Crackberry addicts happy?
    Video
    BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 (T-Mobile): Review Part 1

    BlackBerry Flip 8220 pt 1

    Part 1 of Noah's 2-part review of the BlackBerry 8220. The first-ever BlackBerry flip phone hides the buttons away for a sleek look, but does it have the juice to keep Crackberry addicts happy?
    Blog Article

    Mini-Review: BlackBerry 8220

    The first ever flip BlackBerry is a winner, so long as you play to its strengths.  While the 8220 is very large for a modern day flip phone, it's lightweight and slick looking enough to trick you into thinking it's a little smaller than it really is.  I've had the 8220 for just under a week now, and I very quickly grew used to carrying it around in my pocket.  No, it's not as thin as a RAZR or as small as a low-end sliderphone,...
    Video
    LG Lotus (Sprint) Unboxing

    LG Lotus (Sprint) Unboxing

    Fierce! It's the unique new LG Lotus for Sprint - a square-shaped clamshell with a full QWERTY board inside. GPS, Sprint TV & Music, 2MP Camera, HTML Browser, Mobile IM and Email ... Noah checks out this fashion-forward feature phone.
    Blog Article
    LG Lotus (Sprint) - Photo Gallery

    LG Lotus (Sprint) - Photos

    Hey, look what just came!  Thanks, Vanessa ;-)  Here are some photos of the black LG Lotus for Sprint.  The QWERTY board feels GREAT so far, as those bubbled chiclet-style keys make up for the relatively small size of the layout.  Sprint's new One Click UI is sort of cool and helpful and sort of overdone; I'll have to play with it more, but I hope it winds up being handier more often than it gets in the way.  And I'm...
  • Blog Article
    In the Wild!: Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Unboxed

    Xperia X1 Unboxed

    D'oh!  It's a real, live Sony Ericsson Xperia X1.  In a box!  Out of a box!  Happy Friday!See the full gallery on Fosfor.com(Via MobileCrunch)
    Video
    Samsung a837 Rugby (AT&T) - Dropped From a Crane! Sorta

    Samsung a837 Rugby Video

    It's the ruggedized Samsung a837 "Rugby" for AT&T. It's the Crane of Death in downtown Berkeley, CA. Push to talk technology meets a giant crane. But will Noah have the guts to scale the crane to drop the phone? Find out here!
    Blog Article
    Announcements: Motorola on 10/13, Nokia on 10/14

    Phone Announcements

    Heads-up, phone phans!  Nokia's planned an announcemnet for next Monday, October 13th - and has a viral campaign to hype things up in the meantime - and Motorola's announcing something new and "Clear" (as per their PR campaign) on Tuesday, October 14th.  My bets?  I have no idea what Nokia's gonna drop, but I bet MOTO unveils the Kraze smartphone for Verizon Wireless. Stay tuned for all of the juicy bits as we get them.  And...
    Video
    Samsung a637 (AT&T) - Unboxing and Hands-On

    Samsung a637 (AT&T)

    Out of the box! It's the newest AT&T 3G phone, the pearly white Samsung a637. Low-end means high-tech these days, and this candybar packs 3G, support for XM Radio Mobile & AT&T Music/Video, and a 1.3 MP camera with video capture.
    Blog Article
    WiMax: HTC drops super shiny WiMax phone on Russia

    HTC T8290

    Might this be a peek into our near-term future?  I hope so.  You're looking at the HTC T8290, a shiny, sleek, badass looking piece of kit from HTC destined for Russia's Yota network. What's neat about this device, besides its obvious good looks, is that it packs both GSM and WiMax connectivity so you can get your voice and high-speed data on in style.  There's a 3.8", 800 x 480 hi-res display for all of that content you'll be...
  • Blog Article
    G2: HTC Touch HD not US-bound, but similar Android phone is

    More on next HTC Android phone

    First off, how cool is it that HTC dropped some significant cell phone news on the blogosphere via Twitter the other day?  I'm not saying Twitter itself is/isn't cool, but rather that it's neat to see a tech company innovate when it comes to communicating with the media.  Particularly so a tech company that uses the word "Innovation" in their marketing materials. Second, my post about the possibility of the HTC Touch HD coming to...
    Blog Article
    Sidekick on steroids: First user review of T-Mobile G1 surfaces

    User review of G1

    An Android Community user - and T-Mobile Store Manager in Florida, apparently - who goes by kaziko has posted the first user review of T-Mobile's G1 Android phone.  The review - which takes the form of an ongoing forum thread - is summarized nicely in this post if you don't care to dive into the 11+ page thread. Of course, if you do there's text galore to tide you over until those G1s start shipping on the 22nd. So what's kaziko...
    Blog Article
    Hands-Free: Driving with both earbuds in is NOT okay

    Driving with both earbuds

    For the past few weeks I've been considering writing a post about how California's law against driving while holding a cell phone has done pretty much nothing to curb the habit - at least in the Oakland/Berkeley area where I live and work.  Yesterday on my bike ride home from the office I figured out why I hadn't penned the post yet.  The law has done something, I think.  Sure, I still see at least three drivers with cellies in...
    Blog Article
    New Phones: Whole lotta Samsung goin on

    New Samsung phones

    While i'm not exactly sure what's going on with some of these code names (Behold? Eternal? Huh?), I am sure of this:  Samsung Mobile's bustin' out all over with their Xmas-time lineup of new phones for US carriers.  Here's a little summary for you, best as I can cobble it out of truth, rumors, and other stuff that's just across the line from pure fiction: T919 "Behold" (T-Mobile):  This one's all but a lock.  TouchWiz UI...
    Blog Article
    DogFight: BlackBerry Storm v. T-Mobile G1 v. Nokia 5800

    Storm v G1 v 5800

    Okay, this is more like a "Paper DogFight" than a real dogfight since, you know, none of these phones are actually available yet.  So what?  Let's look at 'em on paper and see how they stack up so you can get a jump on arguing with your FaceBook Friends over which of these new phones is the best.Note that I'll include the US carrier for each phone in the competitor run-down.  I'm well aware that the Storm is also available in...

Latest phone images

Matrix-C740SGH-A637StormC610SCH-u430 BlackMOTO-ACTV-W450 OrangeMOTO-ACTV-W450 YellowRhythm-AX585 WhiteRhythm-AX585 BlackG1w580i Red5800-XpressMusic BlueChocolate-3-VX8560 BlueRumor BluePro-200Emporio-Armani-M7500

Latest winner

October 6, 2008 - Cogratulations to Omar Flores of TX.  He is our week 17 winner of a brand new Motorola Q9m.  "It feels good to know i won, I really did not expect for me to win, it came of great shock to me, thank you phonedog.com for the awesome phone!"
Don't forget to enter »

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