I Googled "Nokia N95" while researching an article just now and there at the top of my results page was a sponsored link for ... you guessed it ... The N95 on AT&T.  Clicking the link took me to the listing of all Nokia handsets on ATT.com, but sadly there was no N95 to come.  Is this simply a case of someone typing in "N95" when they meant "N75" - that giant S60 clamshell that AT&T's been selling for awhile now?  Or could it be that AT&T bought up a bunch of links that Google deployed a day or two early, and we'll soon be seeing a hopefully not-too-over-branded-and-locked-down N95 in AT&T stores real, real soon?

Check out the screen grab, Google for yourselves, and tell us what you think.

Of course if the N95 does make its way to an AT&T store near you in the second quarter of this year, I'd think folks would be receptive to it.  But you never know.  One man's 5-megapixel shootin', VGA video capturin', WiFi and HSDPA high speed surfin' superphone is another man's incredibly expensive, rather chunky piece of confusing technology.  According to Engadget Mobile we'll at least get to find out how US consumers respond to a full-on powerhouse, as they're all but guaranteeing a Q2 release of an AT&T branded N95-3, aka the original North American variant.

While Nokia has already launched both a newer N95 - the 8GB model with larger screen and sexy black finish - and its successor, the N96, it's still news that a major American carrier is going to pick up the handset that made many a phone geek's dreams.  Seriously, the N95 is a serious piece of technology of the sort that Europeans have flocked to in recent years but most Americans have shied away from.  If this all comes true it'll be very interesting to see how AT&T prices it, what (if anything) they do to screw it up, and whether or not it flies off the shelves.

Read more - including the insights of several savvy commenters - over at Engadget Mobile.

Unwired View lists the G810 as featuring a 5mp camera with 3x optical zoom and anti-shake and face recognition technologies, along with integrated GPS and WiFi, HSDPA for 3G data access, and 150 MB of internal memory with a microSD expansion slot.  The G810 will reportedly run on Symbian 9.2 with the S60 3.1 user interface and pack a 2.6" QVGA display and 1200 mAh battery into a relatively svelte 18mm thick body. 

If this pans out, Nokia had better be ready to unleash something more than "N95 in a new color!" on the world's high end phone geeks, as the G810 would one-up Nokia's flagship more or less across the board - and do it all in a much more attractive design, too boot.  Let's also hope that Samsung doesn't leave the GSM 850 band and North American-compatible 3G off of the G810 - high-end smartphones have traditionally shipped with European-optimized radios, but Sony Ericsson bucked that trend with their new K850 and W760 handsets, both of which feature US-friendly GSM and HSDPA bands. 

Read more about the Samsung G810 at Unwired View from here.

This break in the action seems like a good time for some Top 5 lists.  Here are my picks for the best in currently available cellular phones:

1. Apple iPhone - GSM (US Carrier: AT&T)
It lacks 3G, has a mediocre camera, and can't do MMS.  But it's still the best all-around cellular experience available, particularly if you jailbreak yours and delve into the ever-growing world of iPhone shareware.  The display is incredibly sharp and the multitouch-based UI is head and shoulders above anything else out there.  Apple's forthcoming SDK and rumored 3G model will only up the ante.

2. Nokia N95 8GB - GSM (US Carrier: Unlocked)
Nokia unveiled the North American version of their flagship N95 8GB handset at CES earlier this year.  With a bigger display, more internal storage, and North American-band 3G on board, N95 is perhaps the most capable handset on the planet.  I give iPhone the edge for all-around usability, but if you're looking for a smartphone that can literally do it all, the 8GB N95 may well be at the top of your list.

3. Helio Ocean - CDMA (US Carrier: Helio)
Ocean is the flagship device offered by the United States' most innovative network operator.  Helio leverages Sprint's EV-DO network to offer all sorts of Web and streaming multimedia content, and Ocean was custom built to get the most out of Helio's offerings.  Clever software, comprehensive messaging features, and one-touch search from the Home screen are backed by a unique dual-slider format that offers dedicated QWERTY and dialing layouts.  Ocean's been around for long enough now that it's due for a face lift of some sort - could we see a slimmer, touchscreen-based superphone from Helio this year? 

4. BlackBerry Curve - GSM (US Carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile)
Despite the still-glaring lack of a 3G variant, RIM's BlackBerry Curve is the go-to smartphone for corporate Email types who want a little fun with their Inboxes.  Adding an audio/video player with stereo Bluetooth and 3.5mm headphone jack and a 2-megapixel camera to BlackBerry's legendary email client means that geeky execs and their corporate IT departments can both live happily with Curve.  The AT&T 8310 model adds GPS while T-Mobile's 8320 features Wi-Fi connectivity along with myFaves and HotSpot@Home (UMA) compatibility.

5 (tie). LG Voyager - CDMA (US Carrier: Verizon Wireless) and Sony Ericsson K790a GSM (US Carrier: Unlocked)
Voyager is the new king of VZW's feature phones.  Adding a touchscreen and VCAST TV to the platform built by the V and enV before it, Voyager packs just about every feature a media and messaging maven could want into a chunky but pocketable form factor.  There's no WiFi to be found on Voyager, but VZW's solid EV-DO network provides high speed data in so many places you likely won't miss it.

The K790a is still my favorite cameraphone thanks to its combination of excellent picture quality, true Xenon flash, and reasonable price.  SE's new flagship cameraphone, the K850, ups the megapixels and adds HSDPA to the mix, but it's still pretty pricey.  Rumor is SE may have an 8MP shooter and/or "iPhone Killer" touchsreen device in the works for the near future.  Stay tuned ...

I'm not at all discounting the N95 8GB US - it's about as state of the art as handsets get these days - but it's a handset that's been around for awhile, albeit with different innards tailored towards North American radio bands.  If you want the best Nokia's got to offer right now (and don't want the E90 Communicator), the N95 8GB is the way to go.

Meantime, I was pretty impressed by the 5610 XpressMusic, a Series 40 slider featuring a thin profile, 3.2MP camera, and high quality video playback.  Nokia also had the N81 8GB and N82 on display, the latter perhaps representing the best imaging handset Nokia currently offers.

Still, it's nice to see the flagship Nokia with US-spec 3G capabilities - there's definitely a sense that the US cellular market has matured to the point that the Nokias and SEs of the world are willing to bring their best stuff to the States.  Expect some new gear from Nokia at 3GSM and/or CTIA later this Spring.

Now for the bad news - you are going to have to shell out $779 + SH to get your hands on one (can you say new laptop anyone). That seems a little steep especially with its, dare I say limited "8GB storage" capacity, not to mention the N96 is peaking its head around the corner. In any event it is a solid phone with a ton of features that is sure to be a big hit with those who can afford one (or not).

Read full specs here

There are hundreds of stations to choose from and you are able to search for your favorite station by country, language, name or genre. Once you find the ones you like you can create a "favorites list" for easier accessibility.

The application can be downloaded for free here

Read full press release here

1. Apple iPhone - AT&T GSM
iPhone is the best all around featurephone on the market today, thanks in large part to it's state-of-the-art multitouch display and excellent user interface.  Though it lacks 3G data, GPS, and a few other features we've come to expect from high-end handsets, iPhone makes up for it by providing a start-to-finish user experience that's head and shoulders above the competition.  The form factor is near perfect, the touchscreen is responsive and rugged, and the high-res display is big and clear enough to make mobile movie watching enjoyable.  Here's hoping Apple takes the wraps off of a significant upgrade to iPhone at MacWorld in January and makes good on that promise of an SDK in February.  A 3G iPhone with third-party application support (and a reconfigured headphone jack) would be music to Steve Jobs' accountant's ears.

2. Nokia N95 - Unlocked GSM
With the release of an 8GB model with a larger display and sleek black finish, and a version compatible with 3G in the United States, Nokia updated their flagship smartphone without really revising it much.  No matter, though, as the N95 is still the most feature packed handset in the world.  Previews of S60 software optimized for touchscreens have N-Series fans wondering when Nokia's "iPhone Killer" will hit the streets, and how magical it will be.  But S60 is very different from Apple's Mobile OS X, and N95 is a different beast than iPhone.  iPhone is mainly for the masses, whereas N95 is a geek's dream come true.  $700 is a lot to pay for an unlocked cell phone, but one look at N95's spec sheet will tell you this is no average cell phone - it's more like a handheld computer that also makes phone calls.

3. Helio Ocean - Helio CDMA
Ocean is chunky and its display is starting to look small in the face of all the full frontal touchscreens appearing on cell phones as of late.  But Ocean just might be the best value in featurephones when you consider all it can do and what Helio charges for an "All In" monthly service plan as compared to similar offerings from the other carriers.  Ocean's integrated search and messaging features are the best in the business, and the combination of 3G data (on Sprint's speedy network), GPS, full Web browsing, and a slideout QWERTY thumboard make this innovative handset Generation MySpace's dream come true.  Helio doesn't offer many devices, and the "Mysto" slider is already on deck as their next offering, but I can't help but wonder what they've got up their sleeve as far as an Ocean replacement goes.  Imagine an Ocean-esque device, but slimmer and with a larger, touch-friendly display ... mmm.

4. LG Voyager - Verizon Wireless CDMA
Voyager is kind of like the ultimate Sidekick.  It's big, it's a little ungainly, and it's expensive.  But it's got that nice, roomy full QWERTY keyboard, two full-resolution displays, and just about every feature you could want on a non-smartphone.  External touchscreen?  Check.  High-speed network with full Web browsing, mobile music store, and mobile TV?  Check.  Email, SMS, IM, GPS, Stereo Bluetooth, Camera with video capture?  Check.  Fully ready to send your monthly service bill well into the three digit range if you activate all those services?  You betcha!

5. HTC Shadow - T-Mobile GSM
There might be some blind loyalty clouding my judgement here since I am still a T-Mobile customer (can't beat that $5.99/mo T-Zones Web access!).  In all objectivity, though, I think Shadow is an excellent device.  HTC and TMob have managed to take the best parts of the ill-fated Samsung Blast and the way too complex Windows Mobile 6 OS and merge them into a tricked out yet easy to use sliderphone.  Shadow features a SureType-style QWERTY thumboard for easy text input, integrated WiFi for fast Web browsing, and a very well thought out user interface that makes it easy to manage your connectivity, update your calendar, and change your Five without having to delve into the awful land of WM6.  Shadow's small, sexy, and easy to use.  And considering all it does, it's reasonably priced, too.  Just make sure you ditch IE for Opera to get the best possible Web browsing experience.

N95 8GB highlights:

• 5.0 megapixel camera with 20x digital zoom
• 30 fps video capture
• Symbian 60 OS
• HSDPA
• Wifi
• *No memory expansion slot

Read full press release here

"From the compact Nokia 5310 XpressMusic music phone to the fully-featured Nokia N81 multimedia computer, Nokia offers a range of entertainment-enabled devices for consumers who want their music, games and favourite media with them wherever they go," says Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President, Nokia. "We believe these full-featured, well-designed devices will be very popular and will help bring Nokia's Internet and music services to life."

Click on the links to view full specs of each phone!
 
Nokia N81 and Nokia N81 8GB: Entertainment made simple
With dedicated music and gaming keys, 3.5 mm headphone connector and 3G and WLAN connectivity, the Nokia N81 multimedia computer is a true mobile entertainment powerhouse. With a sleek, polished surface and keys that light up when you activate them, accessing content on the 3D multimedia menu is fast and intuitive. Equally impressive, the Nokia N81 is configured to find, buy, manage and play music and games purchased from the Nokia Music Store and N-Gage games service. The estimated retail price of the Nokia N81 is 360 EUR before subsidies or taxes. The Nokia N81 8GB is expected to retail for 430 EUR before subsidies or taxes. Both versions are expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007.

 
Nokia N95 8GB: Stunning screen, massive memory
The Nokia N95, the world's greatest multimedia computer, just got greater. With all the key features of its predecessor, including a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, built-in A-GPS, WLAN, HSDPA and an innovative 2-way slide, the Nokia N95 8GB now offers up to eight gigabytes of built-in memory. The N95 8GB also boasts a new luminous 2.8" QVGA display - one of the largest ever for a multimedia computer - so that watching videos, browsing the Internet or viewing maps is easy. With its expanded memory, the N95 8GB offers up to 20 hours of video* or up to 6000 songs**. The N95 8GB multimedia computer is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of EUR 560 before subsidies or taxes.

 
Nokia 5310 XpressMusic - Small in size, big on music
With a sleek aluminium finish, the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic phone blends an array of features with an iconic design. At only 9.9mm thick and weighing less than 71 grams, the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic fits comfortably in a pocket or purse. Equally important, the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic offers up to 18 hours of music playback, memory for up to 3,000 songs** on an optional 4GB microSD card and dedicated music keys. With a 2-megapixel camera and a bright 2-inch QVGA screen with up to 16 million colors, the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of 225 EUR before taxes and subsidies. 

 
Nokia 5610 XpressMusic - Edgy design, sharp sound
The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic comes ready to rock with an iconic Music Slider key making music easy to access with a flick of the thumb.  Aluminum side panels accent the all-black high gloss finish and large 2.2-inch, 16 million color display of the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic.  The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic offers crystal clear sound and up to 22 hours of music playback and memory with capacity for 3,000 songs on an optional 4GB microSD card**. More than just a phone and music player, the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic features a high-quality 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and dual LED flash. The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic uses 3G technology, making downloads, web-browsing and video calls faster and easier. The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of EUR 300 before taxes and subsidies.
 
Both Nokia XpressMusic handsets are compatible with the recently launched Nokia Music Store, offering consumers a wide music selection to be downloaded via PC.
 
Music accessories - More music for all ears
Recognizing the increasing role of mobile phones in music consumption, Nokia and globally-recognized audio manufacturers, including Altec Lansing, JBL, and Philips will offer a range of music accessories matching the XpressMusic handsets in design and functionality. The partner accessories, including headphones, docking stations and speakers, will be identifiable by "For Nokia XpressMusic Phones."
 
Also introduced today were two Nokia branded enhancements. The Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-503, compatible with Nokia XpressMusic phones with stereo Bluetooth support and the small, but powerful Nokia Pocket Speakers MD-6, compatible with Nokia XpressMusic phones with 2.5mm / 3.5mm connectors.
 
* Capacity based on H.264 750-Kbps video at 320-by-240 resolution, combined with 128-Kbps audio. Capacity is half of this with H.264 1.5 Mbps video at 640-by-480 resolution, combined with 128-Kbps audio (near-DVD quality).
** Capacity based on 3:45 per song with 48 Kbps eAAC+ (M4A) encoding on the Nokia Music Manager.

Om Malik of GigaOM.com is reporting that Nokia plans to release the new N95 (N95-2?) next month.  Rather, he reports that Sling's CEO is reporting that release date ... But Boy Genius has published their own report including pics of a Nokia brochure that shows a redesigned back panel dressed in black (instead of plum) and a higher capacity battery for the US-spec handset.

Also, pics have surfaced of a new low/mid-range Sony Ericssson Walkman phone.  The handset is a flip finished in dark grey with touch sensitive media player controls, a 1.3 MP camera, and a fairly large speaker.  Just Another Mobile Phone Blog has pics you can look at, but no details beyond those yet yet.

Read two different articles about the N95. click here. & here.

Learn more about the possible Sony Ericsson Walkman flip phone.

The site is well done, and good for a laugh ... if a bit bizarre.  It reminds me somewhat of rubberburner.com and supergreg,com, two Lee Jeans viral marketing sites from a few years back.  Check out the new Nokia site, and a great resource on some of the better viral marketing sites of days gone by.

1. Nokia N95 - Unlocked GSM
Nokia's flagship handset sports a 5-megapixel Carl Zeiss camera with optical zoom and VGA-resolution video capture mode.  Until recently announced 5MP cameraphones from SE, LG, and Samsung actually make it to our shores, this is the one to beat (Samsung has a 10 MP cameraphone out now, but it only works in Korea).  While the N95 suffers from a bit of shutter lag, it yields excellent photos and is the closest thing to a true camera replacement you'll find in a US-compatible phone right now.

2. Sony Ericsson K790a - Unlocked GSM
Though it's been officially replaced by the K810 series, SE's K790a is still the best cameraphone out there in the minds of some cellie aficionados.  Combining a 3.2MP lens and a true Xenon flash with a full-featured media phone (with US-spec 850 band and EDGE compatibility), the K790a is still the SE of choice for American shutterbugs.  At least until the new 5MP K850 makes it to eBay.

3. Nokia N93i/N93/N73 - Unlocked GSM
Nokia's N-Series is stocked with powerhouse media phones, and each of these three models features a 3.2 MP Carl Zeiss lens that ranks up there with the best any other manufacturer has to offer.  The N93 and its newer, sleeker sibling, the N93i, feature a unique multi-folding design and full VGA-quality video capture mode.  The N73 packs that same quality camera into a traditional candybar shape that's a little easier on the pocket - for carrying and paying for the phone both.

4. Samsung SCH-A990 - Verizon CDMA
This somewhat overlooked handset is still Verizon's premiere cameraphone.  The A990 is a little bulky, but it doesn't suffer from the same mediocre imaging functionality that Samsung's Ultra Slim cameraphones do.  Instead, the A990 is still the highest-res cameraphone officially supported by a US carrier, and it turns out photos worthy of that lofty status.

5. Helio Ocean - Helio CDMA
While Ocean's 2MP camera isn't quite on par a few other handsets I considered for this final spot, it's more than adequate for digital picture sharing.  It's Ocean's integrated software that gets it on the list - Helio makes it easy to upload your photos to an album, share them with friends, post them to your mySpace page, and even tag them with GPS information.  WIth an Ocean and one of Helio's "All In" plans, you can share your life in text, images, and videos with everyone you meet.  Just pray you don't have to contact Helio's Customer Service department for anything ... they're really one of the worst out there.

This one only takes into account phones that you can actually buy and use right now.  So there's no SE p1i or K850, no Nokia 6500 series, and no Samsung F700 ... look for those on a new Top 5 Coming Soon list ... coming soon.

1. (tie) Apple iPhone (AT&T GSM) & Helio Ocean (Helio CDMA)
The battle of the summer super phones is a dead heat, mainly because neither one turned out to the "perfect cell phone" that we all wished they'd be.  Ocean takes the always-connected lifestyle a step further with support for a million kinds of email and IM, mobile mySpace and YouTube, and that "shape shifting" dual-slider format.  But it's chunky and kind of cheap feeling.

Apple's first foray into the mobile phone market sold over half a million units in its opening weekend, but reviews have been mixed.  While most people were won over by iPhone's rich, response multitouch display and innovative user interface, power users decried its virtual keyboard, lack of smartphone functionality, poky data speeds, and hefty price tag.  Still, it's a bold step towards the near-future of true handheld computing and Apple products really hit their stride around the third generation, so June 29, 2007 may turn out to be a historic moment in cell phone history.

3. Nokia N95 (Unlocked GSM)
That "other" super phone also hit the streets earlier this year, and while it packs nearly every feature one could hope for this side of a QWERTY board, it also commands a whopping $750 at Nokia stores.  On the plus side you get a 5MP camera with VGA video recording, WiFi and GPS, a big, bright display and the flexible power of the Series 60 interface.  On the negative side, the N95 is a little chunky, eats batteries, doesn't do 3G is the US, and somehow doesn't feel quite as luxurious as a flagship Nokia should.  Still, it's a viable alternative to your current phone, digital camera, iPod, and GPS unit all in one.

4. Sony Ericsson K790a (Unlocked GSM)
This one's a little bit of a throwback, but all of these new handsets got me thinking about what really makes a good media phone.  The original CyberShot handset has a 3.2MP camera with a real Xenon flash, a media player with stereo Bluetooth, and is a great value now that its successor - the K810 - has hit the shelves.  Until SE's recently announced 5-megapixel K850 is available, the K790a reigns supreme as the most versatile SE - and one of the finest camera phones - built for use on American networks.

5. (tie) HTC Mogul (Sprint CDMA) & Blackberry Curve (AT&T GSM)
Business phones got fun this year.  Sprint's new flagship Pocket PC and AT&T's new high-end Blackberry both feature 2MP cameras and media players with stereo Bluetooth support in addition to those roomy QWERTY keyboards and office suite applications.  The Mogul runs Windows Mobile 6 and throws a touchscreen and EV-DO high speed data into the mix, while the Curve sports the Pearl's well-received trackball and, of course, that famous push email system.  Each has its minor faults, but will more than keep you connected - and entertained - while you're away from the office.

CONS
1

SUMMARY
1]]>http://www.phonedog.com/cell-phone-research/nokia-n95.aspx?utm_source=Rss&utm_medium=CellPhone_nokia-n95&utm_campaign=PhoneDog7/3/2007 2:06:27 PMPROSMore gadgets than Obi Wans sock drawer
Excellent camera
GPS thingy
DVD quality video capture/playback

CONS
GPS thingy

SUMMARY
My life is so dull that when I know a new phone is on its way to me I kinda turn into a 12 yr old all over again. Anyway, moving on...the phone arrived and I put it on charge right away. First point is that it seemed to charge really quickly compared to alot of phones I've had before...so that's a bonus. At first the actual feel of the unit was a tad cumbersome, it felt bulky, fiddly but surprisingly light. My old phone was a Sony K800i. But after a couple of hours playing with the new handset it felt ok, still bigger but thats fine cos it needs to house that HUGE screen.

Applications...Well, what hasn't it got!? Well actually it cant make coffee so that's something Nokia can work on for the N9645 (i just made that up btw). Yeah, the apps on the phone are great and I am sure there are still a few I haven't found yet. The camera takes fab perfect crystal pictures and the video capture and playback is simply DVD quality, so camera 100% thank you very much. The GPS thingy...Hmm, well I still haven't worked out how to use the damn thing properly and my network supplier (*cough not a lime or an apple*cough) had no idea on how to advise. The manual doesn't really tell you too much either about the GPS thingy. So the jury on that is still out for the mo. Its great that its on there but would be nice if it was more user friendly as its one of the main reasons I bought the phone. It also has MS Office suite on there too and that all works fine again and is bloody handy when I've left the laptop at the office. Bluetooth and Infra-red is handy and a WLAN thingy too, which enables me to use next doors wireless connection tee hee. If you've had a Nokia N series before you'll find your way around pretty quick, if you haven't you'll have fun playing with it (dont we all ;)).
As a phone itself it has speaker phone which for once is loud enough to hear in the car, not that I use my phone in the car officer.

I could be here all night but a call has just come through and I gotta go do some work now...so...just go and get one, they're fab, look great, take a bit of getting used too, have brilliant camera and well...erm thats it. Just go get one. Cya.]]>http://www.phonedog.com/cell-phone-research/nokia-n95.aspx?utm_source=Rss&utm_medium=CellPhone_nokia-n95&utm_campaign=PhoneDog6/4/2007 12:07:20 PM

1. LG VX8700 - Verizon CDMA
The US version of LG's Shine handset may not feature a full frontal mirror like its European counterpart, but that doesn't mean its lacking in style.  This is the sexiest handset I've seen from a US carrier in awhile - the VX8700 feels solid in the hand without being heavy, and its brushed metal housing smacks of luxury.  Add a 2.0 mp camera and stereo bluetooth, and you've got yourself a very chic multimedia device for Verizon's network.

2. HTC S710 "Vox" - Unlocked GSM
HTC's S710 presents an interesting compromise for users who want a true smartphone without the bulk.  Running Windows Mobile 6 and featuring a slide-out QWERTY board, WiFi connectivity, and a 2.4" high-res display, the Vox brings full smartphone power to a device that masquerades as a traditional candybar with a front-mounted dialing layout.  It'll be interesting to see if Vox catches on or if its compact layout simply isn't roomy enough for power users.

3. Nokia N95 - Unlocked GSM
Nokia's long anticipated flagship "multimedia computer" is here.  The N95 scores big points for packing nearly everything but the kitchen sink into its dual-sliding candybar body: 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss camera, WiFi, GPS, audio/video player, high-resolution display.  However, the Finnish phone maker's finest loses points due to poor battery life and a sky-high price tag ($750 USD retail) that will keep it out of all but the most diehard fans' hands.

4. Sony Ericsson w880i - Unlocked GSM
SE's new flaghship Walkman phone is slim, sleek, and silver (actually, a black version is also available).  Packing a best-in-class music player with a 2mp camera into a 9.5mm thin stainless steel body, the w880i could usher in a new wave of chic handsets from Sony Ericsson.  It's only too bad that the phone's 3G antenna doesn't work with America data networks.

5. RIM BlackBerry 8800 - Cingular GSM
The thinnest ever BlackBerry combine's the Pearl's silky smooth trackball with a full-sized QWERTY board, media player, and integrated GPS.  The 8800 might not be the most exciting smartphone out there right now, but legions of BlackBerry devotees are no doubt pretty jazzed about it.

Nokia Photos from CES

1. Nokia N95
Seriously, it's specs and feature set are so far ahead of anything else out there, the N95 still reigns supreme in my Fantasy Phone League.  The folks at Nokia List ran a review of a pre-production model, but it seems to have disappeared from the Web.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder ...

2. Verizon enV (LG VX-9900)
The Verizon V - aka LG VX-9800 - is the only phone that's ever made me wish I had Verizon service.  The enV is the just-launched sequel to the V.  The dual-screen, opens the "long way" clamshell retains the QWERTY thumbboard and V-CAST compatibility that made the original so clever and quick, but also features an upgraded 2 megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, and (gasp!) a new user interface.  Could it be the perfect balance between smartphone and multimedia phone?

3. Samsung SPH-P9000
This one will likely never see United States air.  Too bad.  The soon-to-launch in Korea P9000 is so futuristic looking that I'll have to use it to believe it.  Half CDMA PDA phone, Windows XP computer with WiMax connectivity, this baby packs a 5" screen, QWERTY keyboard, and 30 GB hard drive into an origami-like folding design that weighs just over one pound.  Sure, it's too big to be a mobile phone.  But it's way too small to be a computer, and that's got me curious.

4. Sony Ericsson w850i
I still want to check out the w950i, but the 850 actually has more features if less storage space than its big brother.  Featuring a new Walkman interface and 2MP camera in a slider form factor, the 850 is the sequel to my longtime favorite w800/810, which is still one of the best music phones you can buy.

5. Nokia N75
I'm in the midst of reviewing the N73, which might be my favorite Nokia handset to date.  But what if the N73 was a flip instead of a candy bar?  It'd be the N75, more or less.  A music-centric clamshell rumored to be launched on Cingular, the N75 features a 2 MP camera, high-res display, external music controls, and UMTS/HSDPA 3G connectivity along with quad-band GSM and EDGE support.  When it launches, the N73 just might be the best mobile officially supported by a US carrier.

1. Nokia N95
Nokia wants you to call their new high-end devices "mobile computers," not "phones."  If they send me an N95, I'll do it.  With EDGE, HSPDA, and WiFI connectivity, a 5 megapixel camera with 30fps video recording, a media player with stereo Bluetooth, and 160MB of memory all powered by a Series 60 operating system, it's hard to imagine what this phone won't be able to do.  Yes, Nokia left off a QWERY board, but they made up for it with dual keypad "wings" - one for dialing and the other for media controls.

2. Sony w950i
As close to an iPod phone as we'll get until #5 (below) happens.  The w950i is more or less an m600i with a touch-sensitive dial pad plus an integrated 4GB flash drive.  While this phone lacks the camera and WiFi found on most other media-centric phones, it will run a UIQ-powered version of Sony's Walkman music software.  Given the availability of 4GB Memory Stick cards, a K790a might prove a more practical Walkman phone (with a 3mp camera to boot), but I'm very very curious indeed to literally get my hands on the 950's touchscreen music player interface.

3. BlackBerry 8703e
Okay, I'm cheating a little because this one just arrived in a box from Sprint.  It's on here because it's a GPS enabled phone and I'm curious ... Can GPS keep me from getting lost like I usually do when I drive around the Bay Area?  And if so, can I use it without becoming one of those annoying "talking not driving" drivers I always mutter at when I'm behind the wheel?

4. Motorola E9
This one's strictly a rumor for now.  But it's a nice rumor, with a 3.2 MP camera, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, and a QVGA screen packed into a 10mm-thin candybar body.  Think of it as SLVR MAXX.

5. Apple iPhone
The Apple community can't stop talking about whether or not Steve Jobs will finally unveil his foray into the mobile phone market at MacWorld this January.  If they can apply the same golden touch that they used to design the iPod, the Mac maker could have a huge winner on their hands with an Apple-branded phone.  Current rumors point to two phones - one a QWERTY-packing WiFi smartphone - each with a 3 megapixel camera and, of course, iPod-esque music capabilities.