Samsung E2550 Monte Slider
Samsung's new Monte Slider mobile phone is a member of Samsung's newly-unveiled Monte range, which also includes a number of other stylish mobile devices packing a variety of different features and designs including the S5620 Monte, an S-range touchscreen phone, and the C3200 Monte Bar, a well-rounded device with an extremely durable, solid design. The Monte Slider itself features a range of good applications and features for users to enjoy, including an integral camera (though somewhat disappointing of one as it is only 1.3 megapixels) for basic still photo and video recording capability that comes with a number of settings through which the user can choose the best settings for their imaging needs. On-screen photo viewing and full video playback are also supported by the device.
The Monte Slider also features an elegant slide-out keyboard (as hinted at in the name) and its compact design makes it both easy to use in-hand and easy to carry and slip into the pocket. The slide-out keyboard is an elegant feature and the front of the Slider shows a 2-inch TFT screen with its full colour display. Under the display is a big, square-shaped navigation button, and on either side of this you can see a cal key and a selection key. Usefully the device can also be used when it is in its 'closed' position, and in this form the user can access the device's phone book, messaging service and a wide range of functions.
Alternatively the device can be slid lengthways in order to reveal the numeric keypad. This stylish and ergonomic sliding function makes the Slider a very compact phone, especially when coupled with its dimensions and weight, standing at 9.85x4.85x1.44 and weighing in at a mere 85.5 grams, making the Monte Slider an ultra-easy phone to slide into a pocket and carry around. It even looks classy with its black, glossy casing and its chrome edges.
The design also shows off both the square navigation key and the camera lens, which also adds a stylish edge to the device for those looking to acquire a mobile phone with looks in mind as it is designed to appeal to the image conscious. To further accentuate this the back part of the phone's casing has been subtly crafted into a slightly curved shape which makes it fit ultra-snugly into the hand , making it a joy to hold and use.
The Monte Slider comes complete with a music player that fully supports a wide range of file types for playback, including MP3, WAV, WMA and eAAC files. It also supports MP3 ringtones, allowing the user to choose their ring tone and individualise the phone and also change it as often as desired by downloading tunes to the device from the Internet. There is also an FM radio that allows fully FM recording and games can be downloaded from the Web, which will be great for dedicated gamers.
In terms of communications the Slider can record and display all calls dialled from the device as well as missed calls and all recently received calls. The phone's call log can also be readily accessed through the Slider's main menu and calls can be made directly from the log, negating the need to access the phone book separately or to input the number from scratch. There is also predictive text messaging which works well and helps make input a faster and more pleasant experience.
The Slider works over a GSM 900 and 1800 Dual Band network and a fully charged battery gives around 6.5 hours of talk time. Bluetooth connectivity further helps allow the Slider to connect in a number of ways to various devices to share information. Currently the Monte Slider is schedules for release in the second quarter of the year.
