Business Week reviews camera phones

The most recent issue of Business Week (November 10, 2003) includes a detailed technology buying guide with a feature article on cellular phones that focuses on camera phones.

The article isn't a bad overview of camera phones.

"These phones can be a gas. With their connections to the Web, they let you send off [send "off"? Hey, Business Week, get a good editor!] short colorful messages with surprising ease. Think of them as digital post cards: shots of your neighbor sliding into third, the view from the cubicle at your new job, the picture of a '64 Rambler driving by, exactly like the one you wrecked 20 years ago," Business Week writes.

The writer, Stephen Baker, likes the Sanyo SCP-8100. He says, "It's a jewel of a clamshell, one of the simplest to operate, and cheap: With rebates, it goes for as little as $79 with a two-year subscription.

"Branded by Sprint PCS, the handset shows pictures clearly on a bright screen and coaxes even a tech-challenged novice along with a simple process to send them. With Sprint's Web service, Vision, shutterbugs can store pictures in folders online...."

Sprint's picture pricing plan

Baker doesn't say, however, that to enable picture messaging you have a choice of only one price plan: $15 a month for unlimited photo transfers, unlimited Web access and instant messaging via your phone.

If you're a heavy photo or data user, this is a good price. But if you just want to get started and take a few shots, you're stuck paying $15. (If I'm wrong, let me know. I called Sprint customer service a few weeks ago to confirm this.)

If you're really a power user -- a power talker -- you can get this PCS Vision Picture Pak (and other features) for free for contracting for 2,000 minutes per month.

Capsule reviews

Business Week's article includes capsule reviews of five phones, based upon information from CNET. I've posted the reviews as well as my comments.

"* LG VX6000: LG's first camera phone for Verizon has the performance to back up its slick design, but the storage space for photos is stingy."

My comment: As I've written previously, as a phone, this is an excellent handset. But the quality of the photos ranges from average to slightly above average. For photos, check out my VX6000 moblog.

"* Nokia 3650: Cutting edge-mobile phone; even shoots video. It's bulky, though, and the circular keypad can drive typists mad."

My comment: This handset has been out for some time, but it's still one of the best full featured camera phones you can buy at a low price. If you're considering this phone, check out the Nokia 3660 upgraded version that is similar in shape but features a more traditional keypad.

"* Sony Ericsson T616/610: Lots of features packed into a tiny phone, and sending photos is a snap. But the screen is a bit dark and Web navigation is slow."

My comment: Sony Ericsson phones have a reputation for poor reception and slow navigation, but you might have a better experience. If you're looking for a new feature-rich camera phone, check out the Sony Ericsson P900, an upgraded version of the P800.

"* Sanyo SCP-8100: One of the easiest camera phones to use. It also received e-mail in a flash."

My comment: This is Sprint's "flagship" entry level camera phone at $99.99 with a rebate and a one-year contract. It's not a high end device and the photo resolution isn't the best available in the U.S. (not 640 x 480). However, it's a huge seller for Sprint and it seems to perform quite well.

"* Samsung SPH-A600: Pricey. But its swiveling screen, zoom and flash make this one of the slickest camera phones around."

My comment: If you want the latest and greatest camera phone, this one has to be on your short list.

Business Week likes and dislikes

The writer recommends using Verizon Wireless for good coverage. I agree. I think Verizon probably has the best nationwide cellular coverage, although coverage by all cellular operators varies tremendously from area to area.

Verizon has the worst selection of camera phones of any U.S. cellular operator -- except for Nextel, which has none! Verizon was counting on selling a new camera phone this year from Motorola, but as I wrote on Friday, Motorola will be late deliverying it.

For the best selection of camera phones, Sprint PCS is the U.S. cellular operator to pick.