6 Cellphones You Can't Have (Yet)

These are the world's coolest mobile phones, but-for now anyway-they're only available overseas. Check out what we're missing.

By David Carnoy Posted 06.11.2002 at 4:24 pm 0 Comments

comp0702cellphones_A.jpg 1. Pogo, 2. Samsung Nexio, 3. Nokia 7650, 4. LG Infocomm prototype, 5. Samsung SCH-X590, 6. Nokia 5510

U.S. cellphones are pocket-protector chic compared with what you can buy in Europe and Asia. The only good news is this: The design gap is narrowing, thanks to Europe-friendly GSM network proliferation here in the United States (AT&T, Cingular, and VoiceStream), and Sprint PCS's and Verizon's continuing rollout
of Asia-friendly CDMA third-generation networks.

1. POGO
Best Web Browser
Why: 3.8-inch front-lit color touchscreen, MMC expansion slot
Where: Europe
Network: GSM 900/1800; GPRS
Price: $440

2. SAMSUNG NEXIO
Most Versatile Combo
Why: 5.1-inch display, Windows CE, takes USB peripherals
Where: Korea
Network: CDMA2000 1X
Price: $800

3. NOKIA 7650
Cool and Connected
Why: 176- by 200-pixel color display, Bluetooth
Where: Europe, Asia
Network: EGSM 900/1800; GPRS
Price: $550

4. LG INFOCOMM PROTOTYPE
Perfect Picture-Maker
Why: Swiveling color LCD doubles as viewfinder
Where: Korea
Network: CDMA2000 1X
Price: Not available

5. SAMSUNG SCH-X590
Stealthy Spy Phone
Why: Digital camera rotates 180 degrees and stores 100 photos
Where: Korea
Network: CDMA2000 1X
Price: $400

6. NOKIA 5510
Ultimate Message Machine
Why: Full
keyboard
Where: Europe, Africa, Asia
Network: EGSM 900/1800
Price: $200