Tech.Wapline

When you’ve finally exhausted the entire spectrum of colors for your phone models ranging from the subdued to the wild, what’s the next frontier? Mixing and matching, of course. Samsung’s so-called “Secret Color” SPH-W3600 and SCH-W360 sliders for the Korean market look like factory seconds — manufacturing mistakes that accidentally found their way into the public domain — and with most products, you’d expect such buffoonery to warrant a discount. Not so here, though: the limited-edition models will run between 500,000 and 600,000 won (about $530 to $635), though we suppose the haptic keypads and 7.2Mbps download speeds at least partially justify the cash outlay.

We’ve got a bit of preliminary dirt on Dell’s new, soon-to-be-announced Latitude E-series machines, and we’re liking what we see. So far we know there will be a 4.25 pound / 14.1-inch and 5 pound / 15.4-inch version, both with WXGA and WXGA+ LED backlit displays, as well as a 12-inch (pictured above) and 13.3-inch version for road warrior types. Expect DisplayPort, eSATA, plenty of USB ports, and PC or ExpressCard slots in the larger models. More on these as we get it in.

Stick this one firmly in the rumor category, since all the verbiage that’s been thrown around about this story still traces back to one single source: a slightly ill-informed article done up in MarketingWeek in the UK. The article cites unspecified “senior industry sources,” and goes on about how this is Dell and Google working closely together on what is more or less the “Gphone.” Since we have no reason to believe Google is going to jeopardize its Android OS by getting extra-friendly with one specific manufacturer, the primary weight we can give to this rumor is that fact that Dell picked up a former Motorola executive, Ron Garriques, to run its Global Consumer Group early last year. Other rumors have cropped up over the years about Dell moving in this direction, so it certainly wouldn’t signal the apocalypse if a Dell-branded Android phone does show up at this rumored unveiling at 3GSM, but giving how early on Android is at the moment, we’ll believe it when we see it.

We know, it’s not like the nüvifone is a total surprise any longer, but just in case you tend to rest easier after digesting information straight from the source, here goes. Garmin’s recently (and abruptly) announced handset obviously marks the firm’s first solo foray into the cellphone arena, and according to Cliff Pemble, the firm’s president and COO, it’s the “breakthrough product that cellphone and GPS users around the world have been longing for.” That being said, the unit will feature a 3.5-inch touchscreen with a trio of primary icons — Call, Search and View Map — along with an internet browser, HSDPA support and preloaded maps of North America and / or Eastern and Western Europe. Furthermore, it houses “millions” of POIs, doles out turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions and becomes Garmin’s first device to include Google’s local search capability. As for pricing and availability? We’re looking at a Q3 2008 release, but we’ll have to wait things out before finding out a price and who exactly will be carrying it. Check out the gallery below for shots of the device and its UI, and head on over to Engadget Classic for lots more pics.

Nokia unveiled its latest addition to the Prism Collection, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism. With its diamond-cut design and crystal center key, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism is aimed at design-conscious consumers, highlighting the geometric shapes and of the Prism Collection.

Collaborating with creative designer Frederique Daubal, the unique laser-etched graphic designs, distinctive wallpapers and accessories, communicate the reflection of light and capture the feel of angular prisms and triangles. The graphic design of the aluminium back cover, together with light effects, make each handset unique.

The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism features a large OLED display, with modern art wallpapers inspired by Daubal. It comes with a 2.0-megapixel camera, 3G technology for fast and easy downloads and browsing, 1 GB of internal memory and a music player with matching headset. The user can also personalize the color of the light in the keymat choosing from 49 different colors.

Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism will be available in the first quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of EUR 375, before taxes and subsidies.