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Mobile music: Cell phones that play MP3s

Kent German
Kent German, Senior Editor
Updated November 28, 2006
Cell phones are all about multimedia these days, and many new models come with integrated music players. They may not have loads of memory or crystal-clear audio quality, but they can be great for listening to tunes when you're on the go. Remember, though, that handsets equipped for MP3s aren't designed to replace your stand-alone player; owning both gadgets is still the best plan, at least for now. CDMA customers have some of the best options at the moment. Not only do Sprint and Verizon Wireless offer their own music downloading services, but their handset lineups also include very cool models. The LG LX550 Fusic is a good option from Sprint, and it comes with the first FM transmitter on a cell phone. Meanwhile over at Verizon Wireless, the new LG enV has stereo speakers. Cingular cutomers also have choices. The Sony Ericsson W810i Walkman is a solid choice, while the carrier's new Samsung Sync is compatible with its new Cingular Music service. But if you really want the best music phone around, may we suggest the fantastic Nokia 5300. Though it's unlocked and pricey ($300), you can't go wrong with such an awesome handset.

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Product name LG Fusic LX550 (Sprint)
LG Fusic LX550 (Sprint)  
LG enV VX9900 - black (Verizon Wireless)
LG enV VX9900 - black (Verizon Wireless)  
Sony Ericsson W810i (AT&T)
Sony Ericsson W810i (AT&T)  
Samsung Sync SGH-A707 - black (AT&T)
Samsung Sync SGH-A707 - black (AT&T)  
Nokia Xpress Music 5300 - red (Unlocked)
Nokia Xpress Music 5300 - red (Unlocked)  






Review date May 24, 2006   November 27, 2006   April 13, 2006   November 15, 2006   October 06, 2006  






CNET editors' rating 7.6 out of 10 7.6
Very good
8.0 out of 10 8.0
Excellent
8.0 out of 10 8.0
Excellent
7.3 out of 10 7.3
Very good
8.3 out of 10 8.3
Excellent






Users' rating 7.3 out of 10 7.3
Very good
8.2 out of 10 8.2
Excellent
8.2 out of 10 8.2
Excellent
6.2 out of 10 6.2
Good
7.1 out of 10 7.1
Very good






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Review summary The attractive, high-performing LG LX550 is a solid addition to Sprint's EV-DO lineup. The design still isn't perfect, but the LG enV is a high-quality messaging and multimedia cell phone. Sony Ericsson succeeds again with its third Walkman phone for the U.S. market, but the W810i brings only minor improvements over earlier models. The Samsung Sync is a great choice for music-mad cell phone users, but its call quality could be better. The Nokia 5300 is a well-designed, user-friendly music cell phone that offers an amazing range of features backed up by outstanding performance.






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My Products
Basic Specs
Service Provider Sprint Nextel Verizon Wireless ATT ATT Unlocked






Cellular technology CDMA2000 1X CDMA2000 1X GSM GSM GSM






Band / mode CDMA2000 1X 1900/800 CDMA2000 1X 1900/800 GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband) GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband) GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)






Talk time Up to 270 min Up to 290 min Up to 480 min Up to 240 min Info unavailable






Wireless Interface Bluetooth Bluetooth (A2DP) Bluetooth , Infrared (IrDA) Bluetooth (A2DP) Bluetooth , Infrared (IrDA)






Weight 4.2 oz 4.6 oz 3.5 oz 4 oz 3.7 oz






Flash memory form factor MicroSD Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable






Height 3.8 in 4.7 in 3.9 in 3.7 in 3.6 in






Carrier Sprint Info unavailable Cingular Wireless Info unavailable Info unavailable






Service & support details type Info unavailable Info unavailable Limited warranty Info unavailable Info unavailable






Product name LG Fusic LX550 (Sprint)   LG enV VX9900 - black (Verizon Wireless)   Sony Ericsson W810i (AT&T)   Samsung Sync SGH-A707 - black (AT&T)   Nokia Xpress Music 5300 - red (Unlocked)  






Full specifications Full Specifications Full Specifications Full Specifications Full Specifications Full Specifications






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$250
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$19
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