I think it was LG that started these “messaging phones.” A couple of months ago, they claimed that they were the first to release QWERTY phones for the masses. This was, of course the LG KS360 which debut at a price of P8,xxx.xx. Truth is, it wasn’t a true messaging device, not for the lack of usability mind you, despite their claims to having “threaded messaging” as it didn’t consider that the Philippine market was highly dependent on WiFi.
Months later, today, Samsung announces the CorbyPRO, a definitive sure win come January 2010 when this phone is released. Among the three Corby phones released, Samsung is putting its ace in a cheap pocket with an affordable QWERTY device sporting WiFi. Add HSDPA connectivity and a 3.5mm ear jack and you get ALL the casual features you need to become truly mobile. As a messaging phone, the device allows connections to multiple instant messaging platforms such as Google Talk, AIM and ICQ (who still uses ICQ?). Price: Php 11,990.
• 2.8â€QVGA Full touch-screen
• Slide-out QWERTY keypad
• Wi-fi capable
• 3.5mm earphone jack
• 3.2MP camera with 2x zoom
• Bluetooth
• Expandable memory through microSD (up to 16GB)
• HSDPA 7.2mbps technology
• PRICE :Php 11,990
• Available January 2010
If you don’t need WiFi, you can opt for the CorbyPRO’s (B5310) younger sibling, the B3410 for PHP 7,590. It looks the same, but foregoes HSDPA for EDGE and has a smaller 2MP camera.
Rico of Technogra.PH has his own take on the Corby series.