iphone

The "flip-and-twist" camera design of the FlipShot is, of course, its big selling point. This design feature is explored in further detail in the Camera section of this review. In this section, it is enough to say that this aspect of the design is both easy and fun to use, and certainly stands out as the outstanding feature of this phone. The rest of the phone's design is more than satisfactory, combining a simple black and silver color scheme with a compact functionality.

At 96 x 46 x 19 mm and 110 g, the phone is a little bulkier than some of its ultra-slim contemporaries. However, the phone is in no way bulky, and for what is essentially a two-in-one device, the FlipShot packs a whole lot of functionality into a small package. Although it is average in size for a cell phone, it is certainly on the smaller end of the digital camera size range. The device fits easily into hand in either vertical phone mode or horizontal camera mode. The first question is left up to the experts, and the second question to the rest of the review. As for the third question, the entire front panel of the phone lifts off in order to provide access to the battery slot without interrupting the seamless design of the camera face. With even this smallest of details taken care of, the FlipShot promises to be, at the very least, an excellent entry into the field of design.

With an innovative design and an excellent 3.0-megapixel camera, the FlipShot should please cell phone photography enthusiasts. Others, especially those who enjoy watching phone video, will most likely enjoy the phone's high-quality 262K-color internal screen. The remainder of users should be satisfied with a nice-looking phone that offers the standard Verizon phone experience, including organizational applications, 500-entry Contacts list, and a wide variety of messaging options.
The "front" of the closed phone (which, of course, is flipped towards the inside of the phone in camera mode) offers no design surprises. The sleek blackness of the front panel is interrupted only by the small external screen and by silver lettering heralding the names of Samsung and Verizon, and announcing to the world the cryptic message of "3.0-Megapixels." As an added fun bonus, hidden keys below the external screen control the phone's music player. A touch in the center of the glassy black panel illuminates a small red play / pause button, whereas touches to the left and right illuminate the back and forward buttons. When not lit up, the buttons leave behind no trace that they ever existed. With its mix of black, silver, and glassy smoothness, the front panel looks cool, and the screen and hidden buttons add to its usefulness.

The back of the phone doubles as the front of the digital camera. Other phones have pulled off this trick before, but usually using the smaller external phone screen as the camera viewing screen instead of twisting around the larger internal screen like the FlipShot. As mentioned above, although the battery is stored under this panel, there is no battery case seem. Instead, the back of the phone offers a smooth black plate with the Samsung and Verizon logos engraved into two separate corners. There is no special embossing or painting of the logos, making them blend unnoticeably into the jet black continuity of the panel. The camera lens hovers off to the right / top, trailed by a floating translucent ovaline flash. Since the lens / flash are on the top when the phone is oriented vertically, users needn't worry about them awkwardly interfering with their phone-gripping. Functional and simple, the back panel gets the job done with a little bit of class.

The clamshell flips open to reveal the standard format of screen-on-top and keyboard-on-bottom. There is nothing out of the ordinary here, and anyone who's used a Samsung / Verizon clamshell before should be right at home. In addition to numberpad, the keyboard features a 5-way navigation button, the standard assortment of Send, Clear, and End / Power buttons, and two dedicated softkeys. To the left of the 5-way key is a button that summons the camera and to the right is one that controls speakerphone. The camera's zoom key (along the side of the phone) doubles as a volume controller as well. Headphones and battery adapter connect to ports along the other side of the phone.

With its much-touted "flip-and-twist" camera screen, the FlipShot offers something new to the phone design scene. The rest of the phone's design is both sleek and functional, offering dual functionality of phone and digital camera in a small, compact package.

Out of the box, the Samsung FlipShot comes with a standard 880 Li-Ion battery, Power Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick Reference Guide and User Manual.
Camera

As not-so-subtly hinted at in its name, the emphasis of the FlipShot is on the camera. Fortunately, the phone presents a solid photographic experience that lives up to the hype. At 3.0-megapixels the camera is not up to the standards of a stand-alone digital camera, but it remains on the cutting-edge for camera phones. Of course, the most exciting aspect of the FlipShot is its design - a flip-around top screen that allows what looks like a cell-phone object to transform into what looks like a digital-camera object. Offering video and static photography, a variety of functions, and a sleek design, the FlipShot's camera should introduce aficionados of cell phone photography to a whole new level of mobile imaging. The phone's spotlighted "flip-and-twist" design is incredibly intuitive and ergonomic. The user simply flips open the phone as if making a call, gently twists the screen, and flips the lid shut again. In a fraction of a second, the user appears to be holding a completely different device - the cell phone has transformed into a cell phone almost instantaneously. This feature is the FlipShot's big sell point, and it's wonderfully executed. Not only is the transformation simple and fast, but the resulting "camera" looks great. As mentioned earlier, the entire front panel comes off as a unit for access to the battery case, removing the need for a separate battery panel and the resulting unsightly seams.

Innovative design is all well and good, but only if it is equally matched by quality function. Fortunately, the FlipShot is up to the challenge on the functional level as well. The 3.0-megapixel lens is state-of-the-art for camera phone technology. Furthermore, the camera's features cover all the bases - a variety of settings, automatic modes, and handy functions, ranging from Multi-Shot to Auto-Focus, and everything in between.

Under the Settings menu, users may set Color Effects (Normal, Black & White, Sketch, Antique (Sepia), Negative, Emboss), White Balance (Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent), Brightness (+/-4), ISO (Auto, 100, 200, 400), and Metering (Average, Center, Spot). The combination of these features allow users to capture clear, well-lit images with optional special effects. For further convenience, the user may set the Memory function to save to either the phone or a separate (non-included) memory card.A handful of other options allow the user to add some personal touches to their photography experience. Icon Display offers a variety of display options, including the Guidelines often found on stand-alone digital cameras. The Ready Sound option caters to users too busy, forgetful or self-conscious to personally warn their subjects of an impending photo. Once the shutter is pressed, a perky young female voice will say either "1... 2... 3!", "Look here," or the classic "Say Cheese!" (Those who like to issue their own or no warnings can turn off the option completely). The Shutter Sound can be turned off, or set to a standard "Shutter" sound effect, in addition to the options "OK" and "Ding-Dong," the former of which sounds like it's being spoken by a disinterested party in someone else's conversation, and the former of which sounds exactly how one would expect it to. The Auto-Shot feature allows photographers to take pictures with one light tap of the shutter instead of two.

Other handy features available to enhance photographic quality include Picture Mode (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Night, Daylight, Backlight), Flash (Off, On, Only This Shot, Auto), and Auto-Focus. Photo quality can be further regulated by the Quality options (Fine, Normal, Economy), and by a veritable host of resolutions, beginning at 2048 x 1536 px and working all the way down to 160 x 120 px, with six stages in between. The Self-timer lets everyone participate in a group shot, or lets the lone photographer capture pensive self-portraits. Photographers out to have some fun or make some art (or do both) should also enjoy Multi-Shot, which allows a Series Shot (3, 5, or 10 rapid-fire photos), Divided Shot (2x2, 3x3, or 4x4 grids of rapid-fire photos), and Panorama Shot.

The settings for the video camera are largely the same as those for the regular camera, with the exception of some differing sound and color effects. The camcorder also gives the user the convenient option to allow or disallow calls from interrupting filming. Another convenient function optionally limits the size of a video to that which can fit in a video message. Like the camera, the camcorder also offers a self-timer for amateur filmmakers without an extra pair of hands to hold the camera. Camcorder resolutions are 320 x 240 px or 176 x 144 px (for video messaging). In addition to its innovative design, the FlipShot camera offers a full range of photographic options to support users in the quest for the perfect cell phone photo.

A potentially aggravating feature for new users is the camera's shutter button. Someone at Samsung decided that it would be a good idea if completely pressing down the shutter button switched the camera between regular and camcorder mode. Unwitting (or simply hard-pressing) users may accidentally shift between modes when simply trying to take a picture. In order to take a picture with the regular camera, the user must press the shutter button lightly once until the focus guidelines appear on the screen, and then lightly again to secure the shot (the Auto-Shot feature allows one light press to take a shot). Depending on how quickly a user gets used to this feature, it could be either irrelevant or maddening. Any folks out there who love to switch rapidly between video and static imaging will perhaps rejoice.

Other than the shutter button problem, the camera's functionality is smooth and coherent. One button triggers the Options Menu, one button both zooms and toggles through options on the menu, and the third (shutter) takes pictures and selects options. Upon taking a picture, the user merely has to flip the screen back into standard "phone" position in order to send the picture in a message.

The FlipShot's very name spotlights its intuitive new camera design, which certainly lives up to expectations. In addition to great design, the camera offers a large range of settings, options, and features that enhance the user's phone photography experience. Aside from the potential shutter button issue, the camera functions as smoothly as any stand-alone digital camera. While stand-alone cameras are of course years ahead in terms of photo quality, the FlipShot offers an excellent, cutting-edge entry to the world of mobile phone photography.
Screen

The FlipShot offers a 240 x 320 px 262K-color TFT internal screen and a 128 x 96 px 65K-color TFT external screen, which, of course, twist around in camera mode so that the larger screen becomes the camera viewing window.

The external screen displays the usual vital statistics: time, date, signal strength, battery level, etc. Display options include a choice between an analog and a digital clock, including the option to turn off the clock completely. With 65K-colors, the external screen matches the standard for many internal screens, and can display user photos or other images as wallpaper.

The internal screen displays images at a beautiful 262K-color resolution. Large and bright, the screen is certainly specialized for its camera-related functions. Display options include a choice between three Display Themes (VZW Classic, Camera, and Espresso), though the latter two both rely heavily on brown, and the first displays a rainbow of primary colors worthy of a toddler's bedroom. Still, users are welcome to choose between three evils, and those who are fans of light brown should be more than satisfied. Dial Fonts may be set to normal or large, while the font style may be set to Normal, Rainbow, Sticky Note, or the ever-classy Quill Pen. Anyone tired of strained eyes will be happy to discover that the Menu Font Size may also be changed from Normal to Large. Additional options allow users to set Contrast, Backlight brightness and duration, and to customize the Banner.

With two high-quality screens, the FlipShot is ready, willing, and able to display an entire array of digital imagery. The quality of the internal screen is up to its double function of camera display. Furthermore, a wealth of display options allow users to customize to their hearts' content.
Messaging

The FlipShot offers a wide range of messaging options, largely in accordance with its emphasis on camera functionality. In addition to standard text messaging, users may sent Picture, Video, Sketch, and Postcard messages.Even a simple text message brings with it a large options menu. Users may add preloaded graphics, which include everything from smiley faces to clowns to what appear to be nine distinct types of sushi. Need to add a bikini icon to a text message? The FlipShot has got it covered. Just in case this random assortment of preloaded images has left out something vital, users may download additional graphics (as always, for a fee). Users may also add a preloaded or downloaded animated icon, although the variety of the preloaded animations is hardly up to par with that of the static images. Those wishing to startle the recipient of their message may add a short sound file, including such preloaded classics as "Ding" and "Chord High," or download additional sounds. In the more practical field, users may add Quick Text or a Name Card to a message. Users who may wish to utilize a more subtle personal touch that surprise sound effect or icons shaped like bottles of beer should enjoy the Edit Text Format tool, which lets users set font and background color, as well as font size, style, and alignment.

Those capitalizing on the FlipShot's camera capabilities will no doubt make ample use of the Picture and Video messaging, which allows users to share their photos and self-directed video with friends, family, acquaintances, and others. The special Sketch message option allows the user to send a "Sketch" style photo, which redraws a photo with black lines and shading. Perhaps the most unusual (although not unique to the FlipShot) is the Postcard, which superimposing a picture of handwritten text over another photo.

With a large selection of message options, and a large selection of options, the FlipShot's messaging system will not only keep users in touch with friends and family, but also allow for a whole deal of fun.
Internet

In terms of internet, the FlipShot doesn't offer any surprises, utilizing Verizon's Mobile Web microbrowser through the Get It Now! News and Information service. Featuring cdma2000 1xEV-DO technology, the FlipShot offers a solid, if not innovative, internet experience. A standard mobile phone web browser and internet connection rounds out the package.
Connectivity

Infrared ports are becoming a thing of the past, while Wi-Fi is usually only found on phones aspiring to be a PDA. It's therefore no surprise that the FlipShot, which is fairly advanced but emphasizes camera over other functions, does not sport either of these connectivity options. However, the phone does offer USB and a host of Bluetooth profiles to take care of connectivity needs.

The USB port is pretty standard, but, as is often the case, plugs into the same slot as the power adapter. Fortunately, this shouldn't be a problem, since there is a separate, standard headphone jack, so users can listen to music while powering up.

The Bluetooth package features Headset, Handsfree, Dial Up Networking, Stereo, Phonebook Access, Basic Printing, Basic Imaging, Object Push, and Serial Port. While most people who use these features already know what they are, non-experts will probably be most concerned with the Headset and Handsfree profiles, which allow the phone to connect wirelessly to an earpiece or a handsfree car kit. Basic Printing allows the user to send images from the phone directly to a Bluetooth compatible printer, while Basic Images sends images directly to another compatible device. Stereo allows MP3 files stored on the phone to be played on compatible wireless speakers. Dial Up Network lets the phone be used as a modem with a PDA or laptop over Verizon's broadband system. Phonebook Access and Object Push let the user share stored data with another device, while serial port lets the phone be used as a "virtual serial port."

With USB and a robust Bluetooth package, the FlipShot should meet all the connectivity needs of cell phone amateurs, as well as satisfy those who regularly adapt their phone into an all-purpose connectivity device.
Samsung FlipShot (U900) Features

* Built-in 3.0-megapixel resolution camera with Flash to help capture the picture in low light, Auto-Focus to ensure sharp photos, and camcorder functionality to capture life's more active moments
* VCAST Video service to download and view video on this multimedia capable phone, and VCAST Music capable to download and play music, ringtones and more
* Supports the following Bluetooth profiles fore handsfree functionality: mono headset, stereo headset, handsfree, serial port, dial-up networking, object push for vCard only, phonebook access, basic image (for pictures only) and basic print (for pictures only)
* MicroSD external memory port to store pictures, videos, sounds and music
* Integrated with Verizon Wireless' VCAST Video, and Music service to catch the latest music videos and listen to and download songs
* Optional Location Based Services such as VZ Navigator

Samsung FlipShot (U900) Specs

Technical Specifications
Network: CDMA 800 / 1900
Form Factor: Clamshell / Twist
Dimensions: 96 x 46 x 19 mm
Weight: 110 g
Antenna: Internal
Navigation: 5-Way Keypad
Battery Type: 880 mAh Li-Ion
Talk Time: 3.50
Standby Time: 250
Memory: Unknown
Expandable Memory: microSD / TransFlash

Imaging
Main Screen: 262000 colors (TFT)
240 x 320 px
External Screen: 65000 colors (TFT)
128 x 96 px
Camera: 3.0 MP / 2048 x 1536 px / Flash / Zoom / Auto-Focus / Video Recorder

Audio
MP3 Player: VCAST Music
FM Radio: No
Speakerphone: Yes
Push-To-Talk: No

Multimedia
Wallpapers: 240 x 320 px
Screen Savers: 240 x 320 px
Ring Tones: MP3
Themes: Yes
Games: BREW
Streaming Multimedia: VCAST Video

Messaging
SMS: Yes
EMS: Yes
MMS: Yes
Email: Yes
Chat: AOL / Windows Live / Yahoo!
Predictive Text: T9

Applications
Phonebook Capacity: 500
Calendar: Yes
To-Do List: Yes
WAP: 2.0
Voice Commands: Yes
Calculator: Yes

Connectivity
Bluetooth: 1.2 (A2DP / BPP / DUN / HFP / HSP / OPP / SPP)
Infrared Port: No
High-Speed Data: cdma2000 1xEV-DO
Wi-Fi: No
GPS: VZ Navigator
PC Sync: Yes