Microsoft chairman Bill Gates was cited to express preference for mobile phone technology over low-cost laptops to address the need for bringing computers closer to the lower market segments and developing economies.

This is in response to the plan by the MIT Media Lab to build a US$ 100 laptop, which shall then be sold to developing countries for use by students. Microsoft and MIT Media Lab were in talks for the possibile use of a Windows variant to run the laptop, but no consensus was reached (the laptop will be using an open-source operating system, as originally planned).

[Gates believes] … that turning a specially configured cell phone into a computer by connecting it to a TV and a keyboard is the best way to spread the power of computing.

True, in developing nations, even the lower market segments have access to mobile phones. Having a mobile has become more of a necessity rather than a luxury, in most societies. Hence, there may be merit in Microsoft’s focusing on mobile phones instead, in introducing computing to the masses.

But a US$ 100 laptop that doesn’t need plugging in to the mains sure is cool!

When I was in college I worked on a lot of student films with writers and directors from a very expensive film school in New York City. Some students would spend an exorbitant amount of money to make their films by flying their entire cast and crew to Asia or Arizona to shoot. They did all of their work on film which by the foot would run them into thousands of dollars.

Digital film making has been a blessing and a curse as some films made are just plain bad. (A recent conversation with someone who helps organize The Hamptons Film Festival said that movies submitted on film were more likely to be seen while the ones shot on digital were more likely to be tossed in the reject pile.) The upside, of course, is that digital film has democracized film making allowing film makers from all cultural and economic backgrounds showcase their unique voice.

The film making process has become even more accessible with mobile phones. Portugal is having a cell phone film festival and will show the winners on a large screen in Libson.

The S88 brought out by BenQ and Siemens, has appeared on the Taiwanese market only 1 week after it was officially announced.

The S88 is obviously a mobile phone, but it is characterized by its focus on multimedia functionality.

Features include:

2-megapixel camera, autofocus, 16 times digital zoom, and LED photolight.

Video camera, MPEG4 format

16mb onboard memory, extendible by microSD slot

2�? Active Matrix OLED display, with 262,000 colors, @ 176×220 pixels

Integrated music player with integrated equalizer, supports MP3 and saved formats

Bluetooth

The S88 weighs 105grams and measures 99 x 47 x 17mm, it supports tri band GSM and should be widely available early this year.

via [Slashphone]

The most expensive and impractical of the three is the 7380, which is very similar to the already available 7280.

Features:
Triband
2-megapixel camera
with 4x digital zoom
MP3 player
enhanced voice commands
Series 40 platform
streaming video
keyless dial
subtle mirror surface
video capture and playback
Size 114 x 30 x 20mm
Weight 80g

The 7370 is probably the most appealing phone from the L’Amour Collection, with its distinctive build and good mixture of features.

Features:
Triband
1.3-megapixel camera
with 8x digital zoom
swivel design
MP3/AAC ringtones
Bluetooth
Series 40 platform
FM radio
stereo speaker
3D sound effects
video capture and playback
Size 88.5 x 43.4 x 22.6mm
Weight 104.4g.

Nokia has a new range of mobile phones lined up for early 2006, aptly named the L’Amour Collection, which includes the 7360, 7370, and 7380.

I’ll spare you all the ‘design inspiration’ pleasantries and show you the goods.

To start off, the 7360 by Nokia is the entry level phone for the L’Amour Collection, as it packs no special features and uninspired shape. However, it carries the same patterns and colors as the other two so it does have some appeal.

Features:
Triband
VGA camera
MP3 ringtones
Series 40 platform
FM radio
handsfree speaker
video capture and playback
Size 105 x 45 x 18mm
Weight 92g

The 700w is Palms first attempt to integrate Microsofts Windows Mobile operating system into a Treo. The new smart phone costs between 400-500USD.

Some specs:

Windows Mobile®
128MB (60MB user accessible)
Intel® XScale™ 312MHz processor
240×240 touchscreen display
800/1900MHz digital phone
CDMA2000 EvDO network
Bluetooth® 1.2 wireless support
1.3 mp 1280×1024 resolution
Windows Media® Player 10
Polyphonic/MIDI/MP3/WAV/video ringtones
Support for MultiMediaCard, SD & SDIO cards
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
2.3″ W x 4.4″ H x 0.9″ D
180 grams

For a really good review, visit PCWorld.com

With the new Solar Style SC003 you can charge your phone as long as you have access to sunlight.

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