A customizable mobile handset for hip, tech-savvy

Motorola introduces the i50sx, a new handset that combines many of the capabilities of a handheld computer, two-way radio, interactive text pager and Internet-ready mobile phone in a hip, compact, affordable package.

This mobile personal companion is ideal for young mobile professionals and tech-savvy individuals with great need for customizable features on their phones.

It is designed for the young, image-conscious consumers who want to express their individuality, while remaining constantly connected with people and information.

i50sx allows users to expand the functionality of their handsets by downloading and running applications to meet their individual needs. Users can also personalize the look of their handsets with interchangeable colored faceplates, available in black, blue, green, purple and silver.

"The i50sx handset was designed for users who want their phone’s capabilities and styling to be a personal reflection of their individual needs," said Mark Shockley, vice president and general manager of Motorola’s IDEN International Markets Division.

"Users can now modify their phones with a variety of faceplates and applications to express their individuality," he added.

The i50sx handset is the second edition to Motorola’s new generation of wireless devices that are enabled by Java 2 Platform.

Micro Edition (J2ME) technology, which makes small wireless devices more intelligent, allows users to constantly update their devices with applications to meet their changing needs, in much the same way users upgrade their PCs and handheld computers.

Users can remain constantly connected to the Internet by using the phone’s "always-on" Internet access through the phone’s microbrowser, without incurring airtime charges.

The offline capabilities of the i50sx handset allow users to access applications residing in the phone even when disconnected from the network.

The handsets come with several applications pre-installed, including productivity tools and the Sega game, Borkov.

Among the applications users will be able to download with the i50sx handset are business applications such as expense reporting, e-mail and corporate directory access; entertainment applications such as games and chat; and productivity tools such as datebook, dictionary and calculator.

The handset also features voice-assisted dialing and a voice recorder for recording incoming phone calls or verbal memos and reminders.

The i50sx handset also supports a variety of optional accessories, including a foldable keyboard for messaging and convenient data entry, a hands-free car kit, several headsets, charges and holders. The handset is available in the Philippines through Nextel.