Motorola unveils new lightweight digital personal companion

Motorola’s newest handset is now in the Philippines. The Motorola i80s handset is a sleek, stylish handset that combines many of the capabilities of a digital two-way radio, Internet-ready mobile phone, short messaging and mobile computer.

It also features a speakerphone, voice-dialing and a voice recorder for verbal memos and reminders. It is available through Nextel, the iDEN wireless network operator in the Philippines.

The Motorola i80s is the latest in a new generation of multiple-communication handsets from Motorola to incorporate Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME) technology, to allow users to constantly update their devices with applications to meet their changing needs.

The offline capabilities of the Motorola i80s allows users to access applications residing in the handset even when disconnected from the network. Users can also access information without the need to establish a dial-up connection or incur airtime charges.

The i80s handset is also packet data-ready, which allows unlimited access to the wireless Internet. You can enjoy this feature upon subscribing to Nextel Online.

"Unlike other mobile phones, the Motorola i80s handset not only allows users to make phone calls, but also allows fast, efficient communications with one or hundreds of users with the push of a button," said Mark Shockley, vice president and general manager of Motorola’s iDEN International Markets Division.

"This is the ultimate business tool for those who demand both performance and style in their communication device," he added.

Applications which users can download include, but are not limited to, business and productivity applications such as expense reporting, enterprise e-mail, directory access, dictionary and calculator as well entertainment applications such as games and chat.

The i80s comes with two pre-installed applications, a tip calculator and a regular calculator. It uses an interchangeable SIM card.

A full line of optional accessories will be available through Nextel, including a foldable keyboard for convenient data entry, an earpiece with a remote push-to-talk (PTT) dispatch feature, rapid travel and vehicular chargers and leather case.