WHAT'S HOT: The Motorola I90c from Nextel is one of the few phones that can double as walkie-talkies and are equipped with speakerphone capability. The I90c works as a two-way radio that allows you to connect to other Nextel users in your preset group. Since this feature doesn't count as airtime, it's perfect for roving staff such as IS managers, building maintenance crews, and construction workers. The speakerphone allows you to talk hands-free, without the fuss of using a headset. The I90c also features a voice recorder that lets you store and play back memos or phone calls.

WHAT'S NOT: The sturdy, clamshell-design I90c has relatively small dimensions, measuring 3.5 by 2 by 1.1 inches. Overall, though, it's still a little bulky for its size. The phone could also use a bigger screen--it comes with a monochrome, five-line display.

WHAT ELSE: Unlike some flip-open phones, the I90c has an external LCD that shows time, date, and caller ID information. This design feature is particularly handy for screening calls without having to flip open the phone. Extra features include voice-activated dialing and the ability to run Java applications (such as Expense Pad, GlobalTime, MyDiet, and Unit Converter) and games downloaded from the Web. You can't load too many apps, however, because the phone has only 640KB of memory.

UPSHOT: This Java-enabled phone with a caller ID screen on the cover is loaded with handy features such as speakerphone and two-way radio capability.

SUMMARY

Nextel Motorola I90c IDEN 800 MHz (based on TDMA), 4.8 ounces, 3.5 by 2 by 1.1 inches; up to 3 hours talk time, three days standby (times are vendor specified); available through Nextel. $250 800/639-8359 www.nextel.com