Sony Ericsson T68

WHAT'S HOT: The compact (3.9 by 1.9 by 0.8 inches) Sony Ericsson T68 is a terrific deal at $200 (with service activation)--especially considering the useful features you get, including an easy-to-use joystick navigation button, a 256-color screen, and world digital roaming capability. The T68's worldwide GSM network support lets you use the phone in various continents (namely Europe, Asia, and South America), but to enable this feature you have to sign up for world roaming service with a carrier.

WHAT'S NOT: As a tri-band phone, the T68 supports three digital GSM frequencies (1900 MHz in the United States, 900 MHz mainly in Europe, and 1800 MHz predominantly in Asia) that enable it to work around the world. It doesn't, however, support analog networks; if you're in an area where digital frequencies are nonexistent, you're left with no phone service. Because the T68 is so small, its keys are tiny, which can be frustrating for those with large fingers. And when I used the phone in bright sunlight, the text on the color screen became difficult to read.

WHAT ELSE: Sony Ericsson says the T68 can last for up to 7 hours of talk time, longer than any other phone we've seen to date. The T68 lets you dial numbers for up to 50 contacts with the sound of your voice; you simply say the person's name as it is listed in the phone's contacts database. The phone also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, which enables you to attach a cordless 30-foot-range headset for hands-free calling. Sony Ericsson sells a Bluetooth headset for a steep $200.