Samsung Mythic SGH-A897 (AT&T)

Pros: The Samsung Mythic offers a large bright screen, highly customizable menus, great clarity, great features. Samsung has the decency to include software and a connection cable.

Cons: Can't change the lock/unlock wallpaper, vibration isn't as intense as it could be.

Summary: First off as a telephone, (remember when that was the prime reason to have one of these?), it has outstanding performance. The clarity on both ends of the call is quite crisp and has a good volume. It is easy to do extensive customizing of the contacts list. Some have complained that you can't port your contacts from outlook, but for the casual user I don't think this is a problem. Some have also complained that the touch screen and menus are sluggish, I think people are trying to compare this to the iphone or ipod touch screens. I don't think this is a fair comparison. For me the screen reacts as well as most any other non smart phone with a touch screen. Any problems can be easily solved with a simple stylus available from any number of sources for less than 5 dollars. The keys on the virtual qwerty pad are large and easy to use. I first tried an LG Xenon and found it nearly impossible to use with my fat fingers. I can finally actually make the most of my texting plan. The camera functions well and comes with a flash. I can't speak to the web or tv service on the phone as I have elected not to purchase the plans to use those features. In every sense this is the best non-smart phone I have ever owned. Perhaps one of the best things about this phone is the accessory package in the box. I have in the past been frustrated by companies that required me to buy expensive software and connection cables to link up to my computer. With this phone it is all included. The software makes it a breeze to transfer photos, music, and ringtones to and from the phone. This is a huge bonus if you have ever struggled to figure out how to do these functions without spending another 75 bucks. It is quite stylish and sleek, coming in only one color, but in the age of cases of all styles and colors this is hardly worth mentioning. I only took 1/2 star off this phone for the fact that one cannot change the lock mode screensavers. The phone will cycle through the preloaded wallpapers. I solve this by pretty much not locking my phone routinely. The second reason for the loss of half a star is the vibration. The vibration on this phone doesn't go as high in intensity as others I have owned. It is a slight drawback, but nothing to really detract from the many great features available on this phone. I have already recommended it to anyone I know who is looking for a new non-smart phone.