Loaded with features for the business professional, the Samsung SCH-i760 is a solid phone with numerous advantages. The most immediately noticeable feature is the dial pad on the outside of the slider phone. Positioning it on the right side of the phone's face may seem like an odd choice, but after training your thumb to reach in a different way, it is surprisingly handy.

Otherwise, the most prominent feature of the phone is its design. The entire face of the unit slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard with buttons that are well-spaced and very easy to type with. The SCH-i760 is designed for business users, and the Windows Mobile 6 Professional OS permits them to create and edit Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents. Meanwhile, the EVDO high-speed network sends large files swiftly. The phone can access Wi-Fi networks for when you're in the office or at an out-of-the-way café or home. The SCH-i760 also features direct push e-mail, so you can receive all of your messages in real time.

Reminiscent of a math geek's HP calculator, the SCH-i760 is quite bulky--it's not a phone you'll be slipping into your jeans' fifth pocket or losing in your purse. But the heft is advantageous when typing out extended e-mails with the device resting on your desk.

The SCH-i760 includes a 1.3-megapixel camera that delivers acceptable photos and video, viewable on the 65K-color screen. For such a high-end device, the quality of the LCD's resolution is disappointing, but the screen is sizeable at 2.8 inches and the high-speed network allows users to watch TV shows and movies without the usual hiccups and distortions. Because it is touch-sensitive, navigating the menus and accessing applications are both a breeze. The media player also offers access to music that can be stored on the sold-separately microSD card (up to 4GB is supported).

Given the focus on all of the business applications, it is a little surprising that the call clarity is not better. Signals were occasionally spotty and occasional feedback was experienced. But the speakerphone performed reasonably well. The battery offers about 3.5 hours of talk time, but an extended battery is also included that delivers five hours. Standby time is 212 hours and 324 hours with the extended battery. Other features include: voice dialing, speakerphone, a telephone book limited only by the space on your MicroSD card, photo ID, and Bluetooth 2.0.

Pros: Full QWERTY keyboard, external dial pad, EVDO high-speed network, Windows Mobile 6 OS
Cons: Unexceptional call quality, bulky design, disappointing LCD

Warranty
1 year