Samsung Blue Earth (Unlocked)

The Samsung Blue Earth (unlocked GSM world phone; U.S. pricing not available) is the latest in a new batch of ecofriendly phones, including Samsung's own Reclaim handset. However, the Blue Earth--available in Western Europe for 300 euros now, and in Asia by year's end--is the first green phone with a touchscreen. It is pretty compact and powerful, but a few limitations keep it from shining.

Measuring 4 by 2 inches, and just over a half inch thick, the Blue Earth is one of the smaller touchscreen phones available. The 3-inch touchscreen takes up most of the face. Below the screen are three keys: a green confirm button, a red power/cancel button, and a royal-blue home button that matches the hue of the rest of the device. A quad-band phone, the Blue Earth uses the EDGE/GPRS network but does not support U.S. 3G networks. It weighs 4 ounces and unobtrusively fits in a pocket.

The touchscreen is nice and responsive. When touched, the Blue Earth vibrates, but it also emits a corresponding beep. As annoying as the noise ...

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Damon Brown, PC World