Can I have a CAN U

LG has released the canU710D cellphone that was sold out within a couple of hours of its launch in Korea. Just 160 pieces of these exclusive cellphones were reserved for sale on the first day, and each handset features artwork from 10 famous cartoonists and painters, making them all the more desirable. Consumers will be able to get their hands on cellphones which feature their favorite artist's work when the handsets are released next month for approximately $535 a pop. Features of this 6th model of CAN U series cellphones include a large 2.6" display and an improved digital camera.

Linux-powered Grundig B700

Grundig recently announced the clamshell Linux-powered U900, and now they have followed up with yet another Linux cellphone in the form of the B700 Ultra Slim Communicator. Taking design cues from BlackBerry, this handset comes with a QWERTY keyboard that features SureType technology for speedy typing. The package consists of a 2.4" QVGA display, Bluetooth and USB connectivty, push email support, a 2 megapixels camera, and a microSD memory card slot to complement the 100MB of internal memory. Too bad there is no 3G on the B700 though. Pricing and availability details will be released by Grundig sometime down the road.

Helio Heat joins 3G fray

If you're in the market for an affordable EV-DO 3G handset, it would be prudent to check out the Helio Heat. Sharing most of the Drift's features, the Heat comes in a balanced package that does not hurt the wallet. What do you get for $150 anyway? How about a 2" QVGA display, stereo Bluetooth support, a 1.3 megapixel camera, video and audio playback, 136MB of internal memory, and touch sensitive controls ala LG Chocolate? Of course, it would have been better if this Samsung-manufactured slider handset came with a memory expansion slot, but you can't really complain too much at that price point.

Retro phone goes cordless

I would love to see the looks on the faces of people who walk by this PB Grand Cordless Phone. Featuring the looks of a vintage-style receiver minus the wire, the PB Grand Cordless Phone boasts a push-button dial and other modern amenities such as caller ID, call waiting, instant redial, and a three-line display to view information. Running on the 900MHz analog system, you can be sure that each and every call you make/receive will be crystal clear. Unfortunately, the price to pay for such a fashionable piece of retro equipment with a modern touch is rather high - $129 to be exact.

Celux Nokia 7360 phones available

Only in Japan can you find exclusive luxury cellphone stores that require a membership before making a purchase. Celux is one such store, and they have worked with Nokia to produce a special edition of the Nokia 7360 fashion phone. All the specifications will remain the same as the original handset, so what you're paying is essentially the unique design and brand association. Each of these redesigned Nokia 7360s come with a tag featuring the Celux logo like those found on clothing. You can pick one up between today and March 18th if you're anywhere in Japan at the moment. Just be prepared to fork out a little extra over the vanilla 7360.

Nokia possibly interested in Palm

Nokia, among other candidates, is said to be in talks to acquire Palm Inc, the creator of the Treo. With a price target of $20 per share, the transaction would cost 2 Billion dollars to the new owner.

I do understand why Palm would like to sell: the Treo brand is still flying high, but there are significant clouds on the horizon. On the hardware side, they are under attack by HTC (which, at least, provides some components for the Treo 700w), Samsung, LG and soon, Apple. On the software side, Windows Mobile is making big strides in the smartphone market and Palm will have a hard time to compete.

If this speculation is true, it simply means to me that Palm doesn’t think that it can compete in the near future. Either way, I think that the Treo brand will survive - do you?