The M3682 is a single-band 1,900 MHz GSM phone that, like all GSM phones, uses a removable SIM card to store your account information and phone number (our test phone was provisioned by VoiceStream Wireless). Weighing in at 6.2 ounces, with standard NiMH battery included, the M3682 measures 5.4 by 1.9 by 1.0 inches (not including its 1.25-inch stubby antenna), making it a relatively large, though still lightweight, phone. A flip cover protects the keypad, and it lets you view the backlit display, comprised of four 12-character lines and text plus status icons, and use the large control keys. The black case of the M3682 doesn't feel as sturdy as other Motorola phones, but we had no problems while using it. Furthermore, the phone survived an inadvertent 3-foot drop onto a carpeted concrete floor.

Left and right menu buttons activate the phone's menu system, and an OK button, located just above the menu buttons, selects the current option. The C button clears the last entry, and an up arrow button launches the icon-based quick access screen, which lets you quickly select from nine common operations such as locking the phone, calling voice mail, or looking up a name in your phone book. The phone has 12 ringer tones with a separate volume control menu (no volume keys), but no vibration mode.

The M3682's phone book can be split between the phone and the SIM card, provided your carrier supports it. Up to 100 numbers can be stored in the phone, and potentially 55 more numbers on a SIM card. Another 40 numbers can be stored in a restricted call list. In this mode, only the numbers on the list can be dialed. Entering phone numbers is easy: just tap in the number and a unique descriptor, then assign it to a memory location. The first nine memory locations can be dialed with one touch--just tap and hold the respective key and the stored number is automatically dialed.

As with all GSM phones, the actual features that are usable in the M3682 depend on the carrier's provisioning via the SIM card. In total, the Motorola M3682 supports caller ID, call forwarding, caller on hold, and conference calling for up to two other people. Two-way SMS text messaging with a selectable cell broadcast mode to receive alerts and notices from outside sources is also featured.

Security features for the M3682 include phone lock and selective call barring of incoming and outgoing calls (if supported by the carrier). You can also block your caller ID information from showing up on a call recipient's phone.

Since it lacks an infrared port, the only way to use the M3682 with a PC or other device is via an optional data cable. No software is included for synchronizing phone book numbers with a PC.

The M3682's rather large NiMH battery is rated for a maximum 210 minutes of digital talk time and 105 hours of digital standby time. In testing, our sample phone held a call for nearly 210 minutes, and it lasted for 96 hours in standby mode. One of the phone's best features is its ability to use standard AA alkaline batteries, thanks to a special battery-compartment backing. You can also use single-use lithium-ion battery packs, but not rechargeable lithium-ion AA batteries.

A basic phone for ordinary users, the Motorola M3682 scores high marks in ease of use, but lacks desirable features such as voice dialing and vibration mode.

--Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates, edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Low cost
• Can use standard AA alkaline batteries
• Intuitive menus and control buttons

Cons:

• No standard vibration mode
• Not Web-enabled
• Comparatively large

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.