The all-black StarTAC ST7867W operates on both 800 MHz analog and 1900 MHz CDMA digital networks to deliver voice call service in most of the country. When closed, the ST7867W measures 3.7 by 2.3 by 0.9 inches, and the antenna adds another 1.3 inches. With standard battery, the ST7867W weighs an airy 4.4 ounces. The phone ships with a belt clip and a convenient travel charger.

The ST7867W's keypad and control keys require study. There are 23 keys in all, including three on the side. Some of the control keys are redundant--a great idea for accommodating user preferences, but one that adds an intimidation factor. The backlit screen glows brightly--a nice benefit since it only displays three lines of text messages or Internet content. There are nine ringer tones, each with adjustable volume, and an internal vibration mode. Each phonebook entry can store up to four numbers, and 99 numbers are accessible via two-level speed dialing. With practice, it's pretty easy to use the StarTAC with one hand, supporting the phone with your fingers and tapping numbers and commands with your thumb.

The StarTAC ST7867W supports caller ID, call waiting, voicemail notification, one-way SMS text messaging, e-mail, and wireless Internet access. You can tap the message key--the one with the envelope icon--once to see an overview of messages, missed calls, e-mail and voicemail alerts; or hold the message key down to automatically dial your dedicated voice-mail number. As always, you should check that your prospective carrier and plan support the features you want.

The StarTAC offers standard security modes. Using four-digit codes, you can lock your phone, restrict outgoing calls, and limit access to your phone's internal phonebook.

The StarTAC ST7867W doesn't have an IR port, but an optional data cable is available so you can use the phone as a digital modem for PC or PDA connections. The phone has a standard headset jack, located on the top of the phone for use with a headset or ear set while driving or walking. One of the greatest advantages of buying a StarTAC family phone is the wide availability of Motorola and third-party accessories including batteries, chargers, cables, cases, and hands-free kits.

The lithium-ion battery is rated at 252 minutes of talk time, but we were dumbstruck when it held a connection for 309 minutes. Standby mode is rated at 170 hours, and our test phone perfectly matched the rating.

The StarTAC ST7867W isn't perfect. The confusing array of keys and too-small display don't do much to advance digital text communications. But the phone's compact design, full set of calling, communications, and security features, and great battery life make it a default choice for many who want to stick with a proven standard. --Testing and evaluation by Brown Consulting Associates, edited by Thom Arno

Pros:

• Web enabled
• Amazing battery talk time
• Lightweight and compact

Cons:

• 3-line display is limited for messaging and Internet access
• Key setup can be confusing

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.