The T68i has the same slick features as its predecessor (the T68)--most notably Bluetooth technology and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) for mobile Internet connectivity. However, this upgraded version offers more memory and is the first phone to support MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), allowing you to send images, animation, and sound clips in your messages. The advanced T68i also maintains the revolutionary PC-like 256-color graphic interface, making it easy to program most settings without even glancing at the manual.

Weighing in at about 4 ounces, the compact Ericsson T68i is substantially built and sports a sleek silver-on-gray exterior. A volume button on the phone's side allows for adjustments, even during conversations. The keypad design has enough space between buttons to prevent misdialing, and the large screen enhances the color display. Rather than up-down buttons for scrolling through menus, the T68i has a joystick that allows both vertical and horizontal scrolling. After a short adjustment period to the joystick, we found it easier to use than directional buttons. We had to consult the manual to learn that pressing the top of the joystick gets you to the amazing desktop menu that this phone is famous for; however, once at the main menu, navigation is highly intuitive and users can access every feature via one of the nine icons: phone book, messages, calls, fun and games, settings, Web services, organizer, connect, and shortcuts. All subsequent menus are text-based and the seven-line screen makes it easy to read your options.

After the initial four hours of charging, the phone powered up in about five seconds and we could immediately start making calls and adjusting our settings. We chose a groovy daisy background as our screen saver, although uploading a digital photo is also possible. We tested the vibrating alert, which worked wonderfully. We also set "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" as our ringer alert, one of 17 different prerecorded melodies.

Next, we programmed several numbers into the T68i's phone book, which can hold a whopping 510 contacts. Rather than having to list one person several times for each of his phone numbers, the T68i let us create one record that lists home, work, and mobile numbers for that contact. This is a simple improvement, but it's so handy it made us wish that all cell phones offered this feature. Additionally, the upgraded T68i offers the capability to upload a photo of each contact into his or her record so you can see a picture of who's calling rather than just a name. The voice-dialing feature is much improved since the T68, which was a bit finicky on recognizing and accepting our prerecorded commands. The T68i presented no problems when dialing via voice commands.

The gem that puts this phone in a class by itself, though, is Bluetooth wireless connectivity, enabling users to link to the Internet and exchange information among other mobile phones, mobile computers, and handheld devices that use the technology. The T68i also uses GPRS, which offers the fastest Internet connection and data transfer currently available and allows users to simultaneously make calls and receive e-mail messages. Users must first set up a phone subscription that supports data transmission, and they will be able to send text messages, multimedia messages (via MMS), and e-mail to individuals or group lists. Bluetooth also synchs up your to-do lists and daily, weekly, or monthly schedules on the T68i with your PC calendar.

We were able to locate favorite Web sites and look up search terms on the Internet fairly quickly on the T68i. The seven-line screen gets a little more information into view than the former five-line screen on the T68 does. However, we still would prefer to save our surfing for the PC or laptop whenever possible.

The calling and messaging features on the T68i make it an ideal business tool for users who log a lot of travel time. Besides all the aforementioned diversions on this phone, the T68i also includes eight basic games for play during long flights or boring meetings. --Cristina Vaamonde

Pros:

• Bluetooth wireless connectivity for data exchange with PC and other mobile devices
• MMS messaging enables you to send and receive animation, images, and sound clips
• GPRS for high-speed and constant Internet connection
• Intuitive 256-color graphic icon desktop
• Multidirectional joystick for easy menu navigation
• Phone book allows multiple numbers for each contact under one entry
• Can upload photo for each contact to display on screen during incoming call

Cons:

• Surfing Internet is tedious on five-line screen

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.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength.