MUSIC PHONES: PROVIDING THE ULTIMATE MOBILE MUSIC EXPERIENCE

With today's all in one devices, it's no wonder more people are flocking to music phones. A music phone combines two great devices into one: a cell phone and an MP3 player. 

The high consumer demand for music phones have convinced phone manufacturers  to create handsets that provide the ultimate music experience. For example, Samsung has partnered with digital audio extraordinaire Bang & Olufsen to enhance the music quality in their handsets and Sony Ericsson combined entertainment expertise to develop the Walkman brand of music phones.

Music phones come equipped with many features. The best music-centric cell phones offer solid performance, audio file support, dedicated music buttons, user friendly interface, headset jack, music storage, synchronization and Internet features. 

The following music phones provide are great examples of the seamless integration of cellular phone and digital music technology.   

Samsung Trance:

The Samsung Trance features Bang & Olufsen ICEpower audio hardware that provides exceptional sound quality. This music phone also offers dedicated touch sensitive music buttons, V CAST music support, 1GB internal memory, and 3.5 mm headset jack. The Samsung Trance is also affordable coming in at just under $50 with a new service contract.

Pros: Stereo Bluetooth, equalizer modes and 3D sound, large speaker on back, 3.5 mm headset jack, up to 16GB storage expansion, dedicated music buttons

Cons: Lack of EV-DO, can't download music over air

iPhone 3G:

Apple has revolutionized the mobile entertainment experience by combining the mobile phone and the iPod in one device: the iPhone. Music applications work together seamlessly in the iPhone, whether it be syncing the device to iTunes or downloading music directly to the phone. This touchscreen handset is more than just a music phone, it’s a lifestyle.

Pros:  iTunes Coverflow menu, online iTunes store, 3.5 mm headset jack, free streaming music apps (AOL Radio, Pandora), 8GB or 16GB internal storage, 3G

Cons: Only supports MP3, WAV, AAC, AIFF files, battery life, poor speaker quality, no stereo Bluetooth  

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic:

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic offers a large touchscreen with an array of multimedia offerings. The 5800's music features include an FM radio, 3.5 mm headset jack, and stereo Bluetooth. This music phone offers good sound quality with a decent headset and through the external speakers.

Pros:  Quick syncing, album art, stereo Bluetooth, 3.5 mm headset jack, 3G support, storage expansion, dedicated multimedia button, volume rocker, equalizer, FM radio, podcast support

Cons:  Cannot access Nokia Music Store in US yet, user interface

Sony Ericsson W760a:

The Sony Ericsson W760a uses motion sensing to operate different aspects of the music player. This music phone will skip to the next track  if one holds down the Walkman button and add a simple flick of the wrist.  Sony Ericsson W760a users can also play a variety of percussion instruments in this manner.

Pros:  Motion sensor controls, FM radio, stereo Bluetooth, storage expansion, equalizer, album art, supports AT&T music applications, 3.5 mm headset jack

Cons: 40MB internal memory, not so user friendly syncing software, small external speakers, doesn't come with headset  

Motorola Rokr E8:

The Motorola Rokr E8 features an innovative approach to the music players controls.  This candy bar style music phone sports a rather obscure keypad display that shows relevant layouts depending on the mode. 

Pros:  special music mode key display, 3.5 mm headset jack, storage

expansion, FM radio, stereo Bluetooth, sound quality, 2GB internal memory

Cons: lacks 3G, sluggish interface, remove battery to replace memory card  

Samsung TwoStep:

The Samsung TwoStep is a decent music phone that will not break one's wallet.  It is offered at  $50 with a two-year contact. This clamshell music  phone comes with external stereo speakers and stereo Bluetooth. 

Pros: dedicated music controls (jog wheel), external stereo speakers, stereo Bluetooth, up to 8GB storage expansion, 3.5 mm headset jack

Cons: can't save music to ringtones, fair music quality, 54MB internal memory
 
 

HTC Touch Diamond:

The HTC Touch Diamond is not explicitly labeled a music phone but this multimedia handset offers impressive muic-centric features. This high-end music phone allows consumers to download tracks at the low price of $0.99 or six for the price of $5.94.  The HTC Touch Diamond is equipped with EV-DO Rev. A network support that provides streaming music and radio on Sirius, VH1 Mobile and MTV Mobile stations. One can also trim MP3 files within this music phone to create customized ringtones.

Pros: streaming music, Sprint EV-DO Rev. A, 4GB internal memory, Sprint Music Store, multiple formats, stereo Bluetooth

Cons: lack of expandable storage, sluggish interface, usb port as audio jack
 
 

LG Rhythm:

The LG Rhythm delivers excellent audio with 3D sound, stereo speakers and digital signal processing. This music phone allows consumers to transmit the music to any FM tuner, whether driving in a car or relaxing at home.

Pros:  Stereo Bluetooth, great user interface, great audio quality, FM transmitter, storage expansion, dedicated music keys, 3.5 mm headset jack, FM radio, scroll wheel

Cons: touch sensitive keys have a learning curve, no music store

Finding the best music phone for the buck requires selecting the most important features. Purchasing a music phone doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing important phone features. With the help of a Phone Advisor, one can get advice on choosing the right phone for one's phone related or  music related needs. The Phone Advisor will help one to get the best phone while considering the complete package.  

For tips on how to download the latest ringtones or adding music to a device check out our How To section. If one feels being limited to cell phone offerings by their service provider, then one should consider an unlocked phone.