Nokia has added another cellphone to their huge catalog, this one will go directly to the “low-end and cheap” category. It is named 2608 and will become available at unknown markets (for now) during the first quarter of 2009.

The cellphone is the cheapest model on their CDMA line, and it doesn’t have any special features. With that being said, the known details of the Nokia 2608 include FM radio, a speaker phone, and voice memo recording. There will be 3 different versions that only differ in color:

- fuchsia with a pink stripe
- silver with a green stripe
- black with a blue stripe

Samsung has announced two new entry-level clamshells, one each for GSM and CDMA markets. I know some of you might skip to the next post spotting the word “entry level” but you never know when you might need a low-end device if your do-it-all isn’t in the vicinity. Of the two, the Samsung B308 (B as in “basic”) looks to be the GSM entrant with dual-band GSM support, an FM tuner, Java games, USB connectivity, and a 1.5-inch CSTN display. The B289 is much more sparser in features with a 500-capacity contact book, 200 SMS memory, and a 1.5-inch CSTN display. No information on when or for how much these two will be available, but we will not be surprised if they turned up in Korea first with a not-so-heavy price tag.
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Nokia’s new CDMA 1900 PCS Phone, the 1580i has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission or the FCC. The new 1508i CDMA 1900 PCS Phone has already been announced by Nokia and is a compact mobile device for CDMA network. Its features include a slim, lightweight candy bar design, easy key pad dialing, integrated stereo FM radio and high-speed data connectivity to the internet via cable.

The 1508i also comes in with text messaging, a built in speakerphone, up to three minutes of voice recording time and enough memory to store 500 phonebook contacts and 400 messages, the Nokia 1508i makes an ideal partner for staying in touch at play or at work. The Nokia 1508i is estimated to start shipping in the third quarter of 2008 in select CDMA markets.

via: press

Great news Canada! Here’s one more cool device coming your way. Telus Mobility appears to be first North American carrier to bring the HTC Touch Diamond in Canada. Verizon and Sprint are rumored to deliver the HTC Touch Diamond in the USA, but that’s not confirmed yet. Telus will launch the Touch Diamond somewhere this summer.

The Canadian HTC Touch Diamond will be a CDMA handset in Canada, with EVDO Rev. A support. The HTC will get the Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro, GPS and a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera. There’s WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 and 4GB memory inside.

As this HTC will be a CDMA version, the chosen design will be the standard design of the CDMA version, not the regular diamond shaped battery cover. You will get this HTC for $149.99 with a three year agreement and for $449.99 without a contract.

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Let’s tear our eyes away from all that befuddling high-tech gadgetry and take a look at the new Nokia 1508, a new low-end cell phone from the Finnish manufacturer. This CDMA cell phone is a slim, lightweight, and simple candybar that has all the makings of being your second communication device to go with your high-end feature-heavy mobile. It can store up to 500 contacts and 400 messages, no small feat for a device in it range. The phone also has a built-in speaker and an integrated FM radio to keep you occupied during those boring commutes. The Nokia 1508 can also record audio for up to three minutes, ideal for saving those short thought bursts that you tend to forget later. An option to connect to the internet via cable keeps you in the loop and ensures that you are connected, if not always.

The Nokia 1508 will be available in the third quarter of 2008 in select CDMA markets and considering its utilitarian features, this one will definitely win over the budget-wary customers.

If you are in the market for a new CDMA phone, Samsung has an option open for you. The new SPH-W4950 packs a lot in its slider form factor with support for CDMA2000 1x EV-DO Rev.A. Although it can’t be called a media powerhouse, the W4950 has covered the bases with an mp3/video player and a 1.3-megapixel camera with a secondary VGA for video calling. In addition to the 40MB of internal memory, the W4950 has a microSD/TransFlash memory slot to store your favorite numbers or the pics of your loved ones. The phone can remain on standby for up to 165 hours and provide up to 4.5 hours of talktime.

There is no word on availability or pricing yet, but I don’t think we will have to wait too long before we hear more.
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Nokia is one of the top cell phone sellers in the world. 40% of cell phone users own a Nokia device. That means every 2 out of 5 mobile owners have a Nokia phone. Pretty cool right? Apparently this percentage doesn’t apply to the USA and Nokia is going to do something about it.

One of the main reasons Nokia isn’t as bing in the US is the CDMA use by various American carriers like Verizon or Sprint. Nokia’s chief designer, Alastair Curtis said today that “In the next few months (U.S.) operators will carry a lot of new products from us” Apparently Nokia is going to manufacture more and more models compatible with American networks’ needs during the upcoming months. I guess we will all find out how that works out.

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