Interested in an iPhone, but not so interested in AT&T? Meet the Samsung Omnia, an iPhone look-alike that runs on the Verzion Wireless network.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Omnia is available from Verizon Wireless for $270 when signing a new two-year contract. At press time, Verizon was offering an online discount of $70, bringing the price down to $200 when purchased from VerizonWireless.com.
Design
Like the iPhone, the Omnia is a candy-bar-shaped, all touch screen phone. Its face is dominated by its 3.2-inch touch screen. The phone is 4.4 inches tall by 2.2 inches wide by .5 inches deep; that's very close to the iPhone 3G's size. The screen's resolution is only 240 by 400 pixels, which is lower than the resolution found on many of today's smartphones. That means images won't look as crisp and clear.
Web Browsing
The Saga supports Verizon's 3G EvDO network, as well as Wi-Fi wireless networks so you have options for high-speed Web access. Two browsers are included, too: Internet Explorer Mobile and Opera Mobile.
Software
The Omnia runs Windows Mobile version 6.1, but features Samsung's customized TouchWiz interface. This interface is designed to make it easier for you to access the Omnia's various features through the phone's touch screen.
As a Windows Mobile phone, the Omnia includes the usual complement of Microsoft applications. You get Microsoft Office Mobile, which allows you to view, edit, and create Word and Excel files and view PowerPoint and PDF files. You'll also find tons of Windows Mobile software available for this phone.
Messaging
As a Windows Mobile phone, the Omnia can sync with your desktop version of Outlook and supports Microsoft's Direct Push Technology for real-time message delivery. You can use the Omnia to access POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts. You also have the option of purchasing Verizon's Wireless Sync e-mail application.
Camera
The built-in camera's resolution is an impressive 5 megapixels. It includes auto-focus, an LED flash, and various in-phone editing options.
Music and More
The Omnia does not support Verizon's V Cast music and video services. You do get Windows Media Player Mobile, though, so you can transfer your own tracks to the phone for playback. The phone lacks a standard headset jack, though, so you'll need an adapter to connect most headphones.
The GPS-capable Omnia includes Verizon's VZ Navigator application, which delivers turn-by-turn directions to your phone (for an additional monthly fee).
