With its blue case, the Samsung Saga may look like a smartphone for consumers, but this phone primarily is designed for business use. It also includes global roaming features, so business travelers, in particular, will appreciate the ability to make calls overseas.
Price and Availability
The Saga is available from Verizon Wireless for $200 when signing a two-year contract.
Design
Other than its blue case, the Saga looks similar to Samsung's BlackJack II and Epix smartphones. It includes both a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard, as well as an optical mouse pad directly below the screen. The screen itself measures 2.6 inches diagonally; that's about middle-of-the-road for today's smartphones. The phone is long and slim, measuring 4.9 inches tall by 2.4 inches across. It weighs 4.6 ounces.
Web Browsing
The Saga supports Verizon's 3G EvDO network and 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 Saga runs Windows Mobile version 6.1, and includes a full complement of productivity applications, including Microsoft Office Mobile. This 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 Saga can sync with your desktop version of Outlook and supports Microsoft's Direct Push Technology for real-time message delivery. You can use the Saga to access POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts. The phone does not come with any consumer instant messaging clients installed.
Camera
The 2-megapixel camera includes a digital zoom and a NightShot mode, for capturing images when it's dark. You can capture video clips in addition to still images.
Music and More
Verizon is positioning the Saga as a business device, and as such, it does not support the carrier'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. And the GPS-capable Saga includes Verizon's VZ Navigator application, which delivers turn-by-turn directions to your phone (for an additional monthly fee).
