I used to have cell phone envy. Everyone else had cool-looking cell phones. I had what my wife kep calling a "brick" or a "fax machine" -- that's how big my cell phone was just a couple of years ago. I eventually traded in my brick for what was, by the standards of early 2000, a small phone: the Samsung SCH-3500 and Sprint PCS service and was quite happy about it. Until I looked into the new generation of cell phones. Not just because my phone somehow seemed so "five months ago" -- but also because the features are so compelling.

If you haven't been cell phone shopping in a while and decide to get a new phone, you will notice how dramatically the market has changed. Sleek, small phones which are doing things that their predecessors couldn't, have taken over.

Here's a look at three recently-introduced models, each with at least one major feature that sets it apart. They all offer wireless Web access and some form of e-mail. Be sure to test each one and visit the respective sites before buying. In some cases they are sold out, but are expected back on shelves shortly. And, don't forget to invest in headsets or hands-free units for your phones -- they will keep you safe.

1. PHONE WITH FOLDING KEYBOARD:
The Motorola i85s with Nextel service looks at first glance like most cell phones. But it has a few unique features. The most important is its optional folding keyboard, which allows you to enter text into wireless e-mail, memos, etc. The keyboard, called the iBoard, is similar to the one that has become such a hit with palm-sized digital assistants (which I use with my Palm IIIc). It also uses "Java" technology to offer small software programs, including an expense tracker, a tip calculator, games and more. You can add more software and upgrades by hooking up the phone to your PC with an optional cable. I also liked its speakerphone feature.

Motorola i85:
$169, plus $99 keyboard
dimensions: 5.3" x 2.3" x 1.3"
weight: 4.8 oz
battery life: 2.75 hours of talk time
75 hours standby
http://nextelonline.nextel.com/NASApp/nol/PhoneLanding?initstate=true
Also check out the Nextel i50, which is on sale for just $49 right now. Has many of the features of the i85, it just isn't as juiced.

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2. THINNEST PHONE:
The Sanyo SCP-6000 with Sprint PCS service is certainly distinctive. It is the slimmest phone available in the market now. How slim is it? About the thickness of a pencil (or less than half the thickness of my current phone) -- and a little longer than typical phones. Judging by the inquisitive glances and positive comments it received from people who saw me with it, its looks and size are enough to recommend it. Some may find its $300 price tag steep, but I know it would impress my wife.

The Sanyo SCP-6000:
$299
dimensions: 5.07" x 1.54" x 0.39"
weight: 2.29 oz
battery life: 2.25 hours talk time
160 hours standby
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/PhonesAccessories/PhoneDetails.jsp?selectSkuId=sanyoscp6000

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THE SMALL RADIO PHONE:
The Motorola v60c, with Verizon service is a successor of the hippest phones of their day, the StarTACs (and has a similar flip-phone feel). This phone is quite small -- its length is about that of a credit card, with the thickness of a typical cell phone. Apart from the size, its built-in FM radio is unique. I am writing this while listening to Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" on a Manhattan radio station. The optional stereo headset, which you need to listen to the radio, also doubles as a headset for phone calls.

Motorola v60c:
$400 + $59 FM radio headset
dimensions: 2.05" x 3.67" x .79"
weight: 3.9 oz
battery life: 4 hours time
242 hours standby
http://commerce.motorola.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=1&cgmenbr=126

Tried any of these phones? Know of others? Llet me know your thoughts.

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