The Samsung SGH-E317 is a flip phone with useful email features and both non-volatile user memory and SIM card memory features. The phone s high color internal 65K TFT color display features a resolution of 128 by 160, and the external 65K TFT display features a resolution of 96 by 64 pixels. An integrated VGA camera comes with the standard phone, and both zoom and multishot capabilities are included.

The Samsung SGH-E317 measures 3.3 high, 1.8 wide and 0.9 thick when folded with the standard battery. The touch-sensitive keys make phone control feel natural compared to traditional keypads. The phone also features and attractive rounded clamshell design, seemingly molded to fit the palm of the user s hand. The phone is as pleasing to the eye as it surely will be to conversationalists with cramped hands. Embedded JAVA games and wallpaper give the phone a human touch, and may help alleviate boredom during down-time on a bus or subway.

Voicemail and voice memo are standard features on the Samsung SGH-E317, allowing users to take great control over their networking processes. The phone also comes with SMS and predictive text input for lightning-fast contacts. For longer missives, instant messaging service is also available. Users can even access their email account through the phone s POP3 program, or browse the Internet on the phone s own web browser.

The Samsung SGH-E317 operates on the GSM/GPRS 850 and 1900 frequencies, and uses GPRS - Class 8 PBCCH for network and data. JAVA support for application download comes preinstalled on the phone. The standard battery lasts for up to 5 hours on talk-time, and for up to 200 hours on standby. The phone s large electronic phonebook holds up to 2000 alphanumeric entries, giving users plenty of room for contact information. Personal information management functions, such as alarm, currency converter and memo book, are included on the Samsung SGH-E317.

Overall, the Samsung SGH-E317 is a very good flip phone for work or for texting.