Unfortunately, there are no CompactFlash expansion slots for adding accessories, but there is a Secure Digital card slot on the base. You probably known that most mobile phones prefer locating the slot under the battery cover or so, but this time the location is changed. When you buy the device you will also get a carrying case with integrated swivel belt clip for high protection and for making sure that business users will have their phone close at all time. Among other technical details about the Siemens Sx56 smartphone, we can include the 32MB of RAM and ROM, 206 MHz StringARM processor, USB syncing, SD card slot. Even though there are other pocket computers with better performance processors, the difference is not high and you will not feel any regrets if choosing this device.

When it comes to software, it comes fully packed with what you need to survive today’s requests: caller ID, SMS, three way calling, customizable ringtones, call logs and SIM manager application and Office online. If you choose AT&T as your provider you can pay a bit extra and get a special feature, program to be more exact that allows you to organize e-mail, contact information and calendar online. You can also purchase AT&T Wireless Workware for providing access to e-mail applications behind the corporate firewall. Other advantages of the phone include wireless web access through GPRS connection and you can use it to surf on HTML websites and WAP web sites, check e-mails, chat with friends via MSN Messenger and sync your contacts with your desktop computer. You have also some great other features. For instance, if you receive an e-mail with a phone number in it, you just tap on it and you get the chance to save it in your contacts list. And if you are listening to music and you receive a phone call, the music pauses, you hear the ringtone and see the caller ID. After you finished talking, the music starts from where it stopped, which is pretty neat.

As for the battery life, it lasted for around 6 hours and 18 minutes in talk time and in stand-by mode you get around 140 hours. The battery generally is above average and it will hold on for a longer period of time. Finally, the display has 4.096 colors and even so, the screen is sharp and bright, colorful and easy to read.

Nokia and Siemens announced plans to combine Nokia’s Networks business group and Siemens’ carrier-related operations for fixed and mobile networks to form a new company called Nokia Siemens Networks.

The new company, with 2005 calendar year pro forma revenues of EUR 15.8 billion, is uniquely positioned to deliver compelling customer benefits with a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions for the converging telecommunications market.

Nokia and Siemens continue to expect that the operations of the new company will start in January 2007.

Via MTN.