Samsung Eternity A867

Those searching for a touch-screen phone on the AT&T network shouldn't overlook the Samsung Eternity, experts say. At 4.3 inches by 2.2 inches by 0.5 inches, the Eternity's candy-bar form is familiar. As with the T-Mobile's Samsung Behold, AT&T's version uses Samsung's TouchWiz user interface, which enables users to customize their home screen. However, Philip Berne of InfoSync calls it "nearly useless thanks to a lack of screen real estate." Its 3.2-inch display is about average for its class, and the screen provides haptic feedback (vibration) during use. Other features include a 3-megapixel camera with video capability, stereo Bluetooth, good battery life and a full HTML web browser. The ability to connect to the web via Wi-Fi is missed, as well as a flash for the camera.

As with the Samsung Behold and Instinct, critics point to flaws in the Eternity's web browser as the phone's biggest shortcoming. CNET's Kent German says that it "renders most pages well," but he prefers the auto-zoom of more robust browsers such as the one included with the Apple iPhone 3G. Some users may also find fault with the Eternity's email capabilities. AT&T uses a web-based application on the Eternity that does not sync automatically with your email server. For an extra $15 a month, AT&T provides its Mobile TV service on the Eternity. Audio playback is clean and loud, while the Mobile TV and the built-in music player are intuitive. Text messaging is described as easy using the phone's virtual QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode. Similar to other offerings from Samsung in the touch-screen arena, the Eternity stands as a solid option for those wanting a handset with multimedia possibilities and performs well when placing and receiving calls. Call quality is generally rated as good.

Similar to the Samsung Behold and Instinct, the Eternity is not as robust as the Apple iPhone 3G or Samsung Omnia, but it is much more affordable. Many reviews offer the Eternity as a solid alternative for budget shoppers.