Dream phones you can't have

Nokia may have launched its megapixel camera-phone, but this must seem passe to the Koreans and Japanese with the dream phones they're rolling out.

At the ongoing CommunicAsia show, we spotted a few attention-grabbing phones worth mentioning. Due to the difference in the infrastructure used, we probably won't get to see them anytime soon -- not unless they're adapted for use on our GSM networks. Although you won't be able to lay your hands on one of these cool devices now, you can still get a glimpse of what's being showcased at the Singapore Expo right here.

Samsung SCH-V500 This powerhouse is literally jam-packed with features for the ultimate multimedia kick. A clamshell with a twist, it can rotate to switch to a landscape display so games and video clips appear awesome on its QVGA (320 x 240) 262K-colour screen. Sporting a 1.3-megapixel rotating camera with flash, it also records video in MPEG4 format up to 2 hours. This mobile rocks on with 64-chord polyphonic ringtones and an MP3 player. The designers behind the Nokia N-Gage game deck can certainly take their cue from Samsung's innovation. Sadly, the V500 works on CDMA2000-1X EVDO and is available only in South Korea.	This Samsung clamshell with a twist can rotate to switch to a landscape display, so games and video clips appear awesome on its QVGA 262K-colour screen.
Samsung SPH-V4400 With camera-phones outselling digital cameras in the first half of 2003, the future of such converged product looks exceptionally bright. While most handset manufacturers have opted for CMOS sensors, Samsung packs the V4400 with a 2.0-megapixel CCD and flash to deliver clean, quality images. Here, the focus on imaging takes center stage with a swivel screen and buttons intended for shooting. Movies and photos captured can be sent to a TV for your viewing pleasure. The V4400's dual 262K-colour screens are also brilliant. Again, only the Koreans will have the good fortune to own one.	Samsung packs the V4400 with a 2.0-megapixel CCD and flash to deliver clean, quality images.
LG SC8000 Handhelds started as simple organisers but have evolved into multifunctional devices. The SC8000 from LG is a fine example. It runs on Microsoft's Pocket PC 2003 operating system so you get all the features you can expect from a PDA. In addition, the SC8000 functions as a phone and has an onboard 1.3-megapixel flash camera. This device comes embedded with dual graphics chips for better video performance. The bright 2.8-inch 262K-colour display is a visual treat.	LG's Pocket PC phone is a visual treat with its 262K-colour display.
Panasonic FOMA P900i It appears the upcoming GSM phones from Panasonic took most of their design inspiration from its Japanese counterparts. Like the Panasonic X400, this FOMA mobile offers a one-touch mechanism to flick the phone into action. Similar to the A500, custom jacket covers allow users to personalise their handsets. Apart from the integrated megapixel CCD camera, the P900i has a second 100,000-pixel CMOS internally for video telephony. Still photos and video recorded can be conveniently stored on miniSD media for future viewing.	Will Panasonic's one-touch mechanism and custom jackets appeal to you?