Adventure Phones


Life is an adventure, and you enjoy exploring the world around you. That's not to say you'd necessarily trek through the rainforest or over the peaks of mountaintops -- but you like having fun outdoors.

You're the type to fish in a stream or camp in the countryside rather than sit at home and watch it on the Discovery Channel. There's a part of you that loves the thrill, relaxation and simple pleasures of being away from civilization -- like watching the dusk sky or gazing at the stars.

But what does this mean about your perfect phone? Well, it better be able to keep up with your unpredictable pace and circumstances. Being outdoors so much, your phone isn't just a convenient device to talk on -- it's also a connection to civilization.

You need it to perform just as well in the woods and rain as it does in your everyday routine. Not to mention you need a phone to get you out of the thick of things. GPS, quad-band, two-way radios and a strong signal are more important to you than the look and design. And chances are, with all the roughing you do, you'll need a rugged device that can take a scratch or two as well.


Samsung Rugby 3: Tough, Simple and Waterproof

Rating: 2 Out of 5
The rugged shell and walkie-talkie service make it ideal for outdoorsy types and fleet workers.

Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro: A Sophisticated Tough Phone

Rating: 3 Out of 5
For the outdoorsman or construction worker that needs a touch of Android.

Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD: Power for Days

Rating: 4 Out of 5
Hate running out of juice before dinner? Look no further -- your dream phone is here.

Motorola Droid Razr HD: Fast Speeds, Long-Lasting Power

Rating: 4 Out of 5
If the large size doesn't bother you, it's a fantastic battery and performance will knock your socks off.

Samsung Rugby Smart: Tough Outside, Soft Inside

Rating: 3 Out of 5
The rugged design can't hide the middle-of-the-road features.

Motorola Droid Razr Maxx: A Bit Thicker and Longer-Lasting

Rating: 3 Out of 5
A smartphone that actually lasts the whole day -- and then some.

Casio G'zOne Ravine 2: Rugged and Dull

Rating: 2 Out of 5
The rough and tumble design protects lackluster internals.

Samsung Convoy 2: Tough Yet Expensive

Rating: 2 Out of 5
If you want to do more than call and text, just buy a smartphone -- it's cheaper in the long run.

Casio G'zOne Commando: Built for the Extreme

Rating: 2 Out of 5
It can take a beating, but the touch response and camera are bad.

BlackBerry 7100i

Rating: 2 Out of 5
Releasing the BlackBerry 7100i, RIM adds the new device from its popular 7100-series on Sprint Nextel's nationwide iDEN network. Virtually similar to the 7100t from T-Mobile and 7100g from Cingular, the 7100i combines good looks with popular BlackBerry functionality.

LG F7200

Rating: 2 Out of 5
First it was a staple of Nextel's network, then Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless integrated their own. Finally, at the end of 2005, Cingular will be the latest carrier to join the club and launch its own Push-to-Talk (PTT) service.