Audio

As the world's second phone to feature Apple's iTunes software (the first being the Motorola ROKR E1), the SLVR merges music and communication in multitasking harmony, allowing users to listen to tracks while sending text messages, snapping, or checking email. Music is paused when incoming calls occur.

Giving users access to the worlds most popular MP3 music service, the SLVR lets them take their favorite full length tracks wherever they go. Just like having an iPod, the SLVR's iTunes interface conveniently scrolls through playlists, songs, and even with accompanying album art.

To transfer files from a Mac or PC, the SLVR is connected through a USB cable. Users decide which songs are synchronized by simply dragging and dropping files with the included software; or iTunes can do it for them, autofilling the SLVR with a random selection from their iTunes music library. Easy.

However, encoded into the software, Apple's 100 song limitation cripples the SLVR's usefulness. Ensuring Apple wouldn't cannibalize its own iPod dominant market, the SLVR can only hold about 8 albums; hardly enough for a weekend getaway.

Aside from buying music from the iTunes Store, users can add songs from their own CDs; importing songs to the iTunes library. Unfortunately, only iTunes formatted files are allowed, so other file formats (like MP3s) will prompt: "File has unidentifiable information. Delete?"

Unfortunately the SLVR lacks external stereo speakers and a dedicated headphone jack, but through the included headphones, or with the 3.5 mm adaptor, users can listen privately without disturbing others.

Messaging

Commonplace among all phones these days, all the standard text messaging formats are supported: SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service).

Typing is intuitive and unhindered by the unorthodox nickel-plated keypad. But instead of the more widely used T9 predictive text standard, the SLVR uses Lexicus Software iTAP method. Essentially similar, loyal T9 users may find it difficult to break old habits.

The SLVR also includes AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, and Yahoo! Messenger through Cingular's network. Offering chat to keep in touch with friends and family on the road, the SLVR provides true real-time communication surpassing SMS-based chat applications.

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