Storage

Containing 5.0 MB of free space, the V557 dynamically allocates memory between all multimedia stored. Since the V557 is not a multimedia-intense device, there are no high-resolution photos, full-length MP3 files, or video clips that hog storage, and the allocated memory should be more than enough for wallpapers, ringtones, text messages, and applications. However should more resources be needed, consumers will need to do a bit of deleting since the V557 lacks any expansion card slot.

Connectivity

Through Bluetooth wireless technology, users can pair with other Bluetooth-capable devices within a range of 10 meters. Linking the V557 with headsets, car handsfree equipment, PCs, printers, PDAs, or digital cameras, consumers can conveniently link to a wide range of peripherals without a mess of wires.

The V557 also supports all the latest PAN (Personal Area Network) and OTA (Over-The-Air) technologies for synchronization. Offering SyncML, the V557 can synchronize with a PC. As the common language for synchronizing all devices and applications over any network, SyncML organizes any personal information such as email, calendars, to-do lists, contact lists. No matter where the information is stored, data is consistent, accessible, and up-to-date.

Conclusion

With a prior generation VGA camera, absent music player capabilities, and lacking mobile television, the V557 is not for consumers looking for a robust multimedia device. Catering to a different demographic, the V557 is instead aimed towards conservative consumers who want a functional device without paying an arm and a leg.

Building on the stable foundation set by the V551, the V557's functional features are best suited for business users who don't want the presumptuous stares fashion phones may attract. While not the most multimedia-packed phone or the slimmest device, the V557 best suits those with a need for discretion.

Being the first device on Cingular's MEdia Net to harness Live Ticker, consumers can get the latest information streamed to their handsets. Essentially surfing the web without pushing buttons, users save time by scanning headlines and only choosing which stories to read. Letting consumers get the daily news on the V557's home screen, users can have more time to focus on what needs to be done.

The quad-band V557 is a workhorse. Containing a full email client supporting POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols, EDGE broadband transfer rates, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, speakerphone functionality, and a sleek yet humble form factor, the V557 is an affordable device for consumers looking to increase productivity and get things done without unnecessary flash.

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