Introduction

On the heels of Samsung's recent efforts to trim its handhelds, T-Mobile sliders have continued to decrease in thickness while makes strides in functionality. Offering the latest in ultra-thin slider handsets, Samsung loaded the thin, but still meaty, SGH-T629 with comparably high-level technology options, including Bluetooth, camera with zoom and expandable external memory.

Similar in design to the popular D807, the 3.3 oz T629 is also equipped to access the company's high-speed EDGE network, making downloading online media easier and quicker. The quad-band GSM phone makes for easy travel as long as users unlock it ahead of time. A built-in unit converter (including currency) adds to travelers' comfort.

Stocked with useful options like voice recognition, voice playback and fairly clear game soundtracks, the phone's manufacturers remained clear-minded that not all users would want these new advantages and have graciously allowed them to turn each off separately.

Design

While the T629 is not the slimmest device in its class, the dual-tone soft grey-colored exterior remains competitive with 3.59" x 1.81" x 0.88" dimensions. Offering an uncluttered layout, the T629 provides a brilliant 262K-color LCD essential for rich visual multimedia, with standard navigation keys below surrounded by soft keys to quickly access commonly used features.

On the right hand side, a two-switch button works quickly to adjust earpiece volume, while a dedicated Camera Key on the right activates the 1.3-megapixel lens on the back. A hand control on the well-designed white and grey earphone (included in original packaging) offers additional functionality.

Slid open, the numeric keys are revealed. Unfortunately the open phone has too much of a gap between the front and keypad panels, making it difficult to quickly dial numbers or type messages. The keys are also extraordinarily flat, only separated by small metallic silver ridges that do little to help make the phone comfortable to text-heavy users.

While visually appealing, the T629's weakest point lies in its uncomfortable design. Although Blackberry aficionados may not have trouble, the sleek T629 yields a credit card-wide grip that makes it difficult to hold and chat with in one hand. The combination of a wide girth and flat keypad make basic usage awkward and uncomfortable. Text messaging is made easier by a cleverly placed "clear" button on the bottom middle section of the front panel, which makes quick deletes easier.

The T629's sliding mechanism is useful and whimsical; however it is functionally unfriendly in its utilitarian use. First, the only way to conveniently open the phone is to press upwards against the front panel, which makes Samsung's newest wide LCD screen tarnished from fingerprint stains. And once the panel is open, it reveals an aesthetically subtle grey keypad with flimsy keys and nice back lighting.

But while flimsy keys are difficult to use, one of the phone's greatest assets lies in its ability to serve as a platform for T-Mobile and Samsung's newest products (downloadable and physical), particularly with its external memory drive and headphone jack. Both outlets have metallic plated plastic plugs to protect them; however, the headphone outlet cover proves difficult to swing out without freshly sharpened nails.

Out of the box, the Samsung T629 comes with a Standard 880 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Handsfree Headset, 220v Adapter, and User Manual.

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