Siemens SL56 Review

Cell Phone Review

The Siemens SL56 dual band GSMTM 850/1900 MHz phone features a unique design where the keypad slides out from under the screen, and a host of other features.

The Siemens SL56's 7 line, 4096 color, 101x80 pixel color display makes it a joy to view the digital photos you can take and load into the phone using an attachable camera (sold separately). Or you can send them to friends and colleagues via advanced text messaging. Sound and picture EMS also allow various animations and the phone includes a catalog of EMS/MMS preinstalled. And the SL56's SMS functionality allows conference calling. The phone's wireless Internet access and browsing works via WAP 1.2.1, and the SL56's fast data transmission is accomplished using Data services (CSD) at 9.6kbps and GPRS at up to 53.6 kbps. This lets you download 16 voice polyphonic ring tones, games, and images with ease. And an intelligent typing helps keep your Instant Messaging instant. For the silent touch, the phone also features a vibrate mode, and some external light effects that work along with incoming calls.

For your calling convenience, the Siemens SL56 features hands free speakerphone capability, voice dial, and voice command, which let you place and receive calls with the phone closed. Plus you can wirelessly transfer contact information, ring tones, pictures, and more, between PDAs, laptops, and other IrDA-enabled devices via the phone's IrDA interface. The Siemen SL56 is also compatible with Wireless Java technology for business and entertainment applications, and it features a built-in data and fax modem.

The Siemens-SL56 comes with a Li-Ion 500 mAh battery rated at up to 2.5 hours talk time and 150 hours standby time, and a battery charger. It measures 3.2 x 1.7 x .7 inches and weighs 2.8 ounces.