This isn't your
father's cell phone

NEW ORLEANS - I’ll get to the adorable phone up top in a minute. First, let me tell you what brings me to New Orleans. It’s the 2005 CTIA Wireless spring gathering, a big trade show for all things wireless: network infrastructure, Bluetooth, the 802.11 you use in your home or office, wireless services, cell phones and other hardware — it's all here, plus, of course, the software that runs all this stuff.

There’s a lot of interesting things to tell you about, but the absolute coolest item I’ve seen is a tiny, colorful cell phone that doesn’t have a keypad. The Firefly phone is made for this country’s 20 million or so 8-to-12 year olds. It’s not just a reworked, limited, adult-sized device; it’s actually an entire new category of cell phones.

Firefly has just five keys: mom and dad speed keys, the phone book list, send call and end call. There’s a 911 button on the side for emergency calls (with accidental call prevention), caller ID, interchangeable translucent shells, a backpack clip attachment, 12 ring tones, seven screen colors and five animations. It's even bilingual (you choose English or Spanish).

The size of two disposable lighters (3.46 by 1.73 by 0.79 inches), the phone weighs almost nothing (2.12 ounces) and there’s no external antenna to break off.  The Firefly is designed for U.S. networks (850/1900 MHz), but there will be a version for the rest of the world (900/1800 MHz) later this year. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is good for up to 6 hours of talk time and 205 hours of standby.

Here’s the best part: Mom and dad have full control over the 20 PIN-protected numbers that are programmed inside. Parents can also ensure that the phone will receive calls only from a select set of numbers. It’s a great way to avoid surprises on a cellular bill each month.

Firefly is selling the device with prepaid service through Triton PCS and soon, Cincinnati Bell. They’ll also sell it on their Web site for $100 (with 30 prepaid minutes) beginning in May.  Target stores will begin selling Firefly this summer with service from Cingular.

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