Samsung Blue Earth: More than just a gimmick
As it does with most trends, Samsung is pursuing eco-friendly cell phones with vigor. It already gave us the Samsung Reclaim, and now we finally have a chance to review the Samsung Blue Earth. Like the Reclaim, the Blue Earth's shell is made from recycled materials--specifically, plastic water bottles--but it goes a giant step further with solar panels on its rear face. The solar panels actually work and can charge the phone in a pinch.
The Blue Earth is also free of harmful materials like polyvinyl chloride, and you can minimize battery use by adjusting the display settings. Outside of being green, the Blue Earth offers a functional feature set, but its small touch screen hampers its usability and there was static during calls. Check out our Blue Earth review for a more detailed look.
Kent German is a senior editor for cell phone reviews at CNET. When he's not testing the newest handsets on the market, he's blogging about cell phone news for Crave. In his On Call column, he answers reader questions and gives his take on the rapidly changing mobile industry. E-mail Kent.
Bonnie Cha reviews the
latest smart phones, PDAs, and GPS devices, helping CNET readers get
their hands on the latest mobile electronics. 
Kent German is CNET's
cell phone editor and has been following the wireless industry for
seven years. He's embarrassed to admit he can name almost any cell
phone he sees on the street. 
Nicole Lee reviews cell
phones and their accessories for CNET, thus satisfying her love for all
things small, shiny, and digital.
Besides, how many folks are out on the road without a recharger and wish they had a solar cell to help charge their phone? There are plenty in Africa for instance...
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/ghana804/
-
by nicmart
October 24, 2009 8:42 AM PDT
- Oh, and one other thing this phone might do compared to conventional cell phones is break more often, necessitating the manufacture of more units. Cell phones use such little energy, and there are so many unknowns about this phone that I think, no, it is not a step in the right direction. It's a toy for people who don't think critically.
-
Like this
Reply to this comment
-
-
-
by aaron_van
October 24, 2009 1:09 PM PDT
- Now, I'll say I'm nither for nor against this phone because, as you've said, "there are so many unknowns". That said, where is your proof that this is not a step in the right direction...? You've formed your opinion based on what fact?
-
Like this
-
(10 Comments)