Kyocera keeps it simple

This week, Kyocera introduced two new cell phones designed for the basic mobile user. The Kyocera Dorado KX13 comes in a basic candy bar shape and includes such features as a 65,000-color display, a vibrate alert, a speakerphone with dedicated activation key, an assortment of basic PIM features, a WAP 2.0 wireless Web browser, a 200-contact phone book, support for BREW 2.1, 32-chord polyphonic ring tones, and enhanced text messaging. You also get a more offbeat offering with the inclusion of a tiny flashlight. The CDMA Dorado will first debut with Cricket Communications, a regional carrier serving 20 states, and is priced at $129.

Cricket also picked up the Kyocera Milan KX9B. The CDMA flip phone has a relatively simple design, but it doesn't forsake style completely. The rectangular external display is arranged vertically down the front face of the phone, which makes for an eye-catching effect overall. It also comes with a 65,000-color display, basic PIM features (including a tip calculator), enhanced text messaging, a WAP 2.0 wireless Web browser, a vibrate mode, a speakerphone, a 500-contact phone book, and support for BREW 2.1. The Milan is $139, but both phones might be cheaper with a service contract.