rugby

Samsung Rugby 3 review: Built tough, but not for calls

Built for durability and outdoor work, the Samsung Rugby 3 is a sturdy clamshell cell phone. It features AT&T's enhanced push-to-talk and noise suppression, and it comes with large, responsive, and widely-spaced buttons that make it possible to hit while wearing thicker gloves.

Pair all that with U.S. Military Standard 810G for water, dust, and shock, and you have a phone that could easily belong in a fleet for outdoor workers, the accident-prone, or people who want a high level of strength in a simple cell phone -- that is, until you hear it. Cellular call … Read more

AT&T's rugged Samsung Rugby III lands December 14 with PTT

AT&T's rough 'n' tumble "Rugby" team gets another player in the Samsung Rugby III, a durable flip phone that will feature AT&T's enhanced push-to-talk (PTT) capabilities.

Starting December 14, the Rugby III costs $99.99 with a two-year contract, but free for organizations with an AT&T business account. Preorders begin November 30.

Intended to be a simple, sturdy handset, the Rugby III keeps features simple. It sports a 2.4-inch QVGA display, a 3-megapixel camera, and a PTT convenience button for easy access, walkie-talkie style. The phone also includes access … Read more

Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro toughens up AT&T for $100

Samsung's rough 'n' ready Galaxy Rugby Pro is ready to rumble starting Sunday.

The Rugby Pro may be equipped to ward off the elements, like fog, dust, shock, salt, temperature, and fumbling 2-year-olds, but it also promises to be quite the accomplished smartphone. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, cruises the LTE fast lane, and has a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display.

You'll also find a 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video capture and push-to-talk.

AT&T's Samsung lineup: Note 2, Rugby Pro, Express, Tab 10.1 2

AT&T has unveiled its latest lineup of Samsung devices, including two smartphones, a tablet, and a tweener smartphone/tablet hybrid.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 2 were already unveiled at earlier Samsung events.

In addition, AT&T will sell the lower-end Samsung Galaxy Express, which AT&T said will target first-time smartphone users, and the rugged Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro. Prices and availability details are still forthcoming, although the carrier said they would available "in the coming months."

The Galaxy Note 2 is the next jumbo phone from … Read more

Samsung announces armor-plated Android, the Rugby Smart

Rugged phones have been around forever, but melding extreme survivability into a true Android smartphone that's not laughably large or looks like an off-road tire is a challenge. Samsung feels it has created a tough device that has beaten the odds.

The $99.99 Samsung Rugby Smart certainly has a rough and tumble name. The company claims it's built to meet both the U.S. military Mil-spec 810f and the IP67 international standards for ruggedness. In a nutshell, that means the phone should be able to withstand submersion in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, plus prolonged exposure to blowing dust, driving rain, extreme temperatures, and the odd drop onto hard surfaces. … Read more

The 411: From Rugbys to BlackBerrys

Welcome to the 411, my column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have similar queries, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.

Hi Nicole, I am trying to find a little information on the new Rugby II and thought you might be able to help. I've been … Read more

Samsung Rugby II to suppress more noise

Samsung has announced the successor to its rugged Rugby handset, dubbed the Samsung Rugby II. Like its predecessor, the Rugby II is military-certified to withstand a harsh environment, plus it has push-to-talk functionality. Other features include improved noise suppression, a 2.0-megapixel camera with Video Share capability, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth, a microSD card slot, and more. It will be available June 6 for $129.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.