June 18, 2009 11:18 AM PDT
Samsung, U.S. Cellular remind us of basic phones
The Axle lands at U.S. Cellular
(Credit: Samsung)With the Palm Pre and Apple iPhone 3G S grabbing so much attention in the last couple of weeks, you might think that basic phones are becoming extinct. But don't worry, as that is far from the truth. Even this week when fancy smartphones are all the rage, Samsung and U.S. Cellular have got your back.
The new Samsung Axle has a minimalist flip phone design in simple gray. Cell phone watchers will recognize that the Axle shares its shape with MetroPCS' Samsung Byline. Features are low-end, but functional. You'll find Bluetooth, a speakerphone, voice commands, messaging, a VGA camera, and a personal organizer. You can get it for as low as $40 with service.
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. 
