Samsung Alias 2 | Two Gadgets for the Price of One?

Samsung Alias 2: flip phone with keyboard

Today the Samsung Alias 2, made by Verizon Wireless, goes on sale. It features both a mutable E Ink keypad and a second hinge that allows it to be used as a flip phone.

Wireless phone users who had a tough time choosing between a QWERTY keyboard — for texting, Twittering and surfing the web — and the convenient, hip flip phone now don’t have to chose.

Responsible spending

The Samsung Alias 2  costs $129.99, but it’s being offered with a $50 rebate if you sign a two-year contract.

If you’re a technophile it may be tempting to grab an instant payday loan so you can be one of the first to own this newfangled device. But remember, Verizon is not going to run out of the Samsung Alias 2 any time soon. It’s better to save your money and purchase one when you can afford it without short-term loans. Plus, who knows, the price could go down.

More features

The Samsung Alias 2 features Bluetooth wireless networking, a 2 megapixel camera and microSD-based storage. Of course, there are all sorts of other bells and whistles you can add if you’re willing to pay extra.

For instance, you can add the RemoSync feature, which synchronizes calendars, e-mails and contacts from office computers, for $9.99. Or you can get visual voicemail for $2.99 per month.

Check out a video of the Samsung Alias 2 in action at Mobile Magazine.

Verizon creating lots of buzz

Last week, Verizon released its MiFi 2200, a portable wireless hotspot.

Anywhere you can pick up a Verizon signal, which is just about everywhere in the country, you can use the MiFi. You don’t even have to be a Verizon customer. But, just as with any Internet service, you do have to pay the provider.

Cost breakdown

The MiFi 2200 itself costs $100, after a rebate. That sounds little pricey for a device that’s only the size of a credit card, but imagine being able to stream TV shows during a car ride or check your Facebook account from an airport bathroom.

Contracts are $40 per month, which allows 250 MB worth of downloads, or $60, which gives you 5 GB worth of download power.

If you don’t want a monthly contract, you can pay $15 a day to use your MiFi 2200. If you chose this option, you will not get the $50 rebate that comes with the contract. Unless you are only going to use it for two days it wouldn’t make any sense at all to go this route. And why would you pay $150 for something you are only going to use for two days?

Back to Samsung Alias 2

Of course, if you want the Samsung Alias 2 to be your new cell phone, you do have to sign up for Verizon service. Of course, if you’re already a Verizon customer, the transition to the new phone should be smooth and easy.