Every time we turn around, it seems like a new wireless handset is being introduced. These days, the "possible" feature set seems virtually endless. So if your shopping list includes the purchase of a new handset for your teenager or any youthful person, Kyocera's latest collaboration may be just what you're after.

From an alliance with Virgin Mobile USA and MTV, Kyocera has created the first ever MTV-branded wireless handset. Known as the Slider V5 *MTV (StarMTV) Edition, this phone stands out for three features: its customizable MTV content, innovative sliding form factor, and "pay-as-you-go" service plan (See Photo).

Sure, Virgin Mobile customers already have access to *MTV content. But the Slider V5 *MTV Edition handset features one-touch access to content that's been customized specifically for it. Some examples of the content that's now available include *MTV Ringtones; ringtones from the hottest MTV and MTV2 artists and shows; animated screen savers; caller-ID cartoons; and wallpaper designs. In addition, emoticons work to jazz up text messaging. At the same time, they allow users to personalize their phones and messages.

The exclusive *MTV content also offers games like Rock, Paper, Shizzle; Fanagram; and Yearbook Trivia. By playing these games, for example, users can test their pop-culture knowledge. They also can send audio postcards—a feature that allows customers to send classic moments from programs like "Real World," "Road Rules," and "Camp Jim" to friends.

The Slider V5 *MTV Edition handset does exactly as its name implies: It slides open with the push of a thumb. When it's closed, the handset measures 8.8 x 4.8 x 2.3 cm. It measures 12.2 x 4.8 x 2.3 cm when open. In today's North American market, this device is the only handset design of its type. Yet it promises to be easy to use, reliable, and more compact than the more traditional clamshell and bar-shaped phones.

The handset comes in a gunmetal-grey housing with silver and chrome keys. It sports all of the core features that are demanded by today's youthful consumers: a brilliant, 65,000-color display; polyphonic ringtones; the ability to incorporate emoticons into text messaging; and predictive text for text messaging. A speakerphone and voice-activated dialing also form part of the package.

The Slider V5 *MTV Edition handset comes standard with a WAP 2.0 browser. That browser allows the user to access the Web directly from the phone. With BREW 2.0 capabilities, the user can easily download games, ringers, contacts, and much more. The handset also flaunts an impressive array of productivity tools, such as a scheduler, calculator, alarm clock, and stopwatch. The dual-band digital cellular handset even incorporates assisted-GPS and cdma2000 1X technology. Although it's packed with all of these features, it weighs a mere 3.39 oz.

Thanks to the "pay-as-you-go" airtime-pricing service plan, handset owners are free to decide how much they want to spend and when they want to spend it. There are no contracts to sign, no hidden fees, and no fine print. The user simply starts by opening an account balance. As that balance depletes, he or she can choose to "Top-Up" or add airtime to the account.

The Slider V5 *MTV Edition handset is now available exclusively from Virgin Mobile through its nationwide retailers. These stores include Amazon.com, Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Media Play, Sam Goody, Target Stores, WalMart, Virgin Megastores, and select college bookstores. It also is available online at www.virginmobileusa.com and www.shop.mtv.com. The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) is $159.00.

Kyocera Wireless Corp.
10300 Campus Point Dr., San Diego, CA 92121; (858) 882-2000, FAX: (858) 882-2010, www.kyocera-wireless.com.