Mobile phones get down and dirty

by Ian Grayson

MOBILE phones have become such a fundamental tool in daily life that it's virtually impossible to conduct business without them.

As well as voice communications, they're digital diaries, contact books, email readers, media players and even cameras.

But active workers don't always treat portable electronic devices well.

Bumps, drops and harsh environments mean they're often subjected to stresses and strains for which they weren't designed.

With this in mind, mobile phone manufacturers have focused on creating selected handsets that can withstand such things.

By choosing hardy components and designing cases that can cope with anything from water to sudden shocks, they've devised models that should be able to maintain reliable service when the going gets tough.

Samsung M110

RRP: $199

Anyone who has watched with horror as their mobile phone slips from their grasp into a puddle or sink full of water will understand the need for the M110.

With a body coated in rubber and heavy-duty plastic, this handset can cope with an occasional aquatic dunking and still function normally.

While you can't take it swimming, the M110 has been designed to withstand water, dust and some tough knocks.

Its case feels hardy to touch and the rubber coating means it's also less likely to fall out of your hand in the first place.

The phone's keyboard layout is uncluttered and easy to use, with the numeric keys slightly raised, making them easily pressed by even large fingers.

The M110 operates on both the GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies, which means solid coverage, but it doesn't offer the fast 3G speeds that have become common in newer handsets. At this point it's only available on the Vodafone network.

The phone sports a camera, albeit a low-resolution one, and a flash that can double as a torch when trying to find your car keys late at night.

Once you dig beyond its solid exterior, however, this handset doesn't have a whole lot else to offer when compared with some of the more sophisticated models on the market.

It lacks the audio and video playing abilities, though it does have an inbuilt FM radio. While its camera takes acceptable photos, they can't match those produced by alternatives that pack more megapixels.

Overall, if you're looking for a basic, solid phone that can stand the bumps and grinds of daily life and you can live without all the bells and whistles, the M110 is worth a closer inspection.
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