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Having converted to smartphones with a candy bar form factor years ago, I was certain I couldn’t be swayed by this cute, light, small Pantech C610.  That was until Pantech sent me one.  Not only does the phone feel great in hand, its list of features would make my smartphone drool.

Pantech is blurring the line between simple flip phone and intelligent smart phone.  From GPS navigation, to music playlists to speedy 3G love, for a phone that will be free or $49, I believe Pantech has a home run with this little phone.  The spec list reads like a who’s who for phone junkies.

Just take a gander:

HSDPA
Bluetooth support
Micro SD
AT&T Navigator for turn-by-turn directions
AT&T MEdia™ Net
Instant Messaging: AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo! Messenger
AT&T Video Share calling
Video Exchange
AT&T Mobile Music & CV
Multimedia: MP3, MIDI, iMelody, MMF, WAV, SMAF, MPEG4, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, H.263, H.264, AAC+V2
Mobile email services
Create and manage playlists
Music ID Recognition
Camera with flash
Downloadable ringtones and music with Napster and eMusic
Picture and MP3 ringtone caller ID

Pantech managed to cram all these must-haves into a very small form factor.  The buttons click with a positive feel and the phone closes with a firm snap.  Its small size makes the C610 feel great in hand and it’s thin enough to put in your front pocket.

In the coming week, I’ll be pushing this phone to replace my smartphone.  According to the specs, it should duplicate what my brick does.  I can’t wait to see if I can embrace the world of flip phones again or come to the sober realization that I am never going back.  Tune in to check it out.

The Pantech C610 is available from AT&T now for $49.99 after mail in rebate.

Product Page: [AT&T]