The Samsung X660 mobile phone is the latest upgrade on the Samsung mobile phone range, having taken in to account all of the comments and market feedback of the earlier editions. The phone is a well rounded clamshell model which has a stylish outer casing in variations of black and silver. The top of the clam is cut away from the middle and slopes in at a 45% angle to take away the harshness of the earlier squarer models. Unlike some of the more bulkier clamshell phones, this model can be flicked open with one finger, and has a number of finger imprints around the shell for secure holding of the phone.

There are a few output ports around the outer of the shell, as well as the volume controls which can be very sensitive. All external connection ports have plastic covers over them so they do not get damaged, and don’t interfere with the overall look of the mobile phone. The external display is fairly small at 19 mm x 19 mm, with a 196 x 196 pixel resolution, although the external display is only in black and white. As you flick open the phone you will notice the internal screen which is larger at 21 mm x 33 mm, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels and potential combination of up to 65,000 colours. The text on both the outer and inner screen is still visible in direct sun light, which is always useful for people on the move.

The number buttons themselves blend well into the device, being the same colour and on the same level. There is however a small gap between each key, allowing you to feel your way from key to key and type “blind”. Just above the keypad is a swivel navigation key which is now standard on the better Samsung models, together with the customary pre-defined buttons.

The menu navigation screen is a colourful array of self explanatory icons, and is both well designed and very easy to use. Among the options available is the central phone book, which offers the opportunity to store up to 1,000 records - allowing you to save a variety of details about each contact, e.g. email address, etc. There is also the opportunity to “group” your contacts into 10 different groups, for easy of recall. The contact book is accessible via the pre-defined navigation keys, and you will be able to locate your records within a couple of key presses.

The Samsung X660 mobile phone supports a number of the now familiar message formats including SMS and MMS, and has the “T9” predictive text module pre-loaded - this can be quite annoying sometimes, but you have the option to switch it off. When used in conjunction with the inbuilt internet browser there is also an email service available, which ensures that you are contactable 24 hours a day 7 days a week - no escape! The internet browser is pre-loaded with an array of useful menu options, for speedy access to many popular online facilities. This connection also allows you to download ringtones of your choice.

The VGA camera is built into the camshell, and both the internal and external displays can be used as view finders so that you are able to check the picture before taking a snap shot. The camera offers a variety of pixel definitions from 640 x 480 to 128 x 120, with manual zoom facility. The system also offers a video clip facility, which together with the photographs, can be easily stored on the phone for later recall.

As with most phones these days, the Samsung X660 mobile phone offers both a personal organiser option, music play facility and inbuilt JAVA games. The organiser contains a calendar, clock, alarm clock, stop watch and calculator to name but a few functions. This particular model also has an unusual Dictaphone facility which while useful for a lot of customers, seems to be more aimed at the business end of the market.

The Samsung X660 mobile phone is a well designed mobile phone which offers all of the services which the modern mobile phone user would require. While this mobile should prove popular and sell well, it is unlikely to break any records.