3 INQ¹ Facebook Phone

Following in the footsteps of Apple's iPhone and Googles T-Mobile G1, 3 have launched their own contender - the 3 INQ¹. Should Apple and Google/T-Mobile be quaking in their boots or are 3 just trying to jump on the bandwagon.

First of all the 3 INQ¹ is a low cost handset coming in at only £79 on Pay as You Go it isn't going to have some of the advanced features and impressive spec of the iPhone or G1 but saying that it does have some nice technical features for the price including:

• HSDPA (3G) connectivity
• 3.2 Mega pixel camera
• MicroSD slot capable of 4GB storage (1GB Card included)
• 2.2" QVGA screen with auto rotate
• Works as a USB Modem

The phone is being promoted as a social networking phone with integration of the Facebook application, Skype and Windows Live Messenger. Being able to plug it in to your laptop and use it as a USB modem is also a major benefit especially by combining it with a low cost unlimited internet tariff.

Talking of tariffs, the handset also comes with an impressive selection of low cost deals. The fact you can get unlimited internet for £15/month instantly makes this an excellent alternative to a standard USB modem plus you get a whole bunch of extra features.

Top tariffs include:

• £15 Texter
  Free INQ¹ Mobile, 75 Mins, Unlimited Texts and Internet
  £15/Month for 18 Months
• £20 Texter
  Free INQ¹ Mobile, 200 Mins, Unlimited Texts and Internet
  £20/Month for 18 Months
• Pay As You Go
  INQ¹ Mobile for only £79.99 plus £10 Credit
  £79.99 Only

Or build your own plan to suit your needs. There is more information about the 3 INQ¹ Mobile on the 3 web site. The device is currently available for pre-ordering.

So do Google, Apple and T-Mobile need to worry about this device? I don't think so. While it has some nice features and a low price point it doesn't make the grade as a smart phone or PDA. It lacks features like GPS and a touchscreen and doesn't have the operating system to allow it to be modified and upgraded as you would expect on a smart device like the iPhone or G1.