Before I hit this week’s CTIA Wireless 2008 show in Las Vegas, I wanted to "clean up" the office and offer some quick hits on devices that have filtered in over the past few months but might not have been worthy of full reviews. So here goes. . . . 

The scoop: Nokia 3555, by T-Mobile, about $50 (after instant rebate, plus service).

Click to see: The Nokia 3555 will satisfy your need for “a basic cell phone.”

What it is: I’m often approached by readers and colleagues for cell phones that "just make phone calls," since it seems like they’re intimidated by the bells and whistles that more advanced phones, or even smartphones, come with these days. If you find yourself being asked this, or if you just want a basic phone, check out the Nokia 3555 by T-Mobile. While it’s a basic clamshell-style phone, it has some additional advanced features that won’t intimidate you. This includes 3G network support, a digital camera with 4x digital zoom (and video recording), music player, Stereo Bluetooth, instant messaging support, a basic WAP Web browser for application downloads, and microSD card slot for adding files. The phone supports T-Mobile’s myFaves service, which allows for unlimited any-network calling to any five people.

Bottom line: Again, nothing super spectacular, but a serviceable phone with adequate features at a good price. It’s tailor-made for those who are looking for "just a cell phone." And, it’s got advanced features.

Grade: 3.5 stars (out of five)

The scoop: ThinkVision L194 (19-inch) Wide Digital/Analog LCD Monitor, by Lenovo, about $260.

What it is: This is a basic flat-panel widescreen monitor that also won’t break the bank, providing a digital visual interface (DVI) port as well as a standard VGA monitor port, and with matching color for Lenovo’s ThinkCentre desktop or ThinkPad notebooks. The extra screen real estate makes multitasking easier, and works well with general business applications and multiple-monitor environments. Features include a 1,440-by-900-pixel optimum resolution, a tilt stand for adjusting eye level, 300 nits of brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 20 preset resolution modes.

Bottom line: I’m a sucker for additional video input options, but for basic business users, this widescreen model is a nice upgrade from a 17-inch display. This is a nice monitor to add to an existing setup, creating the multiple monitor effect.