Kyocera Cell Phones

In a world occupied by Nokia, Samsung, and Motorola, it's pretty easy for Kyocera cell phones to get lost in the mix. The electronics maker is based out of Kyoto, Japan, with a number of unique items, including high-end audio components, ceramic-based products, and digital imaging solutions (like cameras). Kyocera mobile phones may not be as well known, but they are used extensively with a number of American MVNOs (as described below).

Kyocera Cell Phones

Kyocera was originally founded in 1959 as Kyoto Ceramic Co, Ltd. before compressing their name into what it is known as today. Since that time, they have gone around acquiring several prominent electronics and technology companies, including Mita Industrial (photocopier manufacturer) and QUALCOMM (cell phone developer), which were purchased in January and February 2000, respectively.

With not nearly as ubiquitous as some of their Japanese counterparts, Kyocera cell phones typically boast rather unique designs, form factors, and features. In the North American market, Kyocera caters almost exclusively to the CDMA segment, marketing their phones to cell phone service providers who make use of the technology.

Telus Mobility and Kyocera

As one of Canada's two primary CDMA providers (Bell Mobility being the other), Telus Mobility carries a small selection of Kyocera-branded handsets and wireless solutions. Here are a few of the more popular items:

• KX440: Marketed as a "semi-rugged" solution for enterprise users who value Instant Talk walkie-talkie functionality, this candybar clad in yellow boasts mobile web connectivity, 2-way text messaging, and custom ringtones. Best of all, it can be had for $0 when you sign a 3-year contract.

• Passport KPC650: If you love the idea of having complete internet access on your laptop while out on the road, then a wireless card like this is right up your alley. It plugs into your notebook computer and latches onto Telus' High Speed EVDO and 1X data networks, giving your near-DSL data rates.

Kyocera Cell Phones on Ampd Mobile

Get Amp'd. Geared toward the hip younger generation, Ampd Mobile is a leading MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) working off of the Verizon Wireless high-speed network. The two Kyocera phones that they carry are functionally identical, but you'd want one over the other based on your color preference.

• Jet (black) and Angel (white): If fashion is a primary selling point for you, then these two lovely slider phones are perfect for you. They're sleek, they're attractive, and they rock vibrant color displays. Key features include a personalized user interface, a built-in multimedia player, and a microSD slot for memory expansion.

With Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile is perhaps one of the best known prepaid cellular service providers, both in Canada and the United States, in addition to international locales like the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and South Africa. In the United States, Virgin Mobile carries at least two Kyocera cell phones.

• Switch_Back: Lovers of SMSing will be in a state of bliss with this QWERTY'd-out, dual-screened wonder. It even has a VGA camera for good measure.

• Oystr: No that's not a typo, but if you are a budget-minded consumer, than this no-frills candybar is for you. There's no camera and no Bluetooth, but it is incredibly affordable.