Recently, when I tried to replace one of my cell phones which came to an untimely death by drowning, I discovered that I couldn't replace it without starting an entirely new two-year contract with the service provider - due to some complication arising out of its merger with my original service provider. After arguing for half an hour with the salesperson to no avail, I left without a new phone because two more years seemed like a very long time to me (I admit to some commitment issues). I then went on the internet in search of unlocked GSM phones so that I could use it with my existing SIM card and ride out the rest of my contract term with a new phone. This time, I figured I may as well get something really, really small that can fit into the pocket of my jeans or hang around my neck.

The one I ordered turned out to be even smaller than I imagined. I don't know if these photos adequately illustrate how tiny my new Panasonic G51 cell phone is. I happen to have preternaturally small hands for an adult, so photographing it in my hand might not provide the right comparison. It measures about 3 x 1˝ inches (about the length of 3 quarters) and weighs only 75 grams. It fits into my pants pocket without creating an unsightly lump, and the keys are fine for my fingers. Anyone with large digits might have some difficulty. I was surprised by the great sound quality coming from this little thing (other features include 40 polyphonic ringtones, 4096-color display, and tri-band GSM capability).

This is the newer version of the Panasonic GD55. I got mine from Overseas Electronics for $119.99.