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In the previous segment I had compiled a list of handsets that were more like all-in-one devices, with a lot to offer consumers in the higher income bracket. Now, while we're aware that Diwali is the time for splurging, let’s not forget that we're in a global recession of sorts. So if you feel a need to live within your budget, here are some options that won’t hurt your wallet too much.

Sony Ericsson W580 – Rs 9700
The W580 is a slider from Sony Ericsson’s Walkman brand of music handsets. It has a chic design with a funky feel and light setting, and buttons that grab your attention. It employs all of Sony Ericsson’s style with a slim look, a smooth slider, and simple yet relevant features. The 2-inch display sports a 240 x 320 pixel resolution and 256K colors.

This sporty handset is equipped with a 2 megapixel camera, Sony Ericsson’s TrackID music recognition feature and an FM radio, aside form the Walkman player. If you’re a health freak, the W980’s calorie counter and pedometer will be quite handy. The phone supports various kinds of connectivity: EDGE/GPRS, USB (proprietary), and Bluetooth with A2DP. It also supports external memory with via Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards.

Samsung F270 Beat – Rs 9700
There’s little doubt in my mind that if you watch any kind of TV you’ve seen the ad with Aamir Khan trying real hard to exercise his vocal cords with the aid of Samsung’s F270 Beat handset. What makes this handset really ‘POP’ is the fact that it comes with a memory card (microSD) that’s loaded with music in a karaoke format. Being a dual slider (no, don’t think N95), the F270 has a set of stereo speakers that appear when the slider is activated.

The Karaoke feature is the probably its biggest selling point, but the F270 offers plenty of other features as well. For connectivity it supports EDGE/GPRS, A2DP, and USB 2.0. Other media functions include a normal audio player for music files, an FM radio with recording, and a 2 megapixel camera. It’s neat-looking too.