Smart phone-style service, no long-term contract? Maybe

If you're considering one of those do-it-all phones but don't want to be tied to a long-term contract, you're in luck. Maybe.

I've been testing a first-of-its-kind mobile phone from MetroPCS, and think it's great option for those living in the right places. The Samsung Craft is one of the first phones in the United States to run on the 4G Long Term Evolution network.

Long Term Evolution, known as LTE for short, is one of two types of 4G networks available. The other is the Wi-Max network, used by Sprint and Clearwire.

The most important thing to consider when looking at the MetroPCS 4G network is where you'll be using the phone. The network is in its infancy, but growing. The Las Vegas coverage area roughly lies inside the Las Vegas Beltway, with some exclusions.

I suggest you start at the MetroPCS website, www.metropcs.com. Go to the coverage map tab. You'll see broad coverage of the MetroPCS 2G network across the valley, with the smaller 4G footprint in its heart. Be aware that most of Henderson falls outside the coverage area.

Dallas and Detroit are the other MetroPCS markets using the LTE network. MetroPCS officials said the company plans to roll out its 4G network to all of its markets by early next year.

The Samsung Craft's $299 price seems high, and the cost is not subsidized by MetroPCS. Many carriers, by contrast, will require two-year service contracts and subsidize the cost of phones.

Monthly prepaid service for MetroPCS' LTE service is either $55 or $60, depending on the features you buy.

Although the Craft technically is not a smart phone, it's pretty bright. It has a brilliant, 3.3-inch screen with a virtual 9-key and slide-down QWERTY keypads.

I easily set up e-mail with Yahoo and Gmail. Customers can also set up a Metro mail or secure work accounts. The inbox view lets you see text, picture and video messages, along with e-mail and mobile instant messages.

I found the phone's MetroNavigator feature to be outstanding. It's voice-activated with turn-by-turn audio directions. I used it several times to find addresses around the valley.

The 4G speed comes into play when viewing television programs in Metro Studio. Recorded programming from NBC Universal, Black Entertainment Television and Univison are available on demand.

The 3.2 megapixel still and video camera produces good-quality images, and onboard editing tools include an option to build a photo mosaic.

Social networking is easy with Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr and AOL loaded.

The music player and music store are simple to use. Downloading songs from the Metro store takes just a few clicks .

Get this phone if it fits your needs and you live in a coverage area.

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