Design
The KX444's candybar design features a large, 104 x 80 color screen and a unique, rubberized exterior that protects the phone from falls and scratches. There's a standard jack to accept universal hands-free headsets, as well as prominent one-touch buttons for the speakerphone and push-to-talk functions. Most features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's control pad.

Calling Features
Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names, while the KX444's built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk hands-free. There's also a built-in address book that can store your contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers and email addresses. In addition to a silent vibrating mode, the phone comes with built-in polyphonic ringtones and more can be downloaded from Verizon's Get It Now service. Ringer and picture ID functions let you assign images and ringers to certain callers so you can know in an instant who's calling you. KX444 also supports GPS location technology that pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911.

As mentioned, one of the key features of the KX444 is its push-to-talk capability. The phone fully supports Verizon's push-to-talk service, which allows for one-touch conversations with anyone else on a Verizon push-to-talk phone. Group-based push-to-talk communication is also supported. It's like a having a CB radio with enough range to cover all of North America.

Messaging and Internet
The KX444 covers the messaging basics with support for sending and receiving text, graphics, sound and pictures via the Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS). eZiText text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit- a plus for mobile text messaging users.

Getting on the Internet anywhere is easy with the KX444. Verizon's optional Mobile Web package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. You can check your e-mail, trade stocks online, compare prices while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings and find directions to the theater.

Verizon's Get It Now wireless download service is also fully compatible with the KX444. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads and digital photo-sharing tools using the Get It Now service.

A number of handy tools ship with the KX444, including a calendar and alarm. The built-in calculator also features a tip calculator - don't dine without it!

Imaging and Entertainment
The KX444 is BREW enabled, meaning it supports games written on the BREW platform. Games are available via the Get It Now service. You can also customize the phone's wallpapers and screen savers using a clever, built-in graphics editor.

Vital Statistics
The Kyocera KX444 weighs 4.31 ounces and measures 4.49 x 1.93 x 1.09 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 198 minutes of digital talk time, and up to 96 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the AMPS 850/CDMA 850/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
KX444 handset, standard lithium-ion battery, AC battery charger, user's manual.