Star Trek Communicator in slow beam down

A MOBILE phone in the shape of a Star Trek Communicator, which was supposed to hit the shops later this year, has been delayed until next year.

The phone, which has been made by Sona Mobile, is the ultimate in Star Trek geek kit. And spinners for Sona say that they have been flooded by people who wanted one sooner rather than later.

However, the Sona has faced production challenges and now must postpone the launch of this product until 2006. Apparently ye cannae change the laws of distribution.

The phone uses the voice of Lieutenant Commander Worf who announces you have an incoming call. When you flip it open you hear the communicator chirp, and can take your call.

Of course this is a mixture of technologies, early communicator design with a New Generation ring tone, but we are sure that it will go down well with the trekkies.

The Sona SWP- and Windows Mobile-powered Star Trek Communicator phone displays a list of features on the main screen using the New Generation computer screen.

Holding back the production of the communicator was mostly down to quality standards, the spinner said. In other words you don't want your communicator to fall to bits when you are on an away mission and you are the one wearing the red jumper.

The phone will be boldly going into the shops in time for Star Trek's 40th anniversary in 2006.

More here.