NTT DoCoMo just showed off another mobile phone that uses an interesting concept and surely manages to stand out. The handset uses an electronic ink keypad that triggers several advantages and a nice concept as well.

CEATEC Japan 2007 has taken into consideration when developing this phone the user's need for innovative typing solutions. QWERTY keypads take up too much space, numeric ones are limited and offer few options. Another technology which has spanned over the past period is that of using dual touchscreens, with virtual keypad. Alternatives are always good and so seems to be the new one that CEATEC brings.

The keys can change their appearance when required, for letting the user handle the phone easier. This is far from bringing QWERTY-like usability, but will manage to bring both symbols and numbers on the same buttons. Moreover, it could adapt to different languages, which would turn a global release into a real success, as it could adapt to any various writing types.

The greatest advantage of using this technology instead of others, such as dual touchscreen, for example, is that of power saving. An e-ink display only requires electrical power to change the configuration, while the more appealing virtual keypad really drains the phone's battery. Moreover, it still uses classic buttons, which might appeal to those that are having a hard time getting used to touching a flat surface for typing a text message.

The e-ink mobile phone is still in prototype phase, but there are high chances for this producer to bring it out on the market. The phone should also come in slimmer shapes, as it will not need a large battery to power it. The other performances that it will manage to provide will also put a great mark on its price, although the producer has made no specifications up to this point.