Non-Nextel push-to-talk systems really make me wonder, because I've never met a single user of any of them. Sprint, Cingular, and Verizon all have their own walkie-talkie systems now. But who are these people talking to? You can only push-to-talk within your own network, and all three networks have relatively few PTT subscribers and relatively few PTT phones.

Businesses use PTT because it's fast, cheaper than making real phone calls, and it lets you form impromptu workgroups. Individuals like PTT because it's cheap and they can show off how popular they are by blaring their conversations so loudly that everyone in a 10-foot radius can hear them.

But PTT is pointless if there's nobody else out there to talk to. While non-Nextel PTT might make sense for corporate buyers who are creating workgroups of phones, it makes much less sense for individuals. If PTT came on all of a carrier's phones for free -- like with Nextel -- the situation might be different, but for now, it's a thoroughly marginal service.

Cingular's newly launched PTT service comes with two phones, and I'm probably not going to review either of them. So here's one.

Samsung SGH-D357 (Cingular)
What do the Samsung naming codes mean? Phones that start with "SPH" are for Sprint. "SCH" is Verizon. And "SGH" is for T-Mobile and Cingular.

Lowest price: $99.99 with rebates
Key features: Push-to-talk, EDGE semi-high-speed data, Bluetooth
Pros: Kinda cute. PTT means a very loud speaker.
Cons: You're paying extra for a feature you probably won't use.
Would I recommend it? I just can't see why anyone would use Cingular's PTT system. Get a Motorola V557 instead.

More information at: Cingular, Phone Scoop

Check back tomorrow for the next phone I won't review.