Touch screens are here to stay. There is no hiding from that reality. The challenge handset designers now face is how to differentiate their product from the others.

LG have been a pioneer in this area – having released a series of touch screen handsets over the past few years. The latest one to be released by Telstra is the KM900f, affectionately known as “Arena”.

So what makes Arena different from other touch screen phones out there? Without a doubt it has to be the interface. The S-Class user interface is refreshingly exciting. Featuring a cube-like format, you navigate through four different screens to access the features you want: Home (Idle) Screen, Widgets, Contacts, Multimedia

The Home Screen offers the now familiar Next GTM access points including Bigpond, Foxtel, My Email, 1234. The grid of nine widgets reacts easily to your touch and makes navigation to these programmes simple.

Across the bottom of the screen you can access the phone feature, contacts, messages and menu button (takes you to 32 widgets, categorised under Communications, Multimedia, Utilities and Settings).

To access the next face of the cube, simply slide your finger from right to left across the screen and the cube “spins”.

In the Widgets screen, you can easily add or remove widgets by a long press on an existing widget. You have the opportunity to personalise this screen with online (read internet connection) weather and a series of offline widgets: dual time clock; calendar; mini radio; “sticky” note; analogue clock with time, date and alarm; calculator; events and operator name. The Events widget shows you missed calls, new messages, new email and new voicemail.

Contacts registered in favourites are shown at the Contacts home screen. Adding / removing or editing existing contacts is again a single touch of the screen. You can add a photo to your contact, as well as listing two numbers and an email address. Then, to really make your contact feel special, you can personalise the ring tone associated to their name. Imagine the fun you can have with this! You can even store their birthday, anniversary and company details in this area.

Once you have added your contacts, you can choose the method of displaying them. I have opted for the Rollerdex style, and can scroll through the contacts by running my finger up or down the screen.

The Multimedia screen allows you to add images, video and sound favourites. Using the supplied LG PC Suite programme, the transfer of pictures and music is straightforward. Attach the Arena to your PC via the USB cable, select the files on your pc and click on the “To Phone” tab – and the download begins. Once you have the pictures on the phone, select the ones you want in your favourites.

To send an SMS – touch the message widget (envelope) on the bottom of the screen, touch Write Message, then enter the number in the To: box – or select from a Favourite or Contact. Once entered, move to Message and type away. You have the choice of multi tap or T9 entry.

Alternatively, you can go to your Favourites in the Contacts Screen, scroll to the intended recipient. Touch the image and then touch Message, following the prompts as above.

When using the Camera function, it is often hard to remember you have a mobile phone in your hand. Holding the Arena in the horizontal position, press the camera button on the side of the phone. This will activate the camera, and your phone screen becomes the viewfinder/preview panel. The control bar – Back, Shutter, Go To Album button are now displayed.

One tap of the screen activates the Quick Function list : Camera settings, Flash, Macro and Brightness. This list disappears after five seconds if there is no input. The Settings button takes you to a graphically guided Settings Interface – very cool if you like to have some level of control over your shots.

And speaking of control, you can edit your photos on the handset. Open the photo, and touch Edit to bring up the options. Touch the icon to adapt your photo – chose from Crop, Draw, Add Text, decorate with Stamps. Don't worry if you make a mistake – the Erase icon will undo the editing and restore your photo.

The Arena, as its name suggests, is designed to maximise your music and video experiences. You can't ignore the Dolby Mobile sound. Through the 3.5mm headset jack, you can use the stereo headsets provided, or bring your own favourites, and really enjoy your music.

If headsets are not your style, try the FM Transmitter function. Arena lets you transmit your music over a set FM frequency. Tune in an FM radio to this frequency and listen to your music. You can easily move between the Music Player and FM Transmitter through the Options menu.

One more feature packed into the Arena that caught my eye is the Voice Recorder. You're at a meeting, or have something you need to jot down, but don't have pen and paper – what do you do? Select the Voice Recorder icon on the Arena and digitally record your thoughts. I wish I had seen this handset before I purchased a digital voice recorder in January……..

There are many more features I could go into, but I suggest you get down to your local store and have a look at it in person.

Thumbs up for:

• S-Class interface
• Dolby Mobile sound
• Ability to personalise
• FM Transmitter

In summary, the LG KF900f Arena is definitely worth considering as your next handset.

Here's what you get: