Pharos' GPS smartphones link cars in a convoy

Satnav-maker Pharos has two new beefy RIM-like smartphones on offer, each packing HSDPA cellular radios and expensive unlocked price tags.

Top of the bullet points for the quad-band GSM Traveler 117 and 127 phones, however, is software: Pharos Smart Navigator, which weds GPS with Pharos services such as "follow me," which links multiple vehicles, and real-time traffic updates.

Though both have 128MB RAM, bluetooth, WiFi, a 2MP camera and 0.3MP webcam, the 117 has a larger 480 x 640 2.8" touchscreen, while the 127 has a 320 x 240 display with a qwerty keyboard. Both models will be $529.95 at Amazon, Newegg and other usual suspects, from Dec .1.