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SYRACUSE - Wireless companies are putting more power into pockets. New phones incorporate more than just the ability to dial a number. Mobile video and computer technology is becoming standard on top-end phones.

Verizon Wireless' LG VX9800 typifies the all-in-one nature of the latest generation of wireless phones. From one side, the VX9800 appears to be a standard color-monitor-equipped phone model. From the opposite side, it looks like a digital camera. Opening the VX9800 reveals a full QWERTY keyboard, a second, larger color monitor, and stereo speakers. In the space of a normal wireless phone, the VX9800 packs in an MP3 player, color Internet access, personal organizer, instant messenger, digital-still camera, video camera, and other features that users may never even discover.

The $300 VX9800 is part of Verizon's V-Cast line of wireless phones, says John O'Malley, spokesman for Verizon Wireless' Upstate region.

V-Cast allows users to receive fullcolor video with stereo sound. The effect is equivalent to on-demand video available on a phone.

To access the V-Cast, users scroll through menu options and select "Get V Cast Video." The monitor takes a few seconds to connect and then offers a listing of news, sports, entertainment, and weather. The "news" option offers NBC and CNN newscasts, and stories. A series of submenus lets users scroll through several of the "Today" show's latest offerings. Each video clip is labeled with a description so users know what they're going to see and how long the clip will run.

The entertainment video clips include the latest from Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." Sports and weather menus also offer several video options that change regularly.

A removable memory card allows for the storage and addition of video clips from other media sources. The card holds photos, video, songs, and other digital data. VX9800 owners can shoot their own video and photos with the built-in 1.3megapixel digital camera.

The unit's keyboard allows for fast typing and sending messages via e-mail, text, or instant-messaging program. Bluetooth technology lets users add a wireless headset to the VX9800.

Communication capabilities converge with users being able to shoot video and instantly e-mail it to friends or upload it to the Internet for the world to see. For example, commuters in London used their videophones to shoot video of the after effects of the summer's transit bombings and to send the clips to media outlets as soon as ' they reached a wireless signal.

Nextel offers more multi-function phones these days, says Jack Pflanz, spokesman for Nextel Partners, Inc. The company's line of advanced devices includes Blackberry handheld computer-phones and new models such as the Motorola i930. Introduced last month, the $350 i930 features a mobile Microsoft computer that allows users to use Microsoft products such as the Outlook e-mail program while on the road. The phone also lets users open e-mail attachments, including Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and PDF files. The i930 comes with a camera and video-recording capabilities.

Stamford, Conn.-based tech-research firm Gartner, Inc. reports that more than 1.7 million phone-computer combo devices were sold worldwide during the first quarter of 2005. Gartner says its numbers don't include some "smart phones."

Nextel's latest market research, says Pflanz, shows more consumers opting for mobile e-mail and features such as Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities. Several of the company's phones allow users to get directions via GPS satellites, and some models can track mobile employees while supplying information about new jobs. The GPS phones integrate Nextel's Direct Connect walkie-talkie as well as computer technology that can cut down on paper forms for many business customers.

Nextel's newest model can operate on wireless systems using the Global Standard for Mobile communications (GSM), allowing users to travel to more than 100 countries and stay connected. The company has expanded the reach of its Direct Connect service to most of North and South America.