We're most excited by products that add something to your life, or that bring the latest tech to people who wouldn't pursue it otherwise. INQ's first phone, the INQ1, does both of those. While it's currently available only in the U.K. and Australia, INQ is looking for carriers in other markets, and hopes to have it out in the United Sates by the end of this year. We talked with them about it at the Consumer Electronics Show, and got some hands-on time with the ultra-affordable handset and its social networking features.

At first glance it looked quite regular — like any other low-end handset that comes free with a contract with a service provider like AT&T or Verizon. We'd expect text messaging, a camera, and custom ringtones but not much else from such a phone. As we played with it (and as we were told about it), we learned that it's actually a great departure from the norm. The INQ1 is dubbed a "social networking" or "social media" phone. It integrates with Facebook, Skype, and other online communication tools right out of the box.

You can make Skype (voice chat over the internet) calls over the 3G data network, and it automatically syncs with your Facebook and MySpace friends, incorporating their listed contact information into your own phonebook and contact list. It also has a 3.2 megapixel camera, so you can take pictures and upload them to any of those services. In fact, when friends change their profile pictures on Facebook, MySpace, or any other integrated service, the pictures associated with them in your phonebook update on the fly.

Since it's not available in the United States yet, we weren't able to bring home a review copy to get the full, in-depth experience (yet), but if you're wanting a cheap handset that keeps you connected with friends and family more than anything but expensive smartphones like the iPhone, this is something you'll want to hang on for. Once a carrier is found, the INQ1 will be free with a contract and a bit over $100 without, making it much more affordable than a smartphone.