To filter only calls from numbers stored in the VIP directory can be assigned to certain profiles. Or vice versa let through only the normal phone book entry calls. The VIP directory/list can be activated by double-clicking the phone book button. A special key for the phone book access is by all means a great thing. For incoming alerts for messages and calls, an icon from a graphic library within the phone can be associated with numbers stored in memory (not in the SIM). If this person calls you, the icon will show on the display along with his name. It would possibly be more appropriate to be able to set a unique ring type rather than graphics, like with the Nokia 3210 - but Siemens evidently didn't want to imitate. A phone number can be associated with a key (2-9) for the speed dial function. - key 1 is reserved to the voice mailbox, 0 enables you to activate help with perhaps all international access codes. And that's still not all. You can associate the keys 2-9 not only with a phone number but with a function as well. So, you are not restricted to the personalized left menu button and have more key positions for quick access to straight to a menu it. You can choose from SMS messaging, currency converter, calculator, Internet, and games. Profiles and rings
Siemens enhances its phones by profiles - a feature enabling you to customize your phone for various situations you can find yourself in. There are three pre-set profiles: normal, quiet, and noisy surroundings. You can create your own profiles, as well as edit the pre-set ones of course. You can edit the parameters as follows: ring signal type, volume, ring melody, vibrate ring, incoming calls filter (two categories - either from the VIP directory or the phone book), you can change service tones (network location, low battery tone, minute minder, etc.), you can change the key sound, font size, graphics format. Settings such as the display illumination are global and cannot be changed in a profile. There is an option of intensifying ringing apart form vibrating. But Siemens cheated a little with the vibrate ring - the phone vibrates rather subtly so, you can easily miss it. It is incomparable to the pneumatic drill performance of Sagems
If you don't like the 20 built-in ring tones, you can create your own one - if I got it right you can create only one. The manual says nothing about sending the melody via SMS or loading it through external software - pity.