MOTOROLA W376G Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this Motorola Trac Fone for about 6 months and have been very pleased. It has excellent reception and sound quality. The built in speaker phone is also very good. The camera is just so-so, but that's not why I bought the phone.
I like buying my minutes only as I need them and you just have to purchase more within 90 days. When you purchase more, it just adds them to your current balance. If you don't purchase within the 90 day limit (a countdown is always visible on the screen) the phone shuts off and you lose whatever minutes you had. You can reactivate just by purchasing more minutes but you don't regain any you lost by not purchasing within the 90 day limit. You can purchase minutes on line at Tracfone or set up your phone to purchase. Your minute balance is also always on the screen. Mine came with 15 minutes to get me started. You can activate at the Tracfone web site and set up an account to buy more minutes. You can also call from the phone to activate and set up an account to purchase minutes that way.
Good things:
-Inexpensive to purchase (less than $30)
-Reasonable rates. I'm paying about 10 cents per minute
-Automatically doubles minutes for life of phone (buy 60 get 120)
-If you lose it, buy another, call Tracfone operator to transfer your number and minutes
-Bright clear screen
-Good sound quality
-Good reception
-Good number of ring tones and images to select from
-AC Charger is included
-FM radio included (earphone not included and it takes a micro plug, not a mini)
-Basic games included
-Internet access (but slow)
-Periodic email offers from Tracfone for discounted minutes (which double)
-Monthly plans if you want them
-Good battery life (I do not use the phone often so 1 charge will last several days)
-Minutes never expire as long as you renew within 90 days
-No contracts or agreements. Tired of it? Toss it.
-Sim chip, you can move to another phone and keep your address book
-Settings for indoor/outdoor ring
Bad things:
-No holster/case (buy one at Target)
-Somewhat larger in size and a little heavier than most cells
-Ring tones downloaded only from Tracfone site
-Cannot connect to PC/laptop (port is only for charging)
-Buttons take some getting used to, like the menus
-You pay for everything, no free or unlimited (3 text messages = 1 minute)
-You will receive free advertising from Tracfone but occasional advertising from others, if you accept the message, you get charged for it. (charge is about 1 text message)
-Charging port and earphone port (opposite sides of the phone) are difficult to open. I can't quite get my fingernail under it so I have to use a small pen knife
I'm very pleased with the phone and service. I dropped my other service and have been happy not to be billed every month for minutes I didn't use. I'm not a strong user of cell phones so it fits my life style. I have service wherever I travel, including remote areas. Your carrier will depend on your part of the country. We have AT&T here.
I may buy another for my wife who doesn't like cell phones but I'll feel better knowing she can call if she needs to. I can buy 60 minutes (120) for $20 and she's good for 90 days. When it gets close I'll just order the minimum again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MOTOROLA W376G

Click here for more information about MOTOROLA W376G

Read More...

Motorola KRZR K1 Silver Phone (T-Mobile) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm very disappointed in this phone for a couple of very serious usability issues - you can't tell if this phone is on or off - the outside window is really worthless. The outside glass is so shiny, whenever the backlight is off you can't see anything in the window. Do you use your phone to tell the time - too bad, can't see it. Want to see signal strength - sorry, can't see it. Want to see anything in the window in outdoor light, sorry. It really is pretty worthless.
Camera is OK, not great. Performance seems good. Features are ok, although I miss being able to program top level top keys - they are always Shortcuts and Menus.
Size is very nice, fits great in hand when calling. Keypad is really pretty good for texting. The predictive text input is better than earlier Motorola phones.
The problem is that with all the choices T-Mobile has right now, I'm not sure there is a much better phone. The RIZR has many of the same issues as the KRZR - external display pretty worthless with the backlight off. None of the Samsungs seem to get very good reviews. Nokia 6133 is ok, but seems a bit flimsy.
So, I'll live with this for the next two years, but I'll certainly miss being able to check signal and time at a quick glance.
UPDATE: I've had this phone for six months now, and I feel a little better about it. I still really hate the fact that the front screen is worthless, but the phone has held up really well, and the keyboard is pretty easy to text with. A hint: get screen protectors. This really solves the fingerprint problem you can read about in other reviews.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola KRZR K1 Silver Phone (T-Mobile)

Featuring sophisticated styling with a unique reflective finish and detailed craftsmanship, the KRZR is the definitive handset for those who have an appreciation for cutting edge designs. In addition to great design, you get stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, an integrated music player, a 2.0-megapixel camera, support for MPEG4 video capture and playback, and more. Additionally, the phone is compatible with T-Mobile's myFaves plan and T-Mobile's high-speed EDGE data access, making this phone the perfect complement to all that T-Mobile has to offer.
DesignReflecting the design language of the super-slim RAZR line of handsets, the KRZR exudes pure luxury with clean lines, precision detailing, and premium materials shrouded within a distinctive metallic gloss front finish. A 1.9-inch 176 x 220 color screen with over 260,000 colors on the inside of the flip brings images and videos to life, while a small supplementary color display on the outside cover keeps tabs on your incoming call information, current date and time, battery and signal strength, and more. The 2.0-megapixel camera is housed above this display. The KRZR features an internal antenna, so there's nothing to snag or break off, and an included MicroSD slot adds ample storage space to store content and augment the phone's 20 MB of built-in user memory. Lastly, A mini USB port is provided for data synchronization.
Calling FeaturesFrom London to Moab, the KRZR connects you effortlessly with friends, family, and your favorite content, thanks to support for all four GSM bands (850, 900, 1800, and 1900). The phone supports Motorola's Motospeak enhanced speaker independent voice activated dialing, as well as Bluetooth wireless headsets, so you can cut the wires and talk hands-free. Polyphonic ringtones are supported, and there's a speakerphone for those times when you want to talk while doing other things. Picture and ringer IDs allow you to set photos and ringtones to identify incoming callers. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone, and more ringtones can be downloaded from T-Mobile's t-zones service. Like all T-Mobile phones, the KRZR also supports voicemail, caller ID, conference calling, call forwarding, call waiting, call hold, built-in paging, and access to T-Mobile's 411 service.
This phone is fully compatible with T-Mobile's myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts--on any network, even landlines--without using any of your minutes. Learn more about myFaves.
Messaging, Internet and ToolsThe KRZR supports all the messaging tools you need, such as MMS, SMS, EMS, and IM messaging capabilities. Plus, EDGE data support means you can surf the wireless Web on the built-in Web browser at speeds so fast your head will spin. There's even a built-in email client so you're always in touch no matter where you are. iTap text entry, which is a predictive text entry technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. The phone ships with a number of handy tools including an alarm clock, a calculator, a calendar, and a voice recorder. Meanwhile, the included Motosync software conveniently syncs contacts and calendar items with your PC and phone via Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
If needs be, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs (T-Mobile data charges apply). In addition, the KRZR also sports an airplane mode feature, which allows the user to safely use the non-wireless functions of a phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight.
Imaging and Entertainment The ultimate all-in one device for extraordinary imaging, the KRZR lets you take pictures good enough to print. Capture your latest jaunt to London or Moab with the phone's advanced 2.0-megapixel camera that sports an 8x zoom and video capture and playback capabilities. You can also share the pictures you take with family and friends by sending them to any email address, T-Mobile camera phone, or by uploading them to your T-Mobile MyAlbum page (included free with any T-Mobile calling plan).
Take your travel soundtracks with you on the road with the phone's integrated MP3 player and stereo Bluetooth headset support. The removable MicroSD card slot supports cards up to 2 GB, so there's always room for all your favorite music files.
Vital Statistics The Motorola MOTOKRZR measures 4.0 x 1.70 x .60 inches and weighs 3.5 ounces. It operates on the GSM850/900/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone's battery life is rated at up to 6.66 hours of digital talk time and up to 350 hours of standby time. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Click here for more information about Motorola KRZR K1 Silver Phone (T-Mobile)

Read More...

Kyocera Marbl Prepaid Phone (Virgin Mobile) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I tried to upgrade my teen's ancient kyocera (so old you have to extend the external antenna!) to the Marbl. My teen rarely uses his phone, but it gets the job done and "never" needs charging. I charged the new Marbl and left it unused and closed overnight and in the morning the battery was low and the phone could not be used. I thought about exchanging the phone until I saw all the CNET reviews complaining about lousy battery life. I returned the Marbl and will wait till something better comes along.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kyocera Marbl Prepaid Phone (Virgin Mobile)

Click here for more information about Kyocera Marbl Prepaid Phone (Virgin Mobile)

Read More...

HTC Touch P3450 -Gsm- Cell Phone (Unlocked) Tri Band Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this cell phone 1 year ago and everything went all right untill last month when I found that the touch screen went all white and I couldn't do anything with it. I sent the phone to HTC's RMA department, they said the LCD was brocken and repaired it for no warranty. I received the phone back and 3 weeks later my screen is once again white and can't do anything with it. I really don't recomment this brand because I always treated the phone good so I don't see I am responsible for the fail.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HTC Touch P3450 -Gsm- Cell Phone (Unlocked) Tri Band

Click here for more information about HTC Touch P3450 -Gsm- Cell Phone (Unlocked) Tri Band

Read More...

Nokia 6085 Unlocked Cell Phone with MP3/Video Player, MicroSD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Blue) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're looking for a phone packed with every useful feature that a $300+ phone would cost... this is it. This phone has everything that I wanted in a phone: the best all around reception of any phone that I've tried (quad band), a decent camera, excellent hands free (people can't even tell that I'm using it), expandable memory, MP3 ring tones, MP3 playback and it's relatively quick charging.
In my opinion, the only negative part of this phone is its size. It's bulky, due to its thickness and overall girth. This is why I gave it a four out of five.
This is an excellent phone for much less than others with equivalent features.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Nokia 6085 Unlocked Cell Phone with MP3/Video Player, MicroSD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Blue)

Click here for more information about Nokia 6085 Unlocked Cell Phone with MP3/Video Player, MicroSD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Blue)

Read More...

Sony Ericsson W300i Unlocked Cell Phone with MP3/Video Player, Memory Stick Micro Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Shadow Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Sony W300 phone is stylish and works great, both as a phone, a walkman and a radio. I listen to the radio on a regular basis and really really like this feature in the phone. In addition, the included headphones and mike make hands-free talking on the phone a very pleasant experience. The headhpones are comfortable and adjustable, allowing you to block out external noise by fitting them more tightly if you choose. Audio quality of the other caller on the headphones is so much better than on the phone speaker (although that works fine too). The mike is on the headset cord and it comes with a clip so that you can position it below your chin, and picks up your voice without any problems.
The phone is very small, fitting comfortably in my pocket, and has good battery life. The user-interface was easy to learn, and has lots of features that I appreciate, such as alarms, calendar and tasks.
The main complaint I have so far is with the software that came with the phone. It wanted to install a bunch of Microsoft .NET junk on my laptop, which I didn't want to do, so I'm still looking for a better 3rd-party program to let me transfer mp3 files to the phone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Ericsson W300i Unlocked Cell Phone with MP3/Video Player, Memory Stick Micro Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Shadow Black)

An upgrade to the venerable z520, the W300 adds a memory card slot and EDGE high-speed data. The W300 version also adds Walkman music player and styling. Other key features include Bluetooth, a camera, an internal antenna, and a speakerphone. All this goodness is delivered in a package that is smaller and lighter than its predecessor. With dual screens and a VGA camera with video capabilities, the W300 is a serious next-generation phone. It's the perfect handset for folks who want to get all the latest wireless goodies in one chic package.
Design The W300's 65,000-color, 128 x 160 display is housed under the front cover while the outside sports a supplementary 101 x 80 color display that can display time, call information, battery and signal strength, and music player information. The VGA (640 x 480) camera is housed on the front cover as well. The W300 uses an internal antenna--nothing to snag or break off--and a five-way button just above the dial pad is used to control most of the phone's menus and features. Up/down buttons on the left side of the phone can be used for quick volume control and menu navigation. USB data and charging ports, as well as a headset port, are located on the phone's bottom edge. And because the W300's front and rear faceplates are changeable with Sony-Ericsson Style-Up covers, you can dress it up to suit your style. The design also incorporates a unique carry handle on the top of the phone.
Calling Features The W300's phone book can hold up to 510 contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls. The phone's voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names. The phone also features a speakerphone for easy, hands-free talking. In addition to a vibrating alert, the phone supports polyphonic ringtones as well as MP3- and AAC-format ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. There's even a bundled application that lets you mix your own ringtones with up to 16 tracks. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. Lastly, users of Bluetooth headsets will find perfect compatibility with the W300.
Messaging, Internet and Tools The W300 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client.
Getting on the Internet is easy with the W300, as it supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the high-speed EDGE protocol. When used with a carrier data plan and the phone's USB or Bluetooth data capabilities the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the W300 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar, and an alarm clock with a timer and stopwatch. Sony Ericsson Sync Station software lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your phone.
Imaging and Entertainment The W300 was designed for serious fun. The built-in VGA camera captures stills and video to the phone's 16MB of internal memory. Picture effects and custom screensavers, backgrounds, and themes can be set up to fit your personality.
Java support is built into the W300, making it a powerful gaming companion for both online and offline games. Games are downloadable via the MEdia service or you can use the handset's USB or Bluetooth data connections to load more games and files onto the phone.
Vital Statistics The Sony-Ericsson W300 weighs 3.32 ounces and measures 3.54 x 1.85 x 0.96 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 9 hours of digital talk time, and up to 400 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Click here for more information about Sony Ericsson W300i Unlocked Cell Phone with MP3/Video Player, Memory Stick Micro Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Shadow Black)

Read More...

Samsung i5500 Corby Galaxy 5 Android Smartphone with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Touch Screen - No Warranty - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Long time Linux user, first time Android user's perspective: I picked up one of these and bought my wife a Google Nexus S in January of 2011. The screen is roughly half the size on this one & there is a very noticeable difference while trying to run games or failing to run 480p+ video content, but it works just fine for me. Bought it as a Sansa Clip+ replacement, and I'm extremely happy with it. No comments on voice quality, 3G/EDGE or GSM connection quality - I have yet to test the device with a SIM card, and am using it solely as a personal media player. (I.e. I got tired of waiting for a market enabled iPod Touch competitor)
What it can do:
* Angry Birds - Some lagginess when a media player is cranking MP3s out in the background, but no major issues. Occasionally hangs up & has to be killed in lengthy sessions.
* Voice search - Requires installing the speech-to-text synthesizer, but impressive accuracy & works fine on this limited hardware.
* Froyo - The Latin America firmware seems to work. Not accessible through Samsung's provided Keis software, but available from third parties.
* Speaker - Respectable music playback & spoken word playback for its price range
* Camera - Take decent stills for its price range.
* Unplug/Plug-in pause/resume - Addictive feature, but likely common to many Android devices.
* Decent battery life - I've been charging it every two days or so, with regular use of the Wi-Fi in the evening and 3-4 hours of daily use as a media player with the screen turned off. Otherwise always kept in standby. (Again, this is SIM-free, no GSM radio usage.)
* Wi-Fi - WPA2 Wi-Fi support. Tethering seems to be an option in the Froyo firmware. Didn't check the stock.
* MicroSDHC - No issues & good solid seating for my 16gb MicroSDHC card. Located behind the snap-on/snap-off battery cover, but the battery does not have to be removed to get to it. A 1 or 2GB card was included with the phone.
* Video - Converting to a lower bitrate seems to be necessary for most of my videos, but no complaints. Small enough screen that there's nothing to be gained from sticking with higher resolutions.
What it does poorly:
* Wi-Fi disconnections - With both with stock firmware and the official Froyo build, my experience has shown the device to be prone to dropping the Wi-Fi connection when in use by certain apps, or more commonly when leaving.
* Volume levels - I frequently find myself wishing there was some sort of equalizer or system-level volume boosting functions I could use to compensate for low volume levels in certain audio tracks. Fine for normal music, but often inadequate with soft-spoken announcers in audio books and podcasts with heavy traffic noise. I will definitely have to buy amplified headphones prior to taking flying with this device.
* VPN connections - The Froyo VPN tool looks nice enough, but is extremely finnicky.
* FM Radio - Depends on a wired set of headphones for the FM antenna. A common problem, but slightly annoying.
* Apps-to-SD - This Froyo feature seems to be somewhat overrated. Frequent problems with apps that say they support the move, but then disappear from the application menu afterwards. Still, even after giving up, with some 30 apps installed, I have 30.8Mb of the 170Mb of internal flash available. Apparently this just isn't that big a deal.
What it won't do:
* Multitouch - Unfortunate, but made up for in large part by the numerous buttons & the D-pad.
* Flash (bulb) - It doesn't have one, not that many do in this price range.
* Flash (Adobe) - The processor seems to be incompatible with the current builds of Adobe Flash. Haven't personally tested it, but it's not all that likely to work. There may be other workarounds.
Notes for battery hoardin' folks:
* Uses MicroUSB chargers - Tested with BlackBerry charger & a solar charger without problems.
* 3.7v, 4.44wh, 1200mAh li-ion battery. M/N: AB474350BU
A few quick 5500-tested App recommendations: MortPlayer Audiobooks/Music, BeyondPod, Pulse, Aldiko, Comixology, Droid Comic Viewer, Angry Birds, and File Expert (That last gives integrated FTP & HTTP file management - I basically never use a USB connection for data transfers.)
Market glitches from use overseas, in Chile (not yet in the paid-app country white-list):
* I don't know whether this is because of the firmware or my physical location, but it was impossible to obtain numerous free apps and ANY paid apps out of the box or after updating to Froyo. Using the new web-based app market, I can see paid apps, but none will allow me to install and many apps that ARE available through the normal market refuse to install due to "carrier restrictions" on this unlocked, SIM-free phone.
* Free apps I was unable to install included: Amazon's Kindle & MP3 stores, Google Books, the voice-to-text synthesizer, and Google Listen. Free apps loaded on the phone that I was unable to update included Gmail, YouTube, and Google Search.
* The issues above can be wholly resolved using Market Enabler, but that requires rooting the phone. I would be very interested to hear if a VPN to the US or simply being present in the US or another country with paid-app access has these same issues.
[Aug 2011] A couple quick updates, six months in:
* Wifi disconnections - This proved to be largely an issue of signal strength. This device has a perfectly usable wireless range, but it's still not quite as good as some other devices in my appartment. A second router and setting the wifi sleep mode to "never" or "never when plugged in" was enough to resolve this issue.
[...]
* GSM use - Took the device home to the US on vacation and picked up a prepaid TMo SIM. Worked just fine, but only EDGE (at least using the i5500L Froyo ROM). That was enough to eliminate the need for the Market Enabler. Allows purchase of paid apps even after my return to Chile.
* Battery life update - Massive change in battery life when I was stateside. With heavy use of the browser & Google Maps and occasional use as a phone, I found myself needing to change batteries at mid day every day while on vacation. Fine for tooling about town, although it still drained much quicker than w/o a SIM, but constant Maps use while playing the tourist in NYC absolutely killed the battery life.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung i5500 Corby Galaxy 5 Android Smartphone with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Touch Screen - No Warranty - Black

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Samsung i5500 Corby Galaxy 5 Android Smartphone with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Touch Screen - No Warranty - Black

Read More...