Casio G'zOne Rock C731 Phone (Verizon Wireless) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The only cell phones I have really liked have been rugged ones. I owned a Casio G'zone Type-S for several years. I dropped it on concrete, used it in rainstorms, took it boating and camping; and it just kept on serving me well. Finally, I gave it to my wife to try and I upgraded to the Casio G'zOne Rock C731.
The Rock has the toughness and features I liked in the G'zone and a lot more. Casio moved some of the side buttons so I no longer accidentally trigger the sound volume rocker switch or the speaker on/off switch.
The sound is great at both ends of a conversation. The speaker function has a louder max-volume, allowing hands-free commands and conversations in a variety of situations. The ring tone can be loud enough to be heard almost anywhere.
The Rock has good operating programming. For example, when I first tapped a key that could be programmed to a different function, it told me and offered to help me reassign it. Next time I used that key, it politely left me alone. It also offers an "Easy Setup" function to quickly guide the initial set-up of sounds, display, etc. You can skip any parts of the easy set-up. And, you can just directly set each separate item without using the easy setup.
I have been surprised to find that I use the GzGear functions all the time. The tide tables help our frequent agate-hunting drives to the coast. My wife and I are now relying on the pedometer for our daily walks and longer hikes. I used the GPS to accurately measure a few walks and then adjusted my stride length, making the pedometer's accuracy better than 95 percent. The compass checked out to be accurate. And, it is handy when Oregon weather hides the sun on days when we are exploring back-roads in the pickup (which has no compass). The thermometer is accurate. But, if the phone has been warmly riding on my belt in fall and winter, it has to be set aside for quite awhile to reach the ambient air temperature. I used the lunar phase view of the moon, sun, and earth to show my grandchildren why the moon was only half-full. They were impressed.
I have only one whine. The camera lens is on the back of the keyboard-half of the clam shell instead of the display-half. So, if you hold the phone most naturally, your finger can easily cover part of the lens. It took me a couple of tries to find a comfortable hand-hold for pictures or videos. But, the camera functions are very useful.
I cannot comment on the mp3 player or web-browsing functions. I hardly use them. I have those services covered with a Sandisk Sansa and my laptop for now. Also, when I need driving guidance, I rely on a wide screen Garmin GPS. It is always-on and firmly attached to my windshield. I cannot imagine trying to mess with any cell phone while I am trying to find my way through city traffic.
Okay, the Rock has music, GPS, web, and all the GzGear and other tools; but it is not one of those phones that provides a bunch of toys and candy while falling short on the essentials. It is a rock-solid telephone. I recommend this cell phone to anyone who wants a tough, weatherproof, and no-nonsense phone.

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Built to military specifications, the Casio G'zOne Rock mobile phone for Verizon Wireless is ideal for highly-mobile and active users who want access to Verizon's always-on Push to Talk service. Built to survive extreme shock, water and dust environments, this rough and tough clamshell phone will meet the demands of an avid fisher, hunter, hiker or climber with its six-mode G'zGear software--featuring Earth Compass, Walking Counter, Thermometer, Astro Calendar, Sunrise Sunset and Tides.
The G'zOne Rock is compatible with the V Cast Music with Rhapsody service, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via the fast Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO data network, and the V CAST Video on Demand service that enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather, and live entertainment video clips. You'll stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service, and be able to track employees and colleagues with the Verizon Wireless Field Force Manager service. See more details on optional services below.
Other features include a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, microSD memory expansion (up to 16 GB), Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free devices, stereo music streaming, and tethering a PC, access to mobile e-mail and instant messaging services, and up to 5 hours of talk time.

Key Features
Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
Tough Technology design that can withstand water, shock, dust, vibration, humidity, salt fog, solar radiation, altitude, and high and low temperature storage (conforms to MIL-STD-810F)
G'zGear outdoor applications (Learn more)
Push to Talk capability enables you to quickly connect with one or multiple team members at the same time with just a push of a button. Connect on the Verizon Wireless nationwide broadband network, and get expanded coverage across the United States within the National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area.
Place group calls: Hold conversations with as many as 50 total participants.
Check team member status with Presence: See who is available for a Push to Talk call.
Manage contacts for the entire company online: Add, delete and assign contacts, create groups and more.
Use one number, one device: Make and receive voice calls without needing a second device or phone number.

GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service
Internal 2.1-inch LCD screen (240 x 320 pixels, 65K colors)
2-megapixel camera/camcorder (Learn more)
Digital audio player for MP3, WMA, and unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats. Sync music from your PC to the phone and create and manage playlists right on the device.
Touch-sensitive music controls on the sub-display
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock. And with dial-up networking capabilities, you can access the Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Connect service to use your phone as a modem. (Learn more)
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB.
Full messaging capabilities including SMS, MMS, Mobile IM, and Mobile Email.
Voice commands
Web browser
Organizer tools including calendar, notepad, countdown timer, stopwatch, alarm clock, and world clock.
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off.
Phonebook with up to 500 entries with multiple contacts
Media Center capable for downloading games, ringtones, and more.
2.5mm headset jack
Bilingual Interface: English/Español
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T4

Vital Statistics The Casio G'zOne Rock weighs 4.4 ounces and measures 4.1 x 2 x 0.9 inches. Its 1150 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 630 hours (26.25 days) of standby time, or 80 hours of PTT standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.
What's in the Box Casio G'zOne Rock handset, rechargeable battery, charger, device lock tool, charging cradle, quick start guide, user manual

Verizon Wireless Services
Reliable 3G Network: With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)

VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.

Family Locator: Securely locate your family members' locations from your Verizon Wireless device or the web. The locate feature provides you with the information you need to stay aware and stay in touch, including detailed location information and the address of your family members displayed on an interactive map and the option to receive turn-by-turn driving directions to your family member's location using VZ Navigator. You can also receive updates when your family members leave or arrive at locations that you define such as school, soccer practice, or home, with monitored locations set up within a 1/4-, 1/2-, or a 1-mile radius.

Field Force Manager: Combining a powerful Web-based application with a handset application, the Field Force Manager service provides visibility and control for all of your mobile workers. It's a turnkey wireless-solutions package that breaks new ground in resource tracking and management. It is composed of three solution modules:

Location and Tracking uses rich, detailed mapping to show the location and location history of field workers; provides location information when users clock in and out; shows where they are when they accept and complete jobs; creates an audit trail to validate job information for customers; and generates turn-by-turn driving directions.
Electronic Timecard gives employees an automated way to capture their time, and gives employers the ability to export this information into many current payroll systems for processing.
Job Dispatch provides an automated way to manage customer service requests, dispatch field personnel, and track job progress through completion.

Mobile Broadband Connect: Use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The Mobile Broadband Connect tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check e-mail, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with Mobile Broadband Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.

V CAST Music with Rhapsody: Access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks, which delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. For a monthly fee (billed on your Verizon Wireless bill), you can load and reload your subscription songs from your PC to your V CAST Music with Rhapsody phone as often as you want, and take your music on the go.
On PCs running the Windows XP or higher operating system, you can also browse, preview, and purchase music using the V CAST Music with Rhapsody software, which is available as a free download from the V CAST Music with Rhapsody download website. Additional subscription charges applicable.

V CAST Video on Demand: This optional service enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather, and live entertainment video clips. It features more than 100 full-length programs from leading broadcast and cable networks, ranging from highly-rated drama and comedy series to reality programs and children's programming. V CAST Video on Demand also delivers live sporting events, including NHL hockey games and an upcoming slate of college football games
The service offers unlimited viewing of Basic Videos and the ESPN MVP channel. You can choose from 14 categories, including Entertainment, Kids, Music, Sports, Comedy, News, Pop Culture, Information, Women, Latino, Home & Leisure, Multicultural, Cutting Edge, and Hollywood. Additional subscription charges applicable.



Learn More
G'zGear Outdoor Applications
Earth Compass: functions as a standard compass; GPS shows the distance from and directions to over 40 domestic and worldwide locations
Walking Counter: measures steps, time, distance, speed, and energy consumption
Thermometer: shows current temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit
Astro Calendar: provides the moon's age and days until a full or new moon
Sunrise Sunset: shows the current time and position of the sun and times for sunrise and sunset for current, past and future dates; allows you to view times for select major cities; shows the ratio of day and night in numbers and graphs
Tides: shows the tidal graph for the day; shows the time of ebb and flood tides; shows the time of sunrise and sunset; shows past and future sea tide levels; shows tidal graphs for 100 locations made available by Surfline's webcams, and GPS will show the nearest location; shows the current tide and the best time for fishing


2-Megapixel Camera/Camcorder
Integrated flash
Dedicated camera/video key
Resolution adjustment: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120
Self timer: Off, 3, 5 or 10 Seconds
White balance: Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Tungsten and Fluorescent
Shutter sound: Shutter or Silent
Color effects: Normal, Black & White, Negative, Sepia, Green, and Aqua
Multi–shot
Night mode
Photo editing: Zoom, Rotate, Crop and Resize
Viewfinder: Main Display or Front Display

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Sony Ericsson W760a Phone, Silver (AT&T) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I upgraded from a Sony Ericsson T637 which I had bought 4.5 years ago and still worked great. I went to the ATT store and checked out the Red and Black W760a, but didn't like the colors (the black has yellow trims). I would say the silver one is more slick than the other two, but check the other two at a store to have an idea of how they look (you may like those colors instead).
- ATT blocks many features when the phone is branded as W760a but you could update the firmware with the generic Sony Ericsson W760i firmware and enable many feature. The re-branding can be done through the update software provided by Sony at no additional cost as long as you get a USB cable (search the web for this).
- I did not want to get a data package like the one for the iPhone, and wanted something smaller than the iPhone.
- This phone has a GPS, and you could get a free GPS package online. I currently have Mobile GMaps (free) with maps downloaded from Yahoo Maps (free through my PC) and it has been working great without any data or GPS plan. I got a 4 GB memory stick M2 and filled halfway with the GPS maps.
- I had a very good prior experience with the Bluetooth connectivity with Sony Ericsson brand for MS Outlook phone book, tasks and calendar synchronization. This phone can also sync notes with outlook. The other nice thing that I set up on the phone was to use the software package that I downloaded to my computer from SE's website for the phone which let me assigning pictures to contacts on my PC, and the phone automatically got and configured the picture through Bluetooth or USB so they would show up when people call.
- The phone has an accelerometer which with use of the SE Walkmate package (can find for free on the net) to turn the phone into a pedometer.
- If you are a software geek, you may even be able to write your own apps for this (in my to-do list for getting traffic updates through PC with no data subscription on the phone).
- The camera quality is actually much better than I expected. There is some kind of electronic aperture that electronically adjusts the sensitivity of the camera based on lighting. It also works in low lighting, but I have had to had my hand against a door frame or something a few times in the low lighting situations to get a good picture.
- I have been planning to activate the voice dialing feature in the phone (once again, don't need to pay ATT for the voice dialing since the phone has it built-in). I don't necessarily want to have to open the slider when calling friends, relatives, etc. I used my last phone for 4.5 years, and I like to make this phone to last for a while too.
- I suggest reducing the brightness to 50%, which is very bright. The phone came preset at 100% brightness and that was too bright to look at in the dark and was lighting the entire room, haha. The phone battery was also lasting about a day and half with that settings. Now that I have the phone at 50% I have already noticed that the battery is lasting longer.
- I would suggest being gentle with the phone, I know people that are rough and then complain that their phone cracked and all they did was dialed numbers. You don't need to push the buttons with your fist, a soft finger touch would do it. I also did find myself trying to push harder, since it feels like that I need to due to the fact that the buttons are lower (slider part) than the rest of the phone, but have corrected myself). Also, reconfigure the shortcuts (they are tied to the four arrows on the top) so they would map to the functions that you need the most. I configured mine to: Tools and Apps, Address book, All files (for accessing music and pictures), Bluetooth on/off.
- I have got freebies for the phone online (themes, ringtones, etc.) and put them in the phone via Bluetooth and USB.
- The voice recorder have been great as it has come handy during lectures and presentations.
- I also use the notes like a post-it note for high priority items that I need to take care of.
- Using the USB cable (or Bluetooth), I periodically download my text messages from the phone to my PC and archive them.
- The music player and FM Audio feature have been great since I have been able to listen to audio books, voice recorder recordings of lectures, and music anytime and anywhere.

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Packed with entertainment features and great innovations to take music and gaming interaction to the next level, the Sony Ericsson w760a for AT&T can quickly download video, music and more over AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network. Additionally, this GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share serve, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.
This Walkman phone includes the innovative "shake to shuffle" feature, which randomly chooses another song stored on your phone with just a flick of the wrist. This phone is also great for gaming, thanks to that built-in motion sensor that enables you to tilt the phone to control gameplay. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth 2.0 for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, Memory Stick Micro (M2) expansion, access to personal email and instant messaging services, and up to 3.5 hours of talk time.
AT&T Service Options This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band UMTS 850/1900 MHz network, and this phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks (found in international territories). The AT&T 3G network provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. (For use outside the United States, an AT&T international data plan is recommended.)
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You'll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.
With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company's 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) A majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day's work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.
You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.
With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T's Internet, video, and music services.)
The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.
Phone Features The slider-style w760a features a top face with a 2.2-inch, 262K-color LCD screen (240 x 320-pixel resolution), five-way navigator (with music play/pause button in the center) and standard send/end and soft navigation keys. The phone slides smoothly up to reveal the alpha-numeric keypad. The phone has a 32 MB internal memory, which can be expanded via optional Memory Stick Micro (M2) media (up to 4 GB in size). The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 contact entries with space for up to 7 numbers per entry and support for picture and ringer ID.
This Walkman phone offers a full-function digital audio player that's compatible with MP3 and AAC files, and it includes Sony Ericsson's innovative "shake to shuffle" feature. With Shake Control activated, just flick your wrist and a vibration lets you know that the track has been changed--a new song from your current playlist is randomly selected and automatically played. Playback settings also include an equalizer, playlists, stereo widening, and shuffle and loop modes. This Walkman phone features MegaBass enhancement for added depth of sound, a flight mode that lets you keep listening to tunes with the phone's network connectivity turned off, and the PlayNow feature that enables you to download new music tones directly to the phone.
Sony Ericsson's SensMe technology is used to incorporate mood analysis into the track details, which allows you to create playlists that suit your mood. Select SensMe in the downloadable Sony Ericsson Media Manager software, and it will mood-analyze all MP3 files on the computer. When you transfer music from a CD or a PC to your phone using Media Manager, the tracks will automatically be analysed. Instead of selecting tracks for your next playlist, just select your mood.
With the W760, gaming is more fun than ever. The integrated accelerometer allows you to shake or tilt the W760a to simulate motion while playing video games, and dedicated A and B gaming buttons also allow extra control and interactivity. The intuitive Media User Interface rotates depending on how you're holding the phone, so you can see everything you need at a glance. Auto rotate works for photos, videos and games.
This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
The built-in 3.2 megapixel camera captures stills and video--and playback of video or still pictures is only limited to the memory card size (or capped at 20 seconds for sending via MMS). You can choose from four resolution sizes and two quality settings for still photos, and it also features white balance and brightness adjustments, digital zoom (up to 3.2x), night mode, panorama, and multi-shot mode. It provides support for PictBridge technology so you can print your photos without the need of a PC (either using USB or Bluetooth). Video clips can be shot at up to QVGA resolution (320 x 240 pixels) at 30 frames per second (fps).
The phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3 and IMAP4 protocols, while the included Access NetFront Web Browser allows you to surf full HTML web sites. It also supports RSS feeds, allowing you to use your phone to view up-to-the-minute news and other content from selected Web sites and blogs. Just subscribe to the feed and let it come to you. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. 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.
Other features include:
Flight mode allows you to safely use the non-wireless functions of this phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight
Instant messaging via AOL, Windows Live, Yahoo!
Organizational tools: calendar, calculator, alarm clock, tasks, timer, notes, stopwatch
USB mass storage capabilities
Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, vibrating alert
Speakerphone
Voice dialing and voice commands
Built-in FM radio

Vital Statistics The Sony Ericsson w760a weighs 3.6 ounces and measures 4.05 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches. Its 930 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of talk time, and up to 240 hours (10 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's 850/1900 MHz 3G frequencies (UMTS/HSDPA).

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