What does it mean when a couple of healthy 30-somethings get excited about a cell phone marketed to seniors and those with disabilities? No, it's not time to retire! We'd like to think that it simply means mobile manufacturers still don't know what some of us consumers want our phones to do -- make and receive calls. And that's it!
This is especially the case if you're like us and ditched your land line in the hopes of relying on your cell phone for all your communication needs. Unfortunately, while your new iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android may allow you to take high res photos, read RSS feeds, and download apps, trying to take a call is a whole other story -- especially if you're relying on AT&T's service. So, what if, all you really want it to make and take calls without all the extras?
It's getting harder and harder these days to find a mobile that's just a phone and only a phone. Ignoring the need to improve call quality, manufacturers have turned us all into text and email fiends, when sometimes picking up the phone can shave a ton of time off a task. Plus, we sit at a computer all day. The last thing we want to do when we're relaxing on the couch is to stare at the glow from a mini screen, typing on a even more mini keyboard. We wouldn't mind being able to catch up with friends, voice to voice, without talking over each other or having sections of conversations disappear.
Enter Just5. The phone, which comes to the states in about three months, is a simple cell that can send and receive calls and texts, and that's it. The oversized dial pad makes it easy to dial (or tap in a message) if you've got man hands, while Bluetooth allows it to pair up with a handsfree headset if that's you're thing. There's no word on whether or not you'll get better call quality due to the lack of other features, but you will have access to a louder than normal volume control. One thing we're pretty sure about: Steve Jobs won't tell you to hold your phone a certain way to get it to work.
Trying to find a bare bones phones is next to impossible these days, but here are a few we found that impressed us with their simplicity, thought their girth needs some slimming...
via cnet
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Comments (11)
I work at a giant internet company where I and my coworkers spend all day playing with all of the new smartphones. Yet we all agreed this was the coolest phone we've seen in a while:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_FONE_F3
Go figure.
I think it's funny that people are up in arms about Steve Job's comment on how to hold the phone.
Ever cover the antenna on your Blackberry? I just did and lost a bar. I bet you'd lose signal on this Just5 phone too, except neither Just5 or Research In Motion (parent company of BB) will publicly acknowledge that there is an issue.
Hey, Research In Motion Ltd. Can you personally respond to this? I lost my bars. Thanks.
@greenideas: I remember when that phone was announced. I was so excited and then waited and waited and waited for it to finally make it to the states. Did it ever come here? Motorola kept being so vague about it.
greenideas: I like the design except for the ugly-intrusive, Motorola branding up top. Adds nothing to the otherwise modern-minimal design.
I know this is the sort of device that my parents would love; big face buttons and large text are just the sort of things that older mobile users with aging eye-sight are into.
As for me, I'll stick with my iPhone though I can really see the appeal of this simple design.
@Soniaz: It never did come to the USA, but you can buy the version that was sold in Mexico, which works in the USA. I got it for my dad and he loves it. I love it too. Its everything I like in a phone, namely super skinny.
Currently i use a Motorola Zine ZN5. Best phone I've ever own. Its got a fairly decent 5mp camera, the best reception of any phone I've ever own, and its skinny.
http://www.dcviews.com/press/images/Motorola-Motozine-ZN5.jpg
@Jose A
That looks like a pretty wicked phone, but ever since I tried out a Motorola Pebl, which I wanted to shove up some Motorola exec's derriere out of frustration, I've been scared to go back to them. I still miss my old Nokia candybar from 2000...
@SoniaZ: You can get an unlocked one from Amazon for $23. Not too shabby.
@gregory: I agree completely.
my problem when i was shopping for phones is i want a phone that is relatively small and thin. i text now (didn't really used to) and make calls. I don't use the internet or anything like that. SO why is my phone so freakin big... I carry mine in my pocket and don't want to always look like I am really happy to see you. I already have keys and everything else in my pockets, i don't need a giant phone too.
jmorey: unfortunately for those wanting smaller form factors, the trend seems to be pointing toward a future where phones are even larger, due to the fact most domestic users require internet access on a large screen, with voice becoming a secondary feature. Some of the newest models are practically tablet in size!
@greenideas: Bought that phone for my husband last Christmas. He loves it.