Simplest-to-Use Cell Phones
If you want a cell phone so that you can take pictures, get directions, E-mail friends, watch a YouTube video and listen to music, you may want the new multifunction (and expensive) iPhone from Apple. But what if you just want to use a cell phone for its main purpose, making calls? What to get…
THE SIMPLEST OF ALL
The Jitterbug is probably today’s easiest cell phone to operate. It comes in two flip-open “clamshell” models. Both display large-size text on a screen and have “yes” and “no” buttons, rather than confusing icons, to choose easy-to-understand options. You sign up with a company called GreatCall Inc., which uses the Sprint network to carry calls, and the phones are made by Samsung.
Jitterbug OneTouch. This basic model is best if you have trouble pressing the small number keys on a typical cell phone and don’t like to program in names and numbers by yourself.
Instead of number buttons, the Jitter-bug OneTouch has three big call buttons that you can press to reach the company’s operator…a 911 emergency service…or a phone number programmed in by the company or by you. You also can have the company or its operator put in up to 50 other saved phone numbers. To make a call, you say the name of the person or business…or scroll through a list of the programmed names on the phone’s screen…or have the operator connect you to a name on the list or a nonprogrammed number. The phone has an on-off button and volume-control dial.
Jitterbug Dial. This model includes a full numerical keypad with large, well-lighted buttons so that you can call any number without the operator’s help, not just emergency numbers or those on your preprogrammed list.
Price: $147 for either Jitterbug model. Service plans start at $10 a month, with an additional charge of 35 cents per minute, including long-distance, and $3 a month for voice mail (waived if you pay for one year in advance). Other plans with cheaper minutes are available. 800-918-8543, www.jitterbug.com.
VERIZON WIRELESS
The LG VX3450 is an attractive clamshell phone with a soft-looking, curved shape. It is lightweight and has good reception. There are well-spaced buttons for dialing, plus a five-way navigation button that controls most features and menus. The phone, which uses the Verizon Wireless network, has an extremely basic menu that uses text instead of hard-to-read icons and includes voice-activated dialing by name. It has a few frills—text messaging, a calendar, an alarm clock and a calculator.
Price: Currently $30 if you sign up for a two-year calling plan with Verizon Wireless. Available in silver and metallic blue. 800-922-0204, www.verizonwireless.com.
T-MOBILE, AT&T WIRELESS
No folding or unfolding is necessary with the Nokia 6030, which has a “candy bar” design and slips easily into a pocket. Voices are loud and clear. It is simple to use, with well-separated raised buttons, and it has a few frills—an FM radio, instant messaging, games, an alarm clock and a calculator.
Price: Free with a two-year T-Mobile service contract by calling 800-937-8997 or going to www.t-mobile.com, or with a two-year AT&T Wireless service contract obtained through www.amazon.com.
Bottom Line/ Personal interviewed Sascha Segan, lead analyst for mobile phones and PDAs at PC Magazine, New York City (25 issues, $44.95/yr.). He is responsible for testing, benchmarking and evaluating mobile phones and other handheld devices.
(Article originally published September 1, 2007)
Reprinted with the permission of:
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