Grandma learns about cell phones
Written: Apr 09 '01
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Pros: easy to operate, good sound, sharp images, large enough buttons for elders to see
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: This makes a good gift for elders because of its ease of operation and simplicity.
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| sele's Full Review: Audiovox CDM4000 |
When my son purchased a new cell phone with very
advanced features a few months back, he offered to
put me on his account and gave me his old phone, the
Audiovox CDM4000.
I am an older person, never had used a cell phone
before, because technology sometimes intimidates me.
However, since he made me an offer I couldn't refuse,
(free phone, and prepaid account), I decided to give it
a try.
The first thing I noticed is the simplicity of the phone.
There are only a few buttons on it, aside from the numbered
ones, nothing there to confuse me. It comes in a nice
case and is very light to carry, and one doesn't need to
remove the case to dial, or to receive a call.
Numbers that are used often can be programmed in,
and I find it easy to get to the directory to choose a number.
Again, it's very simple to perform the needed actions. At
times, elders can be confounded by things which are too
complicated.
The buttons are large enough to be readable by those
of us with dim eyesight. Images on the digital screen are
very sharp and clear, also, even the tiny icon which tells
how much battery you have left.
In the time I have used this phone, I have tested it in all
sorts of places .. at the mall, outdoors, in my apartment,
in the car, in large buildings, and many others. In all cases,
the call went through, loud and clear. There have been no
occasions when static or cutting out was a problem. This
little phone is amazingly powerful in all situations.
It's an easy matter to recharge it, just plunk it in the charger
and it doesn't take long .. usually an hour or sometimes a little
more. The little icons tell you when it's fully charged, no
guesswork involved.
It has many features, such as email or voice mail. There
is also a digital clock, and this is handy because I do not
wear a watch. After you finish calling, the screen will display
how long your call was, which can be helpful in calculating
how many minutes are left for the month. (Son pays for
1200 minutes for me, each month.)
I realize full well that there are newer, fancier, more
advanced cell phones on the market, and for those who
need all that technology, they are wonderful. For me, though,
the ability to call for help is the most important feature. I
am older, and mildly disabled, and the feeling of security
I receive from having my little phone handy is priceless.
If any older reader is intimidated by technology, as I
was, I would suggest you younger folks do as my son did.
He figures $19.95 a month for cell phone service is a gift
which not only brings me security, but himself as well. He
knows I won't ever be stranded, without a way to get help,
and it eases his mind. And, this little phone is so easy to
operate, even his old Mom can do it. When buying a cell
phone for one's elders, keep ease of operation and
simplicity in mind...otherwise, the cell phone will lay on
the table, unused.
I highly recommend this type of cell phone for anyone,
but especially for our older citizens.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): gift
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Epinions.com ID:
sele
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Location: Kennewick, Washington, USA
Reviews written: 88
Trusted by: 46 members
About Me:
To soar with eagles, one must first learn to fly.
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