It's finally here. A 2.5G phone that uses GPRS for data access. Hence, you pay only for the amount of data you access, not for the time spent on line. Voicestream has introduced a couple of Motorolas for their newly launched IStream network, which utilize GPRS. One of their choices is the Motorola P280.

APPEARANCE

The Motorola P280 is professional in apperance, sporting a silver, metallic finish, with well placed, rubberized buttons on the keypad. It's similar in appearance to the Motorola 270c (Verizon) and the I85 (Nextel), although it's thinner and shorter than these two models. It boasts an ample number of lines in the display for internet browsing. However, its backlight needs some work. Plain and simple, it's dim. The display is greyscale, making it easier to read in the daylight. Also, the font size can be adjusted for easier reading.

FEATURES

In short, it has the following features: WAP browser; GPRS ready; voice-activated dialing; 500 name/number phonebook; 3 games, including Blackjack; full PIM; world phone/trimode (800/1800/1900 MHz), which means you can use it in 120 countries; voice memo; soft keys; a joystick to access the menu; PC synching (including software and cable); IrDA; and international power adaptors.

PERFORMANCE

The sound is exceptional, as it is with any GSM phone. I would argue that this phone, coupled with Voicesream's service, equal the sound quality of a landline phone. Despite Voicestream's lack of rural and suburban coverage, their local coverage and sound quality is incomparable. Not one other carrier I've used can surpass the quality of call I've experienced on Voicestream's network.

With respect to reception, however, the P280 seems to struggle. Where I've used Ericsson and Samsung GSM model phones and have had excellent reception, the Motorola's reception is not as good. I'm debating whether or not it's much of a difference to switch to another model phone, but so far, I'm inclined not to.

OVERALL

I do prefer a flip style phone, such as the Ericssson T39, which offers all of the features the P280 has. However, Voicestream only supports the P280 and one other Motorola phone, currently, on their IStream GPRS network. The P280 is professional in appearance, and is a classic example of Motorola's excellent craftsmanship. It's truly a worldphone and a high speed data connection tool. For anyone who can appreciate GSM, GPRS, Motorola and Voicestream, then seriously consider this phone. It's a winner!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 169