Abstract:

Having actually used the GSM service in Europe & parts of Asia, I can say that it really is a "world" phone. Terrific size and decent clarity make it a good companion, but only so-so battery life and a sluggish interface.

Features (as supplied in Voicestream kit):

80hr standby, 3.5hr talk time, 2.1oz, earbud & microphone, hands-free kit, smart card, phonebook & PIM, text messaging & AOL messenger capable, rapid 2-hr charger.

Design:

Wow! While many people like the Nokia 82XX series, the slick feel makes them difficult to operate or hold (unless you face or hands are never EVER oily), the buttons are too darn small, etc. The T28 is even smaller, but has useable buttons, and the plastic is more "granular" allowing you to hold it easier. The screen is only 3 lines deep and the menu system is a little slow - areas in which Nokia's really do rule.

The T28 is easy to setup and use. If you've ever used another Ericsson, this will be a walk in the park. Interestingly enough, although there are a million ring tones, the only one missing is the standard 2-ring repeat.

Your phonebook, account info, and preferences are stored in a removeable smart card (a GSM standard). Should your T28 break, you can pop it out and put in another T28 (or other smart card-capable phone) and not have to re-enter anything.

Clarity:

Excellent throughout the Voicestream network. I routinely travel the Chicago-New York-Dallas route and the connections and sound have been great. There are patches of so-so service in the mid-South, but if the signal is decent, the phone will deliver...even in signal-congested NYC.

Battery Life:

B-. With regular usage for me (a few calls here & there throughout the day - 10-15min each max.), I get about 2-2.5 days between recharges. You take a BIG hit if the network is spotty because the phone has to struggle to get a clear signal, expending more energy in the meantime.

About that "World" Thing:

Yup, it works. With Voicestream, you can call ahead to setup a time-specific international plan in Europe and most of East Asia. You can call and request, say, access in Germany & Holland for 10 days, and get that "traveling" rate plan. It's worked very well in Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, and Hong Kong. Very nice and a key plus for GSM users.

Value:

Hard to wrong for $20. The accessories are plentiful as well - mp3 players, PDA plug-ins, bigger-better batteries, car kits, etc. If you're interested in Voicestream or GSM service in the US, you can't go wrong with the T28 as your phone choice...just make sure you get an extra battery :)

Aside:

Most US cellular companies use a version of "X"DMA, a transitional digital standard. Sprint & Nextel use CDMA (somewhat newer and easier to expand, but not as backward compatible with analog networks); Verizon, Cingular, AT&T use TDMA (opposite strengths & weaknesses). GSM is far more robust and the standard of choice in Europe & Asia.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 20.00