Found my home with this phone
Written: Nov 20 '02 (Updated Dec 08 '02)
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Pros: Features, Size, More Features
Cons: Battery Life, Buzzing near TV and Phones and long stubby antenna
The Bottom Line: You will get to love all the features that this phone and service has to offer and this one is a keeper.
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| Mezo's Full Review: Nextel Motorola i90c |
This phone and service will be what will keep me from service provider hopping for a long long time to come.
Mfg Specs and features on the I90c
Voice Recorder †
Speakerphone**
Voice Activation
Multi-Language Support
Time & Date Display*
SIM Card Operation
Custom Styles Setting*
Pre-Installed Software Applications
Java™ 2 Micro Edition Capable**
Voice Activated Dialing
250 Entry Phonebook
Quickstore Phone Numbers
Last 20 Recent Call List*
Turbo DialŪ one-touch dialing
VibraCalŪ Alert
One-touch Private & Group Call
Quickstore Private IDs
Built-in Speaker
Consolidated Inbox Storage
Voice & Message Mail Indicators
Time & Date Stamp*
Software Download Capability
Internet Access Services
T9 Text Input for fast entry
Dimensions: 90mm x 50mm x 32mm with High Performance Battery
Weight: 151g with High Performance Battery
Power: 600mW (typical)
Frequency Range:
Tx 806 - 825 Mhz/Rx 851-870 Mhz
Channel Spacing: 25 kHz
Channel Access: TDMA
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C
Storage Temperature (Radio Only):
-40°C to 85°C
* Network & subscription dependent. Not available in all areas.
** Visit www.motorola.com/idenupdate for a list of available software applications.
† Recording of phone calls is subject to varying State and Federal laws regarding privacy and recording of phone conversations.
Now for my opinions on the I90c
The first thing you will notice on the phone when you look at it is hmmm, its a bit fat.
But don't let the porky look of this phone fool you since this thing is packed full of features!
With all the features that this phone has to offer it is no wonder why some business can't live without it.
The Direct Connect feature is a God send for people in the construction business, Delivery, Cab Dispatch, etc.
Instant communications with a fast punch of some numbers or if you have it on voice record then you can access them without even opening the flip.
With only 20 voice records this is limited but I highly doubt you will need much more than this unless you are some type of mass communications manager.
The style of this tried design will never go out of style and is comfortable in the hand as well as next to your ear.
For people with large hands like me I prefer the larger thicker phones than the small tinny ones Nokia and Ericsson to name a few offers.
The Keyboard glows a nice blue color as well as the indiglo backlit display on the inside of the phone as well as the outside where you can view status and incoming phone numbers or names instead of opening the flip.
The net browser is fast but is only good as the service provider and in this case with Nextel they do a great job with the speed.
I have tried AT&T GSM/GPRS phones and the Nextel phones are much faster to connect and send/receive data.
The pre-installed Polyphonic ringtones are very nice and other ringtones can be found on the net for free or for a small price.
The screen is not the largest but it does it's job very nicely. Not as big as the I95cl but you can see everything fine.
There are 3 view modes. Zoom, Standard, and Compressed.
Standard is the default view but I prefer the compressed since I can see more per page but if your eyes are not the greatest then I would suggest staying with the standard or even zoomed.
The speakerphone works great and all calls can be heard crisp and clear as long as you have good signal strength.
I use my speakerphone about 75% of the time and love it when I am driving. I don't have to open the flip (usually need two hands to open) to talk so placing it on the dash or on my lap while driving is great.
Remember that some states prohibit you from placing or receiving a call while driving a vehicle.
The only bad things that I can think of on the phone is the thickness for some people, The long stubby antenna, battery life, and buzzing you get from certain electronics when near the phone.
The battery life is not like regular digital phones because of all the features that this phone has plus it seems like it gives out much more power than other phones not using the iDen GSM service.
Aftermarket or OEM batteries are commonly available from slim which lasts a very short time (will beed a slim battery door unless bought together with battery, Standard (comes with phone) which will last a full day and a half with normal usuage, High Performance which lasts a bit longer than standard and can be used with the stock cover, and finally extended battery which adds to the thickness and weight of the phone. The Extended battery in my opinion is only needed if you are unable to get to a powersource for recharging on a regular basis or if your "living" on your phone. I have used the extended battery for a week but went back to the standard since for my needs I found it sufficient.
Nextel iDen service penatrates buildings much better since they use a lower freq. range and 800 mhz are known to work better inside buildings.
The Vibra alert can be activated without opening the flip by turning the ringer volume down all the way to the lowest point. You will get a vibrate notification when vibrate is activated.
As far as the buzzing goes, I kinda think its irritating but I could live with it and probably would get use to it the more I use it but I might purchase better speakers that are shielded from interference.
The great thing about this phone is that you can get tons of accessories that you can personalize to your tastes like flashing antenna's to even flashing batteries.
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Added 12/05/02
Aftermarket accessories.
I purchased some aftermarket items for my phone and here is what I have found out for people who are interested in customizing.
Antenna's
I purchased 2 aftermarket ones.
Flashing retractable.
For looks the flashing antenna's look awesome or geeky but its in the eyes of the beholder.
The reception indoors have degraded using the aftermarket flashing antenna but not to the point where I can't use the phone. Outside it has made no difference still great signal.
XL Metal extending antenna. I actually got two kinds. one that is retractable only at the metal end kind of like the antenna found on portable radios and the one that retracts like the stock and also at the metal end.
The "double" retractable actually made the reception worse than the stock. After placing the metal retractable only one on I got better reception indoors and boosted the signal enough to use anywhere and have not had a lost connection signal as of yet.
Aftermarket batteries:
I would suggest sticking with Motorola brand batteries since I have had problems with my Extended battery and my slim battery non OEM. (Org. equipment Mfg.)
For example my extended aftermarket battery would say low battery even when I have a full charge on irregular times.
This has happened a few times and the phone would shut down and you will need to restart your phone several times.
Aftermarket Chargers:
Wow, what a difference the cheap aftermarket ones are compared to the OEM ones.
My cheap desktop charger cost me $5.99 and it hasn't flashed a green signal notifying me if the battery is fully charged even after leaving the battery on for 12 straight hours.
Bottom line, spend a little bit more money on OEM accessories so you don't have problems with your phone and service in case the battery decides to quit on you when you need it the most.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 99.00
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Epinions.com ID:
Mezo
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Member: Sam Kim
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 1 member
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