Would You Like A Turtle Or A Cell Phone?
Written: Jul 28 '00
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Pros: Battery Life, Wireless Web, Looks
Cons: Range
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| marvienhill's Full Review: Samsung SCH 3500 CDMA / AMPS Cellular Phone |
I was trying to race a rock the other day when a lumpy turtle caught my eye. The thing was smoking a pipe and winking at me. I started running towards the turtle to get a closer look, when my feet got tangled up in something and down I went. At first, I thought it was just another one of my clumsy fits, but then I spotted a rusty lamp. Oh, yeah a freakin genie! Now, I can write one of those reviews telling everyone five gifts that I would like.
As you would expect I picked the lamp up and started rubbing it. I awaited my three wishes, but they seemed to never come. I peeked inside the lamp, and saw nothing. I kicked it, smacked it, and finally spit it in (I think that woke him up).
Cell Phone Genie: Who dare awaken the almighty cell phone seller?
Marvien with an "E": I guess that would be me. How about giving me my wishes now? Turn yourself into Barbie and give me my million dollars.
Cell Phone Genie: Yeah, I'll give you your three wishes all right. Your first wish is for me not to kill you. Ok, and the second wish is for me not to turn you into Boy George.
Marvien with an "E": Hey, those sound pretty good. I thought I'd have to think about these things, but it seems you've had your practice. Now, let's talk about that third wish. I think that I would like to travel the world or eat a pie.
Cell Phone Genie: I tell you what, I'm going to give you three cell phones.
Marvien with an "E": Now, that don't sound bad. Give em here!
Cell Phone Genie: Now, if you can decide which of the phones is better, I will truly give you one wish of anything you desire.
The genie handed me Nokia 282, a Samsung 3500, and a Motorola StarTAC 7790. A few seconds later the genie had disappeared, and so had that turtle. I was really looking forward to talking to that turtle too. Well, I guess I had better start on my mission to discover which one of these phones is better.
I started with the Nokia 282. Kind of plain, but looks don't usually impress me too much anyway. The phone was kinda light in my hand, and I eventually guessed it weighed around 4.5 oz.
Basic Features
Battery Life: 100 minutes of talk time and 24 hours of standby time
Memories (Phone Book options): Up to 75 names or numbers
LCD Display: 3 full lines
Cellular Transmission: Analog
Accessories
Hands-Free Headset, Extended lithium battery, Data Capable, leather case, car adapter, desktop charger, and a variety of colors (black, pewter, Satin Silver, and Velvet Indigo).
After looking at this phone for a while, I decided it was time to throw this one to the ground. It had some nice little features, but the single analog system got me down. It never really did feel good in my pants either. So, down went the Nokia 282.
Next in line is the Samsung 3500. A spiffy looking little phone. A gray spaceship design took shape.
First, let me explain to you the basics of this phone. The Samsung 3500 weighs in at 5.5 ounces (once again my incredible guessing abilities pay off), and is 4.4" by 2.0" by 1.0." Sprint created this phone to be able to work in a digital area (frequency of 1.9 Ghz) and an analog area (frequency of 800 MHZ), hence the title dual band. As long as you are using the phone in the digital area the sound quality remains digital which cuts all static out of the conversation. It also means you are not roaming. Once, the phone switches to analog the conversation will cost you more and it will also have bad clarity. The phone has a better appearance than most flip phones, and contains a lithium ion battery which keeps the phone running for 120 digital standby time and 2.5 hour talk time.
Features
Battery Life: 2.5 hours talk time and 60 hours of Standby time.
Memories: 199 spots for names and numbers
Display: 5 lines
Single or Dual Mode: Dual
Any Key Answer: Yes
1. Voice Activated Dialing: One of the best features for us lazy people. This feature allows you to store a wide variety of numbers, and then be able to call them simply by saying their pin name. All you have to do is flip the phone open, and talk into the phone without using the keypad.
2. Internet Access: For all you web junkies out there this is a great feature. I'm too cheap to connect the thing, but I hear its great. Typing up e-mails and browsing the web may take a while to do, but it is possible.
3. Phone Book: The phone has a great amount of storage. You can record up to 179 names and numbers. If you forget a name or number simply go to the menu and go through the logs.
4. Ring Type: The phone also has up to four melodies or a silent vibrating ringer. The vibration mode is great for situations where you don't wish to disturb anyone.
Smaller Features
Voice-mail, Voice memo, Caller Id, Call Waiting, Three Way Calling, Mobile Connection, Digital talk, Roaming Set, keyguard, pager abilities, LCD screen light up, flip design which allows you to answer and end calls by using the flip, and a headset jack.
What Comes With The Phone
When you open up the box you will find the following items;
1. Hopefully, you will find the Samsung phone inside. If not you may want to contact the sales person.
2. Standard Lilon Battery
3. User Guide
4. Limited Warranty
5. Dual Slot Desktop Charger (allows you to charge the phone while on or off)
6. Quick Reference Card
7. Terms of Conditions of Service
What Kind Of Accessories Can I get?
1. Custom Fitted Leather Case
2. Headset (allows you to clip a set of earphones to the phone and talk through a mike)
3. Extended Lithium Ion Battery
4. Car Adapter/Charger
5. Internet Provider For The Web Browser
Where Can I Call If I Have Problems
You can simply call the Sprint Hotline at 1-888-211-4PCS (4727) which happens to be open 24 hours a day. Or you can visit www.sprintpcs.com. By the way you activate the phone yourself, so this is where you might need to call Sprint for help.
The only problems I've encountered with this phone is limited service area and I've had a hard time tracking down a car adapter to fit this phone. So, I think I'll keep this phone in my hand for a little while longer.
The last phone on my list to play with was the Motorola StarTAC 7790. My freak mind told me the phone weighs around 3.6 ounces (one of the lightest phones made).
Features
Battery Life: 90 minutes of talk time and 55 hours of Standby Time.
Memory: 99 lines available for names and numbers
Display: 2-Line
Type: Digital TDMA
Accessories
Hands-Free Headset
Car Adapter/Charger
Desktop Charger
Leather Case
Smaller Features
One key answering, voice mail, caller ID, one touch dialing, low battery indicator, theft alarm, short message service, and a easy to use menu.
Now, I liked many of the smaller features available in this phone, but it left a few things out. It had a shorter battery life than the 3500, no wireless web, and to me is just too small to use.
I tapped my shoes twice and started yelling Samsung 3500. Sure enough the genie showed up.
Cell Phone Genie: So, Marvien which of the phones did you choose?
Marvien with an "E": You'd think you would use your ability to see because the only phone I'm holding is the Samsung 3500. Now, give me my one wish.
Cell Phone Genie: Well, I should make you use your last wish to pay for those two phones you threw away, but I guess I'll give it to you for being a good sport.
Marvien with an "E": Ok, my one wish is for that pipe smoking turtle. (and you people thought I would be wishing for a truck load of monkeys).
Cell Phone Genie: Ok...I guess I can do that. You sure aren't the brightest egg in the world are you?
Well, I solved the cell phone mystery and now it's time for me to have that nice little discussion with a turtle friend of mine. So, I'll be seeing you in my next review.
Marvien with an "E"
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 149
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Epinions.com ID:
marvienhill
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Reviews written: 62
Trusted by: 129 members
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