Seems Fine to Me
Written: Aug 06 '00 (Updated Sep 04 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Value, Functional
Cons: No vibration feature
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| chilantro's Full Review: Audiovox CDM 4000 Cell Phone |
I finally broke down and joined the growing masses in the cell phone thing. There was no getting around it: my wife and I definitely need our own phones for emergencies.
Because this was just for emergencies, VALUE is critical. And I think that this phone delivers on that. (20 bucks.) I confess that I don't know much about these phones since I'm new to the game, but for 20 bucks, I just didn't think we could go wrong. And we didn't.
This phone executes all the cell phone basics and more: good battery life (a week on stand alone, 3 hours of talk time), voice and data mail, easy to read screen, reasonably compact and light, plus all the customizing features (ring and voice volume, 15 ringer chimes, etc). It takes a little effort to learn how to use the phone and program your phone list, but after 20 minutes or so and a little help of the instruction manual, most people familiar with computer environments will find that the system is reasonably user friendly and intuitive. The address programming and general navigation could be better if it involved fewer keys (they should put more "smart keys" on these phones), but it's reasonable for the money. The phone stores 99 numbers in its address book. For those who use their phone constantly, that might be a problem, but for the emergency or even casual user, that's PLENTY. Finally, the voice clarity is good, but I think that's more a function of your cellular service provider.
One feature that the phone lacks that I would've liked is a vibration feature when the phone rings. If you're in a crowded area (bar, concert, party) you won't hear the phone chime. A friend told me that it's possible to buy some type of battery vibrator, so I'll see on that. This phone also is not internet compatible.
I also notice that there sometimes is a 1-2 second voice delay between the time you speak and the time the person on the other end hears it. This can be annoying at times. I suspect that the higher end phones don't have this problem, but I can't be sure.
My bottom line is that, for the price, this phone seems reliable and functional. The cell phone thing is a fun game to get into, so maybe next year I'll upgrade and buy a more snazzy phone complete with internet and hands off, but for now, this seems just fine.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
chilantro
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Location: North Bethesda, Maryland
Reviews written: 59
Trusted by: 5 members
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