Pros: Clamshell design, large lighted keypad, web browsing, color screen, low cost
Cons: Limited choice of ringtones, no camera
The Bottom Line: Professionals on the go who don't want a contract or features they don't need will enjoy the Oystr's afforability, durability and web browser.
MamaSaid's Full Review: Kyocera Oystr KX9 Cell Phone
I've been using a cell phone since they resembled a brick. In fact, I still have my first cell phone and it makes my children laugh. They can't believe they really looked like that fifteen years ago!
For many years, I was locked into a cell phone contract as a law office administrator. When I changed careers to work for myself, my first major decision was to get rid of that nagging cell phone.
The first time my car got a flat I realized the value of having a cell phone went beyond talking to clients. I decided to choose a prepaid cell phone for emergencies only. For over three years, my provider is Virgin Mobile. Their customer service and coverage is superior so I'm completely satisfied.
I was still "detoxing" from all those cell phone years and my first prepaid phone had all the bells and whistles including a camera. It was a hassle and none of the features ever worked properly. One day it refused to work at all so I called Virgin Mobile to see what I could do.
After perusing their telephone selections online while I spoke to customer service, I decided to try the Kyocera Oystr KX9 in pearl white. What a pearl this cell phone is!
For only $9.99, the telephone was shipped and activated since I was already a Virgin Mobile customer. With a clamshell design, the keys and screen and protected. The large keys make it easy to see and dial the numbers you need anywhere you want to make a call. They light up so I can make calls in the dark, too.
I prefer the clamshell design because I'm always on the go. Knowing me, I would try to pull open a slider and break it. The clamshell design protects the keypad and makes the phone small enough to slip into a pocket or handbag.
While I only use the phone for emergencies, it offers plenty of features for the price including full music ringtones, texting (I finally tried it and wow), web browser, a color screen, two way speaker phone and 3.6 hours of talk time on the battery. The battery stays charged for several days if I keep the phone off. This is great because I don't use it often but it is still ready to go.
I never texted before and it was so easy on this phone. The message was visible and the keypad was easy to work with when I replied. Now that I have the hang of it, I'll be texting more often on the Kyocera Oystr!
Other features included with the Oystr are content from MTV such as games and ringtones. You can receive news and good-time nuggets on your phone for an additional fee as well as crank calls and voicemail greetings from Comedy Central shows. Demo games already loaded into the phone include New York Nights and Bikini Beach Party right in time for summer. The phone is also TTY/TDD enabled so it can be used by the hearing impaired. I don't really need or use any of these features but did easily download a Steely Dan song for my ringtone.
The full color screen is clear and easy to see for web browsing on a cell phone. I find the service is consistent and I always hear well on the phone. People on the other end can also hear me, even when I make calls from remote locations such as the beach.
The official talk time you get from the Oystr is 3.6 hours. Standby time is 8.33 hours. The phone is very lightweight in your hands so you don't feel it when you talk. The Oystr weighs 3.5 ounces and is 3.4 inches high, 1.9 inches wide and .98 inches thick so you can slip it right into your pocket. A standard plug-in charger and battery come with the purchase of the Kyocera Oystr KX9.
These are all the features this phone has, which is all I really need. I remember the days my cell phone was a nagging device I dreaded. The lightweight, easy-going Kyocera Oystr is perfect for people who need the convenience of a cell phone but don't use it everyday. With all the basic features you need and none of the stuff you don't, the Oystr is the best deal around for 10 bucks.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 9.99 Recommended for: Professionals On-the-Go - Internet and Email is a Must!
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