Not cutting edge anymore
Written: Oct 09 '01
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Pros: Compact, sturdy, vibrate mode
Cons: Battery life, few options, squeaky hinge, unpredictable call quality
The Bottom Line: If you must have a flip, it's an option. But it's outdated and doesn't have the latest features or personalization options.
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| piko's Full Review: Motorola StarTAC ST7868W Cell Phone |
Having used this phone for over a year, as well as previously owning its predecessor StarTac model, I recently made the move to the Motorola v120c model, and here's why:
1.) Gremlin in the Speaker:
Over the 14 months that I used the ST7868W, I found the call quality generally good on the Verizon service (their customer service is great, by the way). I can't remember ever having a dropped call. However, the volume of the calls often varied greatly and I spent **a lot** of time pressing the two volume keys up and down to be able to hear. I had the software upgraded and the phone was inspected for any loose wires, etc., but this did not fix the problem.
2.) Quickly Tired Batteries:
The standard batteries would start draining very rapidly after about 6-7 months of regular use (at approx. 450 mins/month). The cost of buying new batteries adds up over time.
3.) It's Talking Back:
The hinge tends to squeak - nothing you can do about it.
4.) Two Handed Operation Only:
It takes two hands to use this phone. This is a nuisance as you must open the flip to check Caller ID. It wobbles if you leave it flipped open and lay it down on a desk or table.
5.) No fun ring tones
6.) No voice calling
On the other hand, I found the phone sturdy, small enough to fit in a pocket or purse, and the backlight is excellent although it makes a noticeable humming sound.
My main criteria for a phone is its portability, and when this phone was introduced it was one of the smallest ever. I was happy with it for a long time, but now there are many compact phones with more features and better technology.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 130
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Epinions.com ID:
piko
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Reviews written: 1
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