StarTac 7868W: Great device!
Written: Aug 01 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small size, data access and sync software, good battery life, small size
Cons: Cannot accept extra battery, analog battery life not so hot, somewhat expensive
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| tgjackson's Full Review: Motorola StarTAC ST7868W Cell Phone |
Two months ago, I accidently washed (in the washing machine) my Nokia 6162 cell phone. With the phone broken, and my ATT contract expired, I decided to look elsewhere for cell service.
I decided to use Verzion Wireless because they have excellent service in the New York area (thats where I live). In order to use the new service, I had to buy a new phone.
So, the stage was set. I lucked out as I had used a StarTac (it was an older model) at my job recently. After using the older analog model StarTac for 2 weeks, the choice was a no brainer for me. I really liked the small size and features of the StarTac.
During my research, I found that Motorola sells a data cable that allows the phone to be used as a cell modem, and you can synchronize your contacts (I run Outlook 98 for e-mail and contacts on my desktop computer) to the phone (read: no typing phone numbers into the phone!). I was sold.
So, I picked up the 7868W StarTac. I picked up the car charger($20), and got the data cable a week later ($149, there is a big demand for it). The data cable comes with Star Fish Trusync, and the appropriate modem drivers.
I loaded up the software, connected the phone (through a serial port), and downloaded all of my phone numbers (it only holds 99 numbers). Done. It was great.
I tested the dial up networking through my ISP, and that works well. It only gives you a 14.4 kbps connection, so it is a little slow. I did not have any dropped connections or other problems. It just worked. I was browsing the web and picking up e-mail while in my car!!!
The phone itself is small, and it comes with a nice holster that clips on your belt. The battery life is good, especially in a digital area. I am able to get 3 to 5 days of standby, and over 3 hours talk time. Analog performance is not so good, I was only able to get about 10 hours standby, and less than an hour talk time. Other StarTacs can take an external battery, but this model cannot.
There is a built in 'micro browser'. It only works with a specific set of sites, but is good for checking stocks and the weather.
The phone can receive e-mail, which is handy. E-mail does not eat up phone minutes, so people can drop you a line, rather than call. Good for things like 'pick up milk on your way home' type of things. I don't recommend sending e-mail from the phone. It is VERY painful and time consuming to type out the simplest of messages on the key pad.
I recommend picking up a spare battery if you plan on using the phone a lot and you are not in your car, or if you are in an analog area a bit.
The phones performance is excellent, but that is Verizons doing. Very little dropped calls. I came from ATT, and used to have $20 month in dropped call credits.
All of this functionality is not cheap. If you can use all of what this phone can offer, then this is an excellent device. I would recommend this phone to anyone that travels, uses a cell phone a lot, or that needs the data connectivity capabilities. This is not a phone for the occasional user.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tgjackson
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Member: Tim Jackson
Location: Ridgefield, NJ
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 2 members
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