stick with basic!!!
Written: Jul 28 '00 (Updated Mar 01 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Look, Straight forward(sort of) features, This is still a phone
Cons: Bad reception(maybe service), short battery life,easily scratched
The Bottom Line: Still too many functions that doesn't really work/ Hot Sync,
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| wc201's Full Review: Motorola Timeport P8167 Cell Phone |
I am one of those techno junkies. Must have the latest. This time it backfired. I had previous version of the Sprint PCS StarTec. Becase I make all my long distance phone call using my cellphone, I leave it on 24/7. The batter life was much better in my old one. This new one seem to last a lot shorter. I have to recharge it usually in two days. Back then, I could go at least 3 days.
Ok. There has been several major changes. This phone features Sync technology. You can share your phone number info with your computer. It has a better screen colored turquoisis. You can surf web. The blinking light has changed. It can change in every possible ways. (Believe me) The belt clip. That's the best thing that ever happened to StarTec so far. You can rotate your phone, so you don't have to worry about annoying antenna when you seat down anymore. Size is about same. The color is definitely different. However, it's also a problem. It can be scratched easily. I mean very easily. The phone book has also changed. It now features icons and multiple numbers for one person or one space. However,accessing the phone book is another thing. Back then, you could use Smart browsing button(you know the buttons on the side of the phone) to access and search a specific phone number easily. But now, you can't really do this. You can either go to the last phone number you accessed or u have to look up manually by scrolling. I have a lot of numbers, so it's pain in the butt. You can search for a specific phone number by pushing two buttons. Func + 1(Menu) buttons. Then, type it in.
Ok. It is a great that you can Hot Sync with your computer and surf web. Have you ever tried to surf net on cell phone? It's not good. So, Main purpose to use your cell phone is still calling, so this is too much for something that not many people actually use. (or just me) In other words, waste of money. The reception is horrible. I live in NYC. Maybe that's why. My friend has one of those hot Samsung flip phone. It has better reception than mind at a same location. That made me mad. As I said before, batter life doesn't last long. It also has become so delicate. I missed the old rugged black look. For some reason, it is not so comfortable to use the smart buttons and buttons on the phone. Your finger slips often because of slippery surface. The antenna is too long. It bends too easily if you don't carefull. It doesn't break off or anything, but looks bad. When I travel, I often get disconnected in the middle of conversation or when I pick up the phone to answer.
Don't get me wrong though. I love Motorola. Why would I have spend this much money to buy this? I do love Motorola, but not this phone. I am planning to change soon. Thank god I have an upgrade from RadioShack. Just be aware of some of the downfalls. I had several phones before including Nokia and Motorola, but this is the only time I really want to change my phone. So, why bother spend so much for something that's not good. Settle with the cheaper model. I think they still have the original design and ruggedness.
Update 3/01/2001
Recently, my antenna broke, so I brought it to the Sprint PCS service center. They replaced the unit for free. While I was there,I also asked them about call drops, so they checked on the system. Then, they told me my cell phone failed HP Test. I don't know what kind of test that is, but they said they will replace the unit for me, so it's a good news. Why I am saying all this? After I wrote this review, I found out that you can update software inside your cell phone and phone itself can be defective. If you are owner of this phone and having problem, then I would suggest to stop by the Sprint Service Center. (Oh, you better find out the location of the service center. Local Sprint PCS dealer don't handle servicing phones. If you live in NYC, it's located at 42nd St and Between Broadway and One that next to it(to east side: I forgot the name/long wait line oer the lunch time)
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID: wc201
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Location: Jersey City
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 1 member
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