Hi-Tech? (NO) Hi-Quality? (Totally!)
Written: Dec 27 '05 (Updated Dec 28 '05)
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Pros: Clear, great reception, cute ringtones, GPS capabilities.
Cons: Cannot personalize ringtones or wallpaper. No camera, internet, or stylish design.
The Bottom Line: I recommend this phone as a first phone, for someone needing a dependable phone, or an older person who doesn't need bells and whistles.
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| RCarte2000's Full Review: Nokia 3588i Cell Phone |
NOKIA 3588i: It's All About You!
Nearly 18 months ago, I applied on the internet for a free cellular phone and a service contract with Sprint PCS. Of course, there were several phones to choose from, but most cost extra and I was a little low on funds at the time. There was one phone that was totally free. That phone was the Nokia 3588i.
Sure, the flip style phones look cool and there are phones with lots of bells and whistles and they cost much more than the simple Nokia 3588i does. I'm sure it would be nice to have a camera at your fingertips anytime you'd like, or to have internet access on your phone when you're bored stiff at work, but everything has its price and none of that was free at the time.
Phone Features:
*Voice Dialing for up to 25 numbers
*Voice Commands for up to 8 menu items
*Record memos up to 60 seconds
*Write and send text messages
*Auto-Complete text entry
*CDMA2000 1X Technology for high speed data transmission
*Send and receive data between phone and PC via data cable (sold separately)
*Internal wireless modem
*TTY/TDD compatible
*Hearing Aid support
*Phone book with up to 500 contacts and the ability to enter multiple numbers and texts per contact.
*Full calendar access for reminders.
*Synchronization ability with PC for phone book, calendar, and to-do lists with Nokia PC Suite Software.
*Alarm Clock with Snooze Feature
*Xpress-On color covers (front and back) available.
*45 enhanced musical ring tones (MIDI) on the phone.
*3 games (Sky Diver, Racket, and Bowling)
*Internal and External antenna
*Vibrating alert
*Large, Hi-Resolution color display
*Weighs only 4.1 ounces
*4.68" x 1.96" x 0.92" in size
*CDMA 800/1900 MHz, AMPS
*Extended Li-Ion Battery 1000 mAh
**Digital Talk Time up to 3 hours
**Digital Standby Time up to 12 days
*GPS (Global Positioning System) capable wireless phone for location based emergency services.
A User's Story
Over a year of using the Nokia 3588i and I am still a very satisfied customer. Up until this month, I lived in an area where NO cell phone would pick up service. All carriers and types of phones have been tested there and there is simply no reception. Within the past six months, this little freebie phone began to work around my home and other more expensive phones and services still do not work! My husband has another phone type through our same Sprint PCS service and he has no reception there either.
I get very clear sound through the phone and my calls are very rarely dropped. I've never had a call to be broken up by other cell phones in the area. I enjoy the GPS feature with the emergency calls. I've had to place a few 911 calls from this phone and they know immediately where I am without my having to specify. It's a great feature when it's most needed.
The ringtones are basic, but cute. There are some classics such as:
Ode to Joy
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
William Tell
Jazz
There are very few wallpaper images on this phone and the ones that are there are quite basic. The pixels aren't that clear and could definitely be better, but for a free phone, I won't complain... much.
I love the one-touch programming capability to dial a pre-programmed number by pressing and holding the button assigned to that number. I can press #1 to access my voicemail system for this service. I can press #2 to call my home. I can press #3 to call my mother. I can press #4 to call my husband's phone. I can program up to 9 numbers for one-touch dialing.
Many accessories are available for the Nokia 3588i. Car chargers are a blessing in disguise. Sometimes I hardly use the phone while I'm out, but other times it seems it's glued to my ear and having the car charger is a lifesaver. The ear piece/microphone combo is great for hands-free use. It makes it easier to talk while driving or working. Other accessories such as the data cable to synchronize with the PC and the mobile holder to ensure the phone has it's own "seat" in your car are also available.
Aside from the ringtones and graphics being limited, I've been a bit disappointed that there is no real ability to download ringtones from the internet. The phone does not have internet access capabilities and I cannot pay to add tones to the phone. I truly wish I could do that.
The only problem I have had with this unit is with the ringing. I have incidents when the phone does not ring when I've received a call. I will go to use the phone and see that I've missed a call or two. That can be frustrating, especially when waiting for a call. In checking with the service provider, I've been told that it may be a bug with that particular model. The manufacturer says it is not aware of any such problem. Regardless, it's not been resolved and does happen on occasion. I am not aware of it being a problem with other users of the Nokia 3588i, thus it may just be with this one phone.
Overall, this is a great phone. It may not be as fancy or "pretty" as some phones out there, but even my own husband who begged for the flip phone with internet access and downloadable ring tone feature states over and over again that my phone is much more reliable for service than his. In the same exact location, my phone may show full service while his is only at half-mast.
I would love to have more features with the phone, but for the price (FREE) and the dependability, I will stick with this classic. I don't believe I'd be satisfied with any other after being so impressed with this little jewel.
UPDATE:
My Nokia 3588i now rings with no problems. The technician restored it to original factory settings (which is a menu option ON the phone itself) and I've had no problems since. It seems that after the phone being switched from wallpaper to wallpaper and ring tone to ring tone multiple times, it can become confused. Restoring to original factory settings resets it and it maintains all of your saved options such as address book and call settings. It was a very simple issue solved in approximately three minutes. Case closed! Still a wonderful phone!
(c)Becky Carte 2005
Recommended:
Yes
Recommended for: World Travelers - Works Anywhere and Everywhere!
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Epinions.com ID:
RCarte2000
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Member: Becky Carte
Location: West Virginia
Reviews written: 225
Trusted by: 58 members
About Me:
29 years old, separated, mom of a 4 year old daughter and 2 stepchildren.
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