You Can Call Me Anytime...
Written: Oct 07 '00 (Updated Oct 12 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great reception and features
Cons: Small screen
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| caconti's Full Review: Sony Ericsson R280LX Cell Phone |
I Give In To The Dark Side
I didn't want to buy a cellular phone. Really, I didn't. But then I spent a month here in DC, where even small children and senior citizens are wired 24/7. And so I've given in, and bought myself an Ericsson R-280LX, mostly because my AT&T service plan comes with free PocketNet service. So, how do I like my new wired toy? You'll have to read on to find out:
The Basics
1.Appearance- Let's be honest, a major aspect of having a cell phone is being seen with it, so a good looking phone is an important accessory. The 280LX has a silver front and a black back, with accentuating black keys. Only in the neighborhood of 5 inches long, this is sleek and classy, small without being one of those ridiculously tiny fad phones.
I've gotten dozens of compliments on the look of the phone, and that style factor in itself would be enough to keep me satisfied with my purchase.
2.Sound- Crisp and consistently clear, I couldn't be happier with the sound quality on my 280LX. I was expecting the phone to be like old cordless phones of the 80's, full of static and prone to disjointed reception. What I got what quality comparable to a real phone, which is especially important when you're trying to have a conversation over the background of a loud city.
Another great feature of this phone is the easy to use volume adjustment. Controlled by two buttons on the side of the phone, the volume can be easily fine-tuned in the middle a conversation, using just one finger.
3.Screen- With large and clear fonts generously sized for easy reading, the screen of the 280LX is a dream come true. One of my favorite aspects of the phone is how well lit it is. Press any button on the phone and the screen lights up, powerfully enough to serve as a mini-flashlight in case of emergencies. This is especially useful when you use the phone out on the town at night.
While it is clear and well lit, I must admit that the screen is slightly smaller than I would like for PocketNet service. The size, however, only is an issue on the rare occasions that I use the phone for web surfing.
4.Keypad- I'm a horrible klutz. For that reason I feared a cell phone, wondering if I could ever manage to operate those small keypads with any level of accuracy. The keys on the 280LX are surprisingly easy to use, well sized and clearly marked. Even more important is the generous space between each key, which significantly
My Favorite Features
· T9(R) text input - Everyletter can be typed by using only one key, making typing messages and enetering data extremely easy.
· RSA 128-bit encryption for data -You never know who could be trying to listen!
· Built-in clock, alarm and stopwatch-I can't tell you how useful this alarm is, it's already saved me from forgetting appointments on the road a half a dozen times.
· SuperSpeedDial(TM) for nine numbers
· Stores last 40 incoming and outgoing calls
· Holds 400 entries in groups with assignable ring tones
· Text messaging with 30 text message storage
· 26 ringing tone-For those who love variety
· Any-key answer-Just hit any button and you're all set.
· One-hour rapid recharge
The Final Verdict
Whether I wanted it or not, when I purchased the Ericsson 280LX I ended up with one of the best web-enabled cellular phones out there. Easy to use with a high quality of sound and a full suite of extra features, it's a great phone for anyone looking for an all-around solid performer. I'd highly recommend it anyday.
To let me know how if you're enjoying my series on cell phones, drop me a message on my Ericsson by writing a quick one to 2404603594@mobile.att.net
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
caconti
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 - Top 500 |
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Member: Christian Conti
Location: Washington, DC
Reviews written: 636
Trusted by: 481 members
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